On Your Own

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

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.

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 Bugs, Hiker, 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.

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

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

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