Make a Difference
Page 4
From the Mouse Scout Monthly
MOUSE SCOUTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR COMMUNITY
LEFT MEADOW: Six Acorn Scouts in Left Meadow recently completed work on their “Make a Difference” badge by cleaning up a local park. But this was no ordinary cleanup. In addition to collecting trash, the Scouts used some of the trash to weave a basket to hold yet more trash, giving new meaning to the phrase trash basket.
“The ‘Make a Difference’ badge is a difficult one to earn,” explained troop leader Miss Poppy. “The Scouts must determine what kind of difference they will make and how they will carry it out. Many troops simply aren’t ready for that level of independence and responsibility, but I never doubted that MY scouts could handle it.”
In fact, Miss Poppy’s Scouts went above and beyond the requirements of the badge when the troop members discovered a local cat, Big Red, stuck in a tree. Working together, the Scouts came up with a plan to lower the cat to safety. “My Scouts are clever and fearless,” Miss Poppy said. “They risked life and limb to help a creature in need. They are true Mouse Scouts!”
When asked for a comment, one of the troop members, Tigerlily, stepped forward. Showing true Mouse Scout modesty, she said, “We were happy to help. Besides, it was worth it to ride on a cat!”
THE “MAKE A DIFFERENCE” BADGE
To earn this badge, you must complete the following activities:
1. Keep a daily logbook of the little differences that you make.
2. With members from your troop, devise a plan for making a significant difference in your community.
3. Be an active member of your troop’s “Make a Difference” team.
4. Write a short essay describing the significant difference your Mouse Scout troop made, including how you came up with your plan, how you carried out your plan, and what effect your difference made in your community.
was briefly a Brownie and a Junior Scout. She fondly remembers making macaroni necklaces and, less fondly, one horrible camping trip when she had to eat the worst oatmeal ever. On the brighter side, Sarah studied art at Wheaton College and illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design. Her previous books include Perfectly Arugula and Extraordinary Warren. She lives in Waitsfield, Vermont, with her husband. Visit Sarah at sarahdillard.com.