Monthly Service Project Ideas
The Tradition of Service Continues!
Girl Scout Service Areas, troops, groups, or individuals are encouraged to identify a need, decide how they can provide service, and then commit to providing 100 hours of service throughout calendar year 2012.
Girls will be asked to complete journals to record their thoughts and feelings about their experiences. The groups will identify the need and ways (Discover) in which the girls can use their skills and knowledge (Connect) to Take Action and make a difference.
Monthly Service Project Ideas
- January: Girls and their leaders get started on ideas of projects they would like to do throughout the year.
- February: Girl Scouts across the country will learn about the effects of plastic waste on our environment and choose two ways to help reduce plastic waste. More ideas will be provided in the months of February, March, and April besides the GSUSA Forever Green projects. Learn more: www.girlscouts.org/gsforevergreen/reduce-plastic-waste.asp
- March: Girl Scouts will replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient light bulbs and will participate in Earth hour – March 31, 2012. Learn more: www.girlscouts.org/gsforevergreen/earth-hour.asp
- April: Girl Scouts will learn about, construct and maintain rain gardens in their community to increase green space and wildlife habitat and improve water quality. Learn more: www.girlscouts.org/gsforevergreen/rain-gardens.asp
- May: Plant and sustain for the summer a community vegetable garden. Vegetables can be donated to a shelter or food depository.
- June: Host a gently used book drive to provide reading materials to under-served communities.
- July: Place flags at local cemeteries or find ways to do meaningful service for those currently in the military. The girls can choose how to best honor all who are and who have served our country.
- August: Collect backpacks with school supplies and other items for local schools and communities.
- September: Pick a day to do service in an area of nature managed by your local state or federal government in honor of National Public Lands Day, September 29, 2012.
- October: Create birthday boxes to be distributed to community organizations that assist families during Juliette Low’s birthday month.
- November: Protect the environment, help neighbors in need, and make the world a better place by participating in this Council-wide donation drive! Pick up Sack it to Goodwill kits at your nearest GSNWGL Service Center or Goodwill store throughout October and November. In your kit, you’ll find instructions and four bags to fill with clothing and household items, then drop off at the nearest Goodwill by the end of November. Email program@gsnwgl.org with the following information: troop leader’s name, your address, and how many girls participated.
Each participating Girl Scout will receive a Sack it to Goodwill fun patch.
No registration necessary. - December: “Teddy Bears for kids” – collect or make NEW stuffed animals to be given to agencies/shelters/hospitals and others to help children in need in their area.
Host Your Own Event!
Service Areas and troops can host their own 100th anniversary celebrations. Here are a few ideas to consider:
- Have a parade! Contact your local village or town to get information on policies and procedures.
- Sponsor a cake decorating contest! Everybody loves birthday cake.
- Host a birthday party! Invite girls who are not Girl Scouts to celebrate with you.
- Have a slumber party! Reserve a cabin at any of our beautiful camps.
- Make someone else’s birthday great! Check with other agencies in your community to see how you can brighten someone else’s birthday.
Are You Doing a Service Project in 2012?
In honor of the 100th Anniversary and all of the big service projects that girls will be doing this year the Retail Department has designed a special patch that will be available for purchase in our Council Shops. It will be a great way for our girls to commemorate the projects they have done during this exciting year!
