Events & Things to Do

More troop activities

(Last updated on 06/17/10)

Check this section of the Web site often for ideas on fun projects, trips, places to go, things to see and more. Keep in mind that the things to do listed in this section are not pre-approved. Troops and groups are responsible for using Safety-Wise as part of the planning process. Don't forget to fill out Trip Applications and use Permission Slips and Health History forms as required. Use the mileage guidelines for your age group found on page 63 of Volunteer Essentials.

Do Troops Meet in the Summer Time?

Yes indeed they do!  While some troop leaders take a break from active Girl Scouting in June and July, many continue to meet with their troops or groups. Why?
 - They’re having fun and don’t want to stop!
 - There’s less competition from school and sports; girls have more time to
    relax and enjoy Girl Scouts.
 - They want to provide positive activities for the girls while school is out.
 - The troop was organized and started late and they’re not ready for a
    break.
 - They are needed in the community: for food drives (food banks 
    traditionally run low on supplies in summer), at day care centers for
    children of the homeless, at soup kitchens and night shelters, community
    vegetable gardens, and programs for children with special needs.

Some troops won’t have regular meetings during the summer but will plan special activities – sometimes with families – such as a pool party, movie or sporting event, fishing, craft or woodworking project, trips to museums, science centers, puppet shows and special events at state parks or in the community. And there’s always camping!

The Girl Scout Resource Center in Mableton will be closed for inventory, maintenance and Independence Day, June 21 – July 5, but will be open regular hours (Mon. – Fri., 10 am – 5 pm) after that. Come in to browse and check out books, CDs, activity kits and other Girl Scout resources.

Environmental Service Two for One Deal!

Participate in BOTH World Water Monitoring Day (September 18) and National Public Lands Day (September 25) and Get a FREE Test Kit, as long as supplies last.

World Water Monitoring Day is partnering for the second year with National Public Lands Day to offer 100 free water test kits.  National Public Lands Day 2010 -  the U.S.'s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance America’s public lands—will focus on climate change, which can alter many aspects of water.

To receive a free water monitoring kit, troops/groups must register with WWMD at http://www.worldwatermonitoringday.org/ and indicate that they are affiliated with NPLD, or register with NPLD at http://www.publiclandsday.org/pre_reg.htm(look for Scouts Registration.) and indicate that they are affiliated with WWMD. Registration is free through both programs.  Participation in the WWMD program can help Girl Scouts earn credit toward the Get With the Land or Water Drop patches (online only at http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/insignia/online/.)   Kits will be shipped between now and September as long as supplies last. Please contact wwmd@wef.org with questions.

World Water Monitoring Day™ (WWMD) is an international education and outreach program that builds public awareness and involvement in protecting water resources around the world by engaging citizens to conduct basic monitoring of their local water bodies.

In 2006, the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) developed a partnership with World Water Monitoring Day (WWMD).  Through the WWMD program, Girl Scouts learn about the quality of their local waters by testing for dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature and turbidity (or clarity). These parameters represent basic elements that help determine water quality.  Girl Scouts then submit their data into the worldwide database, where it is included in the annual WWMD report produced at the end of monitoring activities performed each year. 

World Water Monitoring Day is officially celebrated on September 18; however, the monitoring window was extended for the first time in 2009 from March 22 (World Water Day) until December 31. Participants are encouraged to celebrate with WEF and IWA in September or to observe their own WWMD anytime during the extended window. The deadline for submitting data to the WWMD database is December 31.

Free Resources for WWMD Event Organizers
Are you organizing a monitoring event? Don't forget to visit the 'Resources' section of the WWMD website for items such as the Planner's Guide, the Protect Our Waterways brochure and supplemental Observation Guide, puzzles, templates for news releases, giveaways, and more. Many materials are available free-of-charge in hard copy. Please see the Materials Request Form to review the list or place an order. If you have questions about available resources, artwork, or translations, please contact us.

Resources
Resource materials for WWMD can be downloaded at http://www.worldwatermonitoringday.org/Resources/Resources_Main.html, and include:

Guides & Lesson Plans (a comprehensive guide to event planning, as well as lesson plans on water quality.)

Handouts (monitoring safety precautions and what the various water quality indicators mean, and several student worksheets, including a crossword puzzle and Internet scavenger hunt.)

Event Resources (items are designed to enhance the planner and participant experience during the WWMD event.)

Help WAGGGS test the new Biodiversity Badge Curriculum!

Help the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts test the new Biodiversity Badge Curriculum: WAGGGS, the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations) and the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity are working together on the project ‘Young hands together for diversity’, which includes the production of a new badge curriculum.

The new badge aims to raise awareness of biodiversity issues among children and young people across the world, and encourage them to take action. We want this badge to be fun but also effective in making individuals think and change the way they behave.

WAGGGS would like to ask your support in testing the curriculum in your Girl Guide/Girl Scout groups and suggest changes and additions which could improve it.

For further details and to request the draft curriculum, as well as the testing guidelines, please contact christine.gibb.consultant@cbd.int. The deadline for feedback is 15 July 2010 and the badge will be launched on 12 August 2010.

Girl Scout Days at the Legacy Theatre: July 13 & 14

Join us at the Legacy Theatre in Tyrone to see Annie, the fun musical everyone loves! The popular comic strip heroine takes center stage in one of the world’s best-loved musicals. Girl Scout Days are July 13 and 14 (other dates available upon request); show time, 7:30 p.m. Ticket prices: children 12 and under $15, adults $25. Each Girl Scout receives a free patch with their ticket purchase. For groups of 20 or more, the leader gets a free ticket.

For more information email Hannah@thelegacytheatre.org or call (404) 895-1473.

The Legacy Theatre
1175 Senoia Road, Suite C
Tyrone, GA 30290

Located on Highway 74 across from the new Publix in Tyrone (map and directions at http://www.thelegacytheatre.org/Theatre_Info/directions.php.)

Get Outdoors Georgia . . . Get Out. Get Dirty. Get Fit.

Learn more about Georgia’s State Parks and Historic Sites at www.gastateparks.org.  Watch Park Videos on You Tube at
 www.youtube.com/gastateparks and www.youtube.com/familyonthego

Geocachers, Take Our New Geo-Challenge!
Grab your GPS and join one of the biggest treasure hunts in the state. We now have 42 hidden caches in our state parks. (Go to http://www.gastateparks.org/GeoCacheParks.)  Find coordinates on www.Geocaching.com. 

Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunt game played throughout the world by adventure seekers equipped with GPS devices. The basic idea is to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, outdoors and then share your experiences online. Geocaching is enjoyed by people from all age groups, with a strong sense of community and support for the environment. Girl Scout Program Links:  Orienteering Interest Project; Hi-Tech Hide and Seek Interest Project (online at www.girlscouts.org.)

Panola Mountain State Park, Stockbridge, GA

1. Lost Person Prevention: 2nd Saturday of month, 10 am, until Dec 11, 2010. Learn simple techniques for not getting lost and keeping track of your family (or troop!) when venturing into the great outdoors of Georgia. Search and Rescue Dog Team will be joining the class unless a SAR activity is occurring. Designed for children ages 5-10. $5 parking.
2. Tree Top Excursions: Introduction Climb - 3rd Saturday of month, 1 PM - 4 PM until Dec 18, 2010.  Join us "on rope" for an adventure exploring the canopy above. This is an introductory climb to Canopy-Adventure-Research-Educational Technical Tree Climbing (CARE TTC). Participants will use rope and harness for this moderately strenuous activity. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before each program. Register in advance; ask if this class is accessible to climbers with mobility disabilities.  $15 plus $5 parking.. Girl Scout Program Links:  Adventure Sports Junior badge; High Adventure interest project.
3. Frog Slog: Tuesdays 6 PM until Aug 31, 2010. Investigate wetlands and streams in search of frogs and salamanders. Be prepared to get wet, muddy, and bring a flashlight or headlamp, nets, seines and buckets.. Register in advance. $7 plus $5 parking.Girl Scout Program Links: Wetlands enrichment patch; Water Everywhere Brownie Try-It; Water Wonders and Water Fun Junior badges.
4. Twilight Hike: Thursdays, 7 PM until Aug 26, 2010. Join a park ranger on this guided hike when the days are long, and the temperatures cool just before sunset. This is the time when wildlife is most active. $7 plus $5 parking.
5. Introduction to Backpacking: Saturday, Aug 14, 2010 2 PM.
   This beginner's class will take place in an outdoor classroom. This is a great introduction on how to prepare for backcountry hiking; what is essential, how to save weight, and what to leave at home. $7 plus $5 parking. 770-389-7801. Program Links: Hiker badge; Backpacking Interest Project.

Sweetwater Creek State Park, Lithia Springs, GA
(770)-732-5871; www.gastateparks.org/info/sweetwater/

1. New Manchester History Hike - Saturdays 10 AM - 12 PM until Sep 25, 2010. This mile-long hike (easy to moderate) will lead us to the five story ruins of the Civil War-era New Manchester textile mill and focus on the history of the Sweetwater Creek Valley. This Historian or Ranger-led hike will include going inside the impressive mill ruins and seeing the lovely whitewater rapids (both providing great photo opportunities). $2-$3 plus $5 parking. Program Links: Outdoor Fun badge; Science Discovery badge
2. Geology Hike – Sat., July 10 and Sat., Aug 14, 2010, 9 AM to 11.  Geologist and "Friends of Sweetwater Creek State Park" member John Johnston will lead a moderate 2-mile hike identifying rock types and explaining how they formed. There will also be a visit inside the ruins of the Civil War era New Manchester Mill alongside the beautiful rapids of Sweetwater Creek. $5 plus $5 parking.  Prograqm Links:  Rocks Rock! Badge; Science Discovery badge; Science in Everyday Life badge.

Smithgall Woods Conservation Park - Helen, GA

(706) 878-3087; www.gastateparks.org/Smithgall

1. Youth Fishing Days at Buck Shoals – Sat., July 17, and Sat., Aug 21, 2010, 8:30 AM to 4 PM. Children and their special "big person" can fish in a lake stocked with catfish, bass, and bream. Fish caught can be kept. Bring your own bait and rods. Some rods are available for loan. Call for directions to "Buck Shoals." $5 parking.  Program Link:  Our Own Council’s “Gone Fishin’” badge.
2. Gold Fever – Sat., Aug 21, 2010, 9 AM to 12 PM. Gold mining is a fascinating part of the history of Smithgall Woods and the surrounding area. Hear more about the history of gold mining with a local historian as well as the geology of the area, then hike the Martin Mine Trail. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. Program Link:  Science in Everyday Life badge.

Chief Vann House Historic Site, Chatsworth, GA

Chief Vann House Days - Saturday, Jul 24, 2010 10 AM to 4 PM
Watch 1800s crafts demonstrations at the 1804 mansion of Cherokee Indian plantation owner James Vann. Cherokee tribal members along with local demonstrators show the art of blacksmithing, soap making, weaving, spinning, quilting, doll making, chair and basket weaving, pottery, and much more.  $3.50-$5 (706) 695-259. Program Links:  Our Own Council’s “Georgia’s Native People” Try-It and badge.

Fort Mountain State Park - Chatsworth, GA

Bat Blitz - Sunday, Jul 25, 2010 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Kids of all ages can learn about these aerobatic mammals that eat mosquitoes and other insects. Watch biologists as they net bats and teach about their fascinating wings and ears. Browse bat displays and make bat crafts. $5 parking. (770) 918-6792.

Volunteer: Rivers Alive Stream Cleanup

It’s Your Planet – Love It! Join two of Georgia’s state parks for Rivers Alive, Georgia's annual volunteer waterway cleanup:

Saturday, Jun 19, 2010 9 AM to 12 PM - Sweetwater Creek State Park. Join us as we clean the post-flood banks and trails of beautiful Sweetwater Creek. Register in advance. (770)732-5871. $5 parking

Saturday, Jun 26, 2010 9 AM to 12 PM – Panola Mountain State Park. We will be cleaning up and removing invasive species along the Panola Mountain South River corridor. Register in advance. Call the park office for more details. (770) 389-7801.  $5 parking

Center for Puppetry Arts

See a show, play with puppets in the hands-on museum, make a puppet souvenir to take home and shop for puppets ‘til you drop in the museum store of the Center For Puppetry Arts, www.puppet.org, 1404 Spring Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA 30309-2851., (404) 873-3089

The Center's family shows (below) are recommended for ages 4 and up, but are open to all ages.

Hansel & Gretel (Jun 22 - Jul 3, 2010)
What do you get when you mix together two children, a wicked witch, and a house made of sweets? One very sticky situation! Hand-crafted string puppets and the melodies of Englebert Humperdinck’s 1893 opera create an unforgettable retelling of the classic story by the Brothers Grimm

Billy Goats Gruff and Other Stuff (July 6–18, 2010)
Meet a cantankerous toll troll, persnickety chickens, a wolf that’s allergic to blueberries, and a host of other kooky characters in this mixture of traditional folk tales and witty original stories told by a solo puppeteer. Put on your toe-tapping shoes and get ready to laugh!

Everybody Loves Pirates (Jul 20 - Aug 1, 2010)
Lucy and her friend Little Chucky have big dreams, a treasure map, and lots of determination. The duo sets off on the adventure of a lifetime only to find themselves walking the plank at the hands of some pesky pirates! See what happens in this swashbuckling adventure that’s fun for the whole family!

Rumpelstiltskin (Aug 6 - Sep 12, 2010)
“My daughter can spin straw into gold!” brags Kate’s father. Now she must find a way to make good on her father’s boast! A mysterious little man appears and offers his magical services…but for a terrible price. Based on the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, this marionette musical will spin grins onto the faces of kids and adults alike.

Group Rates

Please call 404.873.3391 to speak to a Ticket Sales Representative Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm, or Sunday 11am - 5pm. You may also download a 2009-10 group order form and mail or fax it to the Center. Please DO NOT email reservation requests.  For more information, please go to http://www.puppet.org/edu/trips.shtml.

The Center provides a wide variety of hands on activities for all age groups. Create-A-Puppet Workshops allow your group to make a puppet to take home. Puppet designs correlate with the current show theme. Our permanent Museum exhibit features over 350 puppets from around the world that will delight and educate your students. Museum tours correlate with the show theme and include all Special Exhibits.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF PATRIOTISM

The National Museum of Patriotism has more than 20 exhibits and interactive displays.  Exhibits range in scope from American Symbols to History of the One Dollar Bill to Education Leads the World. One America is a remembrance of the 9/11 terrorist attack and includes artifacts from Ground Zero and a memorial to the victims. You will witness the solemn resolve of the American spirit in time of great adversity.

Exhibits such as the Tuskegee Airmen and the Hall of Patriots, celebrate those that have dedicated their lives to serving our nation.  You can learn about various Medal of Honor, Presidential Medal of Freedom, Congressional Gold Medal, andCarnegie Medal recipients such as Helen Keller, Ronald Reagan, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Story Time Saturdays: 1 pm & 3 pm

Location: 275 Baker Street NW, Atlanta, Georgia  30313; 404.524.0755 or Toll Free 877.276.1692

Some of our neighbors include (all within three to ten minutes walking distance)Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, The World of Coca-Cola, CNN, Philips Arena (Hawks basketball), Georgia World Congress Center, and the Georgia Dome (Falcons football). Wheelchair accessible.

Hours:
Monday - Friday 10am-5pm
Saturday 10am-6pm

Ticket Prices:
Adults $15
Seniors $12 (Ages 55 and up)
Students $10 (Ages 7 through College with valid ID)

Children ages 6 and under are FREE
Active Miltary Personnel with ID FREE

Purchase Special Discounted Online Tickets at
http://museumofpatriotism.org/shop/viewcategory.php?groupid=10

“The Wizard of Oz”

The Camelot Theatre Company of Griffin presents the musical “The Wizard of Oz”, August 20-29, 2010. A not-for-profit regional theatre, Camelot's performances are held on the PC Stage at the Enrichment Center in Griffin. The Enrichment Center (formerly the original Orrs Elementary) is located behind Home Depot at 205 Spalding Drive, Griffin, 30224. For ticket information, go to information@camelottheatre.com.

The LaFayette Theatre Company Presents…Stuart Little

July 8-17 At the LSPA Black Box Theatre, 214 Bull Street, LaGrange

A little guy with a big heart (not to mention whiskers, a little pink nose and a really dapper wardrobe) Stuart searches for a sense of belonging and a place to call home in a decidedly supersized world. When he’s a adopted by the Littles, a human family, he embarks on adventures with a variety of characters – including his nemesis, family cat  Snowbell – and learns the meaning of family, loyalty and friendship.  The Littles, in the meantime, discover there is a little “Stuart” in all of us – the spunk, spirit and courage to be true to ourselves and follow out dreams despite the odds.

Doors open 45 minutes prior to performances. Tickets can be purchased at Hill Street House and LaFayette Society for the Performing Arts.  For tickets and information call (706) 882-9909.  Web site: http://www.lspaarts.com/index.html

Beach Blanket Theater

June 12th: This event takes place at 7:00 pm at the Villa Rica Civic Center & Sports Complex football field. Come enjoy a movie with family and friends: June 12, 18,
June 19th : This event takes place at 7:00 pm at the Villa Rica Civic Center & Sports Complex football field. Come enjoy a movie with family and friends. There will be concessions, face painting, a moonwalk, inflatable slides and other activities for youth. (Where the Wild Things Are)
July 24:  Movie in the park 8-10:30 pm at the V-plex in Villa Rica

Thomas A. Dorsey Birthplace and Gospel Heritage Festival

“The Thomas A. Dorsey Birthplace and Gospel Heritage Festival” is held annually in his hometown of Villa Rica, Georgia, where Mt. Prospect Baptist Church houses the gospel performances of the festival. This year’s celebration is June 25-26th.  Come and enjoy jazz, gospel, blues and BBQ.  Begins on Friday night at 7:30-9:30 with a blues concert at Gold Dust Park and continues on Saturday at 3:30 with a gospel sing at Mt. Prospect Baptist Church and ends Saturday night with blues, fireworks and BBQ.  Contact: 678-697-7684

Thomas A. Dorsey, the “Father of Gospel Music,” is a native Villa Rican.  He was born to Reverend T. M. Dorsey, a Baptist minister and Mrs. Etta Dorsey, a jewel of that town.  At Mt. Prospect Baptist Church he was exposed to shape-note singing and at home learned to play a pump organ. Later he moved to Atlanta and then to Chicago.

In 1932, after the shocking and unexpected death of his wife (Nettie Harper Dorsey) and their newborn son, Dorsey turned to gospel music for his consolation, writing his most-loved hymn, “Take My Hand, Precious Lord.” Dorsey’s second-most-popular gospel tune rendition was “Peace in the Valley

Come enjoy a day at Six Flags Over Georgia or Six Flags White Water for a very special price: just $20.00 each, adults’ and child’s admission! Part of the  proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society . Tickets are valid on the following Sunday dates only:  June 6, 13, 20 & 27

For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact Patricia Hardin at 678-244-2378 or email Patricia.Hardin@cancer.org, or Andrea Grant at 678-244-2258 or email Andrea.Grant@cancer.org.

Sponsored by the Cancer Resource Network Atlanta Division Services Center. All ticket sales are final. No Refunds or Exchanges.  Ticket sales are not tax deductible.

Girl & Boy Scout Day at Marietta Museum of History

(The Museum Mice, Murray and Etta)

Come join in the fun at the Marietta Museum of History's 3rd Annual Scout Day. There is FREE Admission to all Scouts in Uniform*. We will have fun activities, refreshments and living history actors! Complete all the activities and earn a Museum patch or pin! Bring the whole troop and don't forget your parents! For more information check out our website, www.MariettaHistory.org or call us at 770-794-5710.

*For Girl Scouts: plain white top, khaki pants, shorts or skirt, and your sash, vest or tunic. (Girl Scout Daisies and Brownies may wear the traditional uniform instead of khaki and white.)

Date: June 19th 2010
Time: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Marietta Museum of History, 1 Depot Street, Suite 200, Marietta, GA 30060

Activities:

Tie Dye
Learn how Native Americans did tie dying and learn how we tie dye items today! You will have the opportunity to tie dye a cloth rag or bring in your own neckerchief to dye!

Friendship Bracelets
Learn how to make your own friendship bracelets for yourself and your friends! You can also practice and learn different ways to make your bracelets!

Neckerchief Slides
Make your very own neckerchief slide (“woggle”) with pipe cleaners and buttons! This is a great opportunity to use your imagination!

New Features at Atlanta Botanical Garden!

Looking for a great way to celebrate the end of the school year and the beginning of summer? The Atlanta Botanical Garden may be just what your troop or group is looking for. The May 1 grand opening of the Canopy Walk, Edible Garden and Cascades Garden marks the completion an expansion project which nearly doubles the size of the Garden.

Canopy Walk

Beginning in May, Garden visitors may tour one of the city's last remaining urban forests ­ from 40 feet in the air ­ when the long-awaited Canopy Walk opens, lending a bird's-eye view to the beauty of a woodland below.

Extending 600 feet from a bluff in the Garden into the branches of oaks, hickories and poplars, the unique reverse suspension bridge is considered the only tree canopy- level walkway of its kind in the United States. Strolling the 12-foot-wide concrete pathway, visitors will feel like they are floating through the leafy clouds of storied hardwoods, thanks to the bridge's four large masts which seemingly disappear amongst the treetops.
 
Edible Garden  (Girl Scout Program Link: Sow What Leadership Journey for Girl Scout Seniors)

Showcasing the farm-to-table concept of cultivating and consuming fresh, local and sustainably-grown food, the Edible Garden project not only returns the 1-acre asphalt parking lot to green space but also demonstrates that fruits and vegetables make beautiful landscape plants. Visitors will be able to see and taste firsthand how delicious it is to pick fruits, herbs and vegetables right out of the garden and turn them into fantastic dishes. The Edible Garden is the perfect place to learn from seed to plate

The garden includes an Outdoor Kitchen where Atlanta's top chefs will present cooking demonstrations using garden ingredients. And, as for those leftovers go, any food not used in educational programs will be donated to local charities.

Each weekend in the Edible Garden Outdoor Kitchen, the Garden Chef showcases fresh seasonal vegetables, fruits and herbs in simple and mouthwatering recipes. Be inspired to try something new the next time you cook! Garden Chef Demos: Saturdays and Sundays, May 2 - October 31
Noon and 1 p.m. Free with Garden admission.

Cascades Garden

Garden visitors may relax in a tranquil Cascades Garden bursting with brilliant flowers and flowing water features. Sights and sounds of waterfalls will complement lush gardens filled with colorful bold-textured plants. Sunlight pouring in will put this beautiful garden in striking contrast to the woodland gardens surrounding it.

Atlanta Botanical Garden
1345 Piedmont Ave. NE Atlanta, GA 30309
404.876.5859
info@atlantabotanicalgarden.org

Handicap Access

Nearly all areas are handicap accessible. Wheelchairs are available on a first come first serve basis. Electric mobility scooters are available for rent. 

For information on tours or group visits, please visit
www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org. or call 404.876.5859 ext. 2556 or email the registrar at registrar@atlantabotanicalgarden.org.


Print these fun activities for kids to enjoy while visiting the Garden: http://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org/site/kids/fun_activities

Critter Crawl - See animals that make their home here.
Carnivorous Plant Hunt - Find plants at the Garden that "eat" bugs.
Scavenger Hunt - Make a game of your visit with this scavenger hunt.