We have just started our second year of being a Junior and we have definitely been on a journey! We are starting our 3rd Journey book (aMuse), we have been places and done things. We have gained members and lost members. We have added another troop leader. Most importantly we have become very much girl lead. It has been frustrating the heck out of some parents, but it has also been worth every moment!
The first thing we tried was telling them their bank account balance. We wanted them to know that they could do activities, that they had already saved up some money. They decided to buy a set of flags with everything they would need for flag ceremonies. Then they learned how to do a flag retirement ceremony. The highlight of that experience was leading the flag retirement ceremony at the Service Unit Campout (another story for another day). It was the first time they saw themselves as leaders. It was awesome! Still working with them on budget, but that will always be a work in progress.
The next thing was having them facilitate a badge. That didn't go as planned, but we survived it. The girls made a list of badges they wanted to do first. We broke into teams and each team was supposed to facilitate a badge. Every team operated differently. Some teams were task driven. They would look at the badge book and get to work. They would ask for what they needed, and schedule dates that they needed. They would ask for field trips and guest speakers. Other groups had difficulties. The difficulties stem from various differences in the girls. Some girls would just sit there and look at the booklet, but not discuss what they needed in order to complete the tasks. Some sat there and waited for someone else to tell them what to do. Some would come up with an idea, but wouldn't ask for supplies or anything. I would go check on their group and prompt repeatedly with no response. We definitely learned where different people's skill sets were. We are trying this again, but as an entire troop instead of small groups. Our troop is much smaller now and we should be able to do this as a group now. Making progress toward independence is what matters most.
At the end of our first Journey, we had a series of lessons on service projects. I wanted to have the girls prepared to pick a reasonable Take Action Project and know the difference between it and their Bronze Award project. What we discovered through our process is that parents didn't know what separated these things out. The main issue is that our girls do things big! They do things so big, that when all is said and done we look at each other and say, "Well that would have been a great Silver Award."
Then the Bronze planning commenced. I have 2 groups working toward Bronze, and I wouldn't have it any other way. They followed their interests and have made it work. I am amazed at everything they have done and where this journey has taken them. The parents might kill me when it's over, but their girls are stronger for this experience. It has truly been girl lead, which means side tracks and emergencies. I just think of all the wonderful stories they will have to share about their Girl Scout experience. "Remember the time when..."
On to the journey!
