By Tara Rappleye, Program Director

October is coming around the corner and there are A LOT of things to look forward to this month: the 2016-2017 program year officially begins, tasty pumpkin and apple treats are everywhere, Fall Product Program kicks off, and the weather cools down (we can only hope).

Although October is a busy month, we still want to share fun ways your troop can celebrate the October monthly and daily observances we’ve highlighted below!

National Bullying Prevention Month

The Girl Scout Promise states “be a sister to every Girl Scout,” which is why National Bullying Prevention Month is emphasized in October. Look at the activities below that your troop can do to participate in this year’s National Bullying Prevention month!

• Circle of Friends patch program– This is a GS – NCCP patch program that helps Girl Scouts learn about disabilities, how to include someone with a disability, and how to be a better friend. This program is for Girl Scouts of all ages. Troops can even reserve an Inclusion Kit to help them work through the program.
• Create an anti-bullying poster- Grab some markers and paper and make posters for your school or church promoting anti-bullying and being a good friend.
• Wear a blue shirt- Monday, October 3 is Blue Shirt Day. When you wear a blue shirt on this day you are showing your support of anti-bullying and anti-cyberbullying.

National Reptile Awareness Day- October 21

There are many different types of reptiles that call North Carolina home. October 21 is the day to learn more about these slimy and scaly creatures.

• Explore – Step outside and look for some critters! Reptiles that you can look for are snakes, turtles, lizards, frogs, and toads. Spend an hour outside near some grass or water, and count all the reptiles you see.
• Reptiles and Amphibians patch program– Learn about reptiles and amphibians through the GS – NCCP patch program. Girl Scouts will learn the different between these two types of animals and their habitats. They will also play games and do crafts related to reptiles and amphibians. Most importantly Girl Scouts will advocate for their local reptiles and amphibians.

National Pumpkin Day- October 26

Fall means apples, Halloween, leaves changing, candy corn, and PUMPKINS!

• Decorate pumpkins- Head to the pumpkin patch or local grocery store to purchase pumpkins for your troop. After purchasing the perfect pumpkins, it’s time to get creative! Your troop can paint or carve their pumpkins. They can make it scary or silly, the options are endless.
• Pumpkin treats- Speaking of endless possibilities, there’s so many options when it comes to pumpkin recipes from pumpkin pie and pumpkin rolls to pumpkin seeds and pumpkin pancakes. Add a little pumpkin spice to your October meeting with a tasty pumpkin treat.

National Cookie Month

We are Girl Scouts, how could we not celebrate National Cookie Month?! It may not be cookie season, but we can still celebrate this traditional Girl Scout goodie.

• Cookie-off- Grab your cookbooks or smart phones and find your favorite cookie recipe. Pair up to make your favorite cookie. Then have a cookie party where your guest vote which cookie is the best!
• Avatar patch- Did you know the 2017 Cookie Program marks 100 years of Girl Scouts selling cookies? To celebrate this occasion, there is a once in a lifetime avatar patch you can earn by participating in 2016 Fall Product Product and 2017 Cookie Program this year. To earn the patch, girls must first participate in the 2016 Fall Product Program, create a digital avatar, and send 12 or more emails letting customers know about the sale. Second, girls must participate in the 2017 Cookie Program and sell 300 or more boxes of cookies. Check out this example avatar patch!

Be sure to tune in next month for our November commemorative celebrations!