GREATER WESTFIELD-Free animal dance parties are being offered by Girl Scouts of Central & Western Massachusetts to introduce girls in kindergarten through fourth grade to the world of Girl Scouts.
While girls enjoy the party, parents and caregivers will be invited to learn how Girl Scouts can “supercharge a girl’s life,” according to Dana Carnegie, communications manager, Girl Scouts of Central & Western Massachusetts.
“Being a Girl Scout is a journey into a lifelong sisterhood that helps show a girl her own best qualities, and how to use them, even in the most challenging times,” said Carnegie.
Carnegie noted that parents or caregivers can choose an in-person date at one of the Girl Scout camps or the Girl Scout Leadership Center in Holyoke, as well as a virtual version of the program.
“In-person events will follow all COVID-19 safety protocols including face coverings and social distancing,” said Carnegie.
Virtual animal dance parties will be conducted from 6 – 7 p.m. on Sept. 22, Oct. 1, 7, 13, 20 and 27. In-person animal dance parties are planned at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Camp Bonnie Brae in Otis on Sept. 26, Oct. 10 and Oct. 24; Camp Lewis Perkins in South Hadley at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Oct. 10, or at the Holyoke Leadership Center at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Sept. 26 and Oct. 24.
“Girls will have the opportunity to learn how animals move their bodies,” said Carnegie, noting all parties are staff-led. “We’ll put some music on and ask girls how they’ll move differently now that they’re a bug. Then we might pretend we are a bird that can fly or a giant elephant with a swinging trunk, or even a household pet.”
Carnegie added that girls will make a mask by choosing their favorite animal including a monkey, lion, or elephant, and will color a template. The virtual participants will be mailed or emailed a mask template to print.
“She can start her experience with a dance party and continue her adventure with a troop where she’ll get hands-on, girl-led, girl-centered learning and fun,” said Carnegie, adding, “Eventually she’ll learn she can make a difference in her community, and she’ll grow confidence in big ways.”
For more information on the program and to register, call (413) 584-2602 or visit www.gscwm.org.
“While she’s engaging in activities like earning badges, selling cookies, exploring the outdoors, and programming robots, she’s discovering new ways to make herself and her community better, stronger and kinder,” said Carnegie.
The organization serves more than 7,000 girls in kindergarten through grade 12 across the region with 3,800 adult members in 186 towns and cities.
“Girl Scouts’ mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place,” added Carnegie.
