Mountain View Mirror - Online
April 1999

Don’t forget to also get regular Permission Slips for each camper. These AND the Health History forms are to be in the vehicles that the individuals are in both to and from camp, and in possession of the troop leader during the event.

Girl Scouts of the USA has 35 program standards that each Girl Scout adult who is involved with girls, either directly or indirectly, should be familiar with. In an effort to make each and every one of us more aware of the standards we should always be following we will profile one standard each month.

• Leaders receive council training before taking girls troop camping.
• Girls and their leaders work with the Girl Scout council in planning a Girl Scout camping experience. See Standards 6, 13, 14, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 and activity checkpoints for Troop Camping.
• Girls and adults prepare for the camping experience.
• Girls learn about and practice minimal-impact camping. (See the video From Backyard to Backcountry: Camping Lightly on the Land.)

The 35th Annual Meeting of the Columbia River Girl Scout Council is now history. Representing the Mountain View Neighborhood at this event were Gail B, Helen S, Carol T, and Deb W. Some of the highlights of the meeting include:

1. A name change for our council. We are now officially "Girl Scouts - Columbia River Council, Inc."
2. Deb W (our neighborhood chair) was elected as one of the National Council Delegates representing the council at the next National Council Meeting to be held in October 1999 in St. Louis, Missouri.
3. Mountain View Neighborhood was lauded for doubling the numbers of Senior Girl Scouts in the neighborhood this year.
4. Senior Troop 72 was recognized for its’ 3rd place finish at TAMBU last fall.
5. The membership of the council now stands at 14,898 girls, and 3,879 adults. This is in part due to the neighborhoods that increased their membership totals, which includes Mountain View Neighborhood.

At the Awards Luncheon the Mountain View Neighborhood also received the distinction of having our Neighborhood Chair, Deb W, receive the "Outstanding Volunteer" Award.

Congratulations Deb!

I had that awful feeling in the pit of my stomach. That feeling I used to get in Mr. Orvadahl’s 9th grade math class, when it seemed like everyone else knew what was going on but me. But I wasn't 14, I was 50 and somehow I was sitting in a class learning how to be a Brownie Troop Leader.

How did I get into this? I had no children of my own, and hadn't wanted any. But as fate would have it, I had started dating a man who had three young daughters and the youngest had her heart set on being a Brownie. There weren't enough troops to go around and......you can guess the rest.

The first meeting was awful. I had no idea what I was doing, how to start, what to have the girls do, what kind of an influence I would be. So, I asked the girls to make collages of what THEY hoped to get out of Scouting. AMAZING!! Maybe I didn't know what was going on, but they sure did!

The next meeting was easier, and the by the next one, I actually had an agenda. Other troop leaders and the neighborhood leader helped me immensely, but it was the girls who were the V-8 engine to my rickety vehicle.

Soon we were learning The Promise, The Law, The Slogan, the Motto, The Flag Ceremony, and last week, I presented them with their first "Try-it." MANNERS. It was well earned.

The other day I got a call telling me that in June most of my troop was "Bridging" to Jr. Scouts. However, "my" girl was young enough that she was going to stay in Brownies one more year. Since she was the only one, I said I would just as soon let her go on to another troop and I could bow out. The council said they were sorry to see me go, but that they would be able to find another troop for her.

"So, it all worked out just right," I thought...except for that feeling in my heart. That same feeling I had when I finally left Mr. Orvadahl’s math class, and I realized how much fun I'd had there and what a great feeling it had been to learn something so worthwhile.

Funny how those things work out, isn't it?

Carol Holden
Troop 1267

Sunday, April 25, 1999 is Girl Scout night with the Blazers! This year it will be at the Rose Garden and they will be playing the Phoenix Suns. The game starts at 6:00 p.m., but you are encouraged to show up at 3:45 p.m. to participate in a pre-game talk with Marta Monetti, The Blazers Vice President of Marketing and Communications.

Girl Scouts and their families will get a special group rate that evening. Costs are $15.00 for youths ages 15 and under, and $20 for adults. In order to take advantage of this special offer, you will need to designate a leader from your troop to coordinate this event. You will need to order the tickets early to receive the best available seats. Seating starts in the center of the 300 level above the luxury suites. If your group has 20 or more in it you will receive 2 free tickets to a future Blazer game. All the girls that are wearing their uniform or Girl Scout pin will receive a free Blazer poster. You will also get a free $3.00 coupon for concession items, plus an official Blazers patch!

For more information and to order tickets call Chris Troy at (503) 797-9623 or 1-800-231-8750 ext. 8623.

Are you confident and know exactly how to go about setting one up?
Or do you approach one with a little trepidation?
If you are the latter then read on ...
If you are the former - read on anyway - you may find some good ideas.

These are just a few ideas about ways to make a Scout's Own special

• Hold it at night time - outdoors if you can and use candles as part of the ceremony
• Have special music playing in the background
• Give each participant something special as a reminder of the ceremony - an example would be: a bag with a shell, a feather and a stone in it to represent the ocean, the sky and the earth.
• Use a 'Thank You God' with younger girls - this way they can Thank God for what ever they like. This way they all get to do their own thing.
• Have the girls arrange all of it
• Have a 'Reflection Time', where the girls are encouraged to find a spot of their own and reflect on their own faith, in their own way. This is good if you have girls of different faiths in your group. It's also good if you are not sure yourself of your own faith.
• Encourage the girls to use a theme, such as 'Friendship', or 'Nature', which would be applicable to all faiths.
• If the girls in your unit are all Christians then you could use Christian stories and Bible readings as a guide to the themes.
• What about including a craft as part of the ceremony. These need to be simple but expressive - such as doves, flowers, stars.
• If you are at a campground with an outdoor Chapel why not use taped music and have a procession into the chapel at the start of the Scout's Own - using candles after dark
• Have all the different parts of the Scout's Own on cards; appoint someone to co-ordinate; have everyone choose a card and then that's what they are responsible for. Items on cards could include: songs; music; poems; readings; thoughts; opening; closing; venue; symbol; action; and so on. Make sure you have the correct number of cards for participants. The person/people coordinating collect the card; put in order and list all on a large piece of paper. Book marks can be used for each person: I am to do ............; I will follow .................

These are just a few ideas to get you started! Why not make a collection of all the good ideas you've heard about or seen?

1. Outdoor Manners
2. Dressing for the Outdoors
3. Knots
4. Knives
5. Fires
6. Outdoor Cooking
7. First Aid
8. Protecting the Environment

The San Fernando Valley Girl Scout Council has a patch program for teaching the basic camping skills to girls. The recognition symbol for the completion of these skills is a round patch with four segments. When Level I is completed the patch and the first segment may be awarded and worn. With the completion of Levels II, III and IV, the appropriate segments may be added.

Everyone, Brownies through adult, begins with Level I and continues at their own pace.

For ordering information about this patch you can find out more at: http://www.oocities.org/Heartland/Hills/5940/8basics.html

Level I
These are basic steps to help a girl get acquainted with skills needed to be resourceful, happy and comfortable in the out-of-doors.

• Learn good manners to use in the out-of-doors.
• Learn how to dress for the expected weather and what to bring along for the unexpected.
• Learn how to tie and release a square knot and what a square knot is used for.
• Find out how to open, close and pass a knife safely.
• Learn first aid for a skinned knee and a bee sting.
• Learn how to choose a safe spot to build a fire and why hair should be tied up when working near fires.
• Help prepare a meal that needs no fire.
• Find out how trees and plants help us. Do something to help a tree or a plant.

Leader's Guide

Leader's Guide
1. Discuss with girls that good manners mean caring for the feelings of others. Respect other campers boundaries and always "ask permission" to enter their camp. Leaving your litter behind is not considerate. A Scout always leaves her campsite better than she found it.
2. Have girls explain how they should dress for different situations, like a day at the beach, a rain hike, a windy bike ride, a summer picnic, etc. Keep health and safety in mind when discussing sleeves to prevent sunburn, pants to protect legs and proper shoes.
3. A square knot is used for tying two ends together when both ropes are of about the same thickness. Practice tying and releasing the knot until the girls can do it fairly fast. Knots are shown in Brownie and Junior Handbooks. Try a knot tying relay (i.e. closing flaps on tent, tying a bandanna.) One of our favorite ways to teach knots is to use the long string licorice, when they get the know right, they get to eat it.
4. Keep safety in mind when using a knife of any kind. Give every girl a chance to open, close and pass a knife safely. Brownies may not all be strong enough to open a knife themselves, but they should learn to handle them correctly because they will need to use knives in simple cooking. Have them practice with a buddy, ensuring girls are far enough apart so their arms do not reach each other. Good descriptions are in Brownie and Junior Handbooks.
5. Always stress the importance of preventing accidents, if instance, running may lead to skinned knees or disturbing bees may lead to being stung. Learn first aid for a skinned knee and a bee sting. You can make a customized "stinger remover" with shrink-a-dink.
6. Choose a safe spot to build a fire. Fires burn upward. Don't ever build one under low or overhanging branches. Make sure the ground area is clear of things like leaves, dry grass, twigs, etc. The best place for fires is in designated fire rings or park stove. Long hair should be in braids or tied back to keep it from catching fire. (this is also good to do to keep the hair out of the food when the girls cook.) See Safety Wise for more tips.
7. Prepare a meal that needs no fire. Her are some ideas to get you started - Friendship salad made of cut fruit and a sack of mini marshmallows; celery sticks stuffed with peanut butter, cream cheese or cheese spreads; sandwiches - think of different kinds of bread, rolls, buns, bagels or even open face: raw vegetables; desserts like graham crackers spread with frosting made from mix or a can, or fill cones with instant pudding or homemade ice cream; mix up some punch to top it off.
8. Discuss with the girls how trees and plants help us. Ideas - shade, food, furniture, beauty, animal homes, paper, fuel, toothpicks, flood control, oxygen, building material, toys, smog absorber. As an outdoor activity, choose a community area (park center, recreation area) in which to plant a tree or shrub.

It's time to start planning that first overnight to camp. Whether staying in a lodge, cabins, or platform tents, here's a checklist of skills you need to work on before heading to an established campsite. Ask yourself these questions:

• Can you work together with other girls? Are you willing to help with everything, including cleanup?
• Do you know how to dress the right way for different kinds of weather?
• Have you gone hiking, taken a nature walk, or slept outdoors in someone's backyard? Have you been away from home before?
• Have you used your senses to learn about the outdoors?
• Have you learned safety rules for outdoor activities?
• Have you learned to read a map?
• Have you done some simple food preparation?
• Do you really want to go!

Make sure to practice your skills and you will be ready to go. Your Girl Scout leader will be trained to help your group plan a wonderful trip. Enjoy!

Resources:

For more tips directly from the GSUSA web site, check out: http://www.gsusa.org/girls/Go/Outdoor/skills/outdoor.htm#Top, Outdoor Outdoor Skills

It is an honor and a privilege to give the toast to the leaders. Having been a leader in the past I know how much time and work goes into the task. There is truly more to being a leader than one meeting a week. There are countless hours of preparation, meetings, trainings and of course, those fun filled weekends at camp. For many leaders the hours dedicated also include the time of their spouse or significant other, who wishes to spend time together only to realize that if you can't beat them you must join them. As a parent I want to thank each of you for your love and enthusiasm. My daughter has benefited greatly from your encouragement and role modeling. You have truly become the significant other in her life. You have provided her with someone to bounce her thoughts and feelings off of, practice her communication skills with, and learned to give of herself. I have seen much growth in my daughter thanks to your time, love and enthusiasm. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. To the leaders.

The pressure’s really on. It’s these last few minutes of the game that really count, when all the training and plotting strategies is put to the test. The elusive prize is so close. The pulse quickens. The nerves tighten. How much longer to go...?

STOP! The coach has called a time-out.
‘Sandra, you’ve got 3 leaders in your unit. Any chance of one of them taking Anne’s unit for a few weeks? She’s got so much on her plate with the new baby and she needs some time to settle in as a mother.’
‘Not a problem, Sue. We roster ourselves "off-duty’’ regularly, anyway.
‘Thanks, Sue. Any one else needing time-out? ...Jo?
‘Well, I wasn’t going to say anything but ..., it looks like I’m going to have to work a lot of overtime for a while and I’m just not getting organized for the unit camp we’ve booked. I’m not even sure if I can get there on the Friday evening.’
‘That’s school holidays, isn’t it? I can move a few things and make myself free for that weekend. Then it won’t matter what time you get there. Does that help?’
‘Sure does, Karen. I was beginning to think I’d have to call off the camp. How about we get together for planning next Sunday?
Wow, I’m suddenly all enthusiastic again.’
And the Great Game of Girl Scouting continues.

A wise coach will make the necessary switches before the team falls apart. But what if there isn’t a coach? What if each player is on her own? Even more important then for the player herself to take time out before it’s too late.

How often have leaders been heard to say things like:
‘I’d really like to resign but I’ll stay till they find someone else.’
‘My husband wants me to go with him on the next trip but I can’t leave the unit for a month.’
‘I just don’t have time to go to all the events and outings that the girls want. I’ve got a family to consider at the weekend but they end up tagging along to my Girl Scout events all the time.’
In every leader’s life, there are times when it is OK to call Time Out! And for the sake of the team, we have to admit that the game will go on without us.

When a footballer is playing poorly, he is dragged from the field. When a basketballer is injured, he leaves the court. The game of scouting needs to use the interchange bench and the 12th man every bit as much as other team activities do.

So....
If you are over-committed to meetings, send a substitute.
If you need a breather, ask someone to cover for you.
If you have a support leader in your area (a 12th man), use her.
If you have said yes to too many tasks, prioritize and hand some over to others.

If there are no reserves left on the bench, cancel the game for that week, and then get busy organizing a bench for future occasions.

All of us fulfill many roles in life and in Scouting. This is rather like playing several matches at once. Chess champions seem to be able to move from board to board and still make brilliant moves. But try playing five basketball games simultaneously - or even consecutively! And yet this is what leaders try to do week after week, juggling the demands of family, work, studies, community, local unit, and probably assorted other guiding commitments. There is no energy for fun. Girl Scouting ceases to be a hobby. And the special magic dies.

Too often leaders are afraid to "let the team down", and so carry on long after their own enthusiasm has gone. Some won’t ask for help or admit they are burned out until the situation is desperate. Others feel they should be able to meet 1001 different commitments, and then despair when the inevitable happens.

So if you are feeling under pressure, call for "Time out". Hit the showers. get some sleep. Go smell the roses.

You’ll come back to the game fresher and fitter. And most importantly - you come will come back, and not be lost forever as a burnt-out shell, with nothing but bitter feelings of being taken for granted and over-used.

To call for a time-out is not an admission of weakness or failure. It is an acknowledgment of the strength of teamwork. Successful coaches use time-outs not just to remedy problems but to prevent them. They can be invaluable in revitalizing a tired team or in slowing an onslaught from the opposition. Time-outs are a tactical weapon that Girl Scouting still needs to learn to use effectively.

Here’s few ways to start.

• Tell someone when you need a break, without feeling guilty.
• Admit to yourself and others when you are under pressure.
• Keep your sanity by easing the pressures early.
• Expect difficult times and so organize for them well ahead.
• Talk to others about your difficulties before they become problems.
• Invite others to step in for a while - they may be very flattered!
• Make no apologies for being less than superhuman.
• Enjoy what you do and stop when you aren’t.
• Observe those around you for signs of burn-out.
• Understand the outside pressures that we all bring with us in to our guiding.
• Treat yourself and others gently.

Most importantly, though, the team needs to make sure that some-one taking a break from the main game isn’t forgotten. A regular update, a quick phone call or an occasional invitation to a special event will make sure that the off-court player still feels part of the team. And will let her know that she is wanted back as soon as possible, playing the Greatest Game of all.

~Adapted from an article by Kathy Webb for ANZAG-ZINE
Melbourne, Victoria

~Brought to you via Neil Savage's "Appreciating Girl Scout/Guide Volunteers" Compilation

For every step taken on a wet and rocky trail.
For every reminder note you didn't forget to mail.
For every skinned knee you attended,
For every broken heart you mended.
For every burnt camping meal you ate,
For every late parent on which you had to wait.
For every tearful disappointment you heard,
For every time you could've . . . but didn't say a word.
For every ounce of laughter to a little girl you brought,
For every midnight giggle your tired ears have caught!
For every tear you've shed as they've grown up through the years.
For every one of your Girl Scouts, now full of confidence, not fears.
For every song you've sung,
For every song you'll sing . . .
Thank you . . . Girl Scout Leader . . . simply put . . . everything!

They are still waiting! The day of an event comes and only half of the registered Girl Scout troops show up. Cancel as soon as you know your troop cannot attend. The girls on the wait list need time to prepare for the event, and two days before is not enough time for Girl Scout leaders to alert their whole troop and prepare permission slips, etc.

Resident camp registration is brisk and girls who had their registrations in on the opening date are receiving confirmations. Registrations received after March 5 will be processed in the order received and confirmations will be sent within 2 weeks.

Camp Arrowhead sessions that are full: Arts and Crafts 1-133, Outdoor Fun 2-100, Outdoor Living Skills 2-213, both Canoeing sessions 2-139 and 4-139, Animals Animals 4-200, Magic Nights 4-122.

Camp Collins sessions that are full from the March 5 lottery are: Mom and Me 6-111 and Spurs and Saddles 6-144.

Adult Chaperones are needed for Camp Arrowhead summer transportation. All trips begin at Mall 205, and round trip takes about three hours. Adults with daughters registered in camp receive FREE bus transportation for their camper! For more information call Kathy Buss at the Girl Scout Service Center at ext. 6518.

The busy season is upon all who need items from the Girl Scout Shop. Plan ahead and shop early to give yourself plenty of time in case a special order is needed.

Share the excitement of the Girl Scout Program. If you or someone you know is interested in being a Girl Scout Trainer, contact Marie Rust, Adult Development Director.

If your Girl Scout troop is traveling this summer make sure the proper paperwork has been submitted. Update Itineraries and Activity Rosters at the Girl Scout Service Center two weeks before your departure date.

Outrageous Outdoor Adventures is gearing up for a summer of fun. Volunteer help is needed. If you are not already signed up for one of these day camps it is not too late to call Tanya at ext. 6520.

Spring is the time of year when more Girl Scout troops begin trip, travel and camping programs. Check the Safety-Wise updated adult:girl ratio for each event. Remember that ratios can change with the activities and events.

Handbooks Under Revision

National Executive Director, Marsha Johnson Evans announced plans to begin revising Girl Scout handbooks and accompanying leader’s guides for each level. Because changing program materials requires extensive research, writing, field-testing (then re-writing), and review by external consultants, this project will span several years. It is expected, therefore, that new Daisy and Brownie Girl Scout materials will be introduced in the program year 2000-2001. Junior Girl Scout books, in 2001-2002. The project will be completed in 2002 with revisions to the Cadette and Senior Girl Scout materials.

Because existing materials remain contemporary. Girl Scouts are encouraged to continue to purchase and use these books until the new ones become available. If you are looking for new resources to supplement the handbooks, try the three innovative Issues For Girl Scouts booklet series (Girls are Great!, Connections, and Read to Lead), which were introduced in 1997. Also watch for booklets on an exciting new topic, "media-know-how", due off press in spring 1999. As always, when the new materials are available, there will be a year-long transition period so as not to disrupt girls’ work on long-term projects.

~GSUSA Press Release December 1998

Learn In: September 1999: An exciting weekend of workshops to learn skills and explore activity ideas. Girl Scout volunteers will be invited to submit workshop ideas and designs to be presented.

The Cadette/Senior Girl Scout Overnight event at Camp Arrowhead, scheduled for May 7 and 8 is full. There is currently a waiting list for the event.

The G.R.E.A.T. Guide Preview will be mailed to all adults in May. Take the opportunity to share the contents with the girls in the Girl Scout troop now so they can make plans for an exciting start to a new Girl Scout year.

Columbia River Girl Scout Council has set aside Friday, June 18, 1999 to honor girls who have given special service or have attained an award or other special recognition. Although this year only Cadette and Senior Girl Scout will be honored, all Girl Scouts, Daisy through Adult, community members and families are invited to attend this event. All Girl Scouts planning to attend must register with their Girl Scout leader by May 5, 1999.

Troop 1108 - (Nichole J / Linda M)

Our troop has been doing some fun activities. We celebrated Johnny Appleseed Day by cutting an apple open to see the star, reading a book about him, planting the seeds we found in the apples and by having a yummy apple snack. Later in the month we visited the Water Resource Center and learned a lot about the wet lands and how we get drinking water in our homes. In April we will be working on our Mother's Day presents. For information about the Water Resource Center and tours call Bev Walker at 696-8478. Also I have found a neat site on the web for free cyber cards. They have an area for Girls Scout holidays. You can sent special greetings for Leaders Day. www.bluemountain.com Try the blue mountain thing I think you will really enjoy it.

Troop 224 (Sue F / Gail B / Laurie H) --

For our Thinking Day meeting, the girls each shared a food from a foreign country. We had quite a tasting party with all kinds of fruits, cookies, and delicacies native to countries from all over the world. We located each country on a world map, and some girls brought stories or dolls from foreign countries to share. We also made and played the Tapatan game for our Around the World Try-It. We received post cards from pen pals from one of the girl's former troop back in Connecticut, so the girls are in the process of writing back on post cards from Oregon and Washington. The girls had fun bringing guessing jars to one of our meetings for the Math Fun Try-It. We had fun trying to estimate the number of beans, marshmallows, paper clips, etc. in each container. We also spent a couple of meetings planning our first campout at The Homestead. We learned a new grace (God Made the Mountains), planned the menu, learned how to pack, etc. Snow greeted the mothers and daughters upon their arrival to Camp Homestead. The mothers and daughters made beaded bracelets and s'mores, followed by a rededication ceremony that included a Russian song that made every Mom cry. The girls also received the various try-its they had earned since Christmas, learned how to play a couple of games originating in other countries, and learned how to do dishes the Girl Scout way. Juniors from Troop # 117 trudged through 6+ inches of snow to join the Brownies and their Moms the next morning. After some introductions, the Juniors took the Brownies on a nature scavenger hunt that concluded with an egg hunt in the barn. The Juniors also taught the Brownies some action songs, knife safety, and how to make an edible fire. After Spring Break the girls are planning a tour of the School for the Blind.

Troop 811 - (Maggie M) -

- The troop has been busy completing their third year as brownies. This month the girls worked in the computer lab at school to earn the Point, Click & Go try-it. They designed and made Easter cards on the computer to give to the Hampton Home residents as a service project. For a craft project, they made an Easter bunny out of plastic spoons to share with their families.

The girls also worked on the Earth is My Home try-it. One of the girl's father, who works at HP, came to present the troop with information on recycling and introduced the girls to community service projects the troop can become involved with.

The girls have been planning a mother/daughter sleepover with troop 1245.

Troop 1245 - (Maggie M / Lisa P)

The troop did a puppet play on feelings for the Caring and Sharing try-it. They drew a picture of favorite things and play acted what you would do if your best friend was crying or afraid. They wore "different hats" and talked about differences between themselves. The troop is looking forward to a mother/daughter sleepover with troop 811.

Troop 1267 (Carol H)

Please see "Confessions of a Reluctant Brownie Leader" on Page 2. Carol is one of the newest Brownie Leaders in our neighborhood and has composed a "gem" of an article. This is where you will find out what her girls have been up to!

Troop 1606 (Lynn J / Laura C)

Troop 1606 started off its year by making play dough. We added koolaid to make it smell like grape, cherry ,and orange. We gave each girl a plastic knife, spoon, fork, & with 2 small cookie cutters in a sack with there play dough to keep themselves or give as a gift. During our first meeting we took a picture of our girl scouts; we used this picture to make calendars for the year. We took the picture to a color copier, then using the computer we made calendars 1/2 sheet size & stapled them together. We made cardboard frames for our pictures; then we had the girls decorate them with different colored shapes of paper. Then place the picture with frame at the top of a piece of cardboard and the calendar at the bottom. We have also made the friend's scrapbooks & smore's. For Valentines Day we made place mats, name cards, & Valentines to each exchange with each other, then we had a party!! For Easter we make a piñata using newspaper, a balloon, flour and water. We let them dry. Then decorated them with streamer squares made into flowers. Tissue paper was too expensive. Check out Bird Boys for streamers they are 50 cents each. The leaders made one for the girls to brake at our party; this way the girls could bring theirs home to share with there families. We have earned our cookie TRY IT. With our cookie money we went to chuck-e-cheeses for a fun filled day . We plan to go to overnight camp, day camp, skating, movie, and more. The hardest thing to do was to decide what to do first. To make it easier we had each of the girls decide on one activity they would like to do; then placed them in a hat and drew for the first activity we would do. This made all the girls happy. Thank for letting us share.

Junior Troop 117 (Gail B / Colleen B) --

A majority of the girls were involved in Riverview's 6th grade production of Alice in Wonderland and the school's leadership council, so meeting times have been scarce. But the girls continue to work on the badge requirements for the Sign of the Rainbow as well as the Musician and Theater badges. The girls helped plan a weekend at Camp Homestead for Brownie Troop # 224 at the end of March. The Juniors took the Brownies on a nature hike in the melting snow that ended with an egg hunt, taught the Brownies several action songs, taught them how to safely handle a pocket knife, and helped them make an edible fire. After the Brownies and their Moms left, the Juniors had some down time playing charades and other games. And the last of the plastic eggs were finally located in the barn the following day.

Troop 1635 - (Diana S / Cindy M)

The girls finished selling cookies. Our troop sold 1944 boxes of cookies with 8 girls. Due to Outdoor School for the fifth graders and Spring Break we will only have one meeting this month. We just finished our Video Photography badge which the girls had a blast with. We are now getting ready for our Mother/Daughter tea which will be May 1 and our camping trip May 20. We have several Cadettes that will be helping us with our Outdoor Cook badge in the next couple of weeks. We did our Sky Search badge in one night at the Haggert Observatory at Clackamas Community College. They did a great job with the girls and the girls learned a lot.

This area can be filled with things that your Cadette troop is doing. Please submit your news no later than one week before the next Neighborhood Meeting

Troop 72 (Gail B / Natalie L) -

Well, our troop has been "exceedingly" busy this year. We've cleaned up at Happy Valley Park at the Winter Service Social. Surprisingly enough, only three Boy Scouts showed up for the service, yet about ten or eleven showed up for the Social. The dance, or the social, was so exciting that a few of us found ourselves drifting to sleep on the floor. Next we went to the Seattle area to scope out some of the colleges up there. We visited Cornish College of the Arts, where one of the girls in our troop was accepted into, we went to the University of Washington and a few of us toured the campus there while the others decided to rest and eat lunch after such a long day of walking around. That night we stayed at the Seattle Inn. A few of us enjoyed going to the Evergreen High School basketball game in the Tacoma Dome. Unfortunately, Evergreen lost to only gain the title of third in boys 4A basketball. Three of us decided to stay in the hotel room while the game was in progress, really only wanting to go if they were fighting for first. Earlier in that month we enjoyed watching the Children's play at Evergreen High School put on by the drama department and directed by Mr Jim Guiterrez, the main drama teacher at Evergreen. Four girls in our troop participated in this theatrical performance... Erica B was a mermaid, Stephanie B was a lobster (and what a nice shade of red she was), Carla G was an alligator, and Jessica H was one of the main lead bad-guys in the show named Tort. She was a tortoise, if the name hadn't given that away. Other than that, our troop looks forward to going to the Neighborhood campout and hope to see all of the girl's happy faces there. ¡Hasta Luego!

~By Erica B and Jenn F

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