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Spotlight
More Than a Journey
by Trina Redford-SU 519 Buttons and Bows
Troops 9311 and 9785
(photo: (L to R) Jubilee Holland, Trina Redford, Annabelle Fryer and Jordan Cherry)
 In June, Girl Scout Daisy and Brownie Troops 9311 and 9785 of the Buttons and Bows Service Unit in Philadelphia completed their "Journeys" tree-planting project-which more than fulfilled their leadership goals to discover, connect and take action. To prepare for the project, the girls had to research trees that were appropriate for an urban setting, and there were at least 90 that met the City's street specifications! This surely complicated the Journey, and I struggled with where I could find a suitable tree. remembered a global evergreen and some creeping junipers I had purchased about 12 years ago from a large nursery in Cherry Hill (across the bridge in New Jersey). I drove along Route 90 with my eyes peeled, but the nursery had become so small I drove right by. After a U-turn and my frantic request for help, the salesman showed me five trees-three that were nearly 20-feet tall, and two that were my height. After confirming that it would 1) meet City of Philadelphia requirements, and 2) fit in the back seat of my Camry, I selected a Cornus kousa (Kousa "white" Dogwood). At a nearby Home Depot that had just rearranged its merchandise, the sales staff couldn't remember where the daisy seeds were now displayed-so I settled on petunias for our Daisies to plant. The Tree Planting: Who Knew??!!The location for the tree was predetermined by the YMCA director, and planting began at 9:30 am with an informative overview of the Cornus kousa. Digging was very labor-intensive, and the rainy spring didn't help; the soil had become very compacted, hard to penetrate and rocky, so we didn't finish until 11:30 am! The tree planting was a success, but I'd make a few suggestions for troops considering similar activities within the City of Philadelphia jurisdiction:
- research the City's list of planting requirements, then confirm that local nurseries have a selection of tree and flowers that align with municipal specifications
- if possible, work with your project representative to select a location that is appropriate for proposed plant materials-and assess the soil conditions in advance
- consider enlisting help from family members, volunteers or Boy Scouts with reasonable physical strength (or engage in an aggressive workout two weeks before the project!)
- consider partnering with other volunteer groups that have a shared mission, such as Fairmount Park's Tree Tenders, or the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
- stay flexible, patient and optimistic!
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Announcements
Scholarships Still Available for PA Governor's Conference for Women!
Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors: More than 100 scholarships are still available for the 2009 PA Governor's Conference for Women on Thursday, September 17 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City Philadelphia. The agenda offers programs for everyone, and volunteers and parents can take advantage of a discounted registration ($115 per person, which is $35 off the $150 individual rate). Visit https://www.event-registration.biz/pawc/introduction.asp and enter PROMOTIONAL CODE paeb09 on the registration form. Mother and daughter registration packages are available for $200. For more information, contact Cheryl Baker at cbaker@gsep.org or 610.791.2411, ext. 1508. Attendees: Be sure to visit GSEP Booth #404, just to the left after you enter the Exhibits area!
Property Reservations Move to E Council
Beginning Tuesday, Sept. 8, Property Reservations will be accepted online through E Council. No password is required and the reservations will be
accessed through the same link as our reservations for Council Programs, Adult Training Courses and Summer Camps. Service Units must still submit requests to the Property Registrar in paper form, nine months prior to their requested Camporee dates. Troops wishing to reserve a site at any of our properties may submit no earlier than six months prior to the requested date. Reservations can be entered online. For more information, contact the Property Registrar at 215.564.2030, ext. 1054.
Spread the Word! Registration Events scheduled
Berks County Service Units will hold Registration Events throughout the county, with most on Thursday, September 24 from 6:30-8pm. For a complete list of Registration Events, click here.
On behalf of Service Unit 609 in Chester County, Troop 41102 will host a "flipflophop" registration event on Saturday, Sept.12 from 9am-12noon at Oxford Presbyterian Church (6 Pine Street in Oxford). Girls can decorate their own pair of flip-flop sandals and enjoy games, prizes and snacks. Cost is $5 per girl. Pre-registration by September 4 is requested, but not mandatory. For more information, contact Shawnna DiFilippo at sdifilippo@gsep.org.
Springfield Delco Service Unit 509 will also hold its Fall Registration Kick-off on Saturday, Sept.12 from 12-4pm at PrincetonPresbyterian Church (933 Baltimore Pike in Springfield, across from The Blue Church). Activities include face painting, pony rides, a moon bounce, a local fire company display, games, songs and refreshments. There is no entry fee, but attendees are asked to bring a canned or non-perishable food item for donation to a local food bank. For more information, visit www.springfieldgirlscouts.com or email Kristen Fee-O'Connor at gsepsum509@gmail.com.
Two Ways to Turn Halloween into a Service Project
Ice cream lovers: Plan this year's BOO! events on
Sundae Sunday, Sept. 27 Join us at Camp Tohikanee on Sundae Sunday, September 27 from 2-4pm to help organize two BOO! events to get younger Scouts spooked up for Halloween. The BOO! events will be held at Camp Tohikanee on October 17. Girls in grades 6-12 can earn service or leadership hours by serving on the event planning committee. Register on E Council or contact Joan Hannahoe at jhannahoe@gsep.org or 610.791.2411, ext. 1509 for more information.
Halloween Helpers directs outgrown costumes to youngsters in-need
Under the leadership of 11-year old Girl Scout Cadette Emma Rose Shapiro, Halloween Helpers is working to collect 1,000 gently used costumes for youngsters in the Greater Norristown area (read The Times Herald's article about her project). So far, Emma Rose has collected more than 100 costumes. To get involved, visit The Halloween Helpers website or email TheHalloweenHelpers@gmail.com.
Going places? Get Your Scouts Ready for 2009-10 Destinations
Sign up now on E Council for information about how girls ages 14-18 can
travel somewhere new, meet new friends and experience new adventures in your upcoming program year. Three Destinations Information Sessions have been scheduled:
- Tuesday, Sept. 29 from 7-9pm, Shelly Ridge Service Center
- Thursday, Oct.1 from 7-9pm, Lehigh Valley Service Center
- Tuesday, Oct. 6 from 7-9pm, Valley Forge Service Center
Girls can earn funds toward their Destination cost by participating at designated levels in the Cookie program. Contact Joan Hannahoe at jhannahoe@gsep.org or 610.791.2411, ext. 1509 for more information.
Wachovia Complex's 2009-10 Scout Events Offer
Something for Every Troop
From the Philadelphia Flyers, to Disney on Ice, to Temple Football, the 2009-10 line-up of Scout events at the Wachovia Complex in South Philadelphia is sure to delight troops of every level. View the flyer for more information, or contact Reta Feldman at 215.952.7316 or rfeldman@comcast-spectacor.com. | |
Adult Development Corner
Learn and Lead Over Arabian Nights! September 25-27
Discover new skills to share with your girls, connect with new friends and old, and be prepared to take action by laughing, dancing and dining the weekend away during this Arabian Nights-themed event at Camp Laughing Waters in Gilbertsville. Stay for the weekend, or join us for workshops on Saturday for both new and seasoned volunteers. For more information or to register, contact Dale Moelter at dmoelter@gsep.org or 610.933.7555, ext. 1498. Volunteer Field Data Entry Training is Here!
You asked, we deliver! GSEP has launched Volunteer Field Data Entry training, which enables 01 Leaders and SU Managers or Registrars to enter membership registration information directly into E Council, eliminating wait-time for in-house processing. Sessions have been very popular and the slots fill quickly - don't wait to register! Online Trainings (via webinar and teleconference) will be held:
- Wednesday, September 9, 1-2:30pm
- Thursday, September 10, 3-4pm
- Monday, September 14, 11:30am-1pm
Leaders and SU Managers or Registrars can register through E Council on the GSEP website. For more information, contact Eleanor Malkemes at emalkemes@gsep.org. Classroom-style training sessions will be scheduled, and a Home Study module is in development. Watch for updates and more information in eNews. Outdoor Skills Training for Adults, Camping for Girls-All in One!
October 2-4
GSEP Adult Development and Outdoor Program Departments are collaborating to provide beginning and advanced outdoor training for adults and a camp experience for girls in a single weekend, October 2-4 at Camp Wood Haven. The cost is $20/person and includes all meals and training. Adults may attend with or without their troops, and will complete their training while girls enjoy supervised, grade-level appropriate camp activities. At least one adult attending with their troops must be First Aid and CPR certified, and the appropriate girl/adult ratio is required.
First-time course participants will become eligible to take their troops camping, and their credentials remain current for five years. Registrants for Outdoor 102 and 103 must submit their completed Outdoor 101 Home Study training two weeks prior to the event. Prerequisites for advanced-level participants are current or legacy-Council equivalents of Outdoor 101, 102 and 103 courses.
To register, visit the E Council section of the GSEP website. Troop registration must be entered through the Program Calendar; individual adult registrants must sign-up through the Training Calendar. For more information, contact Jill Sober at jsober@gsep.org or 610.791.2411 (or toll-free: 1.888.664.9770). |
Program Corner
A Planning Opportunity for Girls!
Discover first-hand the new program resources that are available to you, connect with girls from across the Council, and take action to make the world a better place! Girls in grades 8-12 are needed to organize and facilitate the 2010 Young Women's Leadership Conference. The first Planning Committee meeting will be held Tuesday, September 1 from 7-9pm at the Valley Forge Service Center. Contact Joan Hannahoe at jhannahoe@gsep.org or 610.791.2411, ext. 1509 if you plan to attend the first meeting.
New Guidelines for Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards Begin January 2010
Watch for information next month on the GSEP website and in eNews about new guidelines and training workshops for the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards, beginning January 2010. Bronze, Silver and Gold Award Workshops posted in
E Council from August to November 2009 will be based on current award guidelines. Workshops will review project ideas and guidelines for completing the paperwork, but will not cover Steps 2 through 4. Girls and troops planning to pursue awards under the new guidelines can begin work on an age-level Journey:
- Girl Scout Juniors and Cadettes must complete one age-level
Journey before working on the Take Action Project for the Bronze
and Silver Awards
- Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors must complete two age-level Journeys before working on a Take Action Project for the Gold Award
- Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors who have already earned the Silver Award need to complete only one age-level Journey
With questions about Silver and Gold Awards, contact Joan Hannahoe at jhannahoe@gsep.org. Make Character Count: Adventure in Ethics Workshops on
Oct. 24 and Nov. 21
Girl Scouts ages 11-18 are invited to attend "Scouts' Adventure in Ethics," a co-ed training workshop designed to make 'character count' through respect, ethical decision-making and community impact. Convened by the Forum for Ethics in the Workplace, GSEP is collaborating with the Boy Scouts Minsi Trails Council to present the Adventure workshops, with support from corporate professionals and student mentors from the Salesian Center for Faith & Culture at DeSales University. The Middle School Adventure for Scouts ages 11-14 is October 24 (application deadline is October 1); the High School Adventure for Scouts ages 15-18 is November 21 (application deadline is November 1). Both events will be held from 9am-4pm on the main campus of DeSales University in Center Valley (Lehigh County). Download the flyer for more information,and link to the form to register. For more information, contact Joan Hannahoe at jhannahoe@gsep.org or 610.791.2411, ext. 1509. Weekend by the Water
Water fun for everyone! Stay at Hidden Falls September 25-27, during the best season to experience the beauty of the Poconos on Sunset Lake. Canoe, funyak, and hike to the falls. Campfires end the evening on Saturday. Saturday meals, snacks, and Sunday breakfast will be provided. Troops are required to have a troop camp trained adult and a First Aider. The cost is $40 per person. Sign up on E Council. Contact Jodi Saul at jsaul@gsep.org or 610.791.2411. |
Picture Place
Into the Wild-in Baltimore
Using proceeds from candy, nuts and cookie sales, Girl Scout Juniors from Troop 6758 in Fullerton (Lehigh County) traveled to Baltimore for an overnight stay at the Baltimore National Aquarium. The girls enjoyed a dolphin show, a movie in
the 4-D Emersion Theater, a rainforest 'tour,' and a sleepover in the underwater viewing area. They spent a separate day at the Baltimore Zoo. Pictured are
(L to R) Katie Patterson, Erin Mahoney, Amber Shook, Valerie Polanco, Kalasia and Keyana Bradshaw and Kayla Nailor. Angela Mahoney and Stephanie Shook are their troop leaders.
 Sandy Run Scouts 'Get a Clue'
For the fifth consecutive year, Sandy Run Service Unit (Bucks County) ran a week-long day camp for local Scouts. Girl Scout Cadettes, Ambassadors and Seniors began planning in January to organize the camp and chose crime investigation for its theme. Forty Scouts from the planning team trained to become Counselors, and 76 campers participated. "Get a Clue" campers got hands-on experience in fingerprinting and facial reconstruction, and attended crime investigation and science programs led by the fathers of two participating Scouts. Girls also performed skits, including an on-stage Mystery Party, where every girl was assigned a role as a "suspect" or "detective." Older girls enjoyed an overnight stay with more intensive programming: attending Girl Scout Juniors earned two additional badges, and "Get a Clue" Counselors completed their Crime Scene Investigation IPs.
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GSEP IN THE NEWS
Morning Call
Editorials Focus on GSEP Merger Model
Ann Meredith's guest editorial in Allentown's The Morning Call, which suggested that GSEP's merger-model could benefit other nonprofits, triggered a response from a local resident who supports consolidation of local school districts. Girl Scouts Going for the Gold, Silver and BronzeOxford's Kierra Johnson (Chester County) earned her Gold Award for helping kindergarteners plant a vegetable garden at their school.
Brittany Dustmanof Langhorne (Bucks County) earned her Gold Award for establishing a children's library and a collection drive for needed baby items at a hospital in Trenton.
Vanessa Segalineof Leithsville (Northampton County) earned her Silver Award for organizing collections to benefit the Animal Food Bank of Lehigh Valley.
Avani Dalal of Emmaus (Lehigh County) earned her Silver Award for coordinating a landscaping project at her temple, and made colorful headlines for her performance in a classical Indian dance event (immediately below the article text, Avani is pictured in red and gold).
Jim Thorpe's Angela Blum(Carbon County) is pursuing her Gold Award by organizing a Vacation Bible School program.
A Hula Story Worth
a Second-Look The August 4 edition of eNews reported on the volunteer-driven day
camp at Polanka Park in Bensalem (Bucks County), but every picture tells a story. Don't miss this article with photos of the campers in-action.
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GOVERNANCE NEWS
Reminder:
2009-10 Delegate Meetings Schedule
Girl Delegates, Service Unit Delegates, and Service Unit Alternate Delegates: make sure your calendars are marked for the 2009-10 Meetings. (Remember, schedule details are always available on the Governance section of the GSEP website.) Agendas and more information will be provided as the meetings approach (please note one time correction indicated below):
Fall Delegate
Meetings Saturday
October 24, 2009:
Valley Forge
Service Center
9-11am
100 Juliette Low Way
Valley Forge
First Presbyterian Church
2-4pm 3231 W. Tilghman Street Allentown Spring Delegate Meetings Saturday,
April 10: First Presbyterian Church
9-11am
3231 W. Tilghman Street
Allentown
Valley Forge
Service Center
2-4pm <correction>
100 Juliette Low Way
Valley Forge
2010 Annual Meeting Saturday, May 22:
Penn View
Christian School
9:30-12:30
420 Godshall Road
Souderton
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CAMP NEWS
There's Still Time
to Register!
Mosey Wood Family Camp, September 4-7! Labor Day Weekend Family Camp has returned to Camp Mosey Wood, September 4-7. Family camping is a weekend of fun and relaxation for all ages-from parents to siblings, grandparents to cousins, and every other member of your extended family. Meals are provided in the Dining Hall, and water-activities are supervised by lifeguards. Adults must supervise children throughout the weekend, and one adult registration is required for every three children. Cost per person is $70 (PLEASE NOTE: This is a corrected cost). For more information, contact Sharon Pirelli at spirelli@gsep.org, or 215.564.2030, ext. 1037. _______________ |
WHAT'S IN STORE
New on our web-store
Camp apparel, including hoodies, sweatpants, flannel pants and T-shirts from Laughing Waters, Mosey Wood, Tweedale and Wood Haven. Fall Shop Hours (beginning September 8)
Delaware County
Monday 12-8 pm Wednesday and Friday 10-5 4th Saturday of the month 10-3 Lehigh ValleyMonday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9-5 Tuesday 9-8 1st Saturday of the month 10-3 Valley Forge
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 10-5 Thursday 12-8 3rd Saturday of the month 10-3 Shelly RidgeMonday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 10-5 Wednesday 12-8 1st Saturday of the month 10-3 SeltzerMonday, Friday 10-5 Wednesday 12-8 2nd Saturday of the month 10-3 Can't Get to One
of Our Shops?
Don't forget you can purchase nearly
everything online. | |
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Edited by: Robyn Goldman and Betsy Taube | Design and Layout: Jenny Kontos
GS News Hard Copies:
If you know of a Leader or Service Unit Manager who does not receive GS News because s/he does not have access to a computer, please have them contact us for a mailed copy. Call or email Loretta Rudzinski at 866.564.2030, ext. 1049.
Shelly Ridge Service Center | 330 Manor Road, Miquon, PA 19444 | Tel. 888.564.4657 | Fax 215.564.6953
Mailing address | PO Box 27540 | Philadelphia, PA 19118 |
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