7 Ways to Build a Strong Girl Scout Troop Community

One of the best parts of being a Girl Scout is knowing you’re part of something bigger than yourself. The friendships, inside jokes, shared accomplishments, community projects, and even the occasional meeting that doesn’t go quite as planned all become part of the experience. As a troop leader, you [...]

The post 7 Ways to Build a Strong Girl Scout Troop Community appeared first on Troop Leader Central.

Explore the World Of Animals with the New Badges

Girl Scouts are good at so many things, from learning new skills to spreading joy and giving back to their communities. One thing that unites Girl Scouts is their desire to create positive change and help others. With their boundless curiosity, Girl Scouts have the power to make a difference in the world, not only in the lives of people, but also in the lives of every creature we share the planet with: animals!

Animals close to home can provide companionship and support, or make our lives easier. Animals far away can spark a new interest or teach us more about the world. But some animals face danger every day. Because they can't speak up when they need help, it’s our job to protect them. When your Daisy, Junior, or Cadette starts earning one of the new Girl Scout Animal Badges, they’ll embark on a fun journey into the world of animals.

Unlock a NEW badge by downloading one of our free, fun activities! Animal Habitats and Animal Helpers badge—made possible thanks to The Elliott Wildlife Values Project. 

Animal Observer–Daisy (K-1)

Girl Scouts are naturally curious and eager to explore their surroundings. With the new Animal Observer badge, Daisy Girl Scouts will hone in on their observation skills to discover more about animals, near and far. They’ll start by using their senses to identify animal sounds, prints, and behaviors and take notes like an animal scientist. Then they’ll play games to solidify their knowledge and have the chance to visit one of their favorite animals in real life!

Animal Habitats–Junior (4-5)

Animals live in all types of homes—in trees, underground, underwater, and even on glaciers! With the Animal Habitats badge, Junior Girl Scouts can investigate different animal habitats at home and around the world. They’ll use their curiosity to explore animal homes and try their hand at building one. Then they’ll learn about endangered animals and the importance of protecting their habitats to benefit the planet.

Animal Helpers–Cadettes (6-8)

The connection between humans and animals has always existed. Whether animals are serving to protect or provide comfort in difficult times, the animal-human connection is an essential part of human history. With the Animal Helpers badge, Cadette Girl Scouts will learn about this connection and its mutual benefits. They will learn to translate knowledge into action and become advocates for animals by actively participating in organizations dedicated to animal welfare.

The Girl Scout Animal badges not only teach Girl Scouts about their favorite animals, they also help them discover more about the world around them and how to use what they learn to create positive change.

Celebrate the Girl Scout Daisy 40th Birthday

*This post contains affiliate links. 

In 1984, the GSUSA created Girl Scout Daisies. Until that time, girls had to wait until they were in first grade to join a Brownie troop.

Was Leading a Daisy Troop Different in 1984?

Forty years ago, leading Daisies looked different. 

First of all, this level was only for kindergarteners. (Brownies were from first to third grade). This first year was simply a gentle introduction to being a Girl Scout. 

Leaders focused on creating sisterhood and having meetings that centered around the Girl Scout Law. There were no badges to earn and leaders were not allowed to sell cookies or do any other fundraising.

Daisies could join older scouts at events and spend the day at camp. This way, they could learn the traditions and get ready for their own overnight camping experiences ahead.


Girl Scout Daisy 40th Birthday Meeting Ideas

Girl Scout Daisy 40th Birthday Celebration Ideas

Since 2024 is the 40th birthday of the Daisy level, you can celebrate any time this year. Here are some things that you can use for your celebratory meeting.

Note-Oriental Trading has coupons and free shipping all the time. Be on the lookout for promo codes. You can also get things for future meetings and save money. Everything you buy for your meetings is reimbursable, so save your receipt.


Girl Scout Daisy Tablecloth

This Daisy themed table covering is made of thin, disposable plastic, making cleanup easy when the meeting is over. It is slightly transparent. 54" x 108"


Girl Scout Daisy 40th Birthday Celebration Ideas


Available at Oriental Trading


Daisy Luncheon Napkins

There are sixteen luncheon napkins in this set. Each napkin is 6.5 inches.


Girl Scout Daisy 40th Birthday Ideas


Available at Oriental Trading

Girl Scout Daisy 40th Birthday Meeting Ideas

Ask the girls what they think being a Daisy Scout was like forty years ago. They may not have a concept of how much time that actually is, but I am sure the responses will be interesting!

You may want to have some items that show the number 40-a bag of Legos, cereal, buttons-a visual so the girls can conceptualize what this number is.

Once that discussion is over, have the girl play some 80s games.

1980s Outdoor Games

If you have some outdoor space or have a large indoor space, here are some 1980s games that Daisies would have played. These are sure to get the wiggles out. You can find a complete description on how to play these games in this blog post.

  • S.P.U.D.
  • Red Light, Green Light
  • Four Square
  • Red Rover
  • Chinese Jump Rope (this was my troop's favorite game to play)


1980s Indoor Activities

You can teach the girls hand claps from this era. There are many on YouTube that you can view and learn.

Another fun indoor activity you can do is to teach the girls some of the dances from the 80s, like the Electric Slide, the Sprinkler, the Running Man, the Cabbage Patch and the Pendulum. Play some 80s music while you dance. If you are not familiar with these move, you can watch a YouTube video.

Crafts for the Girl Scout Daisy 40th Birthday

Once you have done some big energy activities, it is time for a quieter one. This Beaded Butterfly & Daisy Charm Bracelet Craft Kit makes 12.

This set comes with 12 individually packaged, easy-to-assemble kits. Each kit includes colorful and faceted plastic beads, enamel charms, stretchy cord, extra pieces and instructions.


Girl Scout Daisy 40th Birthday craft

Available at Oriental Trading

Another thing you can do for your craft is have the girls decorate their own cupcake. Your local supermarket, if asked in advance, can make unfrosted cupcakes for you if you do not have the time to bake them yourself. Have some white frosting, some blue and white sprinkles, and some mini chocolate chips for topping.

Fun Girl Scout Daisy 40th Birthday Favors

Here are some things your girls might like as a party favor.

Daisy Silly Straws

These come five to a package and are something the girls can use at home to remember this fun day.


Girl Scout Daisy 40th Birthday Favors


Available at Oriental Trading

Daisy Head Boppers

These will make a fun photo for your Daisy Memory book or scrapbook! They come 12 to a package.


Girl Scout Daisy 40th Birthday Favors


Available on Oriental Trading


What is your troop going to do to celebrate the Girl Scout Daisy 40th Birthday?


Free Girl Scout World Thinking Day 2024 Resources

If you need help planning, here are free Girl Scout World Thinking Day 2024 resources for leaders to use.


World Thinking Day is an annual celebration that takes place on February 22nd by Girl Scouts and Girl Guides all around the world. The day is a reminder of the impact that young girls and women can have on their communities and the world as a whole. In 2024, the theme for World Thinking Day is “Our World, Our Thriving Future: The environment and global poverty” .”

Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from different countries use this day to celebrate the diverse cultures and traditions of their fellow members. They also take this opportunity to learn about global issues and take action to make the world a better place.


Free Girl Scout World Thinking Day 2024 Resources

One way that Girl Scouts can participate in World Thinking Day is by earning the World Thinking Day award. This award encourages girls to learn about different cultures and traditions, as well as take action to make a positive impact in their communities. Another way to celebrate this day is by organizing cultural events, such as food festivals, dances, and performances, that showcase the diversity of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world.

What is the Theme for Girl Scout World Thinking Day 2024?

The theme for Girl Scout World Thinking Day 2024 is “Our World, Our Thriving Future: The environment and global poverty” ” explores the link between poverty and the environment and find out how these problems are even more challenging for girls and women in your community and around the world.


Girl Scout World Thinking Day Planner


Free WTD Planner Available on TpT

Does My Troop Have to Celebrate World Thinking Day 2024 on February 22nd?

This question was raised in one of the Facebook groups that I belong to. After reading the responses from other leaders, I did my own research just to be sure what was posted was correct.

The answer is no, you do not have to celebrate World Thinking Day 2024 on the exact day, or even in February. Fit it in when it works for your troop.

From the GSUSA website:

“Making the world a better place is Girl Scout Law, so it’s no surprise we have a holiday dedicated to doing just that. Each February 22, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides across 150 countries celebrate World Thinking Day. It’s a day of international friendship and a time to stand up for causes that could improve the lives of girls around the globe. And while the holiday itself comes in February, the World Thinking Day Award can be earned at any time of year.

This news will be a welcome bit of information, as so many are knee deep into cookies sales and earning cookie badges.

Free Girl Scout Thinking Day 2024 Resources for Leaders

WAGGS and the Girl Scout of the USA website have you covered with free World Thinking Day resources for leaders.

The Girl Scout Shop has the patch for the girls’ uniform, as well as two PDFs for you to use. Look under the patch description and click on the correct link.

Daisy, Brownie and Junior requirements can be found here.

Cadette, Senior and Ambassador requirements can be found here.

The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts website has a downloadable activity packet here.


Girl Scout World Thinking Day Passport


Do Troops Still Learn About Girl Scouts in Different Countries for World Thinking Day 2024?

In the past, learning about other countries was the focus of World Thinking Day. Now the focus is on the how sisters in scouting around the world can help our planet.

If you decide that you want to focus on one country, you can read this blog post and get your free printable passports.

Here is a free printable planner that you can use to organize your World Thinking Day 2024 meeting. I also have a free printable passport to use atyour meeting.

If you wish to play games from other countries, check out this blog post with games from around the world.

When does your troop plan to celebrate Girl Scout World Thinking Day 2024?


Girl Scout Law Games for Daisies and Brownies 5 Print and Go Activities & Games

*This post contains affiliate links.

The foundation of the Girl Scouts is the Girl Scout Law. These 10 building blocks are the basis for everything your troop does. These Girl Scout Law Games for Daisies and Brownies contain 5 Print and Go Activities and Games that you can do over and over again. They are perfect for sponge activities before your meeting starts, time fillers for the end of meetings, and something engaging to do for early finishers in your troop.

5 Print and Go Girl Scout Law Games


The Girl Scout Law Review Games includes:

  • Matching/Memory Game for readers (two different ways to use them)
  • Matching/Memory Game for non-readers (the matching symbol is on the card with the words)
  • Girl Scout Law strips that can be used multiple ways
  • Girl Scout Law Dominoes Game (broken down into two separate games)

Girl Scout Law Games for Daisies and Brownies 5 Print and Go Activities & Games


How do you teach your girls the Girl Scout Law?


Girl Scout Daisy Certificates for Troops Who Are Not Bridging

 

In a few short weeks, it will be the end of scouting season for many Girl Scout Daisy leaders. For those who are completing year one, here is a first year Daisy certificate that you can hand out at your end of the year celebration.


*This post contains affiliate links.

Congratulations on completing your first year as a Daisy leader! And what a time to start your leadership role-during a world-wide pandemic!

You made it and so did your troop. While some of you are deciding to meet over the summer, I chose not to do that. I carried the load by myself all year, and my teacher brain and school calendar dictated that summer time is my time to rejuvenate. The only time my troop ever met in the summer was when they were Girl Scout Seniors who needed to complete a journey.

First Year Girl Scout Daisy Certificate



This is a non-bridging year for your troop. If you are planning a last Court of Awards or a simple fun last meeting of the year (that is what I did-a field trip or an easy craft and food), you can give your girls a certificate that shows they complete their first year of Girl Scout Daisies.

The certificate can be put in their Girl Scout scrapbook or hung in their room.

I created a simple and inexpensive First Year Daisy Certificate on Teachers Pay Teachers.

Please be sure to check it out and rate it. You get points that convert into cash when you buy products and rate them.

Are you having an end of the year celebration?