tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30649333329063711692024-03-15T22:49:57.355-07:00Kapers, Cookies, and CampfiresA RESOURCE FOR GIRL SCOUT LEADERSLaurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.comBlogger164125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-80950613846088275032017-12-31T06:56:00.002-08:002017-12-31T07:09:38.230-08:00Craft: Therapeutic Rice Bags<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had hoped to write this post earlier in the month, but I am just now getting around to it, which gives me the chance to wish you a Happy New Year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Our fifth grader wanted to continue our tradition of giving her teachers a homemade gift for Christmas. Finding inspiration in the January/February 2016 edition of <a href="http://www.americangirl.com/shop/ag/magazine" target="_blank">American Girl Magazine</a>, she searched through a basket of material scraps in the craft closet and set off to make rice bags that after being placed in the microwave or freezer could be used to help relieve sore muscles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Winging it with the first rice bag, she modeled the others after it. She decided a pair of 4" x 14" rectangles would do the trick. In addition to this gray polka dot fabric, she used cute prints, including characters like Charlie Brown and Rudolph along with another featuring festive Christmas trees, which were left over from </span><a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/2015/10/craft-holiday-pillows-for-teachers-and.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">another project.</span></a><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v8XaBDIhy5k/Wkj9d12A_mI/AAAAAAAACp4/0Jv12lbAqMU8s47AndePS1n8BUFAzZk8wCLcBGAs/s1600/rice%2Bbags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PWiZzlAItkc/WkgdA25DnJI/AAAAAAAACpg/uIdnhQrvuP8g8KS7qQnzmo5LIclnXAqUACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PWiZzlAItkc/WkgdA25DnJI/AAAAAAAACpg/uIdnhQrvuP8g8KS7qQnzmo5LIclnXAqUACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_8757.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Using <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001PNIWT2/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B001PNIWT2&linkCode=as2&tag=kapcooandcam-20&linkId=79be1650021f38d80ce5521860917560" target="_blank">sewing clips</a>, she secured the edges with the right sides of the fabric together. These clips were easy for her to use and remove as she sewed, avoiding pin pricks and the need for assistance from an adult.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She sewed a straight stitch along one 4" and both 14" sides, leaving the other 4" end open.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After turning the sleeve so the right sides of the fabric faced out, she used a skewer to help reveal the sewn corners when they remained tucked in the sleeve. She filled the bag with between 2 and 2 1/4 cups of<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> uncooked, white rice. On occasion, the skewer helped </span>clear the funnel as she poured the rice in the bag. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Prior to this point, we had discussed different ways to finish the bag, and s<span style="font-family: "verdana";">he chose to use the sewing machine to close the open edge of the full bag with a visible straight stitch. Heating and cooling instructions were handwritten on a tag that she attached to the bag with a safety pin.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">She completed every step of the project on her own, and she was proud of the accomplishment, especially when her teachers expressed their appreciation for her effort.</span><br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v8XaBDIhy5k/Wkj9d12A_mI/AAAAAAAACp4/0Jv12lbAqMU8s47AndePS1n8BUFAzZk8wCLcBGAs/s1600/rice%2Bbags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v8XaBDIhy5k/Wkj9d12A_mI/AAAAAAAACp4/0Jv12lbAqMU8s47AndePS1n8BUFAzZk8wCLcBGAs/s320/rice%2Bbags.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I share this project here because she made a bag for me, and I found it to be quite soothing on tight muscles. Not only do these rice bags make great gifts, they are relatively easy and inexpensive to create. Scout troops could put them together and distribute them as part of a <a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/search?q=service+project" target="_blank">service project</a> - recipients could include family members with a loved one in the hospital, residents in assisted living facilities, women in a residential addiction recovery program, or veterans staying in a <a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/search?q=Fisher+House" target="_blank">Fisher House</a>. Get even more creative and combine the project with a badge the troop is interested in earning. Have fun! And thank you for reading.</span></div>
Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-90983133660783782592017-10-30T16:11:00.000-07:002017-10-30T16:11:59.742-07:00Slumber Party for Tweens, Part 2<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our younger daughter turned 11 this weekend, and she invited a few friends over to celebrate. This lover of art decided to have an arts and crafts themed slumber party. As we bumped around the internet for ideas, we came across <a href="http://momof6.com/">momof6.com</a>. This website provides great inspiration for parties hosted at home. Though our daughter chose activities we have done <a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/2015/06/slumber-party-for-tweens.html" target="_blank">in the past </a></span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">, I wanted to mention the site as a wonderful resource for inspiration.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>Tie Dye Pillowcases</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nd_KrC1bZfE/WfebrlaxbbI/AAAAAAAACo4/SBC84t5LajUPND3ojlZvMnTSAA7_e96CwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_8679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nd_KrC1bZfE/WfebrlaxbbI/AAAAAAAACo4/SBC84t5LajUPND3ojlZvMnTSAA7_e96CwCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_8679.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I bought</span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> pillowcases at a discount store (2 for $2), and I purchased a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M196H53/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01M196H53&linkCode=as2&tag=kapcooandcam-20&linkId=3602eea70114ad47c4f08ffe3aeca58e" target="_blank">Tulip Paradise Punch Tie Dye Kit</a>. After washing the pillowcases, I swirled the fabric and secured each with three rubber bands, following the instructions <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">shown in the kit's directions. </span></span></span>With the pillowcases</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span>prepared, the girls only had to douse them with dye during the party. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">NOTE: While I did wash the pillowcases, I did not use soda ash. We did not use plastic wrap. Instead,</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> we placed each tie dyed pillowcase in a gallon-size zippie bag and let them sit overnight. The next morning, I rinsed the pillowcases in cold water. Be sure to wear gloves! I tossed all of the pillowcases in the washer and ran them through a quick cycle, using hot water. I then threw them in the dryer, pulling them out well in advance of the parents' arrival. As I revealed the designs to the girls, I made sure to emphasize how they all started with the same twisted fabric and the same colors of dye, though their pillowcases turned out differently - each unique and beautiful - just like them.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Alcohol-Inked Ceramic Tiles</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Last year, our older daughter and I attended <a href="http://booksbythebanks.org/" target="_blank">Books by the Banks </a>in Cincinnati, and she had an opportunity to create an alcohol-inked ceramic tile. The instructions are <a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/2016/11/alcohol-inked-ceramic-tiles.html" target="_blank">detailed here</a>, but I thought I'd show one tile created during the party this weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Sketchbook Party Favors</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our daughter loves to draw, and she has many how-to books that have helped her learn to draw <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1600581447/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1600581447&linkCode=as2&tag=kapcooandcam-20&linkId=29223c56182edea7d79b5198d04733b2" target="_blank">Disney Characters </a>, horses, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1600583903/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1600583903&linkCode=as2&tag=kapcooandcam-20&linkId=9b1e474a5765aabbeeccf6d785caf137" target="_blank">Dogs & Puppies,</a> and zoo animals.<b> </b>During the party, she wanted to teach her friends how to draw<b> </b>her favorites. I found sketch pads on clearance and made a cover sheet to personalize one for each girl. I downloaded a free Disney font (this one is "New Walt Disney") and then found sketches of some of her favorite Disney and Pixar characters to copy and paste into a Word document<b> </b>I later printed and glued to the cover. The girls enjoyed drawing, and I instructed them to search for tutorials online at home with permission from a parent or caregiver.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We served</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> pasta, meatballs, garlic bread, and salad for dinner, birthday cake for a snack, and donuts and strawberries for breakfast. When we weren't working on crafts, the girls played games they had created during recess at school. Though our kitchen got a little messy, the girls had a great time! Maybe Scout troops could incorporate these activities into a holiday party. Maybe they could complete badge steps in the process. If you give them a try, I hope you have fun with the kids! Thank you for reading.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-56293763041337419152017-08-14T10:15:00.000-07:002017-08-14T18:37:29.043-07:00Holiday Party Idea for Students and Scouts<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">During the</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <a href="http://christianfictionreadersretreat.blogspot.com/p/home_4.html" target="_blank">Reader Retreat</a> I attended this weekend, author <a href="http://beckywade.com/home/" target="_blank">Becky Wade</a> used M&Ms to illustrate the steps required in the creation of a novel. In this super fun activity, participants passed a bag of the colorful candies around the room. We each took one piece, and the bag was passed around four different times.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">In Round 1, the color of our M&M determined the genre of our novel. We learned the setting of our story in Round 2. The professions of our heroine and hero were discovered in Rounds 3 and 4. We then spent a couple of minutes brainstorming different events that could bring our heroine and hero together. In the next step, we listed her story goal as well as his. Then we wrote and revised the first sentence of our story.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I woke up this morning with the thought that this activity could be fun to try with students during a classroom party or with Scout troops during a holiday party. I spent a few minutes jotting down possible characters and settings for Halloween and Christmas stories. I do realize the Halloween jobs are stereotypical, and I included a couple of faith-based ideas. These can be modified to fit the needs of your group.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>HALLOWEEN</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> Setting Heroine's Role Hero's Role</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Red </b>Castle Cheerleader Cowboy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Orange </b>Haunted House Nurse Pirate</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>Yellow </b>Graveyard Princess Fireman</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Green </b>Pumpkin Patch Witch Football Player</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>Blue </b>on the Moon Baby Superhero/Jedi</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Brown </b>Deep in the Woods Cat Soldier</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">CHRISTMAS</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> Setting Heroine's Role Hero's Role</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Red </b>in Santa's Sleigh Nutcracker Scrooge</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>Orange </b> under the tree Angel Santa</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Yellow </b> Toyland Caroler Grinch </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>Green</b> in a manger Elf Rudolph</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>Blue </b>on the roof Mrs. Claus Frosty</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>Brown </b>on the Polar Express Gingerbread Man Elf</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Depending on the party agenda, you could have the kids stop after the first sentence has been written and ask for volunteers to read them aloud to the group. Or additional time could be given to allow the kids to write a short story. They could illustrate the paper as well, and then this exercise could be considered both a game and a craft. Not only will they be practicing their writing skills, it's free, and there's no clean up. Sounds great to me! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I hope your kids have a great start to the school year. Before we know it, teachers will be asking for classroom party volunteers, and the planning will begin. I wish you the best as you settle into a new routine this fall. As always, thank you for reading.</span></div>
Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-38582168197081861462017-06-16T11:43:00.000-07:002017-06-16T11:43:10.400-07:00Service Project: United Through Reading<!-- x-tinymce/html --><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With Memorial Day memories fresh in my mind, I look ahead and begin preparations for our family's 4th of July festivities. In addition to cookouts, parades, and sparklers, we will make our annual Independence Day donation to the </span><a href="https://www.uso.org/take-action/ways-to-support" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">United Service Organizations </span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(USO). We receive USO mailings on a regular basis, and through one of these packets, I learned about </span><a href="http://www.unitedthroughreading.org/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">United Through Reading</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.unitedthroughreading.org/about-us/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">United Through Reading </span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(UTR) is "dedicated to uniting U.S. military families who face physical separation by facilitating the bonding experience of reading aloud together. UTR creates emotional connections between parents and their children, encourages literacy, and makes homecomings easier."</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.unitedthroughreading.org/military-program/how-to-participate/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How does it work?</span></strong></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> A service member stops by a United Through Reading recording area near his or her duty station. A book is chosen from the UTR library provided, and a video of the service member reading the story is recorded and sent home to the family. The organization's </span><a href="http://www.unitedthroughreading.org/about-us/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">website details the impact </span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">of UTR on the families they serve:</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">81% of participants report a decrease in their children’s anxiety about the deployment</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">88% of participants report an increase in connectedness with deployed service members</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">90% of participants report that participation reduced their own stress during deployment</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">78% of participants report increases in their child’s interest in reading and books</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">83% of UTR recordings are watched nearly every day or more often.</span></li>
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<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More than 80% of participants report that recordings are enjoyed every day or even several times a day. It’s not unusual for children to watch a recorded story 250 times during a ten-month deployment.</span></em><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How can you help? </span></strong><br />
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<li><a href="http://www.unitedthroughreading.org/giving/ways-to-give/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Donations</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> are accepted online, by phone, or by mail. United Through Reading is made possible by generous sponsors and donors. Your gift matters!</span></li>
<li><a href="http://www.unitedthroughreading.org/giving/get-involved/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Volunteer.</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Become part of the United Through Reading Team: event and communications volunteers are needed.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we encourage kids to participate in a Summer Reading Program at a local library or bookstore, and as we guide our Scout troops toward various ways to use the money earned during the Cookie Sale, let's remember our service members and their families and give them a gift they will treasure.</span>Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-37821267542451823582017-06-15T16:27:00.001-07:002017-06-15T16:27:45.491-07:00The Kindness Diaries<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Earlier this spring, our daughters discovered </span><a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80156137" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Kindness Diaries</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> as they scrolled through recommended show selections on Netflix. For readers who may be unfamiliar with this adventurous documentary, here is a description of the series:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Host Leon Logothetis travels the world with only a vintage motorbike and the kindness of strangers, which he pays back in unexpected, inspiring ways."</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we watched each excursion, I was inspired to incorporate his vision in various ways while traveling with our family this summer. I then decided to share my thoughts in this blog post, hoping to encourage other families and even Scout troops to do the same. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When planning a vacation or road trip, people may set aside a discretionary budget for souvenirs. What if your family or Scout troop decided not to buy a t-shirt, cinch sack, fridge magnet, or postcard from the gift shop at your destination, but instead, chose to spend this money to brighten someone's day or make a stranger more comfortable? </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are some pocketbook-friendly ideas:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Buy someone a cup of coffee </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Deliver a doughnut to an unsuspecting recipient</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Treat a stranger to lunch</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fill a person's tank with gas</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Cover another's campsite costs for a night</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pool your money and purchase a blanket for a homeless person</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*If the timing and circumstances are right, consider learning more about the person's story.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I watched Leon travel around the world, my thoughts drifted to </span><a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/search?q=Thinking+Day" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thinking Day</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. If your troop is making plans for their Thinking Day booth, host an overnight for the girls and watch an episode or two of this series for ideas and inspiration on a featured destination. While the show is rated TV-G, I would recommend adults preview the show before viewing with children and asses the appropriateness for your kiddos. Side note: If your troop chooses to learn more about Uganda, consider watching </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KUGYRGG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01KUGYRGG&linkCode=as2&tag=kapcooandcam-20&linkId=100fc94042edccec308f246b4ddbd455" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Queen Of Katwe</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (rated PG). If the girls wish to discover more about India, I recommend </span><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KYYFHGO/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00KYYFHGO&linkCode=as2&tag=kapcooandcam-20&linkId=f4aee3e0c920762153f7a2e29e6bbe65" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Million Dollar Arm</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> (also rated PG). Both are great stories that provide a glimpse of the respective countries and cultures. Again, I recommend adults preview these movies before showing them to the Scouts.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Whether you're heading across the country, setting out on a short road trip, or driving across town to the local pool this summer, remember Leon and his quest. With small acts of kindness, we can make this world a better place. As always, thank you for reading.</span>Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-6176032819009692962017-04-19T08:33:00.000-07:002017-04-19T14:21:52.001-07:00Cupcake Club: March and April<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This spring, the Cupcake Club at my daughter's school experimented with buttercream and flower tips as well as fondant. I'm sharing here in case troop leaders are hosting a spring event for the troop - a craft, snack, and service project in one!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>MARCH</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Club members used Wilton Round Tip #3, Petal Tip #102, and Petal Tip #104, and Leaf Tip #352 to decorate these strawberry cupcakes. Prior to the meeting, I made and colored buttercream before filling various piping bags. Since most of the kids have been introduced to a piping bag at home, I didn't provide instruction unless someone was struggling. Instead, I let them test it out and try different techniques on their own. These cupcakes were donated to a local senior center.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>APRIL</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">As Easter approached, we invited my incredibly talented sister-in-law to be a guest instructor. My daughter chose <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/128141551878699250/" target="_blank">Lynlee's popular Pinterest design</a> for this month's meeting. Club members first iced the carrot cake cupcakes and then dipped them in crushed chocolate graham crackers. Our guest instructor showed them how to make the bunny, and club members worked with her individually to make their rose "cabbages." Huge thanks to Danielle for spending time with us that afternoon. It was their favorite meeting of the year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Danielle's example.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I love how a couple girls made brown bunnies with spots.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">In addition to the Bunny Garden cupcakes, the girls used the Wilton Grass Tip #233 to pipe green grass on the remaining carrot cake cupcakes before decorating them with mini jelly bean "eggs." The cupcakes were donated to a local women's shelter. I'm sure the women and children seeking safety there enjoyed a sweet taste of home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">We're planning a field trip for our last meeting of the year. I invite you to check back soon. Thank you for reading.</span>Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-90886337000237320842017-04-19T07:54:00.000-07:002017-04-19T14:21:02.041-07:00#DuffleShuffle<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While driving around town this morning, I heard a story on the radio about the #<a href="https://www.chnk.org/duffleshuffle/#" target="_blank">DuffleShuffle</a> and felt inspired to share the movement with readers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The number of children in out-of-home care in Northern Kentucky and Hamilton County (Ohio) due to child abuse and neglect is staggering and still on the rise. But this is not just a significant issue in the Cincinnati tri-state area - it's an alarming trend across our nation and the globe. As these children are shuffled from one home to another, they often shove their belongings in garbage bags. They deserve better. When you think about the statistics, it's safe to say our children and teens know someone who is living in transition. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The Children's Home of Northern Kentucky is collecting NEW duffle bags for kids and teens in out-of-home care (e.g., foster care, kinship care, residential treatment) around the Northern Kentucky/Greater Cincinnati area. <b>Please note: </b>There are countless organizations around the world who help abused and neglected children. Donations to those organizations are a blessing to the children they serve.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Around this time of year, troops are counting their profits from the Cookie Sale. While we all want to (and should) do something fun with the money, the Scouts are also encouraged to use a portion of their earnings to serve others. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>How can your troop help?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">1. <i>Buy a NEW duffle</i>. If you'd like to stuff the duffle, check out <a href="https://www.chnk.org/duffleshuffle/#" target="_blank">this link</a> for a list of useful items. They also accept monetary donations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">2. <i>Shuffle and Share</i>.* Record your best shuffling dance moves and share on social media, using #DuffleShuffle </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">3. <i>Duffle Drop</i>. Drop off the duffles at an official Duffle Drop location between now and June 30, 2017.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">*By participating in this movement, Scouts can complete various petals badge steps. Think along the lines of being considerate and caring or friendly and helpful. Are your girls earning a badge with dance requirements? Or do they have to make a video or learn about online safety and use of social media? Some may be learning about budgets. Maybe they could write or draw about the experience to satisfy an additional badge step. There are many creative ways they could with such a project.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">"The combination of your donations, dancing, and duffle bags will both encourage awareness for the kids and their struggles in our area and provide them with a renewed sense of connection and community. We know our efforts are not a solution to ending child abuse and neglect, but our hope is that the Duffle Shuffle moves people to open their hearts and homes to kids in out-of-home care." - </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><a href="https://www.chnk.org/duffleshuffle/#" target="_blank">Children's Home of Northern Kentucky</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">As always, thank you for reading.</span><br />
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<br />Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-63872762535147109872017-02-15T09:58:00.002-08:002017-02-15T09:58:16.756-08:00Cupcake Club: February<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The February Cupcake Club meeting happened to fall on Valentine's Day. We baked red velvet cupcakes, and members decorated them with three different designs:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">1. <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/ASxFofzeFdgQ1oolnB0GDWitE1SvnbgW81Dg6VTxOATmMCag89mJ4pU/">Sweet Heart Cupcakes</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">While I don't have a picture to share, there are beautiful examples provided in this link. The kids were instructed to slice off the top of the cupcake. They set it on a piece of wax paper at the work station. We didn't have heart-shaped cookie cutters in the right size, so the kids used a knife to cut a small heart from the center of the top. After discarding (or eating) the heart, they dusted the top with powdered sugar. They were then asked to spread frosting on the cupcake (the cake in the paper liner) before replacing the top on the cupcake. Once the cupcake had been reassembled, the pink frosting peeked through the heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">2. For the second cupcake, they spread cream cheese frosting on the top and used Wilton sugar hearts in various shades of pink as decorations. Pretty and simple.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">3. <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/128141551878845522/">Love Cupcakes</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Prior to the meeting, I melted a bag of dark chocolate candy melts in the microwave. Once smooth and creamy, I poured the melted candy into a piping bag that was fitted with a small round piping tip. (Caution: bag was quite warm, and the candy dripped from the tip). I wrote the word <i>love</i> on a sheet of wax paper I had taped to the kitchen counter. I then drew hearts and drizzled chocolate through the center. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">If you wish to create beautiful filigree hearts, I would suggest you follow the instructions provided by Martha Stewart <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/273521/chocolate-filigree-hearts">here</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Before heading over to the school, I filled three piping bags with cream cheese frosting I had tinted pink. Club members used large round, closed star, and open star tips (Wilton piping tips 2D and 1M) to frost these cupcakes before adding the chocolate embellishments. The Club's faculty advisor and I were impressed with the improvement in their skills!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">During each meeting, the kids get to enjoy a cupcake, and they donate the rest. Last month, one parent suggested we recognize the school district's bus drivers. After the classroom had been cleaned up, we walked across the parking lot to the bus garage and delivered two trays of holiday cupcakes. The gesture was greatly appreciated, and I thank Emily for the wonderful idea!</span></div>
Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-43903146332545769432017-02-15T09:11:00.001-08:002017-02-15T09:11:46.332-08:00Additional Valentine's Day Party Ideas for Your Troop or Classroom <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the days leading up to yesterday's Valentine's Day party, I had mixed emotions, knowing this was the last time I would get to plan a grade school classroom holiday party. But as they say, when a chapter ends, a new one begins. I'm excited to discover what the future has in store. Since the party was a success, I thought I'd share the agenda. Please note: a couple of the activities listed below are also described in a <a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/2015/02/valentines-day-party-ideas-for-your.html" target="_blank">previous Valentine's Day post</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">A couple weeks before the party, the students voted to decorate card boxes at home. When the party started, we handed out numbered post-it notes to be placed on the desks by each box. The kids formed a line and snaked through the desks, recording the number of their favorite box for each category on a small scrap of paper. There were four categories: cutest, funniest, prettiest, and most creative. They were asked not to vote for themselves, and they were allowed to write the same number for multiple categories. Votes were tallied by an adult while the students began the next activity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Game: Find Your Match. </b> </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This game is a variation of the <a href="http://www.bhg.com/christmas/games/guess-me-icebreaker-christmas-game/?sssdmh=dm17.631983&esrc=nw100d12_5_d99_122412"><span style="color: #cc3300;">Guess Me Icebreaker Game</span></a> that we played during our troop <a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/2014/02/christmas-party-2013.html"><span style="color: #cc3300;">Christmas Party in 2013</span></a>. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I love this game because it is inexpensive and requires little, if any, preparation. </span>It's similar to <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003AIM52A/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003AIM52A&linkCode=as2&tag=kapcooandcam-20&linkId=YURYFLQU3U7LLD5E"><span style="color: #cc3300;">HedBanz</span></a> in the sense that a piece of paper labeled with the name of a well-known character or person is pinned to the back of each participant. Players walk around the room, asking other players "yes" or "no" questions to try to determine his or her identity. Once the player's identity is discovered, the player needs to find his or her match to win the game. This activity works well with larger groups of participants. Here are some suggestions of couples (or male and female characters who are often associated together):</span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Santa and Mrs. Claus Mickey and Minnie Mouse<br /> Barbie and Ken Cinderella and Prince Charming<br /> Belle and Beast Anna and Kristoff<br /> Donald and Daisy Duck Kermit and Miss Piggy<br /> Mario and Peach Superman & Wonder Woman </span><br /><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Harry Potter and Hermione</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Game:</b> <b><a href="http://www.culdesaccool.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Gimme-Your-Heart-Valentines-Candy-Heart-Dice-Game.pdf" target="_blank">Gimme Your Heart Dice Game</a></b> (a variation of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003I64OT6/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003I64OT6&linkCode=as2&tag=kapcooandcam-20&linkId=cc25535b8149508256e0962c02142014" target="_blank">Left Center Right Dice Game</a>) </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">I printed copies of the game instructions--one for each cluster of desks in the classroom. There were four students in each group, and I let them play for fifteen minutes. Huge thanks to the creator of this printable game at <a href="http://culdesaccool.com/">culdesaccool.com</a>! The kids had a blast, and a couple groups played the game twice in the allotted time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">As students enjoyed their snacks, we allowed small groups of kids to pass out their valentines. By combining these two activities, we had more time for games.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">During the final ten minutes of the party, we played Pictionary (girls versus boys). I chose a boy and girl with February birthdays to draw. I gave each team three minutes. Here are the words I selected from an online list of Valentine-related words:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">gift flowers candy kiss </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">card hug cupid heart </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">jewelry mailbox diamond teddy bear</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When I left the party, I headed over to the middle school for the February <a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/2017/01/cupcake-club-december.html">Cupcake Club</a> meeting. I invite you to check back soon to see the cupcakes they decorated this month--a perfect snack for your next Valentine's Day party! Thank you for reading.</span>Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-50342271091018830782017-02-09T10:36:00.000-08:002017-02-09T10:36:00.930-08:00"Cultivating Thoughts" With Your ScoutsMy sixth grader and her classmates had to complete a special assignment modeled after Chipotle's "Cultivating Thoughts" essay contest. In Language Arts, they read <a href="http://www.citypages.com/restaurants/st-paul-central-students-crushing-sardines-essay-wins-20000-from-chipotle-8215840" target="_blank">Fue Xiong's essay "Two Minutes About Sardines"</a> and were asked to write a narrative story about a time when food created a lasting memory. The stories and a snack donated by Chipotle will be shared by the students at school tomorrow. A more detailed description of the assignment can be found on my <a href="http://lauriestroupsmith.com/2017/02/09/chipotle-inspired-two-minutes-about-writing-prompt/" target="_blank">website</a>.<br />
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I love this idea, and I brainstormed ways to incorporate it with Girl Scouts. As you continue reading this post, I encourage you to consider how these ideas could work within your individual troop, for troops at your school, and for troops in your Service Unit. <br />
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<li><a href="http://www.citypages.com/restaurants/st-paul-central-students-crushing-sardines-essay-wins-20000-from-chipotle-8215840" target="_blank">Read Xiong's essay</a> to the girls.</li>
<li>Choose an idea from the list below.</li>
<li>Girls write narratives. Details can be found <a href="http://lauriestroupsmith.com/2017/02/09/chipotle-inspired-two-minutes-about-writing-prompt/" target="_blank">here</a>.</li>
<li>Print the essays on brown paper bags (or use a glue stick to adhere printer paper to the bag).</li>
<li>Distribute bags to the girls.</li>
<li>Share a snack.</li>
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<b>Thinking Day</b><br />
After the Thinking Day ceremony, have girls write a narrative about the state or country they chose to represent. They could choose to write the story from a local person's point of view or from the point of view of a visitor.<br />
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Or have them write a narrative as a Girl Scout in the chosen state or country.<br />
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<b>Juliette Gordon Low and Girl Scout Birthday</b><br />
To celebrate the founder of Girl Scouts or organization's birthday, girls could:<br />
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<li>listen to leaders present facts about Juliette Gordon Low's life</li>
<li>read a story about her</li>
<li>research the founder of Girl Scouts on their own</li>
</ul>
Write a narrative. Consider:<br />
<ul>
<li>writing from Juliette's point of view</li>
<li>How has her work with early scouting impacted your life?</li>
</ul>
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<b>Juniors Scribe badge</b>--satisfy a step or two for this badge, depending on your interpretations of the steps.<br />
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<b>Service Projects</b><br />
Ask the girls to choose their favorite service project. They may wish to consider the following when making a decision:<br />
<ul>
<li>A service project completed this school year</li>
<li>Favorite service project completed as a Girl Scout</li>
<li>The most enjoyable service project</li>
<li>The service project that made the biggest impact (on her or on those served)</li>
</ul>
Write a narrative about the project. Again, they can write from a personal point of view or from the point of view of those being served.<br />
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These thoughts are the product of a quick brainstorm. If you have additional ideas, please comment below, and I can update the post. Thank you for reading!Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-69132308849550195472017-01-20T07:11:00.002-08:002017-01-20T07:11:46.323-08:00Cupcake Club: January Meeting and Bake Sale<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In a <a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/2017/01/cupcake-club-december.html" target="_blank">previous post</a>, I explained how my daughter started a Cupcake Club at her middle school this year, how I got involved, and how to incorporate the ideas (including service projects, badge steps, and troop celebrations) during your next Scout meeting. In my experience as a troop leader, there were times when we needed to supplement Cookie Sale profits in order to meet troop goals. In our Girl Scout Council, if you have a fundraiser outside of Fall Product and Cookie Sales, the girls must provide a service. Since the Cupcake Club plans to donate cupcakes throughout the community after each month's meeting, I thought I'd share what worked and didn't work for us in case your troop is interested in a similar event.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">About 20 students returned permission slips to the club's faculty advisor, but we had no idea how many kids would join us in December. I spent about $15 on box cake mixes, frosting, and candy for that meeting. If all 20 kids showed up, they could each decorate two cupcakes. As it turned out, we had about a dozen kids, so they each decorated four cupcakes. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Knowing we have five more meetings on the calendar (and being new to the middle school scene as a parent), I spoke with the faculty advisor, school principal, and PTO President about funding. It was suggested we host a bake sale. Our January meeting fell on a Tuesday, and the girls' basketball teams were scheduled to play the next day. With last-minute approval, we developed a plan and kept our fingers crossed. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I baked 90 cupcakes for the kids to decorate and spent about $35 on ingredients and a handful of supplies. To save money, I raided our kitchen cabinets to see what the students could use. In staying true to my daughter's vision for the club and wanting variety for the bake sale, I decided to have four stations at the meeting:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">1. Vanilla cupcakes with vanilla frosting and multicolored sprinkles. At this same station, there were marble cupcakes with chocolate frosting and multicolored sprinkles. Plastic knives were provided to spread the frosting and spoons for the sprinkles.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">2. Vanilla cupcakes with vanilla icing, which I dyed orange and purple (school colors for our team and their opponents). Using a knife, I filled piping bags with both colors. The closed and open star tips (Wilton piping tips 2D and 1M) gave the <a href="http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/how-to-make-swirled-frosting/" target="_blank">swirled frosting a fancy twist.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">3. Chocolate cupcakes were cored at this station and filled with marshmallow cream. Prior to the meeting, I mixed some Marshmallow Fluff with a scoop of vanilla frosting. I snipped the ends of two piping bags and filled them with the marshmallow (no piping tips necessary). At this station, there was a plastic knife, a baby spoon, a cupcake corer, and a melon baller for the kids to use to remove the core of the cupcake.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">4. The chocolate cupcakes were topped with chocolate frosting (Wilton piping tip 2A). The kids then piped vanilla snowflakes on the cupcakes (Wilton piping tip 3 or plastic baggies with a tiny hole snipped off one corner).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They also decorated a large sheet of poster board with Sharpies, advertising the club's name and the price of the cupcakes ($1).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Since we only have an hour together, I prepared everything in advance. Supplies were loaded in plastic shopping bags labeled with the station number, which made set-up super quick. Our meetings are in a classroom, so I made sure to have wax paper or paper towels for their work stations. This made clean up easy. About half a dozen kids agreed to work the bake sale the following afternoon.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>For the Bake Sale:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">cupcakes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">poster (and tape)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">vinyl tablecloth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">container for donations</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">change (fives and singles) and envelope</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">napkins</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">paper towels</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">foil pan and foil (for donation of leftover cupcakes)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>NOTE: </b>Attendance at girls' middle school basketball games is low. Don't choose convenience like I did. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The kids only sold a third of the cupcakes they decorated, but I was so proud of their problem-solving skills. They asked the athletic director for permission to take their sign on the court at halftime and between games to advertise their sale. They discussed which cupcakes were selling more or less than others. Then they asked if they could host another bake sale at the boys' games the next week. It was suggested the cupcakes be frozen, and we were given approval for another bake sale.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>NOTE:</b> The purple and orange frosting was replaced with vanilla and chocolate swirl, which proved to be a best seller.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>Bake Sale: Round 2</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">A much more successful endeavor! At the end of the sale, the kids had about a dozen cupcakes left. We delivered them to the staff at a transitional care center down the street from the school. Knowing we only have enough funds for one more meeting after we reimburse for previous purchases, efforts are being made to contact the families of club members to figure out the best way to proceed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Though it proved to be a great deal of work for me on the front end, I turned it over to club members at the games. It was good for them to face disappointment as they did in Round 1. Similar to the Girl Scout cookie sale experience, they worked together and learned valuable skills while having fun. Wishing you success during this Cookie Sale season! Thank you for reading. </span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span>Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-28482948711925885012017-01-18T08:44:00.004-08:002017-01-18T08:44:51.270-08:00Thinking Day Thoughts<b><span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In November, our family went on a mission trip to <a href="http://lauriestroupsmith.com/2016/12/12/go-nicaragua-2016-the-author-of-the-story/" target="_blank">Nicaragua</a>. Our team dug trenches and helped with the construction of a school in two different communities during our week there. When we returned to the States, my daughters came across the book <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0547577311/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0547577311&linkCode=as2&tag=kapcooandcam-20&linkId=eaa896f72f49c58855ed6d369b7d49cf" target="_blank"><i>A Long Walk to Water: Based on a True Story</i></a><i> </i>by Linda Sue Park. This novel is written from the point of view of two 11-year-olds in Sudan. The book covers both history and geography and exposes readers to the harsh realities of life for people in other parts of the world. It is a story of hope and perseverance, and the book provides a reason to discuss how to get involved and make a difference in this world. Please note this book is written for readers ages 10 and up. There are several sad and frightening sections that may upset younger readers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As in Nicaragua, access to clean water is a huge issue for many Sudanese communities. Days are spent getting water to survive, yet the water is not safe to drink. <i> A Long Walk to Water</i> struck a chord in our family, and it got me thinking...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><a href="http://www.girlscouts.org/en/about-girl-scouts/global/world-thinking-day.html" target="_blank">World Thinking Day</a> is February 22nd. This year's global theme is <i><a href="https://www.wagggs.org/en/what-we-do/world-thinking-day/" target="_blank">Grow</a></i>. While the intent is to invite other girls to join in the Girl Scout Movement, two goals for Thinking Day are:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><br />
<ul></ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"></span><ul><span style="font-family: "verdana";">
<li>Take action and speak out on issues we most care about</li>
<li>Make a difference by fundraising for projects around the world</li>
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">
<div>
In Nicaragua,<a href="http://amigosforchrist.org/" target="_blank"> Amigos for Christ</a> comes alongside community leaders to help improve the standard of living for people there. They also build into the spiritual lives of the people they meet.</div>
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<a href="http://www.waterforsouthsudan.org/" target="_blank">Water for South Sudan</a> is the organization highlighted in <i>A Long Walk to Water</i>. As in Nicaragua, the villagers provide labor to drill the wells, and one well may serve thousands of people. With clean water, women and children don't have to</div>
</span><div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">spend their days walking for water. Kids can go to school, which promises a brighter future. With a well, there are healthier pregnancies, and marketplaces can be supported. <a href="http://www.waterforsouthsudan.org/how-wfss-transforms-lives/" target="_blank">"Where safe water flows, life can blossom."</a> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">As your girls consider their options for Thinking Day this year, I encourage you to introduce them to <i>A Long Walk to Water</i>. Read the book on your own and modify the story for younger girls. Maybe they'll be moved to choose to learn more about Nicaragua or Sudan this February. "Where safe water flows, life can blossom. #LetsGrow" would look great on a poster! Both organizations mentioned in this post offer a variety of ways to <a href="http://amigosforchrist.org/give/" target="_blank">get involved and give</a>. Water for South Sudan provides helpful tips on their website for <a href="http://www.waterforsouthsudan.org/take-action/" target="_blank">organizing a fundraiser</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">While bumping around the WFSS website, I learned about the <a href="http://www.waterforsouthsudan.org/h20-project/" target="_blank">H2O Project</a>:</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Make water your only beverage for 2 weeks.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Save the money you would usually spend on beverages.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana";">After 2 weeks, donate the money you saved and give someone clean water for a lifetime.</span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Just think of the money that could be raised by your family, Girl Scout troop, school, or Service Unit! If your troop chooses such a challenge, I'd love to hear about it. Thank you for reading.</span></div>
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<br />Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-13762416158557905392017-01-07T11:19:00.000-08:002017-01-07T11:19:02.494-08:00Cupcake Club: December<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My older daughter moved up to the middle school for sixth grade this year. She considered joining several clubs before deciding to begin the Cupcake Club. For the idea to be considered by admin<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">istrators</span>, she had to draft a proposal. She and I discussed possible questions the teachers may have about the club, and she composed a plan to present to the school's front office. The proposal was accepted, and a teacher agreed to be the club's advisor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The group met after school one afternoon in October to discuss how the participants would obtain cupcakes, frosting, and supplies for the meetings. They also shared favorite flavor combinations and possible themes for future meetings. The club did not meet in November, and I helped with the December meeting.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My daughter baked two batches of Christmas Funfetti cupcakes the evening before the meeting. We bought two tubs of vanilla frosting, and the kids used a bag of Rolos, and a large bag of M&Ms to decorate the cupcakes as ornaments as <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/134615476335890842/" target="_blank">pictured here</a>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gEaoT2YZXKk/WHEzGwbH4FI/AAAAAAAAChc/U1N_QGa5qhIBf9sn-6-jL-_WzLQ41vjAACLcB/s1600/IMG_7279adj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gEaoT2YZXKk/WHEzGwbH4FI/AAAAAAAAChc/U1N_QGa5qhIBf9sn-6-jL-_WzLQ41vjAACLcB/s400/IMG_7279adj.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">fter <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">enjoying one of their creations<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">club members</span> agreed to donate the remaining treats to the police <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">and fir<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">e <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">stations around the corner from the school. (I wish I could post a group picture, but I don't have permission).</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lrpN2QxBis/WFSb1DdMtHI/AAAAAAAACg8/auvqeDvw05AmogydCdaB7guKMeD0M1gyQCLcB/s1600/Cupcake%2BClub%2BDec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6lrpN2QxBis/WFSb1DdMtHI/AAAAAAAACg8/auvqeDvw05AmogydCdaB7guKMeD0M1gyQCLcB/s320/Cupcake%2BClub%2BDec.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The next time your Girl Scout troop <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">is preparing for <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">holiday </span>parties and service projects, <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">recreate your own Cupc<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ake Club<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Girls w<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ill have fun decorating cupcakes (craft)<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Th<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ey could <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">enj<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">oy one <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(snack) before heading out to del<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">iver the rest<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> (service project). <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What a great way to celebrate Juliette Gordon Low's birthday or the birthday of the Girl Scouts! In addition, your girls could <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">s<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">atisfy a badge step for the Brownies Snack badge <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">or the Juniors<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Sim<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ple Meals badge. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Cupcake Club meets<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> again this</span> week<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> to decorate cupcakes they'll sell <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">during a Bake Sale during <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">basketball games<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> at the school. </span></span></span></span></span>I<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">'ll <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">let you know how it goes. As always, thank you for reading!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span>Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-35136989599212395942016-12-30T10:35:00.000-08:002016-12-30T10:35:46.652-08:00Service Project: Angel Tree<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cookie sales are right around the corner. As your troop decides how to spend profits this year, I invite your girls to consider making a financial contribution to a program like <a href="https://www.prisonfellowship.org/" target="_blank">Prison Fellowship</a>. According to <a href="https://www.prisonfellowship.org/why-help-prisoners/" target="_blank">their website</a>, 2.2 million men and women are incarcerated. 95% of prisoners are
released, meaning 600,000 will return to their communities this year.
Two out of three will be rearrested, leaving 2.7 million children with a
parent in prison.</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EeCGINBjOZU/WGaom1lyG_I/AAAAAAAAChM/kZ1YpkTtJQYGbhJO156rKOEYoBpt9bpFACLcB/s1600/IMG_8329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EeCGINBjOZU/WGaom1lyG_I/AAAAAAAAChM/kZ1YpkTtJQYGbhJO156rKOEYoBpt9bpFACLcB/s400/IMG_8329.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One of the many ways <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">this organization</span> helps prisoners is through <a href="https://www.prisonfellowship.org/about/angel-tree/" target="_blank">Angel Tree</a>. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Several churches team up with this national organization to provide unique gifts to children with an incarcerated parent. I described the process in detail in <a href="https://lauriestroupsmith.com/2016/12/18/angel-tree/" target="_blank">this blog post</a>. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Many caregivers request socks and underwear, coats, and pajamas as the
clothing gift. Often, families will suggest two clothing gifts,
providing sizes and favorite colors or characters. Our family has been involved with this program at our church for years. Our daughters enjoy
choosing tags for kids around their ages who have requested coats or
pajamas. Both girls sit at my laptop with a calculator, and we shop on
Kohls.com. Through this service project, our kids have practiced the
valuable life skill of working within a budget as well as learning to
save money through the use of coupons. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By participating in Angel Tree, Girl Scouts can satisfy steps for the following <a href="http://forgirls.girlscouts.org/home/badgeexplorer/#marketing" target="_blank">badges</a> (please note this is not an all-inclusive list):</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Daisy--Making Choices and Talk It Up</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Brownies--Money Manager, Give Back, and <a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/search/label/Philanthropist%20Badge" target="_blank">Philanthropist</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Cadette--Budgeting and Comparison Shopping</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">the </span></span>weeks leading up to Christmas, I heard a Angel Tree radio announcement: there <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">we</span>re still
29,000 children who would love to receive a gift from their incarcerated
parents. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Though Chris<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">tmas is <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">behind us, <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">you can still make an impac<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">t.</span></span></span> </span>In addition <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">to <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">provid</span>ing </span>Christmas gifts to children with an incarcerated pare<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">nt, Angel Tree offers additional ways to get invo<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">lved </span>throughout the year. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For example, p</span>r<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">isoners' children have an opportun<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ity to go to <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Angel Tree <a href="https://www.prisonfellowship.org/site/about/angel-tree/camping/" target="_blank">Su</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.prisonfellowship.org/site/about/angel-tree/camping/" target="_blank">m</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.prisonfellowship.org/site/about/angel-tree/camping/" target="_blank">mer Camp</a>.<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When you <a href="https://prisonfellowship.webconnex.com/bkv/at2015?match=1&sc=WB1736A03&_ga=1.142268593.2059918263.1482193342" target="_blank">donate today</a>,</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> “a matching grant will help reach TWICE as many children.” <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">T</span>he matching grant expires at <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">midnight on December 31, 2016. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Wishing you all a fun and safe New<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Ye<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ar!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-38704903711922172512016-12-16T04:12:00.000-08:002016-12-16T12:24:50.390-08:00Christmas Party for the Classroom or Your Troop<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The games have been planned, and the supplies have been gathered for my fourth grader's class Christmas/Winter party this <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">afternoon</span>. I have shared our past class and troop <a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/search/label/Christmas%20party" target="_blank">party plans on this blog</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. T</span>his year I chose to incorporate activities that required few supplies and little, if any, preparation. I always plan more than I think we'll finish because I prefer <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">to keep the students busy</span>. Here is this year's agenda:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SAiY3QOZeoA/V-7LNWkqcpI/AAAAAAAACdU/qtCxmNUk15YBoOG5Rh31Wd_FOhhSQnnUQCPcB/s1600/IMG_6582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SAiY3QOZeoA/V-7LNWkqcpI/AAAAAAAACdU/qtCxmNUk15YBoOG5Rh31Wd_FOhhSQnnUQCPcB/s400/IMG_6582.JPG" width="300" /></a></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b> 1. Draw, Write, Draw.</b> I was prepared to have the kids play this game at the Halloween party, but we didn't get to it. I loved the idea, and I thought it would be fun to try at this party. The desks are arranged in clusters of four or five throughout the classroom. We will give each desk cluster a winter theme. The first student will write a sentence about the theme. The next student will draw a picture about the sentence. The paper will be folded to hide the original sentence and passed to the next student who will then write another sentence about the drawing. The process is repeated until everyone has a chance to participate. Then students unfold the paper and share the stories. Here is a picture from the example posted at Halloween.<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><b> </b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Update:</b> Here are the them<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">es <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">we gave <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">to <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">each desk cluster<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> for Dr<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">aw-Write-Draw</span>:</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Snow<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">man Sledding</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hat<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">s and Mittens Holiday Treats</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Santa and <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His El<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ves</span></span> </span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Christmas Tree</span> </span> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>2. <a href="http://gameshows.about.com/od/minutetowinitgames/g/face_the_cookie.htm" target="_blank">Face the Cookie </a>.</b> This fun Minute-to-Win-It game is sure to entertain a group of school-aged kids. Give each student a cookie<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.</span> The kids must move the cookie from their forehead to their mouth without using their hands. Set a timer for one minute. Repeat as time allows.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>3. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3064933332906371169#editor/target=post;postID=8251049209976064843;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=5;src=postname" target="_blank">Pass the Book</a></b>. This is one of my favorite party activities<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. </span>I <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">will</span> read </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Snowmen at Christmas</i> as I have in the past, but instead of wrapping activity books for prizes, I found these National Geographic books at Dollar Tree.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FED3wUKbVg8/WEtVde91rNI/AAAAAAAACgs/nsoEI2BQ54I6R__xTd_VkH_Cfrv5kwkOQCLcB/s1600/IMG_7213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FED3wUKbVg8/WEtVde91rNI/AAAAAAAACgs/nsoEI2BQ54I6R__xTd_VkH_Cfrv5kwkOQCLcB/s320/IMG_7213.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4. <a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/2015/06/slumber-party-for-tweens.html" target="_blank"><b>Pasta Pick-Up</b></a>. Place six uncooked
pieces of penne pasta near the edge of a table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Give the player an uncooked spaghetti noodle to hold in her mouth and
use to try and pick up the penne noodles. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5. <a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/2013/11/christmas-party-2012.html" target="_blank"><b>Minute-to-Win-It Cup Stack</b>.</a> Divide the <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">class or troop into teams and have them race to stack 15 <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">cups in a pyramid. Ea<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ch participant <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">build<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">s the pyramid and then <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">stacks the cups for the next person. For smaller groups,<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> set a timer for one minute for each in<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">dividual.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">6. <b><a href="http://www.birthdaypartyideas4kids.com/christmas-would-you-rather.html" target="_blank">Would You Rather</a></b>. There are many lists available online<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> from which to choose. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I printed a copy and highlighted 15 statements. If there's time, <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">the students wil<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">l move from one side of the classroom to the other based on the<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ir reaction to the </span>statement read.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Two parents offered to donate holiday cupcakes and drinks for the party. We will have the students return to their seats in the final fifteen minutes of the party for to enjoy the treats.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/2016/12/craft-fingerprint-christmas-lights-for.html" target="_blank"><b>Fingerprint Light Strand Gift for Teacher</b>.</a> I originally planned to pull kids to a separate station during the party to add their fingerprint to this canvas. After additional consideration, I decided to visit school <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">prior to the p<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">arty </span></span>and ha<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">d</span> the kids complete the project during indoor recess. </span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJLtC6fIJs8/WEF030mW4EI/AAAAAAAACgA/q4qT37UsgwkD5ZOU3gD7_d0XvV7uI-ihwCPcB/s1600/IMG_7217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pJLtC6fIJs8/WEF030mW4EI/AAAAAAAACgA/q4qT37UsgwkD5ZOU3gD7_d0XvV7uI-ihwCPcB/s400/IMG_7217.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>GENERAL PARTY AGENDA:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1:30 - 1:45pm Draw, Write, Draw</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1:45 - 1:55pm Face the Cookie</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1:55 - 2:05pm Pasta Pick-Up</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2:05 - 2:15pm Book Pass</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2:15 - 2:30pm Snack</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*Cup Stack and Would You Rather, as time allows.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Thank you for reading. </span>Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-44067507687842988422016-12-09T06:53:00.002-08:002016-12-09T06:53:33.136-08:00Craft: Photo Letters. Great Gifts.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oryx-PNzLiU/WEq5zZbN4qI/AAAAAAAACgU/KetuRjMYftc2XxGmzRjOiNo5fksirTUoQCLcB/s1600/IMG_7232.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oryx-PNzLiU/WEq5zZbN4qI/AAAAAAAACgU/KetuRjMYftc2XxGmzRjOiNo5fksirTUoQCLcB/s400/IMG_7232.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
To celebrate Christmas with a good friend, we will meet for pancakes as is our annual tradition. Though we don't typically exchange gifts, I wanted to show my appreciation for her support this year. Earlier this spring, I made <a href="https://lauriestroupsmith.com/" target="_blank">writing a priority</a>, and my friend has encouraged me along the way. I came across a variety of <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/explore/photo-letters/" target="_blank">photo letters on Pinterest</a>, and I thought this would be the perfect accessory for her office. There are numerous tutorials available online. I'm not trying to recreate the wheel, but I think this project could be fun for the girls in your troop--as a craft or a gift.<br />
<br />
<b>SUPPLIES:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>paper mache letters ($2.99 at Hobby Lobby)</li>
<li>photos*</li>
<li>scissors </li>
<li>ribbon</li>
<li>paint</li>
<li>paintbrushes</li>
<li>Mod Podge</li>
<li>hot glue gun or tacky glue (ribbon)</li>
</ul>
*Making multiple letters? Can the same pictures be used? Save money by printing wallet-sized photos. Not only will a greater portion of the image fit on the letter, but you get two prints of the picture with your order.<br />
*The number of photos needed depends on the images. Eight photos fit on the <i>S</i>.<br />
<br />
<b>GREAT HOLIDAY OR END-OF-YEAR GIFTS FOR:</b><br />
Girl Scout Troop Leaders<br />
Girl Scouts* <br />
Teachers <br />
Coaches<br />
Sunday School Teachers <br />
<br />
<b>*GIRL SCOUTS</b> <br />
<ul>
<li>Incorporate this project into your Christmas or Winter party. You may need a few extra adult volunteers to help with tracing and piecing the pictures together, but I would have tried this project with our girls when they were Juniors.</li>
<li>Choose pictures of troop activities and this would make a cute bridging gift. </li>
</ul>
Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-9626988982257419352016-12-02T05:32:00.000-08:002016-12-02T05:32:32.352-08:00Craft: Fingerprint Christmas Lights for Teachers, Coaches, and Scout Troop Leaders<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Looking for a fun and inexpensive holiday gift for teachers, coaches, and troop leaders this year? I came across <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/547820742157561177/" target="_blank">this canvas on Pinterest</a>: a painted strand of Christmas lights <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">spells</span> out the word <i>love</i>, and fingerprints a<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">re</span> the lights. After brainstorming for several minutes, I decided this craft <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">could easily be modified<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span>just by changing the word.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>F<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">or </span>Teachers:</b> learn, teach, educate, instruct, cooperate, school, name of subject (example: reading, writing, science), <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">name of the school, school mascot</span>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*After listing these words off the top of my head, I discovered a website of <a href="https://myvocabulary.com/" target="_blank">vocabulary lists</a>. I bumped around for a few minutes, finding lists for various subjects and areas of interests.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>For Coaches:</b> coach, teamwork, team, together, name of the sport (example: basketball), sport specific words (example: dribble), aggressive, defense, practice. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*Check out <a href="https://myvocabulary.com/word-listing/sports-vocabulary/" target="_blank">this website</a> for additional sport-specific words.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>For Scout Troop Leaders:</b> leader, leadership, courage, confidence, character, Scouts, Girl Scouts, trefoil, promise, badges, level of Scouts (example: Brownies). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*<a href="https://myvocabulary.com/word-list/girl-scouts-vocabulary/" target="_blank">This Girl Scouts vocabulary list</a> provides additional ideas.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I thought this Christmas canvas would be fun to do with my daughter's fourth grade class during their winter party as a gift for their teacher. Knowing there are 24 students in the class, I chose the word <i>learn </i>and purchased a<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span>canvas <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">with a<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">dequate space </span></span>(8"x16"). I found a three-pack at Hobby Lobby for $7.99. With the 40% off coupon, the canvas package cost around $5 ($1.67 each). I also picked up a 6"x6" stand for $4. I chose to use black, red, blue, yellow, and green paint, which I already had on hand. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As I <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">painted the <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">black str<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ing and sockets</span></span>,</span> I made a couple mistakes <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">but</span> decided</span> to continue for practice. My daughters took turns placing their <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">thumb</span>prints on the canvas, and we alternated the colors of the lights along the way. Here is the finished practice run<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">in the stand</span></span>:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJLtC6fIJs8/WEF030mW4EI/AAAAAAAACf4/C9WlX80_ne4t2GKYhUfjNIzfp_a9CJACwCLcB/s1600/IMG_7217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pJLtC6fIJs8/WEF030mW4EI/AAAAAAAACf4/C9WlX80_ne4t2GKYhUfjNIzfp_a9CJACwCLcB/s400/IMG_7217.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Take Two! <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here</span> is the prepared canvas the students will finish for their teacher in a couple weeks.<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> They will use a Sha<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">r<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">p<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ie to sign their names on the back of the canvas.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhMpT9FGXcU/WEF01CuLkII/AAAAAAAACf8/2cRMl6f4OFIq3bHyKYlF2faSRVKHC5nDQCEw/s1600/IMG_7218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhMpT9FGXcU/WEF01CuLkII/AAAAAAAACf8/2cRMl6f4OFIq3bHyKYlF2faSRVKHC5nDQCEw/s400/IMG_7218.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'll be sure to update this post with a picture of the finished project. I hope you enjoy th<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">is</span> holiday season with family and friends. Merry Christmas<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">!<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span>Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-72744827067432256882016-11-10T06:42:00.002-08:002016-11-10T06:42:48.497-08:00Blackout PoetryLast month, my 11-year-old daughter and I attended <a href="http://booksbythebanks.org/" target="_blank">Books by the Banks</a> in Cincinnati. While she was preoccupied with <a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/2016/11/alcohol-inked-ceramic-tiles.html" target="_blank">alcohol-inked ceramic tiles </a>and activities that taught her how to solder and create a paper circuit with copper tape and a LED diode, my eye was drawn to the Blackout Poetry station at the end of the table. For more details about the time we spent at this event, please visit <a href="http://lauriestroupsmith.com/2016/11/10/blackout-poetry/" target="_blank">this post</a> I've published on my website.<br />
<br />
A few days after the event, I decided I wanted to create my own example
of Blackout Poetry for this post. I pulled out the pages provided at
the event and read over the text, drawing boxes around words to form a poem. I illustrated my poem with Sharpie markers.
Instead of drawing footprints on a beach, I could have chosen to sketch a
pattern or design.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wnFm6tJNDFI/WCPJWSqZplI/AAAAAAAACfk/Qy4aBzzqTwcnKDtcYt9mwpO3AMXrr1KhwCLcB/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wnFm6tJNDFI/WCPJWSqZplI/AAAAAAAACfk/Qy4aBzzqTwcnKDtcYt9mwpO3AMXrr1KhwCLcB/s400/003.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
The words I chose to highlight read as follows:<br />
<br />
walking<br />
alone<br />
There’s nothing.<br />
dead silence<br />
wipe the sweat<br />
inspect the damage<br />
I know the path<br />
I keep walking.<br />
I feel…tired.<br />
<br />
Any sheet of paper with printed words will work for this activity–consider pages from a
book, newspaper, or magazine. Try different mediums to achieve the
desired effect–crayons, markers, colored pencils, or paint. With Blackout Poetry, the possibilities are endless.<br />
<br />
<br />
How can you incorporate this activity with your Girl Scout troop? <br />
<ul>
<li>Provide supplies at the next troop holiday party. The printed pages can be related to the party theme.</li>
<li>Print pages about Juliette Gordon Low for a JGL or Girl Scout Birthday celebration.</li>
<li>Copy a page from The Brownie Story (<a href="http://www.girlscoutshop.com/THE-BROWNIE-GIRLS-GUIDE-TO-GIRL-SCOUTING" target="_blank">The Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting</a> or a related website).</li>
<li>Before or after your troop bridges, find a page from a ceremony script or a related story. </li>
<li>For Juniors working on the <a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/2016/01/craft-stuck-in-snow-globe.html" target="_blank">Scribe badge</a>, this activity satisfies Step 1 (Start with a Poem).</li>
<li>For Juniors working on the <a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/2015/12/junior-girl-scouts-badge-drawing.html" target="_blank">Drawing badge</a>, this activity satisfies Step 1 (Experiment with Different Shading Materials). In fact, depending on what is drawn, girls could satisfy all the steps with this activity.</li>
<li>Plan some time for Blackout Poetry during a <a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/2015/03/self-esteem-workshop-for-girl-scouts.html" target="_blank">Self-Esteem Workshop. </a>This activity offers girls a different avenue for expression, and it's another way to emphasize how special and unique each individual is.</li>
</ul>
I've presented several ways to introduce Blackout Poetry to the girls in your troop. I'm sure readers will come up with other applications. Please feel free to post your art in the comments section below. I'd love to see it! Thank you for reading.<br />
<br />Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-18329260854156385612016-11-09T15:43:00.003-08:002016-11-09T15:43:29.358-08:00Alcohol-Inked Ceramic TilesOn October 15th, my 11-year-old daughter and I attended <a href="http://booksbythebanks.org/" target="_blank">Books by the Banks</a> in Cincinnati. This "day-long festival, which is free and open to the public, features
national, regional, and local authors and illustrators; book signings;
panel discussions; and activities for the entire family to enjoy." And enjoy, we did! In this post, I will highlight alcohol-inked ceramic tiles, one of the many different activities offered at the event to readers who visited <a href="http://booksbythebanks.org/teen-scene/" target="_blank">Teen Scene</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0RgnB3mXJLw/WCOvAkF_0WI/AAAAAAAACfU/aKjbve2W4qEnHPPFQIghypsEO-nmmh7NwCLcB/s1600/003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0RgnB3mXJLw/WCOvAkF_0WI/AAAAAAAACfU/aKjbve2W4qEnHPPFQIghypsEO-nmmh7NwCLcB/s400/003.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>Supplies:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Ceramic tiles--4"x4" or 4.5"x4.5". These tiles are relatively inexpensive and can be picked up at home improvement stores.</li>
<li>Alcohol Ink. I found 3-packs of Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Ink online for $10. I would
look for the inks at a craft store where I could use coupon. </li>
<li>Rubbing Alcohol </li>
<li>Tissues or cotton balls</li>
</ul>
<b>Procedure:</b><br />
<ul>
<li>Use a tissue or cotton ball to wipe the tile with rubbing alcohol.</li>
<li>Apply drops of alcohol ink to the tile. </li>
<li>Allow the ink to dry. Other readers returned after about 10 to 15 minutes to retrieve their tiles. By this time, the ink had dried enough to transport the tiles home.</li>
</ul>
<b>NOTES:</b><br />
*When my daughter made her tile, she dripped a complimentary color of
ink on top of another drop, which resulted in a cool blending of
colors. Beware though, too much ink will cause the colors to bleed into
an unpleasant brown. <br />
*While the price of the alcohol ink could pose a problem for the troop budget, keep in mind I was assured the ink goes a long way by the volunteer working this station.<br />
<br />
This would be a fun craft to do during a troop party or meeting. Maybe incorporate it into a <a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/2015/03/self-esteem-workshop-for-girl-scouts.html" target="_blank">Self-Esteem Workshop</a> and celebrate each girl's unique qualities alongside the beautiful tiles. Or think outside the box and plan for your Brownies to create these tiles to satisfy Step 3 (Paint a Mood) and/or Step 4 (Paint without Brushes) for the <a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/2013/02/brownie-badge-painting.html" target="_blank">Painting badge</a>.<br />
<br />
I invite you to check back soon. In my next post, I will share another activity offered during the Books by the Banks event and explain how it can be incorporated in your next troop meeting. Thank you for reading. <br />
<br />Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-84356983895057486752016-09-30T13:46:00.000-07:002016-09-30T13:46:06.212-07:00Halloween Party Ideas for the Classroom or Your Troop<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm a Room Parent in my 4th grader's class this year, and I'm co-planning the Halloween party with another mother.<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Afte<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">r bumping around Pinter<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">est, <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">we</span> comp<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">iled a li<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">st of the following activities that are sur<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">e to entertain the crowd:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1. Cursive Name Skeletons</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Art teacher Michelle Osborne share<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">s</span> step-by-step instructions for this <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">super cute craft <a href="https://tinyartroom.wordpress.com/2014/09/29/cursive-skeletons/">here</a>.<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The cost to complete this pro<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ject is minimal<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, requiring only </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">white paper, black paper, g<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">lue<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, and scissors<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. Plea<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">se note </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Miss Osborne allowed her students to embellish their projects with colorful <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">paper</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> as well, and the<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> finished product was pretty cool.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2. Story Telling Game</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Prior to the party, w<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">rite various Hallowee<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">n-related words on slips of paper. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Fold the papers and toss them in a plastic pumpkin. Have the students sit in a circ<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">le. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pass the pumpkin around<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> and <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ask</span></span> each child to choose one slip<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> of paper<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. The teacher or Room Parent c<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">an</span> sta<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">rt the stor<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">y<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> An e<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">xamp<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">le<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">:</span></span></span></span></span><i> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I</span>t was a dark and stor</i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>my night...</i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Check out <a href="http://journalbuddies.com/journal_prompts__journal_topics/halloween-writing-27-journal-prompts-for-kids/">this link</a> for 27 Halloween writing prompts for kids.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then each student builds onto the story by adding a sentence or two, mak<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ing sure to use the word on the paper they selected.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here is a list of 25 words to get you started:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">jack-o-lantern </span> wit<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ch <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">cauldron ghost moon</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">spoo<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ky</span> </span></span> boo <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">haunt <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">hayride apple cider</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">trick-or-treat <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">candy</span> lantern gobl<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">in <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">scarecrow</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">skeleton shadows creepy <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">frightening black cat</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">frightening fog <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">eyeballs <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">princess cowgirl</span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3. Write-Draw-Write</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After coming across this exercise online, I <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">decided to <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">incorporate it <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">the Halloween party agenda. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The kids are divided into groups of four to six<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While the other kids <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">look</span> away, t</span>he first student write<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">s a Halloween<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">-relat<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ed sentence across the top of <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a sheet of paper. The paper is passed to the next student who then draws a picture to represent the <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">sentence. Fo<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ld the paper<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> so only <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">the drawing is showing (<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">hide the <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">sentence). <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pass the paper to the next student who<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> write<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">s a<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">sentence about the picture. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The process is repeated, and you may need more than one sheet of paper per grou<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">p. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Once <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">everyone has had a chance to <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">either write or dr<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">aw,<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> share with the rest of the class.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My fourth grader and I <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">put this activity to the test last weekend. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Of course, it works better with<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> more participa<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">nts<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, but <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">we</span> had fun.</span></span></span></span></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm sure her classmates will <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">as well.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>4. Snack</b> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">in<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">vite<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> you to check out </span></span></span>my <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/LaurieMSmith/class-parties/">Class Parties Board</a> on Pinterest for fun Halloween-inspired treats. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Down<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">time Fillers</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In my experience, <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">t</span></span>here's nothing worse </span>than blasting through your party agenda only to <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">glance at the clock and realize <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">you have extra time.<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Some people are great <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">at </span>coming up with </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">something fun on the fly</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, but <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">it's not one of my gi<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">fts. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, I a<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">l<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ways make sure to have one or two extra games or activities in my back po<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">cket just in case.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a Halloween party, <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">run off several copies of this <a href="http://www.classroomfreebies.com/2011/10/halloween-would-you-rather-questions.html">Halloween Would you Ra<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ther </span>freebie</a></span>.<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kids can fill out a worksh<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">eet on their own, or you can<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> print one copy and read aloud to the class. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Have the kids <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">stand on one side<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> of the classroom if they <i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">would</span></i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, and have them cross to the other side if they <i>would rather not</i>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Halloween Sca</i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>ttergories.</i> Prin<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">t off individual cards for each student like <a href="http://thecraftingchicks.com/halloween-scattergories/#_a5y_p=2550577">this one</a>. Or </span>have each <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ch<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ild</span></span> grab a sheet of paper and <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">write the alphabet down th<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">e left <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">margin. Give the clas<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">s<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> 3-5 minutes<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, depending on <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">age and abili<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ty<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, to jot down a Halloween-related word for each letter.<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I wou<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ld keep it easy--no p<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">oints--</span>ask the kids to come up with<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> words for a<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">s many letters as possible. They can share the<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ir answers </span>if t<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ime allows.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Before the party ends, r</span>e<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">mind kids<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> to be safe and have fun! Thank yo<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">u for reading.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></b></span>Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-26582251615661747972016-08-04T16:04:00.000-07:002016-08-04T16:48:51.803-07:00Cadette Badge: Good Sportsmanship<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If my girls had decided to con<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">tinue with a troop this fall,</span></span> I'd have one Junior and one Cadette<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Since they<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> wished to<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> earn</span></span></span></span></span></span> badges on their own, I'm currently serving as a mentor for my two Juliettes. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Last year, </span>we had a split troop of Brownies and Junior Girl Scouts<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">,</span> so my younger daughter has already completed many of the Junior badge activities. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We</span> agreed it is best for our family for both girls <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">to </span>work on Cadette badges this year.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My older daughter recently completed the <a href="http://www.girlscoutshop.com/BADGES-PINS-AND-AWARDS/CADETTE-LEGACY-BADGES/CADETTE-GOOD-SPORTSMANSHIP-BADGE">Good Sportsmanship badge</a>. She competed with a swim team for the summer, and we talked about the badge steps as the season progressed. As <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">many readers prepare</span> for the <a href="https://www.rio2016.com/en">2016 Olympic Games in Rio</a>, I thought this was the perfect time to share <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">her</span> badge work with readers.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>STEP 1: Create your own definition of sportsmanship.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Go to a sports event</i>: Aside from <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">th<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">e</span></span> swim meets, our family attended several professional baseball games<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> this summer.</span> During a live sporting event, there are always great examples of good and bad sportsmanship being demonstrated by athletes, officials, and fans. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She followed the suggestion on page 3 of the badge booklet and jotted down</span> 5 ways to be and not to be a good sport.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">STEP 2: Be a good competitor</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Get a biography of a female athlete who's a great competitor: </i>This was a tough decision for my daughter-<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">-</span><a href="http://bethanyhamilton.com/">Bethany Hamilton</a> or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mo%27ne_Davis">Mo'ne Davis</a>? She chose to borrow a biography from <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">the library </span>about Davis, the former Little League Baseball pitcher. After reading the book, she wrote a poem about the athlete as suggested on page 4 of the badge booklet. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When I needed to occupy <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">my</span> girls one day this summer, I suggested they make Bottle Buddies. My mom is a retired fifth grade teacher. Every year, she asked her students to read a book and create a Bottle Buddy out of a 2-liter bottle and craft supplies. Remembering th<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ose projects</span>, I encouraged my daughter to create Mo'ne Davis. She used a plastic bottle, beads, yarn, felt, popsicle sticks, paint, markers, and googly eyes. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here is a picture of her Bottle Buddy. She added beads to Mo<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">'ne's hair, recalling <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a</span> story about <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">the</span> time when an u<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">mpire told her to remove<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> the beads from her hair for a gam<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">e because the <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">opposing coach said they were <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a distraction</span></span>.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Though my younger daughter has not yet chosen her biography<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> for the b<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">adge,</span></span> she also wanted to create a Bottle Buddy. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">She used a plastic bottle, felt, marker, googly eyes, and brown sugar to make</span></span> Michael Phelps--love those abs. I'm sorry, she tells me this is Michael <i>Felts</i>. As you can see, this kid's quite a character<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. </span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5X0DBa4H644/V6PFp77w04I/AAAAAAAACZU/NBLTDT4ZIWAByUJEzQ29P4LnJqbRBNhIgCLcB/s1600/IMG_6315.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5X0DBa4H644/V6PFp77w04I/AAAAAAAACZU/NBLTDT4ZIWAByUJEzQ29P4LnJqbRBNhIgCLcB/s320/IMG_6315.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bottle Buddies make a great craft for Girl Scout troop meetings--for example, Daisies could earn their green petal as they use their resources wisely<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> (T</span></span>hey are using recycled plastic bottles and supplies left over from previous crafts). I also think <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">this</span> could be a fun way to recognize Founder's Day or to celebrate Juliette Gordon Low's birthday. Maybe your girls could find a way to incorporate Bottle Buddies into Thinking Day.<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With so<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> many <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Girl Scouts watching <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">this su</span></span></span></span></span>mmer's Olympic Games, maki<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ng </span>a favorite female athlete Bottle Buddy <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">would be a fun way to kickoff the year</span>. </span></span><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">STEP 3: Be a good teammate</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Though incredibly long, swim meets are fun to watch. Not only are the swimmers competing against the other athletes in the pool, they are racing against the clock.<b> </b>Additionally, the teams are competing against each other. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For the past f<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">our years, I've wat<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">che<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">d t</span></span></span></span>he kids on my daughter's swim team continually demonstrate good sportsmanship by encouraging and supporting each other. </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">T</span>he girls will exchange high fives before mounting the blocks, and you can hear them say "good job" and "great swim" to each other as they climb out of the pool.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In addition to being a good teammate at the pool, my daughter was able to play "Capture the Flag" with some family friends at a recent gathering. As one of the older kids, she helped the group work as a team and kept the younger kids involved.</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">STEP 4: Psych yourself up</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Mind over matter</i>: Prior to prelims this summer, my daughter was aware of her seed in the tournament and the time she needed to beat to secure a place in Championships. We talked about visualizing <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">her </span>start, <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">the</span> strokes, turns, and a strong finish. I watched her mentally prepare as she waited to mount the starting block. We were ecstatic when she swam a personal best!</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">STEP 5: Put your definition of good sportsmanship into action</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One of my favorite moments this season occurred just after a swimmer from another team touched the wall a fraction of a second before my daughter. When their heads popped out of the water and they saw the results of the race, the two ten-year-olds reached over the lane lines and grabbed hands. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Both girls will play basketball this winter, and my younger daughter will complete the badge requirements at that time.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We have quite a few badges on the list to complete this year. I hope you will check back as I hope to publish again soon. Thank you for reading.</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span>Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-87419046902536121602016-06-30T10:51:00.000-07:002016-06-30T10:51:20.696-07:00Camping Printables<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4zUoeaEZuew/V3Vat7x5vCI/AAAAAAAACYY/bkG9CyNTzLgzrpBU-rON50k7QGqo2zHvgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="206" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4zUoeaEZuew/V3Vat7x5vCI/AAAAAAAACYY/bkG9CyNTzLgzrpBU-rON50k7QGqo2zHvgCLcB/s320/IMG_5823.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I'm writing inspirational fiction for middle grade readers (ages 8-12). Though I am not yet published, I believe I'm making large strides toward this goal. I invite you to check out the <a href="http://lauriestroupsmith.com/2016/06/30/camp-galatians-puzzles-and-games/">puzzles and games</a> I created based on my current work in progress. Since the <i>Mad Lib </i>and Would You Rather... worksheets are related to camping, I thought Girl Scouts and their leaders might find them to be entertaining. Work on them while on a camping trip, or print them out to occupy the girls while you're waiting for parents to arrive at the end of a meeting. However you choose to use them, I hope your girls enjoy!</span>Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-7332628304822074992016-06-16T13:41:00.000-07:002016-06-16T13:41:14.916-07:00An Exciting AnnouncementI am excited to announce I am writing books for middle grade readers. This week, I officially launched my website: <a href="http://lauriestroupsmith.com/"> http://lauriestroupsmith.com/</a> Though I am not yet a published author, I will
document my experiences on the new website as I pursue this goal. Additionally, I hope to connect and inspire readers and their families
through fun reading and writing projects, puzzles, and games related to my books. <br />
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If this idea interests you and your Scouts and you would like to encourage this journey, I invite you to visit and "like" my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lauriestroupsmith/">Facebook page.</a> I'm looking forward to connecting with you there. Thank you in advance for giving it a chance.<br />
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As promised in a <a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/2016/05/girl-scout-juliettes.html">previous post</a>, I will continue to document on this blog the badge steps and projects my daughters complete as Juliettes. I truly appreciate the support you have given this blog over the past four years. Thank you for reading.Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-54451456168553321072016-06-04T13:38:00.001-07:002016-06-12T09:35:47.000-07:00Craft: Tie Dye Crayons<br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This spring, my daughter's third grade class held a Product Fair.
For several weeks leading up to the special day, students earned play
money. Each student created a product and designed a poster, hoping to
entice fellow classmates to spend their hard-earned cash on his or her
goods. My daughter decided to make tie dye Lego crayons, using <a data-mce-href="http://www.amazon.com/Jollylife-Building-Bricks-Minifigure-Chocolate/dp/B007MJFVJM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1464979011&sr=8-2&keywords=lego+silicone+mold" href="http://www.amazon.com/Jollylife-Building-Bricks-Minifigure-Chocolate/dp/B007MJFVJM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1464979011&sr=8-2&keywords=lego+silicone+mold">silicone Lego molds</a> we had purchased from Amazon several years ago. Here are the steps she followed (with parental supervision, of course):</span><br />
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<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Choose the crayons to use. My daughter used 2-3 crayons of each color.</span></li>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kwpQDHPZnL8/V12N258-w9I/AAAAAAAACYA/87yrD2qksC09uIcfTeIiDuzCZsAdjqsTACLcB/s1600/IMG_5596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kwpQDHPZnL8/V12N258-w9I/AAAAAAAACYA/87yrD2qksC09uIcfTeIiDuzCZsAdjqsTACLcB/s200/IMG_5596.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2</span>.
Place the crayons in a zippie bag<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. She</span> used a separate baggie
for each color. The wrappers fall off when the crayons are smashed
with a hammer or a rolling pin. This is much easier and less time
consuming than peeling the wrappers from the crayons.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4. Place the silicone molds on a cookie sheet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5. Sprinkle the crayon crumbles into the molds as desired.</span><br />
<img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Td4svR75y0M/V12Np6mhsHI/AAAAAAAACXo/MNUS-U6fg7QDpd_HcpEyKuJLeOUpaGLrQCKgB/s200/IMG_5599.JPG" width="200" /><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BKpCiPnwRsk/V12NliSCLzI/AAAAAAAACXg/R32VT6CFlb0JgHDajhhZVcJNYIHrbVs0wCKgB/s1600/IMG_5600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BKpCiPnwRsk/V12NliSCLzI/AAAAAAAACXg/R32VT6CFlb0JgHDajhhZVcJNYIHrbVs0wCKgB/s200/IMG_5600.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">6.
Slide the cookie sheet into the oven and bake until melted. We checked
the progress in five minute intervals, adding minutes as needed. The
Lego men finished in about twelve minutes, and the Lego bricks took
about 20 minutes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>NOTE:</b> After removing the Lego
men from the oven, my daughter noticed the finished product was not
going to be as thick as she had expected. She sprinkled more crayon
crumbles on top of the melted wax before sliding the cookie sheet back
into the oven for about five more minutes.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2DLElSA-ZE/V12Nu7Uf_DI/AAAAAAAACYM/miPGnn6f2YUxUpnqMjbBsl9aha9tyQ-AgCKgB/s1600/IMG_5601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I2DLElSA-ZE/V12Nu7Uf_DI/AAAAAAAACYM/miPGnn6f2YUxUpnqMjbBsl9aha9tyQ-AgCKgB/s200/IMG_5601.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G80U42bbTsU/V12Ny6B-wZI/AAAAAAAACYM/c5iPU2shxAkzndY92vEjDojjeEdreD-PgCKgB/s1600/IMG_5602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G80U42bbTsU/V12Ny6B-wZI/AAAAAAAACYM/c5iPU2shxAkzndY92vEjDojjeEdreD-PgCKgB/s200/IMG_5602.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">7. Let the crayons cool before popping them from the molds.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>NOTE: </b>
If a tie dye crayon happens to fall on the floor and crack in all the
excitement, place the pieces back in the mold and bake until melted.
Once the crayon cools, it will be as good as new.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My
daughter paired a Lego man with a Lego brick and packaged them for the
Product Fair in a 4x6" clear treat bag. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">These Lego crayons were quite a hit<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">! S</span></span>he was really excited to be
the first in her class to sell out at the Product Fair.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With such a
variety of silicone molds available today, the options are endless.
Tie dye crayons make great birthday party favors. Consider trying this
craft on a rainy day, during a birthday party, or at your next Scout
meeting<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. (T</span>hink about using a bug-shaped mold <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">to make a bug cr<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">aft for the </span></span><a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/2015/05/brownie-badge-bugs.html">Brownie Bugs badge</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">R</span>emember these c<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">rayons </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">as the girls e<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">xperi<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ment with different shading materials </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">for the <a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/2015/12/junior-girl-scouts-badge-drawing.html">Juniors Drawing badge</a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">)</span></span></span></span></span></span>. I would love to hear how this worked for you and the special
kids in your life. Thank you for reading.</span>Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3064933332906371169.post-77655039600018872912016-05-31T13:29:00.000-07:002016-06-12T09:34:34.355-07:00Girl Scout Juliettes<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In the fall, I posted our <a href="http://kaperscookiesandcampfires.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-plan-for-2015-2016.html">plans for the school year</a>. At that time, </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">many of the girls in our troop planned to participate in other extracurricular activities which placed greater demands on their time.</span></span> <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">S</span>ome changes needed to be made to retain our membership. <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We were</span> so happy we were able to accommodate schedules, and we did not lose any girls this year. As our older girls prepare <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">to start Junior High this fall, </span>I imagine they will <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">be faced with</span> some tough decisions. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Speaking of tough decisions...<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">after s<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">erving for six years,</span></span></span></span> I </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">decided to step down as troop leader<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">am <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">focusing</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> my time and energy on <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">a special p<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">roject I hope to have completed by the end of the summer. Please stay tuned<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> for <span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">an </span>announcement about this project. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<div class="parbase section text">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While my daughters will not be involved in troop activities next year, they will be registered as <a href="http://www.girlscoutsrv.org/juliette-girl-scouting/">Juliettes</a>. I will mentor their badge work<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, and </span>continue to share our experiences here. I have truly enjoyed connecting with other leaders through this blog. I hope you consider checking back with us as we start on this new adventure in Girl Scouting. Thank you for reading. </span></div>
Laurie Smithhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14868297256074039429noreply@blogger.com0