Junior Girl Scout Troop #5294 earned the “Investigate, Innovate, Energize” patch with a clever service project to benefit Odell Public Library’s summer reading program.  At 6:30 p.m., on Monday, May 12, 2014, the eight members set to work completing 90 book bags crafted from t-shirts.  This colorful recycling idea originated with Librarian Pat Fuller, as a way to eliminate purchasing tote bags for children in the summer program.  Allison, Corrine, Haley, Kate, Lori, Macy, Riley, and Tanna are fourth graders.

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Leaders are Becky Albrecht, standing below, and Laura Wilson, seated.  Albrecht and Girl Scout supporter Kathy VanderVinne cut off 180 sleeves and enlarged 90 rounded neck openings.  Then they cut 90 hems into fringy strips and started one knot on each shirt.  Troop #5294’s Assembly Line crew took over on their next-to-the-last meeting of the year, sealing each bag by tieing knots in the fringy bottom.  The girls meet at Morrison United Methodist Church, 200 W. Lincolnway, Morrison, IL.

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A religious recognition will be earned by seven of the girls on Sunday, May 18, during the 10:15 a.m. worship service at MUMC.  They will receive their “Family and Faith” pin. 

Family members are invited to the final troop meeting on Monday, May 19, which features girl-made ice cream for an ice cream social.  VanderVinne will put rock salt and ice into individual plastic bags, and the girls will “churn” the mixture by shaking.  Outside, the Juniors will plant annuals in pots from Denise Bramm.  

Morrison summer Day Camp for Daisy, Brownie, Junior, and Cadette Girl Scouts is Tuesday, June 10, through Thursday, June 12.  Cadettes may volunteer to assist to earn service hours.  To enroll your daughter, contact Girl Souts of Northern Illinois at 815-235-8777.  All attendees must be registered Girl Scouts.