Field Trip: Saturday 1/8

This event has passed.

Attendance:

Amri
Ariana
Emonee
Gabriella
Naya
Brigid
Faith
Emma
Syndy
Dominique

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Original post:

2011 Travis County Cookie Rally

 I spoke with the organizer of this event today. All of the activities are geared specifically for Girl Scouts selling cookies. Non-Scouts cannot participate in the activities. If you must bring additional children along, you must turn in your completed Tagalong Release of Liability forms when we check in. You should also bring them an activity bag so they don't get bored.

Additionally, we are only registered for 9 adults- one parent per girl on the RSVP list. Our troop has an abundance of enthusiastic parents (which I LOVE) but unfortunately this is not a big family event.If you (the parent) do not want to go to the Rally, and would prefer to drop your Girl Scout off with me PLEASE let me know ASAP so that another parent that wants to go can take your place.

Parking for the Rally is free. I was told this by Kate- the Rally organizer. Parking for the game is $10.

What to Bring?
+ Cell phone.
+ Something to put "stuff" in. I know the girls get a few surprises. I don't know if it's small "pocket" sized things or what. Wouldn't it be great to get a box of cookies? 
+ And maybe some money. I don't think there will be much to buy, but you never know. However, several of you owe your $2 admission fee (to the troop.)

What to Wear?

All Scouts need to wear their uniforms. Girls should also wear their gray troop t-shirts. The newer girls will get theirs on Saturday. If it is chilly, you can wear a long sleeve under your shirt.

What Time?
The Cookie Rally runs from 2-4pm. We need to arrive by 1:45 to find parking and lump together as a troop, as we must check in together.
The Cookie Kick-Off (the official name for the Girl Scouty Stars hockey game) begins at 7pm. Contact Rebekah Hurley (RHurley@texasstarshockey.com) ahead of time to purchase tickets.Troop 1563, Mustang Valle Service Unit. There are crazy incentives for the girl that brings the most fans with her, so tell your friends!

Meet There VS. Meet at Mandy's House: 
Gabriella/Jessica will meet us there. Syndy/Dominique/Robin are meeting at my house. No one else has told me what they plan to do.
Here is my proposal: 
+ Those meeting us at the Rally should linger near check-in between 1:45 and 2pm.  
+ If you are dropping your child off in my care you must tell me IN ADVANCE so we have enough room for everyone and she must also be at my house between 12:30 and 12:45. 
+ Those wishing to car pool or caravan should know I plan to leave a 12:45. As a troop we are always running late. Those of you that don't make it by 12:45 can follow the directions below.
+ If you plan on attending the game it would be best for you to drive yourself.

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Rally RSVP list:

Amri
Gabriella (paid)
Brigid
Naya (paid)
Emonee
Emma (paid)
Faith
Ariana
Atalli (paid)

Pay at Door list (Have made the necessary arrangements and must check-in with troop):
Kiana
Syndy
Dominique

Location:

Cedar Park Center
2100 Avenue of the Stars
Cedar Park, TX

Directions:

Take 183 North.
-If you don't mind the tollway, stay on 183A until New Hope Dr. where you'll U-turn. The Center will be on your right. [43 to 55 min. with traffic]
-The non-tollway version, based on googlemaps. (If you have personal knowledge of a frontage road along the tollway, please let me know.) Take 183 until the 45Tollway crosses it. Exit 183 and opt for it's service road (Research Blvd.) Take Research to Avery Ranch and turn left. Now turn right on 183/S. Bell Blvd. Take 183 to East New Hope/Co. Rd 181, turn right and the Center will be on your left. [48 min to an hr. with traffic]

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Troop Outing, RSVP by Sun Dec 19

Saturday January 8, 2-4 pm we will be attending the Travis County Daisy and Brownie Girl Scout Cookie Rally in Cedar Park. You must RSVP to me by Sun Dec 19. The cost is $2 per girl. If your daughter plans to attend, please tell me ASAP. I cannot add additional children after the closing date.

If you commit to going, you must pay the $2 even if she ends up not attending. However,you do not have to turn in the money until next week as we are registering with the troop's card.We will discuss transportation details later. 

After the Rally, you have the option to stay for the Cookie Kick Off- a Girl Scout friendly Texas Stars hockey game at 7pm. I am not planning the hockey game as part of our troop outing. If you would like to attend that event, please contact RHurley@texasstarshockey.com
There may be special Girl Scout pricing, but I also saw an ad on the Stars website for a $44 Family Pack which includes 4 tickets, 4 hot dogs, and 4 drinks. It is likely you can also get tickets at the door, but please call them to verify.
***12/16 Update***
Just got this e-mail:

Saturday, January 8th at 7 pm (doors at 6 pm)
Tickets are only $8 or $10 dollars!
Add a soda or hotdog for $3
All Girl Scout tickets must be purchased in advance and are not available through the Cedar Park Center box office. Prizes will be awarded to the three troops who bring the most fans. All participating Girl Scouts will receive a patch, courtesy of the Texas Stars Hockey Club 

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Rally RSVP list:
Amri
Gabriella (paid)
Brigid
Naya
Emonee
Emma (paid. needs $3 change)
Faith
Ariana
Atalli (paid)

Hockey Game list:


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Saturday Oct. 23: Dia de los Muertos Festival

 This event has passed.

Scout Attendance:

Amri
Emma
Atalli
Ariana
Synthia
Brigid

Notes:
I had a great time. The girls really seemed to enjoy handing out candy and wearing fancy outfits. There were lots of photographers and news teams. See our Troop photos/media tab for links to what I've found so far.

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Original Post:

A note to those who were planning on attending the Girl Scout Rally today:
***FROM COUNCIL***

We are canceling our Pathways Rally at Council (The Kodosky Program Center/Girl Scout Shop) on October 23 and rescheduling this fantastic event to March 5, 2011.

If you are bummed that it is canceled or don't have anything to do.... Visit Girl Scouts at the Free SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FESTIVAL.

October 23rd and 24th from 10:00AM to 5:30PM at the Austin Convention Center.

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and Here's our  Troop Field Trip: 

The Mexic-Arte Museum's 27th annual Viva la Vida Fest Saturday, Oct. 23 11am-10pm. (Dia de los Muertos is technically Nov. 2) I've included lots of links to help you brainstorm.  

(image from here.)

Parking Info (taken from the Mexic-Arte Museum's website):

BUS-RIDERS
There is a Capital Metro bus stop at the corner of Mexic-Arte Museum. Please check their website, www.capmetro.org, for route information.
DRIVERS
1) pay-as-you go metered parking on the streets
2) garage parking at Perry Brooks garage at 9th and Brazos, Capitol Tower garage, at 9th and San Jacinto, and Littlefield garage on 6th Street, just east of Congress Ave. 

Troop Note:

Participate in the Festival at your leisure with your family, or meet up with fellow Scouts. Bring your cell phone. (Mandy 512-850-3044.) I have face painting supplies for our troop. We will be doing catrina-style face painting. Or you can do your own makeup prior to arrival. A dusting of baby powder will help the paint set. It is also likely that there will be face-painters at the festival- it's been that way in the past. You do not have to paint your face, but it is part of the tradition. It also counts as an activity for the Art to Wear Try It. There are children's activities at the festival, but I do not know if they are in one section or scattered throughout. Please meet the troop in Plaza Saltillo (5th and Comal) at 4:45.  If it rains, we will not be canceling. There will still be activities and the museum. Call me if you have questions.

RSVP: 
Please let me know:
A) if we should expect to see you at the festival.
B) a headcount for parade participation. 

Just to clarify: You are completely welcome to join us if you do not have a costume or ofrenda. We're just trying to encourage active participation. Do what you can and we'll be happy to have you!and FYI, If you find free face-painting at the event, there skills will probably be better than mine...

RSVP List:
Ariana and Gloriana
Atalli, Adriana, +1
Amri, Mandy, and Hava, possible 1-3 more
Emonee
Desjonique and Courtney
Naya +  Rosie + 1
Gabriella + Kathryn
Emma + Adriana + 2 
Synthia + Robin

What to Wear:

• We are asking that everyone (kids and adults) participating in the parade with our troop wear an appropriate costume. Here are some ideas, courtesy of Google Images: Catrinas, Folklorico, Day of the Dead, Calaveras, and here are some ideas of what you could do with a black sweat suit and some paint or felt. Here are photos from a previous parade. Long skirts, shawls and large hats covered in flowers are pretty popular. The kids can also wear the necklaces they made at our meeting. You do not need your uniform, unless you want to incorporate it into your costume. Don't get face paint on it - as patches don't like being machine washed.
• Keep in mind that it is often hot during the day and cooler as the sun sets.
• Remember that we will be doing lots of walking. Wear shoes that won't cause you problems later. 
• For details about the costume contest, follow the link at the bottom to the Mexic-Arte Museum's website.
  

What to Bring:

• Tagalong Release of Liability This form is mandatory for all children who wish to join us in the parade but are not registered Girl Scouts. Please print, sign, and turn it in to me at the event. For insurance reasons, children without this form cannot walk with our troop. All unregistered adults participate at their own risk. 
• Registered Girl Scouts whose parents will watch the parade- but not march with us- need a Parent Permission Form. All girls need parental supervision before and after the parade unless they have made previous arrangements. This will be a busy event and we don't want to loose anyone. If the parent is marching with the child, you do not need a permission slip.
• Cash- There will be food and novelties for sale. The troop is not providing any of these things. 
• A backpack for your family would probably be a good idea for keeping track of money, cell phones, sunscreen, sunglasses, sweaters, a camera, stray costume pieces... 
• Families with little ones are welcome to decorate strollers.
• An ofrenda* to honor someone you love who has passed away. I have been told there will be a large altar somewhere at the festival if you want to leave your ofrenda behind. If you want to keep it, I suggest you carry it with you. One idea- if anyone wants to volunteer- is to decorate a wagon like an altar. (No candles allowed.) The girls can all place their ofrendas on it and we can pull it in the parade. Does anyone have a wagon we can use? If you would like help decorating it, let me know and I will tell the girls. 

 *An ofrenda is an offering of something that gave joy to the departed person in life. The deceased loved ones favorite toys, foods, and drinks are common altar pieces, but the girls can also bring a decorated photograph, a story, or use this ofrenda coloring sheet .
 Click here to download a Dia de los Muertos educational activity guide.
 

Event Schedule:

Prelude Events take place inside the museum 11am-3pm.  

Pre-Procession Festivities at Plaza Saltillo on 5th and Comal in East Austin 12-4pm. 

Troop Meet Up 4:45

Grand Procession 6-7pm (gathers at 5 PM) The parade marks the transistion from day activities to evening activities. The route is a little over a mile,  marching down 6th street, ending at 5th and Congress.

Street Festival 2-10pm 

Mexic-Arte Museum's Website - Go here for a complete Event Schedule.

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Sunday August 22: Back to School Parade

 This event has passed.

Attendance:

Amri
Emonee
Brigid
Faith
Desjonique
Ariana 
Mikalya
Madison
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Original Post Date: 8-19-10

We now have all our Parade information. Updates are in red. The parade sponsor is very happy to have us participate this year.

The parade officially begins at 3pm. I think the three hour window includes the gospel concert in the park afterward, but I was not planning on attending that. We will have a Troop 1563 Family Picnic in the park after the parade. School starts the next day, so leave when it makes sense for your family. Please "check out" with me before you disappear with your daughter. Girls that get hungry frequently should eat before they come and remember that we are having a picnic afterward.

Girls wishing to help make decorations should call Troop Leader Mandy 512-850-3044. We have a few more rolls to decorate. We need to string our garland together. We also need to make signs to hold during the parade. If anyone has other decorations they would like to bring over prior to Sunday, please let me know. We don't have any plans yet, so just call when you want to come over.

A special thanks to Madison's mom- she got us a flat bed trailer so we can all ride together! Our float will be lined with hay for sitting. If parents want to bring over their picnic blankets when they drop off their daughters, we can judge if we to use them to cover the hay. If not, you can take it back to the car with you. Girls voted to throw candy. They should understand that the candy is for the kids watching the parade, not a snack to eat during the parade. We have an option to sit in the float the whole time, or to take turns hopping off (at slow points) to walk and wave at people. Mandy and Gloriana (and maybe one more adult) will be the supervising adults. All other parents are asked to go watch the parade and take pictures.


What to bring the day of the parade:

• a smile and a cheery attitude
• Girls should wear their gray troop shirts, their vests, and shorts. They should also wear comfortable walking shoes. Girls need to bring a bottled water to stay hydrated during the parade. Label the bottle with her name in big easy-to-see letters. Please go to the bathroom prior to arriving. Ponytails, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are also suggested.
• Parents and other family members need to a cell phone, chairs to sit on to watch the parade- and a camera to take pictures.
• Families are responsible for their own picnic dinners/drinks for after the parade. You can sit in your parade chairs or bring a blanket. Please do not send your daughter on the float with her meal.
 

Tentative Itinerary:

• 1:30 Load in parade vehicles. Girls do not need to be there at this point.
• 1:45 - 2pm Parents drop off girls with Troop Leaders ("check in" with Mandy or Gloriana) near our troop's parade vehicle at Delco Center.
• Parents leave to park cars at authorized locations, set up chairs, etc. for viewing parade.
• 3pm: Parade begins
• Parade Procession
• Parents meet troop at parade end (Bartholomew Park) Parents should have cell phone access so that we can find each other. Mandy 512-850-3044. Gloriana 512-554-1960.
• Girls receive school supplies from Parade Sponsor.
• Troop Families venture off into a less crowded area of the park to have a picnic dinner together.

Parade Route and parking information is available here.

I know the girls are going to ask- yes, they will receive a Parade Fun Patch on Monday.    

Reminder: Monday August 23, 6pm- Parents are encouraged to attend the girls' Best Memory Performances, which they have been (hopefully) working on at home. We will also be having our August Court of Awards. The evening's festivities will take place in the open area with the stage, in our area of the church. Feel free to bring a snack to lay out on our meeting table. We typically have 15-20 people.  

Field Trip: Saturday 8/7 Annie!

This event has passed.

Attendance:

Amri
Atalli
Emonee
Brigid
Faith

Kiana
+ various family members

Notes:
Girls volunteered pre-show by stuffing and handing out programs and manning the concession stand. During intermission girls again worked the concession stand,  being helper monkeys and restocking necessary products. Girls received half-off snacks and drinks as a bonus. They did a great job!

The show was quite fabulous and a good time was had by all.

Reminders:
Troop Sleepover is Saturday August 14th. Details will be available shortly. The Back to School Parade is Sunday August 22. We want to have a Girl Scout Family picnic following the parade if you are interested. Other troops may be joining us as well.

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Original Post:

Saturday August 7 we'll be volunteering at the Zilker Theatre Production's of Annie.
The girls will be running the concession stand prior to the show, then again during intermission.
We should be able to see the entire performance.







Our volunteer shift will begin at 6:30pm.The show begins at dusk (8:30ish.) The concession stand is also open during the first half of the show- but it doesn't sell much at that point and we've been given permission to leave and enjoy the show. Intermission ends at 10pm. The show won't be over for some time after that. Expect a long evening. I've been told we should have someone set up blankets and chairs for us around 5pm...

Parking is $3 per car- I'll be e-mailing you all so you can print a free parking pass, and I should have a few hardcopies if you need one. The performance is free. Families should bring blankets or folding chairs to sit on, plus money for snacks. I am not positive, but I think you can also bring your own food.

Girls should wear their uniforms. Dress for the weather (it will be hot!) Our job includes selling snacks, restocking products as we run low, and passing out fliers.

Please let me know if you'd prefer to meet there or carpool/caravan.

Location: Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater
Located in Zilker Park across from Barton Springs Pool

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Field Trip: Saturday 7/31 Pirates of the Pedernales

This event has passed.

Attendance:

Amri
Atalli
Emonee
Alexis
Desjonique
Brigid
plus various family members

Badge Activities Completed:

In addition to the Austin Summer Musical for Children fun patch, this field trip qualifies towards an Explore Austin patch activity. Many of the girls have nearly completed the Explore Austin patch- others have already earned it. Great job getting out and about, guys!

Notes:
We watched the play, got the actors' autographs, and then explored the museum. Afterward we went next door to the library.


Reminders:

• Girls need to bring a written list of some of their most fond memories to our next meeting. They will be deciding on one Monday.
• We need snacks and drinks.
• This Saturday evening (Aug. 7) is our next field trip.
  

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Original Post:

Austin Summer Musical for Children offered a performance of Pirates of the Pedernales just for Girl Scouts*, but the theatre only holds so many and they were fully booked. As an alternative, we can see a (not just Girl Scouts) show Saturday July 31. It begins at 11am. Girls should wear their vests.


Please Note That Our Meet Up Time Has Changed.
We will meet in front of the theatre at 10:30. Please be on time so that we can all sit together. It is likely that the theatre will be packed.

The performance itself is free, as is parking- please read the comment below from Bill for more details. I ordered 16 tickets, so if you have additional people joining, let me know as soon as possible.

Location:
The George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center
Boyd Vance Theatre
1165 Angelina St.
Austin, TX 78702
More info/map available here.

*Patches are available purchase at the performance. The troop will be purchasing the girls' patches. Your understanding is appreciated in the event that they are sold out.

RSVP list: 
Amri, Mandy, and Hava
Desjonique
Emonee +2
Brigid +1
Mikayla + 3
Atalli + 1
Alexis

Not attending:
Ariana
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Upcoming Events

Check the calendar- new field trips coming soon!
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Sunday July 11: Overnighter at the Dell Diamond

This event has passed.

Scouts in Attendance:

Amri
Atalli
Emonee
Ariana
Brigid
Desjonique
Harleigh 
Alexis
Adults and Tag-a-Longs:
Troop Leader Mandy
Assistant Troop Leader Gloriana
Greg and Samuel
Tiffany
Julie and Dave
Casey and Elijah
Adriana and Amanda

Activities: 
Pony Rides
Bounce House
Girl Scout Parade
Baseball Game
Swimming
Rock Climbing
Super Bungee Trampoline
Pizza/soda dinner
donut breakfast
giggling
story/joke telling
and maybe 45 minutes of sleeping 

Notes:
It was kids day at the park- they all got Spike toothbrush holders. The kids did a great job of being flexible- minimal complaints, lots of smiles. I think their ultimate goal was just to go swimming...
This was a great learning experience. We had a lot of firsts- and I imagine the rest of the year will prove the same- but in the future we'll have a better idea of what to expect on overnight trips and such.

High fives for Troop 1563!
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Original Post:
Updates have been made in red. 7/10/10
A nice, long, detailed post about our 2010 Big Field Trip:

This is a Rain or Shine Event. In case of rain there is an indoor/covered place for us to sleep.
Itinerary:
Meet at Mandy's house at 4pm (in uniform: vest, khaki shorts, brown hat.)
Leave at 4:15.
Arrive at Dell Diamond 5:15.
Children's Activities in Dell Diamond parking lot 5:30-6pm.
6:05pm- Head to left field scoreboard with Troop Flag for parade.
(Non-troop participants can go to the stands to take pictures.)
6:20- Girl Scout Parade
7:05- Game Begins, Round Rock Express vs. Oklahoma Redhawks
Post Game:
Run Bases/Meet Mascot
When the crowd is dwindling we can check the gift shop.( Here is a link to cheap souvenirs.) After the gift shop, we will head out to get our bags from the car.
When the stadium is empty they'll take us to the field to set up our beds.
The letter I received is vague, but I assume swimming and rock-climbing take place next. 2 movies will be shown on the Jumbo Tron. All non-overnighters must leave by 11:30pm. I've also heard mention of a fireworks show. They will be feeding us pizza for dinner.
6:30am Monday- Breakfast
7:30am (or earlier)- leave Dell Diamond
8:30ish- arrive at Mandy's house.
Children needing supervision Monday are welcome to stay with Mandy (for free, of course!) However, I must know ahead of time if I am watching your child, and for how long. I will probably take them out to do something.
6pm Monday- Weekly Troop Meeting (performance of Bat Play, small Court of Awards- the GS shop is closed thru the 20th...)

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Pre-Trip Notes:
 We will be meeting at my house at 4pm Sunday July 11. Please be on time. Girls will change into their Troop T-shirts. Girls should wear khaki bottoms. (The traditional color was chocolate brown, but that recently changed. If you do not have khaki, brown is fine.)

•  All girls need to have a field trip permission slip signed by their parents. I have them- DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CHILD without filling out this form.They have to be turned in to our Service Unit Director.
• Girls who are staying the night without their parents also need to fill out a behavior agreement form prior to their parents' departure.
• All parents in attendance must have a GS Volunteer Application on file. I have some if you need one.

All children under the age of eight must ride in a booster seat. There are also Girl Scout restrictions on adults in vehicles- we will discuss this prior to leaving. Finally, we'll talk about proper GS field trip behavior, load the cars, and make a potty trip. We'll be leaving at 4:15.

Field Trip Notes:
Girls are expected to be on their very best behavior. Buddies/Teams will be assigned at random- remember to be a sister to every Girl Scout, regardless of your personal opinions.
Our troop has 17 people going! Not only will the game be crowded, but most of them will be Scouts and many will be Brownies. Getting lost or separated will be very easy. We will sit together, take restroom breaks together, sleep together, eat together, play together, and leave together.No wondering off. Know your Troop Number: 1563.
Souvenirs and game-time drinks/snacks must be purchased with your child's own money. The troop will not provide these things.

Packing List:
Please show up on Sunday in khaki shorts. You will be given your gray Troop T-shirt to change into. The shirt will also be worn as jammies (with jammy bottoms) so that we still look uniform at bed-time. Wear your Brownie Vest- and your brown baseball cap (call me if you do not have yours yet.)
If it is forecast-ed to rain, please bring a raincoat/poncho and an umbrella.

You are allowed 2 bags: Overnight Bag and Bedding Bag.
Moms- you can lay out your daughter's things, but please have her pack her own bag. Be minimalistic. She needs to be accountable for her own belongings- and knowing where something is makes it that much easier. Please keep overnight bags to "back-pack" or similar size. Your daughter must carry her own things- One on her back, one in her arms.
Both bags (and any special items) need to be labeled with her first and last name, phone number, and our troop number: 1563. A sticky paper label will suffice.

Overnight Bag:
Game Stuff: sunscreen, sunglasses, personal cash for snacks and souvenirs.The Dell Diamond has discontinued it's refillable cup program. Personal items need to be secured in pockets. Our Overnight bags will stay in the cars.
Toiletries: tooth brush, tooth paste, hair brush, etc. We will not be taking showers at the stadium.
Night Time: We will be sleeping in our gray troop shirts + pajama bottoms. It will probably be hot, so I suggest shorts.
Next Day: clean undies, change of clothes.
Other:  Pony tail holder, swim suit and towel. There will be 2 lifeguards on duty. 2 plastic shopping bags- one for dirty clothes and one for wet swim suit and towel. In case of rain: raincoat, etc.

Bedding Bag:
Pillow, sleeping bag, ONE lovie (a favorite stuffed animal, doll, etc.) and perhaps a small throw blanket. These can all be stuffed into a garbage bag. Inflatable air mattresses are also allowed- given that you have a pump to fill it with.

Emergency Notes:

They will be locking us in after the crowd has left- Security is available to let us in or out (if you need to leave for whatever reason.)
Please be sure your emergency contact information is up to date. All parents with children on medication MUST talk to Mandy prior to the trip. If you need to reach me, my number is 512-850-3044. Assistant Leader Gloriana's number is 512-554-1960. We will be at the Dell Diamond in Round Rock, TX 512-255-2255.

If there is an emergency at the stadium (tornado, fire work catastrophe, etc.) - please DO NOT call us. Our #1 priority is the safety of your children.Your emergency contact for this field trip is Mandy's husband, Michael: 512-850-3036. We will relay all important information through him and vice versa.

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Congratulations to all our girls for raising the money needed for this trip. I'm really looking forward to it and I know we'll make some great memories!

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Field Trip: Friday 5/7, UT Opera Scenes

This event has passed.

Attendance: 

Amri +Mandy and Hava
Atalli
Ariana + Gloriana
Emonee + Casey and Elijah
Alexis
Try It Activities Completed:
pg.167 Sounds of Music  #6

Notes:
The girls did rather well behavior wise. I was worried during the first few songs, but they pulled it together. They really seemed to enjoy the duos, perhaps because they were obvious love stories, but it was clear that their favorite performance was the one with all the guys mock-fighting. It was pretty funny. All the songs tonight were in German. The show was an hour and a half.

After the show, the girls saw one of the performers in the hallway. They asked for her autograph and took pictures with her (to be posted  soon.) She told the girls they could go down to the performers' hallway. There, they collected oodles more autographs. After we got outside I explained how the college performance compared to a full-scale production. They expressed interest in seeing a "real" opera- one with costumes and sets and a translation screen.

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Original Post:

(This lady's not from the show we'll be seeing, but she certainly looks entertaining...) Now that the girls are completing their Careers Try Its, we'll begin work on the Sounds of Music Try It. Activity #6 (pg.167) is to attend a live music event. This Friday 5/7  we have a field trip to see Opera scenes at the McCullough Theatre, presented by the Butler School of Music, part of the college of Fine Arts at UT.

 

McCullough Theatre – 2375 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin TX 78712
From the look of things, I think we take MLK over I-35, Right on Red River, Left on E.Campus Dr.- which becomes Robert Dedman Drive.

From this direction, Bass Concert Hall (‘PAC’ on campus maps) is the first building on your left after you cross 23rd Street heading North on Robert Dedman. McCullough Theatre (‘PAC’ on campus maps) is the next venue on your left, actually part of the same building as Bass Concert Hall.
Just after passing the Concert Halls you can make a left on 24th, which should dump you out right in front of the San Jacinto Parking Garage.

San Jacinto Parking Garage – closest covered parking garage. 2401 San Jacinto Blvd, with entrances on San Jacinto Blvd AND Trinity Street that runs just West of Bass Concert Hall. Fee appears to be $7.

The performance begins at 7:30pm. I have e-mailed them a list of questions-I asked if the girls should dress fancy...Hopefully they'll get back with me soon. Once I know more, I'll let you guys know what time we need to meet up and such. If anyone needs a ride, please let us know so we can work it out. Hope to see you all on Friday!

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Lemonade Day, Sunday May 2: 10am-2pm

This event has passed.

Attendance:

Amri + Troop Leader Mandy

Ariana + Assistant Leader Gloriana

Atalli + Kiana + Alex + Adriana

Emonee

Adajiah

Alexis + Shelly

Brigid + Dave

Mikayla + Cari

Notes:  

Wow! Fantastic job, everyone! We surpassed our goal; Mikayla and Alexis were featured in the Statesman (look in our Troop Photo Gallery;) Ariana, Atalli, Alex, Adriana, Mikayla, Emonee, and Kiana were shown in the CBS news blip; you worked together as a team; AND you completed a very complicated Try It Activity. (Careers #6) Phew! Give yourselves a pat on the back- I'm so proud! Now that we know we can afford our Dell Diamond Trip- we'll need to start thinking about our troop flag for the parade! (Getting troop shirts would also be a good idea...)

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Original Post:

The BIG day is here! You can meet at Atalli's house at 9am, or call me to find our exact location. Please do not call me before 8am. I probably won't answer... Girls should wear their vests and a tropical outfit. We have hula skirts, leis, and flowers for their hair. Sunscreen is highly recommended. Girls can bring a sack lunch or money for lunch if they plan on staying the whole time. Girls that can behave can stay at the stand as long as they like. So many of you are coming that we may split and do 2 stands.

Hooray!

Friday 4-30-10: Morning Update

We have been officially approved for our booth by our Service Unit Director.

Sunday May 2, 10am-2pm we'll be running a lemonade stand downtown in honor of the 4th annual National Lemonade Day. We will be working on our Careers Try It, while earning money for our troop. Brigid's birthday party (which we have all been invited to) starts at 3pm the same day.

Each girl needs to commit to working at least 1-2 hours at our stand.  Call Mandy to sign up for your time.
10am: Brigid + dad
All Day: Mandy and Gloriana

We will need at least 4 girls and 4 adults at a time:

• 2 girls will be in the booth selling- with an adult supervisor. 
• One adult will be in charge of lemonade supply supervision- using random girls as laborers when needed.
• 2 girls will be out front, advertising- with an adult supervisor.
• One adult will be our gopher, should we need anything during the sale.

The girls will all rotate jobs. Each girl needs to know the cost of her product, how to make change, and what we are doing with our profits. We'll go over all of this prior to the sale, but the answer to that last one is "Funding Activities and Community Service Projects!"

Our stand will have a Luau Theme. Think grass skirts and tropical dresses. Dads can wear Hawaiian shirts. If you have any decorations that will go with our theme- please let me know ASAP if we can borrow or have them. Throughout this week, whenever the girls are available, we need to gather  to work on decorating our booth, making signs, and making costumes.

Tuesday: The girls played while the moms hacked up paper bags to make a "grass" fringe to hang from our canopy. Mandy had 2 large pieces of  particle board- Adriana's sister is going to paint them for us. They will be our pricing signs.
Wednesday: Mandy doesn't feel well. We'll postpone Wednesday's plan until Thursday.
Thursday: Gloriana is bringing butcher paper. The girls will gather at the local park to paint the banners for our stand.
Friday: We only got one banner done yesterday as it was very windy. Adriana worked on a sign at home. The girls worked on our pricing signs. Today we will work on another banner (we're trying to have 4.) We will also discuss booth behavior and our advertising strategy.

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Girls should use word-of-mouth advertising to be sure our booth gets plenty of business on Sunday!
If you have not registered, please do so. You need to visit the Lemonade Day website, register, note that you are with Girl Scout Troop 1563, enter the "best stand" contest, and afterward, go to one of the area Runtex locations to pick up your free backpack. OR you can just register inside the Runtex store. The backpack is not a necessity, so don't worry if you haven't picked yours up.

Our Stand Concept:

I have a 10x10 portable canopy to shade us. It has weights, too, so we don't have to worry about it blowing away.

We will decorate our stand A) to attract customers B) to make it more fun and C) so we can enter the Best Stand contest.

We will also have a few chairs, but just like a the Cookie Booths, we should avoid sitting as it makes us appear lazy. 

The city of Austin is allowing lemonade stands to operate without a permit on this day only. I looked on-line- there are going to be stands just about everywhere. We will set up downtown, somewhere near the Pecan Street Festival. Gloriana and I will be the first out to set up and we will call you with the exact location.

Julie has leis for the girls to wear. Atalli's grandma bought the troop hula skirts, leis, and flowers for their hair. Gloriana bought tiki torches to decorate with (we won't be lighting them.) We're keeping all receipts so we can return any unused items.

Supply Needs:
-We already have one table from Amri's dad.
- We have two more tables from Gloriana.
-We need coolers/ice chests for holding ice.
-Gloriana is providing 2  large igloo coolers with spouts.
-Julie is bringing Almond Extract so we can have Unique and Fancy Lemonade.
-Stirring spoons
-Gloriana has secured an ice donation.
-We will need gallon jugs of water.
-Adriana  is working on lemonade mix donations.
-If someone wants to provide a couple watermelons, that would be great. Watermelon Lemonade might be pretty economical...and delicious!
-oodles of small cups- ask for donations from restaurants. Amri and I did that for an hour on Tuesday and got a very positive response. I have donation slips if any of you want to take some with you.
-a garbage can
-trash bags
-rubber gloves for the prep team

We need to go out and ask every store we can (HEBs, Targets, Walmarts, Randalls, Walgreens, CVSs, Party City,etc.) for donations off this list. The Parmer HEB wants to help, but asked me for our Tax ID and an IRS form. I now have our tax ID#, but I don't have the IRS paper.

I recommend asking every restaurant you can think of if they'll donate a sleeve of small to-go cups. We will also accept large cups, but we need a ton of kids cups.  Anything we can't get by this weekend, we'll have to purchase. But that also teaches us a business lesson: Sometimes you have to spend money to make money.

I will be updating this post throughout the week, so check back often- or feel free to call me.
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Fri 4/23/10, 6:30pm Troop Dinner at Pluckers

This event has passed.

Attendance:

Atalli + family
Mikayla + family
Emonee + family
Alexis + family
Ariana + family
Amri + family

Notes:

What a fabulous turn-out! Wow! Way to support Girl Scouts! Thank you everyone. Sorry I was late...We won't know which service unit had the highest turn out until the Friends of Girl Scouts lady releases that info, but the girls that hosted the event tonight said they think Troop 1563 had the highest Troop turn-out. I'm so proud of you guys! Girl Scouts of Central Texas gets 20% of the profits from all 5 Pluckers GS Night Patio Sales. I'll let you know when I find out how much money was raised. Our troop doesn't get a check or anything, but that money goes towards keeping costs low for Council sponsored events (like the over-nighter at the Dell Diamond.) The money also helps out with scholarships and financial aid and such.

Some of us sampled Fried Caramel Delights- yum! (vanilla ice cream with chunks of caramel delights, sprinkled with toasted coconut...)

We had our 2nd Court of Awards. Great job, girls! Keep up the good work. Whenever you complete four activities on a Badge Worksheet, fill out the bottom section and turn it in so that you can get the patch at our next ceremony. Some of you owe worksheets for badges you received tonight- get those to me on Monday, please. The "Recognitions" page has been updated.

Additional Notes:

We are starting work on our Careers Try It, pg. 22. Atalli's dad works downtown, across from Town Lake. He is going to ask his boss if we can set up our Lemonade Stand there (Sunday, May 2.) If not, we will do a stand closer to home. Everyone needs to go to the Lemonade Day website to register- and afterward, to a RunTex location to pick up your free supply back-pack. I've not picked up Amri's  yet, but it's supposed to have everything we need. We will need to do some advertising (tell your friends and family.) We will discuss it further at Monday's meeting. When you register, it asks which contest you want to enter. We picked "best stand."

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Original Post:

Come on out, eat dinner as a troop- and with oodles of other Scouts- and raise money for Friends of Girl Scouts. The Service Unit with the best turn out gets some sort of a prize. I'm not positive, but I believe kids always eat free at Pluckers. In any case, this event will not be paid for by the Troop.

Please let me know if you are coming so that we can try to all sit together. Our April Court of Awards will be held while we are waiting for our table. If your daughter has any completed Badge Worksheets, I MUST receive them before Thursday in order to get the badge. Anyone not in attendance will receive their patches at our next meeting. If your daughter needs to carpool, please let us know in advance.

Girls should wear their vests.

We will be meeting at the South Lamar location at 6:30. (Take 71 to Lamar, turn right.) If you can get there a little early, that would be great. I have no idea what sort of wait there might be.

Volunteer Recognition is at 7pm. Pluckers will be offering a special dessert: Fried Caramel Delights- yum!

 Tell all your friends and family to eat at Pluckers that night- they can go anytime between 5-8pm. The hostess or the waiter will ask for our Service Unit name- be sure to say Mustang Valle.

See the Flier

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Thursday 4/22/10: Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day

This event has passed.

Girls who went to work with a parent:

Amri
Ariana
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Original Post:

It's here once again: the official Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day! Thurs 4-22-10 (which also happens to be Girl Scout Leader's Day as well as Earth Day.)

"Designed to be more than a career day, the Take Our Daughters And Sons To Work^® program goes beyond the average “shadow” an adult. Exposing girls and boys to what a parent or mentor in their lives does during the work day is important, but showing them the value of their education, helping them discover the power and possibilities associated with a balanced work and family life, and providing them an opportunity to share how they envision the future and begin steps toward their end goals in a hands-on and interactive environment is key to their achieving success."

         -daughtersandsonstowork.org

Parents, ask around- see if anyone at work could use a mini-assistant for a day. Or ask a relative or friend you trust if their workplace is kid-friendly. Some workplaces allow children all day, others for a half day. Do what works for you.

Troop members that participate will receive a "Take Your Daughter to Work Day" patch at our next Court of Awards, after reporting their findings to the Troop, of course. (Assuming the store has not sold out.)

Helpful Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day links:
Official TODSWD website
On-Line TODSWD Activities for Kids
Barbie's "I Can Be" Career Videos via Youtube
Activities for Workplace Coordinators
Bright Ideas Guide

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Field Trip: McKinney Roughs Earth Day Festival Sat 4/17

This event has passed.

Attendance: 

Brigid
Amri
Emonee
Atalli
Mikayla
Ariana
+ Kiana and Elijah
 and lots of grown-ups.

Try It Activities Completed:
pg. 118 Outdoor Adventurer #3
pg. 86 Animals #2
pg. 14 Girl Scout Ways #3
pg. 110 Movers #1
part of pg. 94 Earth and Sky #3
pg. 122 Plants #2
pg. 117 Numbers and Shapes #6

Amri:
pg. 94 Earth and Sky #5
She wrote down all the sky creatures she saw over the weekend and then wrote down a note on each of them. Other girls can complete this activity at home by observing birds, insects, and bats and taking notes.

Additionally, everyone received a McKinney Roughs Earth Day Festival Patch (this patch goes on the back of the GS uniform, or can be placed on a tote bag for our Volunteers.)

Additional Notes:
Wow! We had a great turn out for this trip! Thanks to all- especially those that drove. The morning started out cool and damp. We were briefly drizzled upon, and then the sun came out and it was gorgeous. During our hike, the sun became a bit more aggressive, but I think the kids kept it together- for the most part.

We completed our Nature Passports first so that the girls would definitely receive their Participation Patches, then we went on a "1 mile" hike down to the Colorado River. The children were provided with notebooks for making observations. These observations will be shared at our next meeting.
We took so long on our hike- when we returned to the Nature Center, they'd packed up nearly everything and the last shuttle had already left. The wonderful Park Manager went and got a van and shuttled us back to the parking lot. We will be making her a Thank You note!

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Original Post:

4/16/10: I called the park- this is a rain or shine event! Any girls willing to demonstrate that they can be "courageous and strong" and brave the weather are invited to meet at my house at 10am. While on the trip, I expect everyone to follow the GS Law. Hopefully the weather we be in our favor, but if not, here's our chance to prove what little Troopers we can be! (Changes to made to this post are also in red...)

McKinneyRoughs
free Earth Day Festival
April 17, 2010
Cedar Creek, TX

The festival runs from 10am- 3pm. We will meet at Troop Leader Mandy's house at 10am to carpool/caravan to the event. We will be at the event a good part of the day, including lunch time. Tag-a-Longs are welcome. Any girls needing transportation to my home need to contact me in advance. All girls attending the festival without their parents need to fill out a Drop Off form prior to the trip. Please let me know if your daughter will be attending so that I can plan accordingly.

RSVP List:
Amri + Troop Leader Mandy 
Emonee + Dad + Elijah
Atalli + Mom + Kiana
Ariana + Assistant Leader Gloriana
Mikayla +Grampa

What do we bring?  

• a light poncho/rain jacket if needed
• a backpack
• bottled water, a canteen, or the equivalent
• a hat or sunglasses 
• something to keep your hair out of your face and off your neck
• Wear sunscreen- insect repellent might be a consideration.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes, and socks- plan on doing some hiking!
• If it's raining you could toss an extra pair of socks in your bag.
• Wear your Girl Scout vest. 
• Please dress appropriately for the weather. If it is cool out, bring a light-weight jacket that can be tucked into your backpack if it warms up- perhaps your rain jacket can do double duty.
• Bring a sack lunch or money for food/souvenirs. I will bring the trail mix we made at Monday's meeting. 
• Scout books are not necessary for this trip.

What will we do? Girls will earn a patch (provided by the Park) by receiving a passport at an information station and completing select activities throughout the park. The Passport will guide the kids through four  "zones" at the festival- Land Stewardship, Water Stewardship, Alternative Energy and Green Marketplace.

Additionally, we can participate in guided hikes through the wildflowers and pocket prairies. A schedule of events will be posted at the festival. There will also be nature crafts, conservation activity booths, nature and animal presentations, Earth-friendly vendors, food and music.

Potential Try It Activities: (I will be modifying this list. These are just options, not the schedule for the day.)

pg. 118 Outdoor Adventurer #3
pg. 122 Plants #2 and #4
pg. 117 Numbers and Shapes #6
pg. 140 Watching Wildlife #2 and #6
pg. 94 Earth and Sky, #5 and part of #3
pg. 86 Animals #2
Handbook pg. 99 Habitat Activity (collect)
Handbook pg. 94 Weather Watch Hunt

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  "The McKinney Roughs Earth Day Festival is part of Austin Nature Days, a month-long campaign celebrating Central Texas beauty, vitality and diversity of natural resources. This Austin-wide event is a collaborative effort of natural resource organizations to offer unique opportunities for individuals and families to experience and enjoy open spaces and natural places." -earthday.org

For more information visit: www.lcra.org/mckinneyroughs
hiker image from here
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Saturday 4/3, 10am: Field Trip to Home Depot

This event has passed.

Attendance: 

Brigid
Emonee
Amri
Atalli

Try It Activities Completed:
pg. 102 Eco-Explorer #6

Additional Notes:

Girls called Mikayla and left her a "Happy Birthday" message. Girls received "Butterfly House" pins (if worn on uniform, must be on the back) and completion certificates.  The 51st street location was out of aprons. Later, I went to another location and picked up some aprons. FYI, the location I went to was out of English aprons, so ours are printed in Spanish.

Assignment for the week:
Girls, your Assignment for the week is posted in the column to the left.
Moms and Dads, check the "Parent Reminder" feature in the column to the left, or review Assignments for the Week, listed under the Investiture Ceremony post.
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Original Post:

Saturday April 3, 10am
We will meet at the Home Depot @ 51st/Airport in the Mueller Shopping Center.
Tag-a-Longs are welcome.

We will be building Butterfly Houses. (Eco-Explorer Try It activity #6, pg 105) Girls unable to attend can review the options for #6, or just check the Home Depot link below for the next wild animal home/feeder workshop.

In addition to the newly constructed project kit, each child receives a kid-sized orange apron, similar to The Home Depot associates' aprons, and an achievement pin.




Please contact Mandy (512)850-3044 if you want to sign up for this week's trip.

Current List:
Amri
Brigid









homedepot.com


Girls, your Assignment for the week is posted in the column to the left.
Moms and Dads,  check the "Parent Reminder" feature in the column to the left, or review Assignments for the Week, listed under the Investiture Ceremony post.



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Sunday March 28: Field Trip to Zilker Botanical Garden

Notes in Green were updated 3-31-10. The wrong Try It was noted before.
This event has passed.
Notes from today's field trip:

Attendance:

Amri
Atalli
Ariana
Mikayla
Emonee

Try It Activities Completed:

pg. 102 Eco-Explorer #1
pg. 121 Outdoor Adventurer #5

Additional Notes:

We stopped for breakfast at Whataburger. At the Festival, girls collected stamps on a paper fan from various stations throughout the Garden. Completed fans were redeemed for free potted plants. Caring for the plants (and eventually planting them) will count towards Activity#6 for their Earth is Our Home Try It, pg. 101 (not the Plants Try It.) We then left to attend Madison's birthday party.

Assignment for the week:

Any girls that identify what kind of birds we saw nesting under the highway where we parked will receive a surprise at our 4/5 meeting. Write down everything you remember about the birds and use whatever resources you have at your disposal. 

Any pictures to be shared in the Troop Photo Gallery can be e-mailed to mncarrasco516@hotmail.com

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Original post:

Sunday March 28: Zilker Garden Festival
The start time for this event has changed. New plan: Meet at Atalli's house at 10:30 am. We will leave from there, carpool/caravan style. (All parents not attending, but dropping off Scouts must fill out a Drop Off Permission Form.) From Atalli's we will head to Zilker Botanical Garden. When we leave, we will drive straight to Madison's birthday party (2pm.)
You can call Atalli's mom, Adriana at 512-947-9618, or Mandy at 512-850-3044.

Wear your Brownie vest and comfortable walking shoes. Bring money for food and souvenirs. Sunscreen is recommended.
Admission:
$5 per adult
$3 per child ages 3-12 (Girl Troop members will be paid for from Troop Funds.)

We will do Activities for the Plants Try It and  the Eco Explorer Try It, in addition- we'll try to do all of the provided activities:

• face painting or tattoos
• Build your own birdhouse or bird feeder
• Butterfly wings and masks, dinosaur masks, and flower fans - lots of different things to decorate
• Caps to paint
• Fun toys and souvenirs to buy
• free plant to take home and grow

We will all leave together and head to Madison's birthday party in Webberville.
For more information about the Zilker Garden Festival, see the link above.

***Saturday April 3 9am-noon, Home Depot (Mueller Shopping Center @ 51st Street) will be hosting a free Build a Butterfly House workshop. This activity can supplement the bird house building activity listed above as part of the Eco Explorer Try It. There's a chance we won't have time for the activity while at Zilker Botanical Garden. Interested parties should contact Mandy ASAP to get signed up.
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Field Trip: Engineering at UT Sat 2-20-10

Updated 4-8-10
This event has passed.

Notes from Day of Event:

Attendance:

Amri + Family
Ariana+ Family
Brigid + Family
Emonee + Family

Try It Activities Completed:

pg. 110 Movers Activity #2
pg. 126 Science in Action Activity #2

Additional Notes:

Event ran out of t-shirts. Chapstick was issued as a replacement.I have contacted the event director- the shirt printer shorted them 300 shirts. She has asked me to e-mail her March 8 about receiving shirts for our girls.
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Original Post:
Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day (Girl Day)
Girl Day takes place Saturday, February 20, 2010 from 2 to 5 p.m. The Girl Scouts of Central Texas will have Girl Day patches for sale at the event. Patches cost $3 each and will be available at the Girl Scout booth, while supplies last. The event itself is free. I have already registered our troop for this event. We can car pool or meet there.
Event location: UT's Engineering Complex

Schedule:

1:30 Student Check-in Opens
2:00 Activities and Demonstrations Open
3:30 Survey Collection / T-shirt Distribution Begins
5:00 Event Ends

What to wear:

Girls should wear their vests (if they have them.) Everyone should dress appropriately for the weather- layers are recommended. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring cash to purchase a participation patch.

Additional Information:

 I am fairly sure this a "come and go" event, but to be sure we don't miss anything, we will be arriving at 1:30. We can leave after we've done our share of activities and collected our tee-shirts.

All students are invited to take breaks throughout the day to explore open activities and the TAME Trailblazer Trailer.

Pre-registered (Amri, Emonee, Adajiah, Brigid, Diana, Ariana) students that get checked in will get an awesome Girl Day T-shirt upon completing an evaluation form. 

**PARKING**

We can follow each other there, or meet up at the event.
FREE parking (for cars and minivans) is available in the SPEEDWAY GARAGE located at Speedway and 27^th street (http://www.utexas.edu/parking/parking/garages/pg6.html). 

**CHECK-IN**

Student “Check-in” will be outside of ETC (http://www.utexas.edu/maps/main/buildings/etc.html). Group and individual check-in will be available. For group check-in, only ONE adult (parent/guardian/teacher/Girl Scout leader) is needed to check the whole group in. We cannot check-in until or whole group has arrived.

More info:
eGFI posting
UT Austin posting

By attending this event, you (and your child) agree to allow UT to use your likeness (photos/videos) for their own promotional use.

*Parents: Please leave a comment below to let me know if you and/or your daughter plan on attending this event. Families are welcome, although only registered girls may participate in the activities. 

Confirmation List:

Amri + Family

Ariana + Family  
Brigid + Family
Adajiah + Family
Emonee + Family 

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