Mbube Mbube - African game

This is a fun game led by one of the girl's as a Junior BP challenge. Everyone really enjoyed it, and they played it through many times. 

World Guiding - learn a game from another country and teach it to your unit. 

Indian traditions: rangoli

The first of the Indian traditions we focused on during the Other People create-a-challenge badge was the art form of rangoli.

We began with a discussion using a photo-heavy Powerpoint presentation I had created. The Brownie Guides learnt what rangoli is, the variety of materials used and the various occasions for which rangoli designs are created.

This Youtube video gave a great demonstration on how a design can be created. The girl's were enthralled the whole time, so I recommend watching! We don't have internet at our Guide Hall, so I just downloaded the video from Youtube.

Video: Diwali special rangoli design - Multicoloured flower rangoli.

From here, it was time to create our own rangoli art. I purchased these kits from CleverPatch ages ago, so it was great to finally get to use them! Each girl created a beautiful unique design, despite the fact they were all using the same base pattern.

Source: CleverPatch

These photos were taken as the girl's were still working on their designs. I forgot to take photos of the final products.

We ran out of time to complete the final activity I had planned. Using the video below, I was going to have the Brownie Guides learn to create a rangoli design on grid paper. The video shows a seemingly difficult design which is actually quite simple!

Youtube video title: Rangoli Design with dots easy to draw and beutiful for beginners By Meartist.in

Useful links:

• The tradition of rangoli
• Rangoli patterns
• Craft ideas from Activity Village

Related meeting ideas:

• World Guiding meeting #1: World Centres
• World Guiding meeting #2: WAGGGS regions
• World Guiding meeting #3: WAGGGS and the Links of Unity
• Other People #1: Sangam World Centre

Program for an Indian themed term

Along with working through the World Guiding achieve-a-challenge trefoil one last term, the Brownie Guides also completed their Other People create-a-challenge badge. For this badge we focused on India and Sangam. 

Below is the booklet I made, so that each girl could keep track of her progression through the badge. If you have visited our World Centre in India, you may notice that I was inspired by the Sangam's very own Sangam Challenge.

This was a really fun badge to work on and I look forward to working through it again, when my current Brownies have all moved on to Guides.

Front cover:

Inside pages:

Back cover:

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Have you held an Indian themed meeting? 

What activities did you do?

Completing World Guiding trefoil one

I have already discussed the three meetings that we held last term, focusing solely on the World Guiding achieve-a-challenge badge. During these meetings, the Brownie Guides completed six of the eight challenge requirements.

Over the remainder of the term, the final two challenges were completed at a less intense pace. Challenge seven was to learn the World Song. We practiced singing the lyrics each week and then I signed off the challenge as complete at the end of term. One girl even performed the song as a solo!

Challenge eight was to teach a game from another country. A few girl's had already completed this challenge during our first three meetings, but to get everybody else through this challenge 2-3 girls would teach a game at each meeting. This was probably my favourite activity that we did all term. The range of games was astounding and the Brownie's were so proud to be in that leadership role and share their game. They definitely exceeded my expectations!

I wish i'd made note of all the games we played, but here is a list of those that I can recall. I've provided links to the rules where I could find them.

Canada - Dox-en Eye
Sweden - Newspaper challenge
New Zealand - Train
Thailand - Kratai Kha Diew (One Leg Rabbit)
Trinidad - Limbo
Japan - Make others laugh
Mexico - Racing cars
Vietnam - Nhay giay (elastics)

At each meeting we would also refer to or complete further lap book activities. I would randomly quiz the girl's on information they had learned such as the meaning of WAGGGS and giving examples of the Links of Unity. By the end of term, there were a lot of badges to present! But the girl's had all worked really hard so they deserved them. Maybe next year we can look at completing the second trefoil for this badge...

Our way is clear as we march on

Learning the lyrics to The World Song is one of the optional challenges in the World Guiding achieve-a-challenge badge. After practicing the song for a term, last week I was happy to sign off that the Brownie Guides had successfully completed this challenge.

One of the girl's even surprised us all, by singing the song at a weekend event in front of Guides and Leader's from our local area! Our intense focus on World Guiding this term has definitely proved to be successful!

Links around the World

Our third meeting for the World Guiding achieve-a-challenge badge focused on two of the required challenges:

• Know what WAGGGS stands for and who can become a member.
• Identify the 'Links of Unity'.

This meeting was held a month ago and i'm pleased to report that all the below methods of teaching have proved successful for long-term retention! Each girl can still define WAGGGS, give multiple examples of the links of unity and talk about the World Centres! I'll definitely be using the game/quiz/lap book method in the future!

One of the Guide Leader's visited our meeting last week and the girl's were THRILLED to tell her all they knew about WAGGGS and World Guiding. I'm so pleased that all the effort i've put into planning this term has paid off!

Program for meeting:

World Guiding lap book

As the girl's arrived, they decorated the covers for their World Guiding lap books. I have already posted photos of the covers of these lap books.


Game run by a Brownie Guide

This is one of my favourite parts of our meetings this term. The range of international games  the Brownie Guides have been teaching has been great and some I expect we'll be adding most of them into our regular game rotations!

During this meeting, a Miss 9 years taught a game from Sweden which the girl's loved. I don't recall the name or the rules, but it involved everybody sitting in a circle with somebody in the middle as 'it'. 'It' tapped someone's shoulder with a rolled up newspaper and they had to say someone's name quickly.... this was played over a month ago, so I don't actually remember more than that! I do remember that there was LOTS of laughter involved! Does anybody know this game based on my awful description?


WAGGGS game (fruit salad)

The aim of this game was simply have the Brownie Guides learn what WAGGGS stands for and familiarise themselves with the words. I first discussed with them that over the past couple of meetings we had learnt that there are Girl Guides and Scouts all around the world, and that WAGGGS was the overarching organisation.

Everybody sits in a circle (we sat on the floor, although this game is generally played using chairs), with one person standing in the centre. Going around the circle each girl is given a group name to remember.

Groups: World, Association, Girl Guides, Girl Scouts

Confirm that everybody knows what group they are in. The person that is 'it', also needs a group, as 'it' is continually changing.

The Leader calls out the name of a group, and everybody in the circle with that group name must swap places (sitting on either an empty chair or spot on the ground). Meanwhile, the girl that is 'it', in the middle of the circle, must also try to find a chair. The girl left standing is the new 'it'.

When 'WAGGGS' is called, everybody stands up and must find a new place to sit.

We also play with the rules that you cannot return to your own seat, nor the seat of the person either side of you.


WAGGGS Participation story

I usually use participation stories to remind the Brownie Guides of upcoming events (canoeing - what to bring, wear etc) or to teach the history of Guiding. This game was to further familiarise the girl's with key words relating to WAGGGS and the 'Links of Unity'.

We played this game in four Patrols standing in lines at the end of the Guide hall (similar to a relay race). I read the story aloud and when a key word was spoken, whoever was at the front of each Patrol at that moment ran to the end of the Guide hall to complete the action, and then back to the end of their Patrol line. This meant that everybody had the chance to complete the different actions and had to be constantly paying attention. We played this game twice through at the girl's request.


WAGGGS Quiz

After playing two running games in a row the girls were happy to sit on the floor and rest which was perfect for revision! We had a discussion/quiz talking about WAGGGS, it's meaning, members and the links of unity. 


World Guiding Lap Book Activities

There were two lap book activities to work on, which were completed on the inside cover of the file folder. The first was adding the 'Links of Unity'. Here are a few examples of the different versions the girl's created.

The World Centres pocket holds the mini booklet, made at the previous meetings. The world song folds out and contains the lyrics of the two verses. We are still working at learning the lyrics - but we'll get there eventually! The images of the World flag, left handshake, Guide sign and World Thinking Day were found on Google images. The World badge is a sticker that i've had of the World trefoil sitting around in the cupboard for years. 

The second lap book activity was completing the WAGGGS acronym. 

Campfire Songs

Not at all related to our badge, but we ended our night with some campfire songs. We hadn't practiced any for a while and will be having a campfire later in the term. A few of the girl's took turns leading songs - Cecil the Caterpillar, Cabin in the Wood and Funky Chicken. Then I took over for Edelweiss, which is one of my favourites. 

Another fun and productive meeting!

Related posts:

• World Guiding meeting #1: World Centres
• World Guiding meeting #2: WAGGGS regions

World Guiding lap book cover page

The girls have been working on World Guiding lap books this term (inspired by Guider Lee Ann from Owl & Toadstool) to consolidate all the information they have learnt for their World Guiding achieve-a-challenge badge and their Other People create-a-challenge badge.

The lap books are made using a manilla folder and each week bits and pieces are added to the inside. The front covers are all decorated in free time at the start of each meeting while we wait for everybody to arrive. Many of these covers are still a work in progress, but they look great so far!

Regions of the world meeting

Continuing with our World Guiding badge, our second meeting this term was based around the 5 world regions of WAGGGS. The main activities are straight from Guidey Laurie's blog, as reading her post was the reason I decided that we could complete two badge syllabus's this term rather than just the one! 

Program for meeting:

World Centres mini book

The Brownies all completed their mini books which they had started last week. I was thrilled at the amount of information they remembered from our games last week, thankfully moving beyond 'cat facts'!

While given the same resources and instructions, each book has it's own personal touch.

Game run by a Brownie Guide

One of the requirements for the World Guiding achieve-a-challenge badge is to learn and teach a game or song from another country. I'll need to confirm, but this possibly would also cross-credit with the Junior BP award.

We are working through all the badge requirements during our unit meetings, and this was the only challenge that I told girls they would need to go home to research, learn and then bring back to the unit. I made sure that they understood that girl's that don't complete this challenge will not have completed the badge requirements needed to earn their badge.

Image credit: Girl Guides QLD shop

Miss 7 years was the first volunteer to teach a game, which was a Canadian Aboriginal game called 'Dox-en Eye'. She did such an amazing job explaining the game to the girls as they sat down and then leading them through it. Afterwards, we held a brief discussion about completing the challenge - difficulties, things that would be changed, things that worked - and the rest of the unit voted unanimously that the game was wonderful and she had done a successful job completing the challenge requirements. 

WAGGGS Regions atlas game

As I mentioned, this activity is from Guidey Laurie's blog. The Brownie Guide's absolutely loved locating the region in the atlas and then calling out countries which may be possible members of WAGGGS. It was definitely a challenge as many had never used an atlas before! Instructions to play are on Guidey Laurie's blog - the only thing we didn't do was keep score. The atlas were all borrowed from the local library who had an amazing range of children's atlas available from which to choose.

Asia-Pacific matching card game

Another of Guidey Laurie's creations and a fun way to interact with the Guiding countries of the Asia-Pacific region. I created my cards just like she did, using images from the WAGGGS website and occasionally member country websites. I made two sets, so that two Patrols could play against each other at a time. As with most of my resources, the cards are laminated so that we can use them again and again. Definitely a great 'filler' activity for future meetings!

Another productive and fun night (don't you love when activities are successful!) although we didn't get to do two other activities I had planned about WAGGGS membership and the links of unity. We'll have to cover them in our next meeting. 



Downloads [COMING SOON! Keep reminding me so I don't forget]

• WAGGGS regions member list
• Asia-Pacific matching card game

Related posts:

• World Guiding meeting #1: World Centres

World Centres meeting

Our theme this term is 'World Guiding' and we'll be working on two badges - Achieve-a-Challenge World Guiding and Create-a-Challenge Other People. 

Last week our meeting was focused on the five World Centres.

Program for meeting:

Icelandic egg game (source unknown)

Equipment: a large, soft ball

Stand in a circle, feet apart and touching the feet of the people either side. The gap between your legs is a goal, and you protect it using your hands, both hands clasped together. Roll a ball back and forth, each person trying to get the ball through someone else's legs. If it goes through your legs, you put one hand behind your back, the second time, you turn round in your place, so you have your back to the circle, and the third time you are out. 

World Centres game

This game is an old favourite, although we rarely play it. Rules found here.

World Centres Quiz

The game and information for this quiz came from fellow Leader's on the Guiders forum. I put the quiz together using the facts shared in the forum as well as the WAGGGS website.

The activity was simple. I would read out a fact and the Brownies had to run to the picture of the World Centre that they believed matched that fact. The pictures were laminated cards of the World Centres, that were placed in the four corners of the Guide Hall.

World Centres mini book

This mini book was inspired by Owl and Toadstool's awesome World Centre's mini book. In fact, I planned on using her book, until an hour before our meeting I realised that I had forgotten to email her for the PDF! I decided that it would be faster for the girls create their own book, than me getting stressed over typing my own version.

Each girl folded and cut a sheet of white A4 paper to make their own mini book (instructions here). Then they cut and glued pictures of the four World Centres into the book - one image on every second page. (This book has no front cover, it just keeps turning). The country where the World Centre is located was written underneath.

Using their knowledge from our early discussion and quiz, the Brownies then wrote fun facts about each World Centre onto the opposite page. The World Centre cats were clear favourites in the fact department.

While not as aesthetically pleasing as Jen's book, I think the girl's did a great job. We'll be finishing the books off at our next meeting.

This page was written by our youngest Brownie.

We had a great night focusing on the World Centres. At our next meeting, we will be learning about WAGGGS. A rather dry topic (especially with the challenges necessary for the badge criteria), but luckily Guidey Laurie has been really helpful with activities to use! I'm excited to try them out!


Downloads:

World Centre quiz - download as a PDF

World Centre images for mini book - download as a PDF

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What is your favourite World Centre activity?

Visiting Girl Scout Headquarters in New York City

If you ever find yourself in New York City with some extra time on your hands why not stop by the National Headquarters of the Girl Scouts of America? There you can visit the Girl Scout shop, the Girl Scout museum or even have a behind the scenes tour. No appointment is needed to visit the shop, but make sure to book online if you wish to visit the museum or have a tour (more information below).

The building is conveniently located in the heart of 5th Avenue, so there's a good chance you'll be close by anyway at one of many tourist attractions that are less than a 10 minute walk away (Empire State Building, Macy's, Bryant Park).

National headquarters is located at 420 fifth Avenue, however the building can only be accessed from 37th or 38th street. Either entry in fine, although the 37th street entrance is prettier, plus has a GS marble bench outside where you can pose for photos!

Entrance on 37th Street. The Girl Scout bench is located on the left where Mr Blue Jeans is sitting.

Entrance on 38th Street.

Once entering the building, walk to the security guard at the concierge desk to check in - make sure to bring photo ID!! Explain that you wish to visit the Girl Scout shop or if you have made an appointment in advance, that you are visiting the museum or have a tour reservation.

You will be passed a phone and patched through to Girl Scout reception so that they can confirm your reason for visiting. Once that is all sorted you will be given a visitors sticker (something for the travel scrapbook!) and directed to the elevators. The shop is located on the 11th floor, which uses the elevators on the right hand side.

Once you exit the elevator, turn right. Head through the glass doors to the reception desk. The shop is to the right of reception and if you are headed off for the museum or a tour you will be directed appropriately.

The shop isn't huge, but it's fun to look at the merchandise and you might be able to find a treat for yourself such as a Girl Scout shirt or perhaps this cute badge for your camp blanket!

My favorite items are these Precious Moments ornaments! Aren't they lovely? I have the design on the bottom right which stands at about 13cm (5 inches). 

As I mentioned, it's not a huge store so make sure to email ahead of time if you want something in particular, or if your time is limited, so that your items can be ready for pickup. These ornaments have been around for a few years now, so they may not be in stock at the NYC store. You don't want to turn up and find out they don't have what you have been coveting!


Other things to do at National Headquarters:

After you visit the store make sure to visit the Girl Scout Museum where you can view photographs, uniform and more dating back to 1912.

If you book online at least two weeks in advance you can also be given a tour of Headquarters and get a behind the scenes look at Girl Scouting. Tours run at 10am and 2pm, Monday through Friday with a maximum group size of 50 people. Don't forget to make a reservation!

Address:
Girl Scout National Headquarters
420 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10018 

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 Have you visited Girl Scout National Headquarters in NYC?