Our Girl Scout Cadette troop recently traveled to the Kentuckiana council. And if you’re traveling to Louisville, why not do the whole experience? Our girls explored the Louisville Slugger Museum and the Kentucky Derby Museum that afternoon.

The troop loved exploring the museum, watching the movie about Derby day and touring where the magic happens.

Even if you cannot physically go to the museum, you can still experience some of that Derby magic with activities from the Kentucky Derby patch program for Girl Scouts, including learning about the history of the Kentucky Derby, the competing horses and winners, Derby dress traditions, and traditional derby party foods.

I’ve shared the requirements below as PDF copies can disappear online over time. Copies of the patch can be ordered from the Kentucky Derby online store or purchased at the Derby Museum.

Kentucky Derby Patch Program

• Daisies and Brownies need to complete section 1 or 2, and three items from section 3
• Juniors and Cadettes need to complete section 1 or 2, and five items from section 3
• Seniors and Ambassadors need to complete section 1 or 2, and seven itemsfrom section 3

Activities

1. Have the girls pick a Derby horse and research it. When did this horse run in the Derby?

2. Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum’s website (www.derbymuseum.org) and learn about the Derby. What is our current (non-­permanent) exhibit? Find one item of interest in the collections database. Why did you choose this item? Tell your troop about one of the Derby traditions. Do you collect any Derby items? Take the virtual tour of the museum and learn about our exhibits. You can even watch the video of the museum’s horses! Pick a couple of vocabulary words and explain their meaning to your troop. Do you know someof them already? Share your findings with your troop.

3. Choose from these options:

• Attend an education program (available on weekdays) at the museum. This can be as part of a field trip, or your troop can schedule a program specifically for you.

• Go on a 30 minute, historic walking tour as part of your museum visit. ( I really recommend this one if you are able to travel.)

• Watch a live race at the track, or look one up online. Live racing is available the last week of April through the 4th of July weekend, and again at the end of October or early November through Thanksgiving weekend.

• Make a meal or snack to serve to your family or troop. You could make burgoo, hot browns, a chocolate nut pie, country ham with biscuits and gravy, or mint iced tea. Find a recipe on your own, or use the ones provided below by the Kentucky Derby Museum. Also, find out the history of the recipes.
• Make a Derby hat! Use an old hat to redecorate, or purchase a fresh hat and add your own embellishments. It can be big or small, flashy or simple, just as long as it’s fun.
• Find a local horse barn and learn to care for a horse. What kinds of things are special when caring for a horse as opposed to other animals? What is the proper etiquette when you are near a horse? If available, go horseback riding.
• Learn about girls who have participated in the Kentucky Derby. There have been jockeys, trainers, owners, and even female horses in the Derby! Who were they and what were they able to accomplish?
• Watch a movie about horses (Seabiscuit, Secretariat, etc.). Discuss the movie with your troop.
• Read a book about horses.
• Jockeys have to be in excellent shape to do their job and guide a Thoroughbred to the finish line. Design a workout routine to exercise and stay in shape. What muscles are those exercises targeting, and why is exercise so important? Try to do these exercises for a week and see how you feel. You might be sore, but your body will thank you!
• Thoroughbreds are the only type of horse that can run in the Kentucky Derby. Learn about horses and the various breeds. Which breeds are good for speed and which are good for hard work?
• Research other historic races in our country, and around the world. Horse racing doesn’t just happen in Kentucky, it is a worldwide event! How is racing similar in other countries, and how is it different?

Recipes from Kentucky Derby Museum Scout patch packet

The Legendary Hot Brown Recipe (From The Brown Hotel)

Makes two Hot Browns

• 2 oz.Whole Butter
• 2 oz. All Purpose Flour
• 1 Qt. Heavy Cream
• ½ Cup Pecorino Romano Cheese, Plus 1 Tablespoon for Garnish
• Salt & Pepper to Taste
• 14 oz. Sliced Roasted Turkey Breast
• 2 Slices of Texas Toast (Crust Trimmed)
• 4 Slices of Crispy Bacon
• 2 Roma Tomatoes, Sliced in Half
• Paprika
• Parsley

In a two-quart saucepan, melt butter and slowly whisk in flour until combined and forms a thick paste (roux). Continue to cook roux for two minutes over medium-­‐low heat, stirring frequently. Whisk whipping cream into the roux and cook over medium heat until the cream begins to simmer, about 2-­‐3 minutes. Remove sauce from heat and slowly whisk in Pecorino Romano cheese until the Mornay sauce is smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.

For each Hot Brown, place one slice of toast in an oven safe dish and cover with 7 ounces of turkey. Take the two halves of Roma tomato and set them alongside the base of turkey and toast. Next, pour one half of the Mornay sauce to completely cover the dish. Sprinkle with additional Pecorino Romano cheese. Place entire dish under a broiler until cheese begins to brown and bubble. Remove from broiler, cross two pieces of crispy bacon on top,sprinkle with paprika and parsley, and serve immediately.

Kentucky Chocolate Nut Pie

• 1 9-­inch pastry shell, unbaked
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup granulated sugar (or use half brown granulated)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• pinch salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 ounces (1 stick) melted butter

Preheat oven to 325°. Pour nuts and chocolate chips into pie shell, spreading evenly. In a small mixing bowl, whisk 2 eggs. Add the sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt into the bowl,stirring to blend well. Whisk in 1 teaspoon vanilla and the 4 ounces melted butter. Blend well. Pour batter evenly over nuts and chocolate chips. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until nicely browned. Chill thoroughly before cutting. Serve with vanilla ice cream. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Benedictine

Serves 10 to 12

• 1 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons grated cucumber, drained well with paper towel
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped green onions with tops
• 1 drop green food coloring

Blend all ingredients together and mix well. Serve as dip or use as spread for finger sandwiches. You could even add a drop of Tabasco Sauce.