Caroling for the holidays

The girls made some ornaments for the residents at Berkley Manor and they caroled.  They have three dining rooms and the girls started in the main dining room to sing to our dear friend Val, who many of the girls knew.  Then we sang a song to each of the other dining rooms.  They were so cute.

Berkley Manor - caroling outing in the dining room.

the troop and some sibings

oh - they were just so cute!

Boxes for the Troops

This month we put our meeting time to excellent use.  Each girl brought an item or two and we made an assembly line of sorts and filled 20 boxes of goodies to be shipped to the troops.  Each box had goodies (some of which were specifically requested, and others things the girls found)  There were wet wipes, trail mix, kraft mac&amp cheese, fruit leather, candy, crackers/chips, peanuts, slim jims, peanut M&Ms, gum, rice crispy treats and mini kleenexes.   The girls had a great time together, giving back. AND it was very rewarding to get a THANK YOU directly from the troop that received our goodie boxes.  

all ready to start making the boxes.....

finishing up

And this is what it is all about - look at all of their smiling faces. We were so happy that the service men and women received their packages before the holidays.

Project Angel Heart - giving back

This month the charity we worked with was PROJECT ANGEL HEART.  They deliver nutritious meals to improve the quality of life, at no cost - for those coping with life-threatening illnesses.  We were able to decorate 70 bags that will be used to brighten a meal time for the recipients.  The girls each did a few bags and I think they turned out great.  I am positive these put smiles on many faces.

these are just a few of the 70 bags we delivered.  sorry if each girl isn't represented - i lost track of who did which.

first project: Dumb Friends League

The girls wanted to work with and learn about our local animal shelter.  We first spent out meeting time making cat toys.  The girls made little mice, stuffed them with cotton, a bell (no catnip, per their request) and then topped them off with strings and feathers.  They were so cute.  When I brought them home, our cat Cheeto drug them out of the bag and approved of them.

all working hard

some great toys were made

cheeto approves

Then after we had the toys made and we rounded up some supplies that they were in need of we were able to go donate all the items and take a class and a tour.  The girls in our troop are amazing.  It was a great outing to start the year.

the girls learning about animal care and about what the shelter does to help animals

all the ladies on the tour

on to 2010/2011

and we are OFF...... our third year of girl scouts. For the first meeting we walked to the park and had a pizza party while brainstorming ideas of what to do for the year. The girls came up with some great suggestions. I think it will be another busy year.

Brownies in the park } EXTRAVAGANZA!

I thought i would share what i have in store for my Brownie Troop. I didn't have time to do all that i did - but i made it happen. We were scheduled to do this last friday but were rained out. Today the forecast says rain, heavy after 5PM. Crossing fingers that we can get this all done without hail and lightning. Here is the Amazing Race inspired scavenger hunt/tasks that they have to perform to get their loot & patches that they have earned.

Thinking Day - Japan

Our troop was late celebrating Thinking Day this year with council. I had it on the calendar for April but had missed the council meeting with official dates for February/March. Regardless, we got together April 11th and got to learn all about Japan. (the girls voted in a prior meeting on Japan - which edged out Mexico and Peru by just one vote) Alice (Mrs. Bauer) and Susan (Mrs. Engeman) luckily knew about Japan and pitched in and led the girls in a Japanese Tea. The girls got to see what the traditional dress of Japan and also tried some Japanese food. Sushi, Edamame and Rice. And thankfully Sophie led the troop in an origami demonstration. What a fun time. (I will upload some videos when i get a few spare minutes)