Paperwork.

            Start a binder with a section for each girl. 

Registration and Health Forms  - keep copies in the binder.   Health forms are important on field trips.  If you get your registrations in early the girls will receive a patch.

Include your attendance log and dues record inside.

Use a pocket folder inside for permission slips.  That way when you go on field trip you only have to take your binder.

It is helpful to have a roster in your binder.  Get all email addresses, parent’s names and cell phone numbers.

 

Meetings.

Kapers (jobs) – after deciding how the meeting should run, decide what jobs can be done by the girls. I try to make enough jobs that they get to do something every other meeting.  There are the ones you can think of craft, song, snack, clean up checker, start up, then I added special helper (they do whatever you need) and if the troop is larger you can add helper to any of the other jobs.  This way if they don't have a job this meeting they know they will the next meeting.

 

For example:

Taking attendance, recording dues, leading the troop in opening and closing, setup and cleanup.  We have a record keeper, who writes down what we did and what was decided at each meeting.  This is helpful to look back on to see what you did to earn badges and try-its.  We also have a photographer for special events.

 

Keeping track of kapers.  Some people use a kaper chart on a laminated sheet so that you can wipe it off and rewrite different names under each job.  You can be as creative as you like. 

 

Snacks

            Many younger troops have a snack during their meeting, however it is up to you.  “We had snacks as Brownies, but now as Juniors we have decided to discontinue this and we have more time for other things”

  

Sales Tax

            When buying supplies don’t forget to use your Sales Tax exemption form.  You can pick one up at the Service Unit Meetings.

Supplies

Have a birthday party for the troop the first meeting.

 

I got a small generic "Happy Birthday" cake for the snack.  Everyone was to bring a gift for the troop.  Gifts were to fill our "Brownie Bin".  A list was sent to the parents with suggestions:

 

1.  assorted stickers

2.  glue (sticks and messy)

3.  markers, crayons

4.  Construction paper

5.  Disposable camera

6.  Large bin to hold everything 

7.  pipe cleaners

8.  beads

9.  napkins, paper towels

10.  scissors

11.  fun foam

12.  any odds and ends that could be used for crafts

 

The girls brought the present wrapped and we had a little party.

 

I also did something similar the first time we camped.  Each person brought in something that would go in the "Camp box"  

1.  old rags

2.  yellow gloves to clean

3.  baby wipes

4.  garbage bags

5.  tongs for cooking

6.  measuring cups

7.  rope for clothesline (I have used so many times in different ways)

8.  clothespins

9.  first aid kit or supplies

10.  long matches to start fire

11.  hand soap

 

 

Anyway, both of these "Boxes" I have used over the years.  Everything lives in the box and we when get ready to camp I already have those things.  I haven't bought soap for camp ever.  There has always been enough for the next time.