Be Strong and Courageous. Do Not Be Terrified...

"Be strong and courageous.  Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."  (Joshua 1:9).  

Our troop participated in several events during their first year as Daisy Girl Scouts that required them to be courageous and strong.  These activities counted toward earning their red petal.  Each year our Service Unit plans a bowling party and a rollerskating party.  Being in kindergarten and first grade, most of the girls in our troop had never attempted either activity.  When we decided to go, the girls had to be both strong and courageous to get out there and try something new.   

Our Service Unit Leadership Team asks that all girls attending these events bring an item for donation.  In the past, they have collected underwear and socks, personal care items (like toothpaste and deoderant), or canned and other nonperishable food items.  These donations are then given to a local shelter for abused women and their children.  Sadly, some of these women and children are forced to seek shelter and spend a birthday away from home.  My favorite collection requested from our Service Unit has been Birthday Bags.

To fill a Birthday Bag, troops get gift bags and fill them with a cake mix and tub of frosting.  Often girls choose to add candles, themed plates and napkins, cups, sprinkles, party blowers, and balloons...anything they would like to contribute to make someone's big day even more special.  Our first year, each family in our troop was asked to donate one item for the birthday bags.  Our second year, we decided to use some of the money earned through cookie sales to fund this service project.

In talking with other leaders, I was told some troops are given a budget, and they have to work together to fill these bags while staying within their budget.  This not only counts as a service project, but their shopping trip may fulfill specific badge requirements.  Our Daisy troop recently bridged to Brownies.  This coming year they will use some of the money they earn through cookie sales and work together at a local store to fill these bags.  They will work on their "Money Manager" Brownie badge.  More about that later...

During our first year in Girl Scouts, the girls voted to spend a portion of their cookie money to go horseback riding.  Since they were Daisies, we were restricted to pony rides.  I contacted a woman who trains horses and instructs young riders at a nearby stable.  She was willing to discuss horse care and riding safety with our girls before allowing the girls to ride.  Many of our girls had never been so close to a horse, so they were again required to be courageous and strong.  I was so proud of them for stepping outside their comfort zone. 

Thanks for reading!