The Wizard of O2

Yes, we completed our BREATHE Journey that we started in June.  Our Celebration! was a fun time.  The girls had a chance to reconnect with each other, make thank you cards, yes, the attitude of gratitude was prevalent and in general, just have a good time.

We also did some work!  We finished the AFFIRM and each girl had a chance to write a personal "I am an Heir Apparent" statement (from the guide) to tuck into their Journey book.  And each of the girls had a chance to randomly choose another girl, and think about what flair this girl brought to the Journey.  Each girl made their award at our closing ceremony.

One group wrote a play, "The Wizard of O2", and acted out the scenes, complete with costumes to talk about the importance of NOT polluting.  The costumes were a hoot!  And the girls worked really well together, helping each other and prompting lines.  Even Rizzy got into the spirit of the play! She was the gatekeeper to the Wizard, and she had the line, "Well, whaddaya want?" Which she and the girls practiced many, many times!  Their presentation talked about how to get the video "out there" and into multiple hands.  Posting on FaceBook pages (every adult's!) and on the GSOC page are first up.  And then sending it to their friends and family members, etc.  It will be fun to see how many "likes" they get, and from where.  Here's the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liC9z--R6qY&feature=channel&list=UL

Our second group chose smoking and air pollution as their topic.  Two girls wrote a coloring book story, and the other girls drew pictures to support the story.  We got it in order (quite an ordeal for me!) and we printed up several hundred. The girls then chose where to make their presentations about how harmful smoking is to classrooms of younger kids, church groups, Girls Inc.  And they were able to go back and see if they had made a difference.  

One of the tough challenges for the girls in doing these TAPs, is not seeing direct changes of behavior in those they served. But they can at least see indicators that their message is reaching a wider group. I think that this is one thing that I'd like to work on for the next series I help in:  how to make the Action more robust?  Extend the timeline of the series? Space out the meeting days more, so that there's time to see success? I hate dumping it back on the parents or leaders, especially in the fall, when everyone gets soooo busy.

Happy with how it went, but sure think we could help make it better!  And for all of you thinking about doing a series, don't forget to have a GREAT co-chair!  I worked with Anne Rizzacasa and she is FABULOUS!  She just completed her Masters in Biology, and she's now working on her secondary school credential for MIDDLE SCHOOLERS! Not only is she learning all sorts of new things, but she is MORE than happy to try these new ideas out on the girls.  Hats off to you, Science Girl!