When my Girl Scout troop starts meeting again in September, we expect to have about 15 members, which is almost twice as many as last year. This is great news but also a little daunting! My assistant and I are looking for a third leader to help us. We're also trying to rethink our general procedures and plan ahead for things that need or may need to change. Here's what we've been pondering so far:
Patrol system: Last year we divided the girls into 3 patrols (smaller groups); this year we'll do 4. Having one patrol at a time do things, or giving each patrol a special responsibility, may be the solution to many issues.
Meeting room: Last year we met in a lounge area in the church basement, which has a sink and drinking fountain. It's an L-shaped room with couches on both sides of one end, table and 12 chairs at the bend, open space in the other end. Typically we'd sit on the couches for "talky" activities, spread our tablecloth in the open area and sit on the floor around it for snack, and use the table for crafts. Neither the couch area nor the table is big enough for 18 people (15 girls+3 leaders) so we're going to ask if we can move upstairs to the library, which is about 20 feet square and has couches and chairs that are easily moved around. However, the only tables are a heavy one against the wall and some end tables, and there is no plumbing on the entire second floor. We'll need to set a policy so girls aren't constantly going back and forth to the bathroom downstairs.
Snacks: Leaders bring snacks bought with troop dues. Obviously we'll have to bring larger quantities. We used to have them drink from the fountain if they were thirsty. Will we have to bring individual beverages (wasteful and expensive!) or can we work out a way of drinking water from cups and washing the cups?
Business meeting: Last year we had this portion of the meeting (when we make announcements, discuss plans, vote, etc.) while eating our snack. Everyone was able to listen and participate in a single conversation. Each girl got a chance to express her opinion at least briefly. This will be less feasible with a larger group.
Supplies: A bigger group complicates the logistics of getting each girl the materials she needs to do an activity. Of course we'll buy additional scissors, etc., but how can we streamline the distribution of stuff when they're eager to get started?
Time management: We've always struggled with getting the meeting started, snack eaten, and business done in a timely manner so we have enough time for our main activity and can end the meeting on time. More people=more distractions to slow us down!
Any ideas for the above, or other things we need to think about?
Patrol system: Last year we divided the girls into 3 patrols (smaller groups); this year we'll do 4. Having one patrol at a time do things, or giving each patrol a special responsibility, may be the solution to many issues.
Meeting room: Last year we met in a lounge area in the church basement, which has a sink and drinking fountain. It's an L-shaped room with couches on both sides of one end, table and 12 chairs at the bend, open space in the other end. Typically we'd sit on the couches for "talky" activities, spread our tablecloth in the open area and sit on the floor around it for snack, and use the table for crafts. Neither the couch area nor the table is big enough for 18 people (15 girls+3 leaders) so we're going to ask if we can move upstairs to the library, which is about 20 feet square and has couches and chairs that are easily moved around. However, the only tables are a heavy one against the wall and some end tables, and there is no plumbing on the entire second floor. We'll need to set a policy so girls aren't constantly going back and forth to the bathroom downstairs.
Snacks: Leaders bring snacks bought with troop dues. Obviously we'll have to bring larger quantities. We used to have them drink from the fountain if they were thirsty. Will we have to bring individual beverages (wasteful and expensive!) or can we work out a way of drinking water from cups and washing the cups?
Business meeting: Last year we had this portion of the meeting (when we make announcements, discuss plans, vote, etc.) while eating our snack. Everyone was able to listen and participate in a single conversation. Each girl got a chance to express her opinion at least briefly. This will be less feasible with a larger group.
Supplies: A bigger group complicates the logistics of getting each girl the materials she needs to do an activity. Of course we'll buy additional scissors, etc., but how can we streamline the distribution of stuff when they're eager to get started?
Time management: We've always struggled with getting the meeting started, snack eaten, and business done in a timely manner so we have enough time for our main activity and can end the meeting on time. More people=more distractions to slow us down!
Any ideas for the above, or other things we need to think about?
). That gets around the issue of some girls bringing pop, or whatever. If money is an issue for some parents, maybe you can finance water bottles out of whatever you would have spent to bring drinks? Label them with their names, have the girls wash them each week, and bring them with the troop stuff.
