Meeting Activities:
Excursion to Butterfly Pavilion for Girl Scouts Program
Requirements for Bugs badge:
#2 - Try a bug craft
#3 - See bugs in action
#4 - Explore bug homes
#5 - Take a bug field trip
Comments:
Last year the girls voted for a number of badges they wished to complete. Bugs was on that list, so we scheduled an excursion to the Butterfly Pavilion in Westminster, CO.
It was a hot day and the first time many of us saw each other again after a summer break. Many scouts and parents were happy to chat, make introductions of new members, and catch up.
BUG BASICS - De-Ickifying Bugs!
The staff at the Butterfly Pavilion were awesome, organizing a fun and informative presentation that covered several badge requirements, including a butterfly-making craft, a bug-touch experience, and an exploration of bug science and conservation topics.
#2 - Try a bug craft
Our guide helped the girls make a butterfly craft using popsicle sticks, coffee filters, and watercolor paint.
#3 - See bugs in action
We got to see: hissing cockroach, rollie pollies, millipede, centipede, and tarantula. Many scouts and parents were brave enough to gently pet the giant cockroach.
We talked about the differences between vertebrates and invertebrates, especially how the latter has developed incredible adaptations in feeding, hiding, fighting, and moving to survive.
The guide discussed the difference between a millipede and centipede. The millipede has many more legs that are positioned underneath it. It moves slowly and therefore is an herbivore. Centipedes have legs that stick to the side and can move quickly, thus easier to chase their prey—they are carnivores!
#4 - Explore bug homes
Following the hour-long bug presentation, participants entered the Butterfly Pavilion to explore the various habitats on our own.
Many of us naturally went into the butterfly exhibit first. It was a lovely experience for first timers and returning visitors alike! We strolled among butterflies and tropical plants in a temperature and humidity controlled atrium. Beautiful and multi-colored butterflies fluttered freely around, landing on plants and people.
In the survival exhibit we got to see a beehive up close. Some of us earned our badge of courage by holding Rosie the tarantula.
Family Follow Up:
Additional photos are here: https://go.teamsnap.com/8138808/files/list/4632220
Feel free to add more!
Invoices for extra kid ($6) and adult ($10) participants are on TeamSnap.
Please pay online (with fee) or bring a check made out to Troop 66735 to the next meeting.
Announcements:
Thursday, August 25, 3:15-7:45pm: Women of Distinction Event at the Denver Botanical Gardens
Congratulate our speakers for being brave enough to kick off the program in front of over 700 guests: Anabel (Spanish), Aurelia (English), Mila (Mandarin), plus our five other ambassador participants!
Sunday, August 28, 2:30-5:30pm: Next Meeting — Brownie Year 2 Kickoff, Welcome to New Members, and First Aid badge with guest speaker from Denver Health.
Note extended meeting time as we have so much to cover!
Please bring annual forms or email as PDFs in advance.
Service Unit Newsletter, August 2022
See GSCO Events for upcoming council-sponsored events, including new careers highlighted in the Inspiring Futures Speaker Series
Thanks for the great pictures, everyone!
Lynne (Josephine’s Mom) and Meredith (Mila’s Mom)