Girl Scouts Gearing Up!
Submitted by Laura Axler
Girl Scout troops in Madison and Harding are getting ready for another fun-filled year. Though this past year and a half has looked like no other year, troops were able to make adjustments, be creative, and continue to provide new experiences for the girls.
Some leaders held outdoor meetings during all seasons. The fifth grade Central Avenue School troop met at Dodge Field after school twice a month throughout the school year to earn badges and do craft projects, including making catapults, bath bombs, string art, and dream catchers. A Cadette troop held a cooking lesson outside where the girls made chicken salad sandwiches, yogurt parfaits, and s’mores pies. Another troop celebrated the end of the school year with a trip to the ropes course and zipline at Treetop Adventure Course in West Orange.
In the spring, a special outdoor story time was led by ninth grader, Libby Nebres, and seventh grader, Charlotte Nebres. The girls expanded their Girl Scout Silver Award project, Little Diverse Library, by inviting younger troops to join them on the lawn of the library as they read books featuring diverse stories, characters, and authors. First grade Daisy troop 8108 enjoyed a story and songs, and leader Valerie Librizzi organized a tissue paper flower garden craft to symbolize the diversity in our community. Each troop member also brought an appropriate book to donate to the Little Diverse Library, which is on the lawn of the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts.
In May, fourth grade Kings Road School troop 7192 participated in a Bike Rodeo, held by the Madison Police Department Traffic Safety Bureau. After learning about bike safety and how to correctly fit their helmets, the girls took a bike ride with the officers through downtown Madison.
In addition to holding outdoor meetings, leaders also creatively used technology to connect their troops. One seventh grade troop asked the girls and their families to host online cooking classes. They taught fellow troop members to make family favorites and multicultural recipes, including tabbouleh, stuffed grape leaves, challah bread, and pioneer corn bread.
Troops are gearing up to bring more great experiences this year. For more information about Madison-Harding Girl Scouts, check out the Girl Scout booth at the Madison Farmer’s Market on Thursdays in early September, visit gsmadisonharding.com or contact gsmadisonharding@gmail.com.
