On Your Own

Be Well Nutrition presents Smart Snacking

Open to girls, ages 11 – 17

Growing girls are hungry girls. With so many snacks available, it can be tricky to determine which snack is the healthiest and most satisfying. This 45-60 minute presentation teaches girls what to look for when choosing snacks and how to read a nutrition label. After a quick presentation, the girls practice what they’ve learned in an activity involving some tasty healthy treats! This program pairs well with another event focusing on fitness or nutrition. 

When: After school or on weekends
Where: Greater New Orleans area, although if there are 3+ groups of 20+ kids, she will travel to you within our council jurisdiction.
Capacity: Minimum 20/Maximum 50 participants
Deadline to Register: 4 weeks before the desired presentation date
Contact: Kelsey Chan-Chin; Community Outreach Intern for Be Well Nutrition; email: kchanchi@tulane.edu
Notes: Variety of healthy snacks will be provided!

Small Fry’s Cooking Cooking for Badges

Open to girls, grades 2 – 12 

Small Fry’s Cooking, LLC provides Cooking for Badges classes that can be scheduled by request at one of their partner facilities, your troop’s location, or public events. They can help you earn a badge or patch or just have a fun time learning and creating in the kitchen! Their classes follow the Healthy Hands Cooking curriculum and are all about fun, food, and facts! Every class begins with an entertaining, interactive nutritional game or activity and follows up with the hands-on creation of delicious healthy recipes. They offer a range of 1- and 2-hour snack, breakfast, lunch, and dinner classes as well as 3- and 4-day class series that can be customized to your troop’s needs. Let’s earn some badges together while being empowered with the skills to make healthy food choices and the knowledge to fight the epidemic of childhood obesity!! 

When: Classes will be scheduled upon request.
Where: Choices include a partner facility (Crossfit Zachary or Williamsburg Senior Retirement Center, BR), your troop’s location, or a public event.
Fee: $12 - $19/Girl Scout depending on length and content of class; includes all supplies and instruction; add-on options available
Capacity: Minimum 5/Maximum 10 Girl Scouts per session— multiple sessions may be scheduled.
Contact: Nita Martin at 225-369-9509 or smallfryscooking@gmail. com. A link to class/event request form is located at https://goo.gl/forms/pwK3yGj7hFXLkfP92; website www.healthyinstructor.com/nita.martin; on Facebook @smallfryscooking.

Culinary Kids

Open to girls, grades K – 12

Enjoy a custom cooking and kitchen science curriculum to fit your girls’ interests, such as a “hurricane party”—girls are given a pile of ingredients and have to cook it all up since the power is out! Participants learn about food safety and temperatures, being creative, and having fun! Other sessions can include cupcake decorating, cultural foods…anything you like!

When: Any time; please call and schedule date and time.
Where: Culinary Kids, 915 Marigny Ave., Mandeville, LA 70448
Capacity: Minimum 10/Maximum 35
Fee: $16 - $20 per person, includes food they have prepared.
Registration Instructions: Call 985-727-5553 or email request to info@culinarykidsns.com. Allow a minimum of two weeks’ notice to create your event
Note: With advance notice, food allergies can be accommodated.

Heart N Hands, Inc. – LOVE Your Heart Cooking Challenge

Open to girls, ages 10 – 17

Learn how to eat to live and what it takes to maintain a healthy heart! This heart-healthy cooking demonstration features a local, New Orleans chef or nutritionist who will offer girls a chance to experiment with a healthy recipe and learn from the best. Participants will learn how to prepare heart-healthy recipes by substituting salt/sodium and sugar for natural spices and also includes food label instruction. Each participant will receive cooking samples and heart-healthy recipe cards.

When: Call or email to schedule your one-hour interactive session.
Fee: $8 per person which includes instruction by a chef/nutritionist, cooking demonstration samples and heart-healthy recipe cards.
Capacity: Minimum 10/maximum 20 girls per workshop. The will come to you.
Registration Instructions: Contact Essence Banks at  essence@heartnhands.org for all group registrations to reserve your spot today. Visit www.heartnahnds.org for more details.

Heart N Hands, Inc. – LOVE Your Heart Fitness Challenge

Open to girls, ages 10 – 17

In this interactive, love your HEART fitness session, girls will learn how to exercise and work their hearts by participating in a heart-healthy fitness challenge/exercise instruction, which includes a variety of fitness techniques (i.e., yoga, Zumba, dance lessons, hula hoops, jump rope, and much more). Each participant will receive a special giveaway compliments of Heart N Hands.

When: Contact Heart N Hands directly to schedule your one-hour interactive fitness session
Fee: $10 per girl, which includes fitness instruction and special giveaway from Heart N Hands
Capacity: Minimum 10/Maximum 30 girls per workshop. They will travel to you.
Registration Instructions: Contact Essence Banks at essence@ heartnhands.org for all group registrations to reserve your spot today. Visit www.heartnhands.org for more details. PE/ Fitness attire required
Note: HEART healthy snacks can be provided by Heart N Hands at an additional fee.

Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses' Girl Scout Workshops

Hermann-Grima and Gallier Historic Houses are pleased to offer badge earning workshops to GIrl Scouts. Workshops are conducted on museum property (820 St. Louis Street) and include a brief tour of the Herman-Grima House.

Cooking Workshops

GIrl Scouts participate in an open-hearth cooking demonstration. A minimum of five GIrl Scouts must pay for the workshop to occur, regardless of how many actually attend. Cooking workshops are limited to 10 Girl Scouts and are $20/Scout. One free adult is admitted for every five GIrl Scouts. Any additional adults must pay regular museum entrance ($15). Participants must wear closed toed shoes. Open to ages 7 to 18.

To book a workshop, please email education@hgghh.org with Troop number, total number of participants, Girl Scout ages, and preferred dates. Workshops available on weekends and school breaks.

Greenway Explorers

Open to girls, K- 8 Explore with the Friends of Lafitte Greenway for an educational and fun excursion on the Lafitte Greenway. Greenway Explorers takes youth on fun, active, and educational excursions into nature in the heart of New Orleans on the Lafitte Greenway. Girl Scouts will use the Greenway as their classroom and a playground to inspire and empower them to become the next generation of environmental stewards. All lessons include play-based learning and team-building games. Topics include: Our Colorful World, Pollinators, the Recycling Brigade, and volunteer projects. For more information, visit www.lafittegreenway.org/explorers
When: Monday - Sunday. Call to set a date and time convenient to your troop.
Fee: $3 per girl
Capacity: Maximum 60 girls
Registration Instructions: Contact Nellie Catzen, program director, at nellie@lafittegreenway.org or 504-702-6778 to schedule your excursion.
Note : Participants should dress in comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities; closed toe shoes are recommended. Bring a water bottle, sunblock, bug repellent, etc. Activities are outdoors. 

Lacombe Heritage Center
The Nature of Learning

Open to girls, grades 4 – 12

Select any one of these three programs being offered by the Lacombe Heritage Center: The Nature of Learning, which is a hands-on environmental education initiative; Adopt-A-Spot 9/11 Living Memorial Cypress Tree Planting Project to plant bald cypress seedlings in select locations in St. Tammany Parish; and the Bartram Wilderness Adventure Resource Restoration Trail and Blueway, an eco-adventure tourism development project. These three initiatives are interconnected as they supply academic and field instruction in the Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, and other locations throughout St. Tammany Parish. Our programs combine learning with practical application.

When: Program are year round. Planting cypress seedlings can only be done in the fall, winter, and spring months. Their programs can be tailored to work within the troops’ availabilities.
Where: Lacombe Heritage Center, 29069 Clesi Ave., Lacombe, LA 70445
Fee: Fees may vary depending upon the program content, materials, and number of participants.
Capacity: Minimum 6/Maximum 30
Registration Instructions: Contact Nature of Learning Project Coordinator, Emma Villemarette at emma.villemarette@usm.edu or 985-377-5434; or Lacombe Heritage Center Coordinator, Tom Aicklen at aicklentom@gmail.com or 985-882-7218.
Registration Opens: Cypress Tree Planting registration is open from August through October 2018. No specific deadlines to register. Please call to receive appointment information. The more notice the better.
Note: Dress should be appropriate for outdoor activities in the wetland and forest environment, with sunscreen, insect repellent, and first aid. Parking will be available close to the site, but some walking may be required. They will endeavor to have food donated by local businesses, and participants will be notified if successful.

Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium

Open to girls, grades K – 12

Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) is a marine research and educational facility located in the DeFelice Marine Center in Cocodrie, Louisiana. This location, situated within the estuarine wetland complex of the Mississippi River delta plain between the Atchafalaya and Mississippi Rivers, provides ready access to the most productive estuaries in the United States. LUMCON offers a wide range of marine science-related educational activities for students of all ages. Field trip participants are offered an array of activities designed to allow students to explore and gain a deeper knowledge and appreciation of Louisiana’s coastal environments. Each activity could be arranged to meet some proficiency award requirements about the environment or water.  Troop leaders are encouraged to work with the educators in advance to plan the best possible experience for their Girl Scouts.

Where: Directions to LUMCON in Cocodrie are available here. Mailing address is 8124 Highway 56, Chauvin, LA 70344
Fee: Call for fees associated with activities.
Capacity: Minimum 10/Maximum 25 participants
Contact: Murt Conover at (985) 851-2860 for program information and availability. 
Notes: Not all activities are suited for every age group.

National Park Service Patch Programs

National Parks in Louisiana include Chalmette Battlefield Workshops, Barataria Preserve Workshops, Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center.
Open to girls, grades 2 – 8 

The National Park Service and Girl Scouts of the USA have partnered to create the Girl Scout Ranger Program. You can participate in the Girl Scout Ranger program through any Girl Scout activity at any national park—with your troop, at an event, or during a camping or travel experience. Girl Scouts can also work collaboratively with NPS employees and take part in educational programs, volunteer and service projects at any NPS site, such as participating in existing educational programs and service projects (Ranger-guided interpretive tours, Junior Ranger programs, Environmental education programs, Web Rangers).

Many national park sites have volunteer programs that can offer Girl Scouts an opportunity to assist in a variety of long-term or short-term service projects to improve and ensure the protection of park resources and facilities. Girl Scouts are encouraged to take part in any sustainable organized project, agreed upon by the NPS, as an appropriate service opportunity that protects and preserves park resources.

Girl Scouts and their leaders should contact the park Volunteer Coordinator to select and develop these projects and activities.  After spending five hours at a park participating in activities, you will get a certificate from the National Park Service. Spend 10 hours and you will be awarded a Girl Scout Ranger patch! The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Barataria Preserve have designed some great workshops and other opportunities to help our girls get started!  More information about the Girl Scout Ranger Program can be found at  http://www.nps.gov/subjects/youthprograms/girlscoutranger.htm

Barataria Preserve Workshops

Brownie Bugs Badge Workshop                        

When: see event calendar
Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. or 1 - 3 p.m.

Juniors Flowers Badge Workshop

When: See event calendar
Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. or 1 - 3 p.m.

Cadette Trees Badge Workshop

When: See event calendar
Time: 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. or 1 - 3 p.m.

Where: Barataria Preserve, Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, 6588 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, LA 70072
Fee: $3 per girl, fee covers registration and badges
Capacity: Two troops can sign up for each spot for a total of 40 girls for each time slot.
Registration Instructions: You may register online for any of these activities at www.gsle.org/ebiz or complete and return the GSLE Program Event Registration form and fees. Final confirmations will be emailed after registration is closed.
Registration Opens: Now Deadline: When maximum capacity is met or two weeks prior to each event.
Staff Support: Kevin Shipp at kshipp@gsle.org  or 504-733-8220, ext. 2243.
Notes: Badges will be provided at the completion of each workshop.  Girls should dress in comfortable clothes (Girl Scout shirts are encouraged). A confirmation will be sent out via email prior to the event. 

Jean Lafitte National Park

Open to girls, grades 4 – 12

Jean Lafitte National Park offers Citizen Science programs which provide opportunities for youth to get hands-on experience gathering data for national and local research projects going on at Barataria Preserve. Participants get to learn about the scientific method and gather data that is available to the public and used in national studies. Learn about the water cycle and do water quality testing or learn about seasonal plant cycles and observe and record data about local plants and climate change.

When: Call to schedule
Where: Barataria Preserve, 6588 Barataria Blvd., Marrero, LA 70072
Fee: Free
Capacity: Maximum 60
Registration Instructions: Contact Lea Schram von Haupt at 504-689-7611, ext. 14, or lea_schramvonhaupt@nps.gov to schedule a program.

Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve Wetlands at Acadian Cultural Center

Interested in fulfilling the requirements to earn your Brownie Bugs Badge or Cadettes Tree Badge? Come visit this historic national park!

Fee: Free. Badges are not included.
Capacity: Maximum 25 girls at each workshop.
Where: The Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center, 314 St. Mary Street, Thibodaux, LA 70301
Registration Instructions: Call the Wetlands Acadian Center at 985-448-1375 to set up a time convenient for your troop to participate in the badge workshops, which are dependent upon hours of operation and presenter availability.

New Orleans Botanical Garden
Painting

Open to girls, ages 6 – 9

Ready to paint?! Visit the Botanical Garden for a day of creativity, imagination, and fun as you complete the requirements for the Brownie Painting Badge. Girl Scouts will meet a local artist or view local work, paint a self-portrait or landscape, make their own puff paint, use garden materials to create their own paint brushes and add to a group mural! All requirements for the Brownie Painting Badge are met during this workshop.

When: Call or email to schedule.
Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. or 1 - 3 p.m.
Where: New Orleans Botanical Garden, 5 Victory Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
Fee: $15 per girl, $4 per adult (free to two troop leaders/adults)
Capacity: Minimum 10/Maximum 20
Registration Instructions: Advance registration required. Contact Lindsay Kirsch 504-483-9470 or nobgeducation@nocp.org for more information.
Note: Painting Badge is not included.

New Orleans Botanical Garden
Outdoor Art Creator

Open to girls, grades 2 – 3

Come explore and let your inner artist be inspired by the New Orleans Botanical Garden. During this workshop Girl Scouts will go on a nature walk, make a garden-inspired gift, dance or make music outdoors, take some photographs or create their own picture, and design something from nature. All requirements for the Brownie Outdoor Art Creator Badge are met during this workshop.

When: Call or email to schedule.
Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. or 1 - 3 p.m.
Where: New Orleans Botanical Garden, 5 Victory Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
Fee: $15 per girl, $4 per adult (free to two troop leaders/adults)
Capacity: Minimum 10/Maximum 20
Registration Instructions: Advance registration required. Contact Lindsay Kirsch 504-483-9470 or nobgeducation@nocp.org for more information.
Note: Outdoor Art Explorer Badge is not included.

Northlake Nature Center

Open to girls, grades 2 – 12

Located on 400 acres of ancient pines and hardwood forest, bounded on the west by Bayou Castine, crossed by a marsh and active beaver pond – teaming with native animal and plant life – the Northlake Nature Center is St. Tammany’s “Secret Garden” with endless possibilities for all girls! You can: adopt a trail to maintain throughout the year; adopt the wildflower garden to maintain throughout the year; adopt the front entrance garden to maintain throughout the year; adopt the herb garden to maintain throughout the year; plant potted tree seedlings throughout the community; plant tree seedlings in late January and early February; campaign to collect recyclable large round Weber grill lids for tree stones; make tree identification stones to mark the trails; assist with children’s nature art activity tents at “Wild Things” in mid October; assist with children’s nature art activity tents at “Three Rivers Art Festival” in mid November; prepare a campfire and host the marshmallow melt for the “Moonlight Hike and Marshmallow Melt” event(s)  in Fall and Spring on full moon evenings.

Where: Northlake Nature Center, 23135 Hwy. 190 East, Mandeville, LA 70448
Contact: Rue McNeill, Executive Director, Northlake Nature Center, at 985-626-1238 or info@northlakenaturec.org to coordinate desired dates and times.

Woodlands Conservancy
Guided Nature Hikes

Open to girls, grades K – 12

Explore the plants, animals, insects and other wildlife found in a forested wetland on a guided hike with Woodlands Conservancy naturalists. Learn how to conserve local forests and waterways while working towards nature and outdoor related badges. Hikes can be tailored to meet requirements for different scout levels or linked to tree planting, water quality testing, or trail-clean-up service projects.

They recommend their hikes for Girl Scout Brownies working towards Bugs, Hiker, and Outdoor Adventurer Badges, their Water Journey for Girl Scout Juniors working towards their Animal Habitats badge and for Girl Scout Cadettes working towards their Trees badge.

When: Hikes scheduled upon request; weekdays and weekends, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Woodlands Trail, 449 F. Edward Hebert Blvd., Belle Chasse, LA 70037
Fee: $10 per girl
Capacity: Minimum 8/Maximum 30
Registration Instructions: Email info@woodlandsconservancy. org or call 504-433-4000 for scheduling, information and questions. Please contact them at least three weeks in advance of your preferred trip date.
Note: Girls should wear closed-toe shoes and dress appropriately for outdoor seasonal conditions.

Woodland’s Conservancy
Owl Prowl Hikes

Open to girls, grades K – 12

Experience the forest after dark on a hike guided by Woodlands Conservancy naturalists. Join them to learn legends and facts about owls and other nocturnal wildlife, dissect owl pellets, and then venture into the forest to look and listen for nocturnal wildlife. Bring a Flashlight and a sense of adventure!

This program is open to Girl Scouts of all ages and may be especially relevant for Cadettes earning their Night Owl Badge.

When: Hikes scheduled upon request, weekdays after 5 p.m.
Where: Woodlands Trail, 449 F. Edward Hebert Blvd., Belle Chasse, LA 70037
Fee: $15 per girl
Capacity: Minimum 8/Maximum 25
Registration Instructions: Email info@woodlandsconservancy. org or call 504-433-4000 for scheduling, information and questions. Please contact them at least three weeks in advance of your preferred trip date.
Note: Girls should wear closed toe shoes, bring a flashlight, and dress appropriately for outdoor seasonal conditions.

Busy Bee Clinic

Open to girls, grades 2 - 10

The Busy Bee Clinic offers a variety of programs that help girls develop collaboration skills while learning new computer and digital photography proficiencies, and earning a Girl Scout badge! This girl-led and learning-by-doing curriculum supports various badge requirements.

When: Call to schedule.
Where: Busy Bee Clinic, 122 New Orleans Blvd., Houma, LA 70364
Fee: varies
Capacity: Minimum 6/Maximum 12
Registration Instructions: To schedule a workshop for your group, please call 985-873-0107. Please note the workshop capacity is 12 girls, and a group leader and second adult must be present at all times. Troops are welcome to bring refreshments, or they can make arrangements to provide refreshments.
Contact: Brenda Babin at beebabin@busybeeclinic.com or 985-873-0107.

Challenge Island

Challenge Island is a cross curricular S.T.E.A.M. program designed to engage students in the engineering process. We provide a creative space for children to use critical thinking and problem solving skills to complete S.T.E.A.M. based challenges. From Daisies to Cadettes, Challenge Island offers year round badge and journey workshops such as Think Like an Engineer, Triple Design, Making Games, Animal Habitats, Engineering Triple,  Entrepreneur badges and much more! 

When: At your convenience by reservation. 
Where: Challenge Island provides everything needed to complete Badges or Journeys and bring to your location
Fee: Varies based on workshop, please call for more details
Capacity: Minimum 15/Maximum 60
Reservation Instructions: Email: neworleans@challenge-island.com or by phone, 504-913-9451
Note: Girls should dress in comfortable clothes; Girl Scout uniforms encouragedGIST (Girls In STEM at Tulane)

GIST (Girls In STEM at Tulane) 
Open to girls, grades 5 – 7

Tulane’s GiST program provides fifth through seventh grade girls with the opportunity to meet and work with female undergraduate, graduate, faculty, and professional role models in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) fields. Workshops developed by faculty and student teams empower students to inquire, investigate, and discover in a positive environment. Their goal is to open the doors wide and welcome young girls to careers in STEM fields by encouraging creative thinking, promoting self-esteem, and increasing awareness of the opportunities in STEM that await them.

When: Saturday, November 3, 2018. Spring GiST event is Saturday, March 30, 2019.
Time: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fee: $10 per girl. Please do not mail checks or forms until contacted by email. There are NO REFUNDS. Lunch, snacks, and a t-shirt will be provided. Participants will visit three different labs where they will do workshops in STEM fields.
Registration Instructions: Find out more about this program and register online at http://gist. tulane.edu. Registration for the Fall GiST will open in August and the Spring GiST in January. Participants with complete applications including payment and forms will be accepted on a first come/first serve basis. Please see their Groups page if you want more details on how to bring a group of girls to GiST.
Contact: Additional information is at http://gist. tulane.edu. Please email gist@tulane.edu with any questions or to bring a group of girls to GiST.

Louisiana Arts & Science Museum - see Museums section

Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium

Open to girls, grades K – 12 

Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON) is a marine research and educational facility located in the DeFelice Marine Center in Cocodrie, Louisiana. This location, situated within the estuarine wetland complex of the Mississippi River delta plain between the Atchafalaya and Mississippi Rivers, provides ready access to the most productive estuaries in the United States. LUMCON offers a wide range of marine science-related educational activities for students of all ages. Field trip participants are offered an array of activities designed to allow students to explore and gain a deeper knowledge and appreciation of Louisiana’s coastal environments. Each activity could be arranged to meet some proficiency award requirements about the environment or water. Troop leaders are encouraged to work with the educators in advance to plan the best possible experience for their Girl Scouts.

Where: Directions to LUMCON in Cocodrie are available at www.lumcon.edu/information/directions/asp. Mailing address is 8124 Highway 56, Chauvin, LA 70344
Fee: Call for fees associated with activities.
Capacity: Minimum 10/Maximum 25 participants.
Contact: Murt Conover at 985-851-2860 for program information and availability.
Notes: Not all activities are suited for every age group.

Mad Science
STEM Workshops

Open to girls, grades K- 6

Mad Science is on a mission to spark the imagination of children everywhere with exciting, live, interactive programs that instill a clear understanding of what science is really about, and how it affects the world around us. Mad Science is proud to offer a large selection of STEM workshops. Choose one of their existing science themes or allow them to customize one to meet badge requirements. All programs are led by highly qualified instructors using unique equipment and are performed at the location of your choice! Additionally, workshops include: exciting demonstrations that introduce scientific phenomena; concept illustrations through physical expression that engage students with the material through body movement; hands-on activities that encourage students to become the scientists; take-home tool of science exploration reinforcing the lesson and continuing experimentation at home.

When: One-hour workshops are scheduled at your convenience. Call to schedule.
Where: They bring their science lab to your meeting location.
Capacity: Maximum 25
Fee: $190 for workshop, which includes all materials and instructions
Registration Instructions: Call 504-345-2602 or email info@madsciencesela.com to register. For more information, please visit us at www.madscience.org/sela

Microsoft Workshop
Computer Expert Badge

Open to girls, ages 8 -14

In this two-hour workshop, girls will work through a variety of the exciting activities necessary to obtain a Computer Expert Badge*. Participants will get hands-on experience with the latest apps and devices from Microsoft to discover the versatility of computers, learn Internet safety and lots more! From using Bing to conduct research and plan an adventure, to creating a photo presentation for their friends, Girl Scouts will feel empowered to use their new skills with their troop and in the classroom.

When: By reservation. Email to set up a time.
Where: Microsoft Store at Lakeside Shopping Center, Dillard’s wing, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, LA 70002
Fee: Free
Capacity: Maximum of 15 girls per session
Registration Instructions: Email requests and questions to mrs0068cds@microsoft.com
Note: A confirmation will be sent out via email prior to the event.

Microsoft Workshop - Girl Scouts Field Trip: Photography for Girl Scouts

Open to girls, ages 10 – 12

Snapping and sharing a photo has never been easier. Girl Scouts can use photographs to capture family memories, good times with friends, and selfies. Photography also allows Girl Scouts a chance to be creative and express their imagination using photographic elements such as lighting, composition, depth, color, and content. Going far beyond taking the ubiquitous selfie, in this workshop, Girl Scouts will learn to take expressive photographs, edit them, and present them as objects of art using a variety of Microsoft products and devices

At the end of this 90-minute workshop, participants will: work through a variety of activities necessary to obtain a Digital Photographer Badge; learn about the history of photography and the development of cameras; understand composition and make amazing photo edits using a SurfacePro and Windows 10; play new games on Xbox360 and have a blast trying new activities on the latest available apps and Microsoft devices.

When: By reservation. Email to set up a time.
Where: Microsoft Store at Lakeside Shopping Center, Dillard’s wing, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, LA 70002
Fee: Free
Capacity: Maximum of 15 girls per session
Registration Instructions: Email requests and questions to mrs0068cds@microsoft.com
Note: A confirmation will be sent out via email prior to the event.

Microsoft Workshop - Girl Scout Field Trip: Salesmanship and Public Speaking

Open to girls, ages 12 – 14

Give your Girl Scouts the power to write and the confidence to address a crowd in public. Public speaking is rarely a favorite, easy, or fun task, but it can be! With the skills and tips offered in our 2-hour workshop, you will work through a variety of age-appropriate activities necessary to obtain a Cadette Public Speaker Badge.

A confident speaker has the skills to connect with an audience, to persuade them or to share an experience. Those who can be themselves while speaking self-assuredly to one person—or a crowd—will benefit from this important life skill.

Participants will conduct an interview of a salesperson, use their favorite Microsoft products to search for a presentation topic and create a unique PowerPoint presentation as a visual aid. With a Dance off Challenge on Xbox for good measure, Girl Scouts will be much more comfortable sharing their reasoned thoughts with a crowd.

When: By reservation. Email to set up a time. pen to girls, ages 12 – 14
Where: Microsoft Store at Lakeside Shopping Center, Dillard’s wing, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, LA 70002
Fee: Free
Capacity: Maximum of 15 girls per session
Registration Instructions: Email requests and questions to mrs0068cds@microsoft.com
Note: A confirmation will be sent out via email prior to the event.

Microsoft Workshop - Make Your Own Story with PowerPoint and Word

In this free, hands-on, two-hour camp, girls will learn how to create and tell a story using Microsoft PowerPoint and Word. They will explore using drawing tools, selecting and sizing images and icons, creating backgrounds and changing fonts. Activities will focus on learning through hands on guided experiences and collaborative learning in small groups. At the end of the camp, participants will: be familiar with key tools in PowerPoint and Word; feel confident using a Surface Device and Pen; create an original story with text and images in a small group.

When: By reservation. Email to set up a time.
Where: Microsoft Store at Lakeside Shopping Center, Dillard’s wing, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, LA 70002
Fee: Free
Capacity: Maximum of 15 girls per session
Registration Instructions: Email requests and questions to mrs0068cds@microsoft.com
Note: A confirmation will be sent out via email prior to the event.

Microsoft Workshop - YouthSpark Camp: Code and Create with Collage Me

Open to girls, ages 8 – 12+

Learn how to code in this hands-on programming camp. During the free, two-hour camp, girls will work in a real software development environment, gaining experience with Touch Develop. Participants will use their creativity and imagination to develop a unique personal collage that can be shared with family and friends.

At the end of this camp, participants will: have increased confidence in their technical and coding skills; improve their computational and creative thinking; read and understand code in the Touch Develop environment; create and publish a coded script containing a personal collage. It is recommended that each girl bring her own set of headphones for an optimal experience.

When: By reservation. Email to set up a time.
Where: Microsoft Store at Lakeside Shopping Center, Dillard’s wing, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, LA 70002
Fee: Free
Capacity: Maximum of 15 girls per session
Registration Instructions: Email requests and questions to mrs0068cds@microsoft.com
Note: A confirmation will be sent out via email prior to the event.

Microsoft Workshop - Minecraft Hour of Code

Open to girls, ages 8+

Girls can save the day and program Minecraft mobs how to behave in our free, 90-minute Minecraft Hour of Code. Participants will learn coding concepts such as randomness, entities, loops and events. No previous coding experience is required. Participants will also learn: how computers perform instructions in a sequence; how to create a list of instructions to complete a task; and how to iterate on solutions to complete a task.

When: By reservation. Email to set up a time.
Where: Microsoft Store at Lakeside Shopping Center, Dillard’s wing, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, LA 70002
Fee: Free
Capacity: Maximum of 15 girls per session
Registration Instructions: Email requests and questions to mrs0068cds@microsoft.com
Note: A confirmation will be sent out via email prior to the event.

Microsoft Workshop- YouthSpark Camp: Create Digital Art with Fresh Paint

Open to girls, ages 8 – 12

In this free, hands-on, two-hour camp, girls will learn to create and share their own digital art with the Fresh Paint app for Windows 10. They’ll explore the basics of Fresh Paint, using lifelike oil and watercolors, pastels, and more to craft their own creations. They’ll also get a sneak peek of advanced digital art skills like mixing paint and layering media.

At the end of the camp, participants will: be familiar with the creative possibilities of digital drawing and painting; have experience with the Fresh Paint layout and tools; create original artwork and share it with peers; learn how to share their art with the swipe of a finger

When: By reservation. Email to set up a time.
Where: Microsoft Store at Lakeside Shopping Center, Dillard’s wing, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, LA 70002
Fee: Free
Capacity: Maximum of 15 girls per session
Registration Instructions: Email requests and questions to mrs0068cds@microsoft.com
Note: A confirmation will be sent out via email prior to the event. 

NOLA_CODE
Computer Science Workshops

Open to girls, grades K – 8

NOLA_CODE provides age-appropriate instruction in computer science, circuitry, and robotics. Participants leave the program with a concrete understanding of how they can explore their unique interests through computer science.

When: Call to set a date and time convenient to your troop.
Where: TBD (in the New Orleans Central Business District)
Fee: $15 per girl (includes NOLA_CODE T-Shirt, swag, and snack)
Capacity: Minimum 7/Maximum 15
Registration Instructions: Email Élan Jones at info@nolacode. org
Staff Support: Kevin Shipp at kshipp@gsle.org or 504-733-8220, ext. 2243.
Note: Girls should dress in comfortable clothes; Girl Scout uniforms encouraged.

NOLA_CODE
Mother/Daughter, Father/Daughter Pair-Programming Workshops

Open to girls, grades K – 8, and their guardian

Join NOLA_CODE on Mother’s Day/Father’s Day 2018 and spend two hours with your Girl Scout learning to code like they do in the real-world offices of the top tech firms. Pair programming is when two programmers use one computer to write a program together. Participants will learn basic programming language and techniques and leave with resources to continue instruction at home.

When: Mother’s Day, May 13, 2018; Father’s Day, June 17, 2018
Where: TBD (in the New Orleans Central Business District)
Time: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Fee: $35 per pair (includes t-shirt, swag, and snack) per event
Capacity: 6 pairs (12 total)
Registration Instructions: Email Élan Jones at info@nolacode.org
Staff Support: Kevin Shipp at kshipp@gsle.org or 504-733-8220, ext. 2243.
Notes: Girls should dress in comfortable clothes; Girl Scout uniforms encouraged.

THINKERELLA STEAM Workshops

Open to girls, ages 5 - 13

Thinkerella is an interactive educational STEAM company that inspires the next generation of makers, doers, builders, shapers, and inventors. All experiments are safe and non-toxic and curricula is written by certified teachers. 

Where: Either your location or at Thinkerella, 260 Hickory Avenue Suite D Harahan, LA 70123
Fee: $12 a girl, includes a lab coat for each one to keep ($25 travel fee if 20 miles from Thinkerella) 
Capacity: Unlimited at your location, 20 at Thinkerella.
Registration Instructions: Call 504-232-1394 or email mythinkerella@gmail.com to reserve your date/time. 
Contact: Cherie Melancon Franz at cherie@mythinkerella.com or 504-232-1394

The Dance Project Alliance, Inc.

The Dance Project Alliance, Inc. is a non-profit organization housed by The
Dance Project. Its mission is to provide arts education to students, ages 3-18, in dance and theatre through tuition-free classes offered by local and visiting artists, to share quality national artists' performances with residents of St. Tammany Parish, and to further arts appreciation in the community. They hold a color run in the fall as a fundraiser.

Where: The Dance Project, 1042 B Front Street, Slidell, LA 70458
Contact: Tara Brewer, president, at 985-445-9414 or  danceprojectslidell@gmail.com

Ivanov’s Gymnastics Academy Friday Night Fun Night, Parents Night Out!

Open to girls, ages 5 – 14

Come play and do gymnastics in their wonderful new facility! There will be supervised gymnastics activities on the Bars, Beam, Vault, Floor, and Tumble-Trak, as well as games, music, and fun in the 12,000-square-foot facility. Ivanov’s provides a pizza dinner with non-caffeinated soda. No experience necessary, just bring your smile and the desire to have a great time!

When: Fridays, September 28, October 19, November 2, and December 14, 2018
Where: Ivanov’s Gymnastics Academy, 800 Webb St., Jefferson, LA 70121 (inside the Big Easy Sportsplex). Webb St. runs behind the McDonald’s, Chick-Fil-A, and Ochsner’s Elmwood Medical Center in Elmwood. Follow Webb St. past all three of these all the way to the dead end.
Fee: $12 per girl when registered with their troop. Fee includes pizza dinner.
Capacity: Minimum 40/Maximum 60. If less than 40 children registered at the four-week deadline, troops will be contacted to reschedule.
Registration Instructions: Advanced Registration is REQUIRED at least four weeks prior to the scheduled event. Any late registrations will be required to pay a $17 per girl fee. Please complete the GSLE Program Event Registration Form, including roster, and either mail it or bring it to the gym with your troop’s payment. They accept payment either in cash or via check, one total amount for the whole troop. Once registration has been submitted, there will be no refunds or substitutions allowed.

Kidding Around Yoga

Open to girls, ages 5 – 12
Join Kidding Around Yoga (KAY) for an introduction to the Science of Yoga! Girl Scout troops can earn a Yoga Fun Patch! Kidding Around Yoga provides a curriculum that is specifically designed to help children be active, learn to relax, improve focus, work together, and have FUN in a non-competitive environment. Classes can be customized for your troop, which will include a Yoga story, original music, meditation techniques, games, activities, and much more! 

Fee: $10 per Girl Scout or $12 per Girl Scout, which includes the fun patch.
Capacity: Minimum group of seven.
Registration Instructions: To reserve your date or for more information, call 504-909-8881 or email bellab@kiddingaroundyoga.com
Note: Learn more at www.kiddingaroundyoga.com/bella

LSU Athletic Patch

Throughout the LSU Athletic season, Girl Scouts have the chance to earn the official LSU Athletics patch! Girl Scouts will have the opportunity to meet student-athletes, coaches, and learn the sports by participating in special events.

The patch will be awarded to each girl that attends three out of five designated LSU Girl Scout events over the 2018-19 LSU Athletic season at select sporting events. To receive credit torward the patch, all Girl Scouts must sign-in with the marketing department on the day of the event.

Special classification borders are available to those girls who have already earned the patch!

Please visit www.LSUsports.net/girlscouts for most up to date information regarding registration instructions and event details for LSU Soccer, Volleyball, Women’s Basketball, Gymnastics, Softball and more! For any other questions please contact promotions@lsu.edu.

Jazzercise - Metairie Center
Junior Jazzercise Dance Party
Open to girls, grades K - 12 

Junior Jazzercise is a perfect program to get girls active and learn the importance of healthy living. The program combines fun, easy-to-follow dance moves to popular music, fitness games, and strength training as well as discussions on nutrition and staying fit. Girls will receive a Junior Jazzercise fun patch for participating. Activities overlap Girl Scout badge activities. Refer to corresponding age level Girl Guide for related badges.

When: Call to schedule 1-2 hour sessions. Minimum two weeks’ notice for registration.
Where: Metairie Center Jazzercise, 3939 Veteran’s Memorial Blvd., Metairie, LA  70002
Fee: $10 per person, includes patch
Capacity: Minimum 10/Maximum 40
Registration Instructions: Contact Jamie Ashby at  metairiejazzercise@hotmail.com or call 504-252-0223.
Notes: Dress comfortably in T-shirt, shorts, etc. Tennis shoes are required. Snacks are allowed. Parking in rear of building.

Premier Lanes Entertainment Center

Open to girls, grades K – 12 Premier Lanes are the newest, unique activity center for all ages located in Gonzales, LA. They offer upscale bowling in a family center with security, VIP area for special parties, company events, birthdays, Girl Scouts and sport team events, plus a 65- game arcade with latest in bumper cars and the only laser maze in the state. Amenities include an exciting restaurant and bar and recently added Malco 11 Screens Movie Theatre. Premier Lanes offers bowling and arcade packages for Girl Scouts, qualifying them for the Bowling fun patch offered in the council shop.

When: Weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or weekends before 2 p.m.
Where: Premier Lanes Entertainment Center, 1414 N. Airline Highway, Gonzales, LA 70737
Fee: The Girl Scout bowling package starts at $6.50 per person, and may increase based on activities/food selection.
Capacity: Minimum 10/Maximum 125
Registration Instructions: Contact the Premier Lanes sales and event office from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily at 225-621-2695. Their website is www.premierelanes.net.

R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl
Girl Scouts for Football

Open to girls, grades K – 12

The R+L Carriers New Orleans Bowl is inviting all Girl Scouts to come out on the field to watch pre-game warm-ups and address the American Flag during the National Anthem! The bowl game features the champion of the Sun Belt Conference against a representative from Conference USA. During the game participating troops will be recognized on the stadium and message board system.

When: Saturday, December 15, 2018
Time: 8 p.m.
Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Sugar Bowl Dr., New Orleans, LA 70112
Fee: All Girl Scouts and three leaders get in for free! Parents, family, and friend tickets are only $12.65 (price includes all taxes and fees).
Registration Instructions: Register online at www.Fevo.me/girlscoutsnola. Tickets along with detailed game day information will be mailed to the troop leader during the second week in December. For any additional questions please contact Craig Forshag at CForshag@gnosf.org or 504- 525-5678.
Contact: Craig Forshag at Craig@NewOrleansBowl.org for more information. Please send him your email address to be added to the email list.
Staff Support: Kevin Shipp at kshipp@gsle.org or 504-733-8220, ext. 2243.

Unlimited Skills Basketball Skills Training and Mentoring

Open to girls, ages 8 – 18

Unlimited Skills Basketball Skill Training and Mentoring (USBTM) is a program that maximizes kids potential by using basketball, fitness, and mentoring to help youth succeed and achieve their goals and aspirations. USBTM teaches youth to understand the fundamentals of basketball and fitness, create training plans, become familiar with basketball rules and fitness terms, increase their individual basketball skills and fitness levels and practice holistic wellness, sportsmanship, and teamwork.

What they offer: basketball skill training clinics for all levels beginner to collegiate, Fitness bootcamps, health/wellness clinics and self defense. Their mentoring program offers: conflict resolution, dealing with peer pressure, self awareness, anti-bullying, self esteem and goal setting. (Services can be customized for the specific needs of your troop).

When: Sessions will be scheduled upon request.
Where: Their facilities include Tulane University Reily Center and Premier Fitness.
Fee: $10 - $15 per Girl Scout depending on the length and duration the session. The average session is roughly 60 - 90 minutes.
Capacity: Minimum 5/Maximum 20 Girl Scouts per session - multiple sessions may be scheduled.
Contact: Patrick Carter at 504-303-9136 or unlimitedskillsglobal@gmail.com. You can also make contact by visiting www.unlimitedskills.net

JoAnn Fabric and Craft Machine Sewing Classes

Open to girls, grades 2 – 12

Learn to operate a sewing machine and create your own custom project such as pillowcases, lunch totes, pajama pants, and hat scarves. In this class students will learn the basic operations of a sewing machine, how to thread the machine and fill a bobbin. Students will also learn about different types of fabric and what each fabric is used for along with how to properly cut and piece fabric together to create a finished product to take home. There is no need to bring your own sewing machine or tools. All supplies are included.

When: Group projects are scheduled at your convenience. Sessions are 2 - 4 hours in length.
Where: JoAnn Fabric and Craft, 7000 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Ste A, Metairie, LA 70003
Fee: Dependent on project choice
Capacity: Minimum 6/Maximum 6
Contact: Tashia Brown, Education Coordinator at 504-456-2083.

JoAnn Fabric and Craft Hand Sewing and Quilting

Open to girls, grades 2 – 12

Forget the modern sewing machine and electricity! Learn how and sew or quilt. Students learn how to follow a basic pattern or quilting pattern. All students take home their finished project!

When: Group projects are scheduled at your convenience. Sessions are two hours in length.
Where: JoAnn Fabric and Craft, 7000 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Ste A, Metairie, LA 70003
Fee: Dependent on number of attendees.
Capacity: Minimum 10/Maximum 20
Contact: Tashia Brown, Education Coordinator at 504-456-2083.

JoAnn Fabric and Craft Piping Class

Open to girls, grades K – 12

Students work with a pastry chef to decorate cookies or cupcakes using, buttercream, royal icing or fondant. In this exciting class students will be challenged to learn proper decorating techniques using piping bags, tips and other tools specific to the decorating medium. Projects can be customized based on age/skill level of the troop along with holidays or the current season. Each student will take home decorated treats along with basic decorating tools to show off their skills later!

When: Group projects are scheduled at your convenience. Sessions are two hours in length.
Where: JoAnn Fabric and Craft, 7000 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Ste A, Metairie, LA 70003
Fee: Dependent on the number of attendees.
Capacity: Minimum 10/Maximum 20
Contact: Tashia Brown, Education Coordinator at 504-456-2083.