Girl Scouts of Silver Sage has teamed up with The Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence for the Start Strong Idaho program--designed for Cadette Girl Scouts (ages 11-14).

Members discuss relationships they read about and see in the media and explore the topics of abusive behavior, warning signs of unhealthy relationships, and why someone would stay in a detrimental relationship.The goals of the program are to raise awareness and help prevent adolescent dating abuse.

Cadettes who participated in the program work toward a Start Strong Idaho patch. Patch activities are focused on gaining a better understanding of the aspects of healthy relationships and recognizing how to make strong, positive choices in difficult situations. Activities provide reflection, conversation, and hands-on experience in dealing with relationship issues.

To join the program, complete the Start Strong Participant Contract. Send your completed contract to: Meagan McArthur at 1410 Etheridge Lane, Boise, Idaho 83704.
 

Members will choose six of the following 11 activities to complete.

1. Read Dreamland, by Sarah Dressen, and post thoughts/summary on Girl Scouts of Silver Sage's Facebook group page.
2. Participate as a guest speaker focusing on healthy relationship for the Girl Scouts of Silver Sage Visions program.
3. Write a story or poem and submit to a school newspaper.
4. Write a story or poem and submit to a local newspaper.
5. Organize a movie night with your troop. Watch Twilight and have a discussion after the movie on healthy and unhealthy relationships.
6. Create artwork that brings awareness to the issues of healthy relationships. Hang your art at school, a troop meeting, or pass it out to friends.
7. Administer a survey to at least 20 teens on healthy relationships. Summarize the results of the survey, write about what you learned from the experience, and submit your responses to the group Facebook group page.
8. Answer questions concerning healthy relationships on the Facebook group homepage.
9. Rate a piece of music, a video game, a TV show, or another form of media on whether it depicts health or /unhealthy relationships. Post your findings on the Facebook group page.
10. Organize a speaker from the Idaho Coalition against Sexual and Domestic Violence to speak to your troop on healthy relationships.
11. Join the Start Strong Idaho Book Club and post weekly on the Facebook group page. Answer discussion questions regarding the book, Dreamland.
     

For more information, contact Meagan McArthur at mmcarthur@girlscouts-ssc.org.