Because developing literacy and an appreciation of reading is an on-going need in every community, our councilwide �Lead to Read� service project theme will continue throughout the year. Involve girls in planning how they can help with a literacy service project. Whether your group focuses on early childhood, English language learners, family literacy or some other dimension, the girls will discover new things about literacy and their community.

When your troop has completed its service project, turn in the service project summary, located in the kiosks at the Girl Scout Service Center and on the council Web site. Your troop may also choose to purchase commemorative participation patches at our Council Shop. Please submit photos and stories to Lori Brougher at the Girl Scout Service Center. �There is more treasure in books than in all the pirates� loot on Treasure Island... and best of all, you can enjoy these riches every day of your life.� - Walt Disney

Listed below are suggested ideas to get your troop�s planning session started.

• Build a library/reading corner at a local shelter or youth serving agency

• Host a Read-In � designate a time, and date where your troop, service unit or association families agree to read

• Begin a book swap � purchase, read and share books with a sister troop, service unit every month

• Offer to decorate bulletin boards at the local library encouraging reading

• Tutor and read with students who need to improve their abilities

• Adopt a nursing home and collect books and articles for residents and record on audio tape

• Collect new books and donate to a daycare or preschool center

• Volunteer to read during story/skit time at the library

• Create a puppet show using favorite children�s book characters

• Make/decorate bookmarks and donate them for use at book stores or libraries for patrons

• Use our Girl Scout Read to Lead booklets, available through the Resource Library and for sale at the Council Shop.

• Meet the book challenge: read 25 books in 2005.