Living History - Not sure if I shared

I am not sure I actually shared our 6 decades story of JGL after the March Living History Book presentation.

My sister, cousin and I have enjoyed this skit a couple of times.

If you want to see what we did - we might get the video up some day -- until then- you can read about it here - Files from Sarah

Girl Scout History Conferece - SLC 2014

 

 

I am at the Girl Scout National Convention -- well really the History Conference that is before the convention.  Here I am wearing a 1960's era GS Cadette Uniform.  I love the old uniforms.

 

Day one was wonderful!  I hope next time more girls come.  I am learning a lot and the dinner was a lot of fun. 

 

 

I had the opportunity to be part of the program - talking about Helen Storrow and listening to the stories of other Girl Scout greats.

 

And of course I enjoyed visiting with our CEO - Anna Maria Chavez.

 

 

 

If your around -- come and find me.

 



Convention - HERE I COME

I am excited to be attending my first National Convention.  I am attending as a member of our councils delegation to GSLI.

As you can tell by my blog - I LOVE the Outdoors and think that ALL girls need to get outside!  And the Outdoor Discussion is high on my list of activities.

I am also excited to wear all the old uniforms we have -- I have made sure to have earned almost all of the badges on those uniforms - which is really cool.

If you see me -- say "Hi"  and let me know that you have visited my blog!

See you soon!

Outdoor Journey with STEM Connections

During my Advocacy Journey - I did research on what older girls really wanted in outdoor girl scout programming and then wrote a Journey with that focus.

I would love to see more councils use this Journey.  It is designed to be led by the girls (not the adults) and their is only ONE guide.

If you have questions - contact me: sarah@discovergreenyel.org

CLICK HERE TO GET THE JOURNEY

300 Badges and More!

Did you know my sister and I have a blog that we use during cookie season?
http://300badgesandmore.blogspot.com/

Since someone asked me today how many vintage/retro badges I have -- I thought I would share the evolution of my khaki vest as well :) (and the hair).

This is also my 100th post on this blog!

 

2012 -- the goal is 100 IP's during the 100th anniversary.  I did it. -- the first 2 rows you see on the front of the vest are the same badges my mother earned in 1983-1987.

 

2013 - some of my favorite fun patches on the back along with all the council own IP's

 

2014 - new vest - everything re-sewn thanks to my grandma -- the only NON badge on the vest is the African Jamboree patch from 2012 -- the total number is about 141 including the current version and the 21 - 1934 badges for my Golden Eaglet.

 

Family Photos - Girl Scout style

So the last three years - my mother, sister and I have had our annual Girl Scout photos taken.  It has been fun.

We started it during the 100th anniversary - including my grandmother.  I am so lucky to be a fourth generation scout -- my great grandmother was a Canadian Girl Guide in the 1920's.

I love getting these :)

There are a few followers of my blog that send me emails.  Last week my mom encouraged one of my regular emailers to come to the presentation today.  It was great that she could come -- and tonight --   Thank you Ms. Karen -- you make my day.

Sarah might enjoy this article I found about a spunky lady in a nursing home! I was looking up more stuff about the Gold Eaglet today at home, and found this. You may know I am a hearty scrapbooker, and today will certainly have a special place in my 11th GS album of all my years as a leader and SU member. I was so glad I took off school today and came up! So proud of you, Sarah!
http://blog.sfgate.com/mpark/2010/09/29/a-73-year-wait-and-at-long-last-a-golden-eaglet/



Karen

AWESOME!

What can I say - my family and my council managed to pull the biggest surprise EVER!

Not only did I get an early graduation present that is the best - my Grandfather got me a Golden Eaglet pin.

To make it even better - Anna Maria Chavez was visiting our council and SHE pinned me!

I don't even know how to describe the feelings.



This photo was a staged photo -- entirely because of the photo below with Juliette Gordon Low pinning a Golden Eaglet.

Golden Eaglet - Requirements

According to the 1934 Proficiency Badge book the scout has 6 requirements -

1.  Must be an active member of a Girl Scout troop and must have been registered for at least 3 years. -- I have been registered for 12 years

2.  Must be 16, 17 or 18 when she completes the requirements and the application. - I am currently 16

3.  Must have been a First Class Girl Scout for at least 6 months before the application for the Golden Eaglet award is made; must have earned 21 proficiency badges of which 17 must be those listed on the application form. - See previous blog posts

4.  Must have camped at least 2 weeks in a Girl Scout camp approved by National Headquarters.  Either 2 consecutive weeks or 2 1 week encampments. OR the 3rd way is 2 weeks in a approved troop camp experiences.

My Interpretation of #4 -- last summer I attended 2 10 day destinations events.  One in Ireland and One in Iceland.  The year before I attended a 3 week camping/lodging/jamboree in Ghana, Africa.  Not to mention my plans for summer 2014 - including leading a 10 day journey camp, 10 days sailing in the Virgin Islands and 2 weeks as a CIT II.

5.  Must have given satisfactory training to one or more Girl Scouts in the work for the First Class ranch with exception of proficiency badges and swimming.

My experience during the planning and execution of the Golden Eaglet Special Award and proficiency badges - I taught 14 girls how to put up and take care of a tent.  Took a group of 47 girls on a night hike during our service unit spring campout and identified constellations, animal sounds, tracks and plants/trees.  Finally, I worked with different Girl Scouts in my troop and council wide on their Bronze and Gold Awards.  As the youth director for Discover Green - I facilitated 4 Bugs, Flowers and More events with a total of 62 girls participated in the events.  These events included community service and learning about native plants and monarch butterflies.
 
6.  Must independently a satisfactory answer to a letter sent from National Headquarters about what she has done in Girl Scouting -- that will be the next blog.

Sarah's Bio

As an Ambassador Girl Scout and Gold Award recipient, Sarah’s Girl Scout activities and involvement definitely demonstrate her understanding of classic and contemporary Girl Scouting.  She loves camping, hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, Girl Scout destinations, is a Mariner Scout, enjoys learning new things including different areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.  Sarah is a member of our Girl Scout Hack for Change team, Area 4 honor guard, is 3^rd highest cookie seller and represents girls interests on the council travel committee and board strategic planning committee.  Sarah’s Take Action project for the Ambassador Advocacy Journey included an Outdoor Interests study of over 2000 girls across the country and the creation of the Outdoor STEM Journey pilot program.

 

Why did she do this?

Sarah is fascinated with Girl Scout history.  Owning several vintage uniforms, she is a fourth generation Girl Scout/Girl Guide and has compiled her families Girl Scout history stories during the 100^th anniversary.  As a 16 year old high school senior she still had 2 years left as a Girl Scout and her aunt challenged her, in fun to earn the other Girl Scout Higher Awards – Golden Eaglet, Curved Bar and First Class.  This challenge excited her to learn more about all three higher awards.  Thanks to eBay she was able to get all the manuals, badge books and even the badges for all three awards.  Her mom has her keep everything in a journal and a blog.  She also cannot do the same “badge” for all three awards and she cannot count what she did for one badge (regardless of the era) for another one.  “I want to learn and be proficient in new subjects – this is one way to make sure that I stay outside my comfort zone.”  For example the “tree finder badge” – she cannot earn it for the Curved Bar or the First Class since she earned it for the Golden Eaglet.

 

Outside of Girl Scouting

In addition to Girl Scout activities, Sarah is the Youth Director for Discover Green – a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, member of the Keep America Beautiful Youth Advisory Committee and the City of Pflugerville, Parks and Recreation Commission.

 

Golden Eaglet - Resources I used

In case you are wondering about what resources I used - these are some of the sources I used:

      

Golden Eaglet - Hostess

Thanks to my Grandmother, I have been drilled with etiquette and know how to set a table with speed and accuracy. I have taken numerous classes on manners and how to present ones self with, also, my Grandmother.   As a result several of the requirements for this badge regarding being a guest were review and I was able to prove my proficiency quickly.

The only thing that I had trouble with was... being a hostess. I do not have friends over much, so I was not used to having to play that role. Until around a month ago, I was an expert at playing a Hermit, this badge changed all of that. I now am playing hostess once or twice a week.  Which means that I can receive and introduce guests and bid them good bye.

I have had to write a note of invitation for various events.  I did this using traditional and modern methods.  I think I prefer facebook events :)

The last part was to actually plan a part/event and assume I didn't have a serving maid (that was easy).  This was successful - not traditional - but we did have food, beverages and entertainment.  Understanding the roles of a hostess for a guest who is staying a few days or more - was something I was familiar with and was able to name those responsibilities without any issue.

 

Golden Eaglet - Pioneer Woman

I have always enjoyed camping, thinking of it as one big adventure. Doing this badge was kind of like review... just harder.

One requirement that I particularly thought was useful, was being able to spot what or what is not a good place to set up camp. For example, do not set up camp at the base of a hill, due to rain and other things that could roll down the slope. Also if you are camping near a source of water, camping upstream is ideal. Never camp under a single tree, even if you are sure that there will be no storm.

I also learned about different ways to set up a fire, such as the Scouts fire. For this you have to have two fairly large logs, large in width and length. Position them in an upside down V shape, not closing the narrow section. Place the widest part of the V away from the wind and the fire near the narrow section. To cook eight place a pot directly on the logs, or place a flat rock to use as a sort of stove. Use the part of the logs at the far wide end as benches.  All things fire was 3 of the requirements and 2 were cooking on a fire.  I loved it all.  I cooked in a dutch oven -- all by myself (usually I do it with groups). 

I also has to share what I know about edible plans, getting water and shelter.  These are just a few things learned through this badge, other things I learned I have written in a manual for my Journey Camp. This is also another reason why this badge was very helpful.

After completing this badge - I finished writing up the Outdoor STEM Journey resource guide.  It makes me smile to think that Juliette would approve of my Outdoor STEM Journey.

I hope if you are following me and my blog -- that you know I have a facebook group for the Journey - https://www.facebook.com/groups/CSAGirlScoutsOutdoors/ and another blog that is not about Journeys or the Golden Eaglet.  But much more cookies :)  http://300badgesandmore.blogspot.com/
 

Golden Eaglet - Home Nurse

Haven taken CPR and First Aid, this badge was not too difficult. Also having a mother who is always willing to help and demonstrate certain aspects is also very helpful.

            With this badge, I had to be able to know and show that I could help a “sick” person maneuver and do simple daily tasks. One that I had a particularly fun time doing was changing the sheets on a bed while it was occupied. I learned to roll a patient by placing hands on their shoulder and hip and then rolling them towards you, never away or they could fall off the bed. It goes the same for CPR and First Aid.

            Never leave a patient, even for a second, on a bed without sheets, it can be uncomfortable to them as well as it can contaminate the mattress. You want to have the bottom sheet ready as you undo the corners nearest you, and then put on the new under sheet. With the side that has not yet been put on the bed, scoot it as close to the patient without making them uncomfortable, then roll them towards you and with them still on their side, take the new under sheet and the old one and tug on them gently until you can roll the patient and they are laying on the new under sheet. Take the old under sheet and put it in the hamper. Put the new one’s last corners on. Changing the over sheet is the easiest part; always start from the top, so the patient isn’t smothered with the old and the new over sheet. After that, depending on the sick person, you will either tuck a loose hospital corner or a taught one, and then reapply the quilt.

            I enjoyed this badge, like all the others. My sister makes for a great patient, although she giggles at every touch.

Golden Eaglet - Cook

With all the badges - I have to demonstrate the proficiency of my skills.  I am glad to have been cooking my own meals since I was 6, because it made this badge easier. Knowing that I had cooked, I was able to do many of the requirements quickly.

            However I learned how to do a few things I had never done before. Like how to poach an egg.

            I used the whirlpool method that I found online -- What you want is a “pot” with water (excluding 1 inch from the top) with two teaspoons of Kocher salt and ¼ of white vinegar, let the water simmer on medium heat. While the water is heating, crack your egg in a ceramic small bowl. Once the water is finished, take the handle of a spoon or spatula and create a whirlpool. Then, in the middle of the whirlpool drop in the egg. Put a lid on the pot and let it sit for 3 minutes - depending on how firm. Then after about three, get a holed spoon, take it out and eat it. If you don’t want to at the time, put it on ice and you can keep it in the fridge for up to eight hours, then you can heat it up in some hot water.

            I enjoyed learning new things, after taking cooking classes since I was seven or eight, I couldn’t believe I hadn’t ever done this before.   Since I don't like eggs -- my mom ate it -- and my sister wanted me to make her one next.  So it looks like I'll be cooking these more than just a couple of times.

Golden Eaglet - Wildflower Badge

This year was a great year for Central Texas wildflowers.  They were beautiful and I was fortunate enough to do this during the wildflower season.

This badge was difficult in the beginning because I had to be able to identify 50 different wildflowers. After a couple months I was able to, and although I am still working on being able to identify some of them with just looking at them, I know the vast majority of them all.

Also another part of this badge was to know three poisonous plants, I ended up finding four. One is Poison Ivy, it can irritate the skin, Buttercup can injure the digestive system if you eat any part of it. So never eat a small yellow flower. Then there is also the Iris, it can upset your digestive system if you eat the underground stem portion. Bull-nettle or Mala Mujer, is also poisonous, all but the seed pod you cannot eat. And I do not know the symptoms, but I just wouldn’t eat it.

Golden Eaglet - Housekeeper

Housekeeper had a bit of everything, some things I had learned in previous badges. But practiced them more during this one. Either way, I learned valuable skills in this badge.

            A very helpful thing I learned was in what order you would clean a room. One tip is “always start from the top”. The fan, then the window blinds, the window, then any surfaces in the room, the bed, then the baseboard. The last thing you do is sweep the floor, and if you have a carpet in a tile or wood floored room, you vacuum before you sweep as well.

            An efficient way to wash and dry dishes is to put the things with crusty or hard food on them in the sink first so that they can soak. Then you put the medium sized in then the smaller things. Anything really big will go last because you might need new water by then anyway. Always rinse and dry as you go, as well as put things up. Some people may leave things out to air dry but I never do because I like to see that I have finished something from start to finish and I won’t have to come back and finish it later.

 

*** Mom note:  My mother wanted me to add that my room is almost never clean.  Except when I was working on this badge. 

Goldent Eaglet - Where to put them???

So - during my last 5 years as a Cadette+ - I have been busy and have a lot of badges on my uniform.  I only have one fun patch. (which is actually from my trip to Ghana).

 

I still have to finish edging four of them.  But here they are.  I am basically finished - I am just writing them up and have one last one to show my proficiency.

Golden Eaglet - Rambler (Gardener, Water Life Finder - Fresh, Land Animal)



The Rambler Badge

The Golden Eaglet requirements Include 21 proficiency badges as part of it's 6 step process.  The list includes the Rambler Badge -- this badge is considered a "Group Badge".  It requires any 3 of the following badges (Bird Finder, Garden Flower Finder, Gardener, Insect Finder, Land Animal Finder, Rock Finder, Star Finder, Tree Finder, Water Life Fresh, Water Life - Salt and Wild Flower Finder)

My Rambler includes (Water Life Finder- Fresh, Gardener and Land Animal Finder)

Water life Finder-Fresh Water:

Nature Pfest - 2014

I have been a water quality monitor for the Lower Colorado River Authority during the last three years.  In this role, I have attended over 20 hours of training.  My favorite training is always about Macroinvertebrates.  I have led macroinvetebrate identification for several community outreach events.  In April, I taught 400 3rd graders all about how these bugs determine the quality of the water. 

The waterlife finder badge includes drawing a map of the stream - Gilleland Creek is the water feature I chose to study.  The typical plants and animals include ligustrium - which is an invasive species.  Native trees include cedar elm, pecan, mulberry.  The creek area is also full of green briar and poison ivy. 

The macroinvertebrates in the creek are very important for the life of the creek.  I loved watching the animals and teaching the kids about them. 

   



 



Land Animal Finder:
I had to study 15 animals and record observations.  A careful study of 6 that included 2 of each - lower animals, domestic animals and wild animals.  I laughed because the example of wild animals they gave me included squirrel, chipmunk, bat and deer.  I did spend too much time studying the squirrels at my grandparents.  The bats and field mice were not as interesting.  Walking sticks and the household cat - were others that I enjoyed.  Creative writing course this semester gave me an opportunity to write a story about a circus.

 














Gardener
This badge was the first one I started since it required me to make a garden and take care of it for an entire season.  I did not succeed with all the plants.  I found that weeds and insects were not much of an issue during the season.  I also taught a workshop to brownies, daisys and juniors on how to design and install different types of gardens.  Specifically the making of monarch way stations.

Golden Eaglet - Athlete

            One of the requirements for this badge is to hold the Health Winner badge… check! And in having the Health Winner badge I know that exercise is a very important part of everyones life. It helps to keep them fit and healthy, as well as mentally fit.

            The hardest part of this badge was being able to throw a baseball accurately up to 40 feet. I don’t play baseball, so I wasn’t good at the beginning. But after a few pitches with my brother, I was able to throw the baseball almost the entire length of my side-yard, with both my right and left, pretty accurately. My brother told me that he should be able to catch the ball without extending his arm out all the way and without having to take a step or lean over. After a couple dozen pitches I was able to, but not with my left.

            Also one of the requirements was to help lead a game for a group of people. At the home school field day I was co-captain for capture the flag and helped to lead two “missions” with two other people into the red “territory”.

            Another requirement for this badge is to hold the Swimmer badge… check!

Golden Eaglet - Dressmaker Dress - Marie on Stage

So -- I added photos of me making the dress to the previous blog.  I thought I would add this video of my sister on stage.

 

Golden Eaglet - Dressmaker

 

            I never really enjoyed sewing, but I enjoyed this badge! And I plan on using the skills I learned to create more dresses for my sister in the future.

            For this badge I had to sew two articles of clothing using a sewing machine. And since my sister is in the SCA - Society for Creative Anachronism I made two more over dresses for her costume. While making the two, I learned about measuring and how to layout the pattern to get the most out of your fabric.

            I also used a piece of equipment that I had never even heard of called a serger. A Serger is used to bind the edges of the fabric to prevent fraying, which linen tends to do quite often and quite easily. Once the fabric was measured, cut and merged, I sewed the two pieces of fabric together using a regular sewing machine. What really confused me though, was that I also sewed the top where my sister’s head was going to go.

            After it was all sewn (even the top part!?), I measured and cut a pattern for what is called the neck facing. I pinned that to the dress’s top (the part that confused me) and then I sewed it to the dress. After it was sewn I cut a hole in the center, and VIOLA! I had my sister’s dress!

            I made one purple and one maroon overdress for my sister as a birthday present and I think she enjoys wearing them. I loved earning this badge, and I hope that you get as much fun out of it, as I did!
 

Golden Eaglet - Bird Finder

My love of birds first began when my grandfather came to Texas with a bird feeder and binoculars. He organized a week long “birding camp” and that was where I learned how to identify birds and count them as they come to the feeder.

Now because of this badge and all the classes I’ve had over the years, I can identify 25 plus different types of birds. Some I can even tell just by the silhouette as they are flying and also their flight pattern.

For example, the Turkey Vulture’s wings have a slight up turn to them and the always extend their wings at an 85 degree angle instead of all the way. The purple martin has a zig zag pattern of flying and the red tailed hawk flicks its tail as it flies.

I’ve had fun with this badge and I will use it to teach other girls on hikes as I progress in the Scouting Career! 

Golden Eaglet - Lifesaver

Life saver

 

I am quite confused about the life saver badge. Because most of the requirements are the same as the swimmer badge.  And both badges are required badges...

 

The following have been checked off by a certified Life Guard:

-          Tread water for 30 seconds

-          Float motionless

-          Perform 2 dives: Plain and racing

-          Swim 100 yards

-          CPR (supposed to have witnessed… but I’ve done it. This counts right?)

-          Swim 50ft (legs only)

 

Golden Eaglet - Swimmer

Pflugerville Certified Life Guard signed off on my swim test.  I needed the swim test to continue my mariner training.  These are the same as the 1934 Swimmer badge:

-          100 yards freestyle

-          Treading water for 1 minute

-          Demonstrate back and breast stroke

 

These of course were not from the swim test - -but, I knew how to do them.

-          Recover from man overboard

-          Play three water games

-          I am CPR and First Aid certified

-          Demonstrate “look before you dive”

-          And NEVER swim without a buddy

Golden Eaglet - Child Nurse - Part 2

 

 

I survived the 24 hour span of watching a little person. Learning that it is difficult to watch and entertain children for a long period of time. And that Candy Land can supply 3 hours of fun for my baby cousin.

Creating lists of ideas was helpful, because I always had a plan, in case she got bored or tired of one thing. To earn this badge I had to be able to bathe a child, feed and entertain a child and create a list and/or schedule for a day to keep a child occupied. As well as know when a good time is to go outside.

For example, after the three hours of playing Candy Land, Emily (whom I was babysitting) complained that she was bored and that she had a head ache. I knew by her head ache that she needed water and outside time, so we played some “baseball” outside for an hour. Until she complained it was too bright and it was “burning her eyes”.

I enjoyed doing this badge, partially because I got to play for an entire day!

Golden Eaglet - Tree Finder

I thought that since I had been planting trees for almost eight years now, I’d know everything about trees. I could never have been more wrong!  The photo is actually during my Gold Award in the fall of 2012 when I distributed 500 free street trees to my community.  Alvin and his wife asked me if I would plant theirs.  It felt great planting it.

One of the things I learned most about trees is what the different types of woods can do. For instance, Apple wood is good for cooking, Walnut for gunstocks and cabinetry, Mahogany is warp resistant so it’s good for boat construction. Oak doesn’t swell or take in moisture so it is often used in boat framing, Cherry wood for boat trim and Spruce wood for boat spars and masts. Cedar is good for dock planks and from my own experience with Cedar, its good for making bows because if you get the right branch it bends well but it’s sturdy. And Cherry wood is a hard wood and is difficult to work with making it great for instruments so it can resonate sound… it also tends to have a pretty grain and vibrant color once stained.

            And from my experience with trees, I had fun studying ones I knew so I could identify ten just by either bark, seed or flower.

 

If you like environmental badges or environmental anything -- the 1934 and even the 1947 versions of Bird Finder, Tree Finder, Conservationist, Land Animal Finder, Fresh Water Life Finder, Wildflower Finder, etc.  Are awesome for hands on field work and observation skills.  This is more work than most of my science classes combined -- for just one of the badges.

            I enjoyed this badge… much better than the current Cadette tree badge.

Golden Eaglet - Junior Citizen

 

            As part of the requirements for this badge, I have earned my first aid badge, as well as I am studying for my Drivers Ed, test. These two have helped me meet the first two requirements.

            Because I am working on the 1934 badge, there was no way to “call” 911. Instead you would find your nearest station. But sometimes that would be too far away, so in case of an emergency, you would either find your parent, or the first aid kit. If neither of those are readily available, find the nearest adult, or neighbor. If you were lost in a city, you would go into the closest shop and ask the clerk where the nearest fire station is located. Why you would ask for the fire station, is because there are more of those in a city than a police station, so there would be a better chance you would be closer to one of those.

             Because I am studying for my drivers test, I now pay more attention to where I am going in the car, and can now help direct where the police station, fire station, library, City Hall, nearest park, nearest Skate Park, and two different churches are. As well as where the nearest Baskin Robins is.

            As I am homeschooled, I have no “school health services” except for what my parents pay.

            My community puts the trash in the bins and a commercial service comes and picks it up to take it to the dump. However in 1934, that would have not been the case. I’m not sure how they would have disposed of their trash, but that is how I dispose of my trash.

            In my community to protect trees and wildlife, we plant and mulch trees every so often on different days of service. And protecting wildlife can be as easy as not picking or stepping on wildflowers, hunting or hurting animals, as well as not polluting streams as well as not littering.

Golden Eaglet - First Aid

I have been trained in First Aid and CPR and I can do the following as according to the 1934 badge requirements:

           

- Treat a fainting person

- Bandage a sprained ankle with a triangular bandage

            - Put on a sling

            - Treat a scratch, cut and blister

- Stop bleeding by means of pressure

            - Remove a splinter

- Remove a speck from the eye without rolling back the eyelid

            - Treat a burn

            - Treat poison Ivy

             For the Part II of this badge I had to present that I knew how to do the following:

 

-          How to properly use a triangular bandage

-          Control severe bleeding

-          Transport an injured person

-          Know how to treat a sprain, strain, bruise, nosebleed, choking, insect bite, sunstroke, frostbite

Golden Eaglet - Child Nurse - part 1

As I have worked on the 1934 Merit Badges - a few have forced me to learn a lot of new information.  It has been an educational journey.  Reminding me that badges  are designed to "Educate NOT Decorate".

I thought the Child Nurse badge would be easy for me -- I have been actively watching younger children for 5 years.  With most of my time with kids under age 5.  However, I realized there was still so much to learn.

I also knew that the time I spent before -- would not count toward this badge.  I had a required 24 hours to spend in this role.  It could have been in 2, 3 or 8 hour blocks.  I wanted to do something I hadn't done before - so I went for a 24 hour block of time - including bed time routine, all meals and of course activities, reading, etc.

I am 12 hours into the 24 -- look for the final blog tomorrow (maybe Thursday -- tomorrow I am making two dresses for the dressmaker badge).  Along with a few others (I have 7 other badges finished -- it has been a great experience

Golden Eaglet - Health Winner

This next badge was all about your health and being conscious of how you do everything that might affect your body and how you function.

            The first and second requirements were about posture and sleep. The first I’m not too good at, but completing this requirement brought my attention to how I should sit and stand. Always sit up straight, because it can help with your breathing and it can and will reduce lower back pain as well as neck pain. And sleep is important because without it, no one is functional. I am 16 and I go to bed at 8:00PM almost every night and get roughly 11 hours of sleep. Other girls my age don’t get this much sleep, but everyone in their teens (because they are either growing or are about to) should get 8 to 10 hours of sleep every night.

            The third and fourth requirements were concerned about the eyes and fresh air. Caring for your eyes is so simple and easy. Lighting is important, such as, when reading, writing or typing even, always have enough light. Especially if you are using a computer, the harsh light if you are in a dark room, can mess up your eyes to where you can’t adjust as quickly as you should to various lighting. And fresh air is also important, something as simple as taking a walk can help with moods and headaches. Playing outdoors is important because its proven that time spent outside can actually help with strengthening your ability to focus and retain information.

            The fifth and sixth requirements were simply about staying clean. Washing hands before and after a meal to wash off dirt and other materials and germs from other activities you’ve done during the day. Washing hands also helps with skin care and nail care. Taking showers regularly can also help with skin, nail and hair health. Taking a shower either every morning or every night, or even every other day is important because personal hygiene is crucial for not only your health, but it can also be a big part about your mood and how you present yourself.

            The last three were about eating right, dressing right and not attending gatherings when one is sick. Eating fruits and vegetables everyday can help with reducing stomachaches, headaches, cramps and it can help with other parts of your body such as carrots help with your eyes and milk helps with your bones and meats with your muscles. It’s important to eat a balance of fruits, veggies, dairy and protein everyday to look, feel and be your best.

            Wearing the right clothing during an activity is important because it can be the difference of either a won game or an injury. Wear close toed shoes with low heals when doing an activity that requires running so that you don’t trip over the ends of your shoes, also so that you don’t break a toe or sprain an ankle. Cut your toenails frequently so they don’t snag on your socks and create infection. Always wear socks when you wear shoes to prevent foot infection, smell and blisters. If you do get a blister, do NOT pick at it, put a band-aid over it and leave it alone for a couple days, then take the band-aid off and then again, leave it alone.

            The last and most important is staying at home when you are ill. Never go to a gathering with people if you know you are sick because you can spread it to other people. Also, stay in bed, don’t run around the house or be near family members because they can get it too. But also make sure, if you can, you open windows to get fresh air when you are sick so you don’t breath in the same germs over and over again in your room or home.     

Golden Eaglet - Wildflower Finder, Tree Finder, Bird Finder, Rambler

Currently, I am working on six different badges.  The rambler badge is actually the equivalent to three merit badges -  my choices are land animal finder, water life finder and gardener.  The badge itself has 11 choices.

They require me to observe and study things I didn't know.  My Land Animal Finder requires me to observe land animals - I am enjoying watching the squirrels.

I think that doing these badges is more science and observation than science classes.  These 6 badges are definitely a years worth of high school Natural Science.

Since I have four elective badges to earn  - several of mine are also options for the Rambler Badge. - The Tree Finder, Bird Finder and Wild Flower Finder.  Mine are based on my interests as well as what my mom could find on ebay.

Watch for more on those badges as I work on this award.

Golden Eaglet - Laundress Badge

Like many of the 1934 Merit Badges -- I am having to spend a lot of time researching -- so instead of my mom or Grandma telling me, I am using YouTube videos and google.  In 1934, a Girl Scout would be quizzed by her Captain to show her proficiency.  My mom encouraged me to continue the blog so that others can view my proficiency.  Feel free to post comments and ask me questions about how I did something.  Or where I learned something.

With this badge I learned how to care for clothing and how to treat stains correctly. For example, if you have a dirt stain, a great way to get it out is to apply vinegar and baking soda (stress on the baking its important) (also mixed together) to the stain and let it sit. After an hour or so, (I waited longer) spray with Shout and wash in COLD water.  I learned that hot water will set the stain into the fabric.

When washing cotton articles, use cold water, regardless of the color and when in the dryer put in for only a small amount of time and check it frequently. You don’t want to leave it in the dryer for too long.  It will wrinkle a lot. 

 

When ironing (pressing) a cotton article, there is usually a cotton setting if not, put it on medium or low heat and NEVER leave the iron on the fabric for too long in one spot - it will burn.

 

 

 

Golden Eaglet - Needlewoman - The comfiest badge yet

This has been, by far, the comfiest badge, old and new, I have ever done. For this merit badge I learned the differences of the hand needles. Crewel needles are good for embroidery but not ribbon embroidery; you use Chenille Needles for that. Tapestry Needles are used for canvas work and embroidery.

I tidied up my sewing kit, throwing out old thread spools and organizing my needles by type and size. As well as adding more thread to the “selection”.

But the aspect of this badge that I enjoyed most was making my own pair of pajama pants. The badge originally had the girls make a simple house dress.  For me this wasn't practical -- I will be making three in the dressmaker badge.

 

My

grandmother helped me by giving me the patterns and teaching me various hems (I used three different hems on my pants). Although I had to take out and re-sew three hems because I sewed on the wrong side, I broke and replaced a sewing machine needle and pressed the pants after each hem, I got it done within three and a half hours!

I enjoyed this badge and I can’t wait to do the Laundress badge and Dressmaker!

Golden Eaglet

Blog Post #1

Golden Eaglet

My fascination with vintage badges started during the 100th anniversary when  I looked through the 1947 Intermediate guide that would have been the same my grandmother used when she was a scout.  I earned some old badges that she earned.    They are part of our family legacy badges (those my mom and grandmother earned -- now I have earned them and we have extras for my sister and future daughters.

 

I have finished the Journeys, interesting current Ambassador badges and over 100 of the IPP's from 1985-2002.  So I have continued to try and find a challenging goal for my next year or so as a girl scout.

 

I looked at the Golden Eaglet. And as crazy as it sounds, I’m going for the Golden Eaglet. Because, once an award, always an award. -- Have you seen the Golden Eaglet video?   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5UBGJAeDFM

So the next series of blogs are going to be about the 21 merit badges I will have to earn to earn the Golden Eaglet.

Needle Woman and Laundress are first. I hope that in reading this, maybe you too will earn some of the older merit badges. They have more requirements, but I think they are more interesting than any of the badges they have now.

Summits completed - What's Next?

So I have completed all three Senior and Ambassador Girl Scout Journeys. 

This means I have earned the Senior and Ambassador Summit pins.

If you have read my blog - you know I have also earned my Gold Award. 

My Gold Award has been recognized by Keep Texas Beautiful and Keep America Beautiful.
http://www.statesman.com/news/news/local/community-news-for-pflugerville/nd6B7/

I am honored to be moving forward with the GSUSA - National Young Women of Distinction nomination from my council as well.

See what I have planned next.

Did you know ?

Did you know that I have another blog that we share our "cookie stuff" on?

http://300badgesandmore.blogspot.com/

Justice - Ambassador Journey - Session 9

Inspiring Justice

            Talking to the Pflugerville Parks Director gave us the opportunity to speak to the parks commission about the Pflugerville Outdoor Nature Center. Matthew gave a presentation at the Parks and Recreation Commission on December 19^th, 2013. All commission members agreed with the idea on the house becoming a Nature Center for the kids of Pflugerville. So now the next step is to get it inspected and make repairs as well as fundraise.

This Nature Center will address the issue of Environmental Education, because the best way to preserve our environment is to teach others how as well as about it. This Nature Center will give kids of Pflugerville the opportunity to come and learn about Marshland, Blackland Prairie and the wildlife around Pflugerville Lake.

I am excited for this Nature Center and think that it will be a great asset to the Pflugerville community! 

 

 

Justice - Ambassador Journey - Session 8

Who will listen

 

            Last May, Matthew and I talked with Jim Bowlin, the Parks Director at the time. He enjoyed and agreed with the project and we got fairly far with the plans for the Nature Center. However the middle of May Mr. Bowline was fired and our project came to a stop.

            Last month (November) a new Parks Director was hired, James Hermenes. On December 17, 2013 Matthew and I went and presented the plan to him. He enjoyed the idea and said that he would help with creating a Nature Center. Mr. Hermenes stated that “I can’t see anything else that this house could be…”

            On the 19^th is the commission meeting and Mr. Hermenes gave us a slot to present the plans and overall thought of a Nature Center. I hope it goes well.

Justice - Ambassador Journey - Session 7

What's the Equation?

            The simple plans for the Nature Center are almost finished. Now the next step is to plan a meeting with the new Pflugerville Parks Director, James Hermenes.

            I think that in order for this Nature Center to be a reality the parks director and the commission need to agree on the project as well as agree to help in some way. I will also talk with Pflugerville Independent School District to see if they are interested in helping to fundraise. I am also going to reach out to Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and 4-H to see if they are willing to help with any projects needed to be done around the Nature Center, such as the trails, bird walk, painting or plantings.

            And since I am almost done with this journey I will also be planning the Court of Awards, not only for my achievements but for my entire Troop's achievements. With my finishing of the last available Girl Scout Journey as well as four Juniors earned their Bronze. 

Justice - Ambassador Journey - Session 6

April 19, 2013 Matthew and I went to go evaluate the Beihle Blue House. With us were the Parks and Recreation Director, the Assistant Parks Director and the Parks and Recreation Commission Board Chair.

We toured the home, told them what each room might be used for. Suggested what might need to be changed or added. I think that overall, the evaluation and tour went great. James Bowlin the Director enjoyed the idea and said he would do what he could to create this outdoor education center.

Before the tour Matthew and I looked at the house first and wrote down things we knew we needed to touch on, all were addressed and will be fixed soon. So excited!

Justice - Ambassador Journey - Session 5

In schools nowadays, teachers have the ability to decide how much science is being taught to children. As well as what kinds of sciences are to be taught and how. I don’t agree with the current way teachers are teaching sciences and feel that the science resources and opportunities are not enough.

I feel that more schools should teach environmental science and feel that schools should make it a must. The reason that less and less kids are outside anymore, is because kids feel that they have no connection to the outdoors. If teachers take them outside during school to lean about the environment through science, I think that more kids will want to be outside and share with friends and families what they’ve learned. Because the more kids interact with the outdoors, the more they will want to be outdoors.

 

Justice - Ambassador Journey - Session 4

Just recently I learned that kids in Pflugerville travel 25 miles to visit the Nature Center in Austin. I feel that outdoor education opportunities should be closer and more accessible to the youth of Pflugerville. I have pondered the idea of a nature center in Pflugerville and can’t see a better time than now.

In the past couple of years I’ve participated in the city’s Arbor Day Nature Pfest. I’ve asked multiple kids what their favorite subject is and many say science. I’m happy to hear this, but what I didn’t know, was that they like this subject because very little effort was needed for this subject.

Now that I know that science isn’t looked at as a priority in schools. I really do feel that this Nature Center is something we need. Because if this center is accessible to teachers, then they might be more inclined to teach science and environmental science.

Justice - Ambassador Journey Session 2 -

Look High, Look Wide

 

Being the student position on the Parks and Recreation Commissioner for the City of Pflugerville, I am able to bring to attention things that I think are worth bringing up. In my first term I brought up many things in the parks regarding trees. At the close of my first term, I found the need for more youth education. So I ran for a second term.

Now in my second year as student position, I will be addressing an issue that is a big problem everywhere: Youth Environmental Awareness. And the best way to get to youth is by interaction and fun opportunities. So I will work with the Director and Assistant Director on ways to address this issue in the best manner.

Justice Journey - Ambassador -- Session 1

Toward Justice

 

The environment is everything around us, the sky, the land and the sea. And what is important is that we care for each of these. But what is even more important is that we educate others on, not only the issues at hand, but the solutions. And if solutions are not yet able to be put into practice, then others should be included on the process of coming up with the solutions.

Who better to teach about environmental issues and solutions than children. Youth in schools and at home are the target audience needed to raise awareness. But this opportunity is not being seized and no one sees is as one to be seized.

So if I were to list what matters to me about the environment, number one, would be youth environmental education, then finding the issues and finally coming up with the solutions!