Volunteer Essentials

Here are some examples of ways to modify activities: • Invite a girl to complete an activity after she has observed others doing it • If you are visiting a museum to view sculpture, find out if a girl who is blind might be given permission to touch the pieces • If an activity requires running, a girl who is unable to run could be asked to walk or do another physical movement

In addition, note that people-first language puts the person before the disability:

Say....

Instead of...

She has a learning disability. She has a developmental delay.

She is learning disabled.

She is mentally retarded; she is slow.

She uses a wheelchair.

She is wheelchair bound.

Reengaging Girls The end of the troop year is a time to celebrate the past year’s accomplishments, perhaps with an awards ceremony—or to plan a ceremony to bridge to the next level if the troop will be moving up. It is also a time to look ahead to the next year. Here’s how you can best reengage your troop: • If your troop will be moving up to the next grade level, work with them to plan a bridging ceremony that will recognize this milestone • Girls will be excited about the opportunities awaiting them at the next level. Be sure to capture their excitement and work with them to plan a meaningful ceremony • Begin talking to girls about their activities for the next year. Now is the time to plan a fall camping experience • Don’t forget you can re-register the girls in your troop with product program earnings from the previous year • Talk to girls about earning their Girl Scout Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards. These awards have built-in opportunities for girls to make a dramatic difference in their communities—and to have plenty to brag about to college admissions officers • Some girls may want options besides troops. Talk to girls about Day and Resident Camp, travel opportunities, series offerings and events Council may offer. Older girls, especially, enjoy these shorter-term, flexible ways to be Girl Scouts Requesting Assistance Contact the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Answer Center with a reasonable request for accommodation so the girl can fully participate in Girl Scouting

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