the gold award issue - mason area girl scouts...

Summer 2011, Volume 3, Issue 2

mutnemom moving at the speed of girls

WHAT DID YOU DO TODAY?

The Gold Award IssueCelebrating Girl Scouting’s Highest Achievement

Where we never drop the ball…

Our Mission: At Duckett Brothers Distributing we strive to ensure high quality products while maintaining on-time delivery and competitive pricing in order to meet our clients needs. What We Can Do For You: We are equipped to provide your organization with all your supply needs – janitorial, safety, tooling and other industrial machinery and equipment.

Tico Duckett, CEO TJ Duckett, Business Development and Marketing

618 Sheridan Street, Lansing MI 48906 Phone: (517) 487-6500 Fax: (517) 487-1840

www.ticoduckett.com

Paper Products •Primesource •Georgia Pacific •Kimberly Clark •Green Products Available Safety Products •3M Comany •AOSafety •Fend-all •Howard Leight •Kevlar •Liberty Glove •Moldex •Radians •Full Line of PPE Janitorial Chemicals •Gojo Industries

•Kimberly Clark •Multi-Clean •TDD Chemicals •Warsaw •Green Products Available Janitorial Supplies •Impact Products •Rubbermaid •Unger •Wilen •Zephyr Mops Cleaning Equipment •Minuteman

Please support girls by supporting our generous sponsors! 3

The Girl Scout LawI will do my best to be

honest and fair,friendly and helpful,considerate and caring,courageous and strong, andresponsible for what I say and do

and torespect myself and others,respect authority,use resources wisely,make the world a better place, andbe a sister to every Girl Scout.

The Girl Scout PromiseOn my honor, I will try:

To serve God and my country,To help people at all times,And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

We’re delighted to bring you this very special issue of Momentum magazine, spotlighting the achievements of 45 very special girls, the 2011 Gold Award recipients. Here at Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan, we couldn’t be prouder of our Gold Award girls. They represent all the best that Girl Scouting has to offer, girls who seek challenges, identify community needs and make a difference in the world. The leadership skills they have learned throughout their years in Girl Scouting (including the Gold Award project experience) will serve them all of their lives. Won’t we all be proud to say “we knew them when” as they become standouts in their careers and their communities!

Congratulations to all of our 2011 Gold Award Girl Scouts!

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Jan Barker, CEO Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan

4 Summer 2011• • GSHOM.org

Mary Flegal Chair, Board of TrusteesJan Barker Chief Executive Officer

Jackie Bucsi Chief Membership OfficerKaren Micklatcher Chief Development Officer

Joseph Ryan Chief Financial OfficerJason Schoenmeyer Chief Program OfficerChar Luttrell EditorCatherine Below Graphic Designer

To submit information to Momentum, e-mail [email protected] may be edited to meet space limitations.

FOR SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES*, E-MAIL Jordan Ritchie [email protected],

OR CALL (800) 788-4919 (49-SCOUT) *Statements made by our sponsors do not reflect the opinion of GSHOM; The inclusion of sponsors’ material shall neither constitute an endorsement by GSHOM, implied or in fact, of their product or service, nor is the veracity of any claim warranted or guaranteed by GSHOM.

Summer 2011, Volume 3, Issue 2by Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan, Inc.

on the cover

Ann Arbor Regional Center S’More Stuff Council Shop 1900 Manchester Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Phone: (800) 497-2688 Fax: (734) 971-2160 Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (March 4 - May 20 only)

Calhoun County Regional Center Girl Scout Gift Shop (Located inside Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA) 18935 15 ½ Mile Road, Marshall, MI 49068 Phone: (269) 781-8720 Fax: (269) 781-8726 Monday-Friday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m and 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Kalamazoo Regional Center Girl Scout Gift Shop and Café 601 West Maple Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 Phone: (800) 788-4919 Fax: (269) 492-1439 Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. First Saturday of the month 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Sept. 8 - May 31 only)

Saginaw Regional Center Girl Scout Marketplace 5470 Davis Road, Saginaw, MI 48604 Phone: (800) 968-1185 Fax: (989) 799-1450 Tuesday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (March 4 - May 20 only) First Saturday of the month 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Sept. 8 - May 31 only)

Six Regional Centers to Serve You!

Jackson Regional Center Shamrock Shop 4403 Francis Street, Jackson, MI 49203 Phone (800) 322-1209 Fax: (517) 784-9553Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. First Saturday of the month 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Sept. 8 - May 31 only)

Lansing Regional CenterDaisy’s Boutique1223 Turner St., Suite 200, Lansing, MI 48906Phone: (800) 968-9421 Fax: (517) 699-9405Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.Wednesday 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.First Saturday of the month 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Sept. 8 - May 31 only)

Help GSHOM reach 5,000 Facebook fans by 10-1-2011! Visit www.facebook.com/GSHOM, click “like” and then click “Suggest to Friends” under our profile picture.

The Girl Scout Gold Award, the premier award for girls aged 14 -18 in Girl Scouting, represents the highest achievement of a Girl Scout’s “career.” Under new requirements (beginning fall, 2011), a Gold Award candidate must complete the appropriate Girl Scout Journeys, then plan and conduct an individual “Take Action” project that will provide needed, thoughtful change to the larger community outside of Girl Scouting.

The 45 2011 Gold Award recipients we highlight in this issue of Momentum join a long and distinguished list of Girl Scouts who have achieved this highest recognition throughout our first century. Whether First Class or Golden Eagle, Curved Bar or Gold, we salute them all, for putting the values of Girl Scouting into action for the greater good.


Ann Arbor Regional Center S’More Stuff Council Shop 1900 Manchester Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Phone: (800) 497-2688 Fax: (734) 971-2160 Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (March 4 - May 20 only)

Calhoun County Regional Center Girl Scout Gift Shop (Located inside Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA) 18935 15 ½ Mile Road, Marshall, MI 49068 Phone: (269) 781-8720 Fax: (269) 781-8726 Monday-Friday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m and 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Kalamazoo Regional Center Girl Scout Gift Shop and Café 601 West Maple Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 Phone: (800) 788-4919 Fax: (269) 492-1439 Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. First Saturday of the month 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Sept. 8 - May 31 only)

Saginaw Regional Center Girl Scout Marketplace 5470 Davis Road, Saginaw, MI 48604 Phone: (800) 968-1185 Fax: (989) 799-1450 Tuesday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (March 4 - May 20 only) First Saturday of the month 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Sept. 8 - May 31 only)

In this issue Summer 2011

6 2010-2011 Gold Award Recipients 22 Graduating Seniors 25 Camp Merrie Woode News 26 Thanks Badge 28 Troop News

Many thanks to the volunteer photographers who provided photos of our 2011 Gold Award Girl Scouts and Thanks Badge recipients: Ryan Jakubowski, Tina Germinder-Metzger and Tracie Morris.


Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan Proudly Presents Our 2011 Gold Award Girl ScoutsThe Girl Scout Gold Award is “what you really want to be remembered for” in Girl Scouting. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award that Girl Scout Seniors (high school freshmen and sophomores) and Girl Scout Ambassadors (high school juniors and seniors) may earn. The leadership skills, organizational skills, and sense of community and commitment that come from “going for the Gold” set the foundation for a lifetime of active citizenship.

Natalie Allyn Troop 40866, Northville

“Kids just trying to be kids”

Natalie was inspired to dedicate her project to provide toys for young patients “by watching hospitalized kids just trying to be kids, playing while hooked up to tubes and surrounded by medical equipment.” Natalie filled clear VHS tape cases with small toys and games. Working with various day care centers to create the covers, she created 200 boxes, specialized by age and gender. Because many of the children had no personal items to keep, Natalie also made and donated 30 fleece blankets and yarn dolls, with the help of Troop 40855, so patients would have their very own to keep and take home.

From the Ann Arbor Region

Northville High School … art history … Syracuse University

The Gold Award project is the culmination of all the work a girl puts into earning the award. It is something that a girl can be passionate about, fulfills a need within a girl’s community (local, regional or global) and creates sustainable change. The project is more than a good service project—it encompasses organizational, leadership and networking skills.

Elizabeth AubuchonTroop 40612, Dexter

A cheerful welcome

Elizabeth designed a mural for the food pantry at Faith in Action (FIA) in Dexter to express her love of art. A painter helped Elizabeth with various painting techniques and donated project supplies. St. Joseph’s Parish gave paint. Her work was even saved from a wrecking ball, and moved, intact, to FIA’s new location! Elizabeth also enlisted the help of Troops 40612 and 41463 to make centerpieces used for FIA’s annual dinner. Elizabeth knew her project was a success when she heard comments such as, “I love the fireflies and the boy with the net!” and “What a cheerful welcome to Faith In Action!”

Dexter High School … illustration … Washtenaw Community College


Kristie DuveTroop 40609, Dexter

“A brighter learning space for hundreds of kids”

“I wanted to provide a brighter learning space for hundreds of kids in St. Joseph’s Parish Center,” said Kristie. With lots of research and practice, Kristie chose a mural of Christian symbols for the artwork. Beginning with a candle, chalice, rainbow, heart, anchor, dove, tree, peace sign and other Christian symbols, Kristie started to paint. The more she worked, the more her ideas blossomed! Eventually, the process was complete and the parish members were overjoyed. “I hope others will be inspired to continue decorating the building,” said Kristie

Dexter High School … advertising or graphic design

Lindsay FischerTroop 40220, Ann Arbor

Teaching others to love Planet Earth

Lindsay loves the earth and works hard to help others take care of our planet. Lindsay developed 16 lesson plans on alternative energy and the environment for the summer program at the Unitarian Universalist Church. With advice from teachers, scientists and consultants, Lindsay created games, crafts and experiments. She focused on wind, solar and hydro energies. Lindsay used the book, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, by William Kamkwamba, to tie the 16 lessons together. The elementary lessons were so popular that Lindsay’s curriculum was used with middle schoolers as well.

Dexter High School … the University of Oklahoma

Carly GlahnTroop 40609, Dexter

Helping children grieve

Carly created carnival games and puppets for Ele’s Place, where children go to grieve. Children there learn how to cope along with friends who can relate to their experience. Carly’s games included a bean bag toss and a lollipop tree. Children chose a lollipop with a question on the back, such as “what’s your favorite color?” or “what’s your favorite memory of your loved one?”. Carly adjusted the games according to feedback she got from neighborhood children. She hosted a puppet-making workshop for children at Generations Together and wrote, “How to Make Easy Puppets,” a brochure for the Dexter Library.

Dexter High School … pediatrician … University of Michigan


Kirstyn HeinTroop 40152, Pinckney

“I learned where I fit in the business world.”

One determined Girl Scout, 330 hours donated by 35 volunteers, five days and $5,200 in donated materials all added up to one amazing Gold Award project – a makeover at Connection Youth Shelter. Kirstyn’s crew painted bedrooms, fixed gutters, planted shrubs, installed $1400 of customized closet organizers and re-built an entire bathroom! Her project will benefit the 150 children who stay at the shelter each year. “I learned how to talk to businesses, and I learned where I fit in the business world,“ said Kirstyn. “I got very good at greeting and thanking people while surrounded by hammers, drills and saws.”

Pinckney High School

Laura KnutillaTroop 45389, Ann Arbor

Giving back to an organization that has helped so many

Laura wanted to give back to the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop, an organization that has helped so many students. Laura worked with others for a year to design and paint a mural on the walls of the Thrift Shop’s library. The new mural created a space that encouraged customers to browse. Laura’s work was unveiled at a reception, during which she was able to talk about the value of Girl Scouting with Thrift Shop supporters. The board, management, staff and customers of the PTO Thrift Shop were very grateful for this welcome addition to their space. Huron High School ... engineering …

University of Michigan.

Leah MackTroop 40866, Northville

“I am so grateful to Girl Scouts.”

“I am so grateful to Girl Scouts for giving me the opportunity to make a lasting impact on an organization that helps children with many disabilities,” said Leah. Penrickton Center for the Blind needed toys that students could take home. Leah made wooden boards with springy doorstoppers to encourage motor skills. She designed the toys to be strapped to a table, so children could play on their own. Working with a volunteer master carpenter, Leah sanded the boards, coated them and drilled holes to hold the door stoppers. She wrote an instruction booklet so Penrickton volunteers could make more of these popular toys.

Northville High School … Ohio State University.


Lynn MetzTroop 40609, Ann Arbor

“Being around them brightens your day.”

Lynn led lessons and activities to teach the developmentally disabled residents at St. Louis Center about nutrition and table manners. They learned how to set a table and how to read a restaurant menu. Lynn and Troop 40609 demonstrated proper etiquette and led craft activities and games. At the end of four weeks, Lynn held an ice cream social and the residents showed off their new skills. Lynn has donated a book of lesson plans and craft ideas to the St. Louis Center. “It was amazing,” said Lynn, “being around them brightens your day.”

Dexter High School

Meredith MonticelloTroop 41543, Northville

Science and technology = FUN!

Meredith put on a program to show kids how exciting science and technology can be. She worked with ten adults, 25 high school students and 103 fourth through sixth graders to provide low-cost day camps to children. She organized the Northville High School Robotics Team as mentors for the participants. The camp curriculum included hands-on science activities and building and programming a LEGO robot. The students walked away with a list of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) opportunities to continue the excitement generated in the camp.

Northville High School … computer science … University of Michigan.

Elizabeth Ann OttoTroop 40870, Canton

“You will carry the (Gold Award) experience with you for the rest of your life.”

‘Color,” said Elizabeth, “has such an impact on the emotions.” Elizabeth built, painted and decorated a bookcase with Disney characters for the Wayne Family Center. With the help of friends, family and other Girl Scouts, Elizabeth filled the bookcase with 670 books! Children can now enjoy the books while their parents look for jobs. Elizabeth also created three colorful paintings for the daycare area. Her advice to other Girl Scouts working on the Gold Award? “It’s kind of scary at first, but you will carry the experience with you for the rest of your life.”

Ladywood High School



Katelynn RitchieTroop 40132, Northville

A better space for learning and playing

Katelynn knew that the cognitively-impaired classroom at Kenbrook Elementary School needed help. That’s why she coordinated volunteers, collected money from bottle drives and secured donations of supplies to make the makeover happen. Katelynn and her volunteers added two low shelving units, and painted three enclosed skylights, a classroom door and two closet doors. They also refurbished a chalkboard easel and added a shelf and mirror above the sink the children use. Katelynn’s work allowed for easy access for students and created a better space for learning and playing.

Ishani ShahGirl Scout Juliette, Canton

“A life-changing experience”

“A life-changing experience” is how Ishani described her project. Collaborating with the teachers at Tanger Elementary School, Ishani created a social group for the Infant/Preschool Special Education Program. Ishani and her friends began visiting the school every Thursday to play with the children. The teachers, amazed at the progress the children made, expressed their appreciation for Ishani’s work and dedication. At the project’s end, the kids would run to give the volunteers welcoming hugs when they arrived on Thursday afternoons.

Northville High School

Plymouth High School … medicine or occupational therapy

Hailey SheatsTroop 40609, Whitmore Lake

“Hanging out with my friends and helping people”

Hailey worked with the Father Patrick Jackson House, a home for teen moms, to create 12 breast-feeding privacy shawls for the residents and to develop educational materials on breast-feeding. Hailey received positive feedback on the shawls from the residents. She donated the shawls and a pattern to Father Patrick Jackson House for future use. She wrote a booklet containing information regarding breast feeding and its benefits. Hailey has been a Girl Scout in the same troop for 13 years. “When I think of Girl Scouting,” she said, “I think of hanging out with my friends and helping people.”

Dexter High School


Chantal SingerTroop 40609, Dexter

“Girl Scouting means being a leader.”

Chantal painted scripture verses and cheerful images on the new, blank classroom walls at St. Joseph’s Religious Education Building in Dexter. To brighten up the space and create a more inviting learning environment, Chantal chose encouraging verses from Christian scripture. Working with volunteers from the community, family and friends, she painted verses in bright colors, accompanied by and illustrations. In the end, Chantal’s artwork enlivened 14 classrooms. “Girl Scouting,” said Chantal, “means being a leader.”

Dexter High School.

Savannah SurfusTroop 40220, Dexter

Crafting the Green Life

Savannah created an environmentally-focused crafting website for kids. “All the projects featured on the site are created from household objects that have been recycled,” said Savannah. She made sure that the activities appealed to both girls and boys and that the directions were easy to follow. A group of teachers, parents and children evaluated the site to make sure it was user-friendly and age-appropriate. Savannah received very positive feedback on her site and looks forward to it being used regularly. She even set up a separate email account for users of the site to send her pictures of their projects.

Polly WashabaughTroop 40609, Ann Arbor

To brighten someone’s day

Not only are hospital stays lengthy for the patients in Unit 6B of University of Michigan Hospital, they are also very trying on the patients’ families. Polly and the unit’s nurse manager designed a mobile activity cart for patients and families. Polly worked with specialists in patient care to better understand the importance of activities in recovery. She filled her decorated cart with games, puzzles, magazines, books, stationary, a dictionary, a thesaurus and craft supplies. In addition, Polly and a group of friends made blankets and pillow cases to give to the patients, at holidays or just to brighten their day.

Dexter High School … marketing … Michigan State University.

Dexter High School


Maria WellmanTroop 40870, Canton

The Gift of Life

Maria organized a blood drive at the Red Cross Donor Center in Livonia. Maria recruited donors by setting up booths at St. John Neumann Church and Bob Evan’s Restaurant, distributing fliers to neighbors, creating a Face book event, posting ads at local businesses and by personal invitation. Donors gave 32 units of blood to the Red Cross. Maria also created a video promoting blood donation, showing the process, benefits and personal stories about giving blood. In the future, this video will be used for recruitment for blood drives at St. John Neumann Parish.

Louisa Marie WolcottTroop 40220, Dexter

Helping young people fill their free time

Louisa put together a book of things to do in Washtenaw County. She split the activities by season, highlighting free or low-cost events, such as county fairs, Dexter Daze, the Saline Fair, bowling alleys and local parks and lakes. Louisa also devised an “Ann Arbor Road Trip’, which took participants to local attractions such as Le Dog, Stucchi’s, the Baird Carillon and the Rosenthal Cube. Friends and fellow U-M students took her suggestions ‘on the road’ to evaluate her booklet, which was made available at local coffee shops and in youth groups.

Salem High School … Michigan State University

Dexter High School … biology or marine biology … University of Michigan

Amy Barber

Troop 80034, Allegan

Meeting an overlooked need

Amy collected personal hygiene supplies -- more than 2,000 items -- for the Allegan Ministerium Central Food Pantry. She set up collection bins at her church, her school, and the Allegan County Area Technical and Education Center. Amy and 40 other students sorted items and packed bags of toiletries. Her efforts resulted in 98 packed bags. The supply was depleted in less than three weeks! Amy also received a $500 United Way Youth Service Grant to purchase more items for the pantry. She plans to become an elementary teacher, “to be that one person in a child’s life that they can really look up to.”

From the Kalamazoo Region

Allegan High School


Reid Blanchett

Troop 80334, Vicksburg

“I wouldn’t trade Girl Scouts for anything in the world!”

Reid installed software and labeled, cataloged and organized every book in the library at Kids Connection in Vicksburg. Kids Connections’ mentors could then keep track of the books, so children were able to take books home. By raising funds, she added 40 new books to the collection. With younger Girl Scouts, she asked for donations and sold items at the Sunset Lake Elementary School craft fair. When she saw how excited the children were with their new books, Reid knew her project was a success. Of her Girl Scout experience, Reid has said, “I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world!”

Kalamazoo Math and Science Center

Allysha Choudhury

Troop 80331, Portage

“A lot of room for giving in the world”

Allysha wanted to help high school students be more prepared for academic aptitude tests as they head into higher education. She collected preparation books for the SAT, ACT and AP tests from friends, family members and patrons of the Portage District Library. She donated 35 books to the library at Kalamazoo Central High School. “There’s a lot of room for giving in the world,” said Allysha, who said that her project showed her that “there are so many actions I can take to make the world a better place, on a large or small scale.”

Portage Central High School … biological anthropology and bio-medical science … Western Michigan University

Rebecca Conley

Troop 80261, Battle Creek

Realizing the value of literacy

Rebecca helped young people better understand the building blocks of English: the parts of speech. She wrote and illustrated a coloring and activity book on the parts of speech and hopes her book will help students better understand how to use language. “This project was about using the talents I’ve been given for the overall benefit of my community,” she said. “It was satisfying to know that members of the community really do realize how vital literacy is, especially now.”

Battle Creek Central High School


Monica Dubray


Using her talents for the community

Monica took her passion — graphic design — and created artwork that will serve for years to come. She made a banner for the Portage Northern High School Class of 1980 to be used at many reunions. She re-designed a brochure to promote the International Baccalaureate (IB) program at Portage Northern, a program from which she graduated in 2010. She used a classmate’s artwork to create an original brochure for the visual arts class in the IB program. Of Girl Scouting, Monica said, “as we got older, the girls in my troop became my closest friends.”

Katie Hayes


Coming together for a common goal

Katie’s project will bring much comfort to many in the future. Partnering with younger Girl Scouts, she made and donated ten blankets to the Cancer Center of Battle Creek. This need was very evident to Katie; her family has been affected by cancer. Katie shared her compassion for those who use the Cancer Center, making sure their chemotherapy sessions will be as comfortable as possible. “The girls from the younger troop had a lot of fun helping me, and we turned the usually long, tedious process into a challenge and an opportunity to come together for a common goal,” said Katie.

Portage Northern High School … graphic design … Western Michigan University.

Battle Creek High School

Kaitlin Martin


Helping people become more active while having fun

Kaitlin created a project designed to teach letterboxing to kids in the community and Girl Scouts at Camp Merrie Woode. Letterboxing encourages people to get outside and practice reading, following directions, solving problems and reading a compass. Kaitlin held a letterboxing event at Riverside Park in Battle Creek. She also incorporated some letterboxing activities at Camp Merrie Woode. She created a letterbox binder for Girl Scout leaders to check out. “The time and effort it takes to organize a project was worth it,” she said, “to do something that will help people become more active while having fun.”

Battle Creek Central High School … Kellogg Community College.


Brianna Melgar


One person’s waste, another’s resource

While working at the Portage Library, Brianna noticed that discarded books could, if given some love, become great resources for local community centers. So, she worked with Peace House and InterCare to turn one person’s waste into another person’s resource. In the end, Brianna was able to recycle and restore more than 1,000 books for the children at Peace House and InterCare’s five health clinics in Southwest Michigan. She hopes the books will increase the children’s enjoyment of reading and will aid in literacy. “I have extreme dedication and motivation when I am committed to a project,” said Brianna.

Portage Northern High School ... Kalamazoo College

Valerie Morel


So much good to be done in the world

Valerie loved to run cross country and track, and played basketball at St. Phillip’s Central Catholic High School. She organized a track and field day camp for fourth through eighth graders at Calhoun Christian School. The day camp gave the kids an enjoyable, healthy, safe summer activity. Valerie knew her project had been a success when Calhoun Christian Middle School fielded its biggest cross country team ever that fall! Valerie said that Girl Scouting helped her realize how much good there is to be done in the world and helped her decide on a career in nonprofits.

Leah Pulley

Troop 80478, Kalamazoo

Showing that young people care

Leah’s project cut straight to the root of an issue that she is passionate about – hunger. Leah’s enthusiasm for her community was obviously contagious; she was able to collect more than 500 items, gift cards and cash for the food pantry at Galilee Baptist Church. Seeing her church’s pantry full was just what she wanted to achieve, as well as watching the community benefit and showing that young people care. “I want to continue the collection drives as many times as I can,” said Leah, “as long as I have support from the community.”

St. Phillip’s Central Catholic High School …social relations and policy … Michigan State University

Parchment High School … pharmacology … Kalamazoo Valley Community College and the University of Illinois


Sara Raymond

Troop 80261, Ceresco

Raising awareness about homelessness

Seeing the need for food, clothing and toiletry items at the Urbandale Food Pantry at Overflow Church, Sara determined to raise awareness about homelessness in Battle Creek. She held a “shack-a-thon” to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. Sara and other teens spent 12 hours outside in a cardboard box, then walked seven miles to the food pantry! They raised enough money to purchase siding for a Habitat for Humanity house in Battle Creek. She collected winter coats and donated them to Charitable Union. She held canned food drives at Urbandale grocery stores and delivered bags and bags of food to the pantry.

Xenah Trayling

Troop 80839, Centreville

Safe walking paths for Centreville

Xenah’s project addressed the lack of safe walking paths in the Village of Centreville. Through extensive evaluation and a continuous partnership with her school board, school staff and local students, Xenah was able to raise awareness of the need for safe sidewalks and outdoor physical activity. All the research done to implement further action was created by her initial steps. Now the Village of Centreville has received funding to create sidewalks throughout the entire community. Thanks to Xenah’s persistent energy, her community will continue to benefit from her project for years to come.

Home School … College Plus

Centreville High School … US Navy

From the Lansing Region

Kily Buta

Troop 30036, DeWitt

“Pursue every opportunity that comes your way.”

Kily’s love of all things Japanese produced an amazing Japanese Cultural Festival and a display of children’s artwork from Michigan’s Japanese sister state, Shiga, to the DeWitt Public Library. Kily showcased Japanese food, clothing, activities and language. Kily also shared her passion through a PowerPoint presentation and craft demonstrations at the Montessori Children’s House. The Japanese Club she founded at Dewitt High School with eight students soon had 30 students! Her advice to Gold Award candidates? “Pick a subject that interests you and pursue every opportunity that comes your way.”

DeWitt High School … biology and business … Alma College


Colleen Curtiss

Troop 30706, DeWitt

“Girl Scouting means taking a stand.”

When Colleen’s aunt was in physical therapy, recovering from a stroke, Colleen noticed that the patients needed a way to work with the over-sized learning materials they were using to regain speech. She built 8-inch square wooden card holders and donated them to Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. “Just by doing something small,” said Colleen, “I could make a difference in people’s lives. People will be using my project to regain their life after a devastating injury.” Colleen says, “Girl Scouting means taking a stand in what you believe in and being honest and trustworthy.”

DeWitt High School

Megan Frayer

Troop 30036, DeWitt

“Positive things to turn to when life gets tough”

“My religion is very important to me,“ said Megan, “people need church now more than ever. It would be great to show children that there are positive things to turn to when times get tough.” Megan created a “Learning the Rosary” program and a badge workshop for younger girls. They made 150 Rosaries to send to a Mexican orphanage, along with Rosary coloring books, in Spanish. Megan credits Girl Scouting with helping her determine her career path. Thanks to a mentoring opportunity through Girl Scouts, she job shadowed at the USDA Wildlife Services and now plans a career in zoology.

Rachel Hatt and Kristen Patterson

Troop 30442, Lansing

“We were overwhelmed by the generosity.”

Rachel and Kristen filled six cribs and four dressers with baby clothes, supplies and accessories for Pregnancy Services of Greater Lansing. The girls collected more than 700 items, by holding a “Dress the Baby” shower and dance. They were gratified with the response, from family, friends and other Girl Scouts, and also the larger community. Their project was such a success that they doubled their original goal for collecting items. “I learned how challenging it is to work with another girl who is just as busy as I am,” said Rachel. “We were overwhelmed by the generous donations we received,” said Kristen.

Waverly High School

East Lansing High School …zoology … Michigan State University.


Julia Hurley

Troop 30460, Laingsburg

“Girl Scouting is a group of friends, growing up and learning together.”

When students at Laingsburg Elementary School enjoy the nature trail and science field guides, Julia will know that her Gold Award Project has achieved its goals. Julia and her volunteers cleared the trail, built benches, built a bookshelf and filled it with books about the natural world to complement the science curriculum. “Girl Scouting,” said Julia, “means more to me than anything I can say. Girl Scouting is a group of friends, growing up and learning together. It means hard work, dedication and a sense of high mindedness. Being a Girl Scout is a major key to the life choices I will make.”

Brianne June

Troop 30738, DeWitt

Lasting Memorials

Thanks to Brianne, family members are now able to locate the graves of their loved ones in Merrihew and Alward Lake Cemeteries in Olive Township. Not only were there no records of burial locations, but the headstones were badly worn and eroded. Working with her Girl Scout troop, she cleaned the headstones at both cemeteries. Most significantly, Brianne documented the location and descriptions of all of the headstones on an Excel spreadsheet. Now the database Brianne created can be shared with the local historical society as well, and posted on the society’s website.

Laingsburg High School … journalism and psychology … East Carolina University

John’s High School … communications disorders … Central Michigan University

Alicia Kitson

Troop 30036, DeWitt

Making history come alive

When first graders in DeWitt Public Schools learn about the history of their town, they will be benefitting from Allicia’s work. When Alicia was in fourth grade, she took a walking field trip of DeWitt. Now the DeWitt history unit has been moved to the first grade curriculum, and all DeWitt first graders attend Schavey Elementary School, too far away from DeWitt’s historical sites for a walk. Alicia used her video editing skills to make a DVD about the history her home town. Alicia also donated a copy of her video to the DeWitt Public Library.

DeWitt High School … film and video production … Grand Valley State University


Marie Kone

Troop 30740, Lansing

“People should cherish what they have.”

Marie’s Gold Award project reached half way around the world, to her home country of Burkina Faso, in West Africa. She created a PowerPoint presentation on the grim realities of living in poverty in Burkina Faso and collected clothing and shoes to send overseas. She also wanted to educate people about a little known African nation. “I wanted to show people, especially in America, that people should cherish what they have. I am also hoping for many happy faces in Africa. Even though it may not seem like a lot, the people in Africa really value it.”

Lansing Catholic High School … medicine … Michigan State University

Elena Lesmez

Troop 30568, East Lansing

Teaching and learning about animals

“I love the look on a child’s face when she learns something she never knew before,” says Elena, who brought her love of teaching to her Gold Award project, an educational program for Potter Park Zoo. Elena, now a zoology major at Michigan State University, related the docent-led tour program to the state’s high school curriculum, consulted with the education curator at the zoo, and “field tested” her materials with a group of younger Girl Scouts. Thanks to Elena, the zoo’s docents now have a ready-made online guided tour to help them share information on the animals’ use of water.

Kristin Phillips

Troop 30483, Mason

“Girl Scouting means finding the best in yourself.”

“Girl Scouting means cultivating news ideas and skills. It means trying new things, and finding the best in yourself.” While volunteering at the Ingham County Animal Shelter, Kristin noticed that many cats sat in or near their litter boxes. She decided to remedy this unhygienic situation by building raised cat beds with donated PVC piping and fabric. Twenty-four cat beds later, Kristin added a lobby bench to her contributions to the animal shelter, and her Gold Award project was complete. Kristen credits a Girl Scout mentoring program with her decision to become an author.

East Lansing High School

Mason High School … Michigan State University


Elizabeth Pulter

Troop 30740, Haslett

“I learned that I can make a difference.”

Elizabeth wanted to create awareness of the problem of pregnancies among teens in foster care. Her Gold Award project also collected baby items for the Mommy and Baby Program at Angel House, a facility in Mason that serves abused children. She placed collection boxes in public buildings and held two events to raise awareness of the need. Elizabeth says, “I learned to appreciate how fortunate I am to have parents and a family to take care of me and show me how to live and grow. I also learned that I can make a difference in someone’s life in the smallest of ways.”

Kelsey Vorce

Troop 30740, Perry

Music across the generations

During a high school band trip to Washington, D.C., Kelsey performed a concert for veterans at the Army Retirement Home and her Gold Award project concept was born. Kelsey brought the idea home and organized a concert for the residents of senior citizens’ homes. The seniors loved the concert and loved meeting the high school musicians at a reception afterwards. Their only complaint was that the concert was too short! Kelsey organized her event on Face book and “learned how to use technology and put it to actual use, instead of just playing with it.”

Haslett High School … Lansing Community College

Music … Central Michigan University

From the Saginaw Region

Kristen Leonard

Troop 50552, Kawkawlin

Giving kids a great start in school

Kristen wanted to make sure that elementary children had the right materials to get the most for their classroom experiences and to help parents with back-to-school expenses.. She collected enough school supplies to fill 45 backpacks. Her younger sister’s Girl Scout troop filled the backpacks with school supplies. Kristen said that the looks on the children’s faces when she delivered the backpacks to St. Valentine Elementary School was her most rewarding experience. Six years ago, a Girl Scout field trip to a veterinary clinic helped Kristen confirm her decision to become a vet herself.

Bay City Western High School … veterinary medicine … at Delta College


Rebecca Ross

Troop 50747

Art for the animals

A black cat with a broken tail and a love for art were the inspirations for Rebecca Ross’ Gold Award project. Rebecca’s three years as a volunteer for Heart of Michigan Animal Rescue (HOMAR) at the Gladwin Animal Shelter showed her how many deserving animals needed good homes (including “Black Jack,” who now lives with the Ross family.) Rebecca created a banner sign for HOMAR, along with a slide show and brochures promoting pet adoption. She also built a display space for the shelter’s lobby.

H.H. Dow High School

PROTECTING TODAY’S IDEAS FOR TOMORROW

Michigan Office: 1000 Town Center, Twenty-Second FloorSouthfield, MI, 48075 Phone: 248-358-4400

California Office: 6701 Center Drive, Suite 610Los Angeles, CA, 90045 Phone: 310-348-8200

P A T E N T S , C O P Y R I G H T S , T R A D E M A R K SA N D T E C H N O L O G Y R E L A T E D C A U S E S

Troop 40152, Brighton

“Girl Scouting gives you courage to try new things.”

Shannon created an event at Lakeland Elementary School to help families become more eco-friendly. Working with 12 local businesses, she featured green products and services. She organized recycling relay races, recycle bin tosses and recycled craft stations. She displayed a week’s worth of her family’s recyclable trash to demonstrate just how much can be re-used. Shannon said the best part of her project was “seeing families having fun learning how to recycle.” Businesses and families are hoping to participate again next year.

Shannon Fegan

From the Ann Arbor Region

Pinckney Community High School


Ann Arbor Region

Natalie Allyn

Dana Barbera

Amelia Barnard

Briana Basile

Kristianna Bell

Lisa Bergeron

Allison Boss

Emma Boyd

Christina Bucknam

Christina Chalk

Laura Cheaney

Rachel Choi

Mackenzie Clements

Katherine Coleman

Leah Coll

Rebecca Davenport

Carly Dempsey

Sarah Denehy

Katie Dillehay

Shannon Fegan

Meghan Flynn

Sara Fulmer

Kristin George

Nicole Goldi

Natalie Grimmer

Christine Hagan

Katie Harris

Tila Havlik

Breanna Hebard

Kelsey Heller

Kirstyn Hein

Reonna Hicks

Mary Hirt

Lucy Holland

Sarah Hoover

Samantha Hoyle

Michelle Janowieki

Jennifer Jones

Sarah Kief

Shallon Kovac

Laura Knutilla

Jean Li

Leah Mack

Anna Mayne

Cassandra McAllister

Allison Moffett

Meredith Monticello

Monica Olsen

Elizabeth Otto

Sarah Ottum

Madeline Palmer

Andrea Parker

Christina Radak

Leah Rickelman

Laura Roth

Madison Salem

Anjali Saripalli

Lindsey Selvig

Ishani Shah

Samantha Shures

Jessica Shapiro

Veronica Shiemke

Olivia Smail

Megan Smith

Rosa Smith

Ann Soliman

Kelsey Speer

Brenna Stow

Samantha Stymiest

Monique Sumpter

Amanda Swider

Kristin Tarp

Jenny Tith

Keri Throne

Chi Tran

Candra Ueno

Anne Waldo

Cassandra Ward

Kimberley Wilson

Casey Windom

Amanda Wright

Meagan Wylie

Erin Zabik

Jackson Region

Samantha Childs

Samantha Clayton

Tina Cloud

Kelsey Coveney

Ashley Hein

Stephanie Hill

Tonya Kendra

Emily Kennedy

Lyndsey Phillips

Kaitlyn Randolph

Maranda Sanders

Katie Shalosky

Alexandria Strong

Shannon Torok

Allison Unsicker

Alexi Vasbinder

Stephanie Wicklund

Sarah Wilkin

Mellinda Wilson

Congratulations to GSHOM girls who have continued active membership in Girl Scouting through high school! We invite our 2011 high school graduates to continue in Girl Scouting as adult volunteers!


Kalamazoo Region

Bridgette Adams

Erin Atkinson

Amelia Barber

Brittany Centers

Lauren Centers

Myrina Clements

Kayla Dies

Taylor Brenth

Kanisha Hardy

Miriah Hendrix

Trang Hoang

Tristy Hoard

Kristie Kistler

Kylee Krause

Anna Krouse

Kristen Luce

Mariah Martinez

Kara McDowell

Samantha Miller

Jesi Minor

Justyc Mitchell

Valerie Morel

Allison O’Brian

Kaileigh Oldham

Jamie Silver

Molly Slocum

Sarah Surna

Congratulations

Hailey Walsh

Jessica Westman

Jenny Weston

Paige Willis

Sarah Willmann

Lansing Region

Katerina Bierwith

Kristen Blodgett

Ashley Boynton

Ashley Bryde

Shameeka Bush

Kily Buta

Ashley Cavin

Demi Clay

Amanda Chaffee

Jessee Churchill

Ayuesha Ewing

Samantha Farmer

Gwendolyn Frenzel

Molly Froman

Katie Garrity

Mary George

Danielle Grider

Jeri Howard

Chelsea Hunt-Teachout

Julia Hurley

Courtney Johnson

Marisa Kiefer

Victoria Kiel

LaVonda Lamphere

Danielle Le Cureux

Audrey London

Angie Luke

Victoria Malkowski

Marie Micheaux

Lisa Miller

Sarah Mussell

Angela Nellis

Gabrielle Odom

Abby Orrick

Mary Pulliam

Katelynn Reisig

Sarah Rick

Maricella Rodriguez Cabello

Mariah Rudd

Danielle Somerville

Alysaa Stepter

Tanisha Thompson

Brittany Tyler

Jessica Walls

Krystal Williams

Kaitlyn Wixson

Saginaw Region

Alicia Bowen

Megan Breault

Trudy Godde

Samantha Groen

Elizabeth Hempstead

Lillian Maloney

Erinna McKissick

Jill Monroe

Chelsie Pysklo

Alison Rice

Emily Sabins

Ashley Schaar

Stacy Walsh


Congratulations Shannon & Kirstyn!

Earning your Gold Award is only the beginning! You will continue to do great things!

We love you!

From the Fegan and Hein Families

To the AMAZING girls of Troop 152:Lisa, Christina, Kirstyn, Shannon, Summer, Madison,

Monique, Kim, Erin, Lindsey, Katie, Leah Congratulations on 134 years of scouting!

You are all smart, beautiful and kind young women who will continue to make

this world a better place!Remember–I am here for you always xoxoxox

Love you all, Mrs. Hein

Girl Scout Troop 60277All these years of Girl Scouting, from Daisies to AmbassadorsStephanie Hill, Ashley Hine, Stephanie Wicklund, Alexi Vasbinder, Maranda Sanders

All graduating as Girl Scouts—you all will go far.

—Joyce Hill

Congratulations Katelynn!

Katelynn Ritchie received her Girl Scout Gold Award on May 17, 2011. Katelynn’s project focused on reorganizing and designing a classroom for cognitively impaired elementary students.

—Lynda and Mark Ritchie

Your perseverance, commitment, generous spirit and warm heart shine through your incredible achievement. We know that we will continue to be amazed by your confidence, intelligence and creativity through your years at OU and beyond!

Lindsay—Congratulations on earning your Gold Award!

Love, Mom, Dad & James

125 N. Clippert Ste. C Lansing, MI 48912

Phone: 517-333-3232 E-mail: [email protected]

$5.oo Haircut with Appointment

Expires June 30, 2011


LOGO:14323821MAGPATH:8211947


Construction is underway on the Adventure Units at Camp Merrie Woode in Plainwell. Ground breaking occurred last fall and building is underway. The cabins will be finished in time for winter use.

Camp Merrie Woode has been a special place for Tom and Harriet Reed and their three daughters who were Girl Scouts. Beginning in 1966, Harriet served at various times as troop leader for her daughters’ troops from Brownie through Senior. The girls loved hiking, camping, and snowshoeing to name just a few of the activities with other Girl Scouts of which the Reed girls have fond memories.

Tom got involved in 1969 and subsequently served on the Council Board of Directors; the Land, Building, and Equipment Committee for Camp Merrie Wood; and helped set up and strike camp in spring and fall respectively for more than 35.

Tom and Harriet continued their commitment to the camp long after the girls were no longer in troops. Tom spent many happy hours fishing on Warner Lake, yet was always happy to help Ranger Bob with whatever projects came along.

Reeds’ Landing Dedication Camp Merrie Woode August 21,2011

Camp Merrie WoodeAdventure Unit

Things are Going On at Camp Merrie Woode!

Reeds’ Landing, a lakeside fishing pavilion on beautiful Warner Lake, will commemorate their family’s combined 100+ years of active participation in Girl Scouting and a lifetime of memories. It will honor the many years of commitment and contributions Tom and Harriet made to Camp Merrie Woode and the continued growth and development of young women.


Two of our amazing volunteers, Sally Ashley (Ortonville) and Roberta Somerville (Mason), have received the GSUSA Thanks Badge for their remarkable service to Girl Scouting. Another amazing volunteer, Jacquline Jeffery (Pinckney), has received the Thanks Badge II. These highest adult awards in Girl Scouting were announced at the GSHOM volunteer recognition luncheon held at the Kellogg Center, Lansing, in April.

Roberta Somerville directs the very popular Mason Day Camp. Each summer, Roberta runs the week-long event, welcoming girls from Eaton, Ingham and Jackson Counties. Here tireless efforts have produced a day camp experience second to none, one to which girls look forward every year. Last year she traveled throughout GSHOM, talking about the benefits of camp and recruiting campers and volunteers. As a troop leader, registrar, fall product manager and now day camp director, Roberta’s efforts have benefitted GSHOM immensely.

Sally Ashley, co-director of the Mackinac Island Honor Scout (MIHS) Patrol 7901, has touched the lives of nearly 1200 participants. She teaches the girls how to put their patriotism into action, serving the people of Michigan. Because of her service, our council’s reputation is enhanced throughout the Midwest. Sally promotes the value of MIHS to participating Girl Scout councils, to the State Parks Commission and to the State of Michigan. Her nominator said, “MIHS is the most girl-led, girl-involved program in Girl Scouting, and Sally leads the way and allows the girls to take charge.”

The contributions of Jacquline Jeffery, as area manager, facilitator, troop leader and co-director of the Mackinac Island Honor Scout (MIHS) Patrol 7901, have made a difference in the lives of hundreds of girls, families and community members for the past 18 years. Her fundraising efforts made possible the purchase of a new flagpole at Camp Linden so that the MIHS flag patrol can practice flag ceremonies with the 30’ by 50’ US flag used on Mackinac Island. The annual Pinckney-Hamburg-Lakeland encampment, attended by 400 to 500 girls, is a success due to Jackie’s leadership. She also represents GSHOM to community groups and serves on the council’s Membership Advisory Committee.

The GSUSA ‘Thanks Badge’ No Higher Adult Honor

Roberta Somerville

Sally Ashley

Jacquline Jeffery

Please support girls by supporting our generous sponsors! 27 Please support girls by supporting our generous sponsors! 27

TH

AN

KS

Mackinac Island Honor Scouts with Jan Barker, GSHOM CEO, at Camp Linden flagpole dedication

Bonnie Carpenter, one of the Volunteer Stars honored by the Kalamazoo Gazette last April. Bonnie was one of thirteen honorees, out of over 2,000 volunteers nominated!


Rhiannon Tomtishen and Madison Vorva, two Girl Scouts from the GSHOM Ann Arbor Region, have discovered an issue they are passionate about and are doing exactly what they have learned in Girl Scouting – taking action to make the world a better place. The girl’s campaign to remove palm oil from Girl Scout cookies has garnered national news media coverage, on ABC’s World News Tonight, the CBS News Early Show and the Wall Street Journal.

“We are so proud of our girls as they have learned to advocate for an issue that is important to them,” said Jan Barker, CEO of Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan. “We encourage all of our girls to develop their leadership skills to stand up for what they believe in.”GSUSA and our cookie bakeries are pursuing a safe, workable alternative to palm oil.

Girl Scouts Campaign for Palm Oil Free Girl Scout Cookies

Girl Scout Cadettes Zoey Bommarito and Carlie Murdock say “thumbs down” to old instrument storage units in their school’s band room. The girls are refurbishing the space to earn their Silver Award.

Girls ’ Passion for Music Leads to Si lver Award Project

“Music is my life,” says Zoey Bommarito. That’s why she was so passionate about fixing up the band room at Grass Lake Middle School. Zoey and her friend and sister Girl Scout, Carlie Murdock, raised the funds and refurbished the band room. The girls, both Girl Scout Cadettes from Troop 60131, also made over the instrument “cubbies,” the band teacher’s office, the practice rooms and the music library.

“The school board was really proud of us for taking charge,” said Carlie, “and our principal loved the idea.”

The girls’ work will earn them the Girl Scout Silver Award, the highest

recognition for Girl Scout Cadettes. The Girl Scout Silver Award calls on girls to identify an issue they are passionate about and to put together a project that helps their community. The two eighth graders knew the project would take a while but, with the support of the Grass Lake community, they saw it through. The new band room was dedicated on August 28, just in time for the new school year. The girls’ creativity, perseverance and determination resulted in a band room redo that Grass Lake Middle Schoolers—and their music teachers—will enjoy for years to come


Girls Take Flight!Our cookies may be famous, but more importantly, we are known for becoming leaders. It’s about being the best we can be, whether that’s wanting to be a pilot, astronaut or space explorer. Take off at the Air Zoo!

Learn about aviation, space and science.Train like an astronaut.Climb into a full-motion fl ight simulator. Visit the 4-D theater. Experience indoor amusement park-style attractions.

Junior Girl Scout Aerospace DaySaturday, April 23, 20119:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Brownie Movers Try-It Saturday, October 15, 2011 Morning Session: 9:30-11:30 a.m.Afternoon Session: 1-3 p.m.

Junior Girl Scout Science Discovery Day Saturday, November 19, 2011 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

For more information call our Event Coordinators at 269.350.2848.

6151 Portage Road • Portage, MI • I-94 Exit 78 www.airzoo.org

Quincy Mine Tours

49750 US-41 • Hancock, Michigan 49930 Phone: 906-482-3101 • www.quincymine.com

1 mile north of Hancock on US Highway 41 A Complete Mine Adventure

• Scenic Cog-Rail Tram ride • 1/2 mile into mine’s 7th level, 375” underground • Mine diggings from the Civil War era. • 1918 4-story Steam Engine, largest hoist in the world. • Tour Quincy Mine National Historic Landmark Dist.

• Set in Keweenaw National Historical Park

May through October

lafcu.com 517.622.6600

The Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan History Team hosted a very successful Girl Scout and Boy Scout Memorabilia Show on April 9, helping to kick off our 99th anniversary fun. Vendors and visitors alike had a great time sharing Girl Scout memories.


Milagro and Morgaine ♥ Girl Scouts!

“I made lots of friends!” “I liked being able

to share my feelings about being a girl.”

Milagro Romero and Morganine Knight, two first graders, attended after-school Girl Scouts at the Foster Center in Lansing. The girls participated in “Living On My Honor,” a program designed to teach children to counter bigotry and to celebrate similarities and differences among all people. A grant from Ingham County Community Agency funded after-school Girl Scouts at community centers in and around Lansing.

Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Casimir Troop 30106 has reason to be very proud. This fall, the 11 member 3rd grade troop attended private dance classes for five Mondays after school at Broadway Theatre & Dance Company. The dance instructor Miss Andrea led them in the requirements of the Dancing Try It as well as teaching them a routine to Lincoln Brewster’s song “This is the Day.”

Not only were the girls able to try something new, they were challenged in their skills, worked together and best of all were so courageous. At the completion of the classes the girls were able to share their Liturgical Dance with the entire Immaculate Heart of Mary and St. Casimir Student Body. Many girls found this to be intimidating but they held their heads high and shared their faith and their dancing. They were very proud of themselves after finishing as well they should be. THIS is what Girl Scouts is all about.

Way to go Troop 30106!


Summer 2011, Volume 3, Issue 2Momentum is published byGirl Scouts Heart of Michigan, Inc.1900 Manchester Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48104Six regional centers to serve you!

Through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, girls benefit in ways that will help them throughout their lives. In Girl Scouting, Girls: learn who they are … develop positive values … learn life skills … seek challenges … learn how to think criticallyThey learn how to: have healthy relationships … cooperate and build teams … resolve conflicts … appreciate diversity … make connections in their communities, whether at home or around the world.Girl Scouts identify problems and ways to solve them. They champion causes they care about. They inspire others to act. In short,

Girl Scouts know that they can make a difference in the world.

the gold award issue - mason area girl scouts...

Documents