Earning Badges

As you know we are busy working on our Agent of Change Journey in our meetings. Some of the girls have expressed the desire to work on earning badges on their own. I encourage them to do so and would like for you, the parents, to understand a little more as well. Please take some time to go through this and aquaint yourself with the process. I really need your help supporting your child's efforts.

Our Currrent Journey

The girls are working together on most of the activities with our current Journey, but I am giving them items they are to complete on their own as well before each meeting. In giving them items to complete on their own I am trying to teach them accountability and dedication to the process. Over the last few meetings I have reminded them badges are not awarded simply by showing up - they have to earn them. Please help your daughter remember the at home part of the badge is just as valuable and important to the part we work on together. 

There are three parts to this Journey - The Power of Me, The Power of Team, and the Power of Community. I really like the building blocks! One of the reasons I chose this particular Journey is that I believe it illustrates the importance of working individually as well as with a team. Through this entire process I am really working to empower the girls. We had a fantastic discussion during the past meeting about what happens when someone fails to do their part and how it harms the process if others are counting on them. We talked about trust, and even did a fun trust game where I had to put my trust in them (ask them about leading me through obstacles while blindfolded). Every single part of this Journey reflects how the rest of Girl Scouts will be in the future. There is more work to do, but a bigger payoff! They are beginning to understand they have to put in the time.

Skill Building Badges

With each Journey comes another set of skill-building badges. In addition to the big Journey badge, they can earn 5 additional badges.These separate badge activities build fun and relevant skills they can use on their Leadership Journeys. If we were to accomplish all of these together we would have to meet once a week, or more. I encourage anyone who would like to work on these independently to do so! Please talk to me and let me know if your daughter would like to move forward with one or more of these. I've taken the time to highlight the badges and steps below:

The Digital Photographer

It seems like almost every gadget can take a digital photograph, from phones to laptops to, of course, digital cameras. But do you know how to get the most out of your digital device, and what it takes to capture a winning photo? You will if you earn this badge!

1. Learn about digital cameras from an expert
2. Take tons of photographs!
3. Edit three photos

4. Make a digital photo project
5. Share your photos
When I've earned this badge, I'll know how to use a digital camera to create one-of-a-kind photos.

Staying Fit

You need a fit body and mind to do all your favorite things, from roller skating to writing in your diary to sharing advice with friends. Jump into this badge to figure out what fitness, food, and fun you need to stay strong for life.

1. Start moving!
2. Keep your fit body fueled
3. Know how to stress less
4. Get the truth about health
5. Help your family stay fit

When I've earned this badge, I'll know what I need to get strong and stay that way.

Musician

Just about everyone loves music. And making it is just as fun as listening to it! Whether you're already a musician, or you just want to see what it's like to make sounds on an instrument, there's something for you in this badge.
1. Explore how music is made
2. Travel around the world of music
3. Check out the music in your life

4. Make your own music
5. Perform your music
When I've earned this badge, I'll know how music is made and how to perform music myself.

Entertainment Technology

There's an old saying that all work and no play makes life pretty dull. But if you learn the ins and outs of entertainment technology, you can end up with work that's all about play! Discover the sound waves in a ringtone, the light magic that makes movies, and the topsy-turvy physics of roller coasters.

1. Animate your own artwork
2. Dig into video game development
3. Try the science of amusement park rides
4. Create your own special effects
5. Surf a sound wave
When I've earned this badge, I'll know the science behind the world of entertainment.

Scribe

Words are powerful tools. Great writing can make people feel encouraged, entertained, or excited. It can create fantasy worlds or preserve events from history. And just writing down your feelings actually makes you feel better! In this badge, find out what you can do with words.

1. Start with a poem
2. Create a short story
3. Use words to share who you are
4. Write an article
5. Tell the world what you think
When I've earned this badge. I'll know how to write different kinds of stories -- both true tales and ideas from my imagination.

Legacy Badges

The seven Legacy badges build on 100+ years of Girl Scout history. These badges are: Artist, Athlete, Citizen, Cook, First Aid, Girl Scout Way, and Naturalist. You will hear Girl Scouts say these are the "traditional" badges. There are also financial literacy badges and a GREAT "Make Your Own" badge! All of these steps are found in you daughter's Girl Scout binder. We have already completed the First Aid badge and definately plan to do the Citizen. If your child has an interest in completing one of these badges on her own, please check with me first.

Much of what we do in Juniors is to give the girls opportunities by learning to take charge of their own plans. We partner with them to gain self-confidence to DO!

Guest Leader

Our next meeting (February 11th) is going to be extra special! We will have a guest leader - the awesome Ginnifer Scott.

Mrs. Gin is a seasoned Girl Scout leader who led Troop 647 from Brownies all the way to the Gold Award. You've heard me say many times that I model my leadership style from the best - Gin. The girls are going to have a real treat with Gin. 

As most of you know, Ginnifer is also a talented artist. On February 11th, she is going to continue work on our Agent of Change Journey with a really cool activity. 

After this meeting the girls will have earned the "Power of Me" part of the award. Your daughter has a few fun assignments due as part of the "Power of Me" that will be needed to help them with this awesome arts activity.