Girl Scouts of all ages had a festive time on Friday night at their annual Hootenany.  Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes and Seniors were in attendance to share songs and friendship with each other.  Thanks go to Leigh and Phil Cahners, who put this event together.  Leigh managed the sing-a-long while Phil provided the music, playing his guitar. Some of the songs included “Make New Friends”, “The Princess Pat” and some holiday favorites like “Jingle Bells” and “Rudolph, the Red Nose Reindeer”.  In the tradition of Girl Scouts, many rounds were sung.  Robin Deslauriers, a Service Area Manager for Girl Scouts, oversaw the Hootenany, which has happened for decades and was held at Hampden Meadows School.  Drinks and Snacks were provided for the dozens of girls in attendance.

The Hootenany was also an opportunity to learn about and donate items to Birthday Wishes, an organization that brings birthday parties to homeless children.  The Girl Scouts watched a short movie and were given a brief overview about Birthday Wishes by Susan Kostas, who is the Regional Rhode Island Coordinator.  Donations brought to the event included birthday presents, cake mix, frostings, wrapping paper and party favors.  The RI region serves 17 shelters and will celebrate birthdays for nearly 250 children this year.

The Girl Scout experience provides girls in kindergarten through twelfth grade with a wide variety of leadership opportunities. The program encourages increased skill building and responsibility, and also promotes the development of strong leadership and decision-making skills.  For more information or to join Girls Scouts, please go to: www.gsri.org. If you would like more information on Birthday Wishes, volunteer and giving opportunities can be found at www.birthdaywishes.org.