Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Girl Scouts Joins Take Our Daughters to the Polls Campaign

The “Take Our Daughters to the Polls” campaign has been launched to call on all parents to take their daughters to the polls when they vote on Tuesday, November 4.
The Girl Scouts has joined the “Take Our Daughters to the Polls” coalition created by the White House Project, a nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing women’s leadership in the United States, and supported by numerous national organizations.
The purpose is to encourage adults to speak with their daughters about the importance of voting and to show them how to participate in the electoral process.
For information about the campaign, visit www.thewhitehouseproject.org/daughters

Monday, September 29, 2008

Central Massachusetts' Own Brownie Try-It -- Medieval Maidens

Girl Scouts of Central & Western Massachusetts created its own Medieval Maidens Try-it for Brownies.
Several girls earned the Try-it last year and more girls can earn it on Sunday, Nov. 9 at the Higgins Armory Museum in Worcester from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
Registration deadline is this Friday, Oct 1o.
About the program: The Middle Ages was an era of knights, fair ladies, princesses and castles. Girl swill learn about medieval times beyond the tales of adventure and make-believe and find out about the lives of girls and women during this time in history. They'll take a tour, do a craft and have fun earning the "Medieval Maidens" Try-It (included in the price).
Registration information: Register directly with Higgins Armory Museum by contacting Rhonda Houle at 508-853-6015 x20 or e-mail rhoule@higgins.org.
Cost is $17 per Brownie and $8 per adult/leader.

maximum girls: 30

Monday, September 22, 2008

American Textile Museum in Lowell Offers Girl Scout Programs!

DIRECT LINK: www.athm.org/girl_scouts.htm

The American Textile Museum in Lowell offers several Girl Scout programs for Daisy, Brownie, Junior, & older Scout levels.
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With the exception of volunteer work required for some badges, Girl Scouts can earn the following achievements in just one Museum visit:
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Daisies: Neighborhood Visits (1.5 hours)Take a trip to the Museum for a scavenger hunt, story, craft, and Textile Learning Center visit! Cost: $5.
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Brownies - Try Its (All 2.5 hours)
Colors and shapes - $6 Ca
Listening to the Past - $6
Science in Action - $6
Stitch it Together - $6

Juniors - Badges
Art to Wear - 4 hrs - $10
Careers - 2 1/2 hrs - $6
Folk Arts - 4 hrs - $10
Local Lore - 2 1/2 hrs - $6
Yarn & Fabric Arts - 4 hrs - $10

OLDER GIRL SCOUTS - Interest Projects
Heritage Hunt - 3 hrs. + volunteer work - $8
Museum Discovery - 3 hrs. + volunteer work - $8
Textile Arts - 4 hrs. - $10
Women Through Time - 3 hrs. - $8
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Fees vary depending on program. From $5-$10. E-mail or call to inquire about a specific program.

There is a 10 participant minimum. Smaller groups will be required to pay for 10 participants.
Payment is made upon arrival at the Museum. Fee includes general Museum admission.
One adult leader or chaperone admitted free per 15 scouts. Additional adults may attend after paying the adult admission.
Adults admission is $8.
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Questions or Reservations: Contact the Education Department of the Museum with questions or to make a reservation.
978- 441-0400 x250, or e-mail reservations@athm.org
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Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Higgins Armory Museum in Worcester Offers Special Girl Scout Programs

Medieval Maidens: Visit Higgins Armory Museum and work towards one of the new Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts Council’s Medieval Maidens Patches!
The Middle Ages was the era of knights and fair ladies, princesses and castles. Come to the Higgins Armory Museum and learn about medieval times beyond the tales of make-believe and discover true stories about the lives of girls and women during this time in history. Tour the Museum, take part in a craft, and have fun while earning a badge!

Medieval Maidens Try-It for Brownie Girl Scouts
Grades 1-3

November 9, 2008 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm (sign-up by Oct 10)
March 7, 2009 10:00 am - 12:30 pm (sign-up Nov 1 - Feb 6)
May 16, 2009 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm (sign-up Feb 1 - April 17)

Medieval Maidens Badge for Junior Girl Scouts
Grades 4-6

November 2, 2008 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm (sign-up by Oct 3)
March 7, 2009 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm (sign-up Nov 1 - Feb 6)
May 16, 2009 10:00 am - 12:30 pm (sign-up Feb 1 - April 17)

Medieval Maidens Interest Project for Girls 11-17
Grades 7-12

November 8, 2008 10:00 am - 12:30 pm (sign-up by Oct 3)
March 7, 2009 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm (sign-up Nov 1 - Feb 6)


Pre-registration required. All Medieval Maidens programs are now booked through Higgins, not the Girl Scout Council.
Please contact the Rhonda Houle in the Museum’s Education Department sign-up for one of the dates listed or to set-up a date just for your troop: (508-853-6015 ext 20 or higgins@higgins.org.

The cost is $17 per scout and $8 per adult.
(Minimum of 15 scouts, maximum of 30)

Girls may sign up individually, as a Juliette, or with a troop.

Monday, September 15, 2008

TOWN-WIDE FRAMINGHAM GIRL SCOUT ROLLER SKATING NIGHT

The Framingham Girl Scout Service Unit is hosting a town-wide roller skating event on Saturday night, Nov. 1 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Roller Kingdom in Hudson.
The cost for each Girl Scout is $4 to cover the cost and the participation patch.
Girls may rent skates at additional fee of $3 at the rink.
The deadline to respond to Missy, who is coordinating the event, is October 20. All Money is due at that time too!
If you have e-mailed you will come and how many before the date great, but if I do not have the money in by October 20th you will not make it into the final count for patches and the event.
Missy must give Lee Theise at Roller Kingdom a head count then, so I will not be able to accept late registrations.
Please keep in mind that this is a Girl Scout only event.
Safety-wise ratio rules for parents apply.
No family skating allowed for this event.
There was some confusion last year as whether this event was a private party or open to the public. It is a private party!
Girl Scout Troop Leaders who have questions should contact Missy or post questions on the leader group at Yahoo.

SCIENCE & VOTING WORKSHOP

Place: St. Bridget School Hall, Worcester Road (Route 9) Eastbound, Framingham, MA
Date: Sunday, Octoter 5
Time: 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Who: All Girl Scout Levels
Cost: $6 per Brownie or Junior (covers cost of Participation Patch and supplies)
$3 per Daisy (covers cost of Participation Patch and supplies)
Cadettes and Seniors who volunteer are fee and will receive a Participation Patch
Adults are free
Contact Person for the event: Mary Ann Sager at 508-872-4989
Deadline to register & pay: Sept. 26

Badge Workshops: (once earned, badges may be purchased separately at the Girl Scout store)
Brownie = Science in Action Try-It (all requirements can be met at the workshop)
Junior = Science Discovery Badge (all requirements can be met at the workshop)
All levels = I Promised a Girl Scout I’d Vote patch (some requirements will be met at the workshop)

Participation Patch: all girls attending will receive a Participation Patch design TBA

Schedule:
1:30-1:40 Announcements, Girl Scout Promise
1:40-4:15 Workshops set up at tables, possible breaks taken for speakers TBA
4:15-4:30 Election results, Clean up

Volunteer Opportunity: We are looking for about 20 volunteers: Adults, Seniors, Cadettes, and 6th grade Juniors (who have already earned the badge(s) offered) to come and help at the various workstations. All volunteers need to arrive promptly at 1pm.

NOTE: We ask that no food be brought into the hall. There will be a variety of chemicals and we do not want anyone to become sick. Girls are free to bring their own water bottles.
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One town-wide Troop/Service Unit Activity Application will be sent for this event.
Leaders:
This page briefly summarizes the workshops planned. Information was taken from the Brownie Try-It book, the Junior Badge book, and on the council Web site for the “I promised a Girl Scout I would Vote” patch.

Brownie Try-It = Science in Action (pg. 126)
Science and Technology Hunt
– give a list of things to find in the room that show how science and technology go together (i.e. things of plastic, from trees) – discuss how science and technology work together
Weird Glop – observe the difference between solid/liquid/gas, discuss how some things can be only one or all these (i.e. water)
Balloon Blowing – they will blow up a balloon without using their own breath - with baking soda and vinegar – discuss how that works
Butterfly of Many Colors – ink in black felt tip pen is made from chemicals of different colors, mixed together these colors look black, discuss how you can see the different colors

Junior Badge = Science Discovery (pg. 200)
Chemical Appearing Act – discover how you can use a chemical reaction to make an artistic design, sometimes when chemicals react with each other colors change
Light and Reflection – make a simple kaleidoscope – which relies on reflected light to create its special effects
Water Tricks – why does the needle float, how many drops of water can you get to stay on the penny, what happens when soap meets the skin of water molecules on the penny and why
See What? – how is your brain challenged by optical illusions
Here’s the Rub – discover how speed is affected by friction, how can you use what you learned when riding in a car or riding on your bike
Become a Scientist – more men enter fields of science and technology then women do, talk to a female scientist and find out: how she got interested in her field, who encouraged her to pursue science, where does she get information, which people are most supportive to her in her job

“I Promised a Girl Scout I’d Vote” Patch (council Web site)
Voter Registration – Who is eligible, how do you register, what are the requirements? Make posters to encourage voters to register. Encourage family members to register. Fill out a voter registration form.
Get Out the Vote – Where do you vote, what is an absentee ballot? Go with your parents to the polls and see the voting machine. Take “I Promised a Girl Scout I’d Vote” stickers and hand them out before the election. Make thank you cards to hand out on election day. Why is voting so important in your troop?
The Election Process – What are the political parties in our country, which party does each candidate belong to? What are the qualities of a good leader? Get a ballot and vote for your choice and see who wins.
Our Government at Work – Who are the elected officials in our town, how can you contact them, how does a bill become a law, what is our state bug?

Friday, September 12, 2008

Oct. 26: JULIETTE GORDON LOW FALL FESTIVAL

Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts is hosting its annual Juliette Low Fall Fest on Sunday, Oct. 26 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 2 locations.
Juliette Low Fall Fest brings girls and their families together to celebrate Low’s birthday and sample some Girl Scout activities.
We hope to see you Sunday, October 26th from 1 – 4 p.m. at Camp Maude Eaton in Andover or Wind-in-the-Pines, Plymouth.
Cost is $7 per family.
Registration is required!



The Deadline to register is Wednesday, Oct. 15.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Hannaford Supermarkets Offer Tours for Scouts

DIRECT LINK: http://www.fieldtripfactory.com/trips/hannaford.php?sid=b9c91d7efd3dd4581dbd8c1692043fd5

The Guiding Stars® Store Tour is designed to help Girl Scouts comprehend nutrition in a real life environment.
At your local Hannaford (locations in Marlboro & Hudson) Daisy, Brownie, or Junior Scouts can gain a better understanding of the foods they eat, their nutritional value, and how they affect the body during this hands-on adventure through the store.
The FREE Guiding Stars Store Tour will help children in grades K - 5 develop and enhance skills in:
Healthy lifestyle
Nutrition
Critical thinking
Exercise
Trained tour leaders modify the field trips to be level appropriate.
The field trips are 60 minutes in length and are limited to 30 participants per tour – although this number may vary by location.

To book a field trip visit www.fieldtripfactory.com.
Do not contact the local store directly.

PETCO (Natick) Offers Field Trips for Scouts

DIRECT LINK: www.fieldtripfactory.com/trips/animal.php?sid=b9c91d7efd3dd4581dbd8c1692043fd5

The Fur, Feathers & Fins™ program at PETCO allows Girl Scouts to learn about the characteristics and habitats of fish, reptiles, birds, and small animals.
At your local PETCO, lessons in science, math and geography come to life through this hands-on field trip. As students develop a respect for animals, they will also develop a greater sense of responsibility.
The FREE Fur, Feathers & Fins field trip will help Scouts in grades Pre-K – 8 develop and enhance skills in:
Basic needs for animal care
Animal habitats and characteristics
Environmental issues and animal survival
Animal respect
Reading and science

The program fits in to the requirements for completing both Try-Its & Badges.
Trained tour leaders modify the field trips to be grade appropriate.
The field trips are 60 (Daisy or Brownie level) or 90 minutes (Junior or Cadette level) in length and are limited to group sizes of 10-30 participants per tour – although this number varies by store location.
To book a field trip visit www.fieldtripfactory.com.
Do not contact the local store directly first.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

NEW GIRL SCOUT LEVELS UNVEILED BY COUNCIL

Girl Scout Daisy Kindergarden-1st
Girl Scout Brownie 2nd-3rd
Girl Scout Junior 4th-5th
Girl Scout Cadette 6th-8th
Girl Scout Senior 9th-10th
Girl Scout Ambassador 11th-12th
For more information visit the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts Web site at:
http://www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/aboutus/index.html

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Girl Scout Night At Ringling Bros.' Circus!

The Eastern Massachusetts Girl Scout Council is offering a special event (and price) along with a participation patch for Girl Scouts to go to the circus...
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It’s The Greatest Show on Earth! The Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus is offering an exclusive opportunity for Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts!
This event is open to Juliette Girl Scouts and their parents.
Before the show, there is an Animal Care seminar hosted by the animal experts of the circus.
Get up close and personal with some animals, learn about what they eat, how they are trained and how they are groomed.
The event is Friday night October 10 starting at 5 p.m. for the animal seminar, and 6 p.m. for the all-access pre-show, and 7 p.m. circus curtain.
The circus is at the TD Banknorth Garden in Boston.
Tickets are $14 per person.
Registration is required through the Eastern Massachusetts Council Web site.
Check with your troop leaders to see if your girl is going as part of her troop.
Girls who don't belong in a troop, but are registered as a Girl Scout (known as Juliettes) can attend with a parent. The parent or guardian must also pay $14.
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