Girl Scout Expo offered family fun and business opportunities
Girl Scout Expo offered family fun and business opportunities
Event in Bedford drew 1,200 attendees
October 29, 2024
BEDFORD, NH – Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains provided a day of family fun, entertainment, and learning at The Expo, which took place on Oct. 5 at the New Hampshire Sportsplex. More than 1,200 people attended with help from dozens of volunteers and staff from the council that serves all of New Hampshire and Vermont.
Girls, boys, and their families enjoyed performances that highlighted science, dance, and magic, and participated in activities like slingshots, computer coding, robot demos, painting, karate, and more. Exhibitors offered information on travel, health and safety, the environment, music, voting, and many more.
One unique aspect of the event was focused on the mental health of children, allowing them to explore the emotions they experience and how to deal with stress through breathing techniques.
“Youth attendees were able to spin a ‘feelings wheel’ to identify different feelings (happy, sad, angry, etc.) and then given the opportunity to explore what that feeling meant through a writing or art exercise,” said Amanda Powell, volunteer support specialist for the council, who ran the booth. “Doing activities like this can help youth to identify what exactly a feeling feels like, as well as different ways to manage those feelings when they have them. We also provided information to adults about the mental health trainings we offer through council, which includes Youth Mental Health First Aid, how to support youth with ADHD and Anxiety, Body Image, bullying, mindfulness, and more. We also offer on demand training to help address opportunities, we are able to help our leaders positively impact the mental wellbeing of our youth members across New Hampshire and Vermont.”
There was also an engineering challenge which three teams of Girl Scouts took on, working to build towers from paper and tape in a timed competition.
Exhibitors and performers at the event were enthusiastic about the turnout and reception they received.
“It was a great experience, as always, meeting all the wonderful children,” said Greta of Party Palace. “Thank you for the opportunity to be part of such an amazing event. … We would love to be part of it next year so count us in!”
“It was a pleasure to be there!” said Trooper Dick Perrault of D.A.R.E.
“Glad to hear that you all had such a successful event,” said magician Alyx Hilshey. “That is terrific. It seemed that kiddos and their families were having a terrific time throughout the event. It was an honor to be a part of that, and I wish you and all of the Girl Scouts continued success.”
“We very much enjoyed being part of your Expo. We met a lot of terrific girls and their families, and enjoyed teaching them fly casting basics and showing them our wildlife displays,” said Mike of the Elkins Fish and Game Club.
Kelly of ARMI/Biofab said “It is always a pleasure to give back to the organization that shaped me in so many ways. Thank you for including us!”
“Thank you again for having me at the Expo this weekend! It was great fun and the event seemed to go so smoothly! So many great vendors and activities-you did a great job,” said Jeanette of Creative Nutrition.
The council plans to host another Expo in two years. For more information, contact Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains at 888-474-9686 or customercare@girlscoutsgwm.org.
We Are Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscouts.org.
Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains serves girls throughout New Hampshire and Vermont through volunteer-run troops, events, and virtual programs. Visit www.girlscoutsgwm.org to learn more.
