Healthy Living Family Acitivty

The girls are continuing to practice their leadership skills. They should have brought home a handout on this activity, but I will explain it quickly. They do not have to have the handout to complete the activity.

The girls need to lead their family in a healthy-living activity. Some examples might be:
Try a new healthy drink (low-fat milk, smoothies)
Be active together (walk, bike ride)
Or anything else that allows the girls to take the lead and show how much she cares for her family.

All the girls have to bring to our meeting is a piece of paper with their name on it and this sentence completed:
"I led my family to be healthier by....."

I can't wait to see what the girls come up with.

Sneak Peek

Here is a quick look at the craft we will be doing at this weeks meeting.

Family Star

Here is the Family Star that was referenced in this blog post.  (Click on colored works for link.) If the girls have not yet turned this in, they should bring it to Mondays meeting.  The girls can definately draw/make a star of their own.  It does not have to be this one.

Nutcracker on Ice

A Girl Scout outing to see the "Nutcracker on Ice" at the Webster Groves Ice Arena is being planned. Some of you may remember this field trip from 2 years ago. Here are the details:

Nutcracker on Ice

presented by Metro Edge Figure Skating Club

Saturday, December 10

2:00 or 5:00

(I am shooting for 2:00, but my 2nd choice is the 5:00.

They will send a confirmation letter indicating our time by Nov. 19.)

We will plan to arrive at 1:00 p.m. and meet outside and walk in together.

NOTE: We will meet at Webster groves Ice Arena. So, feel free to start making carpool arrangements now.

Girl Scouts - $8.00 (This will be covered with Troop funds)

Adults and/or Tag-a-longs - $7.00

Children 4 and under - Free, but may have to sit on lap

Other stuff to know:

• Each scout will receive a Nutcracker on Ice patch
• We will arrive 1 hour before show time to be seated in a reserved seating area and get a chance to meet with the cast, take pictures and enjoy a snack.
• The community service project is a boxed/canned food drive. The troop that brings the most will receive a free ice cream party at Serendipity Homemade Ice Cream.

Please RSVP to me no later than November 14. I need to know:

# of Girls?

# of Adults?

# of Tag-a -longs? (please note under or over 4 years)

Thanks so much!

We are going on a Brownie Quest

We have already started working on our first Brownie awards. The girls are going on a special journey to discover what it means to be a leader. The girls will earn 3 keys. Throughout the journey, the girls will periodically bring home a "Brownie Family Activity". After assisting her with the activity, please remember to send it back with her to the next meeting.

This week the girls began the journey by discovering some of the qualities and talents that make her special. At our next meeting, the girls will already earn their first Brownie Quest key.

The girls brought home a Family Star. Please read the questions on the activity sheet and assist the girls in writing and talking about simple answers to put on their star. If you didn't get the questions or star, I can post them on the blog and just make a star. But let me know. The girls need to bring their stars with them to our next meeting.

If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Camp Cedarledge Field Trip

We have been invited to help kick off and celebrate the start of the 100th year of Girl Scouts. 

When: Thursday, October 27, 6:00-8:00 p.m.  (There is no school on the 28th)
Where: Camp Cedarledge
Includes:  Dinner (hot dog, chips, dessert, drink), patch activities and campfire circle. Activities include: tatoos, story time, camp sing-a-long
Cost: Girls will be paid for out of troop funds
          Adults: $2.50 each

Unfortunately, I completely forgot about this at out meeting, and registration is due by October 1.  Please RSVP to me if you and/or your daughter would like to attend no later than noon on Friday.

Parent Meeting Recap

Brownie Troop 1980's Parent Meeting was held on Monday, September 12.  I am including a simple bulleted list of what we talked about and things that need to be done before the next meeting. 

For those of you who are new, I do keep a blog of all the emails I send out.  On the blog, you can Link to any of the references that I make by clicking on the underlined word.  You can check it/bookmark it here

• Meeting Time:  Meetings will be held at 3:45-5:00 p.m. on the following dates:  9/26, 10/10, 10/24, 11/14, 11/28, 12/5, 12/19, 1/9, 1/23, 2/13, 2/27, 3/12, 3/26, 4/16, 4/23, &5/14.  I will send this as an attachment with snack sign ups as well.
• Snack Sign-up went around, if you did not get a chance to sign up for snack, don't worry I am sure I will have a simple request at some point this year and I will contact you.  Simple snacks like Teddy Grahams,Goldfish, Cheez-Its work best.  They do not have to be individually wrapped.  I will email a reminder the Friday before the meeting.  You can either put the snack in their backpack or drop it off at my house.
• Any adult that stays in the cafeteria during meetings, drives for fields trips, or participates in an way with the troop, MUST be a Registered Adult Member.  Adult member pay an annual registration fee of $12 to Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri and must submit to a one time background investigation.  Please let me know if you need a copy of the paperwork for becoming a registered adult.
• Troop Dues is the money collected for use within the troop.  It covers pins, badges, crafts supplies, etc.  We are collecting $18 for troop dues this year. 
• Girl Scout Registration Fee is the annual fee that we pay to Girl Scouts.  If your daughter was in the troop last year, her registration has already been paid from the money they earned in cookie sales.  New girls will pay the $12 Girl Scout Registration Fee this year, but next year (after selling cookies) it will be covered with troop funds.  Please let me know if you have any questions about that. 
• Financial Assistance is available.  There is a "financial assistance" section on the bottom of the registration forms.  Just complete the statement of need when completing those forms. 
• The girls will be dismissed to Girl Scouts on meeting days per the form you have completed.  If I am missing your form, I will email a copy to you.  I will check the girls in.  If your daughter is sick, please send me an email or leave me a message.  I am a little neurotic about things like that and will call you if I do not have your daughter and haven't been notified. 
• Please come inside to sign the girls out at 5:00 p.m.
• Uniforms can be purchased at Checkered Flag (new location near Ronnie's Plaza), Ben Franklin the Girl Scout Shop, or online.
• Brownie Vest $17.25
• Brownie Numbers: 1, 9, 8, 0 (9 & 6 are the same numbers) $1.25 each
• Brownie Council ID Set $4.00
• Wavy Flag $1.25
• Girls are encouraged to wear their vests to school on days of meetings. 
• A HUGE thanks to Debbie B. for volunteering to be our troops Fall Product Sales Manager and to Debbie W. for volunteering to be our Cookie Sales Manager. 
• Another HUGE thanks goes out to Joan K. for the AWESOME JOB she has done the past 2 years in being not on Fall Product, but also Cookie Sales.

I think that is everything.  If you have any questions at all, never hesitate to contact me!

Your girls vote counts for Cookie Incentives

Help the girls vote for the 2012 Cookie Incentives that they will earn. All you have to do is visit here and submit your vote. The girls can choose their favorites by voting once before July 15.

http://www.abcsmartcookies.com/voting.asp?page=601

Troop Round Up -Camp Cedarledge

Save the Date...September 24

Troop Round Up is a fun-filled day of activities, demonstrations and games for girls of all ages and registered adults.

It will be an all day event with a LOT of walking.

Please RSVP and let me know if you and/or your daughter will be attending by June 20.

Each troop does have to supply one adult helper to help with an activity for 2 hours. I am willing to do that, but if someone else would like to do it, I am open to that as well.

Leadership FUNdamentals

Leadership FUNdamentals is a day full of fun workshops for registered adult volunteers with Girl Scouts. Classes such as: 30 Minute Meals, Beat the Bulge, Crafts for Dummies, Cupcake Boss, Event Planning 101, How to do Magic, Troop Meetings Made Easy, Zumba.

If this sounds like something you might be interested in, let me know. The date is: October 15, 8:00 am - 3:00 pm at Maritz in Fenton. Price $15, includes classes, lunch and a surprise.

Registration deadline is September 15.

Pottery Painting

Finally scheduled!!!

Baked Goods Pottery
11557 Gravois Road
June 26, 2-4:00 p.m.

Please RSVP by Monday, May 30, 2011.  I need to go in and pay our deposit and pick out what we will be painting on Tuesday.   There will be a hostess to help the girls (YEA!!!), I will obviously be staying, but I need 2 additional adults to stay in order to meet Girl Scout Rules. 

Tag-a-longs are more than welcome.  Obviously their pottery will have to be paid separately. 

Joplin Missouri Collection

I know this is super short notice, but wanted to throw it out there in case anyone would like to join us.  I have been trying to figure out something that the girls could do to help victims of the tornadoes in Joplin and saw this on the news today.

Rock Community Fire Protection District’s Ladies Auxiliary is collecting items for those devastated in the recent Joplin tornado. The items they are requesting are items such as non-perishable food, blankets, and bedding, toiletries such as soap and shampoo and toys for children. A 53 foot trailer was donated by A-Mrazek Moving in Fenton to store the items until Friday morning when the items will be shipped to Joplin accompanied by members of the Rock Community Ladies Auxiliary. Donations are to be dropped off at the following location:Rock Community Fire Protection District Headquarters 3749 Telegraph Rd. Arnold, Mo, 63010. Hours of Delivery: 9am-8pm Event goes until Thursday May 26^th at 8p.m.

If you would like to donate or would like your girls to participate in the donation, please meet me with your collected items after school tomorrow.  I am going to post that our troop is doing this on my facebook page and also send the girls to a couple of close neighbors to ask if they have any of the items listed that they would be willing to donate. 

We will take the donated items as a troop at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday.   Please RSVP if you are able to join us and/or drive.  If you are not available, but would like to send your daughter, let me know and I will do my best to arrange rides to the Fire Station and home.

Again, I am totally throwing this together, so if you have any questions/comments, please let me know. 

Clover Award

As we are close to finishing off our final year as Daisy's and the Journey we have been working on we will take the next 2 weeks to complete our Clover Award.  The Clover Award is the final patch to our journey.  It is the patch I will be announcing at the Court of Awards. 

We talked about things the girls could do to earn their Clover Awards at our meeting, but I am sure they will need a gentle reminder.  (Note to self: don't expect focus at meeting planned the week Spring Break begins.)

The Clover Project is a simple outdoor project that they can do.  It can be something as simple as helping pull weeds, planting a garden/flowers or picking up trash. It can be small scale (in your yard) or larger scale (in your neighborhood).  The girls should write down what they did on a piece of paper and bring it to me at the next/last meeting. 

Any questions, let me know. 

Daisy Upcoming Dates...

• Cancel April 23 field trip to Missouri Botanical Garden. 
• Friday, May 6 School Picnic.  Our troop is required to work the Girl Scout Booth (2 games) for 1 hour.  Last year we a split it up so that each girl worked 20 minutes.  We are tentatively scheduled for 4:30-5:30 p.m. so that I can be there the whole time.  But an extra adult would be so helpful, so if you are available to hang out while your daughter is working, I would be so thankful.
• Monday May 9, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Last scheduled Daisy Meeting. 
• Wednesday, May 18, 7:00  Girl Scout Court of Awards.  This is for all Scouts and their families. This is where we honor/announce the girls accomplishments (badges, awards, trips) for the school year. Those troops who are bridging to the next level, we will have that ceremony. And cake and punch afterwards for all. It will be held in the cafeteria at school.

I am working on some things for the summer, hopefully we can get together at least once a month.  I have to turn in next years registration by June 15.  We will keep the meeting time/day the same as it is currently. 

April Showers Bag Pick Up

UGN!  Did you see the forecast for Saturday?  A high of 46 degrees and rain...really?!? 

Anyway, we have to pick up bags this Saturday.  So the plan is this:

Meet at school at 9:45 a.m., dressed weather appropriate. 

We will head up to the streets where we dropped off the bags last week, and pick up any donations that are left outside.  After collecting the bags we will drive the bags and all the girls back to Deb W.'s house.  Debbie has offered her garage for us to mark out bar codes and separate our donated items.  If the weather is appropriate, the girls can play for a bit.  We should be done well before 12:00 p.m.

As the day gets closer, hopefully we will see a change in the forecast.

As always, contact me with any questions/comments!

April Showers Neighborhood!

I finally got our April Showers neighborhood...

Sir Moss Estates

Starlight Drive

Fenton Ridge

She also had two of the streets that we did last year, but did not collect anything, but took those off our list when I told her we didn't pick anything up on those streets.

April Showers - Bag Drop Off

April Showers Bag Drop Off is scheduled for this Friday, April 8, right after school.  Unfortunately, I still do not know the neighborhood we will be in.  I am hoping to get that tomorrow afternoon, I will fill everyone in as soon as I know.

If you can help us out with supervising the girls dropping bags on doorsteps, that would be wonderful.  The more parents we have, the more groups we can break into, and the faster the area is covered.  If you are helping us out, please let me know ASAP.  We will pick the girls up from school and meet in the commons area. 

If you are not able to attend, but your child is, please let me know that as well.  I will also need for you to send a note to school, so that I can sign them out of parent pick-up. 

PIZZA PARTY following.  Immediately following completion of the bag drop off, everyone (adults included)are invited back to my house for a pizza party.  If you are unable to help out, but your daughter is attending, everyone will go back to my house and you can pick up from there.

Again, as soon as I get info regarding our area, I will forward that on.  But in the meantime, if you could let me know who is coming and if I should sign your daughter out on Friday, I would appreciate it.

Save the Dates!!!

Hi!  Just wanted to have a place with all the upcoming dates in one place.  I hope this helps keep everyone organized, or maybe I am just pretending it will help me get stay organized.  So, please mark the following dates on your calendars.  As always, any questions, don't hesitate to contact me. Also, anything that is highlighted below has a blog post attached to it.  All you have to do it link to the blog and click on the link.

Monday, March 28 - Daisy Meeting, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Guffey
Thursday, March 31 - Whole Foods Market Field Trip I will need a definite number of girls and adults at the 3/28 meeting.  Look for the sign-up right next to the sign-in/out sheet.
Monday, April 4 -  Daisy Meeting, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Guffey
Friday, April 8 - April Showers Bag Drop Off (weather permitting).  We can do the bag drop offs at any point this weekend.  If the weather is cooperative, I prefer to get it out of the way on Friday.
Saturday, April 16 - April Showers Bag Pick Up.  Rain/shine.  We will meet early, but I haven't decided exactly what time yet.  We should be done by noon.  I am waiting to find out where our troops area will be before setting a definite time.
Monday, April 18 - Daisy  Meeting, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Guffey
Saturday, April 23 - Missouri Botanical Garden Field Trip, We will meet at the garden at 12:30.  More information and sign ups to to follow.

Dancing Through the Decades

Just a reminder that this Saturday is the Dancing Through the Decades field trip for the girls.  It is being held at the Jewish Community Center (directions below) from 7:00-10:00 p.m.

We will plan to meet there at 7:00 p.m.  If your daughter is going, but you are unable, let me know and I will call you (I can fit 2 additional girls in may car).  Feel free to contact others if you want to carpool. 

Feel free to dress up in an outfit that represents your favorite decade or style of music.  Parents and girls!

DIRECTIONS:
Take I-270 toward Chicago.  Exit at Page Ave.  (Exit 16A).  Turn right at Schuetz Rd. After about 2 miles, turn left at Milstone Campus Road. 

The address is:
Jewish Community Center
2 Milstone Campus Dr.
St. Louis MO 63146

As always, contact me with any questions.

Journeys Patch...Where Does It Go?

Here is the placement of the Journey Patch add ons.  I had to look it up, so I thought I would share!

Sorry the picture is so blurry, but I think it gives you an idea.  They only have the bucket at this point.

Field Trip - Whole Food Market

OOOHHHH!  This one I am excited about!  I just scheduled a field trip to:

Whole Foods Market.

March 31, 2011

4:30 p.m

They will give the girls a tour of the entire store beginning in the produce department.  In each department, the girls will get to sample food.  At the end, each girl will receive a piece of cheese pizza and a goodie bag. 

Please let me know if your daughter will be attending.  Also please let me know if you are able to go and if you would be able to drive.  I would like to have a firm number by the March 14 meeting. I will email logistics as we get closer to the date.

Field Trip - Missouri Botanical Garden

I have just completed registration for a Field Trip to the Missouri Botanical Garden.  They have to confirm the date that I requested, so as soon as I have that date, I will let you know. 

The Program is called "Welcome to the Daisy Flower Garden". 
The girls will plant their own mini-garden and create directions for a healthy garden. They will tour the prairie, rose and scented gardens, completing fun activities with the different flowers. They will learn about the uses, origins, and soil needs of flowers. They’ll examine a worm composting bin and find out how worms will help their plants grow. As they view the beehive, they’ll learn of how flowers and bees interact and “help” one another.

As will ask for RSVP's as the date/time is confirmed. 

Field Trip - Dancing Through the Decades

Sick days must be made for scheduling field trips.  Since I have some down time forced upon me by a sick child, I am working on a few special events for the girls. You will probably get a few more follow up emails as I schedule a few more events.  If you have any suggestions for field trip ideas, I would LOVE to hear them.  We have about $500 in our account and that does not include the cookie money that we will use for summer activities. 

Dancing Through the Decades

Girl Scouts are celebrating their 99th Birthday with a dance celebration. 

Saturday, March 12, 2011

7-10:00 p.m.

Jewish Community Center

The girls and adults can learn dances (i.e. jitterbug, jive, disco, line dances, hip-hop) from "celebrities".  (Their word, not mine.)

Z 107.7 will be the DJ and will be giving out prizes.

Snacks and beverages will be provided throughout the evening. 

Girls will leave with a "special memento".

Please get back to me no later than February 28.  I will need to know if your daughter is attending and if you would like to attend as well.  Once I have a head count, I will get back to you with all the logistics.  Any other questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Zumba Party

I wanted to personally invite you and your daughter to join Amber, Amy and I in supporting a great charity.

Zumba Party

ZUMBA is a FUN workout that incorporates music and dancing.    

All fitness levels are welcome so bring your whole family.

When: February 12th, 2011

2 Sessions:

11:30 AM - 12:20 PM

break

12:40 - 1:30 PM  

Where: 1333 W. Lockwood Glendale, MO 63122

Cost: FREE! 

Donations are welcomed at the door.

Please let me know if you would like to join us in attending the Zumba Party so I can send you directions. I have never done Zumba and I am as uncoordinated as you can get.  It is completely kid friendly, so feel free to bring siblings/friends as well. 

Annie's Hope is a bereavement group that provides support to children, teens and their families who are grieving the death of someone significant.  As many of you know, our friend, Abby Wampler lost her father a little over a year ago.  Annie's Hope has been a place for Abby, her mom and young brothers to express thier feelings with families that are dealing with the same situation, the loss of a loved one.  In Abby's own words from the beginning of our first meeting, she told her mom "Everyone at Annie's Hope is just like me and they understand".

As you can see this is a group that is benefiting someone close to us.  I hope you'll join Amber, Amy and I in attending and having some fun and sweating a little after being trapped in the house. If you just want to come watch, you are more than welcome to do that as well.

 Feel free to post and share with others who may want to join the fun.



Cookie Orders Due Sunday!!!

Just a reminder that cookie orders are due to Ms. Joan on Sunday.  A cooler will be placed on her front porch if she is not home.

When dropping off your order sheet you will receive a Goal Getter Order Card and can continue to take orders through March 6^th. The Goal Getter Order Cards will be in the bottom of the cooler.  Please don't forget to pick one up.  We can always make trips to the pantry for more cookies!

More cookies = more $ for the troop J

If your order is not received before Ms. Joan enters them into the computer, you may not receive your cookies on pick up day. We will probably have to go to the pantry to fill late orders.

No meeting tonight!

When I scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Mondays, I did so with the January/February holidays in mind...push all that aside and now we have missed both January meetings because of snow.  Our next meeting will be held on February 14.  Lexi will have snack!

Don't forget!!!  Cookie orders are due to Ms. Joan on Sunday! 

It's Cookie Time

IT’S COOKIE TIME

IMPORTANT DATES

GO DAY!: January 15^th @ 9:00am

Order Due: January 30^th

Pick Up Cookies: February 25^th or February 27^th

Money Due: March 13^th

Girls can start selling cookies on Saturday at 9:00am! Do NOT take any orders before then. You can tell friends, family and co-workers that your daughter will be selling cookies (please do!). Just no order taking is allowed before Go Day.

I need your initial order on January 30^th. I will place a cooler on my front porch if we are not home. If I do not receive your order before I enter them into the computer, you might not receive your cookies on pick up day. We will probably have to go to the pantry to fill late orders.

When you bring me your order sheet you will receive a Goal Getter Order Card and can continue to take orders through March 6^th. We can always make trips to the pantry for more cookies! More cookies = more $ for the troop J

Cookies need be picked from my house on February 25^th or 27^th. I will be home after noon on both days. If you can’t pick up on those days, please let me know & we can make other arrangements. You can also have another parent pick up your cookies if that works.  

All money is due to me by the evening of March 13^th.