Permission slip review
It seems that every year we hear of more misunderstandings about the way to use permission slips (GSSJC F-204). The permission slip is one of the most important pieces of paper a Girl Scout leader must deal with on a regular basis. It is the permission slip that informs parents of the intent of the troop to take an excursion beyond the regular meeting, whether that is a trip to the local food pantry or a camping trip.

It is the permission slip that gives the leader written permission to take a child on a particular outing. It is a legal document with the signature of a parent or guardian, and it should be treated as a valuable document. A permission slip, along with her Medical Information and Publicity Release (GSSJC F-185) should accompany a girl in the car she is riding, not in a file in the leader's car. Once the activity is over, it should be kept in a file for a year. It is the permission slip that allows you, the leader, to get medical treatment for an injured or sick child. It is the permission slip that gives current emergency phone numbers. And, it is the permission slip that tells if a girl is taking any medications.

The permission slip that accompanies a girl must have an original parent/guardian signature in ink. It cannot be a photocopy. Leaders can make a copy for information, but the original form, signed and dated, must accompany the child.

There is no such thing as a "blanket" permission slip that covers a year's worth of activities. There must be a new, recently signed permission slip for each activity. This means, that leaders cannot get one form signed at the first of the year that states something like "all Girl Scout troop activities" and have it be valid. The only exception is the form that states that a girl can attend regular troop meetings in a specified place at a regular time all year long.

Is it a lot of trouble to get a permission slip signed for each and every activity? Not really. When you think about the reasons behind the slip, it is not hard at all. We are talking about the safety and security of our girls, and nothing is too much trouble if it means our girls are safe.

Holiday time
It has been said that we can't celebrate holidays in Girl Scouting. That is a myth. We relish the opportunity to celebrate the traditions and holidays of different cultures. What better way to teach young girls that they are a small part of a big world than to help them understand that not everyone has the same holidays. So, take advantage of the cultural opportunities that come around this time of year to teach girls about the differences within their own troop, their community, and the world. As a leader you signed a

pluralism agreement which states that you will not exclude any girl because of her race, religion, or beliefs. This is the time when you can show your girls that you mean what you say. Embrace the differences and help the girls become accepting of others.

Traditions
Some things just lend themselves to becoming traditions. Families have their own ways of doing things, particularly around the holidays. Troops should develop traditions that can become long lasting memories for the girls. My troop began having a "Thanksgiving Dinner" when they were Daisy Girl Scouts. The menu never changed in 13 years, and now, as they are college women, they want to continue our tradition. Who would have thought that something that began long ago with little 5 year olds would still be going on every year as they return from college. Start some traditions of your own. Your girls will remember them, always. I hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season.