Birds of the Air RP3 Patch
Multi-level Girl Scout Troop
Chippewa Nature Center
Midland, Michigan

Submitted by Haley Cottrell, Girl Scout Leader:

Here is a picture of a Brownie Girl Scout as a Bird … wearing all the parts of a bird so we better understood the biological makeup of our feathered friends!

Our multi-level troop of Christ-centered Girl Scouts did our Birds of the Air / Animal Habitats event at Chippewa Nature Center in Midland, Michigan! It was a 2-hour event outside: 32 degrees & overcast skies in the beautiful, wooded landscape of God’s Country! The girls were eager to view many local birds from their binoculars (and through the ancient art of taxidermy). We learned not only about different birds & their habitats, but their biology, lifestyles, songs, and interesting personality differences! We also completed the RP3 Requirements because they married beautifully into this program. We skipped the RP3 popcorn throwing activity because of COVID-19 but we did so MANY fun bird activities which included collecting natural materials to make our own bird nests. We also made two different bird feeders: one was a large pinecone covered in bird seed & crisco (to avoid problems with peanut allergies) and the other was a milk jug with Windows cut out of it & hand decorated by the girls. The girls enjoyed the RP3 Bird-themed Bible stories and the thoughtful conversations inspired by them. Birds are facilitating creatures and we had a wonderful time learning more about them. Covid-19 may have made some things in this world very challenging but getting outside in the crisp winter air is still a treat!

Brian Washington, Youth Minister at The Crossing Baptist Church in Mesquite, Texas, taught God and Church to a group of Scouts from Troop 138. When asked about the program, here’s what he had to say:

We started the program in the fall of 2019 prior to COVID-19 … but had to finish virtually. The class was fun, and exciting. As a youth minister, and having older boys, I used an "explanation, and an application" approach to the class….They didn't realize that Christ had to pray to the father before He went out to share the Gospel. After hearing this, and ultimately having to go out and "APPLY WHAT THEY LEARNED" they learned how important it was to consult the Father, before we make not only that move, but any move in our lives! I can't wait for the spring when the next class session starts. I'm excited. Blessings, B. Washington

Click here to read the complete article.

Picture: Brian Washington with a majority of the boys that attended the God and Church class pictured volunteering at the annual “Wreaths Across America” December 2019.

God and Family
Lamb of God Lutheran Church
Haines City, Florida 

Led by Pastor Joe, the God and Family class hosted at Lamb of God Lutheran Church proudly received their awards in December 2020. It was an exciting class and families have been attending as a result! 

Triplets Rachel, Isaac, and Leah completed Jesus and Me and God and Me while stuck at home during the pandemic. Pictured above they are showing some work about Jesus as Storyteller for the Jesus and Me program. Below are the “Songs of Praise” written by each one for the God and Me program mentioning birds, bobcats, tulips, cheetahs, tigers, and bunnies! May your joy and faith in God continue to grow!