Square Foam Candle Holder

Posted in Crafts, Meeting Activities | 0 comments

I’ll be the first to admit that the words “foam” and “candle” don’t typically belong in the same sentence!  But in this case, there is actually a glass candle holder between the glass and the foam.  This is a great project for older girls who are more likely to be allowed to burn candles at home.  The design of papers and embellishments used can be altered to match any room decor, favorite color or theme, or holiday!

Want to share photos of your troop and finished Square Foam Candle Holder? Contact Us!

Materials NeededMaterials Needed:

DirectionsDirections:

  1. Place the glass votive holder on top of the craft foam block and trace with a pencil.  Use the serrated knife to cut on the traced line, cutting down approximately 2″.  Use a spoon to remove the foam from the cavity and shape it squarely.  Make sure the votive holder fits before moving on.
  2. Cut the base scrapbooking paper into two 6″ x 12″ pieces.  One side at a time, apply the glue to the block and wrap the paper around, smoothing to ensure there are no air pockets or wrinkles.  Glue the second piece around the other side and trim at the seam.
  3. Fold and glue the edges at the top and bottom of the block.  Cut at the corners to remove any excess.
  4. For the top and bottom of the block, cut two 5″ squares from the scrapbooking paper and glue to the top and bottom.  For the top, cut slits in a pie pattern on the back covering the opening of the block.  Glue and fold to the inside of the opening.  To line the opening, cut a 2″x9″ piece of paper.  Apply the glue and inser the paper.
  5. Attach the grosgrain ribbon around the base of the block to accent, overlapping the ends.
  6. Replace the glass votive holder into the block.  To add another design touch, display your foam block on top of contrasting fabric, furniture, or paper to really pop.

Safety TipsSafety Tips!

  1. Adults should supervise the use of the serrated knife.
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“G” for Generosity

Posted in Songs & Music | 6 comments

“G” for Generosity

Most the songs I’ve posted came from my days at Girl Scout camp, but there were songs we sang in our troop meetings as well.  This is one of those songs that are great to sing while waiting for people or things (like a bus, or for the last of the girls to show up for a meeting). We generally sang it when we were out & about as a group to let everyone know that we were a Girl Scout troop on the move!

She wears a G for generosity,
She wears a I for interest too,
She wears a R for responsibility,
She wears a L for loyalty, for loyalty
She wears a S for her sincerity,
She wears a C for courtesy,
She wears a O-U-T for outdoor life, outdoor life,
and that Girl Scout is me! (Believe it or not!)

 

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Developing an Emergency Action Plan

Posted in Camping, First Aid, Meeting Activities | 0 comments

Whenever going into the great outdoors with a troop, it’s important to develop an Emergency Action Plan, or EAP.  An effective EAP must be simple, easy to remember, and in writing.  Y0u should make an EAP clear for all girls, volunteers, and event staff to understand.  A EAP should include these general features:

  • How the person who recognizes the emergency is to signal others.
  • The steps each person should take in an emergency.
  • The location of rescue and safety equipment.
  • Actions to minimize the emergency and safely rescue any victims.
  • How to call for medical assistance when needed.
  • Follow up procedures for after the emergency.

All adults should be briefed in detail what to do in case of an emergency with the troop.  Depending on the age of the girls, you can brief them at the same time if they’re older and can understand the details, or you may choose to brief younger girls separately using language they can more easily understand.

When you put your EAP into writing, consider including any of the applicable following sections:

  • Layout of facility/environment.
    • EMS personnel access and entry/exit routes.
    • Location of rescue and first aid equipment.
    • Location of telephones, with emergency telephone numbers posted.
    • Location of keys for buildings or rooms with telephones or emergency equipment.
    • Exits and evacuation routes.
  • Equipment available.
    • Rescue equipment.
    • First aid supplies.
    • Emergency equipment, such as flashlights or fire extinguishers.
  • Support personnel available.
    • Internal.
      • Staff members.
      • Troop leaders.
      • Volunteers.
      • Clerical personnel.
      • Maintenance personnel.
    • External.
      • EMS personnel.
      • Police officers.
      • Fire fighters.
      • Hazardous materials (HazMat) team.
      • Poison control center.
      • Hospitals.
      • Power and gas companies.
      • Health department.
      • Search and rescue team.
  • Staff responsibilities.
    • Assign each adult a duty:
      • Provide care.
      • Control bystanders and troop.
      • Meet EMS personnel.
      • Interview witnesses.
  • Communications.
    • How and when to call 9-1-1 (or other local emergency number), and who will make the call.
    • Chain of command.
    • Personal to contact family/parents.
    • Person to deal with media.
  • Follow up.
    • This includes items such as EAP documentation and evaluation.

Clearly, some of these sections do not need to be included for a day trip to a public, controlled area (such as a pool or water park).  They should all be included when taking an extended trip or a trip to a more remote area, like a day hike or weekend long camping trip.

For more, read Basic Water Rescue, a booklet published by the American Red Cross.

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