| TROOP MEETING PLANNER |
| Although meetings vary from age level to age level on length and activities, many times the basic meeting structure is the same. Following are the basic parts of a meeting (that can be used at all levels) which can be moved around and adjusted for your own troop's needs. As the girls get older, they can plan more and more components of the basic meeting until at the Older Girl level (Cadettes/Seniors), they should be able to plan an entire meeting themselves. |
| 1. EARLY BIRD OR PRE-OPENING Something for the girls to do when they arrive with little leader direction. Girls seldom arrive all at the same time to meetings and many times the leader is busy setting up the final touches for the meeting. This activity gives them something positive to do with their energy rather than run around. Some examples might be: a. Jump rope b. Puzzles c. Word games 2. OPENING Something to officially start the meeting. Some examples might be: a. Flag ceremony b. Game c. Song d. Recite Promise and Law 3. BUSINESS Take attendance, collect dues, brainstorm ideas, make plans, vote on decisions 4. ACTIVITY The project for the day whether it is doing a service project, making a craft, working on a recognition, etc 5. SNACK Sometimes younger troops like to use their snack as their Early-bird activity, especially if the girls meet right after school and are hungry. 6. CLEAN UP Remember, Girl Scouts leave a place better than they found it and it is the responsibility of the girls, not the leaders, to clean up after themselves. 7. ANNOUCEMENTS Reminders of upcoming activities, permission slips due, hand out newsletter (if any) 8. CLOSING Something to officially signal that the meeting is over. Some suggestions might be: a. Friendship circle b. Song c. Magic tunnel 9. EMERGENCY ACTIVITIES It is always a good idea to have 2-3 extra activities (songs or games) waiting in the wings in case the planned activities go faster than planned. Remember that meetings do not always fit into this plan and the girls and leaders may need to be flexible in their implementation of the planned program. |
| TIPS FOR TEACHING GAMES 1. Choose games according to the ages, interests, and abilities of the group you are working with. Make sure you choose a game appropriate to the site you will be using. 2. Know the game well so you don't have to refer to notes while you are teaching. 3. Make sure you collect all the supplies and equipment you will need for the game. 4. Explain the game briefly and get them playing it as soon as possible. Ask for questions before you begin. 5. If the game is complicated, teach a portion at a time letting the girls play each portion as you teach it. 6. Let the girls have fun with the game but stop when neecessary to clear up any rules or to answer questions regarding the action of the game. 7. Stop the game after a reasonable amount of time even if some girls are begging to continue. 8. Make sure you make any adaptations in the action or the rules of the game to accommodate girls with special needs in the group. 9. Make sure you check the playing area for any safety hazzards as well as evaluate the game for potential safety problems before you play the game with the girls. |
| TIPS FOR TEACHING SONGS 1. Be familiar with the song so you don't need to use a song sheet or book as a "crutch." 2. Sing the song through first. 3. Say the words phrase by phrase and have the group repeat. 4. Sing the words phrase by phrase and have the group repeat. 5. Sing the song together 3 times or until known-but don't wear it out. 6. If a song has several verses, teach one verse at a time. 7. Being with simple songs and move on to more difficult ones later on. 8. You give the starting note. Avoid pitching the song too high or too low. 9. Songs may be taught using tapes or CD's as well, just follow the procedure above. |
| FIRST MONTH OF DAISY MEETINGS UPDATED ON 9/12/02 |
 |
| HOME |