Into Space and Celebrating Diwali

[smallhobbit]

Where else are you going to be able to do this but at Brownie zoom meetings?



We began the Brownies Have Adventures theme last January, but with not meeting since half way through March until half way into October it's not been an easy task to finish it.  However, with a bit of effort over zoom were getting close.  Now, in order to be awarded the theme badge each Brownie needs to do a relevant interest badge at home.  For a few Brownies, with keen parents, that's not a problem, but for the majority of our pack they just don't do them.  Which seemed a shame, especially this year, so Doodles decided we'd do an interest badge anyway - and then I said that technically, the Brownies were doing it at home, so we decided that was fine.

Of the three badges which counted for this theme: archaelogy, aviation and space, a couple had already done aviation - which mainly involved making paper planes and other things which would fly.  No-one had done space, so we spent our meeting looking at pictures of constellations, deciding on suitable food and creating a spacesuit out of items at home (drawing a picture only - no saucepans/goldfish bowls etc were harmed in this activity).  This was a slight variation on the badge requirements, but we are allowed a certain flexibility given particular circumstances and these are definitely difficult circumstances.  So everyone achieved their badge.



Then yesterday I led a meeting on Diwali.  We began by telling the story of Diwali, and getting the Brownies to act it out as I told it.  After which they coloured in a rangoli pattern which we had sent earlier.  Those who didn't have a copy printed out were encouraged to colour a very bright flower in a similar pattern.  We then had a go at making an origami paper lantern.



That was interesting, but surprisingly successful, although some of the mothers got roped in to help, which was fair enough.  We finished by playing a very silly game where I would say a colour and the Brownies had to do the right action (stand up, sit down etc).  The colours are said as part of a story, and the idea is that they remember if I've mentioned a red mug that next time I say 'mug' they have to do the action for 'red'.  It was total chaos as I couldn't always remember either, but the girls enjoyed it.  And everyone got a Diwali badge.



 

Comments

[luthienberen]

Awww sounds like super fun!

[smallhobbit]

Yes, they do seem to have been enjoying themselves.

[stonepicnicking_okapi]

An eclectic mix that sounds like a lot of fun!

[smallhobbit]

We're keen to do things which will be fun and a bit different.

[nagi_schwarz]

Those paper lanterns are quite diverse and and can be turned into cameras, dolls, tables, chairs, and probably a few more things that I can't remember right now...

[smallhobbit]

I shall have to bear that in mind - could be useful for once we are finally able to meet face-to-face again.

[margaret_r]

That sounds very successful and it's obvious your Brownies enjoyed themselves:)

[smallhobbit]

Yes, we seem to be pitching it right and getting a better idea of what works. And I think it gives the girls something to look forward to each week.

[debriswoman]

Excellent...and I do like the idea of exploiting the technicality that badges were earned at home:-)

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. A little lateral thinking ;)

[aome]

I love that the Brownies learn about other cultures - so important. You guys come up with great activities!

[smallhobbit]

Thank you. Girlguiding came up with a new set of badges this year, so I'm adding activities to tie in. They've been really useful in the current situation.

[moth2fic]

I'm impressed with the amount of creativity going into these sessions. And I suspect that's multiplied across the nation. I'm talking about the leaders, like you, as well as the girls!

[smallhobbit]

It's slightly ironic after the massive launch of the new programme which was designed to save time preparing for meetings we're all having to find new ways to do things.

[rusty_armour]

I admire how well both the leaders and the Brownies are doing during this difficult time. I think everyone has adapted to the online platform surprisingly well. It's good that the leaders have realistic expectations and are willing to be flexible when it comes to fulfilling components for badges. It's also good that all Brownies are able to complete badges with the online format. I really like the activities that you came up with for the Diwali badge.

[smallhobbit]

We're doing our best - above all it's about giving the Brownies a positive time at this time. I'm glad you liked the activities.

[corvidology]

It sounds like a really successful and fun meeting to me!

[smallhobbit]

It was. We're slowly working out what works and how best to do things.