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My daughter in her
bunk at Camp Redwing! |
The "end" of the Girl Scout year is quickly approaching. Most of our troops are in the midst of planning for Bridging ceremonies and compiling our annual finance reports (yes, don't forget about them). Probably the last thing on our minds is what we are going to do to keep our troops connected throughout the summer. I'd like to challenge you to take some time and do just that (this is especially important as our girls get older). Summer is a great time to build excitement within the troop, and it is a great time to introduce girls to Girl Scouts! Here's just a few ideas....
(1.)
Share Your Girls' Adventures at Camp - Traditionally, Boy Scout troops attend summer camp together (as a troop). That is not always the case with Girl Scouts. While many troops do participate in CORE and/or CAP camping experiences, many girls (especially as they get older) choose to attend resident camps on their own or with one or two buddies. As a mother of an 11-year-old who in just two months will head off on her third year of resident camp without me, I can't even begin to explain how important this experience is for girls' growth and development. This year, I am going to have my girls that are attending resident camps to share some pictures on our troop's website and Facebook page. They are also going to blog about it here on this blog and most likely on our Girl Advisory Board blog (which is coming soon). This is a great way for girls to share their experiences with each other.
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As part of Day Camp last summer, the "older
girls" took a "field trip" (literally) to a local
farm to pick corn and learn about
sustainable farming. |
(2.) Plan a Day at the Playground - There probably isn't a cheaper Girl Scout activity than to get your
girls together once or twice throughout the summer for a day on a playground. Mt. Odin's playground is AWESOME (and the girls LOVE playing in the wooden houses), but there are so many great playgrounds right here in our area that are just waiting for a great group of girls.
(3.)
Encourage Your Girls to Participate in Girl Scout Day Camp - This really isn't a sales pitch, but our service unit's day camp is pretty amazing. It's a one-week (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) experience for only $80. What's even better yet...the girls will complete one Girl Scout Journey while at day camp. I don't know about you, but as a leader, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that aspect of day camp.
(4.)
Join Us for Family Fun Day at Idlewild & Soak Zone - While the deadline is quickly approaching, I will accept ticket orders up until May 8th. Last year the girls really enjoyed swimming and riding with their Girl Scout sisters.
(5.) Do a Service Project Together - There are so many service-related projects the girls can do together outside in the summer time. Why not offer to weed the flower beds at a church or a senior citizen's house? Sure it's "work," but I guarantee the girls will have a fun time doing it together.
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Mom & Me (and Dad & Me) camps
are always an option too through GSWPA! |
I've found that if you can get the girls together at least once or twice during the summer, you will see much higher membership retention. When girls remain active with their gal pals, they are more likely to want to return in the Fall.
As your Service Unit Manager, my personal goal for next year is to focus on membership retention. Keeping girls engaged throughout the year certainly does yield great results.
What are your favorite summertime activities to do with your girls? Comment below!!!!!
