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Troops On Their Own (TOTO) |
Troops on Their Own (TOTO) is a GSGEC service that helps locate resources and opportunities outside of the GSGEC programs. Due to independent organizations’ schedules, changes may occur. Please contact all TOTO providers directly before participating. GSGEC cannot/will not be held responsible for any cancellations, misprints, or other incidents that occur while registering or attending TOTO opportunities. Please remember that all girls must be registered Girl Scouts to participate in Girl Scout field trip activities and must have completed parent permission forms. Please have all emergency contact information available at all programs and meetings. Please follow Safety-Wise policies when participating in TOTO activities. Please contact GSGEC if you have other opportunities you would like to see included in next year’s TOTO section.
Other specific events available for Troops On Their Own can be viewed on the Current Volunteer webpage.
| *Please note that locations marked with an asterisk (*) are outside of the council boundaries. Troops traveling to these destinations must submit a Troop Trip & Activity Application. |
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| The Bead Shop |
All Levels |
Programs are available to your troops. Each program is 1 – 1 ½ hours long. The cost is $5.00 per girl/adult with a maximum capacity of 15 girls/adults. Please call Cindy Spiess-Malstrom at 269-345-8133 to set up a time and date. Please call at least 2 weeks prior to the desired date. Address: 3400 S. Westnedge, Kalamazoo, MI 49008 |
| Binder Park Zoo |
All Levels |
The Zoo offers Badge-In-A-Day programs, lock-in programs, and many other fun activities to help Girl Scouts earn a Try-It or Badge. If you are interested, please go to the website at www.binderparkzoo.org or contact Carrie Dunn at 269-979-1351 ext. 133. Pre-registration is required for all programs and registrations are accepted as forms and payments are received. Address: 7400 Division Drive, Battle Creek, MI 49014. |
| Borgess Health & Fitness Center |
All Levels |
Staff will work with your troop toward earning the Junior Swimming Badge. They will focus on skill-related and water safety requirements. Some requirements not covered during this session may need to be covered on your own. The cost is $3.00 per girl (payable to Borgess) and troop leaders are free. You must call The Borgess Fitness Center at 269-552-2342 and schedule a time at least three weeks in advance. The workshops are held on Fridays from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM. The troops are welcome to stay until 9:00 PM for family swim and Girl Scout family members are invited to come and swim from 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM for $1.00 per person. Address: 3025 Gull Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49048. |
| Crane Festival |
All Levels |
Witness hundreds to thousands of Sandhill cranes as they return to Baker Sanctuary’s Big Marsh Lake just before dusk. There are educational, fun activities for the whole family and a fine art and nature craft show from noon until 7:00 PM. Parking is limited so arrive early (3-4PM) and stay late. Parking costs $2. Crane Fest will be held October 14 & 15, 2006 at Baker Sanctuary & Kiwanis Education Area (15 Mile Road, Calhoun County, MI). For more information: www.cranefest.org or www.bakersanctuary.org or birder73@direcway.com or call 269-763-3090. Address: 21145 15 Mile Road, Bellevue, MI 49021 |
| * Curious Kids Museum |
All Levels |
The museum offers Badge Quest workshops, overnights, Daisy Garden Day and many more fun activities. Please check out the website at www.curiouskidsmuseum.org or contact Patty Runyon, the museum’s Scouting Program Coordinator at 269-983-2543. There are also brochures at the front desk of the Program and Training Center and the Battle Creek Service Center. Address: 415 Lake Boulevard, St. Joseph, MI 49085. |
| Diane Youngblood Donlon |
All Levels |
Miss Diane offers workshops for all levels. The workshops include Dancercise for Brownies, Let’s Pretend for Daisies and Brownies, Dance for Juniors, and Yoga for Junior and Cadette girls. The cost of the programs range from $8 - $14 per girl. If you are interested in any of the workshops please contact Diane Youngblood Donlon at 616-735-0553 or e-mail her at diane@ollypublishing.com. |
| *Dutch Village Theme Park and Wooden Shoe Factory |
All Levels |
The Dutch Village is fun for all ages! Watch Dutch folk dancers perform to the music of a historic Amsterdam street organ, craftsmen carve wooden shoes out of logs, and enjoy many museums and historical displays. Stroll through tulip gardens in the spring and spectacular perennial gardens in the summer and fall. Junior girl scouts can also earn their Folk Art badge. For more information call 616-396-1475. Address: 12350 James Street, Holland, MI 49424. |
| *Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park |
Brownie and Junior |
The staff at the Garden have worked hard to incorporate Girl Scout programs into their curriculum and they offer many Badges and Try-Its programs. A special Frederik Meijer Garden Patch can be earned only at the site (this is not an official Girl Scout insignia). Brownies can earn the following Try-Its: Colors and Shapes, Eco-Explorer, Plants, and Water Everywhere. Juniors can earn requirements from the following badges: Earth Connection, Outdoor Creativity, Plants and Animals, and Art in 3-D. Cadettes and Seniors can earn requirements from the following Interest Project Patches: All About Birds, Plant Life, Wildlife, and Museum Discovery. It takes 1 ½ - 2 hours to complete each session. The sessions cost $5.00 per girl and $2.00 per adult. This includes a program guided by a specially trained volunteer, the Try-It or badge and program materials. Please contact Julie Francke to set up your visit at 616-975-3145 or you can e-mail her at jfranke@meijergardens.org. Address: 1000 East Beltline, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. |
| Girl Scout Insignia Online |
Junior, Cadette, Senior |
Several Junior badges, as well as Cadette and Senior Interest Project badges, can be earned through the internet. Go to www.girlscouts.org for further information. Please call either service center for availability of the badges. |
The Greater Kalamazoo Area Holiday
Food Drive |
All Levels |
Come to the Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds and help sort, pack, and deliver food baskets to area families in the Kalamazoo area. Sorting and delivery will take place on December 15 and 16, 2007. Leaders must stay and supervise the girls. For specific dates and times, or for more information, please check out their website at www.kalamazooholidayfooddrive.com or email Monica Poucher at kalamazooholidayfooddrive@yahoo.com . |
| Historic Charlton Park Village, Museum and Recreation Area Project |
All Levels |
Troops may arrange to earn history/heritage-related Try-Its, Badges or Interest Project Patches. Volunteer opportunities are also available. Contact Claire Johnston to set up programs. Please give at least 2 weeks notice in order for her to set up special presentations and speakers for your group. She is able to find presenters for making butter, soup and candle making, blacksmithing, and many more fun activities. You can reach Claire Johnston at 269-945-3775. You can also find additional information at www.barrycounty.org/charltonpark/. Address: 2545 S. Charlton Park Road, Hastings, MI 49058. |
| Kalamazoo Nature Center |
All Levels |
Staff will guide girls in fun and interesting activities that lead to Try-Its or Badges. Each program lasts approximately 1 ½ hours. The best time to visit the Nature Center is after school. The cost is $5.00 per girl and adults are free. (The cost does not include the Try-It.) The minimum number of girls is 10 and the maximum is 25. Saturday, October 27th and Saturday, February 2nd are special days just for the girl scouts to come and earn Try-Its or Badges. Please contact Sarah Hopkins to arrange a date and time at 269-381-1574 ext. 23. You can also find more information at www.naturecenter.org. Address: 7000 North Westnedge, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. |
| Kalamazoo Valley Museum |
All Levels |
Come and have an adventure at the Kalamazoo Valley Museum. Registration is not required with these programs, but we recommend calling and registering in advance. The museum offers a wide variety of programs for all levels of Girl Scouting. Brownie level programs are free public programs and supplies are included. Junior, Cadette and Senior programs have a participation fee. Please contact the Kalamazoo Valley Museum for further details at www.kalamazoomuseum.org or at 1-800-772-3370. Address: 230 North Rose Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49003. |
| Kingman Museum |
All Levels |
The mission of Kingman Museum is to promote an understanding and appreciation of our natural world, the universe, and human cultures. We’re having an event “Spooky Science Saturday” when Einstein meets Frankenstein on Saturday, October 27. We’re looking for groups that want to plan and staff a science “booth.” The group would identify a science experiment that was interactive and present it from 1 – 5 p.m. at Kingman Museum. Any troops that are interested in putting on an activity for a group of children 5 – 12 years of age please contact Sara Ann Briggs, Executive Director at 269-965-5117. Address: 175 Limit Street, Battle Creek, MI 49017. |
| Leila Arboretum Society |
All Levels |
Leila Arboretum provides a safe, outdoor learning environment where kids can discover the importance of plants in their lives through sensory and hands-on interaction with plants. For information on the many programs and special events offered go to www.leilaarboretumsociety.org or call Bindu Bhakta at 269-969-0270. Address: 928 W. Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49017
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| Library Connections |
All Levels |
Libraries are available to help leaders with library tours, signing up for library cards, storytelling, service projects such as “adopting” a shelf, or learning new research skills. Some libraries have small computer classrooms. They may be available for troop activities after school or on weekends. Each contact person can help your troop plan an outing to your local library.
| Allegan Public Library |
673-4625 |
Ann Perrigo |
| Charles Ransom District Library (Plainwell) |
685-8024 |
Erin Marsh |
| Comstock Township Library |
345-0136 |
Myla Stewart |
| Delton District Library |
623-8040 |
Cheryl Bower |
| Galesburg Memorial Library |
665-7839 |
Donna Kowalewski |
| Kalamazoo Public (downtown) |
553-7804 |
Steve Siebers |
| Marshall District Library |
781-7821 |
Youth Dept |
| McKay Memorial Library |
731-4000 |
Linda Mony |
| Oshtemo |
553-7980 |
Kevin King |
| Otsego District Public Library |
694-9690 |
Brenda Morris |
| Parchment Community Library |
343-7747 |
Barb Bussema |
| Portage Public Library |
329-4544 |
Christy Kline |
| Richland Community Library |
629-9085 |
Mary Jaysick |
| Schoolcraft Comm Library |
679-5959 |
Bobbi Truesdell |
| Washington Square |
553-7970 |
Nancy Davis-Smith |
| Willard Library (Battle Creek) |
968-8166 x517 |
Dick Strader |
| VanBuren District Libraries |
423-4771 |
Debby Stassek |
If your local library is not listed, please call them directly and explain your needs. Most librarians have been very pleased to offer their services to Girl Scouts.
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| Long Lake Roller Rink |
Daisy, Brownie |
4525 Long Lake Dr. Portage, MI 49002
"Intro To Roller Skating" is an introduction to roller skating and its music using a controlled indoor environment. Girls will discuss the different disciplines of skating and the different equipment and environment needed for each. Girls will be introduced to the basics of roller skating safety, balance, posture and the proper way to fall. The cost is $5.00 per girl, call Miss Danette at 269-327-0407 to reserve your class space.
"Basics of Roller Skating" will teach the girls skating safety, and equipment care, and the skills needed to skate forward, backward, starting and stopping, balance, posture, carriage, rhythm, and music timing. The lesson plan will be adjusted to the class skill, with a weekly homework question pertaining to the history of Roller Skating. Each class graduate will receive a roller skating patch, sanctioned by the RSA (Roller Skating Association). This workshop is a 6 week course of 1 hour sessions, each 1 hour class will have 10-15 minutes of warm-up, 30 minutes for the lesson, and 10-15 of practice time. The cost is $30.00 per girl, call Miss Danette @ 269-327-0407 to schedule a class block. This class is available October 1 through April 1 |
| Lowe's Home Improvement Warehouses |
Brownie |
Build and grow with Lowe’s! Free clinics for children ages 6-10. Clinics are held the second Saturday of every month. All materials and tools are provided. Please call your local Lowe’s Human Resources Department for exact dates and clinic topics. |
| Magic Workshops |
All Levels |
Interested in magic? Always wondered how it was done? Always wanted a show for you and your troop? Contact Matt Bates at the Kalamazoo Service Center to schedule your very own show! |
| Manner at the Manor |
All Levels |
W.K. Kellogg Manor House, located in Richland, MI, offers manners classes to any interested troop. The price is $6.00 per girl and includes a tour of the mansion, food, and a great atmosphere. Please call Ann Spezia, Executive Director of the Manor House, at 269-671-2416 for more information. |
| *Michigan Adventure |
All Levels |
As the name implies, your troop will be in for a great adventure. Michigan Adventure amusement park has lots of rollercoasters, water slides and much more! There are activities for all ages and they offer group discounts. Please call 231-766-9959 for group sales or visit www.miadventure.com. Address: 4750 Whitehall Road, Muskegon, MI 49445. |
| *Museum of Science and Industry |
All Levels |
Science Snoozeum is a great sleepover for girls in grades 1-8. Pre-registration is required. For more information and details visit the website at www.msichicago.org and look under “Education” or call 773-684-9844 ext 2687. Address: 57th Street & Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637. |
| Painted Moon Studio |
All Levels |
We can help your troop earn art-related try-its or badges in our fun studio setting. Let us know what you need and we’ll design a creative, relaxed experience just for you. Programs generally range from 1 to 3 hours and cost between $5 and $9/per girl, de-pending on project choice and materials. Scheduling is flexible and we have a maxi-mum capacity of 20 girls. If you’re interested, please go to our website at www.PaintedMoonStudio.com or call us at 269.345.1038. Pre-registration and deposits are required for all programs so we can ensure the correct amount of supplies. Address: 2901A S. Westnedge, Kalamazoo, MI 49008. |
| *Patricia Polacco presents Meteor Festival |
All Levels |
Come join Patricia Polacco in her hometown of Union City Michigan on July 12th from 10am to 5pm for a day of fun. There will be tours of Patricia’s home, Meteor Ridge Farm, her Art Studio, and the GAW Center for the Arts. There will also be several book signing opportunities along with a visit to “The Graves Family’s” home where you will be able to make dirt cups with gummy worms. Tickets for adults are $10 and children 12 and under are free. So come join Patricia for lots of entertainment, horse drawn carriage rides, clowns, music and more in her beloved home town of Union City, Michigan. For more information you can visit her website www.patriciapolacco.com or call Donna Claar at 517-741-8081. |
| *Public Museum of Grand Rapids |
Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior |
The Public Museum of Grand Rapids has several Girl Scout programs available at the Van Andel Museum Center throughout the year. Costs are around $7.00 per girl, troop leaders will be admitted for free along with one additional adult for every five scouts. All extra adult will be charged an $8.00 admittance fee. Programs run from 1 ½ - 3 hours, depending on the topic. Contact the Program and Training Center for a list of programs. For further clarification, you may contact the museum’s Public Program Office at 616-456-3537. Address: 272 Pearl Street NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 |
| Putpaff's Fiber Processing |
All Levels |
Putpaff’s staff is willing to arrange educational programs for interested Girl Scout troops. Some choices may include mill tours, felt and yarn processing displays, workshops for making jointed teddy bears and workshops for making felt yardage with sewing assistance. Contact Putpaff directly to discuss the variety of possibilities. You can call 517-852-1871 or you can e-mail them at fibermill@yortboutique.com. Address: 5038 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. |
| The Rink of Long Lake |
Daisy, Brownie |
Intro to Roller Skating is an introduction to roller-skating and its music using a controlled indoor environment. Girls will discuss the different disciplines of skating and the different equipment and environment needed for each. Girls will be introduced to the basics of roller skating safety, balance, posture and the proper way to fall. The cost is $5.00 per girl and you must call to make reservations on a first come, first served basis. Call Colleen or Danette at 269-327-0407. Address: 4525 Long Lake Drive, Portage, MI 49002. |
| The Rink of Long Lake |
Brownie, Junior |
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Basics of Roller Skating will teach girls skating safety and equipment care, plus the skills needed to skate forward and backward, starting, stopping, balance, posture, carriage, rhythm, and music timing. The lesson plan will be adjusted to the class skill. Girls will be assigned a weekly homework question pertaining to the history of roller skating. Each class graduate will receive a roller skating pass, and all class participants are invited to stay after class and skate the Wednesday Family Session from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at no charge. This workshop is a six-week course of 1 hour sessions. The cost is $30.00 per girl. Please contact Colleen or Danette at 269-327-0407 to set up which six weeks you prefer. This workshop is available October 1st through April 1st. Address: 4525 Long Lake Drive, Portage, MI 49002. |
| Sarett Nature Center |
All Levels |
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Programs are offered to all Girl Scouts to earn badges. If you are interested in earning a badge please contact Sarett Nature Center and they will try and design a program for you. Programs may be scheduled for weekdays between 3 and 5 PM. Brownie programs will last between 1 and 1 ½ hours and Junior programs last 1 ½ hours. The cost is $1 per person. For more information go to www.sarett.com or call 269-927-4832. Address: 2300 N. Benton Center, Benton, MI 49022. |
| Scout Day at Celery Flats |
All Levels |
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The Portage Park Board is inviting all Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and YMCA Adventure Guides in Portage to demonstrate who they are and what they do for the whole community. We'll open up Celery Flats for this event, and you can show your stuff! Set up a display that represents your group and plan an activity, like how to build a camp fire or, cook in a cardboard box. You can also work in conjunction with another troop to put on a play, or set up an obstacle course. Play games, demonstrate crafts ... or come with your own ideas! This is your chance to show our community what a vital part Girl Scouts plays in making girls grow strong! The cost is free and the date is May 3, 2008. You can come just for the Saturday, or start early with a camp out in Celery Flats on Friday night. Questions? Contact Portage Department of Parks and Recreation 329-4522, or e-mail gerbern@portagemi.com. |
| Songs and Games Workshops |
All Levels |
| Do you love to sing? Are games your choice when it’s time to play? Learn songs and games from Glowing Embers’ experts “Hawkeye” and “Stormy”. Both “Hawkeye” and “Stormy” are willing to come to your regularly scheduled troop meetings or large events. Please contact Holly Hawke-Jordan at (269) 344-3672 to schedule a workshop. |
| South Haven Center for the Arts |
All Levels |
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Troops may call and set up tours of the art center or call and find out what scheduled events are coming up. The center offers many summer programs and classes along with productions and art exhibits. Please contact the program director at 269-637-1041 or at www.southhavenarts.org for more information. Address: 600 Phoenix Street, South Haven, MI 49090. |
| South Haven Maritime Museum |
All Levels |
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Enjoy a day in this lovely resort town on Lake Michigan. Follow a self-guided walking tour around the harbor to learn about the history of South Haven. Your troop can either plan a lesson with the Museum staff or visit the museum displays at your leisure. Admission costs and museum details are available on-line at www.michiganmaritimemuseum.org or you may call Mary Stephens, Assistant to the Director, at 269-637-8078. Address: 260 Dyckman Avenue, South Haven, MI 49090. |
| S.S. Keewatin Museum |
All Levels |
Thousands of visitors tour the S.S. Keewatin in Saugatuck/Douglas every summer. They transport themselves back in time to the bygone era of elegant passenger steamship travel. They see passenger staterooms, Captain's suite, crew quarters, dining and lounge areas, food preparation areas, and visit the Wheelhouse. We invite you to share with us a journey into maritime nostalgia. There's much for you to investigate online and at the actual museum. 269-857-2464 (in season, 10AM-5PM) 517-589-8635 (winter)
269-857-7235 (summer)
Address: 219 Union Street, Saugatuck, MI 49453 |
Turner-Dodge House & Heritage Center |
All Levels |
Many activities to help all Girl Scouts earn heritage badges are available. Morning and afternoon programs are available for a small price. Programs are available from October to May. For more information and a schedule of workshops please call the Heritage Center at 517-483-4220. Brochures will be available at the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek Service Centers with more details. Address: 100 E. North Street, Lansing, MI 48906. |
| W.K. Kellogg Biological Station |
All Levels |
| The largest off-campus educational unit of Michigan State University offers many different tours and programs. The following is a list of just a few programs/tours offered: Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, Kellogg Farm and Dairy Center, and W.K. Kellogg Experimental Forest. All tours require reservations. Contact Sarah Czinder at 269-671-2510 or e-mail at tours@kbs.msu.edu. You can also go to the website for more information: www.kbs.msu.edu. Address: 3700 E. Gull Lake Drive, Hickory Corners, MI 49060. |
| W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary |
All Levels |
Programs offered on an as-needed basis. Call four weeks in advance to schedule. Programs will be held on weekdays only. They offer a wide variety of programs and activities including: how birds fly, identification, ID sound, mysteries of migration, use of binoculars, waterfowl banding, Trumpeter Swan restoration, telescopes, bird walk with older Girl Scouts, Canada Goose capture, college programs, and duck carving. This will include educational material to keep (depending on program/topics covered), use of binoculars, guides, and admission to the Bird Sanctuary. Please call Sarah Czinder at 269-671-2510 for more information. |
| WMU's Lawson Ice Arena |
All Levels |
Open skate is available to the public. Please call 269-387-3046 for details on times and prices. |
| WMU's Lawson Arena - Gabel Natatorium |
All Levels |
| Open swim is available. Lifeguards will be on duty for your safety. Two lanes are reserved for lap swimming. The pool area can also be rented out for special events. Please call 269-387-3050 for more information on times and prices. |
| Horseback Riding |
All Levels |
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We are providing a listing of horseback riding stables in the Girl Scouts of Glowing Embers Council. These horseback riding stables sent us information about their facilities per our request. If you would like to stop by and visit the office, we can show you their details. Please remember that we are not endorsing, certifying or stating that these stables meet Safety-Wise requirements. Please see Safety-Wise and ensure that you are following all the requirements before going riding.
*Apple Ridge Farm LLC
38419 CR 215
Bangor, MI 49013
(269)-674-4222
*Huntington Valley
36343 CR 358
Paw Paw, MI 49079
(269)-657-0700
Lou Don Farm
4115 N. 36th St.
Galesburg, MI 49053
(269)-665-9782 – Ena Hanson
Pine Meadow Farm
8125 N. 42nd St.
Augusta, MI 49012
(269)-731-4294
Windsong Stable
11666 Sonoma Rd.
Battle Creek, MI 49015
(269)-317-9999 – Mauree
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"Girl Scouts inspires girls to be strong, smart, and bold."
~GSGEC Leadership |
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