Kaper is the word Girl Scouts use for any of the little tasks that make a meeting or activity possible. As a Junior leader, I use the patrol system and give each patrol a responsibility, but when I was an assistant Brownie leader one of my roles in the troop was to make the kaper … Continue reading Kaper Chart
Month: July 2008
The Frog Game
Here's a game I learned at camp many years ago. It's a fun way to fill those moments when you need something to do that doesn't require any special equipment. We used to play it when we got to the dining hall early and were waiting for the dinner bell to ring! Shhh, don't tell the kids, but … Continue reading The Frog Game
The Seven-Minute Stretch
It's amazing how just a few minutes of stretching can change everything. Just moving around a little bit for a little while gets the blood flowing through your muscles and brain, makes you more flexible, reminds you to breathe, lifts your mood, and makes the various motions of daily life easier and less likely to … Continue reading The Seven-Minute Stretch
Stroller Madness
Long before we became parents, Daniel and I decided we would not be transporting our child in a stroller on any regular basis. We live in Pittsburgh, a city of steep hills, stairs, and sidewalks cracked by frost heave and tree roots. Our neighborhood has heavy pedestrian traffic on sidewalks that are narrow in places. We often … Continue reading Stroller Madness
Living by the Girl Scout Law
I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do; and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout. These words are … Continue reading Living by the Girl Scout Law
about my Girl Scout articles
I am posting some of the ideas that have worked out well for me as a Girl Scout leader, and some of the experiences I've had as a girl and as a leader, in hopes that they'll be helpful to other Girl Scout leaders and perhaps to people who work with other children's groups. These are my personal opinions … Continue reading about my Girl Scout articles
Zucchini Tofu
Here is my favorite tofu recipe. Although it's sort of Chinese-like, I cook it more slowly over lower heat than an authentic Chinese stir-fry, which gives the onions a very different flavor. Quantities are very approximate; basically it's "season to taste". When zucchini is not in season, you can use frozen zucchini, thawed and drained--but … Continue reading Zucchini Tofu
Great system, bad example!
We've been struggling with our three-year-old's demanding behavior and angry outbursts and have sought help from several books. The most recent was Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline by Becky Bailey, frequently recommended in online discussions. Overall, it's an okay book. The main idea is that a conflict is an opportunity to teach your child skills he … Continue reading Great system, bad example!
Train Travel
We just took a trip to Chicago and back on Amtrak, and it was wonderful! Our three-year-old railroad enthusiast was thrilled, and Daniel and I had a great time too. It's dramatically different from airline travel. Some of the differences are absolutely positive, others are better from our point of view but wouldn't suit everyone, and … Continue reading Train Travel
The Earthling's Handbook 