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On-Your-Own

On Your Own

On Your Own (Community Resources for Girl Scout Troops, Families, and Individually Registered Girl Scouts).

There are many community organizations, businesses, non-profits, that offer programs to Girl Scout troops and individuals accompanied by a parent/guardian at discounted rates, with program tailored to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.  Below are organizations, many of them sponsors of the council’s Program Power guide, who have submitted information to the council.

Faith-flyer

Girl Scouts Celebrate Faith during Girl Scouts Week – March 7 - 13, 2021!
Faith is at the heart of Girl Scouting. As part of the Girl Scout Promise, Girl Scouts pledge to “serve God”* and to “help people at all times.”

At the heart of Girl Scouting are many of the same values most faiths hold:
⚬ Supporting girls
⚬ Making our community a better place
⚬ Building compassionate leaders

As Girl Scouts, girls learn to take the reins in their lives and communities, growing their confidence through hands-on activities and service to others. Encourage the Girl Scouts in your house of worship to play an active role in Girl Scouts Celebrate Faith observances and services!

Click here for dates starting Sunday, March 7, 2021. 

View Sample Service ideas.

View the Girl Scouts religious awards: girlscouts.org/religiousawards

Animal Shelters
Louisiana SPCA

Open to girls, grades 3 – 12

Be an Animal Guardian and earn your Louisiana SPCA Animal Guardian Badge! Your troop can visit Louisiana SPCA to learn how animal shelters work in the community and how you can help save animals' lives. During this workshop (3rd  grade and up), your troop will learn about animal welfare, tour our New Orleans campus and complete an activity to earn your Animal Guardian badge, only available at the Louisiana SPCA! If your troop is interested in making a donation, a wish list of other needed items can be found on its website at  Louisianaspca.org/ways-to-give/ . We are always in need of blankets, comforters, newspapers, sturdy dog toys and yummy soft treats!

When: Animal Guardian presentations are available Monday-Saturday from 9:00am to 5:00pm. After school tours are welcome! Presentation and tour will last approximately up to two hours. 
Where : Louisiana SPCA Shelter, 1700 Mardi Gras Blvd., New Orleans, LA
Fee: $20 per scout with a minimum of 5 Scouts and a maximum of 10 Scouts.
Capacity and Requirements: Maximum 10 Scouts per tour/presentation with a maximum of 3 chaperons. The health and wellbeing of all is important to us and Covid precautions are in place. We require all visitors to complete a wellness survey before coming on campus, have a temp test, maintain physical distance of 6 feet and wear masks at all times while on campus.
Registration Instructions : Contact the Louisiana SPCA Humane Education department at 504-368-5191, ext. 208 or  Education@laspca.org  to arrange tour times and presentations.

Art, Jewelry Making, etc.
Gem, Mineral, Fossil, and Jewelry Show

Open to girls, Grades K – 12, and their families

Dinosaur bones, fossils, minerals, beads and precious gems, Oh My! This 48th annual show offers the “rock hound” and bead and jewelry enthusiast the opportunity to see an array of vendors displaying unique specimens of fossils, minerals, quartz crystals, opals, precious gemstones, beads, and dinosaur bones. The children’s section includes grab bags, geode cracking, cabochon cutting, dry pan mining, and much more. See them on Facebook – Gem and Mineral Society of Louisiana

When: Check back for updates for the 2021 event date

Time: TBA
Where: TBA
Fee: TBA
Contact: Levette Carlos at 504-214-3205 or gemshow2018@gmail.com

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. 

JEWELRY WORKSHOPS

Girl Scouts craft 19th century jewelry. A minimum of five Girl Scouts must pay for the workshop to occur, regardless of how many actually attend. Jewelry workshops are limited to 10 Girl Scouts and are $15/Girl 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. 

Louisiana Pottery – Hand-building Pottery Class

Open to girls, grades K - 12

Girl Scouts will learn basic and primitive sculpting techniques for making utilitarian vessels from clay. Girl Scouts can earn a badge with the pottery techniques learned. Three pieces of pottery will be made, glazed and fired in a kiln.

When: Call to schedule a date and time.
Where: Louisiana Pottery, 6470 Hwy. 22, Sorrento, LA 70778 (located in the Historic Cajun Village, off I-10, exit #182)
Fee: $30 per Girl Scout, $35 for non-Girl Scouts.
Capacity: Minimum 6 per class. The classroom can comfortably fit 15 students. For larger groups, classes can be staggered. While one group is in class, the other group can tour the Cajun Village and see their live alligators. There is also a coffee house where café au lait and beignets are available.
Contact: Call Judy Starrett at Louisiana Pottery at (225) 675-5572 to schedule an event.

Meme’s Beads & Things

Open to girls, grades K – 12

Girls are introduced to the world of gemstones and pearls. They will make a piece of jewelry and earn a certificate towards their jewelry badge. Play Bead Bingo with prizes.

When: By appointment only.
Where: Meme’s Beads & Things, 106 Gause Blvd. West, Ste. A5, Slidell, LA
Fee: $10 per person
Capacity: Minimum 16/Maximum 20 participants
Registration Instructions: Contact Michelle Roy or Shirley Hudson at
985-643-5700 for reservations, one week in advance.
Notes: Cupcakes and drinks can be provided at an additional fee.

New Orleans Botanical Garden
Painting Workshop

Open to girls, grades 2 – 3

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 paintbrushes 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.

Outdoor Art Explorer Workshop

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.

Outdoor Art Explorer Workshop

Open to girls, grades 4 – 5

Come visit the New Orleans Botanical Garden to create and explore! Have fun with friends while you make a garden-inspired painting, play and experiment with salt dough, find music in nature, complete a photography assignment, and explore outdoor art design. All requirements for the Junior Outdoor Art Explorer 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.

 

Summer (Re)fashion camp at ricRACK

Open to girls, ages 8-10

Learn all aspects of sewing, whether by hand or with a sewing machine. Lessons include: textile recycling, re-use, and upcycling items. Perfect camp for the 8-12 yo creative crafter and sewer.

We keep our camp size small, 4-6 campers, to accommodate the individual campers skills and progress. We do individual and group projects, as well as a fun game or activity.

These are great skills to learn and will provide a great foundation for many Girl Scout badges!

When: Weekly, starting June 6th-Aug 8th, from 9-3pm.
Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. or 1-3 p.m.
Where: 927 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Central City
Fee: 
Capacity: 4-6 campers per session
Registration Instructions: Call 504 218 5205 or email ricracknola@gmail.com

Faith
Archdiocese of New Orleans Catholic Committee on Girl Scouting

The Catholic Committee for Girl Organizations for the Archdiocese of New Orleans is under the direction of the CYO/Youth & Young Adult Ministry office and oversees the Catholic religious recognition program supplied by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. Awards are available for girls in all program levels.

Adult counselor guidance is needed to complete a book of written and activity requirements. This is best done with a group, but girls may work individually. Cost per girl is $20 - book, medal, patch and awards ceremony with the bishop.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, March 25, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Transfiguration of the Lord Catholic Church, located at 5621 Elysian Fields Ave. in New Orleans. 

If you are interested in the program and/or have questions, please contact committee chair Gloria St.Pierre at gloriastpierre@gmail.com

Baton Rouge Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting

The Baton Rouge Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting (www.info.ccosbr.net) is a committee affiliated with the Diocese of Baton Rouge serving both Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Dedicated to promoting service to God at each level of Girl Scouting, it is affiliated with the National Catholic Committee on Girl Scouts and Camp Fire (www.nccgscf.org) and the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (www.nfcym.org). There are six different awards a Catholic Girl Scout can earn throughout her years in Girl Scouts.

Each year the Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting holds several events to promote Catholic Scouting. Dates may change so please call to verify dates.

The Baton Rouge Diocesan Catholic Committee on Scouting will present religious awards following the 10:30am mass at St. Joseph Cathedral, 401 Main Street, Postal: 412 North Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 on August 21, 2022.

For more information please contact committee secretary Barbara Sicard at 225-769-7781 or bsicard5@gmail.com or visit their website at www.ccosbr.net
 

P.R.A.Y.  

https://www.praypub.org/

Open to girls, grades K – 12

Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (P.R.A.Y.) is a non-profit organization aimed at fostering the Christian growth of children, youth, and families through churches and youth serving agencies. Its national board of directors includes representatives from Protestant and Independent Christian Churches and the national youth agencies.

Girl Scouts encourages girls to grow in their religious beliefs by earning Religious Recognitions offered by their faith communities and by earning the My Promise, My Faith pin, which helps a girl deepen the connection between the Girl Scout Law and her faith.

While GSUSA is a secular organization, Girl Scouts has always encouraged girls to take spiritual journeys via their faiths’ religious recognitions. Girl Scouts recognizes that religious instruction must come from the family and faith community.

“The motivating force in Girl Scouting is spiritual.” GSUSA Constitution

The P.R.A.Y. Award is the linchpin connecting scouting and churches to benefit young people. The result is stronger youth, stronger families, stronger congregations, and stronger councils.

Healthy Living, Cooking & Nutrition
Small Fry’s Cooking, Cooking for Badges Program

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: (Currently not providing classes until 2021) 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.

Culinary-Kids-Program-Descriptions
Website: www.culinarykidsns.com
FaceBook: @CulinaryKidsNS

See Girl Scouts participating in the Culinary Kids Cupcake Wars!

 

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.

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.

Museums, Zoos, and other Attractions
Audubon Zoo: Badge Clinics

Open to girls, grades K – 12

Have a wild time exploring the Zoo, meeting animals up-close, and working on your Girl Scout requirements. Girl Scouts can work toward Petals or Badges. Come with a parent or bring your entire troop. Designed specifically for Girl Scouts, these workshops are sure to be an adventure! Badges not provided by Audubon Zoo.

Guardians of the Rainforest – Girl Scouts will have fun learning about rainforests and what they can do to help save the endangered animals that live there.

Wetlands Warriors – Girl Scouts will learn the importance of the wetlands and all that the wetlands provide for us. Troops will learn how to take action to save the wetlands and teach others their importance.

Where: Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA
Fees: $25 per Girl Scout for non-Audubon members and $22 for members. Badge Clinic includes two-hour program and special patch. 
Registration Instructions:
 Contact the Scout Programs Coordinator at 504-212-5357 or Campsandscoutprograms@auduboninstitute.org or visit its website at www.auduboninstitute.org/education/programs/scout-programs for more information.

Audubon Zoo: Camp Out

Open to girls, grades 2 – 12

The Girl Scout Overnight program was designed especially with Girl Scout advancement in mind. Individual Girl Scout units are invited to camp overnight while learning about animals. All Girl Scout leaders, parents, Girl Scouts, and siblings are invited to join in the fun with our Girl Scout Overnight program. The activities include animal encounters, exploring biofacts, snack and a night hike, a hot breakfast and a morning hike through the zoo.

When: Designated Friday or Saturday nights available in the Fall or Spring
Where: Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA
Fee: $40 per person includes security, an evening snack, and breakfast the following morning.
Capacity: Minimum 30/Maximum 70
Contact: Audubon Zoo at 504-861-5103 or bwalken@AudubonInstitute.org to request a reservation form which must be submitted with a $350 deposit in order to book your overnight.  This program operates on a first come, first served basis. A coordinator will contact you to assist with date availability. Visit its website at www.auduboninstitute.org/education/programs/scout-programs for more information.

Common Ground Relief Wetlands Restoration

Open to girls, grades K – 12

Common Ground Relief owns and operates a tree farm in the Lower Ninth Ward and conducts plantings of trees and marsh grasses for various state and federal agencies. Younger students can assist in seed propagation and butterfly garden care and older students can assist in potting saplings and nursery maintenance projects as half day service events.

Older Girl Scouts can assist them with full day projects that involve planting native marsh grasses and bottomland hardwood trees around the Lake Pontchartrain Basin and along the Gulf Coast. Many projects involve boating and canoeing. All Girl Scouts receive an orientation about coastal land loss geared to their specific age group. Visit their wetlands page at www.commongroundrelief.org to preview videos.

When: Planting projects occur from mid-October through July. Contact them to schedule.
Time: Half or full day, Monday through Saturday
Where: 1800 Deslonde Street, New Orleans, LA
Fee: Contact them for details about planting projects
Capacity: 20
Registration Instructions: Email wetlands@commongroundrelief.org
 

Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation
Save Our Lake, Save Our Coast

Scouting groups are a vital part of our community! We are happy to do our part by facilitating educational opportunities for these amazing youth! Sign your troop up. They earn a badge for exploring the issues facing the Pontchartrain Basin. Please review our programming guide for details on how to request a reservation for one of our inquiry-based programs and our program descriptions for more information on our programs.

Longue Vue House and Gardens
Collage Artist Workshop

Open to girls, grades 6 – 12
Come explore inspiration, creativity and identity through collage! Girl Scout Seniors will learn multiple collage techniques while experimenting with color, composition, and message. Each girl will leave with three artworks that are uniquely hers. Senior Collage Artist  Badge requirements are met in this workshop. 

Gardener Exploration Workshop

Open to girls, grades 4 – 5
Get ready to grow! Visit Longue Vue for a day of friendship and learning as girls explore the basics of garden design and what it takes to plan and plant a garden. Girl Scouts will learn about hardiness zones, soil, plant selection, seed germination, and will take home a seed growing experiment. Come explore the world of gardens! All of the Junior Gardener Badge requirements are met in this interactive two hour workshop. 

Insect Investigation Workshop

Open to girls, grades 2 – 3  
Come visit Longue Vue’s Discovery Garden for a day of exploration, investigation, learning, friendship, and fun! Brownies will learn about and explore the world of insects, go on a bug hunt, and create insect-inspired crafts. The Brownie Bug  Badge requirements are met in this interactive two-hour workshop. Come be an insect investigator! 

Friendship Flower Garden Workshop

Open to girls, grades K – 1
Come visit the Discovery Garden for a day of exploration, learning, friendship, and fun! Daisies will expand on their Daisy Flower Garden  by planting a Friendship Garden and investigating the life of our favorite garden helper – the ladybug! Come explore the world of ladybugs and flowers! Workshop earns a Daisy Flower badge.

Cadette Trees Workshop

Open to girls, grades 6 – 8
Come visit Longue Vue for a day of exploration and learning with friends! Cadettes will be naturalists for the day while working on tree identification and tree-inspired artwork. Get crafty while exploring the world of trees – to know them is to love them! Workshop earns a Cadette Tree badge.

Ambassador Photography Workshop

Open to girls, grades 11-12
Come visit Longue Vue for an evening of photography and fun with friends! Ambassadors will explore the gardens while learning about composition, motion, and light. Release your inner digital artist surrounded by the inspiration of nature! Workshop earns a Photography Badge.


When:
 2 hour workshops are held on Saturdays or Sundays
Where: Longue Vue, 7 Bamboo Road, New Orleans, LA 70124
Fee: $275
Capacity: Minimum 10/Maximum 18 girls per workshop
Registration Instructions:  Advance registration required. Contact Tess Fulton at 504-293-4719 or  tfulton@longuevue.com  for more information. 

Note:  Girl Scout badges not included; Longue Vue patches available for purchase.  Longue Vue is in compliance with all local and federal safety regulations. Facial coverings are required while onsite.

 

Louisiana Children’s Museum | Children's World’s Fair

Open to girls, grades K - 9

The Children’s World Fair is a celebration of various cultures and a chance to embark on an exciting trek all in one day! This event is also an inter-generational celebration of cultural diversity in the contributions of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). While on your expedition, you will experience an international exhibition of crafts, hands-on projects, activities, music, literature, native attire, and food from many regions of the world. 

Typically, the event engages explorers who will travel around the world, with proceeds providing critical support to the Louisiana Children’s Museum’s hands-on exhibits, educational programs, and fun, safe, and meaningful learning opportunities for the children of this region. 

When: Date TBD; Admission time will likely be between 1:00-4:30 p.m.
Where: Louisiana Children’s Museum, 15 Henry Thomas Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124
Fee: $16 per girl, troop leader and/or parent, when purchased in advance. One commemorative patch will be provided for each Girl Scout attending.
Registration Instructions: Only one order per troop. Order tickets by mailing (15 Henry Thomas Dr., NOLA 70124) or emailing the Girl Scout Form (kledet@lcm.org), or by calling Kathleen Ledet, Fundraising Events Manager, at 504-266-2415. Please call 504-266-2415 or email kledet@lcm.org with any questions. 

LSU Museum of Natural Science  |  Special Saturdays

Open to girls, ages 5 - 10 and their families

Each "Special Saturday" at the LSU Museum of Natural Science (LSUMNS) is a STEM program that focuses on introducing children and their parents to the world of natural science. Each month they focus on a specific topic (ex. Louisiana archaeology, amphibians and reptiles in the environment, mammal movement, bird migration, etc.) and invite experts from within the LSU research community to give short presentations. These presentations are enhanced by hands-on activities tailored to incorporate both scientific inquiry and discovery.

When:   CURENTLY CLOSED DUE TO COVID 19, CHECK WEBSITE FOR UPDATES 
One Saturday each month (September – May) from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Schedule TBA on the Museum's website (lsu.edu/mns) or social media in late summer.
Where:
 LSU Museum of Natural Science, Foster Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803; Main Exhibit Area
Fee: 
Free 
Capacity: 
Maximum 35 kids
Registration Instructions: 
RSVP at lsu.edu/mns under "Education & Exhibits" "Special Saturdays."
Note: 
You may still participate if you did not sign up. RSVPs let us know how many to expect so they can prepare activities accordingly. 

Ogden Museum of Southern Art
GIRL SCOUT PROGRAM

Open to girls, grades K - 12

Girl Scouts of all ages are invited to participate in Ogden Museum Girl Scout Program. Choose from a variety of offerings tailored specifically for each troops’ needs. During the two-hour program, scouts will explore the world of Southern art, while working towards the completion of a badge. Each program includes a guided tour of the Museum followed by an art-making activity led by educator Jewel Campbell. Badges are not provided by the Ogden Museum. Program includes:

  • A museum tour facilitated by a museum educator for one scout group
  • An art-making project facilitated by a museum educator 
  • All art supplies

When: Program is offered on select Saturdays from 10 a.m. - Noon
Where: 
Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp St., New Orleans, LA 70130
Fee: 
$100 which includes a tour and art activity for up to 10 Girl Scouts. Two adults per troop admitted free. Additional Girl Scouts are $10.00 each. Additional adults are $11 each. Fees include all art supplies.
Contact:
  mpontiff@ogdenmuseum.org or 504-539-9624 to book a program or visit Ogden Museum's website for more information. 

PROGRAM OPTIONS (VIRTUAL OR IN-PERSON)

For Daisy Troops

Leaders may choose one of the following programs focusing on character-building concepts required to earn each of the Daisy Petals below. 

• Clover’s Petal — Girl Scouts tour the Museum and discuss artwork, focusing on how artists can use resources wisely. An art activity focusing on collage technique will follow the tour. 

• Sunny’s Petal — Girl Scouts tour the Museum and discuss how to be friendly and helpful in the Museum environment as well as the art studio. An art activity focusing on collaborative mural-making will follow the tour. 

For Brownie Troops

• Girl Scouts will work towards earning the Painting Badge by touring the museum and discussing how different artists portray ‘the real world’ around them. An art activity focusing on landscape painting will follow the tour. 

For Junior Troops

• Girl Scouts will work towards earning the Drawing Badge by touring the museum and discussing the variety of media that artists use to draw. An art activity focusing on different techniques of drawing, including shading and perspective will follow the tour. 

Steamboat NATCHEZ

Open to girls, grades K to 12, and their families

All aboard the Riverboat CITY OF NEW ORLEANS for a tour that earns you the River Heritage Patch! The tour of this riverboat on the Mississippi lasts about 15 minutes, and the remainder of the cruise enables girls to enjoy the historical and port narration, the riverbank scenery, and jazz trio. Before each cruise is a steam calliope concert, which is an instrument used to draw people to the city from the outlying farms before radio, TV and internet. It’s just a step back in time.  (it plays 15 -20 minutes at 10:30am and 1:30pm)

When: The two-hour cruises run seven days a week, at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Girl Scouts may arrange to come any day.  (Covid19 has revised the schedule for early 2021 so please check cruise schedule)
Where: Toulouse Street & the Mississippi River, French Quarter, New Orleans, LA 70130
Fee: Call for Girl Scout participant rate.
Capacity: Minimum 3 Girl Scouts/No maximum
Registration Instructions: Advance ticket purchasing will enable the staff to provide a guided tour of the boat and a River Heritage Patch for each Girl Scout. Reservations are recommended seven days in advance.
Contact:  Call 504-569-1401

West Baton Rouge Museum

Open to girls, grades K – 12, and their families

We are back open to the public and can take walk in visitors and small group tours and have a variety of events on the calendar that may be of interest. I would just suggest checking local listings and our social media for workshop opportunities. We can even schedule something special just for troops. Visit www.westbatonrougemuseum.com

Where: West Baton Rouge Museum, 845 N. Jefferson Avenue, Port Allen LA 70767

 

Parks, Gardens, and Nature Centers
Sankofa Wetland Park Recovery

Sankofa Wetland Park is located in the Lower Ninth Ward where it originated as a long-term recovery project of Sankofa CDC to improve protection from flooding. Now, our beautiful stormwater retention ponds are full of native plants and animals and it is a space for environmental education, recreation, and relaxation! All girls are welcome to come fulfill badge requirements on your own that relate to nature, or to register with us to complete a badge workshop with our park ranger! We offer Junior Girl Scout Badges like Animal Habitats, and Brownie badges like Eco Friends, and are happy to tailor programs to meet requirements for different scout levels.

When: Troop badge opportunities scheduled upon request; Tuesday-Saturday, 8am-4pm
Where: Sankofa Wetland Park, 6401 Florida Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70117
Fee: $5 per girl
Capacity: Maximum 25 girls
Registration Instructions: Email wetlandpark@sankofanola.org or call 504-872-9214 for scheduling, information and questions. Please contact them at least three weeks in advance of your preferred trip date.

Note: Girls should bring their own reusable water bottle, wear closed-toe shoes and dress appropriately for outdoor seasonal conditions.

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 at https://lumcon.edu/k-12/
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                                                                      
Includes Brownie Bugs, Junior Flowers, and Cadette Trees.  Check the GSLE website for scheduled dates and times

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 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 Workshop

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.

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 BugsHiker, and Outdoor Adventurer Badges, their Water Journey for Girl Scout Juniors working towards their Animal Habitatsbadge 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.

Safety
Louisiana Operation Lifesaver

Open to girls, grades K – 12, and adults
Louisiana Operation Lifesaver is a continuing public safety education program established to end collisions, deaths and injuries at places where roadways cross train tracks, and on railroad rights-of-way. This program gives the basics of do’s and don’ts around railroad crossing and tracks, explaining why trains cannot stop quickly, etc.

When: After school or on weekends
Where: They will travel to your troop gathering.
Fee: Free
Capacity: Minimum 2/Maximum 75-200
Contact: Claude D. Maher, Executive Director, at 225-921-8381 or Operationlifesaver@la.gov or Jim Bellmyer at jbigfootb@gmail.com 

Financial Literacy
Victreefi Financial Literacy Presentation

Complete financial literacy badges online! VicTreeFi provides on-demand, online courses for Girl Scouts that are self-paced and mobile-friendly. Girl Scouts are invited to register for one or more of VicTreeFi’s courses to complete steps required to earn financial literacy badges. 

Courses are built around national standards for financial literacy. Courses are constantly available, so timing can be tailored to individual or troop needs. Courses are available for all Girl Scout grade levels.

VicTreeFi is a female-founded company, dedicated to promoting financial education. The company’s co-founder is a Girl Scout alum.

Registration: Girl Scouts can enroll by visiting https://victreefi.com/#/girlscouts/louisiana-east

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
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 encouraged.

Louisiana Arts & Science Museum

The Louisiana Art & Science Museum and BASF have teamed up with Girl Scouts Louisiana East to conduct a few very special experiments, and all girls ages 5-12 are invited to discover the chemistry with them! Watch the video and download the directions and supply list using the link in the description. The video is about 17 minutes long, but stopping to investigate and perform experiments could take about 40 minutes to finish. 

see Museums section for more at the Louisiana Arts & Science Museum

 

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 https://lumcon.edu/k-12/
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 Workshops

All Microsoft Store locations are currently closed, but you can still access virtual workshops, trainings, and products at microsoft.com, or contact us for help. Learn more about returns, gift cards, and support.

2021 Virtual Catalog

The Louisiana State Energy Office Presents: Cooking With Solar

Open to girls 2nd-6th 

Girls will make their very own solar oven for a temperature challenge to learn about radiant energy into thermal energy. After the ovens are constructed, we’ll take them outside and see how they work by making s’mores!

When: Call to schedule
Where: The Energy Office will come to your location
Fee: FREE
Capacity: 10-40 girls. Try to team up with some other troops to increase the class size. The Energy Office is based in Baton Rouge, and will travel to your location, so try to give them good numbers!
Reservation Instructions: Call or email Robin Narez to schedule.
Contact: Robin Narez (robin.narez@la.gov or 225-342-8083)

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

 

Sports, Dance, and Fitness
Elevate Next Winter Ball

Open to girls, ages 5 - 12

Join us for Girls Winter Ball featuring basketball skills training and 3x3 games! All participants attend four training classes per month. Classes are available Mondays-Wednesdays and 3 x3 games are Saturday mornings.

Program starts Jan. 4 and is a 3-month commitment. 

Cost: $100 per month and includes one training per week and 3x3 games.
Ages 5-7 train on Tuesdays. Ages 8+ training is available Mondays or Wednesdays. Skills assessment required for athletes ages 8+. 

Space is limited. Visit www.elevatenext.com to register or call 504-330-6451 with questions.

Training takes place at Bricolage Academy. Girls will need to bring their own basketball, water, and mask. 

Flyer

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.

 

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 Jeannine at mcjazz504@yahoo.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.

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

 

 

Hospitals
Blood Buddies

Open to girls, grades K – 12, and their families
Founded in 1960, the Blood Center serves as the lifesaving link between the donor and the patient. Blood is a vita medical component that cannot be manufactured. It is only through generous donors that blood is made available to patient in need.

Girl Scouts earn the Blood Buddies patch by: attending a presentation on blood facts, why people need blood and what are the requirements to donating blood; supporting the community blood supply by successfully recruiting two blood donors.

Contact: Paul Adams at BloodDrive@TheBloodCenter.org to learn more about the Blood Buddies program.

Community Service

On Your Own

Over the course of history, Community Service has been an integral part of the Girl Scout Experience.  The following are some organizations that may have community service opportunities for you or your troop. They are certainly not intended to be the only organizations for you to contact, and you are greatly encouraged to serve in your community in whatever way best suits your goals for making the world a better place.

What’s the difference between a “Community Service” project and a “Take Action” project? Click here to find out.

The Blood Center. |. Blood Buddies

Founded in 1960, The Blood Center serves as the lifesaving link between the donor and the patient. Blood is a vital medical component that cannot be manufactured. It is only through generous donors that blood is made available to patients in need.

Girl Scouts earn the Blood Buddies patch by: attending a presentation on blood facts, why people need blood; supporting the community blood supply by successfully recruiting two or more blood donors Blood Buddies are lifesavers.

To get involved in the Blood Buddies program contact: Paul Adams at blooddrive@thebloodcenter.org.

Common Ground Relief Wetlands Restoration

Open to girls, grades K – 12
Common Ground Relief owns and operates a tree farm in the Lower Ninth Ward and conducts plantings of trees and marsh grasses for various state and federal agencies. Younger students can assist in seed propagation and butterfly garden care and older students can assist in potting saplings and nursery maintenance projects as half day service events.

Older Girl Scouts can assist them with full day projects that involve planting native marsh grasses and bottomland hardwood trees around the Lake Pontchartrain Basin and along the Gulf Coast. Many projects involve boating and canoeing. All Girl Scouts receive an orientation about coastal land loss geared to their specific age group. Visit their  wetlands page at www.commongroundrelief.org to preview videos.

When: Planting projects occur from mid-October through July. Contact them to schedule.
Time: Half or full day, Monday through Saturday
Where: 1800 Deslonde Street, New Orleans, LA
Fee: Contact them for details about planting projects
Capacity: 20
Registration Instructions: Email them at wetlands@commongroundrelief.org.

Goodwill Good Turn Day

Open to girls, grades K – 12
It’s time to do a good turn! Do your family members and neighbors have items collecting dust that might make someone happy to use in their own home? Then participate by collecting donated items and delivering them to Goodwill Collection Centers/Stores on Goodwill Good Turn Day! Participating Girl Scouts will receive a patch from the store at the time of the donation.

Good Turn Day has become a community tradition between Goodwill Industries® and Girl Scouts Louisiana East.

HOW IT WORKS
Girl Scouts do a Good Turn by collecting gently used items (such as clothing, books, shoes, purses, ect.) to bring to their local Goodwill and are honored with a “Good Turn” patch for participating. Once items are received, they are processed and sold in Goodwill’s 23 retail stores to support its mission of helping people with disabilities and other employment disadvantages prepare for, find and retain work.  Your donations also keep millions of reusable items out of local landfills, making your good turn also good for the environment.

Not sure what or where to donate? Click below for links to our donation guidelines and store locations.

Goodwill Donation Guidelines

Goodwill Good Turn Day Participating Stores

Contact: Ellen McCandless at 504-889-5563 or emccandless@goodwillno.org

Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation
Save Our Lake, Save Our Coast

Scouting groups are a vital part of our community! We are happy to do our part by facilitating educational opportunities for these amazing youth! Sign your troop up. They earn a badge for exploring the issues facing the Pontchartrain Basin. Please review our programming guide for details on how to request a reservation for one of our inquiry-based programs and our program descriptions for more information on our programs.

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.

Other Organizations

Each listing has a contact person that can provide you more information about their events.

American Cancer Society
Diane Sartor-Raymond
2605 River Rd.
New Orleans, LA 70121
504-833-4024

American Red Cross
Louisiana Capital Area Chapter
Barbara Bourgeois
4655 Sherwood Common Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
225-291-4533

American Red Cross
Southeast Louisiana Chapter
Lou Kennedy
300 Ashland Way
Madisonville, LA 70447
985-892-4317

Cancer Assoc. of Greater
New Orleans

Tammy Swindle
824 Elmwood Parkway STE 154
New Orleans, LA 70123
504-733-5539
tammy@cagno.org

American Diabetes Association
John Guzzardo
2424 Eden Board Ave. STE 660
Metairie, LA 70002
504-889-0278

American Lung Association of
Louisiana

Jo Ann Lovell
2325 Severn Ave. STE 8
Metairie, LA 70001
504-828-5864