Love to act in plays, create music, and dance. Girls might like to tell a story through playwriting,
playing an instrument, or choreographing a
dance.
May be starting puberty, which means beginning
breast development, skin changes, and weight
changes. Some may be getting their periods. Being sensitive to girls’ changing bodies, possible
discomfort over these changes, and their desire
for more information. Create an environment
that acknowledges and celebrates this transition
as healthy and normal for girls.
Girl Scout Cadettes
At the Girl Scout Cadette level (6 th -8 th grades), girls … This means . . .
Are going through puberty, including changes in their
skin, body-shape, and weight. They’re also starting
their menstrual cycles and have occasional shifts in
mood. Being sensitive to the many changes Cadettes
are undergoing and acknowledging that these
changes are as normal as growing taller! Girls
need time to adapt to their changing bodies, and
their feelings about their bodies may not keep
up. Reinforce that, as with everything else,
people go through puberty in different ways and
at different times.
Are starting to spend more time in peer groups than
with their families and are very concerned about
friends and relationships with others their age. That girls will enjoy teaming-up in small or large
groups for art projects, performances, and
written activities, as well as tackling relationship
issues through both artistic endeavors and Take
Action projects.
Can be very self-conscious—wanting to be like
everyone else, but fearing they are unique in their
thoughts and feelings. Encouraging girls to share, but only when they
are comfortable. At this age, they may be more
comfortable sharing a piece of artwork or a
fictional story than their own words. Throughout
the activities, highlight and discuss differences
as positive, interesting, and beautiful.
Are beginning to navigate their increasing
independence and expectations from adults—at
school and at home. Trusting girls to plan and make key decisions,
allowing them to experience what’s known as
“fun failure:” girls learn from trying something
new and making mistakes.