Saturday, February 24, 2024

Celebrate the Girl Scout Daisy 40th Birthday

*This post contains affiliate links. 

In 1984, the GSUSA created Girl Scout Daisies. Until that time, girls had to wait until they were in first grade to join a Brownie troop.

Was Leading a Daisy Troop Different in 1984?

Forty years ago, leading Daisies looked different. 

First of all, this level was only for kindergarteners. (Brownies were from first to third grade). This first year was simply a gentle introduction to being a Girl Scout. 

Leaders focused on creating sisterhood and having meetings that centered around the Girl Scout Law. There were no badges to earn and leaders were not allowed to sell cookies or do any other fundraising.

Daisies could join older scouts at events and spend the day at camp. This way, they could learn the traditions and get ready for their own overnight camping experiences ahead.


Girl Scout Daisy 40th Birthday Meeting Ideas

Girl Scout Daisy 40th Birthday Celebration Ideas

Since 2024 is the 40th birthday of the Daisy level, you can celebrate any time this year. Here are some things that you can use for your celebratory meeting.

Note-Oriental Trading has coupons and free shipping all the time. Be on the lookout for promo codes. You can also get things for future meetings and save money. Everything you buy for your meetings is reimbursable, so save your receipt.


Girl Scout Daisy Tablecloth

This Daisy themed table covering is made of thin, disposable plastic, making cleanup easy when the meeting is over. It is slightly transparent. 54" x 108"


Girl Scout Daisy 40th Birthday Celebration Ideas


Available at Oriental Trading


Daisy Luncheon Napkins

There are sixteen luncheon napkins in this set. Each napkin is 6.5 inches.


Girl Scout Daisy 40th Birthday Ideas


Available at Oriental Trading

Girl Scout Daisy 40th Birthday Meeting Ideas

Ask the girls what they think being a Daisy Scout was like forty years ago. They may not have a concept of how much time that actually is, but I am sure the responses will be interesting!

You may want to have some items that show the number 40-a bag of Legos, cereal, buttons-a visual so the girls can conceptualize what this number is.

Once that discussion is over, have the girl play some 80s games.

1980s Outdoor Games

If you have some outdoor space or have a large indoor space, here are some 1980s games that Daisies would have played. These are sure to get the wiggles out. You can find a complete description on how to play these games in this blog post.

  • S.P.U.D.
  • Red Light, Green Light
  • Four Square
  • Red Rover
  • Chinese Jump Rope (this was my troop's favorite game to play)


1980s Indoor Activities

You can teach the girls hand claps from this era. There are many on YouTube that you can view and learn.

Another fun indoor activity you can do is to teach the girls some of the dances from the 80s, like the Electric Slide, the Sprinkler, the Running Man, the Cabbage Patch and the Pendulum. Play some 80s music while you dance. If you are not familiar with these move, you can watch a YouTube video.

Crafts for the Girl Scout Daisy 40th Birthday

Once you have done some big energy activities, it is time for a quieter one. This Beaded Butterfly & Daisy Charm Bracelet Craft Kit makes 12.

This set comes with 12 individually packaged, easy-to-assemble kits. Each kit includes colorful and faceted plastic beads, enamel charms, stretchy cord, extra pieces and instructions.


Girl Scout Daisy 40th Birthday craft

Available at Oriental Trading

Another thing you can do for your craft is have the girls decorate their own cupcake. Your local supermarket, if asked in advance, can make unfrosted cupcakes for you if you do not have the time to bake them yourself. Have some white frosting, some blue and white sprinkles, and some mini chocolate chips for topping.

Fun Girl Scout Daisy 40th Birthday Favors

Here are some things your girls might like as a party favor.

Daisy Silly Straws

These come five to a package and are something the girls can use at home to remember this fun day.


Girl Scout Daisy 40th Birthday Favors


Available at Oriental Trading

Daisy Head Boppers

These will make a fun photo for your Daisy Memory book or scrapbook! They come 12 to a package.


Girl Scout Daisy 40th Birthday Favors


Available on Oriental Trading


What is your troop going to do to celebrate the Girl Scout Daisy 40th Birthday?


Monday, January 15, 2024

Girl Scout Leap Year Meeting

If you want to take a break from regular badge work, here is a once every four years Girl Scout Leap Year meeting.

*This post contains affiliate links.

For many leaders who are in the cookie zone, the end of February may seem like a long way off. Booth sales, cookie meetings, and cookie cupboard pickups are front and center right now. Even though it is a few weeks away, it isn’t too soon to start planning your upcoming meetings.

This year, in 2024, leaders have the once every four years opportunity to celebrate Leap Year with their troop. Daisies don’t remember what a Leap Year is, as they were toddlers the last time one occurred in 2020. 

Leaders, here is an opportunity for your troop to celebrate February 29th, 2024 with this Girl Scout Leap Year Meeting resource.

Girl Scout Leap Year Meeting


 
Girl Scout Leap Year Meeting



Included in this resource:

  • Leap Year trivia game
  • Movement activities
  • Thinking games
  • Recipes and other food activities
  • Future Me page
  • Coloring pages
  • All printables

What are you planning to do for your Girl Scout Leap Year meeting?

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Free Girl Scout World Thinking Day 2024 Resources

If you need help planning, here are free Girl Scout World Thinking Day 2024 resources for leaders to use.


World Thinking Day is an annual celebration that takes place on February 22nd by Girl Scouts and Girl Guides all around the world. The day is a reminder of the impact that young girls and women can have on their communities and the world as a whole. In 2024, the theme for World Thinking Day is “Our World, Our Thriving Future: The environment and global poverty” .”

Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from different countries use this day to celebrate the diverse cultures and traditions of their fellow members. They also take this opportunity to learn about global issues and take action to make the world a better place.


Free Girl Scout World Thinking Day 2024 Resources

One way that Girl Scouts can participate in World Thinking Day is by earning the World Thinking Day award. This award encourages girls to learn about different cultures and traditions, as well as take action to make a positive impact in their communities. Another way to celebrate this day is by organizing cultural events, such as food festivals, dances, and performances, that showcase the diversity of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world.

What is the Theme for Girl Scout World Thinking Day 2024?

The theme for Girl Scout World Thinking Day 2024 is “Our World, Our Thriving Future: The environment and global poverty” ” explores the link between poverty and the environment and find out how these problems are even more challenging for girls and women in your community and around the world.


Girl Scout World Thinking Day Planner


Free WTD Planner Available on TpT

Does My Troop Have to Celebrate World Thinking Day 2024 on February 22nd?

This question was raised in one of the Facebook groups that I belong to. After reading the responses from other leaders, I did my own research just to be sure what was posted was correct.

The answer is no, you do not have to celebrate World Thinking Day 2024 on the exact day, or even in February. Fit it in when it works for your troop.

From the GSUSA website:

“Making the world a better place is Girl Scout Law, so it’s no surprise we have a holiday dedicated to doing just that. Each February 22, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides across 150 countries celebrate World Thinking Day. It’s a day of international friendship and a time to stand up for causes that could improve the lives of girls around the globe. And while the holiday itself comes in February, the World Thinking Day Award can be earned at any time of year.

This news will be a welcome bit of information, as so many are knee deep into cookies sales and earning cookie badges.

Free Girl Scout Thinking Day 2024 Resources for Leaders

WAGGS and the Girl Scout of the USA website have you covered with free World Thinking Day resources for leaders.

The Girl Scout Shop has the patch for the girls’ uniform, as well as two PDFs for you to use. Look under the patch description and click on the correct link.

Daisy, Brownie and Junior requirements can be found here.

Cadette, Senior and Ambassador requirements can be found here.

The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts website has a downloadable activity packet here.


Girl Scout World Thinking Day Passport


Do Troops Still Learn About Girl Scouts in Different Countries for World Thinking Day 2024?

In the past, learning about other countries was the focus of World Thinking Day. Now the focus is on the how sisters in scouting around the world can help our planet.

If you decide that you want to focus on one country, you can read this blog post and get your free printable passports.

Here is a free printable planner that you can use to organize your World Thinking Day 2024 meeting. I also have a free printable passport to use atyour meeting.

If you wish to play games from other countries, check out this blog post with games from around the world.

When does your troop plan to celebrate Girl Scout World Thinking Day 2024?