Step 1:
Develop a list of activities/projects you would like to do. Using a goal setting technique such as brainstorming, wish lists, picture it!, Brownie ring, etc., create a list. Through discussion and voting the troop narrows their list to two or three choices.Activities/Projects we would like to do: Narrow the list to two or three: _____________________________________ ________________________________ _____________________________________ ________________________________ _____________________________________ ________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________ _____________________________________
Step 2:
Make decisions! Discuss, plan and list. These suggestions may be helpful.Purpose of the activity__________________________________________________
Name, Theme or Focus____________________________________________________
Desired Results__________________________________________________________
Date & Times (include several as backups)________________________________
Place____________________________________________________________________
Agenda or
Itinerary______________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
Step 3:
Identify your needs and resources. Make a list of everything you will need to complete your activity. Think of what you will need before, during, and after the event. The list may include:Advice Lodging Supplies Admission Equipment People Location Budget - (see Troop Budget Worksheet) Transportation How much money needs to be raised? Food Special Permission
Step 4:
Put your ideas into action. So that everybody contributes to the success of the project, the responsibility for seeing it through should be shared by each girl in your troop or group. By forming planning teams, each girl can select an area of responsibility in which to work. Girls should volunteer to serve on a planning team, since that is where the work of putting together an activity takes place. Planning teams could be responsible for:Planning the program
Securing the site
Arranging Transportation
Planning meals
Step 5:
Develop a Work Schedule. Each team should develop a realistic plan for beginning and completing the things that need to be done. Plan team meeting dates and assign tasks to each individual on the team.Step 6:
All Set and Ready to Go! Have a good time participating in your activity/project! Make sure someone is assigned to take photographs so you'll have a record of the activity for evaluation and publicity purposes.Step 7:
Evaluate. During this step everyone reflects on the process. Was the activity fun? Did it accomplish what the girls set out to do? Could the activity been done differently? Would the troop/group do it again? In this step it is very important that the girls be honest in their evaluation, without being destructive. Discuss the lessons learned from mistakes.Step 7:
Celebrate!! Celebrate success with those who have worked towards it. If your troop/group has relied on people in the community for help, be sure the girls thank them.
The Girl Scout program is built on progression. As girls increase their confidence and skills, they can carry out activities that require more planning, take place farther away from home, and utilize special skills and endurance.
Progression is built into the design of the age-level handbooks and awards for each age level.
Many skills learned in Girl Scouting become the foundation for later learning, recreation, and professional activities. Exposing girls to these activities in their early days in Girl Scouting will allow them to develop the skills for greater fun and challenge later on.
Resources:
Planning and Progression in Trips - pg. 46 - 48 Safety-Wise
Progression in Outdoor Activities - pg. 9 - 14 Outdoor Education in Girl Scouting
It is important to plan what your troop or group will be doing for the coming year so everyone knows exactly what's ahead.
To get the big picture, use a calendar to identify activities that will take place during each month. A long-range calendar is helpful when you need to accommodate a number of different activities into a total group action plan.
For help with your troop's calendar check "General Yearly Calendar" pg. 39 GSMPC Leader Notebook.