Flashback Friday

I'm starting a new feature to my brand new blog-it's called Flashback Friday! From our troops first meeting, I've  kept a sort of meeting journal. This journal has been instrumental in keeping track of what we've been accomplishing as a troop. But, more importantly, it's kept me working towards the vision Juliette Gordon Lowe had for all girls. I try to always remind myself that my girls are no different than that first group Juliette pulled together in Savannah. Their fragile self esteems need nurturing, their tender hearts need a soft place to fall, they need great role models and most importantly they need a safe place to always call their own. That was Juliette Lowe's vision-and reviewing my journal sometimes reminds me of that goal. So, today I will flashback to our troops very first meeting-an old-fashioned tea party that would have made the first Girl Scouts and Juliette herself very proud!

Our First Meeting Ever: A Daisy Tea Party

Juliette Gordon Low ventured to England to visit her friends Lord Baden-Powell, and his sister Agnes in 1912. Lord Baden Powell was the founder of the Boy Scouts, and his sister founded the Girl Guides, both only in England at the time. Juliette, or Daisy as she was called, was inspired to go back to her hometown, Savannah, Georgia, and start Girl Scouts of America. Juliette invited 18 young girls and their mothers for high tea, and on that wonderful day, March 12, 1912, almost one hundred years ago, was the beginning of Girl Scouts of America. 

That very first Tea Party Juliette hosted for her first troop in Savannah , was my inspiration for my troops first meeting. Our girls are little Daisy Girl Scouts, meaning they are kindergarteners and first graders, and I was hoping they would understand the sentiment of the occasion. I couldn't have been any more shocked when we had 13 attend, and thrilled. My little Daisies exhibited wonderful manners, and were so enthusiastic to share "Tea Time" together. It was wonderful.

They used real china, linen napkins, and drank Earl Grey Tea. I explained to the girls how Juliette indulged in an English tea tradition, scones, during her meeting with Lord Baden-Powell. Each girl had scones, and were given both jelly, and whipped cream, to make their tea party truly English. I also served chocolate chip cookies, cucumber sandwiches and chicken salad sandwiches. My daughter Maddie has gluten allergies, so everything was either made gluten-free or had a gluten free version. 

During this, our first meeting, we talked all about Juliette Gordon Low, and some of the traditions of the Girl Scouts. We sang, played games, and learned the Girl Scout promise and handshake. I bonded with these girls, and I believe they bonded with each other. It was an awesome experience, and exactly what Girl Scouts is all about. We shared ideas for our new troop, and talked about suggestions the girls had for our group. Petting a horse, having a campout, and having another tea party were some ideas my little Daisies had for our upcoming summer meetings. 

After tea, we assembled our first ever Daisy Ring, and it was a sweet experience, and one I look forward to repeating soon! The Moms of my little Daisies were wonderful during the Tea Party, and I really don't think I could have had such a fabulous first meeting without their help. The enthusiasm, ideas, praise and positive reinforcement of these great Moms will keep me going-and their involvement and offers to volunteer will make our troop successful, and a wonderful memory for all involved. I can't thank them enough. I am honored, touched and enthusiastic to continue this Journey with my sweet girls this summer! The first meeting of Girl Scout Daisy Troop # 234 was a great success, and our meetings are only going to 

continue to get better!

Our First Daisy Ring was made on this First meeting-such a great memory!