Volunteer Spotlight- Sally Martin

May 24, 2019 Badgerland Girl Scouts

Sally Martin, Mount Horeb Daisy Troop 7669, May 2019

Sally Martin is a proud Girl Scout volunteer and co-leader of 26 Daisies (who have proudly earned ALL their petals). We reached out to her for an interview to learn what inspires her as a Girl Scout Volunteer. Continue reading to learn about the most fun (and most challenging) parts of leading a Daisy troop and why Sally chooses to be a Girl Scout Volunteer.

How long have you been a volunteer with Girl Scouts?

I volunteered to be one of five co-leaders for a Daisy troop of 26 girls last fall. (October 2018)

What is the most challenging part of being a Girl Scout volunteer?

It can be challenging to fit everything in! We meet in the early evening for one hour and fifteen minutes, every other week. We pack a lot of activities in during that time, in part to hold their attention and in part to make sure we are maximizing their experience. It makes for a fast-paced and, at times, exhausting meeting for us leaders!

What is your favorite part of volunteering?

My favorite part of volunteering has been seeing the girls mature and grow throughout the year. It has also been very rewarding to see the girls interact with each other in a kind and respectful way. The Girl Scout curriculum and training provides not only a great foundation for talking about and practicing acceptance, inclusion, and kindness, but also suggested activities to develop those qualities. Parents of our girls have been a wonderful support to us as well.

Do you have any favorite memories from your volunteer experience?

I am retired, and I have two granddaughters in the troop. My mom was a Brownie leader in the 50s, and I was a Brownie leader for my oldest daughter in the 80s. It’s been wonderful to have this peek into their (my granddaughters) world and to be able to interact with their friends. I’m from the Early Childhood field, so everything these girls do is interesting to me. My favorite time with the girls is at the end of every meeting when we do the friendship circle and hand squeeze. As that little ritual came together over the course of the year, it was so special to see the girls calmly come together and look forward to the moment when we could see by the look on their faces, they knew they were a part of something bigger than themselves.

What would you say to someone thinking about becoming a Girl Scout volunteer? Why should someone volunteer with Girl Scouts?

In today’s world, children need every opportunity possible to make safe and healthy connections with their peers and caring adults. Girl Scouts provides quite a few ways to get involved, and I would encourage others to ‘raise their hand’ at whatever level is possible for them. Even if you can’t commit to being a co-leader, volunteer to help the leaders in other ways—take photos, help with meeting prep, help at meetings, etc. I’m sure it will not be something you regret!

Any additional comments on volunteering, or Girl Scouting in general?

Kudos to the Girl Scout organization for evolving over the years to represent and advocate for girls to reach their full potential.

The Case for Girl Scout Camp: 5 Powerful Reasons

May 17, 2019May 17, 2019 Badgerland Girl Scouts

From our Spring issue of Focus, read below to learn what your girl will gain from a summer at Girl Scout camp.

1. She’ll Develop Confidence.

You’re giving her the opportunity to be self-reliant. Growth in confidence and independence happens at camp.

2. She’ll experience outdoor childhood fun and adventure.

You’re giving her the gift of magical childhood memories – dirt, adventures, stories, and joke-filled days and nights spent with friends outdoors, under the stars, and around the campfire.

3. She’ll relax.

You’re giving her a break from the pressures and stress of competitive sports and school.

4. She’ll get unplugged.

You’re giving her the chance to unplug and connect face-to-face with other girls and positive adult role models.

5. She’ll get better at making and keeping friends.

Friendships that are built at camp are different from those that occur at school and on sports teams. The intensity of living together and experience life together, without distractions, creates the ideal setting for life-long friendships.

Learn more about our 2019 summer camp programs at gsbadgerland.org/camp

5 Creative Ways to Decorate a Bridge for your Next Bridging Event

May 10, 2019May 10, 2019 Badgerland Girl ScoutsLeave a comment

With spring comes warmer weather and brighter days, but also recitals, softball games, graduations, award ceremonies, and of course bridging. When in the midst of one of the busiest times of the year, planning a bridging ceremony can seem close to impossible. Here are a few simple but creative ideas that’ll make the process feel simpler and keep the planning fun.

Wrap faux floral garland around the handrail for an ethereal feel

Faux floral garland can be found easily at most dollar and craft stores for a low cost. Wrap it around the railing and secure with twine for a bridge that’ll look straight out of a fairy-tale.

Tie balloons to the ends for a whimsical touch

Easy to find at any dollar or party store, balloons will add a fun and celebratory look to your event. Tie to the ends of the bridge or use weights and place on the ground near the ends. At the end of your event, send each girl home with a balloon as a fun souvenir.

Use fresh flowers for a fresh look

Spring is (finally) here! Take advantage of any nearby garden center sales and buy a few inexpensive flowering plants (we always recommend daisies) to place near the ends of the bridge. When you’re done, reuse as an addition to your own garden or give away as a gift to a loved one or friend.

Make your own garland chain using colorful construction paper

Both a decorating and troop activity idea, this tip is not only a great inexpensive way to spruce up a bridge but also a way to bring your troop together as you prepare to bridge to the next level. Simply cut pieces of construction paper into strips and work together taping the ends together to form a chain. When you’re done, wrap the chain around the bridge railing to add a little color to your event.

Create a fake stream for fanciful appeal

This tip is easy but will no doubt create a bold and bright look. Take a blue tarp or plastic table cloth (you can find this in the party or camping sections at most retailers) and bunch it under to bridge to mimic a flowing stream. Create a border using rocks, floral garland, real plants, or a combination of 3.

Thanks for reading, we hope you find these ideas helpful and inspiring! Have your own idea that begs to be shared? Leave it in the comments below! Happy Bridging!

The Top 5 Best Things about Being a Daisy

May 3, 2019May 3, 2019 Badgerland Girl Scouts

That feeling when she earns her first Petal.

Nothing can compare to the feeling of pride and delight earning your first petal! Whether it’s from learning a new skill or sharing a new experience, this is a memory she’ll never forget.

She meets leaders in her community.

Daisies get to meet so many amazing people! Non-profit leaders, police officers, and more. Daisies get to speak with and learn from the best and brightest in their communities.

She makes a difference in her community.

Daisies don’t just interact with their communities, they leave an impact on their communities too! Cleaning up parks… donating cookies… there is no limit to the difference a Girl Scout Daisy can make.

She gets to start her first business.

Maybe one of the coolest things a Daisy gets to do is start her own business- selling cookies! She’ll learn how to set goals, speak with others, market a product, and much more. By the end of her first cookie season, she’ll be an expert entrepreneur.

She makes new friends

When a Daisy joins a troop, she doesn’t just get a group of troop mates, she gets a group of new best friends! These are fellow Girl Scouts she’ll bond and make memories with and often, these are friendships she’ll have for a lifetime.

BONUS… Being a Daisy is just plain fun!

There’s no doubt that Daisies both do and learn amazing things, but one of the best things about being a Daisy is that it’s endlessly fun. Parties, camping, songs, games… being a Daisy is an experience that she’ll remember forever.

Is your daughter starting Kindergarten soon? Get a head start on her Daisy experience through our Daisy Launch program! She’ll get her first patch, early access to her Girl Scout Daisy troop, and her very first Girl Scout activity booklet. Plus, get access to our Girl Scout Walkabout and Daisies in the Garden day camps that are the perfect introduction to her Girl Scout experience. Learn more at gsbadgerland.org/daisy

Ready. Set. Daisy Launch!

Badgerland Blog

Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Badgerland

Month: May 2019