Daisies Hike

Our troops taking their first hike (or was it a run?!)

A few weeks back, our Daisy troop took a hike up on the ridge. For some of the girls, taking a hike in the outdoors was familiar. But for other girls it was a new experience. But for all the girls, it was their first time learning about the natural world and how to care for her as Girl Scouts. For this new Girl Scout leader, this was a special moment.  Teaching the girls how to walk in balance on our planet and to learn to appreciate the beauty of the outdoors is something of great importance to me. I believe that if the girls start to learn to appreciate the natural world now, care for the natural world at this age and enjoy the natural world so young, then they will continue to do so for the rest of their lives. And that can only bring good things for themselves, others and of course, the planet.

Before we headed up the hill, we read part of our Journey Book, Between Earth and Sky (http://www.girlscouts.org/program/journeys/your_planet/daisy.asp) and learned some important things about being good stewards on the planet including, "Leave No Trace" and "Do Not Disturb" which "...means they can pick up nature items (leaves, twigs, seed, nuts) that have fallen to the ground, but they should not pick, pluck or otherwise disturb living things. That means not disturbing any plans and wildlife, including homes, such as nests or burrows, even those that appear to be abandoned." (pg. 21, How to Guide Girl Scout Daisies Through Between Earth and Sky)

In addition to learning to be good stewards of the earth, the girls independently decided to bring plastic bags along and did ended up doing a fantastic job picking up trash they saw on the trail.

As soon as our feet left the pavement, the girls became so engrossed in finding ladybugs and listening to song of the red winged black bird, that that they barely noticed the difficult hills they had to climb with their little legs. It was a joy to witness their enthusiasm.

When we eventually made our way back to our cars to head home, there was a consensus among the parents that when the girls went to bed that night, they would most likely sleep soundly and peacefully. 

Looking for Lady Bugs!

Reagan & her mom Christa.

More discovering!!

Havana and Jocelyn.

Amara at the swing by the oak tree, which was our destination.

Addy, Havana, Mikaiya and Ava.

Joceyln was celebrating her 6th birthday that day!

When we took a break we celebrated  Jocelyn's birthday with song and cupcakes.
I think Mikaiya's facial expression reads "yum!"

On the way back. That's Havana in the rear. I was quite proud of her because she usually wants to be carried  or pushed in the jogging stroller when the family hikes. But on this day, she walked the entire way!