brownies (ie. girl scouts) anyone?

[spu]

Is anyone out there a Brownie Leader (or girl scout leader?) I'm thinking of becoming the 01 leader for our troop of about 16 girls - they'll be in second grade next year...

If so, what has been the most successful part of what you do? Where are your meetings? How much time do you have? Do you get to do much off-site (field trips, etc.)? If so, what do you do, and how?

I can think of a million fun things to do from the handbooks, but it seems a bit tricky with such a large group. Plus, we share the cafeteria with another older troop, and the extended day kids (who leave about 20 minutes into the meeting, so after that it's a bit quieter...) I'd love to have the meetings at my house, but is that asking for too much trouble?

tia for any thoughts and opinions!