January Petal Meeting and Camp In

The troop kicked off the camp-in with evening Mass. They had many opportunities to develop the virtue of initiative throughout the night. Initiative is about deciding to take some action when it is necessary and following through. Listening to the promptings of the Holy Spirit can help us grow in the virtue of initiative. When we see a need or problem, we should try to discern what God wants from us and be helpful. We can be like Queen Esther or the good Samaritan in the Bible. 

A new Little Flower joined our troop and will be a youth leader as well. Everyone helped out from preparing the stations, assisting with dining, sharing their ideas, and cleaning up. The girls had a great time cycling through activity stations. They created greeting cards under expert tutelage from Mrs B. and her stamping friends. They made amazing works of art to give away such as mermaid birthday cards, Black-Eyed Susan general cards, and lady bug Valentines. 

Next, was pizza dinner and cupcakes to celebrate a Little Flower's birthday. 

Mr and Mrs S. returned to lead the girls in an astronomy presentation. Nasa's space program and the recently discovered Green Comet or C/2022 E3 (ZTF) were highlighted. The weather didn't cooperate for telescope viewing, however. Everyone asked great questions and learned more about God's amazing seen and unseen creation.

Our youth leaders conducted the petal meeting where they covered Initiative, St Margaret of Scotland, and Black Eyed Susans. 

Verse: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. -Matthew 7:7-8

St Margaret (1045-1093) was an English princess born in Hungary while her parents were in exile but later restored to English royalty. They had to flee again and were shipwrecked in Scotland. The king rescued them and married Margaret. They had eight children and Margaret was known for her holiness and charity. She initiated many reforms in the community and the church. Her husband and son were killed in a battle and she died a few days later, perhaps of grief. Her feast day is November 16. She is the patron of large families and Scotland.

The Black Eyed Susan also known as, “Sweet William” is a hearty wildflower once known for medicinal properties. It has a dark brown center encircled with golden yellow petals.  They represent initiative because they are self seeding and pop up quickly without warning, thus the phrase,”Turning up like a black-eyed Susan.” 

The girls worked toward their end of the year adoration badge in the chapel and prayed the Divine Mercy Chaplet following quiet prayer. Sleeping spots were organized to settle in for a bedtime movie, The Lorax. 

The event concluded after a hike to the local biscuit shop for breakfast. 

St Margaret of Scotland, Pray for us and help us to grow in the virtue of Initiative.