How do you explain the French terrorist attacks to children? And how can you help them make sense and feel like they have control?
One way I feel we can honor those lost and provide a sense of control is to help them learn about listening, resolving conflicts and peace. The Girl Scouts Overseas in Paris has long had a Peace Patch program, and this may be the perfect time for our girls to work through some of the underlying themes of the program.
Topics covered in the patch program include:
- Learning listening skills. “One of the first steps in becoming a peacemaker is being a good listener. Play the Telephone Game many times until you can pass on a fairly detailed message.”
- Doing acts of kindness for our communities.
- Learning conflict resolution, including role-play and problem solving for conflicts the girls themselves have dealt with.
- Learning empathy and about others’ cultures.
- Understanding the struggles of refugees. “Put yourself in the shoes of a refugee child. What might your priorities be? Why? What are the priorities in your life? Think about the following: living space, food, water, sanitation, school and clothing.”
The Girl Scout Paris Peace Patch program isn’t one you could easily do in one meeting, but it’s one that could truly be a meaningful experience for your girls. I encourage you to check it out! Perhaps it can be part of your Thinking Day activities as well.
Download the Peace Patch requirements and order form here.
Want ideas for your troop delivered to you?
Sign up today for our enewsletter.
Use Resources Wisely 
wow. what a cool way for kids to get involved with all that is going on right now…not Justin paris, but beruit and kenya, too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I love this. What an awesome way to teach and encourage children!
LikeLike
What a great patch to work for! I loved my years as a girl scout and learned so many great lessons. Thanks for bringing this patch to our attention!
Marissa
LikeLike
I don’t see the order form in the download…did I miss something?
LikeLike
The order form is at the top right of the page.
LikeLike
This is a fabulous way to teach girls about others in our world and raise awareness for issues such as this that they may not otherwise learn about.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s so important to teach our children about what is going on in the world.
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a great way for kids to get involved. I love the telephone game idea!
LikeLike
Thanks for sharing this. It is great information to have!
LikeLike
Absolutely passing this along to my girl scout troop leaders! What a great resource this is, thanks!
Cathy
LikeLike
This is certainly something that is very important for young girls (and EVERYONE) to be learning and talking about!
LikeLike
[…] #2 Most Engaging Post of 2015: […]
LikeLike
[…] 9. Paris Peace Patch program […]
LikeLike
[…] Girl Scouts of Paris Peace Patch Program: Peace Happens One Girl at a Time […]
LikeLike