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Program Initiatives

Our council program initiatives focus on areas of interest that are important to girls today. All of the programs tie into the national Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Other Program Resources

Outdoors

In Girl Scouts of Connecticut, exploring the outdoors is as easy as registering for an outdoor based event such as archery, outdoor cooking, or an outdoor dabbler day; spending time at one of our camps with your troop, or taking part in a council-wide citizen science service project. See our current options in the Program Resource Guide.

Several of our camps offer archery ranges, and boating may take place at Laurel, Pattagansett If you are interested in becoming a trained facilitator for archery or boating, please contact Jeanette Barrows at jbarrows@gsofct.org.

GSOFCT Patch Programs

Girls participate in themed activities to complete the patch programs. Most patches are available in the GSOFCT shop. Patch programs include:

Grief and Loss Boxes

This Program-in-a-Box helps girls develop loss awareness through literature, art, and interactive activities. It is helpful when there is a loss with in a group or family. The box contains resources for adults and girls of varying ages, including stories, reference materials, and suggestions for activities.

There is no charge to borrow this box. Contact program@gsofct.org to request a box and you will be contacted with the availability of the box and to make arrangements for pick up.

Braille Books

A grant provided GSOFCT with Braille copies of most of the Girl’s Guides to Girl Scouting, Badge sets, Journey adult guides, and Girl Journey books. We have lending sets available at each Service Center. For more information, contact the program department at program@gsofct.org or 1-800-922-2770.

Pen Pals

While connecting with girls in other parts of Connecticut, increase girls’ literacy skills and help them learn more about our state! Submit a Pen Pal Request form and our Pen Pal volunteer will do her best to find a Connecticut match for you. One of the best things about having Connecticut pen pals is that girls have more opportunities to meet in person. After corresponding, troops may decide to meet up at a council sponsored event, plan a visit to each other’s town or spend time together at one our camp properties. Contact program@gsofct.org for a Pen Pal Request form.

First Five Meeting Guides

These booklet have five sample meetings that you can use with your Daisy, Brownie, or Junior troop. They are just that-samples. Feel free to alter the plans to meet the needs of the girls and your troop’s resources. Contact program@gsofct.org for a copy!

Kids on the Block

Kids on the Block are educational puppets that bring children an understanding of inclusion, educational differences, and social concerns. The program promotes understanding and celebration of differences in others. Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors may take training to become Kids On The Block Puppeteers, presenting in their area. Girl Scout Troops and Service Units may request a trained troupe’s presentation. We are currently seeking Puppeteers who would like to be trained to present some for the following skits.

Girl Scouts of Connecticut has the following scripts:

  • AIDS
  • Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug Prevention
  • Being a Child of Divorced Parents
  • Bullies and School Safety
  • Combating Childhood Obesity and Overweight
  • Deafness
  • Down Syndrome
  • Gangs, Violence, and Prejudice
  • Healthy Eating and Dental Care
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Multiculturalism
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Sibling of a Child with a Disability
  • Vandalism Prevention
  • Safety on the Go
  • What It’s Like To Be Blind
  • What it’s Like To Be Physically Abused
  • What It’s Like To Have Cerebral Palsy and Use a Wheel Chair

For more information on becoming a puppeteer, contact the Program Department at program@gsofct.org or 1(800) 922-2770.

Service Unit Program Event Development

If you are planning a Service Unit event and looking for ideas or a resource contact, consider contacting the Program Department at program@gsofct.org. Let us know what type of event you are planning and the program person with expertise in that area will contact you. We’re happy to talk through ideas to help you in your planning. Also, we have put together the Heart Sisters event plan. This includes activity station ideas, supply lists, table tents, and invitations for a healthy living focused event. This is a great girl, girl and special someone, or recruitment event, that supports the Live Healthy, Lead Healthy patch program.

Travel Troop #3

Travel Troop #3 has over 200 active members and new members are always welcome! Whether you are in a local troop or not, girls in grades 6-12 may join. Be a part of Travel Troop #3 and experience the adventure of travel as well as make new friendships. Local troops may send a representative to Travel Troop #3 meetings.

Projected trips include ski/boarding weekends, Nantucket biking/hosteling weekend, dude ranch, European adventures, and more! For more information, visit traveltroop3.weebly.com or email Maureen at rancesonmoe@aol.com.

Meetings are held from 7:30-9:00 p.m. at the Middletown Police Department, 222 Main St. Middletown.

Dates:

  • Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017
  • Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017
  • Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2018
  • Tuesday, March 6, 2018
  • Wednesday, April 18, 2018
  • Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Adventure Programming at Pattagansett and Candlewood

We are currently seeking interested adults to help facilitate adventure programming at our camps. If you’d like to find out more about training and responsibilities for low and high ropes course and the climbing tower, please contact Jeanette Barrows at jbarrows@gsofct.org.