|
|
Greetings!
 We're looking forward to a fun summer full of Girl Scout activities. Are your girls signed up for summer camp? Spots are filling up quickly, so register now! There are camps to fit every girl's interests and needs; see A Girl Scout Summer for a full list of camps. Besides camp, we have some other great things coming up in the next few weeks. Our special 100th Anniversary float will be very busy. The float, along with many Girl Scouts, will be participating in the Annie Malone May Day parade this Sunday, and we'll also be in the Fair St. Louis parade on July 4. Come see our great float and support Girl Scouting! Our entire GSEM staff would like to give a big congratulations to Joyce Rich, our Girl Scout Bronze, Silver and Gold Award Staff Advisor and Resource Specialist, who will be retiring at the end of this month. Joyce has been helping girls and volunteers for more than 35 years. We'd like to thank her for all of the wonderful work she has done over the years and wish her the absolute best in her retirement. She will be truly missed! Best Wishes, 
Donna K. Martin
CEO, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri
|
|
|
The BIG Day - Believe in Girls
 Sept. 22, 2012
Join us as we paint downtown St. Louis green - green trefoils in the streets, green water in the fountains and green lights in the trees.
Register now with your cookie money! Don't wait until the last minute and miss this great opportunity,
The day begins with a parade and will culminate with our very own flash mob and FamFest at Soldiers Memorial Park. Come enjoy great stage entertainment, activity booths and service projects throughout the day. A celebrity concert tops off The BIG Day, making this the event you won't want to miss. While Girl Scouts are creating this day of green, the entire community is invited to join the fun.
Visit our website to find out more about becoming a VIP for The BIG Day and even more details about the event. Also, find out about volunteering and transportation. Join us for a great day!
|
The BIG Day Parade
 Sept. 22, 2012
As part of our BIG Day, we're having our own parade. This is our opportunity to tell the Girl Scout story to our community through a parade and afternoon activities.
Make sure your Neighborhood is featured in the parade and assist in telling our story. We want to show our community the unity we have as an organization to celebrate our landmark 100th Anniversary and demonstrate what we give to our community.
In order to feature both Neighborhoods and troops, we wil have a flag brigade. We want to ensure that all of our members participate in The BIG Day first and foremost since it will be a wonderful family day. We want 20,000 Girl Scout members and their families downtown in green shirts. It will be a great way for the entire family to celebrate our anniversary.
We also want our troops and Neighborhoods to celebrate in their own way as part of our grass roots approach to the celebration. The flag brigade is a part of that initiative. Here's how you can get involved:
- Your Neighborhood can participate by purchasing a 100th Anniversary flag at the shop at a discounted price
- Each troop that holds their own 100th Anniversary celebration can then make a streamer to hang on the flag with their troop number and name of the celebration on the streamer, which will be attached to the flag
- Your Neighborhood will then designate two representatives (you might consider holding a contest to select people or you can choose them) to carry your flag in the flag brigade in the parade to represent your Neighborhood
- This unit will be prominently featured in our parade
- You can maintain these flags and proudly display them at future Neighborhood meetings
This is a fun and rewarding way to encourage troops to plan their own centennial year celebration. We hope to see many flags and streamers being carried down Market Street.
For planning purposes, please email Mary Ann Owens, mowens@girlscoutsem.org, and confirm that your Neighborhood will be participating in this exciting initiative. |
|
Be an Official 100th Anniversary Parade Participant
 As part of our BIG Day on September 22, we'll be parading through downtown St. Louis and we want YOU to be part of the Century of Promise parade.
We're looking for 10 very special groups of Girl Scouts to join the parade as official participants. Your group should have a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 50 Girl Scouts and offer a special performance or clever theme that demonstrates one of the key elements of Girl Scouting. Show us your pride in camping, STEM, being green, a Journey or any other element of Scouting. You might do something with grocery carts to celebrate April Showers or make costumes out of recyclable materials. Come up with a dynamite idea so your group can be featured.
Send us a 2-5 minute video, pictures or a plan showing us your idea. Be creative. You have until August 1 to submit your idea to Nicole Dalton, ndalton@girlscoutsem.org.
We'll select five groups of Girl Scouts by August 15 to be featured in the parade. We can't wait to see your parade ideas. |
|
Flash Mob Lessons
 GSEM will be offering you a special chance to learn the flash mob dance for the BIG Day. These will be offered at the Girl Scout Service Center on the following dates at 6:30 pm:
May 29 June 20 July 19 August 22
This is your chance to learn or practice this fun dance so you can participate on the BIG Day. Lessons are not mandatory for participation; just sign up to be a VIP. The instructional video for the dance will also be available on our website and YouTube after May 15, so you can have your own lessons. Just remember, this is about having fun and celebrating our 100th; dance skills are not important.
We will also be offering lessons in the northern, southern and western areas of our Council. Stay tuned for those dates and locations.
There is limited space in our facility, so you must RSVP to attend the lessons. RSVP to Kathy Adrian, kadrian@girlscoutsem.org. Please include the number of girls who will be attending. We will notify you by email if you are NOT able to attend due to space. If you do not receive an email, plan on attending. |
|
Veiled Prophet/Fair St. Louis Parade - Be a Part of the Biggest July 4th Parade in the Nation
 We want 1,000 Girl Scouts with our float for this great parade.
Girl Scout troops are needed to walk behind the GSEM float. We would like participants to wear a green Girl Scout T-shirt if possible. A Girl Scout sash or vest can be worn over the T-shirt. Troops need to follow adult/girl ratios to participate in this fun activity. Space will be limited, so register early by completing this survey. |
|
A Girl Scout Summer
 Space is still available in many of our summer camp programs! A Girl Scout Summer has been mailed out to all currently registered Girl Scouts, and a copy is also available online. Check out our website for a list of summer program openings. |
|
"Let's Talk"
Here's your chance to have a great dialogue with the CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, Donna Martin. The "Let's Talk" sessions will happen in several areas of our Council jurisdiction. Donna will be there to answer your questions and visit with you about the great things happening during our Centennial celebration. Please submit questions to Mary Ann Owens, mowens@girlscoutsem.org, at least 5 days before the session. This allows us to gather our information and give the best answers to your question. All sessions will begin at 6:30 pm: October 23 - United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall - 300 E. Washington St., Kirksville, MO 62501 October 24 - Park United Methodist Church - 2335 Palmyra Road, Hannibal, MO 63401 November 1 - Mineral Area College North College Center - 5270 Flat River Road, Park Hills, MO 63601 November 28 - Girl Scout Service Center - 2300 Ball Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146 |
|
|
|
Girl Scout Bronze, Silver and Gold Award Web Pages
 For current information check out the GSEM Award web Pages: You'll find FAQs, definitions of take action projects, girl and adult award guidelines and award related forms. Correction GSEM Girl Scout Gold Award Newsletter 2011-2012 Special points of interest p.1; 2nd paragraph:
KEEP: "To be able to use the old program, Studio 2B Go For It! you must have completed the prerequisites by Sept 30, 2011." REMOVE: and will complete your project by Sept. 30, 2012. Contact: Joyce Rich, Girl Scout Bronze, Silver and Gold Award Staff Advisor, 314.592.2360, jrich@girlscoutsem.org |
Girl Scout Shop
Enjoy special pricing on the GSEM Centennial Promise for the Future poster during the month of May. Say "thank you" to that special Girl Scout volunteer with a gift they can use at home or in the office. During May, posters are marked down to $7.
Last chance savings! Take advantage of the extended sale on all levels of the Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting. We have extended the sale price of $16.85 through May 31. You will save $5.65 per book.
St. Louis GS Shop Regular Hours: Monday & Friday 9 am-4:30 pm Tuesday-Thursday 9 am-6:30 pm
Select Saturday Hours - Open 10 am-2 pm May 19, September 8 & 15
Hannibal GS Shop Regular Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5 pm Extended hours 8:30 am-6:30 pm on Thursdays through May 24 |
|
ALL AGES
 Service Project Opportunity
May 29, 9 am @ Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan Road, 63125
Flags are placed on the graves of Veterans and Service Members at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery for the Memorial Day holiday.
Help is needed to retrieve those flags on Tuesday, May 29 starting at 9 am. Troops report to the cemetery office and register with David Rogers. He may be reached at 314.845.8320 for additional information.
Troops who participate in this service project are reminded to report the service through Seasons of Giving. |
|
Grades 4-7
 NASA G.I.R.L.S
NASA wants girls to become the next generation of scientists, engineers, teachers and innovators. NASA G.I.R.L.S is a virtual mentoring program that uses commercially-available video chat programs to pair Women at NASA with girls across the country. The program gives girls the opportunity to connect with real engineers, scientists, astronauts and accountants over a five-week period. Applications are being accepted now through June 15.
Learn more and apply at http://women.nasa.gov/nasa-g-i-r-l-s/. |
|
Grades 6-8  Me and the Media - Register Now!
July 8-10, 6 pm Sunday-6 pm Tuesday @ Saint Louis University, 63108
$130 Grades 5-7 in 2011-12 school year Submit: Individual Program Application byJune 6 This journey is all about you and your relationship with this great, big multimedia world. As you explore how all the media stories get shaped, you'll see how those stories can shape your thoughts and feelings about yourself, your community and your world. You can even earn a Journey award. The chance to put some real "ME" in the media is here at this overnight adventure at the dorms of SLU. Enjoy a dinner out, a Muny production, a backstage tour and Ted Drew's. Contact Emily Ficker, 314.592.2341, eficker@girlscoutsem.org |
|
 Acing Middle School: An aMAZEing Adventure - Register Now!
July 29-31, 6 pm Sunday-6 pm Tuesday @ Truman State University, Kirksville 63501
$130 Grades 5-7 in 2011-12 school year
Submit: Individual Program Application byJune 15
Navigate the twists and turns of getting along in middle school and in life by being a leader. Explore everything from making good first impressions to making genuine, long-lasting friendships, from peer pressure to no pressure to passing it forward. It is all here in this overnight adventure at the dorms at Truman State University in Kirksville. Enjoy swimming, dinner out and more, and you can even earn a Journey award.
Contact Emily Ficker, 314.592.2341, eficker@girlscoutsem.org |
|
Grades 6-12
 IT/Computer Careers in the Military
This computing and IT pathway card connects students' interests with opportunities in IT and computing that can be achieved through military service any beyond.
Information about IT military assignments is linked to future jobs and salaries. |
|
 Connections
Check our website for the spring issue of Connections. Also, be sure to like GSEM Connections on Facebook for updates and opportunitiies for older Girl Scouts. |
|
 Become A Member of Girl Congress and Let Your Voice Be Heard
GSEM is currently accepting applications for Girl Congress Delegates. Girl Congress is an opportunity for experienced Girl Scouts to make Girl Scouting better for all girls and be a representative for our Council. Girls have the opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills, plan fun events and have access to opportunities that can make her own Girl Scout experience even better. This past year, some Girl Congress members have participated in a television fashion show, conducted interviews with various media outlets, represented GSEM at a Cardinals game and planned several great events for girls. Two Girl Congress members have received college scholarships this year totaling over $5,000.
Girl Congress members are elected by their District and can serve a one year term, and then can be re-elected for another term. Each District is allowed to elect two Delegates and two Alternates. The term is June 1-May 31 each year. To be elected as a Girl Congress Delegate, the applicant must be a girl member of GSEM, 14 years old by the start of the term and submit the Individual Program Application. She should also include a short biography, which has information about her Girl Scout involvement, community activities and reasons why she wants to become a member of Girl Congress. A District Chair may also fill out the necessary paperwork and nominate a girl member.
It is expected that the Girl Congress Delegates attend all meetings. Meetings are usually held the third Tuesday of each month during the school year. Please submit all nomination forms and biographies to Marti Kelly, 314.592.2358, mkelly@girlscoutsem.org. |
|
Grades 8-11  UMSL Leadership Camp
June 24-27 @ J.C. Penney Conference Center at the University of Missouri - St. Louis
This fun-filled program explores non-traditional and traditional careers and fields of study, inspiring young women to take hold of their dreams and aim high for success. Camp activities heighten awareness and better inform girls and parents about college readiness, careers and leadership, including exploring the relationship between education, occupation and the quality of life. Fee assistance may be available if needed. Contact Marti Kelly, 314.592.2358, mkelly@girlscoutsem.org |
|
Grades 10-11  Youth Leadership St. Louis
Submit Individual Program Application by June 15
Youth Leadership St. Louis is a program for girls who will be Juniors or Seniors in high school next year and would like the opportunity to develop leadership skills. The program is facilitated by FOCUS St. Louis. FOCUS St. Louis has offered a high school youth leadership program for more than 20 years and Girl Scouts have been a part of it for nearly as long. This program connects students from high schools all around the St. Louis metro area. They discover information about St. Louis' political, economic, criminal justice, diversity and social service systems and learn how they can take action to make St. Louis better. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri will have a student team for this program. Girls in grades 10-11 must commit to attending an overnight retreat in September and the workshops, which take place one weekday and one Saturday from October-April (excluding December). Workshops take place at various sites around the area including St. Louis City Hall. Girls must have their own transportation to workshops. Interviews will be conducted in May. Contact Marti Kelly, 314.592.2358, mkelly@girlscoutsem.org |
 New Link! Attention All Parents of Girl Scout Daisies and Daisy Troop Leaders
Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri (GSEM) is embarking on a long-term research project designed to measure the outcomes of Girl Scouting for girls over several years. We are inviting parents to enroll their Girl Scout Daisies in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Leaders of Daisy troops are asked to provide the following information to the parents of girls in their troops. Dear Parent/Guardian, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri and Girl Scouts of the USA invite your daughter to be a Girl Scout Voice and to share her experiences about Girl Scouting through a brand new research project. GSEM is embarking on a long-term study of the benefits of Girl Scouting, and we'd like to have your daughter participate. The purpose of this project is to understand what your daughter is doing and learning through Girl Scouts and to identify how she benefits over the long term. By completing these online surveys, your daughter will help us tell the story of the Girl Scout experience for all girls.
- Please note that your daughter's information on these surveys is secure and confidential. Your daughter will not receive any sales or marketing contact as a result of her participation, and Council staff and volunteers will not be able to see her individual responses to questions. We will see the information compiled across all girls who take the surveys. Information on the Girl Scout data use policy may be found at www.girlscouts.org/research/data_use_policy.asp
- There will be incentives for Girl Scoust as they complete the surveys. Once your daughter is registered, she will receive invitations to participate in online surveys later this spring as well as in future years. She may accept or refuse to participate in these surveys as she wishes. We're counting on girls like your daughter to help make Girl Scouts a BETTER PLACE FOR ALL GIRLS! If you have questions about this project, please contact Kathy White, Director, Research and Evaluation, 314.592.2389, kwhite@girlscoutsem.org.
|
|
 Camp Cedarledge Open House
May 20, 1-4 pm @ Camp Cedarledge
Want to see what summer camp is all about? You and your family are invited to Camp Open House held at Camp Cedarledge from 1-4 pm on May 20. We invite you to come and explore camp, see a sample of the units campers will live in and meet the Camp Director. Wear closed toe/closed heel walking shoes or tennis shoes (no sandals or Crocs™ allowed). Sorry, no pets allowed.
For questions or more information, please contact Rachel Hilton, 314.592.2351 |
|
 Come Ride a Horse With Us!
The Saddles and Spurs program at Camp Cedarledge is for troops who want to learn more about horses and take a trail ride. Our horse programs are for Girl Scout Daisies through Ambassadors.
Pony Tales (D,B) - Come join us for a one-hour introductory program at the Equestrian Center where girls will take a pony ride, play games and groom a horse.
Hoofprints (J, C, S, A) - Enjoy a 90-minute horse program adventure. Learn how to safely stop, start and steer a horse and then participate in a 45-minute trail ride.
Horse Patch Program (J, C, S, A) - Learn about the world of horses, participate in a trail ride and earn a special Camp Cedarledge horse patch.
Golden Horseshoes (J, C, S, A) - This extended ride (1.5 hours) is for experienced girls.
Dates: May 19, 20, 26 and 27
To register, fill out and mail the registration form in Inspire Leader Program Bulletin.
Contact Brooke Petryka, 314.592.2353, bpetryka@girlscoutsem.org |
|
 Small Craft Safety & Basic Water Rescue Class - Registration Now Available
Registration is now available for the American Red Cross Small Craft Safety & Basic Water Rescue classes available at both Camps Fiddlecreek and Tuckaho this summer.
Basic Water Rescue - $55
Learn skills necessary to prevent, recognize and respond to many types of aquatic emergencies.
Dates: May 25, 8 am-noon @ Tuckaho or June 23, 8 am-noon @ Fiddlecreek
Small Craft Safety: Canoeing - $55
Learn basic safety guidelines for canoeing, basic flat water paddling strokes, trip planning, self-rescue and non-swimming rescues for aquatic emergencies. Basic Water Rescue is included in thie course.
Dates: May 25, 8 am-5 pm @ Tuckaho or June 23, 8 am-5 pm @ Fiddlecreek
Small Craft Safety: Sailing - $55
Learn basic safety guidelines for sailing, trip planning, self-rescue and non-swimming aquatic emergencies. Basic Water Rescue is included in the course.
Date: May 25, 8 am-5 pm @ Tuckaho
Small Craft Safety: Moving Water - $75
Learn basic safety guidelines for canoeing on a river. Course is held in two parts, begininning with classroom work at camp and then an off-site river float.
Date: June 24, 9 am-5 pm @ Fiddlecreek
To register, visit the Members Only section of our website, or, if Internet access is not available, please fill out and mail in the Adult Education Registration Card found in Course Catalog.
Questions? Contact Zakiyyah Kitab, 314.592.2329, zkitab@girlscoutsem.org |
|
ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OF EASTERN MISSOURI
|
 GSEM is a proud United Way member and is supported by the following United Way Agencies: United Way of Greater St. Louis, United Way of the Mark Twain Area, United Way of Adair County/Northeast Missouri, United Way of St. Francois County, Franklin County Area United Way.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is committed to building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. www.girlscoutsem.org
800.727.GIRL[4475] |
|
|
