Why take a training?

You have made it through half of the school year, and things are going great with your troop. Cookie orders have been turned in and your troop is now waiting for those delicacies to arrive. Your girls are moving right along with their age level appropriate awards and recognitions, and you have this leader thing down pretty well. So, why do you need to take more training? If this is your first year as a leader, you probably have questions that were not answered in basic leadership training. There are things that come up in day-to-day troop leading that cannot be covered in the basics. But, did you know that there are enriched trainings for most levels which are designed to cover the issues that come up when working with the same age level for several years. Taking Brownie Enriched helps leaders understand the 9-year-old and how she differs from the brand new first grade Brownie Girl Scout.

There are also lots of fun trainings that teach new songs, crafts, games, and other activities which can make your troop meetings and campouts more fun. Take a look at current training offerings and you will find there are many ways to enrich your Girl Scouting knowledge. Jungle Fun Weekend at Camp Misty Meadows on February 20-22 is a weekend of songs, games, and ceremonies. Leaders can learn activities that can be used at camp, as well as little things that will add to troop

meetings at Crazy Quilt held March 27 at Camp Misty Meadows. Cost for these trainings is low, and it gives leaders some time away from the daily stresses of life.

If you are living with a 10- to 15-year-old girl, you know the challenges that come with it. There is a workshop called “Living with 10- to 15-year-olds” on Saturday, April 17 at the Girl Scout Center in Houston. This course is designed for parents of young teens and both parents are encouraged to attend. Check this one out online, also.

If your troop is bridging to the next level in the spring, now would be a great time to take that next level’s training. It would give you a head start on what is coming up and make the transition from petals to try-its to badges to interest projects really easy. Check The Golden Link or the Council Information Network for more information on level trainings.
Taking a training should be fun. Trainers try to make the experience as enjoyable as possible while giving the required information. It is their hope that when leaders leave a GSSJC training they feel as though their time was well spent, the material was covered completely, and expectations were met.

Please remember, when you sign up for a training make every effort to be there. If you find you cannot, please call the training registrar and cancel so someone on the waiting list can attend.

Thoughts on Thinking Day

February is traditionally the month when Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from all over the world concentrate on the international aspect of WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts). It is when we are to be “thinking” about our sisters around the world. Take some time to talk with your girls about the international association we are a part of. Ways to do that are to pick a sister country and learn about their organization, culture, uniforms, foods, and traditions. Getting together with other troops with each choosing a different country is a fun way to learn more. There are lots of resources available at the Girl Scout Center, in back issues of The Golden Link, and on the Web. There are two sites to look at for Thinking Day activities. One is a special one about Thinking Day 2004 which can be accessed at www.world-thinking-day.org. The other is the WAGGGS official Web page where information about the member countries, special activities worldwide, and history about the World Association is listed. See www.wagggsworld.org. Leaders will enjoy these sites and can share what they learned with their girls. Or, under adult supervision, help girls look at these sites on their own.

On February 22, join the rest of the world and celebrate Thinking Day 2004.