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)

Cookie finale.

Cookie sales and delivery was over many weeks ago - but we still had things to do to finish up the season. We first had HOMETOWN HERO cookies to be delivered. Our original charity was The Ronald McDonald House in downtown Denver. Our troop was able to give 24 boxes of cookies to them. Because we had over 100 boxes that were donated we also donated cookies to the troops. Tiffany took over 50 boxes to the girl scout headquarters where they pool all the cookies from all the troops in the area (that were donated) and they ship then to our troops in Iraq, and other locations. And our final bit of donated cookies (about 24 boxes) were given to our local FIREHOUSE. Last week our troop walked them over and dropped them off. The firefighters were so thankful for our donation. They pooled their money together and donated $40 to OUR TROOP! That was very generous of them in exchange. Here are some photos of the hometown heros cookie delivery. Then after all those cookies were delivered our troop still had a alittle over 100 cookies to sell. Cookies that were left over from booth sales that we were unable to return. Thanks to everyone who were able to sell a few more boxes here and there - and to Francesca for doing a BIG WALK ABOUT over spring break. (more on that in a later post)

YOGA - on our way to a fitness patch.

The girls have been excited to try out Yoga since last year. I was excited to find out that Phoebes mom Nancy was an instructor and offered to help our troop learn some moves. The Brownie troop went to Iyengar Yoga Studio to try it out. Mrs. Briney led the troop in an hour long yoga session. There was some serious stretching, relaxing and breathing. It was a great hour spent - for many - learning something new. Special thanks to Iyengar Studio and Mrs. Briney!

Iyengar Yoga

COOKIE booth sales - take two & three

MORE COOKIE BOOTH SALES! Our troop hit Lowes on Havana and Walmart on Hampden. It was a COLD COLD day - but the girls were troopers. After the 2nd late booth some of the girls hit the local Anthonys to warm up and have some pizza. Our troop was SECRET SHOPPED at WALMART and we PASSED! We were awarded a case of THIN MINTS. Our troop can eat them or sell them at a $39.00 profit to our troop. (that is equal to selling 70 boxes at the .55cent profit to our troop) so WAY TO GO GIRLS! All that cookie training came in handy, and they didn't even ask "which cookie is kosher?" all the girls should know - ALL the cookies are kosher. :)