Junior Girl Scout Troop 89 earned over 200 volunteer hours reading books and writing reviews for the Stafford Branch of the Ocean County Library. Their troop leader kept track of the hours each girl worked. In addition, the troop made posters with their reviews and displayed them at the library. As a result of their activities, the girls have earned the Bronze Level of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for Families and Groups from the President’s Council in Service and Civic Participation. Eight girls participated. They recorded hours from November 2011 to May 2012.

Leaders from all five GSJS Regions have an opportunity to recognize their daughters for their unique support throughout the scouting year. Enjoy a relaxing brunch buffet at Cool Beans Coffee House in the Seacourt Pavilion in Toms River.

Troop 162 participated in Kids Triton Project Safety Day which took place on Saturday, May 5th. Using an enviroscape lent to us by Rutgers, the girls put together an educational program for the event. The girls taught participants about watersheds and the harmful effects on our environment and waterways from pesticides, fertilizers, garbage, animal waste, and other pollutants. They also educated the public on ways that we could be more responsible when using products such as fertilizers. The girls did an outstanding job and had a good time! Check out Troop 162's Kids Triton Project Safety Day photo gallery. - Diane Disbrow, Troop 162  

If it’s May, it must be time for a camporee! Some of the Brownies from Troop 186 joined Girl Scouts throughout the Toms River community for the Mad Science Camporee held at Amity Acres on May 5th and 6th.  Many thanks to Michelle of Troop 19, who did a great job planning the activities for the weekend and to her troop mates who helped her execute the plan. The Brownies of 186 and a member of sister Troop 104, had a great time exploring science together, singing at the camp fire and sleeping out in a tent.  Getting to exchange SWAPS with the other troops in attendance and scramble for items in a scavenger hunt were on their list of highlights too. The girls left Amity already planning their next camping trip. Take a look at Troop 186's Mad Science Camporee photo gallery!

Troop 97 is keeping a Girl Scout tradition alive that was started in 2009 by Girl Scout troops meeting at Cedar Grove Elementary School in Toms River. Troops 159, 186, 97, and 104 wanted to do something special to thank the school for allowing them to use the facility as a Girl Scout meeting space. The  troops associated with the school at the time received approval to plant and care for a 100 square foot flower bed near the school's kindergarten classrooms. Each troop took a 10 x 10 foot section to plant and care for as their own special garden. Troops have been maintaining the garden ever since! This season Troop 97 worked hard to freshen up the "Thank You" garden. Take a look at the Cedar Grove Gratitude Garden photo gallery to see troops past and present working in the garden!