Lady Bug Hike

The Brownies in our troop have an insect patch they needed to earn as part of being a Brownie. This would include learning about inspects and the role they play in our world.

It just so happened that the patch had a lady bug on it and wh en I saw it my mind immediately flashed to the millions of ladybugs that hibernate each winter up in the Redwood Regional park (take a look at our family hike from last year http://twosmallgems.blogspot.com/2014/01/lady-bug-girls.html).  With that in mind, I began planning a hike through the majestic redwoods our Brownies would be able to get up close and personal with these little creatures.

The Daisies in our troop would join us (they would get their patch early). It turned out that a handful of our girls all came down with the stomach flu so not all could make it but for those who did, it was a special experience; the hike was long and the girls had to push themselves; but the redwoods are magical and the air was so fresh that I am sure they all slept well that night.

Along the way I shared fun facts about lady bugs so the girls (and some brothers and sisters who joined us) would be more informed about Ladybugs (we learned what their spots represent, what they eat, that there are several colors of Ladybugs and what that means). It was a great hike and the girls (and boys) were delighted when we arrived to the ladybug's winter home.  When we arrived at our destination, there were millions of these tiny insects resting in the grass, on logs and on sign posts. (however there were significantly less than last year; which I was curious about). All were in awe that there could so many Ladybugs in one place. It was pretty remarkable.

What stood out even more however, was the girls themselves;  the way they stayed together, playing, running, singing and holding hands as they hiked down and then up a very steep hill.  They called to each other when they saw something exciting or interesting (like a horseshoe like fossil on a rock in the stream; or ladybugs on a bench). I was humbled how the girls looked out for and supported each other.

When I set out to start the troop I wanted my own girls to connect with other girls and do things that would teach, inspire, excite and connect them with others and the natural world.  On a day like the Lady Bug Hike, I felt that my goal was being accomplished. Our troop truly rocks with not just super girls but with parents that are engaged and involved. It was a memorable outing, one that our Daisies and Brownies will remember for some time.

Hiking through the redwoods, the girls learned that the trees were upwards of a hundred years old. I asked them to look up and boy were they surprised how tall they were!

I wanted the girls to feel comfortable in the outdoors; to learn that nature is mostly safe and welcoming to them. I loved that when the girls saw the ladybugs they felt comfortable enough to touch them and I was quite impressed with how gentle they were, so much so that they were careful where they walked because hundreds were also on the ground.

It was not easy going on the return hike. After more than a mile down hill, the girls put in a good 1 1/2 miles of mostly uphill walking, which also served a lesson for them; they could do something challenging and that challenging things bring great rewards. A lesson that is an important one for this life. But once we made it back....they were pooped out!

We ended our  hike with our circle which included the Girl Scout song, "Make New Friends" which is always fun to sing. I was so proud of  my troop! They did a great job hiking and being with the ladybugs. They more than earned their patches!