25 Reasons to be a Girl Scout!!!

The Girl Scout season has officially begun! Check out 25 reasons to be a Girl Scout!

25. Girl Scouts builds a great bond with Girl Scout Troop Leaders.

24. Teaches the importance of friendship

23. We value the planet!

22. CAMPING!!!

21. Getting an awesome camp name!

20. S.W.A.P.S (Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned   Somewhere)

19. Tons of Adventure

18. Giving back to the community through service.

17. Learning how to be responsible

16. Bridging/Investiture/Rededication Ceremonies (A bridging ceremony is the celebration of a girl’s transition from one Girl Scout level to the next. An investiture ceremony welcomes new girls into Girl Scouts. A rededication ceremony is an opportunity for a girl to renew her commitment to the Girl Scout Promise and Law.)

15. Becoming a leader!

14. Camp Fires!

13. Living the Girl Scout Promise and Girl Scout Law each day.

12. Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts of America. Low’s mission was to  build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

11. Fun crafts & games

10. Girls can choose whichever pathway of Girl Scouting fits them best.

9. S’MORES

8. Singing great songs!

7. Girl Scout badges

6. Cool Uniforms

5. GIRL SCOUT COOKIES!!!

4. Making new friends

3. There are 3.2 million Girl Scouts!

2. We make the world a better place.

1. Girl Scouts ROCK!!!!

The Girl Scout year is ready to get in gear!!! Sign up to become a Girl Scout, a Troop Leader, or a Volunteer today!!!

A Day of Remembrance

I can remember where I was when it happened…heading to my 6^th grade science class. As we entered the classroom, our teacher state blankly staring at the television in disbelief. Some thought it was a movie others paid no attention. As she silenced us and told us what was happening, we all began to watch in shock, fear, and confusion. Next thing we knew the intercom came on and two students were called to the office to checkout, then another two, then a few more. I remember my teacher trying to comfort us as well as keep her composure. That was a pretty scary day for a 6^th grader.

After September 11, 2001, our country stood together united regardless of religion, race, nationality, status, gender, residence, age, disability, and everything else that makes us diverse. Together, we responded in our country’s time of need. Girl Scouts, other organizations, and people everywhere performed community service, paid tribute through ceremonies, and wrote thank you letters to rescue members. We showed patriotism for our country, support for our troops, and love for our fellow man. America finally stood united as one.

Today on the 12^th anniversary of September 11^TH take a moment of silence, light a candle, or post a Facebook status to remember those who lost their lives and those who sacrificed their life to save others twelve years ago. Today, we are with those grieving over the loss of their family, friends, and loved ones. They will never be forgotten for their courage, strength, and patriotism. 

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the March on Washington

Fifty years ago today, history was made on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous “I Have a Dream” speech during the March on Washington. More than 200,000 people marched from the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963. People from different backgrounds peacefully marched for racial justice and equality. The March on Washington was vital part of the Civil Rights Movement.

Juliette Gordon Low and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  shared similar dreams. One dreamed of a nation where children of all walks of life could join hands as brothers and sisters, while the other dreamed of girls coming together to make the world a better place and being a sister to one another regardless of race, religion, or background. Dr. King and Juliette Low dreamed of diversity and inclusion for all.

Girl Scouts-Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas take our hats off to the brave people that marched on Washington fifty years ago. We will continue to carry on Dr. King and Juliette Low’s message of making the world a better place for all.

First Day of School!

Summer has flown by and now it is the first day of school for many of you! I’m sure you are all very nervous yet excited to begin this new adventure! For some of you this is your first time going to a new school. You may have butterflies in your stomach, because you are worried about so many things such as if you will like your teacher, if you will make new friends, or if you will enjoy your new school. Don’t worry! Everyone has felt that way on the first day of school. Come tomorrow your butterflies will flutter away along with your worries.

Some of you are ecstatic, because this is the first day of the last day of your senior year. To some it may have come too soon, to others it didn't come soon enough. As quickly as it came, senior year will fly by! You look forward to homecoming, senior night, prom, and most of all graduation. Remember to snap a picture at all of these wonderful events and make a senior scrapbook, so that your memories can last a lifetime.

Just a few words of wisdom on the first day of school…

Elementary school students…elementary school is where you build your foundation. Your foundation is the key to starting a successful academic career, so strive for excellence.

Middle School students…this is the time you discover your likes and dislikes. Middle School is what you choose to make it so try new things, because you will never discover your hidden talents if you don’t try.

High School students…remember to be a leader, because there is always someone younger than you watching, so lead by example. Begin to think about what you would like to do after high school, go to every school event, but most of all enjoy high school!

Back to school, back to Girl Scouting! 

How is your troop getting ready for the fall? Share your stories and ideas with us! 

We are Crazy About S'mores!

A warm ooey-gooey marshmallow cuddled next to a creamy piece of chocolate, sandwiched between two fresh graham crackers, when I think about the sensational combination of a S’more my mouth begins to water! As you take that first bite into the s’mores and the concoction of magnificent sweetness tickle your taste buds, you may begin to wonder who exactly invented S’mores. 

As you continue to dine on your delectable treat your mind begins to wonder. Just where did s’mores get their start? Were s’mores dropped on this planet by aliens? After a long day of hunting did the cave man and his family nibble on this sweet treat? Or did s’mores just appear out of the sky? Actually, no one is quite sure who invented s’mores, but according to the Hershey’s Chocolate website the first s’more recipe was discovered in a 1927 Girl Scouts handbook called, “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts”. It is said that the name S’mores came about because people would eat one then beg for “some more”.  Check out Hershey’s webpage to see the timeline of the s’more!

 S’mores have evolved over time! From the campfire to the grill, from the grill to the microwave.  Now there are tons of innovative ways to eat s’mores! There are s’more dips, s’more shakes, s’more cookies, and s’more cakes. There is even s’more ice cream!!!

S’mores are so great they have their own song and their own National Day!!! August 10^th is considered National S’mores Day! We are so excited that we are celebrating National S’mores Day early! Join us Thursday, August 8^th at 3:00pm for our National S’Mores Day Open House! 

We will be making crafts, fellowshipping, and of course eating s’mores!!! Although Girl Scouts are considered the creators of s’mores we don’t mind sharing this tasty treat! Everyone is welcome to this event, the “s’more” the merrier! We hope to see you at our National S’mores Day Open House! Don’t worry--we’ll bring the s’mores!!!

Science with a twist!

Science has always been a challenge that I had issues conquering. I loved watching the Magic School Bus when I was younger. Each week, I was always eager to go on the next science adventure with Ms. Frizzle and her class, but in class, science was never as fun as it was on the television show. As I got older, science became more difficult. I could never remember all of the elements on the periodic table, trying to label the planet cell confused me, and dissecting a frog right after lunch didn’t really agree with my stomach. Like that frog, I stunk at science. Physical Science, Biology, and Chemistry, you name it and I stunk at it. But it was not until the 9^th grade that I discovered how much fun science could be.

My professor was teaching us about the freezing point and the transformations of solids, liquids, and gases. For weeks, we discussed how water evaporates into gas, how gas turns into a liquid, and how a liquid turns into a solid. After weeks of charts, diagrams, worksheets, and quizzes, it was finally time to see the transformation come to life. We watched how a liquid turned into a solid by making ice cream in a baggie. The experiment was interesting to watch, fun to make, and good to eat.

I learned that science can be fun when it is presented in different ways. I learned the importance of first learning the material from my textbook before trying the experiment, and I had a blast doing the experiment. This summer when you have nothing to do conduct a S.T.E.M. project and see how much fun you will have!!!

Cool off this summer and try this neat S.T.E.M. project “Ice Cream in a Baggie” http://chemistry.about.com/cs/howtos/a/aa020404a.htm

This Is What Extraordinary Looks Like...

“The strength of a woman is not measured by the impact that all her hardships in life have had on her; but the strength of a woman is measured by the extent of her refusal to allow those hardships to dictate her and who she becomes.” ~C. Joy Bell C.

F

aith Mullins is truly a young woman of strength. Faith Mullins is the daughter of Hope Mullins. She is a native of Little Rock, Arkansas. She has been a Girl Scout for eleven years, and just recently became a lifetime member. Faith is a 2012 Gold Award Recipient who has given countless hours of service in the name of Girl Scouting. Faith has always had a soft spot for making the world a better place. For her Gold Award Project, Faith created a sustainable recycling program at her high school, Little Rock Central High School. She built a large and very active Environmental Club.  She started Central High School on the right steps to becoming a certified environmental friendly school.  Faith’s project increased the awareness of environmental problems throughout the school and her community.  She enjoys environmental activism and is still active in promoting recycling.  Faith is currently a student at Hendrix College pursuing her bachelor’s degree.

As a Girl Scout, she did not only discover her love for our planet, but she learned the importance of serving others. From her camp counselors, Girl Scout leaders, council staff, and fellow girl scouts, she learned what it meant to be strong. During her senior year, Faith was hit by a teen that was texting and driving. With 8 broken bones, including her arms and legs, Faith was unable to do many of the small tasks we take for granted every day. She was in the hospital for several months. She could have wallowed in pity and given up on life, but like the Girl Scout Law says, “I will do my best to be courageous and strong.” The Law that she stated from the time she was a Daisy Girl Scout to when she completed being an Ambassador Scout, and became a lifetime member, were not just words she quoted, but words she chose to live by.

After physical therapy sessions and various treatments, Faith can stand proudly and say “I am a strong and powerful young woman.” So many people were generous to Faith in her time of need that she felt it was her duty to pay it forward. “Without the generosity of dozens of people in my life I would have no hope of being where I am now. And I want to become one of those generous people.” Faith has brought to life the phrase “be a sister to every Girl Scout” with her generosity. Faith has doubled the scholarship money for the 2013 Gold Award Recipients. Her spirit and dedication serves as a shining example of Juliette’s vision for girls in the Girl Scout Movement. Faith Mullins’ is what extraordinary looks like. 

Three reason why you should attend the 2013 Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference!!!

We’re counting down the days until the big event! The Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference are just a few short days away and we can’t wait to see your sweet, smiling faces this weekend. The Annual Meeting and the Leadership Conference is an event that we are encouraging Girl Scouts, volunteers, alumnae, parents, and council members to attend. Here are three reasons why you should attend the Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference!

First, the Leadership Conference! The Leadership Conference offers several leadership courses that you can attend. When you see courses, don’t freak out, because these courses are designed to keep you up-to-date and in the know about the coolest new activities. Check out our “Yoga and You” class that will relax your mind, body, and spirit, or our “Social Butterfly” class which will give you great tips about the latest social media. These aren’t you average courses! They are hands-on, interactive, and most of all FUN!!!

Second, the Annual Meeting! During the Annual Meeting we will be acknowledging the hard work of our council members, volunteers, and Girl Scouts. The purpose of the Annual Meeting is to elect new Directors and Board Officers for the Council and to discuss any old or new business within the council. During the Annual Meeting this is the opportunity to let your voice be heard!!! You as a Girl Scout have the power to not only let your voice be heard by your troop, but by the entire Girl Scouts – Diamonds Council. If elected you have the ability to be the voice of the girls! Think about running for an office and let your voice be heard!

The final reason to come to the Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference is the chance to meet new people from all over the council who share the same passion for Girl Scouts as you. The Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference allows Girl Scouts to meet the movers and shakers of the council as well as gives the staff, alumnae, and council members a chance to meet the future movers and shakers of the Girl Scout Diamonds Council. This event is a great time to network, swap ideas, meet new people, and have a good time!!!

The three reasons to attend the Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference are quite simple:

1.    Cool, fun, and interactive classes!!! (The Leadership Conference)

2.    Be the voice of the girls!!! (The Annual Meeting)

3.    Meet new people who share your passion for Girl Scouts!!!

We hope these reasons for attending have you as excited as we are about the Annual Meeting and Leadership Conference!!! Get your passport now and be ready to fly into the future with us on Friday!!!