Brownies Continue to Explore

[smallhobbit]

These last two weeks we have continued to work on the Explore skills builders, a mixture of activities and games.

Last week we began with looking at map reading and tried using a very basic map to locate places.  Inevitably, some found it easier than others, but with a bit of help and encouragement they all managed to do it.  It always surprises me how much a little individual positive encouragement of the 'you can do this' variety helps to get past the 'I can't' mental state.  Some of them may never become great map readers, but if their time in Brownies encourages them to try things then we've achieved a lot.

Then following a game, our latest leader (now named Peacock) took them through an activity about the different planets.  Peacock has come to us because she was unhappy in the pack she was in before and didn't feel included.  She feels much more relaxed with us and was happy leading the activity, despite only having met us the previous week.  No, we didn't drop her in the deep end, she volunteered - she's a children's nurse, so plenty of experience.

This week Flamingo led them in making a cardboard sextant.  It sounds complicated, but was very easy and the only help the Brownies required was in tying knots in the string.  We then went outside - it was dry and a clear night for once - and although we couldn't see the North Star we did see the moon and were able to use the sextants.  It was fun seeing them showing their parents how they'd made something different.

After which the Brownies paired up, put the arm of one of the pair in a sling and then the other had to help the 'injured' Brownie over an obstacle course, before swapping over and repeating the course.  They all enjoyed crawling under tables and through hoops.

It's my turn to lead the activities for the next couple of weeks, we shall see what happens :)

Comments

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

You are always doing such interesting things. It must be a credit to your troop that it is attracting adults as well as girls. Best of luck for the weeks ahead.

[smallhobbit]

We wouldn't be the ideal pack for everyone - we tend to be a bit more relaxed than some - but it seems to work! And thank you :)

[rusty_armour]

The Brownies have certainly been learning some useful skills! As you said, the important thing is being willing to try new things, so attempting to read a map or make a sextant are great activities! I also think it's good that the Brownies are learning the importance of helping other people through such activities as helping an "injured" Brownie over an obstacle course.

It's nice that Peacock is much happier in her new pack. She sounds like a wonderful addition to your team.

[smallhobbit]

Yes - and they're learning them while having fun, which is always good, and more likely to remain with them.

Peacock will be a great addition for us.

[scfrankles]

I really love the sound of making your own sextant, and then actually going outside and using it ^___^ It's such a novel idea.

Good luck with your turn of leading the activities!

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. The sextant worked really well.

[mafief]

The star activity brings me back. I’m glad they at least tried to find it. :)

[smallhobbit]

All part of Exploring!

[debriswoman]

Sextant making sounds very sophisticated:-)
And welcome to Peacock:-)

[smallhobbit]

Flamingo had made a very basic version which worked well for the brownies.

[adafrog]

Cool.

[smallhobbit]

It was!

[aome]

Your activities always sound so fun and interesting. I have no idea how to use a sextant, so I'm impressed that you guys do! And I adore learning about the planets, so that sounds like it was a fun lesson, too.

In terms of exploring and map-reading and such, it might be interesting to see if your brownies know how to give directions. With Google Maps/Siri, it seems like nobody knows how to give directions themselves any more like, "Turn left at the second light" or "Go 2 miles, cross Smith Lane, pass the petrol station, then it's the third house on the right."

[smallhobbit]

Flamingo is ex-army and teaches engineering skills so we make good use of her abilities.

Most of them are probably a bit young to do that yet, but it would be interesting to see. Not that those directions were always accurate anyway; last lot I was given said 'the house with the low wall and the row of trees'. There were several like that!

[margaret_r]

That sounds like a lot of fun and very educational.

[smallhobbit]

Yes, it's good when we can combine the two.

[moth2fic]

Interesting - as usual! Hope Peacock settles in well.

[smallhobbit]

Thank you very much :)