Girl Scout Programming
Free In-Person and Virtual Programming
Serving Girl Scouts of NE Kansas & NW Missouri and Around the Nation
Badges are not included and must be purchased through your troop.
Minimum number for badge program
Daisies – Cadettes: 10 scouts
*If you have less than that, please consider reaching out to a nearby troop to reserve a program date or work with your area coordinator.
Juniors – Ambassadors: 8 scouts
*If you have less than that, please reach out directly us to discuss staff availability.
Scheduling
In-person visits to the museum in Lawrence are preferred but virtual programs on Zoom or outreach visits to your location are available.
Order of preference for scheduling of Girl Scout programs
- Monday–Friday: 9:00 – 5:00 (early dismissal or an out of school in-service day?)
- Monday–Friday evenings: start time of 5:30 – 6:30pm
- Saturdays: 9:30 – 5:00
- Sunday afternoons: 1:00 – 5:00
Programs can be reserved 3 weeks – 6 months in advance.
Contact Our Public Education Manager
Julie Clover
Public Education Manager
Dole Institute of Politics
785-864-1420
jclover@ku.edu
Daisies
DEMOCRACY FOR DAISIES
What is democracy and who represents me in government? Investigate the 3 levels of government (local, state, and federal) and learn what are the 3 rules to become President of the United States. Take part in a presidential pet election and learn how to write a letter to the governor or other local official, pictures encouraged!
• Girls will complete steps 1-3 in the new Democracy for Daisies badge.
• 45-minute virtual or 60-minute in-person program.
GOOD NEIGHBOR BADGE FOR DAISIES
Step 3 – see what makes your state special. Come visit a Kansas landmark and go on a scavenger hunt to learn more about a Kansas icon.
• Only step 3 covered
• 45-minute in-person visit
Brownies
DEMOCRACY FOR BROWNIES
What is democracy and who represents me in government? Investigate the 3 branches of government, learn about wacky laws, and exercise your vote in an election of presidential pets. Engage with your community and use your letter writing powers to write to an elected official, pictures encouraged!
• Girls will complete steps 1-4, step 5 will need to be complete on your own for the new Democracy for Brownies badge.
• 45-minute virtual or 60-minute in-person program.
CELEBRATING COMMUNITY FOR BROWNIES
Be a landmark detective and celebrate your community! Explore a museum dedicated to native Kansan and U.S. Senator Bob Dole and his legacy in public service and hear about the WWII memory wall in honor of veterans of the greatest generation. Discuss your community symbols such as Kansas state motto, animals, and observe the world’s largest stained glass American flag! Learn about the American flag and how to fold the flag honorably.
• Scouts will complete all 5 steps covered with some homework on their own.
• Two 45-minute virtual sessions or one 1.5 hour in-person visit.
Juniors
DEMOCRACY FOR JUNIORS
What is democracy and who represents me in government? Explore the new democracy badge with the Dole Institute of Politics. Learn about the three branches of government and the importance of local & state governments, explore how a bill becomes a law, test your knowledge of Presidential trivia, and find out about former Girl Scouts who have served on the Supreme Court.
• Girls will complete steps 1-5 in the new Democracy for Juniors badge
• Two 45-minute virtual programs or one 1.5-2 hour in-person visit.
INSIDE GOVERNMENT FOR JUNIORS
Inspired by historical examples from the Dole Institute and Archives, let’s go inside government and plan your political campaign. Learn more about our national government and write a letter to your local, state, or federal representatives based on examples written by kids just like you! What does an active citizen mean to you and your community? Discuss the three branches of government and create a list of what laws affect you and how they impact your daily life.
• Scouts will complete all 5 steps covered with some homework on their own.
• Two 60-minute virtual sessions or one 2-hour in-person visit.
CADETTES, SENIORS, OR AMBASSADORS
FINDING COMMON GROUND
Find common ground with others by discussing voting rights and other public policies. Troop leaders can choose from a selection of activities related to their scouts’ focus. Participate as senators in a mock debate and cast your ballot on the right to vote at age 18 by reading constituent letters from before the date of the 26th Amendment. Write your own letter to your representative on an issue that you think is important to you and your community. Understand how to compromise on public policies such as ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) and how we as educated citizens can learn from history on past national compromises.
• One 2-hour visit
• Badge Connections: Cadette Badge: Finding Common Ground, Senior Badge: Behind the Ballot, Ambassador Badge: Public Policy
• Outcomes: Displays positive values, Learns to identify and solve problems in her community
BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR
Former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm devoted her career in public service to empowering citizens from underrepresented communities by living her message, “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.”
Join the Dole Institute of Politics in an interactive program adapted from the Edward M. Kennedy Institute that teaches the importance of an inclusive American Democracy and asks your scouts to identify and portray their experiences, strengths, hopes, and dreams by designing a mini paper chair.
What matters to you? What do you bring to the table?
• One 1.5 hour in-person visit
• Badge Connections: Cadette Badge: Finding Common Ground, Senior Badge: Behind the Ballot, Ambassador Badge: Public Policy
Summer Journey
Also, check out GSKSMO (Girl Scouts of Northeast Kansas and Northwest Missouri) website for GIRLtopia Journey – a summer workshop opportunity hosted at the Dole Institute of Politics each June.