Month #1 -- Earning the daisy center.

Tonight we're having our first official troop meeting. I will be working with the girls on earning our daisy center. Most of the online GS sites I've read recommend making bracelets with beads the color of each of the petals for this goal. I was planning to have the girls make nametags tonight, and it occurred to me that we could incorporate the beads into that project. I am also hoping to start working lessons like "use resources wisely" and "make the world a better place" into each project we do. For example, our nametags start with a recycled piece of plastic. The plastic comes from the library cards at work. When the cards come to us they are secured in a sheet of 6 -- each card actually being 2 pieces, a wallet card and a keychain card. We normally cut the plastic braces apart and discard. As a joke, a coworker suggested we should find a craft to make out of them. Inspiration struck at just the right moment, and I saw the beginnings of our nametags.
I cut and glued cardstock to the plastic braces using a craft glue, and then let it dry. Then I wrote the girls' names in the top section, leaving the large opening for the girls. My plan is to give the girls markers and ask them to do whatever they like on their nametag. They can write their name again or draw pictures or both. Whatever makes them happy. Then we will insert cords through the punched holes, stringing beads as we go. I prepared enough nametags for the girls, my assistant and for myself. As well as one extra, just in case.

You learn something new every day

It really is true, that old saying. Yesterday I learned that my mom was a Girl Scout leader for my sisters when they were kids. My sisters are 9 and 7 years older than me, and by the time I was old enough to be in Girl Scouts, Mom was working full time. So unfortunately, she wasn't my scout leader. I can't say I'm not a little jealous but I also know that some Moms just don't have the time to give to a troop. It happens.

Today I made a new friend on Face Book. She's a first-time Daisy leader, like myself. But here's the funny part -- she is from Danville, Kentucky! Why is that worth all the excitement? My husband and I moved from Nebraska to Danville, Kentucky less than a year after we got married. We lived there for 4 years before moving to South Dakota 4 years ago. If we had stayed there, Sis might have been in Jill's Daisy Troop and I might have been her co-leader.

It goes to show what a small world we really live in! I am hoping my troop can be pen-pals with Jill's troop. What a fun way to see another part of the country! The Law says, "be a sister to every Girl Scout," and that goes for Girl Scouts all over the country and world, not just in our town.

The Adventure Begins!

Well, Sis and I have decided to be Girl Scouts. Of course she's a Daisy and I'm the leader. At first I thought I'd be an assistant. Then I thought I'd be a co-leader. But as it turns out, my co-leader is just too busy and so I'm going to try my best to do this right all by myself. Ha ha! Not really, I am not alone in this. I am part of a service unit that has a whole lot of leaders who have been where I am. My troop of 9 kindergarten girls also has a few moms willing to step up if I need the help. I am lucky enough to have some great friends who are willing to help me out, one has never done this before and the other was a leader for years with her kids. I tease Becke (no experience in Girl Scouts) that I'm just training her for the day she takes over a Daisy troop of her own -- her daughter is the same age as Lola and so we'll need to get them started right away. We've managed to sell some nuts and candy and earn a few patches for Sis. This year I get to work with the girls earning their Daisy Petals, or teaching them the fundamentals of Girl Scouts and living a good life in general. Wish me luck!