Working with Brownies
Understanding Healthy Development for Girl Scouts
Just being attentive to what girls are experiencing as they mature is a big help to girls. So, take some time to understand the
likes, needs, and abilities of girls in this grade level. As you listen and learn along with girls, you may find it useful to review the
highlights of their development in the chart below. Of course, each girl is an individual, so these are only guidelines that help you
get to know the girls.
Brownie Meeting Activity
Brownies are ready for most anything! They’re usually ready to say “yes” to whatever troop leaders offer. So, it’s a good idea to collect the Brownies opinions first, either in a survey, a vote, or in a Brownie Ring discussion, in order to keep the troop activity girl-led.
You can see second and third graders bursting with pride in their achievements. It’s a great time to introduce ceremonies to celebrate their accomplishments. A ceremony is something to mark a special occasion. Here are two ideas.
Investiture: An investiture ceremony is for welcoming a new girl to Girl Scouts. New girls receive their special Brownie pin and are officially welcomed into the troop. Adding new members to a Brownie troop is very common, because girls are becoming more social and seeking opportunities to be with their friends and because families are seeking extracurriculars for their daughters to enjoy.
Make Your Own Ceremony: It’s always a good time to celebrate! Decide what you’re celebrating and invite the girls to identify a reason to celebrate and help them build their own ceremony.
- You might begin a ceremony by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, saying the Promise and Law, or singing a Girl Scout song.
- Then you might recite a poem, put on a skit, tell a story, or perform a dance.
- For a special touch, girls could light candles with the help of a Girl scout adult.
Be Fair
Be fair with an “It and Other” can. Girl Scout Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts are very concerned about fairness. Have each girl decorate and write her name on a wide craft stick and put it in a small can or envelope. When you need to select someone to do something, you’ll draw a name from the “It” can. When the task is complete, put the craft stick in the “Other” can. This will continue when special help is needed until all the names in the “It” can have been used. Then all the sticks will be transferred from the “Other” can back to the “It” can and you’ll start all over again.
Create an inclusive environment. Brownies love their best friends and they sometimes forget to include everyone. Be observant for intentional bullying and unintentional exclusion. Use the Girl Scout Law language of “Be A Sister to Every Girl Scout” to foster troop connections and affection. Rotate seating arrangements and small groups often.
The Brownie Smile Song
Girl Scouts love to sing, and we have a very special Girl Scout song just for Brownies. Below is a link to an online video so you can practice prior to the meeting.
The Brownie Smile Song
I’ve got something in my pocket
It belongs across my face.
I keep it very close at hand,
In a most convenient place.
I’m sure you couldn’t guess it
If you guessed a long, long while,
So I’ll take it out and put it on,
It’s a great big Brownie smile!
For the most up-to-date Girl Scout Brownie Sash and Vest, Badges and Awards, and Journeys information visit the Girl Scouts online shop and/or explore the national website.
