Session 1 IdeasArrival: Have the girls make name tags that can be used today & for future sessions. Encourage them to make a new friend & learn something about her.

Opening: Gather girls in a circle. Teach/Lead the GS Promise (Junior Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting, p 2). Have the girls share their name & something about themselves; then introduce their new friend & something about her.

Business: • CreateaGroupAgreement. • Whatdothegirlswanttodoatfuture sessions?Askaboutfavoriteactivitiesor things they would like to try. Show the girls the Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting and Journeys. Discuss the kinds of activities in each. Have the girls take a vote – what do we want to work on first? If they choose the Girl’s Guide – what badge do they what to earn?

Activities: • Snack.Dothegirlswantasnackevery timetheymeet?Willtheytaketurns bringing snack? • Havethegirlstaketurnsreadingaloud, “The Beginning of Girl Scouts” (Junior Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting, pages 10-12). • HavethegirlsmakeSWAPSandexchange them with their new GS troop sisters (Junior Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting, pages 10-12).

Clean-up: Have girls clean-up &packupsupplies.(AGirlScout always leaves a place nicer that the way she found it!)

Closing: Friendship Circle&Squeeze.

Whether the girls decide to start with their Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting or a National Leadership Journey, you may work out of both resources as they often connect to each other. The path the girls choose may follow a straight line or a meandering course. The girls will help you choose their route. You can customize and adapt activities based on the interests, needs and creativity of the girls.

Girls will thrive in a structured format. Remember to include the elements of a troop meeting for every session (Start up, Opening, Business, Activities, Clean-up, Closing). It’s also a good idea to review the Group Agreement at every meeting as well.

Session 2 IdeasInvite Cadette or Senior Girl Scouts to your meeting to talk to the girls about their Junior memories and what they are doing now.

Form patrols and have the girls make a Kaper Chart (Junior Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting, p 9).

If the girls have decided to start in their Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting:• ExploremoreaboutGSTraditions• Startworkonthebadgethegirlshaveselected.

OR

If the girls have decided to start with a National Leadership Journey: Follow the Sample Session instructionsintheAdultGuidefortheJourney.Let the girls’ desires help you facilitate their leadership Journey.

Ideas for First 8 SessionsGirl Scout Junior

Session 3 IdeasIntroduce the GS Cookie Program to the girls (and families)

Register to attend a council-sponsored Cookie Rally

Wrapupworkonthe first badge the girls selected to earn or continue Journey Sessions.

Session 4 IdeasHave the girls talk about a field trip that would support their activities at their GS meetings.

Invite a speaker to come to your meeting to enhance the girls’ exploration of awards and/ or Journeys.

StartworkontheCookieCEOandBusiness Owner badges or continue Journey Sessions.

Session 5 IdeasGet together with another troop to make new friends!

Explore the international sisterhood of Girl Scouting.

ContinueworkingontheCookieCEO and Business Owner badges or continue Journey Sessions.

Session 6 IdeasDo the girls want to select other Awards to earn? Take a look at the Bronze Award

Help girls reflect on how the GS Cookie Program has been a benefit to the girls/troop.

ContinueworkingbadgesorJourneySessions.

Session 7 IdeasFacilitate the girls’ planning & participating in an outdoor activity.

Participate in a council, community or district event or series.

Wrapupworkonbadges,NationalLeadership JourneyandotherAwards.

Session 8 IdeasComplete a Take Action Project

Host a ceremony/party to celebrate what girls have learned and earned. Invite families. Look ahead to the rest of the year (or next year).