When the Truth Hurts: Helping Daughters Be Honest in a Good Girl World

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When the Truth Hurts: Helping Daughters Be Honest in a Good Girl World
By Rachel Simmons | November 18th, 2009 |

I had just started a fifth grade class when a student began waving her hand and doing that “Oooh! Oooh! Oooh!” thing that I used to do when I couldn’t contain myself.*

“Okay,” she said, “what if, like, my friend asks me if I like the dress she was buying and I didn’t like it and I wanted to tell her but I was afraid she would get mad at me?”

This is the dreaded teaching moment when I want to stand up like a lounge performer, wave fondly and shout, “Thank you so much! Good night!”

But I had a whole class left to teach, and I had to deal with it. This is a question that can break your heart. It’s the moment when a girl announces her awareness of Good Girl pressure – the rules that tell girls they must be unfailingly nice to others at all costs, even at the expense of their own integrity. CONTINUE READING

Have any recommendations of your own? How would you suggest your girl handle the situation?

Girl Scout Grateful Heart Program

There are many unsung supporters in our community that deserve to be recognized. From the police officers who serve & protect, the mayor who runs the city, the teacher who goes above & beyond or the business that gives back. Show your appreciation and share with them your “grateful heart”.

Your grateful heart can be anything that lets them know you appreciate what they do for you and our community. It can be baked cookies, or a homemade card. You and your troop can make a special craft to share or create a thoughtful SWAP.

For more information on how to get involved CLICK HERE.

COUNCIL COMMUNITY EVENTS

November 13th Edition
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ONGOING: STATE OF MISSISSIPPI VETERANS HOME

Service Project Opportunity with The State of Mississippi Veterans Home at 120 Veterans Drive in Oxford, MS is looking for troops or groups who are willing to volunteer at the home.

Volunteers can assist with various recreational activities – reading to those whose eyesight is failing them, delivering mail, walking with them inside or outside, pushing their wheelchairs for a short stroll inside or outside, giving them snacks, playing checkers or cards, writing letters for them, playing or singing music for them or just simply conversing with them.

If your troop is interested in volunteering at the home, contact Janie Lunceford, Recreation Director at 662-236-7641, ext. 24.

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ONGOING: HOLLEY FARM

This fall visit the heart of Mississippi's beautiful Hill Country in scenic Itawamba County. Bring your family and "Come on Down to Holley Farm" You will be pleasantly transported back to a simpler place and a simpler time. Take time to discover Mississippi's rich agrarian history by visiting beautiful Holley Farm.

Girl Scout troops & Service Units can call to reserve their dates for a weekday or evening
(662-871-6949). Ask about the "Ag in the Classroom" Programs For All Ages!

CLICK HERE for Holley Farm's website.

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ONGOING: HOLT FAMILY FARMS

Holt Family Farms offers an agricultural learning area, playground and games, hay maze, covered picnic area, concessions, horse and tractor drawn hay rides, on farm market, petting zoo, and a chance to pick your own pumpkin right out of the field.


Girl Scout troops & Service Units can contact HFF to receive group rates & reserve their dates for a weekday or evening (731)364-3459, email@holtfamilyfarms.com

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___________________________________________ NOVEMBER 14: BOOKS A MILLION & GIRL SCOUTS Girl Scouts Heart of the South has partnered with Books A Million in Jackson, TN! Volunteers and friends can participate in the following Book Fairs, to promote literacy and have a percentage of the proceeds support our Girl Scouts! All Book Fairs are on Saturday's at Books A Million "Columns" in Jackson, TN. You must say you want to support Girl Scouts for the Council to receive credit! November 14th 2-4 PM December 12th 2-4 PM **Discounts and club memberships will not be applicable during these events. ______________________________________________________ NOVEMBER 21: MEMPHIS YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FALL CONCERT Mid-South Young People's Orchestra (MYOP) provides a deeper understanding of and appreciation for music by offering excellent orchestral and personal education to young people throughout the Mid-South. You can appreciate music and young talent at their Fall Concert. Plus, plan ahead for their Spring Concert on March 5th. WHEN: Saturday, November 21 at 7 p.m. WHERE: Christian Brother's University Theater, 650 East Parkway, Memphis, TN 38104 COST: FREE! QUESTIONS? Caroline Johnson at MYPO or visit their website, www.musicmypo.org _____________________________________________________________ NOVEMBER 21: DULCIMER DAYS A special program of dulcimer music will be provided by the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2009, at the Parkway Visitor Center located at milepost 266 near Tupelo, Mississippi. The North Mississippi Dulcimer Association teaches dulcimer history, tradition, craftsmanship, and music by sharing its knowledge and talents. The Appalachian mountain dulcimer is the first instrument developed in the United States. Dating back to the early 1800s, the dulcimer is an instrument whose very name means “sweet sound.” The National Park Service and the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association invite everyone to listen to the soft sweet sounds of the dulcimer and learn of its extensive history. WHEN: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. WHERE: Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center, Mile Post 266 COST: FREE! QUESTIONS? 1-800-305-7417 / www.nps.gov/natr _________________________________________ NOVEMBER 23 & 24: HEALTHWORKS HOLIDAY CAMPS Let’s Talk Turkey Ages 7-12 9 a.m.-noon • Monday, November 23 Calling all Food Groupies! Get a head start on your healthy holiday food prep! Making menus, planning portions, creating cool concoctions AND energetically eating them makes this camp delightfully DELICIOUS! Special guest – Chef David Leathers! Woo-Hoopla! Ages 7-12 1-4 p.m. • Monday, November 23 Take a little tie dye, and add in some rockin’ relays. Whisk in a Germ Hunt, a pinch of Party Parade, and top it off with a cup of Kooky Commercials. Mix it all together and you have Woo-Hoopla! Fall Fun-anagins Ages 7-12 9 a.m.-noon • Tuesday, November 24 Get crafty transforming a holiday table into a work of art! Punch, play, create and cook. It’s all in good fun-anagins! Special guest – Master Carver David Leathers! Mystery of the Missing Feast Ages 7-12 1-4 p.m. • Tuesday, November 24 Calling all super sleuths! The Thanksgiving bird has flown the coop at HealthWorks!, and we need your help. Solve the crime using your imagination and powers of reasoning and deduction while having a blast – all at one time!! CLICK HERE for pricing and more information.

How to Raise Kids Who Stand Up for Their Beliefs

What if, in seven steps you could raise a child with a solid moral core that would guide them to stand up for their beliefs and be good human beings?

Dr. Michele Borba, the self described parent expert,TODAY contributor, speaker, psychologist, blogger, mom and author of 23 parenting books, offers the "The Seven Essential Virtues that Teach Kids to Do the Right Thing." An interesting read and a thought provoking exercise to do with your teen. And as Borba puts it, " It's never too late - or early - to start."

How to Raise Kids Who Stand Up for Their Beliefs article.

Like what you read? Check out Dr. Borba's blog, Reality Check.

COUNCIL COMMUNITY EVENTS

November 6th Edition
__________________________________
ONGOING: STATE OF MISSISSIPPI VETERANS HOME

Service Project Opportunity with The State of Mississippi Veterans Home at 120 Veterans Drive in Oxford, MS is looking for troops or groups who are willing to volunteer at the home.

Volunteers can assist with various recreational activities – reading to those whose eyesight is failing them, delivering mail, walking with them inside or outside, pushing their wheelchairs for a short stroll inside or outside, giving them snacks, playing checkers or cards, writing letters for them, playing or singing music for them or just simply conversing with them.

If your troop is interested in volunteering at the home, contact Janie Lunceford, Recreation Director at 662-236-7641, ext. 24.

______________________________________________________
ONGOING: HOLLEY FARM

This fall visit the heart of Mississippi's beautiful Hill Country in scenic Itawamba County. Bring your family and "Come on Down to Holley Farm" You will be pleasantly transported back to a simpler place and a simpler time. Take time to discover Mississippi's rich agrarian history by visiting beautiful Holley Farm.

Girl Scout troops & Service Units can call to reserve their dates for a weekday or evening
(662-871-6949). Ask about the "Ag in the Classroom" Programs For All Ages!

CLICK HERE for Holley Farm's website.

__________________________________________________
ONGOING: HOLT FAMILY FARMS

Holt Family Farms offers an agricultural learning area, playground and games, hay maze, covered picnic area, concessions, horse and tractor drawn hay rides, on farm market, petting zoo, and a chance to pick your own pumpkin right out of the field.


Girl Scout troops & Service Units can contact HFF to receive group rates & reserve their dates for a weekday or evening (731)364-3459, email@holtfamilyfarms.com

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NOVEMBER 7: ASTHMA SUPER SATURDAY

Asthma Super Saturday at NMMC Women's Hospital, 4566 S. Eason Blvd., Tupelo.

Registration begins at 9 a.m.

Entertainment for ages 2-5; education & entertainment for ages 6-12; and education for ages 13 and up, including parents of children with asthma.

Light refreshments and door prizes.

To register, call (662) 377-4706 or 1-800-THE DESK (1-800-843-3375).

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NOVEMBER 7: VETERAN'S DAY

COLUMBUS, MS
Veteran's Day Parade at 10 a.m.
Laying of the Wreath at 11 a.m.

Where: Main Street Columbus
Questions? 662.257.9458
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COLLIERVILLE, TN
Ceremony at 2 p.m.

Where: Main Street Collierville
Questions? 901.853.1666

___________________________________________ NOVEMBER 14: BOOKS A MILLION & GIRL SCOUTS Girl Scouts Heart of the South has partnered with Books A Million in Jackson, TN! Volunteers and friends can participate in the following Book Fairs, to promote literacy and have a percentage of the proceeds support our Girl Scouts! All Book Fairs are on Saturday's at Books A Million "Columns" in Jackson, TN. You must say you want to support Girl Scouts for the Council to receive credit! November 14th 2-4 PM December 12th 2-4 PM **Discounts and club memberships will not be applicable during these events. ______________________________________________________ NOVEMBER 21: MEMPHIS YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FALL CONCERT Mid-South Young People's Orchestra (MYOP) provides a deeper understanding of and appreciation for music by offering excellent orchestral and personal education to young people throughout the Mid-South. You can appreciate music and young talent at their Fall Concert. Plus, plan ahead for their Spring Concert on March 5th. WHEN: Saturday, November 21 at 7 p.m. WHERE: Christian Brother's University Theater, 650 East Parkway, Memphis, TN 38104 COST: FREE! QUESTIONS? Caroline Johnson at MYPO or visit their website, www.musicmypo.org _____________________________________________________________ NOVEMBER 21: DULCIMER DAYS A special program of dulcimer music will be provided by the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 21, 2009, at the Parkway Visitor Center located at milepost 266 near Tupelo, Mississippi. The North Mississippi Dulcimer Association teaches dulcimer history, tradition, craftsmanship, and music by sharing its knowledge and talents. The Appalachian mountain dulcimer is the first instrument developed in the United States. Dating back to the early 1800s, the dulcimer is an instrument whose very name means “sweet sound.” The National Park Service and the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association invite everyone to listen to the soft sweet sounds of the dulcimer and learn of its extensive history. WHEN: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. WHERE: Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center, Mile Post 266 COST: FREE! QUESTIONS? 1-800-305-7417 / www.nps.gov/natr _________________________________________ NOVEMBER 23 & 24: HEALTHWORKS HOLIDAY CAMPS Let’s Talk Turkey Ages 7-12 9 a.m.-noon • Monday, November 23 Calling all Food Groupies! Get a head start on your healthy holiday food prep! Making menus, planning portions, creating cool concoctions AND energetically eating them makes this camp delightfully DELICIOUS! Special guest – Chef David Leathers! Woo-Hoopla! Ages 7-12 1-4 p.m. • Monday, November 23 Take a little tie dye, and add in some rockin’ relays. Whisk in a Germ Hunt, a pinch of Party Parade, and top it off with a cup of Kooky Commercials. Mix it all together and you have Woo-Hoopla! Fall Fun-anagins Ages 7-12 9 a.m.-noon • Tuesday, November 24 Get crafty transforming a holiday table into a work of art! Punch, play, create and cook. It’s all in good fun-anagins! Special guest – Master Carver David Leathers! Mystery of the Missing Feast Ages 7-12 1-4 p.m. • Tuesday, November 24 Calling all super sleuths! The Thanksgiving bird has flown the coop at HealthWorks!, and we need your help. Solve the crime using your imagination and powers of reasoning and deduction while having a blast – all at one time!! CLICK HERE for pricing and more information.

MSU KD's Celebrate with Girl Scouts

'PAINTIN' PUNKINS'
Mississippi State University "State Snapshot"

Six-year-old Starkville Girl Scout Isabel Brabham (foreground) was among troop members painting pumpkins Thursday night at the Kappa Delta house. KD's national philanthropy works with the Girl Scouts of the USA organization and, as part of Greek Week activities, the campus sorority chapter sponsored the local fun competition as part of its Halloween week service programs. Brabham is assisted by senior KD member Sara Beth Scholtes.

(Oct 30, 2009 - Photo by Kristen Hines Baker)