GSSJC - Areas 2, 3, & 4
BE active ---A troop that is involved is the one that other girls want to join, it is also the troop that will keep it's members.
CARE about the girls ---Girl Scout leaders are caring adults who are honored to share in the lives of the girls in their troop, be someone they can come to in times of trouble.
DON'T do it for them ---Girl Scouting is about learning. They cannot learn without testing, trying, falling, and failing. They can do nothing if you do it for them all of the time.
EACH girl deserves a chance ---Treat girls equally, giving them each a chance to develop to their fullest potential?Don't make your daughter clean up all the time alone.
FRIENDSHIPS are true ---Girl Scout friendships can bloom among all peoples. Girls may meet people whose interests are totally different from theirs and yet friendships blossom. There is also a connection through Girl Scouting that crosses all lines.
GIRL planning is a must ---This is the component that makes Girl Scouting unique, the fact that girls choose the activities in partnership with adults.
HOST someone ---Have your troop host a grandparent, or international college or high school student. Make small gifts for them and invite them to troop functions. Teach them and learn from them.
INVENT traditions for your troop ---Develop rituals that are unique to your group, a special opening, closing song, troop t-shirt, etc. People like to share things with a close group, everyone likes to be on the inside of an "inside joke".
JOIN the service team ---Be a part of planning other activities for your girls and other Girl Scouts. The service unit is a great place for your girls to spread new leadership wings.
KNOW where to find help ---Girl Scouting is a tradition in families, communities, etc. While you can always call your council representative for help, often times there is someone close by who can lend advise, listen to your concerns, and who knows the difference you are making in the next generation of women.
LAUGH at your mistakes and teach girls to laugh at theirs ---Girl Scouting is about making mistakes and it being okay. Do troop projects without trying them at home first. Laugh when they don't turn out as expected.
MAKE something ---Girls like to create and arts and crafts projects help them to develop motor skills, enhance creativity, and learn follow through. But?don't just make individual projects, together make something, a mural, a club house, a troop herb garden.
NEWER isn't always better ---Use current program resources, but also check your council and community library for older publications. People have been learning since time began, and often we loose sight of good activities simply because we forget. Besides, it teaches girls to use all resources available to them.
OUTDOOR activities bring people together ---Many family therapists will suggest activities in the out-of-doors to cure dysfunction in the family. The same is true of Girl Scout troops. Connect girls to their environment by taking them outside.
PARTICIPATE in community events as a Girl Scout troop ---Take your troop to Fourth of July celebrations, community festivals, or other popular activities. Take them to celebrations outside of your own community. Visit fairs in other counties.
QUITTERS always regret it someday ---I have never talked to anyone who was glad that they quit, whether it was Girl Scouting or something else.
REMEMBER that we are all here for the same purpose ---The promise and law are the foundation of the program and the four program goals are our guide.
SERVICE projects connect girls to the community ---Children today are often scared of the world based on the information they receive via the modern media, television, radio and newspaper. Taking girls out and having them do good for the community at large gives them a hope for the future.
TAKE at least one trip a year ---Let girls plan midnight activities and do them together. Maybe they've never been to Wal-Mart at midnight, a big WOW for some girls.
UNDERSTANDING is the best thing to offer ---Often all people need is for someone to understand them. Children included. Be a compassionate listener, reassure girls that someone cares.
VALUES are developed constantly ---You never know when someone is watching. The next generation needs a strong value base. Take an active lead in strengthening the future.
WIDER Opportunities are great, service unit, council, national or international ---Attend program events sponsored by your council, other service units, etc. This ties your girls into a larger network and allows them to make friends outside of their troop, town, county and council.
XYLOGRAPH ---Learn something as a Girl Scout troop, find out what a xylograph is and make one.
YOUTH flies by, stay young by being with the young ---Spending time with young people helps keep adults connected to the next generation. Not only do we get to pass down our dreams, hopes, ideals, but we get to learn about the future, and you have the distinction of being the only adult on your block who knows about the latest fashion styles and video games.
ZEST, zeal and zany are great adjectives ---Troops that can cut loose and will attempt to tackle anything last longer, laugh harder, and enjoy Girl Scouting more than troops whose program focuses exclusively on badge work.