All posts by kaycee2418@gmail.com

Sandra Day O’Connor Institute Civics Challenge (CSA)

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Are you a budding cinematographer or songwriter? The Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy is proud to invite middle and high school students to use their creativity in the annual Civics Challenge. Students can earn $500 and help their peers learn more about civics through videos and original songs!

Finalists in two categories, middle school (6th-8th grade) and high school (9th-12th grade), will be awarded a total of $5,000 in prizes.

Entry Deadline: Friday, January 9, 2026

Winners Announced: Friday, February 27, 2026

Click here for more information: https://oconnorinstitute.org/cc/

Forge Festival 2025 (All, T, V)

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Come One, Come All!  It’s the annual Forge Festival at Adam’s Forge!

When: Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 11:00am – 3:00pm

Where: Adam’s Forge 750 East Easy St., Simi Valley

What: This could be your favorite thing ever!

Live hot forging, team striking, copper forming before your very eyes! We’ll have Blacksmithing Olympics for kids,  clay to play with and an ensemble drawing experience.   You’ll see jewelry making, needle felting, chainmail,  fancy knot work and more! The one and only Tony Swatton, armorer to the stars, will be on hand to share some of his special magic.

This is a free event, open to all.  Please sign up if you want to come and see what we’re all about!

Please note: This is a working shop environment, so please dress accordingly.  Closed-toe shoes are required to enter the shop.

You can also buy tickets for:

  • The Tomahawk toss
  • Try your hand at forging a mini-sword
  • Make a ring out of a quarter!
  • Compete in the hot forging competition

Click here for more information: https://adamsforge.org/class/forge-festival-2025/

Adam’s Forge

Ongoing

Our mission at Adam’s Forge is to provide a safe, inclusive, diverse and thriving community where people of all ages and backgrounds can share in the traditions, knowledge, artistry and skills of metalsmiths and other hand-crafted arts.

Adam’s Forge offers tours, private events, and classes.  Get more information here:
https://adamsforge.org/

 

Wrought Iron gates made by Juliette Gordon Low.  Yes, the founder of Girl Scouts was a blacksmith, too!
Located in Savannah, Georgia.

Global Changemakers: Badge Workshops (CSA)

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Date: Sun Feb 22 2026
Join us for Global Change Makers, an exciting and hands-on workshop series where Girl Scouts will explore how they can make a difference in the world around them. Through fun, age-appropriate activities, games, and creative projects, girls will discover what it means to be a global citizen and take action on issues that matter—earning their Global Action Badge along the way!

Cost: $10 includes badge

https://www.girlscoutsccc.org/en/sf-events-repository/2026/retail-program–global-changemakers–a-take-action-workshop—th0.html

Global Changemakers: Badge Workshops (DBJ)

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Date: Sat Feb 21 2026
Join us for Global Change Makers, an exciting and hands-on workshop series where Girl Scouts will explore how they can make a difference in the world around them. Through fun, age-appropriate activities, games, and creative projects, girls will discover what it means to be a global citizen and take action on issues that matter—earning their Global Action Badge along the way!

Cost: $10 includes badge

https://www.girlscoutsccc.org/en/sf-events-repository/2026/retail-program–global-changemakers–a-take-action-workshop—th.html

Cadette Media Journey in a Day (C)

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Date: Sun Feb 08 2026, 11:00 AM PST – 5:00 PM PST
Cadette Girl Scouts will dive into the world of media and storytelling by exploring how different types of media—like video, photography, social media, and journalism—shape the stories we see and hear every day. Girls will learn how to create their own compelling content, practice ethical storytelling, and use media as a powerful tool for communication and positive change.

Through hands-on projects and group discussions, girls will build skills in planning, producing, and sharing media that expresses their unique voices.

Cost: $25

https://www.girlscoutsccc.org/en/sf-events-repository/2026/retail-program—media-journey-in-a-day—thousand-oaks—cadett.html

Storytelling Stars: Senior Novelist Badge Workshop (S)

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Date: Sun Feb 15 2026, 3:30 PM PST – 5:00 PM PST
The Novelist badge challenges Seniors to craft longer, more complex stories. Girls will develop characters, plotlines, and settings as they write their own novels or extended stories. This badge strengthens writing skills, perseverance, and storytelling techniques to help girls become confident authors.

Cost: $10 includes badge

https://www.girlscoutsccc.org/en/sf-events-repository/2026/retail-program–storytelling-stars–plot-crafters—thousand-oak.html

Storytelling Stars: Screenwriter Badge Workshop (C)

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Date: Sun Feb 15 2026, 12:30 PM PST – 2:00 PM PST
In the Screenwriter badge, Cadettes learn how to write scripts for movies, plays, or videos. They’ll explore dialogue, scene setting, and story structure to bring their stories to life on screen. This badge builds skills in storytelling, teamwork, and creativity, perfect for girls interested in drama or film.

Cost: $10 includes badge

https://www.girlscoutsccc.org/en/sf-events-repository/2026/retail-program–storytelling-stars–drama-designers—thousand-o0.html

Storytelling Stars: My Family Badge Workshop (B)

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Date: Sat Feb 14 2026, 10:30 AM PST – 12:00 PM PST
In the My Family Story badge, Brownies explore the art of storytelling by sharing their own family’s unique tales. Through fun activities, they’ll learn how to express memories, traditions, and special moments that make their family special. This badge helps girls develop their voice, build confidence, and understand the importance of personal stories.

Cost: $10 includes badge

https://www.girlscoutsccc.org/en/sf-events-repository/2026/retail-program–storytelling-stars–heritage-heroes—thousand-o.html

Storytelling Stars: Junior Scribe Badge Workshop (J)

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Date: Sat Feb 14 2026, 12:30 PM PST – 2:00 PM PST
The Scribe badge invites Juniors to dive into creative writing and storytelling. Girls will practice crafting short stories, poems, or plays, learning how to organize ideas and use their imagination. This badge encourages Juniors to express themselves clearly and creatively while discovering the power of words.

Cost: $10 includes badge

https://www.girlscoutsccc.org/en/sf-events-repository/2026/retail-program–storytelling-stars–creative-quills—thousand-o.html