The Reality StoreSM

Hello, Troop Leaders!

Below you will find two links to PDF files:  one with instructions to lead your girls through at least three pre-event activities, and the other with forms that will be used at the event.

Please note:  The Reality StoreSM was initially designed for a classroom setting in Indiana; we have adopted it for a Girl Scout program.  As such, rather than have me retype the entire document, would you please indulge me and make the following modifications throughout the document?

Basically, the three activities are as follows:

#1 Envision Your Life.  Have the girls close their eyes and ask them to think about the questions you're going to ask them. Read the questions on page 2 of the pre-event activities document, and ask the girls to think about their answers to these questions.  Then have them record their answers on the form so they have something to compare to after the event.

#2 Explore Career Choices.  Help the girls discover where they can find out about different jobs.  Having the Help Wanted section of various newspapers handy will facilitate this activity.  Do not overlook the resource of the Internet.  Your local library should also be able to help you, if you need additional resources.

#3 Select an Occupation/Career.  If they have absolutely no clue as to what they want to do, they'll be given a "default" occupation paying minimum wage (currently $5.15 per hour).  I am not including the salary charts (as mentioned in the pre-event activities document) because it's too much to scan!  However, if you can let me know what occupation/career each girl has chosen, including the degree required (if any) and the annual salary the occupation/career can expect to have (part of the girls' research!), by the date shown below, I can have their "pay stubs" all ready for them when they arrive at The Reality StoreSM, and that will save us a lot of time at the beginning!

A note about the check register:  I, personally, do not care for the example that has been provided, because it doesn't use the Balance column properly.  However, I know that some people have time doing horizontal math, and find vertical math easier.  You instruct your girls as you see fit.  I'll have extra blank registers on hand at the event, in case anyone runs out of room.

If you have time to do Activity 4 and Activity 5, great!  You might consider assigning them as "homework" and then they can share their information at the event!  If they'd like to bring their Dream Boards with them to the event, we'll set up a gallery.

Please make sure each girl brings with her a pencil (preferably with an eraser), a calculator (if available/needed), a copy of the blank Check Register page (in the forms document), and their completed "Envision Your Life" form.  Please share the information at the bottom of the 5th page and top of the 6th page of the pre-event activities document with your girls.  This will give them an idea of what to expect when they arrive at the event.  We have built in time, on the day of the event, for your troop troop to complete Activity 6.

My sister BPW members are very excited about meeting your girls and sharing this experience with them.  We look forward to seeing you at the Reality StoreSM!

Caryl Sinfield

Scheduled events:

                deadline for sending Caryl occupation/career information for each girl:  January 25, 2008

Please plan to arrive no later than 15 minutes before the scheduled start time..  Lunch/dinner and snacks are going to be provided, but if any of your girls have any extensive food allergies, it is best to have them bring their own eats.