Girl Scout Daisy - Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest

Transcription

Girl Scout Daisy - Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest
Girl Scout Daisy
Self-Study Workbook
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence
and character, who make the world a better place.
girlscoutsgcnwi.org
Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Table of Contents
About This Course ................................................................................................................... 4
Learning Objectives ................................................................................................................. 4
How This Course Is Organized................................................................................................ 5
Receiving Credit........................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
Chapter 1: Getting Started......................................................................................................... 6
The Foundation of Girl Scouting ................................................................................................. 7
Girl Scout Outcomes .................................................................................................................. 8
Girl Scout Leadership Experience .............................................................................................10
Your Role as a Leader ..............................................................................................................11
Your Perspective on Leadership ...............................................................................................12
Chapter 2: Working with Girls in Kindergarten and First Grade ................................................13
The Girl Scout Leadership Experience with Kindergartners and First Graders ..........................14
Girl-Led .....................................................................................................................................14
Learning by Doing—Experiential Learning ................................................................................15
Evaluation Questions to Ask Girl Scout Daisies ........................................................................15
Evaluation Tools .......................................................................................................................16
Coperative Learning ..................................................................................................................17
Characteristics of Girl Scout Daisies .........................................................................................17
Behavior Management ..............................................................................................................19
Behavior Management: Managing Your Own Reactions ...........................................................20
Response Options to Behavioral Issues ....................................................................................21
Check Your Understanding: Chapter 2 Review .........................................................................23
Chapter 3: The Girl Scout Daisy Program ................................................................................25
Girl/Adult Planning ....................................................................................................................26
Troop Government: The Girl Scout Daisy Circle........................................................................27
Progression...............................................................................................................................29
Components of a Girl Scout Daisy Meeting ...............................................................................30
Kaper Charts .............................................................................................................................31
Troop Planning Calendar ..........................................................................................................32
Check Your Understanding: Chapter 3 Review .........................................................................33
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Chapter 4: Support for Leaders ................................................................................................36
Support for Leaders ..................................................................................................................36
Service Unit Support .................................................................................................................37
Involving Parents in the Girl Scout Daisy Experience ................................................................38
Guidelines for Girl Scout Daisy Parent Meetings .......................................................................39
Troop Finances .........................................................................................................................40
Chapter 5: Girls Scout Program Opportunities and Traditions ..................................................42
The Daisy Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting .....................................................................................42
The Girl Scout Daisy Leadership Journeys ...............................................................................43
Girl Scout Daisy Insignia ...........................................................................................................45
The Girl Scout Daisy Uniform ....................................................................................................46
Girl Scout Ceremonies ..............................................................................................................46
Girl Scout Daisy Investiture Ceremony ......................................................................................47
Sample Girl Scout Daisy Investiture Ceremony .........................................................................47
Community Service + Learning = Service Learning ...................................................................49
Fall Product and Girl Scout Cookie Sales..................................................................................50
Check Your Understanding: Chapter 5 Review .........................................................................51
Appendix A - Sample Girl Scout Daisy Troop Meetings ...........................................................54
Appendix B – Girl Scout Daisy Troop Meeting Planning Form .................................................57
Appendix C – More Ideas for a Girl Scout Daisy Investiture .....................................................58
Appendix D – Bridging to Girl Scout Brownies .........................................................................60
Appendix E – Ceremony Planner Form....................................................................................61
Appendix F – Girl Scout Daisy Activities and Snacks ...............................................................62
Appendix G – Songs for Girl Scout Daisies ..............................................................................64
Chapter 2 Review ....................................................................................................................65
Chapter 3 Review ....................................................................................................................66
Chapter 5 Review ....................................................................................................................66
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
About This Course
Welcome and congratulations on becoming a member of the unique and wonderful world of Girl
Scouts. As a leader of a Girl Scout Daisy troop, you will help build girls of courage, confidence,
and character, who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts is the largest non-formal,
educational, volunteer organization “for girls only” in the world. The program is committed to an
all-girl experience, where girls can truly be themselves and, in doing so, realize their potential.
Learning Objectives
This workbook is designed to help you learn more about Girl Scout Daisies and will give you
tools to be a successful leader. When you have completed this self-study, you will be able to:
 Understand and explain the National Program Portfolio and relate your Girl Scout Daisy
activities to the outcomes.
 Identify at least three developmental characteristics of girls in kindergarten and first
grade.
 Describe at least three appropriate behavior management techniques for Girl Scout
Daisies.
 Implement the Girl Scout Daisy Circle as a form of troop government and use it as a tool
to implement girl/adult planning.
 Plan and organize Girl Scout Daisy troop meetings, activities and ceremonies.
 Identify the program resources available for Girl Scout Daisy leaders.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
How This Course Is Organized
The Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook is designed to introduce you to the world of Girl
Scout Daisies. This self study workbook is your personal resource to use as you work with your
troop. Please take notes, and write questions as you review and learn. To further assist you,
there is an appendix that includes support materials. Although this workbook is full of good
information, it is not your only resource. The items below will also help you in your role as a
leader; we’ll cover these resources in depth in Chapter 5.






Volunteer Essentials
Program Essentials
Safety Activity Checkpoints
Girl Scout Leadership Journeys
Girl Scout Journey Adult How to Guides
The Girls’ Guide to Girl Scouting for Girl Scout Daisies
Check Your Understanding
To help you apply what you have learned, there is a Check Your Understanding
page at the end of some chapters. The answers can be found in the appendix.
Submit Completed Forms
You will receive training credit for this course once the online
registration/evaluation form has been completed.
Please submit questions to [email protected].
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Chapter 1:
Getting Started
Find a review of the
Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
Ask yourself, “What does leadership mean to me?”
Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
The Foundation of Girl Scouting
Girl Scouting is based on the Girl Scout Mission, Council Goals and the Girl Scout Promise and
Law. These components form the foundation for the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
The Girl Scout Mission
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the
world a better place.
The Girl Scout Leadership Experience illustrates how each girl benefits and grows as a result of
her involvement in Girl Scouting. The GSLE are important for you, the Girl Scout Daisy Leader,
to know. If the activities done with girls do not support one of the Leadership Outcomes, then it
is not a Girl Scout activity. It is easy to ensure that activities align with the outcomes – ask
yourself if the girls are learning about themselves (Discover), making larger connections
(Connect) and making a difference in their community (Take Action). If you answer yes, then
you’re on the right path!
All Girl Scouts in the United States say the Girl Scout Promise and the Girl Scout Law. These
are the Girl Scouts code of ethics:
The Girl Scout Promise
The Girl Scout Law
On 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.
I will do my best to be
honest and fair,
friendly and helpful,
considerate and caring,
courageous and strong,
responsible for what I say and do,
and to
respect myself and others,
respect authority,
use resources wisely,
make the world a better place, and
be a sister to every Girl Scout.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Girl Scout Outcomes
An outcome in Girl Scouting is the benefit for girls because of their participation in a Girl Scout
activity. An outcome may be related to knowledge, skills, values or behavior where any
measurable change can happen.
Short-term outcomes are the initial benefit(s) of a girl’s involvement in Girl Scouting. Some
examples include making new friends, trying a food for the first time or learning to share. In Girl
Scouts, the short-term outcomes are made functional through the Three Keys to Girl Scout
Leadership: Discover, Connect, and Take Action.
Let’s Take a Closer Look
The Girl Scout philosophy on leadership says that for girls (even kindergarteners and first
graders) to become leaders, they will:
Discover
Discover
• Understanding themselves
and their values.
• Using their knowledge and
skills to explore the world.
+
Connect
+
Connect
• Caring about, inspiring, and
teaming with others locally
and globally.
Take Action
=
LEADERSHIP!
Take Action
• Acting to make the world a
better place.
Girl Scouts aim to achieve long-term outcomes as the ultimate result of the Girl Scout
Leadership. They represent meaningful changes that occur because of their involvement in Girl
Scouts.
•
•
•
Lead with courage when they speak out on issues they care about and take active roles
in their community.
Lead with confidence when they make the most of their strengths and feel empowered
to make a difference in their lives and beyond.
Lead with character when they act with integrity and compassion, making decisions that
promote the well-being of themselves and others.
You’ve seen the three words in the long-term outcomes before. They come directly from the Girl
Scout Mission: Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the
world a better place.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
How Do I Know If The Outcomes Are Being Achieved With Girl Scout Daisies?
For each Leadership Key, Girl Scouts of the USA has identified a set of indicators that help us
determine whether or not a goal is being achieved. Take a look at the indicators and what they
may look like with Girl Scout Daisies:
“I was a good friend to Luna
today; I helped her with her
scissors.”
Discover
Girls will understand themselves and their
values, and use their knowledge and skills to
explore the world.


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

“It’s not fair that Kendra has the
cleanup chore twice in one
meeting.”
Girls develop a strong sense of self
Girls develop positive values
Girls gain practical and healthy life
skills
Girls seek challenges in the world
Girls develop critical thinking
“Grapes are good for you. They
are a better snack than cookies,
but I still like cookies better.”
Connect
“I can help
you, Anna.”
Girls will care about, inspire, and team with others locally and
globally.
“I’m sorry. I
did not mean
to hurt your
feelings.”

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
Girls develop healthy relationships
Girls promote cooperation and team building
Girls can resolve conflicts
Girls advance diversity in a multicultural world
Girls feel connected to their communities locally and
globally
“We can go to the
home where my
grandpa lives to
plant flowers.”
“To make the flower pots, we will
need pots, paint, brushes, dirt,
seeds, and lots of paper towels.”
Take Action
Girls will act to make the world a better place.
•
•
•
•
•
•
“I can lead the Girl Scout
Promise!”
Girls identify community needs
Girls are resourceful problem solvers
Girls advocate for themselves and others,
locally and globally
Girls educate and inspire others to act
Girls feel empowered to make a difference in the
world
“My neighbor Miss Ellen has been
sick. She needs someone to rake
leaves and plant flowers.”
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Girl Scout Leadership Experience
Foundation
Girl Scout Mission: Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make
the world a better place.
Girl Scout Promise and Law
The Girl Scout Leadership Experience chart is on the next page to help you see how all parts —
The Foundation, How and Why Girls Participate, the Program Processes, and the Short- and
Long-Term Outcomes — work together to provide girls with the unique experience that is Girl
Scouting.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Your Role as a Leader
What does it mean to be a Girl Scout Leader? That is something that you will discover as you begin your
journey of helping girls build courage, confidence, and character through Girl Scouts. Leadership can
bring many joys, including developing a personal relationship with each girl in your troop, building new
adult friendships through the sisterhood of Girl Scouts, receiving sincere appreciation and thanks from
parents and, most importantly, knowing that you are shaping the future by working with a girl today.
As you build relationships, leadership…
•
•
•
Will develop as you get to know each girl.
Means communicating with parents and co-leaders.
Requires understanding the needs and interests of the girls, and helping the girls help plan their
own program opportunities based on those needs and interests.
As a leader, it is important to remember that…
•
•
•
•
You cannot know everything that the girls might ever want to learn.
You can explore and learn many things along with the girls.
You should know where to go to find resources.
It is okay not to know, and to seek assistance.
Leadership is teaching…
•
•
•
•
The girls that they can do and be anything.
Girls that they are decision makers.
Girls not only for the sake of knowing things, but also for the sake of development and growth.
Through being a good role model.
See yourself as a coach…
•
•
•
•
•
•
Not as a teacher with a canned lesson or activity or as someone who has to perform for the girls
each week.
Who guides and instructs.
Who advises and discusses.
And work so that each girl can carry out
responsibilities within the troop.
As you build the girls up.
And give more responsibilities to the girls as
they grow and develop.
“Belonging” in leadership means…
•
•
•
•
Understanding that you are a part of a
troop/group and a team.
Listening, providing suggestions and
contributing ideas.
Sticking with the girls through good times and
bad.
Recognizing that you belong to a larger organization beyond the troop/group that will provide
support and resources.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Your Perspective on Leadership
The Girl Scout philosophy on leadership—Discover, Connect and Take Action—is not just for
girls! As a Girl Scout Daisy Leader, you are also embarking on a journey of self-discovery and
personal leadership as you work with the girls in your troop. Your thoughts, enthusiasm and
approach will help to shape the experience of the girls, and other adults working with the troop,
as well as expand your own leadership skills. Below are some questions to help you reflect on
your perspective on leadership. Take a few moments and consider how you have applied the
three keys to leadership in your own life. Return to this page at the end of the troop year and
see if you would still answer these questions the same way!
When you read the Girl Scout Law, which
line means the most to you? Why?
Why did you choose that particular activity?
What are you doing differently as a result of this
experience?
How can you communicate that to Girl
Scout Daisies?
“There are so many things you do alone,
but generally speaking, the ones you
work on with others are more fun. One
thing is sure — you want to be
proud...and
feel that you have
accomplished something worthwhile”
What would you like the girls in your troop to say
about your leadership ten years from now?
Juliette Gordon Low.
What action will you take as a leader to ensure
that happens?
Think about an experience you had that involved
caring about something in your community.
What did you do?
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Chapter 2:
Working with Girls in
Kindergarten and First Grade
Explore the various social, emotional, behavioral
and physical characteristics of girls in kindergarten
and first grade. You will also review some
ways you can manage the girls’ behavior to
ensure all of them get the most out of their
Girl Scout experience.
Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Chapter 2: Working with Girls in Kindergarten and First Grade
The Girl Scout Leadership Experience with Kindergartners and First
Graders
The Girl Scout Leadership Experience is what makes Girl Scouts stand out when compared to
other youth-serving organizations. As we discussed in Chapter 1, there are three program
processes that Girls Scouts utilizes. The following program
processes are the key to achieving the outcomes and Girl
Scout Mission:
•
•
•
Girl-Led
Learning by Doing
Cooperative Learning
As a Girl Scout Daisy leader, you should ensure that you
connect what and how you do things with the girls to these program processes. Let’s take a
closer look.
Girl-Led
Girls need to know that they can do anything and that being female does not limit their ability to
achieve their dreams. Girl Scout Daisies need to learn that they can lead and make decisions.
By Girl-Led, we mean that:
•
•
Girls are the planners, the doers, and the implementers of their activities
Leaders give girls choices and help them learn good communication and decision
making skills
As a Girl Scout Daisy leader, your role in the planning process is important and helps girls
succeed. One way that you can involve girls in making decisions is to utilize girl/adult planning,
where you share responsibility with the girls for planning meetings and activities and setting
goals for the troop. As the girls grow throughout their Girl Scout experience, your role in
planning and implementing will change. They will begin to have more responsibility for the troop.
The diagram below shows the balance of girl and adult involvement planning and implementing
activities for each grade level in Girl Scouts. As girls get older, they take on more responsibility.
Each year, they learn skills that allow them to progress so that by the time they become Girl
Scout Cadettes, they are truly taking the lead and the leaders function more as advisers.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Learning by Doing—Experiential Learning
The Girl Scout Leadership Experience is designed to be experiential for girls. What does this
mean? It means that the girls engage in an activity or experience and then are given the
opportunity to look back on it and identify useful insights for the future.
Girl Scout Daisies do not use words like “engage” and “insight.” They use words like “fun,”
“cool,” “I learned something” or “I hated it.” As a leader of kindergartners and first graders, it is
easy to help girls gain insight. All you have to do is ask some questions or get them to
reflect on what they have done.
One way to think about Learning by Doing is a three-step cycle: participating in an activity,
reflecting and evaluating the activity, and applying what was learned to future activities. Helping
girls evaluate is one of the most important aspects of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
Though evaluation is often forgotten, it is the key to helping girls understand and gain greater
meaning from what they learned. Below are some tips for evaluating with Girl Scout Daisies.
Evaluation Questions to Ask
Girl Scout Daisies
Evaluation helps girls’ gain positive
meaning from their experiences.
Below are some questions to ask Girl
Scout Daisies when evaluating a
troop event or activity. You may
notice the questions have a flow to
them, but remember: asking the
questions is more important than the
order in which you ask them.
1. Activity
3. Apply
Learning to
New
Activities
What the girls saw or noticed
•
•
•
What did you see?
What did you hear?
What did you notice?
What the girls felt or how they reacted
•
•
•
•
•
What was the best part?
Was there anything you had done before?
Was there anything you did that you had never done before?
What did you like about it?
What did you dislike?
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2. Reflect &
Evaluate
Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
What meaning the event had for the girls or the impact of the activity
•
•
What did you learn?
What was important to you?
What the next steps are or what to do differently in the future
•
•
What can we change because of this activity?
What will we keep doing because of this activity?
Asking five- and six-year olds questions can be a challenge. Remember, they need things to be
concrete. Give examples and listen to what the girls are saying. Build your questions based on
what the girls say about their experience.
Evaluation Tools
The following are some tools you can use with Girl Scout Daisies to help them evaluate or
understand what they have learned from troop activities and events.
Sentence Starter
Have the girls sit in a circle either as a large group or, if you have enough adults, break the girls
into smaller groups. Create some sentence starters and have the girls “fill in the blank.” For
example, “The best part about the field trip was…” or “The funniest thing about our activity
was…” or “The part I liked best was…”
Draw a Picture
Give each girl a piece of paper and crayons or markers and ask her to draw a picture of what
was the best part of the activity for her. Once complete, have the girls share what their pictures
show.
Rate It!
Have the girls use facial expressions or different signals to rate how they feel about an activity
or idea:
•
•
•
•
Smile/frown
Thumbs up/thumbs down
Clap once/clap twice
Stand up/sit down
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Cooperative Learning
The last of the three program processes is Cooperative Learning. You can encourage
cooperative learning by setting up the troop meeting so that girls work in small groups or teams
to accomplish an activity. It is easy to implement cooperative learning with kindergartners and
first graders by utilizing the following methods:
•
•
•
Kapers—Have girls work in pairs or small groups to do the chores of the troop:
cleaning up, distributing materials, helping the leader, etc.
The Buddy System—The buddy system is pairing girls up with a “buddy” for field
trips and activities. Each girl should stick with and take care of her buddy. Not only is
it a safety procedure, but it also encourages girls to cooperate.
Sharing Supplies—Instead of having a pair of scissors for every girl in the group,
have only a few, and the girls will need to learn how to accomplish the activity by
sharing. Teaching girls to problem solve together and share is cooperative learning.
Characteristics of Girl Scout Daisies
Every Girl Scout is unique, with different needs, interests, and levels of development. Some girls
may exhibit traits of slightly older girls, while others may still be developing certain
characteristics. When working with Girl Scout Daisies, it is important to keep in mind the
differences in their emotional, social, physical and intellectual characteristics.
Kindergartener
Emotional
Characteristics
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
First Grader
Wants to do things herself
Is usually cooperative
Is close to parents
Wants the approval and
support of adults and peers
Understands rules and tries
to conform
May blame others for her
mistakes
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Social
Characteristics
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Likes to play with peers
Prefers to work in small
groups (2–3)
May need support in
completing cleanup, in
putting things away and
being neat
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


Is inconsistent in behavior:
friendly, angelic, unfriendly,
mischievous
Needs lots of praise and
encouragement
Needs indirect supervision
and direction. Usually
overreacts to negative
correction
Usually wants her own
way. Has an interest in
what’s “good” or “bad.”
Shows growing
independence
Plays a great deal in
groups
Has some trouble with
same-age peers. Often
plays better with slightly
older children
Wants adults to be like her
Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Physical
Characteristics
Intellectual
Characteristics
Kindergartener
 Can engage in group
discussion
 Is interested in making up
roles
 Is capable of compromise,
waiting her turn and working
out disputes with adult
support
 Has a good appetite, burns
energy rapidly, needs
frequent snacks
 Usually tires early in the
evening
 Has better control of large
muscles than smaller
muscles
 Cannot sit still for long
periods of time
 Hand-eye coordination is
maturing
 Questions the whys and
wherefores of surroundings
 Learns by doing,
experiencing and playing
 Can print some letters,
numbers and words
 Cannot easily see the
viewpoint of another if it is
different from her own
 Can last in an adult-directed
activity for 20 minutes
First Grader
 Likes to have “jobs,” but is
often careless with
possessions, loses things
easily and is absentminded
 Wants to make lots of
friends

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

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Has a large appetite
Can play at an activity for
longer periods of time and
is very active
Is more able to work or play
in one place without
fidgeting
Is able to do fine motor
activities and has better
hand-eye coordination
Is ready to take on more
complex activities
Is beginning to read
Is interested in realism,
magic, and fantasy
Is curious and eager to
learn, but sometimes acts
as if she knows it all
Is more attentive and
active. Can attend to an
adult-directed activity for
20–30 minutes, but needs
action
Likes to be read to
Is the center of her
universe
Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Behavior Management
One of the greatest challenges in leading a troop of girls is behavior management. Behavior
management is a key tool in preventing future problems, like girls leaving others out of activities
or bullying. By putting the following suggestions into action, you can prevent behavior problems.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Be Prepared: Prepare in advance for your meetings. Talk with co-leaders and other
helpers about the everyone’s responsibilities. If you are prepared and keep the meeting
moving along, the girls will not have time to find other activities that may cause
problems.
Get There Early: Have everything ready before the first girl walks through the door. This
will allow you to greet the girls as they arrive, talk to them and make them feel welcome.
Get to Know Your Girls: Make time to spend with the girls at meetings and learn their
names, their likes and dislikes. This will help you to build a positive relationship with
each of them, especially since many leaders know at least one girl very well already
(their daughter).
Provide Positive Praise: According to Abraham Maslow (American psychologist 19081970), people need 11 emotionally positive compliments to make up
for one criticism in their lives. Focus on what girls are doing right and when they improve
their skills. Praise must be specific and sincere.
Establish Ground Rules: To help the meetings run smoothly, have the girls establish
ground rules for behavior. It is important that the girls establish the ground rules with the
leaders. You want girls to have ownership of the troop rules and hold one another
accountable if rules are broken. You will need to give them examples and guide them in
discussion. Frame the rules in positive language, such as, “Take turns talking,” rather
than, “Don’t talk over each other.” Post the rules at each meeting and ensure that all the
leaders are consistent in enforcing the rules.
Establish an Order for Your Meetings: By establishing an order, you are creating a
routine for the girls. After several weeks, the girls will understand what is expected of
them and know the flow of each meeting. When they understand, they are more likely to
cooperate and take initiative.
Use Five- and One-Minute Warnings: Girl Scout Daisies need to know when an activity
is ending and another is about to begin. This helps them to learn to plan and not feel
rushed. The warning signal can be a bell, a song or any appropriate signal you choose.
Have Reasonable Expectations: As you get to know girls, you will better understand
the skill sets that each of them possess. Your expectations will shape their performance.
Help them set realistic, but challenging goals based on the skills they already have and
what they want to do. This includes keeping in mind girls’ different physical abilities and
choosing activities that allow all girls to succeed.
Provide a Snack: Snack time allows the girls to share and relax and gives them
responsibility. Use a kaper chart to distribute responsibility for snack time. Snack time
should be simple and planned appropriately based on when your troop meets. For
example, if it is close to dinnertime, you may serve juice instead of cookies and juice.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Behavior Management: Managing Your Own Reactions
When it comes to managing the behavior of the troop, sometimes our own reactions can help or
hinder our efforts. Here are a few things to remember when it comes to managing your own
reactions.
1. Do not feel that you must react instantly to a situation if you are not sure what to do or if
you realize you are angry and may overreact. Take a minute or two to collect your
thoughts and say, “I’ll get back to you in a minute. I am going to take a time-out from this
situation.”
2. It is also okay to walk away briefly if you are really angry. Make sure another adult is
nearby. Find another adult and ask her to supervise your group while you cool down.
3. Remember that while it is easier to dole out punishment, it is much more beneficial to
give thoughtful consequences for undesirable behavior. The use of good consequences
is much more effective and creates a positive, cooperative atmosphere for everyone.
4. Start fresh every meeting. Avoid having consequences carry over to the next meeting.
Be aware of and resist building up resentment toward a “problem” child.
But She's My Daughter!
Surprisingly, it may be the leader's own daughter that displays disruptive behavior during troop
activities. It is important to remember how difficult it can be for girls to share their mom with so
many others girls, all vying for their leader's attention. Sometimes leaders, trying not to show
favoritism toward their daughters, may inadvertently go to the other extreme and never choose
their daughters for special jobs.
Below are some tips for avoiding this type of problem:
•
•
•
•
Have the girls assist in picking camp names or nicknames for the troop leaders that all
the girls, including your own daughter, can call you during troop activities. This
removes "Mom" from the picture.
Employ the "in" and "out" bag to pick girls for special tasks and treats. Put the names
of all troop members in the "in" bag at the beginning of the year and have the girls take
turns pulling out a name whenever the need arises. The names are then put in the
"out" bag.
Make a deal with your co-leader to "trade" daughters during troop activities.
Never use your daughter to practice crafts or other troop activities prior to the troop
meeting. Let her be surprised, too.
Take advantage of service unit leader/daughter events where you can spend special time with
your daughter during a Girl Scout event.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Response Options to Behavioral Issues
Behavioral issues range from minor problems (like refusing to participate in a game), to severe
ones (like noticing possible signs of abuse). The response options below can help you
determine the best way to respond to the issue at hand.
Problem Solving with the Girl
A. If you believe that there may be an underlying issue, find a private time to let the girl
know that you are available to listen, if she wants to talk. You might use a phrase like,
“I’ve noticed that you seem... How are you doing? Is something bothering you?” Never
promise confidentiality, as you may be required to report the problem.
B. If the girl discloses an issue that falls into an area in which her parents or the authorities
must be notified, let her know that you have to tell her parents and/or the authorities to
make sure that she will be safe. Reassure her that it’s not her fault and it was very brave
of her to tell you.
Problem Solving with Co-leader(s) or Other Volunteers or Paid Staff
A. Consult others for assistance and ideas on developing a positive environment, as well as
managing normal adjustment problems.
B. Maintain confidentiality about the identity of the girl(s) as much as possible. The focus of
the discussion should be on ways to redirect specific behaviors, not the individual girl(s).
C. If you are uncertain about how to handle a situation, you can always contact the program
services specialist for issues related to normal adjustment problems or, for more serious
issues, the director of regional services.
Parental Notification and Problem Solving
A. Consult with parents for assistance, ideas and additional information that may help you
to manage normal adjustment problems. Use phrases like, “I am concerned that (girl’s
name) seems to have difficulty with… want to make sure that she can fully participate in
all troop activities. Do you have any suggestions for me?”
B. If the situation is more serious, contact the parents right away. Let them know that you
are concerned about their daughter and you need to discuss the situation with them.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Notification of the Authorities
A. Anytime volunteers have reasonable cause to believe that a Girl Scout minor is being
abused or neglected, they may file a report with the appropriate state’s department of
children and family services. Girl Scout volunteers are considered permissive reporters,
and although not required by law to file such reports, are encouraged to do so.
Volunteers are required to report to the corporate office at any time a report has been
sent to the department, or anytime there is reasonable cause to suspect that child abuse
or neglect of a Girl Scout minor has occurred.
a. If a volunteer has any reason to believe that a Girl Scout minor is being abused
or neglected, they may file a report with the appropriate state’s department of
child and family services. If in Illinois, call 800-252-2873. If in Indiana, call 800800-5556. This call may be made from the Girl Scout office, if desired.
Volunteers are required to report to vice-president of volunteer services anytime
a report has been sent to the department or anytime there is reasonable cause to
suspect that child abuse or neglect of a Girl Scout minor has occurred.
For more information, please refer to Volunteer Essentials.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Check Your Understanding: Chapter 2 Review
What Would You Do? Behavior Management Scenarios
Check your understanding of grade level characteristics and positive behavior
management techniques and apply what you’ve learned in this Chapter to common
situations with girls. Answers can be found on page 67.
Situation 1: Read the situation on the left, then review the possible solution in the middle and
add any other ideas you come up with in the far right column. The next step is to try out these
solutions with your girls!
Situation
Possible Solution
The girls are asked to draw
a picture of their family.
Tell Emma that she has a
beautiful family; but that the
room is cold and maybe they
would be warmer with clothes
on. If you are concerned
about this behavior, you may
discuss it with her
parents/guardian.
Emma has drawn her family
naked.
Your Solution
Situation 2: Consider the following situation and respond to the questions below. Situation:
Megan is new to your Girl Scout Daisy troop. During sharing time, she is constantly interrupting
the other children. You can tell that the girls are getting irritated by her outbursts.
Question
Answer
What can be done to prevent the possibility
of continued bad behavior?
What are some things you need to
consider when managing the behavior of
the girl?
What do you need to consider when
managing the behavior of the entire troop?
23
Chapter 3:
The Girl Scout Daisy Program
Learn how to utilize the program processes with
Girl Scout Daisies and begin considering how you
will plan and organize your meetings.
Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Chapter 3: The Girl Scout Daisy Program
Girl/Adult Planning
In Girl Scouts, the girls take the lead. The adults guide the girls in achieving the plans made and
implemented by the girls. You may be asking yourself, “How does a Girl Scout Daisy make
plans and evaluate activities?” Planning with Girl Scout Daisies can be done!
Here are some helpful hints:
Readiness
Girl Scout Daisies are not ready to plan out the Girl Scout experience all by themselves.
•
•
•
•
•
You should prepare a general plan for your troop and involve the girls in the decision
making.
Take into account the readiness of the girls for any activity.
Plans, such as what song to sing at the end of a meeting or what snack to eat, can
easily be made by girls at this age. You will gradually work toward more involved outings
and activities.
Girl Scout Daisies have a hard time perceiving the future. A month can seem as long as
a year to them! Try to keep planning to the very near future.
The girls have a short attention span, so limit planning time to nor more than 10-15
minutes.
Making Decisions
The girls may need to learn how to make decisions. The best way to teach this is to give them
simple A or B choices and let them vote.
•
•
•
•
•
•
As the leader, you will want to come up with some suggested activities that they can
choose from. Limit your choices to two or three because having too many choices may
be confusing.
Girls like what they know. Kindergartners and first graders will not choose to do
something that is unfamiliar to them. Part of your responsibility as a leader is to open
doors and to introduce the girls to new experiences and activities.
Encourage girls to offer input and make suggestions.
To help the girls with the voting process, find an item or picture that represents the
activities chosen (e.g., an apple to represent touring an orchard or a pizza box to
represent a pizzeria). Give each girl a button and have her vote by putting it in a
container that represents the activity she wants to do.
Girls will need to learn that while their first choice may not be picked this time, it may be
the one chosen at the next meeting.
Make sure the final decision is voted on by all girls.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Give the Girls Responsibility
Girls in this grade level like to help, so let them!
•
•
•
Give the girls the opportunity to assist with clean-up after activities or other simple jobs
like taking attendance, even though it may be easier to do it yourself.
You can assign different tasks per girl each week by using a kaper chart.
Allow the girls to learn from simple mistakes, as long as safety is not an issue.
Troop Government: The Girl Scout Daisy Circle
The Girl Scout Daisy Circle is an introduction to troop government and is a democratic process
for decision making with Girl Scout Daisies. It is where girls learn communication and decisionmaking skills through discussion as a large group. Girls form a Girl Scout Daisy Circle at the
meeting whenever they need to make decisions, plan for future activities and to solve problems.
The leader’s role in the Girl Scout Daisy Circle is to guide
girls in their decision making by:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Presenting the topic and providing a structure for
how the circle is used
Helping the girls focus on current business
Reinforcing the troop rules, such as not talking
while others are talking or playing fair
Encouraging every girl to have a voice
Ensuring a fair voting process
Celebrating what the girls have accomplished
Facilitating the evaluation of an activity
The Girl Scout Daisy Circle should not take the place of, or be confused with, the sharing time
that happens at every Girl Scout Daisy meeting.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Implementing the Girl Scout Daisy Circle
Tip 1: Be Prepared
Come to the meetings prepared with a list of choices and ideas
for the girls to discuss and choose from. Example: A field trip
choice list may include the fire station or the police station. Girl
Scout Daisies need structure; “winging it” will not work!
Tip 2: Establish a
Discussion Process
Girl Scout Daisies need to understand how things are done.
They need structure. Establish a structure for your discussion.
For example, if a girl wants to contribute to the conversation,
she must raise her hand or be holding the “talking Daisy”
symbol.
Tip 3: Record Discussion
Have an adult write down the ideas and the main points in the
discussion. This will help later when planning and implementing
the girls’ ideas.
Tip 4: Evaluate
Use the time in the Girl Scout Daisy Circle to evaluate and
process activities with girls. Ask questions like, “What happened.
What did you like and dislike? Would you do it again?” Take
advantage of the time to help the girls make meaning of their
experiences and activities.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Progression
What is progression?
Webster’s Dictionary defines progression as “gradual advancement; a continuing development.”
What does this mean to you as a Girl Scout leader?
Progression in Girl Scouts is the continuing development of girls and adults and is important to
all aspects of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. As the Girl Scout Motto says: Be Prepared!
As you plan the year with your troop, you should build on skills they have already learned and
progress toward further development of their skills. It is important to be aware that each girl in
your troop may not be at the same level of comfort with certain activities. Through progression,
leaders can gradually introduce ideas and activities to all girls at the same pace.
The goal of progression: To ensure that each girl is ready for the group activity and that girls
gradually develop the skills and confidence needed to complete the activity.
Exposing Girl Scout Daisies to the outdoors through progression:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Look out! – Allow the girls to begin wondering about the outdoors. Read them a book
that talks about exploring the outdoors. Then, begin a discussion about what they may
need to wear when they are outside. How would they act?
Meet out! – Use sense to be aware of the out-of-doors. Learn the importance of minimal
impact to the environment. Encourage the girls to work on a recycling project or utilize
the Girl Scout Journey Between Earth and Sky to begin thinking about Leave No Trace.
Move out! – Visit an outdoor spot. Go outside and play a game or have a picnic. Have
the girls reflect on their observations.
Explore out! – Go on a hike and explore. Learn trail signs, animal sounds and wild
flowers.
Cook out! – Help the girls plan and prepare a small snack or meal while outside.
Camp out! – Have the girls try day camp or a one-night overnight at a parent’s house or
one of GCNWI’s camp properties.
Progression should be used with most activities in Girl Scouts. It is easiest to
incorporate when built into the troop plans for the year. The idea is to ensure
that the girls are prepared for the activity. Continuing development of skills will
build confidence and self-esteem in the girls.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Components of a Girl Scout Daisy Meeting
There is no one way to hold a Girl Scout Daisy meeting. The method you use depends on
what works best for both the girls and the leaders. As you get to know the girls, you will learn
how to guide them in the activities that meet their interests and abilities. Additional information
on these components can be found in Volunteer Essentials. Girl Scout Daisy meetings are
usually 60-90 minutes long and include:
1. Start-Up Activity
Have something for the girls to do when they arrive that requires little leader direction.
Girls seldom arrive all at the same time and the leader is usually busy setting up the
final touches for the meeting. This activity gives them something positive to do with
their energy rather than run around. Some examples include jump rope, puzzles,
drawing or word games.
2. Opening (3-5 minutes)
Have something to officially start the meeting. Some examples might be saying the
Girl Scout Promise, the Pledge of Allegiance, playing a game or singing a song.
3. Business (5-10 minutes)
Take attendance, welcome new girls, brainstorm ideas, make plans and vote on
decisions. Encourage girls to talk about their interests, feelings and daily experiences.
Be sure this is voluntary. Each girl should be allowed an opportunity to speak. You
can set a good example by really listening to what they have to say and being
responsive to their comments.
4. Planned Activity (15-20 minutes)
Try to plan activities that can be completed in one meeting, such as an activity from
one of the Journey books or working toward earning a Girl Scout Daisy petal. If a
project cannot be completed in one meeting, divide it into two or three short steps that
can be completed at individual meetings. This will give girls a sense of completion and
accomplishment after each meeting. An easy, age-appropriate craft can be done at
this time. Keep in mind that not all girls like making crafts. Alternate this time with
games, singing, etc.
5. Clean-Up (5-10 minutes)
Make sure to give girls advance notice about clean-up time so that they have time to
complete their projects. Think of ways to make clean-up time fun. For instance, you
might play some familiar music and try to clean up before the music ends.
6. Closing Ceremony (3-5 minutes)
Have something to officially signal that the meeting is over. Some suggestions might
be the Girl Scout Friendship Circle, a song or a poem. Invite any parents that may
have arrived early to join in.
*Snack (10 minutes)
You may want to include a snack time during your meetings depending on the time
your troop meets. It’s a good idea to have an official troop snack container. A fivepound coffee can that the girls have decorated is a good start. You can write the
number of finger-foods needed for snack on the lid with a permanent marker. The
snack container also serves as a reminder to the troop member and her parent that
she’s in charge of the snack for the next meeting.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Kaper Charts
A kaper chart is a girl-planning tool that can help the leader teach responsibility and leadership
skills. Troops often use a kaper chart to divide the different duties and tasks of a troop meeting
amongst the girls. The girls, with guidance from the leader, can decide what specific jobs need
to be done each meeting. These jobs can then be split up between the girls. To start, have the
troop discuss the following:
•
•
•
What needs to be done?
How will the different jobs be rotated?
What kind of kaper chart do we want?
Kaper Chart Ideas
There is no one way to make a kaper chart. Something creative that clearly shows who is
responsible for a specific task will work. A basic kaper chart may look similar to this example:
Meeting Date
Sept. 15
Opening Activity
Closing Activity
Clean-Up
Megan
Maria
Braelyn
Bianca
Beth
Shelly
Taylor
Tiara
Amy
Sept. 29
Braelyn
Megan
Maria
Shelly
Bianca
Beth
Amy
Taylor
Tiara
Oct. 13
Maria
Braelyn
Megan
Beth
Shelly
Bianca
Tiara
Amy
Taylor
Give the girls in your troop the opportunity to help design their own kaper chart, or make a basic
chart for them and allow them to decorate it.
Listed below are a few ideas for kaper charts you can use:
•
•
•
•
Draw a garden scene on a poster board including a daisy flower for each kaper. Write a
kaper on each flower. Add a small Velcro dot in the middle of each flower center. Have
the girls write their names on cardboard ladybugs and put Velcro on the back of each.
Put ladybugs on flowers to denote who is responsible for that kaper.
List kapers on a piece of poster board that is shaped like a wheel, with the kapers written
in the “spokes.” Cut out a cardboard arrow and attach to the center of the wheel with a
bray (make sure it’s not too tight so it can spin easily). Have each girl take a turn
spinning to find her kaper.
Decorate a coffee can like a well, including a roof. Write kapers on pieces of poster
board shaped like buckets. Each bucket should have a string. Have each girl “pull” a
bucket from the well to see what her kaper is.
Cut a piece of poster board into the shape of a trefoil (the Girl Scout symbol). Write
kapers around the edge. Have each girl write her name on a clothespin. Let each girl
decorate her clothespin with washable markers. Move clothespins around the board to
assign kapers.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Troop Planning Calendar
PLAN AHEAD: The following is a sample monthly calendar that may be helpful as you
work with the girls to plan activities. Be sure to check your service unit calendar for
upcoming events and activities.
SEPTEMBER
• Have a parent/
guardian
meeting
• Register all
girls and
adults as Girl
Scouts
OCTOBER
• Juliette
Gordon Low’s
Birthday (31st)
• Investiture
Ceremony
• Halloween
• Fall Product
Sale
NOVEMBER
• Service learning
project
• Thanksgiving
DECEMBER
• Holiday
celebration
JANUARY
• New Year—
new ideas
• Winter outing
• Girl Scout
Cookie Sale
FEBRUARY
• Thinking Day
(22nd)
• Activity with a
sister troop
• Play games
from other
countries
MARCH
• Celebrate Girl
Scouts’ Birthday
(12th)
• Girl Scout Week
(Begins the
Sunday before
the 12th)
APRIL
• Girl Scout
Leader/
Volunteer
Day (22nd)
• Prepare for
bridging
• Spring
holiday—get
outdoors!
MAY
•
JUNE
• School’s out
• Day camp
JULY
• Summer
program
opportunities
• Trips, hikes,
sports and
cookouts
AUGUST
• Get ready for
another Girl
Scout year!
•
Court of
Awards
Ceremony
Bridging
ceremony for
first graders
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Check Your Understanding: Chapter 3 Review
Check your understanding of the Girl Scout Program Processes and progression and apply
what you’ve learned in this Chapter to common situations with girls.
Give an example of an activity you could
do with the girls. How would you use the
concept of progression to prepare them?
What is girl/adult planning?
What might be three challenges you’ll have when trying to plan with the girls?
What are steps you can take to prevent those challenges or respond to them?
33
Chapter 4:
Support for Leaders
Find information on the support systems available
to Girl Scout leaders - from parents of girls to
resources provided by your Girl Scout council.
Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Chapter 4: Support for Leaders
Support for Leaders
In this section, you will find information on resources that will support you as you work with Girl
Scout Daisies. From Girl Scout websites, to printed publications, to volunteer and paid staff, you
have a whole network of people and resources ready to support you!
Websites
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana: www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org
All your Girl Scout gear online: www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/shop
Fun, interactive website for girls of all ages: www.WorldStrongestGirl.org
Social Media:
o www.facebook.com/GirlScoutsGCNWI
o www.twitter.com/GirlScoutsGCNWI
o www.pinterest.com/gsgcnwi
o www.youtube.com/girlscoutsgcnwi2010
Program updates: gswhatsnew.wordpress.com
Volunteer needs or opportunities: www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/smoresupport
Council resources and forms: www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/volunteer-resources
o Daisy Starter Kit: www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/resources_publications
Girl Scouts of the USA website: www.girlscouts.org
Volunteer Essentials
Volunteer Essentials is the primary resource for all volunteers. It provides
information about Girl Scouts of the USA, Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and
Northwest Indiana, Safety-Activity Checkpoints, Council policies, volunteer
policies, financial procedures, volunteer staff structure, service unit structure,
emergency procedures, council forms and much more. Volunteer Essentials is
available on per troop and can be obtained from your service unit or regional
Girl Scout Gathering Place. You can also download it
on the Council website.
Program Essentials
Program Essentials is a publication that outlines a variety of counciland community-sponsored programs available to girl members. It also
includes guidelines and reservation procedures for use of council
properties. This book is updated annually in the fall. You can view and
download this book from the council website.
www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/activities-events
Safety Activity Checkpoints
An essential part of understanding safety in Girl Scouts are found in the Safety Activity
Checkpoints. When preparing for any activity with girls, always begin by reviewing the Girl Scout
Safety Activity Checkpoints written about that particular activity. Some activities included are
wimming, hayrides, hiking and parades. The checkpoints can be viewed and downloaded from
the council website.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Service Unit Support
In addition to those printed and virtual resources, there is a whole team of experienced Girl
Scout volunteers ready to support you!
Service Unit
A service unit is comprised of Girl Scout members in a geographic neighborhood. Each service
unit has a group of administrative volunteers, appointed by membership staff and the service
unit manager, to support troop leaders and ensure the delivery of services in the service unit.
You can obtain specific information from your Membership Staff about the date, time and
location of your service unit meeting and who your service team members are.
Service Unit Manager
The service unit manager assumes the key administrative responsibility of Girl Scouting
within the service unit. She/he works within the policies, standards and procedures set
by Girl Scouts of the USA and Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana.
The two major focuses of the service unit manager are: 1) maintaining, developing
and/or increasing girl and adult membership in their community and 2) ensuring adult
volunteers receive the services they need to effectively deliver the Girl Scout Leadership
Experience.
Membership Organizer
Service unit organizers serve as the primary contact for the recruitment of girls and
forming of troops in their designated schools or areas. Their responsibilities includes
assisting new volunteers in the new troop process, including the volunteer application
and registration process, finding meeting locations and assisting with the initial parent
meeting. The membership organizer executes the plan to achieve the service unit
membership goal.
Registrar
The registrar supports the service unit by collecting and processing Girl Scout paper
membership forms and teaches leaders to use electronic registration methods to ensure
all members meet the registration requirement. The registrar reviews the service unit
rosters, provided by the council to ensure members are registered correctly and alerts
the registration center to any changes. She collaborates with other service team
members to ensure any new members are contacted and supported appropriately.
Service Unit Meetings
The service unit manager conducts monthly meetings called the “service unit meeting for all
members of the service unit. This meeting provides troop leaders with information about
happenings at both the council and service unit levels. This is also a time for leaders to come
together to network, offer support to each other and get new ideas for working with their troop.
Connect eNewsletter
Filled with relevant and timely information and council news, you can sign up for the regular
publication on the council website at www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Involving Parents in the Girl Scout Daisy Experience
One of your greatest resources as a troop leader will be the girls’
parents. Beyond keeping them informed about what is happening with
the troop, you will want/need their assistance – like providing snacks for
meetings, helping at cookie booth sales or having enough adults on
trips to meet the girl-adult ratio. Parent involvement will not only enrich
the girls’ experience, it will help you fulfill your role as a leader by
allowing you to focus on your work with the girls. The suggestions
below will give you a good start on how to involve parents in your troop.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Have a parent meeting. Before you have your first meeting with the girls, invite the
parents to a meeting. This allows them to meet you and your co-leaders, meet the other
girls and begin a relationship with other parents of the troop. Have the parents meet in
one room and the girls in another. If that is not possible, meet without the girls or plan
the meeting to address both the girls and adults.
Establish a method of communication. Will the girls receive fliers to take home that
talk about Girl Scout activities? Will the parents receive phone calls or e-mails? Does the
troop have a newsletter? Be sure to establish a method of communication with parents.
Girls in kindergarten and first grade cannot be relied on to share important information
with their parents. As a leader, you need to be communicating on a regular basis with
the girl’s parents/guardians. You can use various methods of communications to do this:
phone calls, troop newsletters, e-mail or develop a troop web site.
Greet the parents. As parents drop off or pick up their daughters from the meeting, be
sure a leader or co-leader is assigned to greet them and communicate with them about
the meeting and any upcoming activities. This also allows the parents to speak with you
or your co-leader about their daughter. Also be sure to relay any important information
as parents pick up their daughters.
Keep in touch with parents. It may not be realistic to contact all of your parents on a
weekly or even monthly basis. However, make a point to connect them at least twice a
year. Tell them how their daughter is progressing. If you are proud of a girl’s
accomplishment, tell her parents. Communicate successes and concerns. A simple
conversation can go a long way.
Have parents sign up to help. A great time to solicit assistance is at your parent
meeting. Parents and extended family of the girls are your best resource. Ask if you
need an extra set of hands at meetings, drivers for field trips or help with a project. Be
sure you ask them directly. If you are vague or nondescript about what needs to happen,
they will not volunteer.
Recognize parents. Send a note to thank parents for their help, mention their
assistance in your troop’s newsletter, and share with them how you have seen their
daughter change and grow.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Guidelines for Girl Scout Daisy Parent Meetings
Having a parent meeting is important to the success of your Girl Scout Daisy troop. Parent
meetings allow you to begin building a relationship with your greatest resource. You should
ensure everyone has a time to meet each other and to learn about Girl Scouts as an
organization, about you and your role and what role they will be expected to play. Below is a
sample agenda to help you plan a parent meeting. More information on ideas and resources for
a parent meeting can be found in the Girl Scout Troop Start-Up Guide. Additionally, a service
unit volunteer or the membership extension specialist who supports your area can provide you
with additional support.
1. Welcome and Introductions
Personally welcome all parents and guardians
Be sure everyone has a nametag
Have an activity where parents and guardians can introduce themselves and learn
something about each other
Introduce your co-leader(s) and any other adults working with the troop
2. Provide Information About Girl Scouts
Explain the Girl Scout Mission
In your own words, share the benefits of being a Girl Scout
Discuss the importance of girl/adult partnerships, teaching group decision making and
how you will implement that with the Girl Scout Daisies
3. Explain the Role of the Troop Leader and Assistant Leader(s)
Describe the trainings you have taken that have prepared you to be a Girl Scout
leader
Briefly explain your responsibilities as a troop leader
Tell them about the support you will receive from the service unit and paid staff.
4. Share Your Expectations for the Parents’ Roles and Responsibilities
Give specific examples of how parents can help support the troop
Let the parents know how they can help you be a successful leader
Be upfront and clear with parents about dues and provide them with a breakdown of
costs, based on the plans you have
Explain the benefits of being involved with their daughters’ Girl Scout troop
Invite family members to register with the troop.
Please note: Any parents helping out regularly at troop meetings, handling money for the troop
and transporting girls are required to complete a volunteer application and register as Girl Scout
members. For more information, see Volunteer Essentials, Chapter 4: Safety-Wise.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Troop Finances
Girl Scout Daisies are not ready to handle money. The troop finances and record keeping are
the responsibility of the adults working with the troop. The following are a few things to
remember regarding troop finances:
A. Girl Scout Daisies may participate in council-sponsored product sales when selling with
an adult. The troop profits earned during these activities, along with dues collected from
parents/guardians, are used to support the cost of the troop’s activities.
B. Meet with the parents and/or adults supporting your troop to establish a strategy for
troop funds. For example, parents could pay a modest monthly activity fee based on an
estimated annual troop budget.
C. Consider the financial situation of all girls in your troop. Being a Girl Scout Daisy should
not be expensive.
Starting a bank account for my Girl Scout Daisy Troop
•
•
•
•
•
•
All troops are required to hold their Girl Scout funds in a bank account. The bank
account is to be opened in the name of Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest
Indiana, Troop Number XXXXX.
There are to be minimally two (2) signers on the account. This account will use the
federal tax identification number 36-3871241.
The address on the account must be that of one of the signers. Bank statements are to
be sent to the home address of a person registered with the troop, not to the Girl Scouts
of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana’s service center address.
Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana recommends establishing an
account with BMO Harris Bank. The council has been able to establish a mutually
beneficial partnership with BMO Harris Bank that provides many benefits to troops that
open a business account, such as, waiving account fees.
There is a set of four letters, the appropriate one of which, you should submit to the bank
when opening or modifying a bank account.
Your service unit manager or membership specialist will advise you on bank account
activity, troop financial reporting and use of sales tax exemption forms
Other Facts about Troop Funds
Because funds are owned collectively by the girls in the troop, leaders must perform the
following custodial functions:
 Only registered, approved Girl Scout members may handle troop and council funds.
 All troop or council funds must be banked promptly
 All troop funds must be deposited in a bank account entitled, “Girl Scouts of Greater
Chicago and Northwest Indiana, Troop #
 A troop financial report must be submitted annually by June 15. This form can be found
on the council website or in Volunteer Essentials.
Please refer to Volunteer Essentials
for more information on managing troop finances.
40
Chapter 5:
Girl Scout Program
Opportunities and Traditions
Learn about the Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting, the
Girl Scout Journeys, traditions in Girl Scouting and
program opportunities like fall product sales, the
Girl Scout Cookie sale and service learning.
Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Chapter 5: Girls Scout Program Opportunities and Traditions
The Daisy Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting
The Daisy Girl’s Guide is the official book for all Girl Scout Daisies. It is filled
with practical tips, age-appropriate and fun activities, and information about
Girl Scout history, traditions and insignia. It comes in a standard size binder so
the girls can add new resources as they become available.
Grade Level Handbook
The handbook section includes information on how the girls can earn the Promise Center by
learning the Girl Scout Promise, the history of Girl Scouts, dates to celebrate special days for
Girl Scouts, uniform information, insignia placement and more.
My Promise, My Faith Award
Girl Scouts can earn the My Promise, My Faith Award each year that they
participate in Girl Scouting. This award encourages a girl to learn more about
her own faith and another by talking with her family and people in other faith
communities.
Bridging to Brownies Award
Awarded to first grade Girl Scout Daisies who have completed the two bridging
steps. Girls receive the award during the Bridging to Girl Scout Brownies
ceremony held at the end of the year.
Daisy Awards
Girl Scout Daisies will earn awards to put on their uniforms to show the skills they have learned.
Girl Scout Daisy Promise Center and Petals
Daisies earn the Promise Center by saying the Girl Scout Promise and
talking about what it means to them. The 10 Girl Scout Daisy Flower
Friends teach girls about the Girl Scout Law. When girls read the Flower
Friends’ stories and learn about the meeting of the part of the Girl Scout
Law each Flower Friend represents, they earn their petals. When a petal is
learned, it can be placed around the Promise Center.
Look for the Daisy Starter Kit on our website!
It’s got activity ideas and sample meetings for
girls to earn three petals.
www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/resources-publications
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Girl Scout Daisy Leaves
Girls can earn two leaves each year they participate in Girl Scouts. Each leaf has a suggestion
for how to connect the skills the girls learn to the Girl Scout Journeys, as well as how to use
their new skill to give service to their community.
•
•
Cookie Business Leaves: Count It Up & Talk It Up. The steps girls
take to earn these awards gives them skills that will help them with
their cookie sales, like goal setting and money counting.
Financial Literacy Leaves: Making Choices & Money Counts. These
awards teach girls how to count money and make smart money
decisions.
My Girl Scouts
A section for girls to document their experiences includes pages to scrapbook, draw or save
special moments. It even includes stickers!
The Girl Scout Daisy Leadership Journeys
Girl Scout Daisy Leadership Journeys each explore a specific theme through a series of fun
and challenging experiences. Journeys are a way for girls to develop leadership skills, explore
their interests, try new things, meet new people and make their world a better place. In the
Journeys, girls gain the benefits of all three keys to leadership: Discover, Connect and Take
Action.
It’s Your World—Change It!: Welcome to the Daisy Flower Garden
In this Journey, a favorite pastime—gardening—meets the Girl Scout Law.
Welcome to the Daisy Flower Garden has 12 storybook characters,
including the ten Flower Friends that represent and relate directly to each
part of the Girl Scout Law. The main character, Amazing Daisy, represents
the entire Girl Scout Law. Honey Bee leads the three Girl Scout Daisies in
the story to Amazing Daisy and her Flower Friends.
Activities include planting a mini garden, games, outdoor adventures, learning
about nature and much more. The final activity is the unveiling of the troop’s
garden project, along with a garden party.
Girl Scout Daisies may earn three awards that tie directly to the garden theme
and receive them after completing various activities during their journey: the
Watering Can, the Golden Honey Bee Award and the Amazing Daisy.
It’s Your Planet—Love It!: Between Earth And Sky
The Daisy Flower Friends return and this time they are joining Girl Scout
Daises for a cross-country trip in their special flower powered car! As they
travel the country living the values of the Girl Scout Law, the flowers
explore the natural world around them, learning what is local and why that
is important. The girls will also discover the wisdom of those who are
working to protect planet earth.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Activities include visiting local parks, preserves and gardens to explore,
observe, classify and communicate with the natural world.
During the journey, the girls earn three awards—the Clover, Blue Bucket and
the Firefly—as they discover what is great about their own neighborhoods and
learn to use their new skills on behalf of the planet.
It’s Your Story—Tell It!: 5 Flowers, 4 Stories, 3 Cheers for Animals!
In this journey, Girl Scout Daisies learn how to care for animals and for
themselves. Girls learn about the similarities and differences among
animals, plants and people through stories from the Flower Friends’ visits
to their homelands and how they can respect and appreciate everyone’s
unique characteristics. Plus, they’ll improve their communication skills by
teaching others about ways to care for animals.
Activities put girls’ creativity to the test by challenging them to create a team mural, and
birdbath. Girl Scout Daisies will also have an opportunity to act out stories about animals and
take action by teaching others how to care for animals in their community through the Red
Robin Project.
The girls earn three awards in this journey—the Birdbath, Red Robin and the Tula—as they
realize how much they can care for animals and themselves, and just how confident that makes
them feel.
Journey Summit Award
When a girl completes all three Girl Scout Journeys at her grade level, she
earns the Journey Summit Pin. Earning this award demonstrates that a girl
knows “to her core” what it means to be a leader. There’s even a new song
girls can sing when they earn the award!
Journey Adult How-to Guides
Using the Girl Scout Journeys with the girls is easy because each journey has a how to guide
for leaders that corresponds to the girl activity book.
•
•
•
•
The facilitator guides includes six or ten sample sessions that offer a variety of activities
that leaders can customize to fit the specific needs and interests of the girls.
It outlines the goals for the girls to earn each award and each sample session helps girls
work toward the award goals.
There are also helpful tips on guiding the girls through the journey and ideas for
additional activities.
The guide also provides insight about working with Girl Scout Daisies, Girl Scout
traditions and ceremonies, and an overview of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Girl Scout Daisy Insignia
Daisy Insignia Tab
The Daisy Insignia Tab is a yellow fabric pin on which Girl Scout
Daisies pin the World Trefoil Pin and the Girl Scout Daisy
Membership Star.
World Trefoil Pin
This pin signifies that all Girl Scouts are members of the World
Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGS). It is presented
after the girls have learned about the international aspects of Girl
Scouting and Girl Guiding. Thinking Day is an ideal time for this
ceremony.
Girl Scout Daisy Membership Pin
This pin is only worn by Girl Scout Daisies and is presented during
the Girl Scout Investiture ceremony. It is displayed on the Daisy
Insignia tab on the left side of the uniform.
Membership Stars
Every Girl Scout receives a gold membership star at the end of each
troop year to signify the completion of one year of Girl Scouting.
Additionally, the girls receive a colored disc that fits behind the star.
Each grade level has a specific color disc. A blue disc indicates one
year spent as a Girl Scout Daisy.
Participation Patches
Girl Scouts often receive patches for participating in an activity,
event, or special program (also called “fun patches”). These events
are usually programs that the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and
Northwest Indiana service units or community partners sponsor. The
participants receive the patches for attending the program.
All Girl Scout Daisy insignia and awards can be purchased from your regional Girl Scout Shop
or online at http://www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
The Girl Scout Daisy Uniform
The Girl Scout Daisy uniform components include a blue tunic or vest that the girls wear over
their clothes. Wearing a Girl Scout Daisy vest or tunic is not a requirement to being a Girl Scout,
but provides girls a place to display Girl Scout pins and awards the girls have earned.
Girl Scout Ceremonies
Ceremonies play a very important role in Girl Scouting. They not only mark the progression of
the Girl Scout year, but of the girls’ individual journeys through Girl Scouting. There are many
opportunities to conduct ceremonies. A ceremony may welcome new girls into Girl Scouting (an
investiture), observe a special Girl Scout day (a Thinking Day ceremony), recognize
accomplishments (a Court of Awards), or may open or close a meeting (flag ceremony).
On the following pages are ceremonies suitable for Girl Scout Daisies. Troops may also design
their own ceremonies around special occasions. Use ceremonies as often as you wish—just
remember to let the girls help you plan them. A Ceremony Planner worksheet is available on
page 63 of this booklet.
Some tips to help you have a successful Girl Scout ceremony.
•
•
•
•
Practice the ceremony in advance, but do not expect the girls to memorize every word.
Invite guests to your ceremony when appropriate. The presence of relatives and friends
can make the ceremony even more special for the girls.
Try to include the Girl Scout Promise and Law in every ceremony.
Set the right atmosphere for your ceremony; the setting, music and lighting, can help.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Girl Scout Daisy Investiture Ceremony
An Investiture Ceremony is held when a girl joins Girl Scouting for the first time.
An investiture is a ceremony at which girls formally become Girl Scouts. The investiture is
usually held a few weeks after the Girl Scout Daisy troop starts meeting. This gives the girls
time to learn about Girl Scouting and the meaning of the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Troops
hold special investitures during the year for girls who may join later.
During the investiture girls:
•
•
•
Make the Girl Scout Promise
Receive their Girl Scout Daisy Pin
Are officially welcomed into Girl Scouts
Sample Girl Scout Daisy Investiture Ceremony
The following are some ideas for a Girl Scout Daisy investiture ceremony. Adapt these
suggestions to the needs and desires of the girls. Be sure to include ideas girls made in the Girl
Scout Daisy Circle when they helped plan for the investiture. The Girl Scout Daisy should have
some understanding of the Girl Scout Law, and with your help, be able to recite the Girl Scout
Promise. Parents/guardians should be invited to attend the event.
Before the Ceremony
• Ask each girl to choose a special adult to help during the ceremony.
• Practice parts of the ceremony, like reciting the Girl Scout Promise, but do not go
through an entire “dry run.” This may spoil some of the girls’ enthusiasm for the real
ceremony.
• Be sure everyone understands what she must do during the ceremony.
• Practice standing in a horseshoe with leaders at the center and girls on both sides.
• You might also prepare a construction paper daisy with a pin and the girl’s name on
each petal or other easy ways to hand out the pins.
Opening
The opening can be a song, the Girl Scout Promise, or special words by the leader to set
the mood of the ceremony.
For example:
“Today is a very special day for us. It is the day when we receive our Girl Scout Daisy
membership pins and officially become Girl Scouts. To do this, we each make a
promise—the same promise that all Girl Scouts everywhere make. We hold up three
fingers to remind us that our Girl Scout Promise has three parts: to serve God and our
country, to be helpful to others and to try to be the best person we can by following the
Girl Scout Law. Let’s make the Girl Scout sign now and say our Girl Scout Promise
together.”
Middle
• The middle of the ceremony should include presenting Girl Scout Daisy pins.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
•
•
•
•
•
It could also include girls acting out part of the Juliette Low Story, singing songs and
other activities.
Before presenting the pins, invite each girl’s special adult to join her for that part of the
ceremony.
Call each girl by name, one at a time, and invite her special adult to join her.
WhatHand the pin to the adult and ask her/him to fasten it on the girl’s uniform or blouse
on the left side, over the heart.
Then give her the Girl Scout handshake.
(Girl Scout handshake: Shake hands with your left hand and make the Girl Scout sign
with your right.)
Closing
• The closing of the ceremony might include a song, a game, the Girl Scout Friendship
Circle, or other activity in which everyone may participate.
• The leader may also say a few words: “Welcome to the world of Girl Scouting.
• We are looking forward to having fun together, making friends, learning new things and
helping people. Wear your Girl Scout Daisy pin with pride, and remember the Girl Scout
Promise you have made.”
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Community Service + Learning = Service Learning
An important tradition for Girl Scouts is giving service to others. Even girls as young as Girl
Scout Daisies can find ways to lending a helping hand in their community. Girl Scout troops do
service all the time—collecting food for a food bank, planting gardens or singing at a nursing
home. However, by adding a learning component to the service project, it offers girls the
opportunity to familiarize themselves with a particular topic or issue, determine what skills they
may need to learn and develop a plan of how they can help make a difference. By combining a
service project with practical learning, it connects the information that the troop has
learned through research to solving a real-life problem.
Let’s review the five steps to a service learning project.
1. Investigation: Help the girls investigate needs in the community.
2. Preparation: Work together with the girls to explore project ideas and make a plan of
action.
3. Action: Do the service! This is a practical application of the research and preparation.
4. Reflection and Evaluation: This is a chance to for the girls to pause and think about
their experience.
5. Demonstration and Celebration: Girls teach others about the project and what they
learned. Some ideas for doing this include drawing pictures, making a scrap book or
performing a skit.
Ideas for Service Learning with Girl Scout Daisies
•
•
•
Halloween costume drive, where the girls collect costumes and deliver to children
who need them in partnership with a church or other organization
Set up recycling at a park, including a talk with someone who works at a recycling
facility
Work with a Girl Scout Cadette troop to provide a meal to the homeless, learning
how to prepare the meal and tour of a shelter or food pantry
Benefits of Service Learning
•
•
•
•
•
Promotes learning through active participation in service experiences.
Provides structured time for girls to reflect by thinking and discussing their service
experience.
Provides an opportunity for girls to use skills and knowledge in real-life situations.
Extends learning beyond the troop experience and into the community.
Fosters a sense of caring for others.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Fall Product and Girl Scout Cookie Sales
Why should Daisies participate?
According to the 2008 Report of the President’s Advisory Council on
Financial Literacy, basic literacy skills, including financial literacy, need to
be established in the early years of children’s lives to impact their future
development. The Fall Product and Girl Scout Cookie Sales give girls the
opportunity to run a business and practice leadership skills that they can
use throughout their lives.
Girls learn five skill sets through their participation in the product
sales:
1. Goal Setting
The girls work together to set a troop goal and develop a plan to reach it, developing
cooperation and team building skills.
2. Decision Making
The girls decide how the troop will spend the money earned from the product sale,
learning critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
3. Money Earning
Each girl, with the help from her parents, takes orders and handles customer’s money,
developing practical life skills around financial literacy.
4. People Skills
The girls learn how to talk, listen and work with each other developing healthy
relationships and conflict resolution skills.
5. Business Ethics
The girls learn about honesty and responsibility, enforcing the positive values they
are developing in Girl Scout.
How do we get started?
The Fall Product Sale takes place in October and the Girl
Scout Cookie sale begins in January and runs through
March. To participate in either money earning activity, take
the following steps and you’ll be on your way!
•
•
•
•
Make sure all the girls are registered Girl Scouts
and have signed permission slips
Have a designated and approved troop
product/cookie sale manager
Talk to the service unit product sales/cookie consultant to obtain packets and troop
manager training
If you haven’t already, open a bank account. If you’re a returning troop, make sure
that the previous year’s troop financial report was submitted
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Check Your Understanding: Chapter 5 Review
Are you ready to see how much you remember? Answer the following
questions and, when you’re done, check your answers against the answer
sheet in the appendix on page 68.
1. Where can you find the requirements for the Girl Scout Daisy petals and leaves?
2. Where would you find sample sessions that would help guide you through the “It’s Your
Story: Tell It!” Journey?
3. Why would you do an investiture ceremony with the girls?
4. List at least three of the five skills girls learn by participating in the Fall Product and
Cookie Sales.
5. Give an example of how you could turn a service project into a service learning project.
.
Congratulations!
You’ve completed all five Chapters. Look
though the information in the appendix
and don’t forget to complete the
registration, review51and the evaluation.
Appendix
Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Appendix A - Sample Girl Scout Daisy Troop Meetings
Sample Meeting One
Start up Activity
Have crayons and plain paper ready for the girls to draw a picture of themselves on the front
and then draw their favorite toy, pet on the back.
Opening
Have a girl or assistant leader hold
an American flag. Say the Pledge
of Allegiance and begin teaching
the girls the Girl Scout Promise.
Look for the Daisy Starter Kit on our website!
Activity ideas and sample meetings for girls to
earn three petals.
www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org/resources-publications
Business
Introduce yourself and your assistant leader(s) to the girls. Help each girl introduce herself to
the group using the picture she drew of herself at the beginning of the meeting. Ask her to tell
everyone about what she drew on the back of her picture.
Explain what the Girl Scout Daisy Circle is and when they will use it. Show the girls where the
restroom is, especially if the meeting location is new to them. Show girls the troop kaper chart
and explain how it will be used to help the girls participate in running the troop. Read the Girl
Scout Daisy story on page 24 in the Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting for Girl Scout Daisies or
present the Girl Scout Daisy Journey options. Introduce the Girl Scout Law and explain that they
will learn more about it during future meetings.
Planned Activity
Give each girl a copy of the Girl Scout Promise and have her glue it to the center of a piece of
construction paper. Leave an inch or two of the colored paper showing. Have the girls
“decorate” the frame with stickers, crayons, markers or other materials. Ask the girls to use their
project to help them learn the Girl Scout Promise.
Clean-Up
Play follow-the-leader as a fun way to clean up the room!
Closing Ceremony
Begin by singing a song, such as “Make New Friends.” Leaders and girls join hands in the
Friendship Circle: girls stand in a circle and cross their right arm over their left and hold hands
with the girl on either side. Use the secret “friendship squeeze.” The leader or chosen girl starts
squeeze by squeezing the hand of the girl on her left, who squeezes the hand of the girl on her
left until the squeeze goes around the circle to everyone. Once it returns to the person who
started it, that person announces “Good night, Girl Scout Daisies.”
Snack Time (optional)
Have snacks while sharing during troop business time.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Sample Meeting Two
Pre-meeting
Have the girls play “Simon Says.” Let the first to arrive be Simon and have the other girls join in
the game as they arrive.
Opening
Have the girls stand in the shape of a horseshoe with the flag (on a stand or have a girl hold a
small flag) at the open end. Say the Pledge of Allegiance and Girl Scout Promise.
Business
Review the Kaper Chart and what tasks the girls have been assigned for this meeting. Explain
what an investiture ceremony is and have them help plan the troop’s investiture ceremony and
celebration. Assign a part to each girl. Practice the ceremony with the girls. Have a snack while
talking.
Planned Activities
Choose an activity from one of the Girl Scout Daisy Journey books or, to help girls get to know
one another, have girls make a Blue Bucket of Words, instructions are below. This modified
activity can be found on pages 59-61 of Between Earth and Sky: How to Guide for Adults.
•
•
•
Materials: Blue Bucket of “Words” hand out and pens or an actual bucket, scraps of
paper and pens.
Directions: Record a few words to describe your feelings about Girl Scouting or working
on a team. Toss your thoughts into a bucket either literally or on the handout provided.
Share your thoughts with the group.
Follow up questions:
o How does knowing how other people feel help you to be a better friend?
o How do you get along with others when you have different feelings?
Clean-Up
Magic Clean-Up:
Tune: London Bridge
Weave the magic in and out, in and out, in and out.
Weave the magic in and out, for we are Girl Scout Daisies.
We have tidied everything, everything, everything.
We have tidied everything, for we are Girl Scout Daisies.
Closing Ceremony
Girl Scout Daisy Cheer
Clap your hands (clap, clap, clap)
Stomp your feet (stomp, stomp, stomp)
Our Daisy Troop just can’t be beat!
(Close hands, thumbs point to yourself)
* Repeat cheer three times, starting softly and build up to a loud cheer!!
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Sample Meeting Three
Pre-meeting
Have girls and their parents/guardians draw a picture of an activity they like to do as a family.
Have the girls introduce their parents/guardians to the troop prior to the investiture ceremony
using the family activity picture they drew.
Investiture Ceremony
Girls take part in the planned Investiture Ceremony and receive their Girl Scout Daisy Pin and
beginning certificate after saying the Girl Scout Promise. Afterwards, celebrate with
refreshments. Have the girls help serve their guests.
Daisy-to-Daisy Game
Have the girl’s pair off into twos, with one person as the caller. The caller shouts out different
body parts that the partners must match by touching (i.e. elbow-to-elbow-partners touch elbows
together). When the caller makes the next call, the partners stop doing the previous call and
match the new body parts. When the caller calls “Daisy-to-Daisy”, everyone must find a new
partner. You may want to let the caller run also so that a new caller is chosen.
Clean-Up
Have the girls clean up the area together, reminding them that Girl Scouts often work in teams
to make the world a better place and making sure to leave the room better than they found it is a
way to do that.
Closing Ceremony
Have the girls (and their families) form the Friendship Circle: girls stand in a circle and cross
their right arm over their left and hold hands with the girl on either side. Use the secret
“friendship squeeze.” Leader, or chosen girl, starts squeeze by squeezing the hand of the girl
on her left, who squeezes the hand of the girl on her left until the squeeze goes around the
circle to everyone. Once it returns to the person who started it, that person announces “Good
night, Girl Scout Daisies.”
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Appendix B – Girl Scout Daisy Troop Meeting Planning Form
Time
Activity
5–10 min.
Start Up Activity
5 min.
Opening
Promise and Law
10 min.
Business
Topic:
20 min.
Program Activity
Topic:
10 min.
Clean Up
5 min.
Closing
Materials
Needed
57
Person
Responsible
Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Appendix C – More Ideas for a Girl Scout Daisy Investiture
Daisy Flashlight Ceremony
Supplies:
•
•
•
•
•
Flashlight for each girl
Nametags
Girl Scout Daisy pins
Beginning certificates
Girl Scout Promise and Law
As the girls and adults come in, have them put on their name tags.
Give each girl a flashlight to hold and operate.
After girls recite the Girl Scout Promise, have each parent/guardian fasten the Girl Scout Daisy
pin on their daughter.
Turn off the overhead lights, have the girls turn on their flashlights, and sing a Girl Scout song
such as “Make New Friends.”
Afterwards, have refreshments so that everyone can become acquainted.
Daisy Flower Ceremony
Supplies:
•
•
•
•
•
Nametags
Girl Scout Daisy pins
Beginning certificates
Flannel board (piece of cardboard covered with flannel or felt)
Flower parts cut from felt: one green stem, two green leaves, one yellow center, 10 white
petals
One of the leaders reads the following story and has girls place the flower parts on the flannel
board to form a daisy:
Juliette Gordon Low, whose nickname was Daisy, founded Girl Scouts in 1912. Since
that time, millions of girls have made the Girl Scout Promise and followed the Girl Scout
Law.
Just as a flower lives and grows, so does each girl in Girl Scouting. Let us watch our
special flower grow and see how it develops.
First is the stem, a stem carries life to a flower. In this flower, the Girl Scout Promise is
the lifeline. The stem also represents the leader who nurtures each girl.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Next, we have the leaves, the first signs of growth. One leaf stands for the Girl Scout
Motto, “Be Prepared,” and another leaf stands for the Girl Scout Slogan, “Do a good
turn daily.”
Now comes the beauty of our flowers, the petals. We have ten of them, one for each
part of the Girl Scout Law. [Girls place a petal on flannel board as each part of the Girl
Scout Law is read].
Now as we place the golden center of our flower in place, let us say the Girl Scout
Promise together. [Leaders then pin the Girl Scout Daisy pin on each girl (left side).]
Now, let us complete our "Daisy" and form a circle, which symbolizes the ever-widening
circle of Girl Scout Friends. Let's all join in singing “Make New Friends”.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Appendix D – Bridging to Girl Scout Brownies Ceremony
This ceremony is held at the end of the last year of the Girl Scout Daisies as first graders bridge
to Girl Scout Brownies.
Supplies:
•
•
•
•
Bridge (check with your regional Girl Scout gathering Place about bridge rental)
Membership Stars with blue disc
Bridge to Brownies awards
Brownies troop and leaders
Girl Scout Daisies stand on one side of bridge with their leaders, while the Girl Scout Brownies
stands on the other side of bridge.
Girl Scout Daisy leader reads:
Girl Scout Daisies here we stand,
To let you leave for Brownie Land.
Your, Bridging to Brownies patches wear
To remember your Daisy years are through.
Girl Scout Daisies form a single line near the bridge and leader says:
Girl Scout Daisies you are about
To become Girl Scout Brownies.
In your troop you will soon find
Girl Scout Brownies as true and kind.
Give each girl a Membership star and disc
We’ve had lots of fun and learned these too,
But now it’s time to bid adieu.
Cross over now to your new group,
We know you’ll love your Brownie troop!
Give each girl a Bridging to Brownies Patch
Girl Scout Brownie leader says:
The wise old owl has said to you
Wish to become a Brownie True.
So he sent a Brownie to take your hand,
And lead you into Brownie land!
Girl Scout Daisies cross over the bridge and a Girl Scout Brownie meets each girl on the other side, takes her
hand and leads her to the Girl Scout Brownie group. After all the Girl Scout Daisies have crossed over the
bridge, they join hands and the Girl Scout Brownie leader welcomes the Girl Scout Daisies to Girl Scout
Brownies. The Girl Scout Brownie troop then teaches the new Girl Scout Brownies the “Brownie Smile Song.”
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Appendix E – Ceremony Planner Form
Purpose of Ceremony:
Theme of Ceremony:
When will it take place?
Where will it take place?
Who will be invited?
Activities
Props
Before Ceremony:
Opening:
Main Part:
Closing:
Evaluation:
What did the girls see?
What did they hear?
What did the girls like?
What did they not like?
What did they learn?
What would they change for next time?
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Who’s Responsible
Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Appendix F – Girl Scout Daisy Activities and Snacks
Signs of the Season Hike
It is exciting to look and listen for the first signs of the new
season.
Find ideas for activities,
snacks and much more on
our Pinterest page!
www.pinterest.com/gsgcnwi
Upside-Down Hike
No, you don’t walk on your head! You turn things over to look underneath them. Put everything
back carefully, so the little animals can go on living in their home. How would you feel if a giant
came along, and picked up your home?
Noise Hike
How many different sounds can you hear? Birds? Crickets? Vacuum cleaner? Music?
Rubbing Hike
Equipment: Paper, crayons
Give each girl a sheet of paper
How-to: Put paper over texture surfaces such as trees, sidewalks, walls and rub with crayon.
Make a Girl Scout Daisy Seed Cup
Set wet paper toweling around the inside of a clear plastic glass. Place various kinds of seeds
between the paper and the inside wall of the glass. Be sure to pack paper in the middle so
seeds don’t fall to the bottom of the glass. Add about quarter(¼) cup of water and watch them
grow!
Giggling Gertie
Have the girls form a circle with one girl in the middle. The girl in the middle throws a
hankerchief or a scarf into the air. At that, all the girls start laughing until the hankerchief hits the
ground. Then their faces must be expressionless. Girls who are still laughing are out. Be sure to
take turns being the girl in the middle.
Acting Without Words
Act out the following in silence:
•
•
•
•
•
Walk as if a baby were sleeping
Walk as if the wind is blowing hard
Look like you just spilt your milk
Look like you are hiding
Pretend you are picking up a heavy rock and handing it to your friend
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Snack Suggestions
Ants on a Log
Materials: Celery, peanut butter and raisins.
Put peanut butter in the celery and top with raisins.
GORP Snack
(Raisins and Peanuts). A snack mixture used especially by hikers and campers, often made of
nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and chocolate chips. Have the girls each bring one cup of any of the
following ingredients: dried fruits (raisins, apples or bananas), coated candy pieces (like M &
Ms, Reese Pieces), pretzels, miniature marshmallows and dry cereal, such as Cheerios. Make
sure you check to see if any girls have nut or any other kind of allergies. Combine into a large
bowl and stir. Divide into individual servings by placing in sandwich bags. A great snack for
hikes.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Appendix G - Songs Especially for Girl Scout Daisies
I’m A Girl Scout
(Tune: Brother John)
I’m a Girl Scout.
Who are you?
Can’t you tell by looking?
I’m one too!
NOTE: This is a repeat song
Listen to more songs
on our YouTube page!
www.youtube.com/girlscoutsgcnwi2010
I’m A Little Daisy
(Tune: I’m a Little Teapot)
WORDS
I’m a little Daisy,
Dressed in blue.
I am a Girl Scout,
You are too.
When I go to meetings,
I sing and shout.
I love being a,
Girl Scout Daisy
ACTIONS
Hands together at side of face, head tilted
Pick up hem of uniform smock
Make the Girl Scout sign
Point to a neighbor
Hands out, palms up
Cup hands around mouth
Point to heart
Clap once at each word
Did You Ever See A Daisy
(Tune: Did You ever See a Lassie)
Have the girls make two lines with the lines facing each other and space between them.
WORDS
Did you ever see a Daisy, a Daisy, a Daisy?
Did you ever see a Daisy, a Daisy, a Daisy?
ACTIONS
Girl at front of line goes between the line
doing whatever she wants i.e. skipping,
hopping, spinning, etc.
Girl joins her line in the last place.
Go this way and that way, and that way and
this way.
Did you ever see a Daisy, a Girl Scout Daisy?
Repeat song until all girls have gone through
the center.
Daisy Scout Song
(Tune: Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star)
Girl Scout Daisies are bright and gay,
See us work, and see us play.
We can dance, and we can sing,
We can do most anything.
We have fun, and help each day,
Girl Scout Daisies are here to stay!
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Check Your Understanding Answer Keys
Note: The review questions in this workbook may contain more than one correct answer.
Chapter 2 Review
Situation 1
Your Solution to Emma’s Drawing
In addition to talking to Emma and her parents, if she continues to draw inappropriate things or if
she begins making inappropriate comments, you might seek input from volunteers in your
service unit or from the staff at the Girl Scout Gathering Place There are many steps you can
take – just keep the best interests of the girl in mind.
Situation 2
What can be done to prevent the possibility of continued behavior?
Use the Talking Daisy or an object with all the girls. When the girls have the object, allow them
to talk. Those without the object must listen to what is being said.
What are some things that need to be considered when managing the behavior of the
girl?
Some things to consider include her family background, her history in Girl Scouting, and being
in a group environment; also consider how the other girls are reacting. Do you have troop
guidelines for behavior that have been established by all the girls? With Megan being new,
does she know the troop guidelines? To help Megan, assign her a buddy that can help her
learn about how the troop works.
What do you need to consider when managing the behavior of the entire troop?
Some things to consider include how organized you are, how much the girls understand how the
meeting runs, if they know the troop behavioral guidelines, or whether they coming from school
and need a snack. Consider adding activities that allow the girls to burn some energy. Also,
consider the length of time you have for activities that are quiet. Attention span is limited with
kindergartners and first graders.
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Girl Scout Daisy Self-Study Workbook
Chapter 3 Review
Give an example of an activity you could do with the girls. How would you use the
concept of progression to prepare them?
Going on an overnight to the zoo. You could start by asking the girls if they’ve ever spent a night
away from home before. If many have not, you could organize a troop sleepover. Have the girls
help come up with a packing list. Ask them what they might need, what problems they think they
might have. A sleepover at a familiar place may help them feel more comfortable than just going
straight to the zoo.
What is girl/adult planning?
The adults guide the girls in achieving the plans made and implemented by the girls, ageappropriately.
What might be three challenges you’ll have when trying to plan with the girls?
1. Girls have a hard time perceiving the future. A month can seem like a year.
2. Girls like to do what they know and might not want to try new things.
3. A girl might be upset that what she chose wasn’t picked by everyone else.
What are steps you can take to prevent or respond to those challenges?
1. Keep planning to the near future. Create a calendar to help girls count down to an
exciting event.
2. Use progression to ease girls into new experiences.
3. Remind her that even though what she wanted wasn’t chosen this time, her activity
might be picked the next time.
Chapter 5 Review
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting
The Adult How to Guide
To welcome new girls into Girl Scouting
Goal setting, decision making, money earning, people skills, business ethics
Instead of just planting flowers at a senior home, have girls visit a nursery to learn about
how plants are grown and what benefit they’ll provide to the home.
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