I didn’t know when I started volunteering that my troop contained queer and gender-expansive youth, or that learning to provide a safe space for them would be part of my work as a troop leader. The journey that my Troop and I have been on has only expanded my love of being their Troop Leader.
Girl Scout camp is a magical experience. But whether it’s distance, time, money, or even a global pandemic, not everyone can access the summer camp experience. That’s why we created Tajar’s Treehouse, a virtual camp experience for all girls (whether she’s a Girl Scout or not) in Kindergarten through fifth grade.
Research on how kids respond to and recover from a crisis focuses on the six elements of resilience: connection, routine, belonging, expression, participation, and empowerment. “Adulting” life skills are an amazing way to give kids a routine role in their family lives that makes them feel connected and empowered to help out in an age-appropriate way.
Whether you want to celebrate International Friendship Day on July 30, or spend an entire week filled with sisterhood, these friendship activities will help your Girl Scouts stay connected with their besties, forge new relationships, and, most importantly, have fun!
Girl Scouts is a place of growth and safety for all girls—no matter their race, religion, ability, gender identity, or sexuality. In a contentious world, this is easier said than done. So how do we, as volunteers, create a space where any girl can thrive and feel supported as her whole self?
From her first badge earned on her Daisy smock or brownie vest to her final Gold Award presentation, all Girl Scouts share in the Essential Girl Scout Experience. Starting with sisterhood, supportive adults, and special experiences, the Girl Scout Playbook walks you through the six elements of being a Girl Scout:
Time to relax and play is so vital for a girl’s growth and development, yet it can be so difficult to make time for in a busy schedule. Read more on how to incorporate simple, but effective, mindfulness exercises into their everyday life that can help girls alleviate anxiety, and feel more confident and capable.
At Girl Scouts, we believe that art is for everyone, no matter your age, ability, or artistic sensibility, so roll up your sleeves and help your girls create something beautiful (and earn a badge or two, too)! From murals to watercolors, photography to jewelry making, these activities will take your girls on a colorful adventure through the Girl Scout Artist Legacy badges and beyond!
From lesser known naturalist heroines like Rachel Carson and Herma Albertson Baggley to great conservationists like Jane Goodall, women have always had a place in exploring nature. But you don’t have to live with chimpanzees or trailblaze Yellowstone National Park to inspire a love of the outdoors in your girls! Dive into the complex beauty and diversity of the natural world with the Girl Scout Naturalist badges!
![4 Ways to Prepare Your Girl for Her First Time at Camp [Video]](https://trailhead.gsnorcal.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/prepare-your-girl-for-her-first-time-at-camp-1080x675.jpg)
Camp is a transformative experience for every Girl Scout: trying new things, roasting marshmallows under the stars, and making life-long friends and camp sisters. But that kind of transformation can be daunting or even a little scary for first-time campers. Here are our four best tips on making sure your girl is a happy camper.
Whether you’re camping for the first time (as a girl or as a troop leader), or leveling up your survival skills, it can be a little nerve-wracking to get started. Never fear: there’s a troop camping badge for every level of Girl Scouts with age appropriate resources and skill-building activities to turn your troop into happy campers.
Spring has officially sprung, and Girl Scouts everywhere are looking forward to more sunshine as summer approaches. But there’s more to do than soak up the sun—a Girl Scout’s work is never done! Bring a little light into someone’s life with these 7 springy service projects!
