Puzzlers: Junior Badge Workshop, in Norfolk on Thursday Night, March 19

Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts Council is offering a special Junior badge Workshop on Thursday night, March 19 in from 5:30 to 7:30 in Norfolk.
Puzzlers: Mazes, crosswords, math tricks and magic -- all of these involve working with puzzles. Test your brain power by solving or creating these unique puzzles.
The registration price includes the badge.
The workshop takes place at the Norfolk Public Library, 139 Main Street.
The registration cost is $9 per Junior Scout and $0 for adult/leader.
To register, visit http://www.girlscoutseasternmass.org/programs/search.html?textfield=&agelevel=&category=&zip=&date_st_month=&date_st_year=&id=369

Spellman Museum of Stamps & Postal History Offers Programs for All Girl Scout Levels

DIRECT LINK: http://www.spellman.org/core/scouting/

The Spellman Museum of Stamps & Postal History in Weston offers programs for Girl Scouts of all levels. The program is supported, in part, by the Weston Cultural Council, a local agency of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency that supports public programs in the arts, humanities, and sciences, and the Northeastern Federation of Stamp Clubs.
Girl Scout Patch Program for Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, and Seniors use stamps to learn about US and world history, geography, and culture and the contributions of notable United States women.
Contact the Museum to get information about planning a visit and to work with the Museum to meet requirements for a specific Badge, Try-It, etc. Fees for the programs vary and were not readily available.
For additional information call 781-768-7343 or e-mail info@spellman.org.
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Junior Troop: Consider Earning the Bicycling Badge - offered by Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts Council

Developed by Girl Scout Junior Troop 464 of Hardwick, the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts Council is offering a special Bicycling Badge For Junior Girl Scouts.

Junior Scouts from all Councils may work on earning this badge, exclusive to this Massachusetts Council. The requirements are below.

Once earned, the badges may be purchased at a Girl Scout store in the Central & Western Massachusetts Council. For additional information, e-mail info@gscwm.org

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Purpose: This badge was created to promote bicycle safety and physical fitness.
Girls must complete six of the following 10 requirements including the two which are starred to earn the Bicycling Badge.
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1. *Bicycling Safety: Find out what the Safety Wise standards are for bicycling with your troop.
2. *Rules of the Road: Following the rules, laws and etiquette on the roads are important to safe bicycle riding. Learn and practice the rules of the road for each of the following situations:
a. Which side of the road do you travel on when riding a bicycle?
b. What do you do at an intersection?
c. What do you do at a traffic light or stop sign?
d. What is the proper procedure when on a sidewalk or crosswalk?
e. Learn the hand signals for making RIGHT / LEFT turns and stopping
3. A Safe Bicycle: Learn what a safe bicycle should have, such as hand brakes and/or coaster brakes, handle grips, reflectors/lights, chain guard, pedals, horn/bell, etc. Learn how to tell if a bicycle is the right size for you.
4. Bicycle Inspection: Prepare an inspection checklist for your bicycle and be sure everything is in good working order. If anything is broken, missing, loose, etc., arrange to have it repaired or replaced.
5. Parts of the Bicycle: Learn the parts of the bicycle, how they work and general maintenance such as how to inflate a tire, change a tire, oil or tighten your chain, etc.
6. Helmets: Find out the laws in your state regarding bicycle helmets. Learn why it is important to wear a helmet and find out how to be sure it is the right fit for you. What other personal safety equipment can be used while bicycling?
7. Bicycle Safety Course: Design and set up a bicycle safety course and test at least 3 other people on your course. Have games to see who can ride around the course the safest. You can use orange cones, flags or other markers and set up in a safe parking lot. Post rules for your course and be sure everyone understands them before they begin. Don’t forget to teach hand signals!
8. Talk to the Expert: Invite an avid cyclist to your troop meeting, visit a bicycle shop or meet with a local cycling club to find out about the health benefits of cycling and ways cyclists prepare themselves physically for long and short rides. Find out what kinds of events cyclists can participate in.
9. Prepare a Kit: Find out what items you may want to take with you when bicycling like a water bottle, tire pump, air gauge, first aid kit, lock or a tire patch kit. Prepare a kit to carry with you while cycling, or for the leader to carry if you are cycling in a group.
10. Adventure Out! Plan and go for a ride on your nearest bicycle path, local park or somewhere away from traffic. Do not forget to wear a helmet and enclosed comfortable shoes!
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Resources:
Bicycle specialty shops
Local Bike Clubs (bike shops can help with this)
Mass Highway Dept and www.mass.gov: for information on Massachusetts bicycle laws.
Local Police Department: Some municipalities have bike ordinances of which you should be aware.
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Books:
Street Smarts by John Allen
Effective Cycling by John Forester
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Web sites:
www.massbike.org
www.massgeneral.org/children/adolescenthealth/articles/aa_bicycle_safety.aspx
http://kenkifer.com/bikepages/index.htm
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/341.pdf
www.mcgruffspo.com/productpages/bikesafety.cfm
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FROM: Girls Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts Council
Link: http://www.gscwm.org/pdfs/bicycling_junior_badge.pdf

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Developed by: Junior Troop 464, Hardwick,
Paula St.Pierre, Leader
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Junior Troop: Consider Earning Saleswoman Badge Offered by Central and Western Massachusetts Council

Developed by Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts Council is offering a special Saleswoman Badge for Junior Girl Scouts.
Junior Scouts from all Councils may work on earning this badge, exclusive to this Council. The requirements are below.
Once earned, the badges may be purchased at a Girl Scout store in the Central & Western Massachusetts Council. For additional information, e-mail mailto:info@gscwm.org
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Purpose: To provide opportunities for learning, skills building and fund raising. This badge will help you to understand the product sales programs and ways to make them more successful for
you and your troop. Consider doing in conjunction with the annual Cookie Sale. To complete the requirements finish six of these activities below.
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1. With your troop, discuss troop program plans and budget. Set a troop goal.
During the sale, keep a troop goal chart which shows each girl's contribution. After the order-taking portion of the sale, evaluate the following with your troop: Did the troop meet its goal? Did each girl meet her goal? As a troop, what things will you do differently next year?
2. What is your individual goal? Make an individual goal chart to use during the sale. If working on the cookie sale, how do you plan to use your cookie credits?
3. Find someone who is a salesperson. Visit them at their place of business or invite them to attend a meeting. Talk about their job: What does the person do, how did they train for their job, what does the person like and dislike about the job? Ask this person for some tips on being a good salesperson.
4. Have a salesperson demonstrate selling techniques, then put on a skit or puppet
show to demonstrate the do's and don'ts of good saleswomanship. Take turns being the salesperson and the customer.
5. How can you create the best first impression while selling? What impression
does the Girl Scout uniform convey? Stage a fashion show demonstrating a good and a poor appearance.
6. Watch TV, listen to the radio, read newspapers or magazines to see how
products are advertised: Do they tell the truth? How do you feel when they put down another product? Make up an advertisement for your favorite Girl Scout product. Share it with your troop.
7. With your troop discuss ways to increase sales. What new groups can you approach? What new methods can you use? To how many people can you sell? Make a list of potential customers. Use this list while taking orders, and when setting your individual goal for the sale.
8. The how-tos:
a. Know your product. Find out about Girl Scout cookies:
the different kinds, their names, the cost, the calories, etc.
b. Taking orders: discuss with your troop what to say and do when selling.
c. Keeping records: find out what information you need from your customers
and why.
d. Keep your order card for next year. You will have a good starting list of customers.
9. Help plan and participate in a discussion about safety. Talk about ways to keep
yourself safe either during order-taking and delivery or at a cookie shop (booth sale). Post the results of the discussion, as a reminder during the sale.
10. Make a new dessert using Girl Scout cookies as the main ingredient to serve at a special occasion.
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Info: Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts Council
Link: http://www.gscwm.org/pdfs/CouncilOwnBadge_Saleswoman.pdf
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Orchard House in Concord Offers Programs for Girl Scouts

DIRECT LINK: http://www.louisamayalcott.org/education.html#scouts

Orchard House, home of author Louisa May Alcott and her family, in Concord offers special programs for all levels of Girl Scout Troops!
By visiting the Orchard House for a special program, girls may complete various requirements for Brownie Try-Its, Junior Badges or Cadette/Senior Interest Patches.
Note: There is a minimum requirement of 10 girls or payment for 10 girls per program.
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A variety of programs at Orchard House introduces learners of all ages to the Alcott family and their world! Participate in the activities enjoyed by the Alcotts over 150 years ago in one of our many School Group offerings. Examine the Alcotts’ contributions to various 19th Century Reform Movements. Experience a 19th Century School Room. Discover why the Alcotts kept daily journals and begin your own "Journey Through Journals."
Below is a summary of the programs offered:
Daisy Program: Hand-in-Hand at Orchard House
This program introduces Daisies to a museum and to the home of the author of Little Women, Louisa May Alcott. Daisies learn about the Alcott family using interactive materials and hands-on activities as they tour Orchard House. Victorian dress-up, felt boards, a story, games and artwork are included in this introductory program.
1 hour program
offered year-round
$9 per girl
Group size limited to 15, inclusive of required chaperones
1 free chaperone per every 4 girls required
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Brownie Girl Scout Programs
* Listening to the Past (Completes all Try-It Requirements)
Meet a member of the Alcott family (portrayed by trained staff) who will talk about life in the mid-1800s and Louisa May Alcott’s childhood. Brownies then tour Orchard House, seeing it as it looked when the Alcotts lived here and hearing how Louisa came up with ideas for her stories. Girls will also play a game, learn a song, draw a picture, and act out a passage from one of the family’s favorite stories.
90-minute program offered year-round
$11 per girl
Group size limited to 15 girls
2 free adult chaperones per 15 girls required

* Puppets, Dolls & Plays (Completes all Try-It Requirements)
Did you know that making puppets and dolls is an art that was a very popular pastime in the Victorian age? Learn about the toys and games of Louisa, Anna, Elizabeth, and May and about the dolls they made. Girls will make their own yarn dolls and take them on a tour of Orchard House! They will also make a puppet and use it to dramatize a story from our "Puppet Theatre."
90-minute program program offered year-round
$11 per girl
Group size limited to 15 girls
2 free adult chaperones per 15 girls required

* Write Away
The Alcotts were a very creative family! Girls will have an opportunity to write in the very room where Louisa wrote her most famous book, Little Women, try their hand at a troop “post office,” play rigamarole, and make “castles in the air,” just like the Alcott girls did when they were growing up.
90-minute program offered year-round
$11 per girl
Group size limited to 15 girls
2 free adult chaperones required
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Junior Girl Scout Programs
* My Heritage (Completes requirements #1 through #9)
Journey back in time to 1870 and discover the rich heritage of the Alcotts as you explore your own! A member of the Alcott family (portrayed by trained staff) will show you through the House, where you will make your own journals (materials provided) and have an opportunity to write in them as you hear entries taken from the real journals of the Alcotts. Listen to favorite family anecdotes, hear about special events of the times, and learn some family sayings while beginning your own "wisdom list." You will also play a 19th Century game or sing a song the Alcotts enjoyed, and see many treasured family heirlooms.
90-minute program offered year-round
$11 per girl
Group size limited to 15 girls
2 free adult chaperones per 15 girls required

* Being My Best (Completes requirements #1 through #7)
Louisa May Alcott has been a wonderful role model ever since Little Women first captured the imaginations of people all over the world. She was concerned then — as we are today — with the issue of girls striving to be themselves in an increasingly complicated world. Visit Orchard House and learn how Louisa and her sisters struggled to overcome their difficulties, met challenges, and capitalized on their talents to become strong, independent women. Through role play, journal writing, creating a "brag bag," and other fun activities, explore your own best assets to increase self-esteem and become the best person you can be!
90-minute program offered year-round
$11 per girl
Group size limited to 15 girls
2 free adult chaperones per 15 girls required

* Write All About It
Louisa May Alcott was a great observer of the world, and she learned to use those observations in her writing. Come write in the very room where she penned many of her famous stories, including her most famous book, Little Women. Sharpen your skills by using events in your everyday life for your stories, and learn what goes into making a good writer!
90-minute program offered year-round
$11 per girl
Group size limited to 15 girls
2 free adult chaperones required
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Theater
Did you know that young Louisa and her sisters performed "theatricals" for their friends and neighbors? Tour Orchard House, where the Alcott girls presented original plays in the Dining Room and Parlor, and then bring a script to life on the stage of The School of Philosophy located on the Orchard House grounds using simple props and costumes. Learn how to interpret a character and participate in group acting exercises and improvisations, ending with the performance of scripted scenes from Louisa's writings!
2 hour program
Offered only May through September
$12 per girl
Group size limited to 15, inclusive of 2 free adult chaperones (required)
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Cadette and Older Scout Programs
ages 12 - 17
Once Upon A Story (Completes requirements for Career Exploration #1 through #5 and Technology #1 through 5)
Explore different writing genres in the home of Louisa May Alcott, one of our foremost American writers. Girls will hear about careers related to writing while trying their hand at poetry, plays, historical fiction, and other forms. They will also learn how Louisa used writing to make the past come alive, and the elements that go into creating a story of their own through writing exercises done in the very same house where Little Women was conceived and written!
2 hour program offered year-round
$12 per girl
Group size limited to 15, inclusive of 2 free adult chaperones (required)

* The Play’s the Thing! (Completes requirements for Skill Builders #2 through #4 and Technology #1)
Come to Orchard House, where the Alcott girls transformed their Dining Room and Parlor into a theatre for visiting friends and neighbors. See where they did their lightning-quick costume changes and then help bring a scene from Little Women to life on the stage of The School of Philosophy located on the Orchard House grounds! Girls will also participate in acting exercises and improvisations, and learn some technical aspects of theatre production.
2 hour program
Offered only May through September
$12 per girl
Group size limited to 15, inclusive of 2 free adult chaperones (required)

Cadette & Senior Troops: Earn Community Service Bars
Seeking a new and different way to earn the Community Service Bar? Consider a project at Orchard House, a non-profit organization which depends on volunteer help for many aspects of its operation. We’ll work with you to create a flexible program to best fit both our needs! We can also provide at least four hours of training in exchange for a minimum of twenty-five hours of volunteer service.

Town-Wide Encampment A Success!

Held the weekend of Sept 19-21, the Framingham Girl Scout Town-Wide Encampment was attended by 10 troops and about 80 Scouts.
The troops enjoyed fabulous weather at Camp Cedar Hill in Waltham.
Brownies earned “Art to Wear” and “Safety First” Try-Its.
Juniors earned “Art to Wear” and “First Aid” badges.
All girls received an encampment patch
A HUGE thank you to Helena for organizing and running such a successful weekend event!

Gore Place in Waltham Offers Brownie & Junior Scouting Programs

DIRECT LINK: http://www.goreplace.org/education-scout-details.htm
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Gore Place in Waltham: The early 1800s estate of Massachusetts Governor Christopher Gore includes a small farm with sheep, goats and poultry. The elegantly furnished mansion has been called “the Monticello of the North” and architectural historians consider it to be the most significant Federal period mansion in New England.
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Gore Place is a unique location for Girl Scouts to visit and participate in programs. Located on 45 green acres in Waltham, Scouts can explore nature, visit a farmyard, snowshoe, or tour an elegant 1806 mansion. This unusual setting offers both indoors and outdoors programs for Brownies and Juniors.
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Ongoing Scout Programs:
Eleven special programs allow Brownies and Junior Girl Scouts to fulfill requirements for badges. Using the Gore Place collections and the 45 acres of open space, these programs help scouts develop their visual and critical thinking skills while piquing their curiosity.
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Brownie Try-Its
Self-guided Programs. Instructions and materials provided.
Animals: Explore the world of animals at Gore Place. Through 4 activities which COMPLETE the REQUIREMENTS for this TRY-IT, compare the lives of farm animals, wild animals and pets. Learn about characteristics that they all have in common and some things that make them different.
Outdoor Adventure: This program explores Gore Place’s 45 acres and provides the materials and instructions to do requirements number 1, 3, 4, and 5 to COMPLETE the TRY-IT. Brownies and their leaders will explore gardens, trees, fields, a brook, and the farm and learn that an outdoor adventure can happen close to home. Snack not included.

Docent-led Programs (1½ hours)
Listening to the Past: Wear an elegant gown like Rebecca Gore. View the spiral staircase. Roll a large hoop through the gardens. These are some of the experiences Brownies will have as they discover life on an early 19th century country estate. They will see and discuss how the Gores, their nieces, nephews and servants ate, slept, worked and played. Following a tour of the 1806 mansion, Brownies participate in activities with reproduction clothing and toys.

Stitch It Together: Tour the beautiful 1806 mansion at Gore Place, focusing on 19th century examples of embroidery, quilts and clothing. See the sampler stitched by Christopher Gore’s mother when she was a young girl in 1736. See how stitches can change a plain fabric into a beautiful quilt. After the tour, participate in a simple stitching activity based on the Gore Place collections.

Eco-Explorer: Learn about habitats while exploring the gardens, fields, brooks and farm at Gore Place. Then, create a pretend habitat with craft materials.

Junior Scout Badges
Self-guided Programs. Instructions and materials provided.

Earth Connections: At Gore Place, scouts become ecologists and study plants, animals and their environments. Explore your own ecosystem, visit our heritage breed animals, identify native plants and learn how they were used by Native Americans.

Winter Sports: Would your scouts like to try snowshoeing for the Winter Sports badge? We have 25 pairs of children's snowshoes* and 15 pairs for adults which can be rented for 1 hour for $5 a pair.

Frosty Fun: Outdoor winter fun on Gore Place’s 45 acres includes snowshoeing*, building snow sculptures, and searching for animal tracks. Two visits to Gore Place can COMPLETE the REQUIREMENTS to earn this badge.
*Recommended maximum weight for snowshoes: children - 100 lbs. Adults - 220 lbs.

Docent-led Programs (1½ hours)

Architecture: How does an 1806 Federal mansion set on 45 acres differ from a 21st century home? With the aid of architectural plans, scouts examine the exterior of the mansion, tour 16 rooms and look for relationships between the two.

Yarn and Fabric Arts: See examples of 18th and 19th century yarn and fabric art while touring the 1806 mansion at Gore Place. Highlights include embroidery, clothing, needlework, and quilts.

Folk Arts : A visit to the Gore Place mansion reveals antiques, portraits, toys, and needlework. After touring the 1806 National Historic Landmark, use 19th century reproduction items and ideas prompted by the tour to draw a self-portrait.

Reservations are required for all programs
Cost is $7 per participant.
Programs are available Monday through Friday. Call for weekend availability.

Chaperones: Unlimited chaperones permitted at no charge for outdoor programs. Two chaperones for every 10 scouts admitted at no charge for Mansion Tour Programs. Additional chaperones pay regular adult admission.

Deposit is required. A $30 non-refundable deposit is due within 10 business days of booking.

For additional information contact the Education Department at 781-894-2798 or e-mail goreplace@goreplace.org
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Wenham Museum Offers Scout Programs

DIRECT LINK: http://www.wenhammuseum.org/scouts.html

The Wenham Museum in Wenham offers tours, programs, and badge workshops for Girl Scouts. For additional information and to make reservation e-mail info@wenhammuseum.org The Museum is willing to tailor a program to a Troop's needs.

ONGOING PROGRAMS OFFERED INCLUDE:
Building Arts: Become an architect, engineer, or decorator for the day and earn the Building Art Try-It as you join in hands-on activities. Get an overview of a building project from blueprints to paper model and photos. Design your ideal Scout meeting place and build a model to take home. Tour the museum on an architectural scavenger hunt.
Program fulfills segments of the Building Art Try-It.
(2 hours)
Grade 2-5
$8 per child (badge not included)
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History-Herstory: Examine the lives of Colonial women through the eyes of the Gerrish Family who lived in Wenham during the Salem witch hysteria. Imagine a life full of responsibilities but no rights. Use primary source materials to discover how historians develop their theories. Learn to embroider a colonial “pocket” and write an account of the strange happenings in this Puritan colony. Earn the Council’s own History-Herstory badge in this one-day workshop
(2.5 to 3 hours)
Grade 4-8
$9.50 (includes Wenham Museum badge)
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Mrs. Horton’s Dolls: Learn about Mrs. Elizabeth Horton, the remarkable woman who started the museum’s world-renowned doll collection, and visit her childhood home. Tour the collection and test yourt observation skills through the use of a search and find game. The program ends with a hands-on project where each child makes and dresses in their own clothespin figure. Program fuilfills segments of the Brownie Try-it and Girl Scout Doll and Puppetry Badge.
(1.5 hours)
Grade 1-4
$8 per child (badge not included)
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Listening to the Past: Colonial Household This interactive program provides an overview of daily life during the Colonial period in rural Massachusetts and includes opportunities for children to participate in hands-on activities from candle making, soap making, games, cooking, or schooling. Each child brings home a product of their activity. Children tour the Claflin-Richards House and participate in a discussion.
Fulfills requirements for Listening to the Past Try-It Badge.
(2.5-3 hours)
Grade 2-5
$8 per child (badge not included)
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Listening to the Past: Native Americans on the North Shore Discover who lived here before the first settlers arrived and how they lived. Participate in a pow-wow to learn about the Algonquins on the North Shore using the museum’s Native American artifacts, reproduction pieces, and renowned doll collection. Each child constructs their own miniature longhouse to take home. Fulfills requirements for Listening to the Past Try-It Badge.
(2 hours)
Grade 2-5
$8 per child (badge not included)

Danforth Museum of Art in Framingham Offers Badge Workshops for Scouts

DIRECT LINK : www.danforthmuseum.org/girlscout.html

The Danforth Museum of Art in Framingham offers several art workshops for all Scout levels that follow the guidelines for badges listed in the Girl Scout Handbook.
Each workshop runs for two hours and can be tailored to meet your troop's needs.
Mural projects for special events also can be done during Girl Scout Workshops.
Some examples of badges that can be worked on at the Danforth are:
Try-Its for Brownies
Art to Wear
Colors and Shapes
Puppets, Dolls & Plays
Junior Badges
The Dabbler
Art in the Round
Ceramics and Clay
Drawing and Painting
Jeweler
Photography
Prints and Graphics
Textiles and Fibers
Senior Interest Projects
Artistic Crafts
Just Jewelry
Museum Discovery
Paper Works
Textile Arts
Visual Arts
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COST: A 2-hour hour Badge Workshop, including instruction by a qualified Museum School teacher and all art supplies, is $135. The price includes up to 10 children. Each additional child is $10.
There is a $20 Clay Workshop surcharge.
T-shirts are available for $3 each
To Schedule a Workshop: First call the Museum School at 508.620.0937 to set up a tentative date and time and to discuss workshop possibilities. Once this is done, a leader will need to complete a form confirming the workshop, and then make a credit card payment or send a check to Danforth Museum of Art, 123 Union Avenue, Framingham, 01702-8291.
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For more information on the Museum visit: www.danforthmuseum.org/index.html

Mass Audubon's Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary in Natick Offers Girl Scout Programs

DIRECT LINK: www.massaudubon.org/PDF/sanctuaries/broadmoor/BroadmoorGirlScouts.pdf

Mass Audubon Society's Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary offers programs for Brownies, Junior, & Cadette Scouts that meet Try-it & Badge requirments. The Sanctuary can also work with troops to work on a specific badge or project.
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ABOUT Broadmoor Wildlife Sanctuary:
Broadmoor’s nine miles of walking trails guide you through a variety of field, woodland, and wetland habitats. A quarter-mile, handicap accessible trail and boardwalk along the bank of Indian Brook and over the marsh offers great opportunities for birdwatching, photography, and sketching. To enjoy this site in the winter, bring your snowshoes or cross-country skis. Stroll along the edge of Indian Brook, which flows into the Charles River at the sanctuary, and look for wood ducks and signs of beavers and otters from the 110-foot-long bridge. Take a tape-recorded tour of the sanctuary’s nature center, which is complete with solar heating and composting toilets, to learn about our “green” architecture.
Sanctuary has: Nature Center, Restrooms, All Persons Trail.
Located at: 280 Eliot Street, Natick, 01760
Contact info: 508-655-2296broadmoor@massaudubon.org

Nature Center/Trail Hours:
Nature Center: Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
Saturday, Sunday, and Monday holidays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Trails: Open Tuesday through Sunday, and Monday holidays, dawn to dusk.

The Natick Community Organic Farm Offers Programs for Girl Scouts

DIRECT LINK: http://www.natickfarm.org/NCOtemplate/Sub-Pages/Public%20Programs/Scout%20Main%20Page.html

The Natick Community Organic Farm invites Girl Scout Troops to come out to the Farm and get their hands dirty. Whether you are Daisy, Brownie, Junior, or Cadette Girl Scout, learn where your food comes from, how to be good stewards of the land or simply to enjoy an afternoon of crafts.
To sign up for a program, a troop leader will need to e-mail Regina or call her at 508-655-7666 to check on availability. After availability is confirmed, print out a "scout registration form" and send it along with your payment to NCOF, 117 Eliot Street, Natick, 01760
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IMPORTANT INFO:
Scout programs at the farm take place rain or shine. they are interactive, hands-on programs, so please make sure that everybody is dressed for the weather and to work. Refunds are only granted if a cancellations is received six weeks prior to the scheduled program.
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ALL SCOUT PROGRAMS:
CHORE TIME -- Bring your troop to the Farm to feed and water the animals and secure them for the night.
When: Monday through Thursday
Time: 4 - 5 pm
Fee: $5/scout
HOLIDAY CRAFTS -- Bring your troop for a cozy afternoon at the Farm. You can choose to either make your own beeswax candles or to create your own holiday gift wrap and gift cards. You'll go home with beautiful gifts for your friends or to enjoy by yourself.
When: Wednesday, November 19
Time: 3:30 - 5:00 pm
Fee: $12/scout
SCOUT OVERNIGHT AVAILABLE: Ask about these programs.
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DAISIES PROGRAMS:
INTERACTIVE FARM TOUR -- Explore your Community Farm through an interactive tour and see what farming is all about. Learn about different farm animals, the plants we grow in our garden and greenhouses, our compost pile, and our sugar shack.
When: Monday through Thursday
Time: 1 - 2pm or 3:30 - 4:30 pm
Fee: $5 per Scout

BROWNIES TRY-IT PROGRAMS:
ANIMAL TRY-IT -- Come to the Farm to learn about our Farm animals, what they need and what they give us. This is a hands-on program, scouts will be involved in animal chores. Please come dressed for the weather and to work.
PLANT TRY-IT -- Discover the plants we grow on our Community Farm. Learn about seeds and ways to propagate plants. Go on a leaf hunt or do some plant rubbings, be involved in transplanting or harvesting depending on the season. This is a hands-on program, please come dressed for the weather and to get dirty.
ECO-EXPLORER -- Let's go on a treasure hunt and discover living and non-living things all around us and see how they co-exist in a habitat. Learn about plant and animal adaptations and how you can help wild life.
ALL BROWNIE PROGRAMS:
When: Monday through Thursday
Time: 1-2:30 pm or 3:30 - 5 pm
Fee: $7 per Brownie

JUNIOR GIRL SCOUTS
PLANTS AND ANIMALS BADGE -- The Farm offers the opportunity for Junior Girl Scouts to earn their "Plants and Animal Badge". Come learn about plants and plant products, plant propagation, domesticated animals and pets and how to take care of them.
When: Monday through Thursday
Time: 1-2:30 pm or 3:30-5:00pm
Fee: $7/scout
PRINTS AND GRAPHICS BADGE -- Try your hands on rubbings, stamp design, nature prints and more.
When: 1-2:30pm or 3:30-5:00pm
Fee: $10/scout
ROCKS ROCK BADGE -- Find out about a very unique geological finding on the Natick Community Organic Farm. Investigate our local soils and rocks and have a hands-on experience in erosion control.
When: Monday and Tuesday
Time: 1-2:30 pm or 3:30 - 5:00 pm

JUNIOR & CADETTE PROGRAMS 2008:
INTRODUCTION TO YOGA - Get out of the box and explore the wonders of yoga for fitness! Fun, encouraging workshop to introduce balance, stretching and yoga poses.
When: Wednesday, October 8, 15, or 29
Time: 3:30 - 4:30 pm
Fee: $5/scout
GARDEN SERVICE PROJECT -- Start planning your spring projects. The Natick Community Organic Farm offers a garden plot to a Girl Scout Troop in order to use it for a service project. Use the organic soil of the Farm to grow and harvest healthy food for a community food bank. the girl Scouts will be responsible for planning their garden, planting, weeding, watering, harvesting and putting the garden to bed.This is a wonderful, involved project that requires a lot of responsibility and dedication but will bring rewards in many ways.
Please sign up by March 31!
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To learn more about the Farm visit http://www.natickfarm.org/

Plimouth Plantation Offers Scouting Programs and A Special Scouting Day on April 4

DIRECT LINK: www.plimoth.org/education/scouts.php#badges
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Plimoth Plantation invites Scout group to take advantage of all that Plimoth Plantation has to offer, on its museum sites as well as through the educational programs.
Options include:
* Evening Scout Meetings at Plimoth Plantation
* Overnights
* Let Plimoth Plantation come to you
* Earning Badges
* Field trips
Scout Day 2009! -- Plans are underway for Scout Day 2009 on April 4th.

Plimouth Plantation programs may help Girl Scouts fulfill the requirements for the following badges:
Family Living Skills
Celebrating People
Creative Solutions
Geography Fun
Local Lore
Now and Then: Stories from Around the World
Foods, Fibers and Farming
Plants and Animals
Sky Search
Textiles and Fibers
Ecology
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To learn more about the scouting offerings, make a reservation, or work with the Plantation on a specific badge, try the link above or e-mail programservices@plimoth.org or call 508-746-1622, extension 8359.

Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton Offers Girl Scout Programs

Direct LINK: www.fullercraft.org/programs.html#Scout
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Girl Scouts can have a tour and earn a badge at the Fuller Craft Museum in Brockton. The Museum offers tours and workshops to provide an opportunity for Girl Scouts of all levels to earn badges in art, metalwork, textile, woodwork, etc.
Please call 508.588.6000 x 125 or e-mail registrations @fullercraft.org for additional information.

Scout Workshop prices:
Tour + 1-hour workshop: $75 fee plus $6 per scout for up to 12 scouts
Tour + 2-hour workshop: $150 fee plus $10 per scout up to 12 scouts

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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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.

Maria Mitchell Aquarium on Nantucket Offers Girl Scout Programs

DIRECT LINK: http://www.mmo.org/subcat.php?cat_id=3&subcat_id=66&art_id=230

Beside Try-it programs for Brownies, the Nantucket Aquarium also offers many non-badge programs for all Girl Scout levels.

Brownie Try-Its: Eco-Explorers, Science Wonders, Senses, Watching Wildlife, Water Everywhere, & Space Explorer
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Non Badge Programs
Night Discovery: Spend the evening with one of our naturalists to discover the mystery of the night. We’ll do some experiments, learn about nocturnal animals and become more comfortable in the dark.
Marine Ecology Walk: Come and explore the shore. Scouts will be able to collect marine animals using several different methods, identify the creatures and learn about their natural history. (May-September only)
Our Cosmic Neighborhood: Join us for the exploration of our cosmic neighbors. We’ll investigate the planets of our solar system and comets. Scouts will get a tour of Loines Observatory and if the weather cooperates get to view the skies with our telescope.
Getting Ready for Winter: Learn how different animals get ready for the cold. Discover which mammals truly hibernate and conduct an experiment to test the effects of hibernation. (December-February only)
Fossil Fun: Brachiopods, horn corals, bryozoans and more. Find out what a fossil is, make one and then we’ll search for some.
Home Tweet Home: Discover different types of nesting habitats and how birds build detailed nests using their beaks and feet. Then, make your own nest!
Dirty Water: Can you save a pond from pollution? Learn about water pollution and the clean up procedure. Each student will have a pond that they will need to keep clean.
Track It!: Learn what signs animals leave behind. Make a track and play a game that will put your detective skills to work!
Amazing Amphibian: Learn to identify these amazing creatures, through physical characteristics, sounds and hands-on discovery!
Wildlife CSI: Become a wildlife detective by solving a wildlife crime while learning about the natural histories of local animals.
WWE Wildlife Adaptations: To win the WWE students will have to create their own super animal! Each group will have to “buy” adaptations for their animal in order to compete in the habitat battles.
Grossology: Investigate the human body through “gross” experiments.
Spider and Insect Ecology: Come and discover these amazing creatures! We'll grab our insect nest and learn how to collect and identify common spider and insects found through out the island!(May-Oct)
What's in a Tidal Pool?: We'll explore the shore while learning what creatures are found in Nantucket's tidal pools.
Wicked Big Puddles: Put on your wellies and come and explore vernal pools. We'll net critters and view them under microscopes, all while learning the importance of these environments. (April-Sept)


Group Pricing Nantucket Off Island
1 hour program $65 $95

2 hour program $100 $140

3 hour program $175 $225



All program prices are based on a 1 to 15 student MMA teacher ratio. All programs can be conducted in one hour.

To schedule a program please call Darcie Vallant, Director of Education at 508-228-9198 or email.

Looking for a place to stay while on island? We offer housing for groups up to 20. The rate is $25 per person per night. Call 508-228-9198 to book now!


Museum Passes: Have your group visit all the museums at your leisure. Purchase a four punch pass good for one visit to each site:

Maria Mitchell Aquarium, 28 Washington Street

Natural Science Museum at Hinchman House, 7 Milk Street

Vestal Street Observatory, 1 Vestal Street

Historic Mitchell House, 1 Vestal Street

Available at all sites $10 adult/$8 children

Limited Too Stores Offers Fashion program for Girl Scouts

NOTE: The parent company of Limited Too stores closed all its stores in early 2009. Many of the store locations became Justice store. Please call Justice to see if they are honoring these Scout programs. Limited Too & Justice stores are under the same corporation.


The Limited Too has joined together with Girl Scouts of the USA to provide enrichment experiences dealing with the fashion industry for Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts.
This is an opportunity for girls to learn more about how and where clothes are assembled, what the design process entails, and how retailing works.
Girl Scout leaders are encouraged to use visits to Limited Too stores to teach girls about careers, money, and business management, as well as about such issues as how fashion reveals cultural diversity and individuality.
After completing their visit, girls will receive a certificate provided by Limited Too.
In addition, an unofficial patch for girls purchased from one of the Girl Scout Shops can be worn on the back of the recognition sash or vest.
Call local Limited Too store for date availability - Natick Collection is closest location to Framingham Girl Scouts
No programs will be offered on Fridays or Saturdays
No programs will be offered in November or December