Tell Us Your Story

Reaching out to women in our community, exploring their roles and ours, and reporting back to our troop the findings of these journeys, was one of the tasks of yesterday's meeting.

We also discussed muses (as part of the aMUSE journey), body language, and various roles in our world (dancer, math teacher, basketball player, president) through a quick sketch activity. All of the girls drew these roles as women--it was very interesting and uplifting. 

As yesterday was a day of remembrance, we made pinecone bird feeders (we collected the cones at NASA last weekend) and decorated care boxes which will be filled and distributed at a later date. The bird feeders will be hung at a to be determined area (any ideas are welcome). The girls each brought one home as well (watch out for the squirrels!).

Finally, we finished our role model dolls which were also brought home 

(Hillary Clinton made an appearance), ask the girls about them.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at NASA

Women astrophysicists, marine biologists, and computer engineers (to name a few) were out in full force this afternoon at NASA to demonstrate how they work in the world of STEM. The girls joined circuits, manipulated robots, and looked at things through electron microscopes this afternoon (they filled their bags as well).

See you next Friday, don't forget the homework and to bring a shoe box (we will have extra if your daughter forgets!).

Role Models

We continued our discussion on role models at this meeting and began our role model dolls (the girls can tell you about them-to come home soon!)

We also discussed expectations and stereotypes. The girls had lots of interesting insights and may wish to continue these conversations with you. After having been with these girls for two years now it is so fabulous for me to see how they are growing into articulate and insightful individuals!

The girls have a little homework before the next meeting. I will include information on this work in the blog as they may forget. On pages 16-17 of the aMuse book (they brought it home this week), they are to complete the "cast call" chart. They will also interview one of these people before the next meeting. Guidance for the interviews can be found on pages 28-30 in their book.

The drawing badge came home today with the girls. We have lots of exciting information on the next meeting and upcoming events forthcoming. As always, please contact us if you have questions and/or concerns.

Window Decorating and Role Models

On Friday our troop decorated one of the windows at 222 Main Street, Los Altos-Village Stationers. The girls collaborated to recreate a design they sketched at the last meeting.

After the decorating, we strolled down Main Street to have dinner and to celebrate the birthday of Juliette Gordon Low (the founder of Girl Scouts). Please read more about this amazing woman http://www.girlscouts.org/en/about-girl-scouts/our-history/juliette-gordon-low.html.

As part of our celebration of her life, the girls spoke about their role models. Parents, musicians, politicians, and teachers were discussed.

Stop by Los Altos to see their work for yourselves!

Aspiring Artists

On Friday, the girls began working on their drawing badge and learned about perspective and shading. Maya led the meeting while other girls had other responsibilities. 

These responsibilities will change each week.

Maya shared her oil pastels with the troop and they drew various objects.

In addition, the girls voted for additional badges/pins they will earn this year along with their journey.

They selected badges pertaining to music, entertainment technology, and product design (aspiring artists?). The girls also voted to undertake the Global Action Award, an award which will require our troop to choose an internationally-based project to help women and girls. 

Thanks to Anu for bringing snack and thanks to Andrea for organizing us all on Shutterfly where additional details will be posted. 

PATHS

When I open the leader's guide to Junior girl scouting the first few paragraphs are about the North Star as an ancient tool for navigation--a symbol for finding your way home safe and sound.

Our Junior girls are finding those paths this year as well, whether it be navigating Upper El, trying a new sport or activity, or taking on more responsibilities as a Girl Scout.

As a Junior it is all about finding which path is right for you--whether you are bold and adventurous or quiet and thoughtful--there is a role in our troop for each girl.

This year the girls will take a more active role in organizing and executing meetings as well as choosing badges and activities and you will, hopefully, hear all about it from them. Andrea and I will be posting updates here as well as sending targeted emails.

Yesterday the girls unanimously chose the aMuse journey--all about changing the world as you blaze your trail and exploring the different roles you might play along the way.

More on this in the next post!