Brownie troop 89242 from Hopkinton learned about the United States’ indigenous population in October as they earned their Native American badges. They started by making beaded bracelets and discussed how Native Americans use colors and feathers to represent different ideas.

Oral traditions are an important part of Native American culture, and storytelling is used to explain and teach life lessons, nature and more. While the girls made their bracelets, troop leader Anne Beauchamp read When the Shadbush Blooms by Carla Messinger and Susan Katz. This book showcases Native American traditions from two different viewpoints—Traditional Sister from the past, and Contemporary Sister from the present.

Then the troop visited the Hopkinton Historical Society to view it’s collection of Native American artifacts. Linda Connelly, the Society’s librarian, taught the girls about stone spear tips, and how they were made and used.

Next, the girls learned how to play lacrosse—a sport widely played today that has Native American origins. Many of the girls are interested in sports, so Hopkinton High School lacrosse player Amanda Hasbrouck gave the girls a hands-on lacrosse demonstration.

The Native Americans have the oldest known participatory democracy. At the end of the meeting, the girls partook in the democratic process to vote on the next badge they will earn together.

Awesome job troop 89242 on earning this badge!