|
|
What’s your troop been up to lately? Girl Scouts of Colorado wants to hear your stories! E-mail your stories and photos to Amanda K. Read more Girl Scouting news in the Buzz and throughout the Web site.
1,000-plus explore Pan-Asian cultures
For members of Girl Scout Troop 1885 of Highlands Ranch, making flowers out of paper proved to be a more difficult task than they imagined it would be.
The girls were trying their hand at origami on Feb. 10 during the 2008 Asian Adventure/Chinese New Year Celebration at Mountain Vista High School in Highlands Ranch.
After spending more than half an hour perfecting their paper tulips, Mackenzie M., 10, declared the ancient Japanese art a challenge.
“But it’s worth it in the end,” Claire F., 12, said showing off her creation. “It’s really fun.”
The girls were among more than 1,000 Girl Scouts and others who celebrated World Thinking Day and Chinese New Year by learning about Pan-Asian cultures. World Thinking Day is Feb. 22 and is a day when Girl Scouts and Girl Guides worldwide celebrate international friendships and cultural understanding. The Chinese New Year was Feb. 7, which began the Year of the Rat.
This is the second year Girl Scouts of Colorado has partnered with the Colorado Chinese Language School to host the Asian Adventure. The first event attracted more than 500 attendees.
Kelsey R., 11, of Castle Rock, said her troop decided to take advantage of the festival to do some volunteer work for their Bronze Award. The Bronze Award is part of the Girl Scouts leadership development program and gives junior Girl Scouts a chance to work together to help others.
“We thought it would be nice to volunteer here,” Kelsey said as she helped 2-year-old Saffron B. select crayons for coloring characters from the Chinese calendar.
But it wasn’t all work and no play for the volunteers either, as the girls from Troop 1546 took a turn trying to jump in rhythm over moving bamboo sticks in an activity from the Philippines called tinikling.
Other popular attractions included the Lion Dance performance, martial arts demonstrations, Chinese character painting, Chinese yo-yo and traditional Asian dresses.
Mandy M., 11, of Arapahoe County, munched on egg rolls with her troopmates Erica H., 11, of Elbert County, and Brianna C., 11, of Aurora, and declared the Asian Adventure a fun event.
“I learned that sometimes other cultures are different than ours,” Mandy M. said. “And I like it.”