I’m not going to get into my thoughts on the whole #banbossy campaign at this point – but don’t worry, I will sometime in the near future and it will take up its own lengthy blog post.

But I came across something today, and I thought – say WHAAA? Maybe I’m way behind the curve on this one and leaders have already been complaining about it. I’m usually late to meetings or coming in like a tornado RIGHT as the meeting starts, so it wouldn’t be past me to be behind the times.

Beyoncé is one of the spokeswomen for the #banbossy campaign, correct? Continue reading

This makes it all worthwhile

Experiences as a Leader No Comments troop 2562, troop stuff

I received this note from one of my second year Daisies a few years back. She’s still in our troop, and I hope she stays in it all of the way through to Ambassadors. Continue reading

July 8 2014

Starter Kits

Experiences as a Leader No Comments girl led, money

I know it might sound like this is just grousing (and it probably is), but I’m a little disappointed with the starter kits offered by GSUSA. They include a vest or sash, a Girls Guide to Scouting, a girls’ journey book, the USA flag patch, a WAGGGS pin, a membership pin, the insignia tab, and a drawstring bag, all for $25.35. You get the drawstring bag for free ($12 value). Continue reading

June 26 2014

Wind Map

Ideas No Comments science, weather

Wind Map I know this might be kind of random, but I think it’s kind of neat, and it might fit in with a badge or journey somewhere. I’m just starting the Junior level in the fall, so I’m not familiar with the older girls’ badges.

This page shows hourly updates about wind speeds across the United States based on data from the National Digital Forecast Database: http://hint.fm/wind/ How cool is that? If you don’t think it’s cool, well then…. Just realize it doesn’t take much to entertain me.

I haven’t updated the site in quite some time due to issues still stemming from the sinus surgery (I think. Who knows at this point). But dang the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!

June 4 2014

Chattanooga Trip Itinerary

Experiences as a Leader No Comments trips, troop 2562

I haven’t had the chance to recap our Chattanooga trip due to some mega sinus issues that ended in surgery, but I’ve had some asking about our schedule. First of all, I highly recommend a trip to Chattanooga with your troop if it’s within a decent driving time. The girls AND the adults all loved it. Detailed recap later! Without extreme pain, sinus pressure, and dizziness – hopefully! And thanks again to Co-Leader Beth aka Julie the Cruise Director! Continue reading

June 2 2014

I’d Need a Time Machine

Opinions, The Grand Scheme of Things No Comments change lives, j-low, leadership, making a difference, time travel

After our delegate meeting a few weeks back, I spoke with a board member on the way out. Board members help bring in the money for Girl Scout councils to put it simply. I asked about that aspect, and she said that she has to get across to whatever company or organization about how much of an impact Girl Scouts has in this world by creating leaders, women of distinction, etc. (I’m paraphrasing a lot, but you get the picture). So after we finish speaking, I start thinking about this on the way home. How do you get across to people what kind of impact Girl Scouts has in girls’ and women’s lives? Continue reading

May 19 2014

Our Harlem Shake

Experiences as a Leader No Comments brownies, make new friends but keep the old, troop 2562

Last year, a fellow Girl Scout leader friend of mine was diagnosed with throat and lymph node cancer. While she was undergoing chemo and radiation, she asked for her friends to make “harlem shake” videos for her when she finished her treatment. If you don’t know what a Harlem Shake video is, it was a brief but widely popular internet meme. Here’s Wikipedia’s definition. Continue reading

May 7 2014

How NOT to Go Hiking

Hikes & Outdoors 1 Comment hiking, outdoors, safety

Last week, a father and his two children were rescued from Congaree National Park after their plans for a short hike went terribly wrong. I would hope most Scout leaders know this information, but when I read this article, some things just slapped me silly across the face. I don’t post this to make light or fun of this family, but here’s what happens when you don’t know what you’re doing or you just assume you do. Friends laugh at me when I take along stuff like a knife, fire starter, emergency blanket, etc. on even short hikes (and I probably do go overboard most of the time), but you never know what could happen! Continue reading

May 2 2014

First Camping Trip – Day Two

Experiences as a Leader, Hikes & Outdoors No Comments camp mary elizabeth, camping, fail, outdoors, squirrel, stories, success, tina, troop 2562

Here’s Day One.

It takes me forever to go to bed. I have a hard time normally getting to sleep anyway, but so many notes to self are swirling through my head, and I am thinking ahead about how we will handle breakfast in the morning. I finally drift off to sleep (I think) when the first Brownie comes to the flap. ::scratch scratch scratch:: Co-pilot Beth opens the tent flap, and the girl who ate all of the Fritos complains about her legs hurting. Co-pilot Beth tells her to rub them, and if that doesn’t help, she’ll give her some kids’ Tylenol to help (yes, we have the parental permission for this). Continue reading