The idea of being my daughter's troop leader was exciting and terrifying at the same time. If you know me personally, you’ll know that I’m not the most leaderish type of person.
First Scout Meeting Ideas
Welcome to the fabulous world of troop leading! I’m so excited for you! I remember back to my very first troop meeting and how nervous I was. Planning that first meeting can be a little stressful. Especially since you are just starting out and I’m sure overwhelmed with all the knowledge and ideas out there.
Camping @ Sleeping Bear Dunes Part 1: Beach and Cherry Republic
The drive took 8 hours from the Chicago area. Google maps says it takes 5.5 but we were towing our camper. We also had a trailer tire blow out when we were just an hour from the campgrounds.
Scout Overnight @ Brookfield Zoo
Over labor day weekend our scout troop reaped the benefits of their goal setting skills and hard earned cookie money to enjoy a night at the Brookfield Zoo! It seemed like a long time coming as the cookie season ended back in March but we had to the buy the tickets so early because it sells out fast! The evening and morning program was very well planned and packed with a lot of activities. Despite a few hiccups, our troop had an amazing time!
Confronting Another Parent In Defense Of Your Child
Let’s face it, we all get defensive with our own kids. Our natural response would look to justify and understand our child’s behavior. If the communication from the other parent came in the form as a text or email it is so difficult to understand their tone and feelings when writing it. You may think you are writing something positive or adding a joke to keep it light but the person on the other end might not take it that way.
Kid’s First Aid Kits
A couple years back I crafted these cute little kits for the girls in my troop. We were planning and preparing for a camping trip and earning our Brownie First Aid badge. These are perfect for GS but also any little kid who likes to feel a little independence. Lets be real, what kid doesn't like playing with band aids?
When Siblings Fight
I'm not usually one of those Moms that gets excited for back to school. I love the time I have together with my kids and I'm trying to take it all in and what time they have left being young. This summer was a little... well... we will call it different.
Google and Troop Communication
The task of organizing a troop with calendars, emails, forms, and documents can seem daunting. I have an easy method to keep most of what I need all in one place. I use Google!
Use the following Google apps to make your planning more organized.
Troop Parent Handbook: Do you have one?
Do you bother with creating a Troop Parent Handbook? Some people might think it's too much but, in my opinion, it lays a foundation for how you plan to lead the troop, your expectations of parents/guardians and how you can work as a team to have a successful year. It's a hard copy of when and where you have your meetings, your objectives, contact information and policies and procedures you have for events and outings….
Kids on a Plane - Tips to help you not lose your Sh*t!
Kids on a plane. Seems like it could be a title for a thriller movie kind of like Snakes on a Plane. Not sure which one is worse.
Traveling with kids, especially on a plane, can seem daunting but it doesn't have to be. Like with everything else you do with kids, proper preparation can cut down on the craziness.