TOWN EVENT INFORMATION
FALL PRODUCT SALE
The Fall Product Sale gives troops an opportunity to raise money in the fall to use for field trips or other activities. Participation in the sale includes selling nut and candy, magazine subscriptions and personalized photo keepsakes and cards. The sale gives girls the opportunity to build skills for success in the real world, like goal setting, earning and managing money, marketing, and teamwork. Order taking begins in late September or early October and products are delivered in mid-late November.
NORTHBOROUGH APPLEFEST
Our troops enjoy and participate in Applefest in so many ways, from joining the parade, slicing apples for delicious apple treats, hosting pizza dinners, and running games at the NGS Carnival. The girls have found lots of ways to have fun and volunteer for the community during this town-wide event.
SQUARE DANCE
A tradition since the early 1980's, the square dance is enjoyed by Northborough Girl Scouts. The girls have a fun evening of dancing with their father (uncle, brother, family friend or mother) in the Melican Middle School cafeteria usually from 6:30-8:00 PM. A caller explains all the moves as the dancers follow along. There is a snack half way through the evening. The girls receive a patch for the back of their Girl Scout sash/vest. Proceeds from the dance are used to fund Girl Scout town events, provide seed money for brand new troops, and encourage older girls to take big trips. The tickets are sold in advance for $10 per couple. Couples are expected to bring juice or cookies to share (depending on last name), and a non-perishable food item for the Northborough Food Pantry.
GIVING TREE
From November to December, the Giving Tree is set up at the Northborough Free Library with its purpose being to collect donations of mittens, scarves and hats for Northborough Helping Hands. All troops are encouraged to participate in this service project which benefits Northborough families in need. Some troops make fleece hats and scarves while others use troop funds to purchase items or ask their families and relatives for donations. To get the true meaning of the experience, it is recommended that the troop travels to the library to decorate the tree with their items.
HOLIDAY SHOP
Held on the second Saturday in December at the First Parish Church, this event provides an opportunity for Junior and older troops to sell crafts and holiday items. Younger troops and their families have the opportunity to shop for their families. There are free cookie and milk. All items cost less than $5. There is also free gift wrapping.
COOKIE SALE
The annual Girl Scout Cookie Program takes places from January through March. These iconic favorites fund Girl Scout troop programs for the entire year. The activity of selling cookies is directly related to our purpose of helping all girls realize their full potential and become strong, confident, and resourceful citizens. Girls learn fiscal responsibility. Girls learn money management, and how to stay on a budget. Troop Leaders usually appoint a "Cookie Mom" to handle the logistics of the sale. Training for "Cookie Moms" usually takes place in December.
COOKIE BOOTH SALES
Cookie Booth Sales are held to give the girls an opportunity to learn some business, communication, sales and leadership skills. The troops can also sell cookies to donate to the military or the Northborough Food Pantry.
TOWN ENCAMPMENT
Town Encampment is a town-wide camping trip. All the troops in town go to Camp Laurelwood in Spencer or Camp Green Eyrie in Harvard for a weekend (Friday-Sunday) in May or June. Troops can spend either Friday or Saturday night at camp (or both) or they can attend on Saturday. Younger troops stay in buildings while older girls stay in tents. Activities such as boating, archery, and badge workshops are organized for the girls during the day on Saturday. This event is a wonderful growth experience for girls and provides amazing bonding for the troops. Troops are required to have a sleepover in Northborough prior to sleeping over at Town Encampment. Troop leaders need the appropriate training prior to attendance.
BRIDGING & AWARDS CEREMONY
Troops gather in May or June to celebrate the Girl Scouts achievements. Participation by troops is voluntary but encouraged. Troops sign up with the number of participating girls and the level they are bridging to. All badges and recognitions are distributed to the girls outside of the ceremony. Troops need to fulfill the bridging requirements prior to the ceremony. The event includes the girls and their families. Dinner will be served followed by the ceremonies.
MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
Memorial Day is a national holiday designed to commemorate our fallen war heroes. The local American Legion organizes a parade which stops at the war memorials and the Howard St. cemetery. There are speakers, poems, music, and 21 gun salutes in the ceremony. Girl Scouts are invited each year to march and to speak at the monuments or cemetery. Girls should bring permission slips and march with their troops. Wear uniform and comfortable shoes. Troops are encouraged to bring water.