Whether they were climbing rock walls or singing Christmas carols, Girl Scouts have been busy in their community. Read on to see some of the recent highlights from troops in Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania.
Climbing up in Dauphin County
Spooky Nook Lancaster assisted Troop 11293 in earning their Climbing Adventure badge. The girls created a rock climbing mood board, learned climbing vocabulary and studied the “dos and don’ts” of climbing. They got familiar with climbing gear and technique and then put what they learned into practice with an indoor climb.
Centre County troop tours food bank
The State College Food Bank welcomed Juniors from Troop 40223 for a tour of the facility this past fall. The girls created pasta kits based on the Food Bank’s needs and decorated to-go bags for the patrons using them over the Thanksgiving season. The experience provided the perfect opportunity for the Girl Scouts to give back to the community and see firsthand how the facility functions for their community.
Taking art to heart in Dauphin County
Girl Scout Troop 10840 meets at the Susquehanna Arts Museum, so the girls took inspiration from the space as the Daisies and Brownies completed the new Art and Design badges. The troop went on a tour of the museum, learned about art and made their own multi-media art project that was then displayed in the art museum. The troop was so excited to see their artwork hung up in the museum!
Spreading joy in York County
Brownie and Junior troops 80710 and 80727 from St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hanover spread joy and holiday cheer to the residents of Homewood at Plum Creek. The girls handed out ornaments they made, residents sang along to carols and the girls reveled in a dramatic reading of “The Campout Before Christmas.” This is how Girl Scouts of all ages get into the Christmas spirit!
Dauphin County troop bonds at camp
Troop 40171 spent a weekend at Camp Small Valley to bond as a troop, bake Christmas cookies and plan activities and projects for 2024. The girls identified places they wanted to go in Pennsylvania, in neighboring states, in North America and worldwide. They then completed Financing Your Dreams while exploring the estimated costs of their travel goals. They had a lot of fun!
Silver Award earns spotlight in Schuylkill County
Lilyanne from Troop 33013 was interviewed by State Rep. Jamie Barton about her Silver Award project! Lily’s video to help kids learn about cell phone safety can be found here. Read more about Lily’s interview here.
Painting party in Luzerne County
Troop 33265 from Plains in Luzerne County had a Christmas paint night for their weekly meeting. The girls celebrated Christmas with painting, a sleepover and caroling at a local nursing home.
Daisy from Dauphin County explores all four Girl Scout camps
After attending an event at Camp Small Valley, Sylvia, a Daisy Girl Scout from Troop 10840 in Dauphin County, was hooked on Girl Scout camp. She decided that she was going to visit all four of the local Girl Scout camps. Living in Dauphin County, she is close to three of the four camp properties, but she recently traveled to Camp Archbald to attend the Holly Jolly event in December. She had a blast meeting new Girl Scouts, making lots of holiday crafts, eating cookies and drinking hot chocolate! She has now attended events at each camp.
Exploring Academic Edge in Lycoming County
Girls who attended the afterschool Academic Edge program this fall were asked about their experience. “”I learned how to be a sister to every Girl Scout,” said Avonlea. “I can’t choose my favorite activity, but I loved building and creating things. I had the most fun with my friends. Thanks for being great teachers!” Samiya said, “My favorite activity of the AE Program was visiting camp! I learned to be kind to others. We painted and went for a nature walk.” For Jamiya, working through the challenges of the ABC Escape Room helped her push herself outside of her comfort zone and speak out about the fun she had. “This is the best day ever,” she said. “I love the Escape Room!” Read more about Academic Edge here.
Helping kids in the hospital in Dauphin County
Daisies and Brownies from Girl Scout Troop 10840 with help from Junior Girl Scouts from Troop 10286 created “busy bags” for kids in the hospital. Bags were handmade by a troop volunteer and consisted of a coloring book, crayons/colored pencils, a handmade card made by the Girl Scouts and materials to make friendship bracelets. The bags were donated to Caitlin’s Smiles, who give children with life-threatening or chronic illnesses a way to express their creativity by giving kids in the hospital arts and crafts activities. Way to spread kindness and love, Girl Scouts!
Submit a Mission Moment today so we can showcase your Girl Scouts’ recent experiences and accomplishments next month! Visit our Mission Moment Recap webpage on the GSHPA Blog to see more Mission Moments from previous months.
*All Mission Moment information is submitted by volunteers/members. Should you have any questions regarding a submission, please email cmolitoris@gshpa.org.