News on the Horizon May 2014 | Page 2

Keeping Girls Healthy and Fit with 'Healthy Habits' Journey Booklets

Whether they're hiking, trying a new sport, or preparing tasty, nutritious snacks, Girl Scouts enjoy many fun ways to lead healthy lives. Health and fitness have been part of Girl Scouts since girls ran foot races in 1912!

In partnership with the Healthy Weight Commitment Foundation, Girl Scouts has developed three "healthy habits" booklets for volunteers to use in conjunction with their Journey Adult Guides.

The booklets will help guide girls on their Journey as they learn to lead active, healthy lifestyles. Through the use of these free resources for Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors, Girl Scout volunteers and families can guide girls in fun, easy ways to achieve "energy balance" through awareness of:

Energy In: the calories you get from eating and drinking.

Energy Out: the calories you burn from physical activities.

1

A Letter from a Mother

Dear Girl Scouts—Dakota Horizons,

My daughter, Gabrielle Swangstue, received an invitation to the Northeast District Recognition event to honor her as a graduating senior. She would be honored to attend, but is currently completing her year-long Rotary International Youth Exchange in Kashima, Saga, Japan!

While on a visit to Japan in 2010, Gabi arrived home determined to return to Japan. Through her actions and strong decision-making skills, she was able to complete her high school credits one year ahead of schedule. She applied for the Rotary International Youth Exchange Program, and after rigorous interviews, was accepted. She was very fortunate to receive her first choice of Japan! Gabi returns in July and will begin her studies at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin as a member of the Honor's Program. I give all of the credit to Gabi for being a strong willed, self-confident young woman who was shown by Girl Scouts that she is important and a valued member of the world. Girl Scouts will continue to provide important guidance as she navigates her way into her adult years serving as a Girl Scout volunteer.

Thank you, Girl Scouts, for being a positive role model for Gabi and being a part of our family’s history.

Danielle Swangstue