GSEP eNews for November 10, 2009 from the Girl Scouts of Eastern PA

November is Girl Scout Month with Ride the Ducks

Discounts for groups of 20 or more. Contact Danielle at 215.351.9989, or
see the flyer.

2009-10 Girl Scout Excursions at Wachovia Complex

See the flyer or contact Reta Feldman at 215.952.7316.

Outdoor activities at Girl Scout Badge Festival-November 14
Earn badges at Pocono Environmental Education Center from 9am-4pm; morning and afternoon sessions available. Cost (per girl): $10 half-day, $18 full-day, $26 full-day with lunch; $8 per leader/parent with lunch. Pre-registration required. Click here for details or call 570.828.2319.

Scholarships for Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors
Submission criteria and deadlines are available for GSEP and community scholarships and awards. First deadline: December 1. Contact Joan Hannahoe
at 610.791.2411, ext. 1509.

Volunteer Background Clearance Process available online
The Volunteer Background Clearance Process is now available online at the Adult Education page, with links to all Application, Renewal and Volunteer Clearance Reference Forms, and an FAQ document. Fees for the online Process are payable with a credit card. Application and Renewal Forms can still be mailed, with a $5 check or money order made payable to GSEP.

Volunteer Background Clearance Applications and Renewals are valid for three years. GSEP also honors prior Background Clearances, completed by other organizations within the last 12 months, for three years.

With a commitment to providing a safe environment for its girl members, the GSEP Board of Directors Volunteer Policies state that "consent for a criminal background clearance is required for adult volunteers who work directly with girls on a regular basis. This includes leaders, co-leaders, product program managers, and adults who attend overnight events." Applicants' sensitive information is processed in a strictly confidential manner, with in-process applications maintained in locked files. Sensitive information is removed and destroyed upon process completion. Applicants and their corresponding Service Units will be notified by mail about the screening outcome within 2-3 weeks of application.

Community Service for the Holidays
Presents for Patients
Presents for Patients matches individual and group volunteers to deliver small holiday gifts to nursing home and personal-care patients. Click here for a list of participating facilities and to sign-up. Contact Linda Kelly at 610.965.1943.

Holiday Hope Chests
This national project conducted by The Volunteer Center of Lehigh Valley benefits underserved youth. Contact the Volunteer Center at 610.807.0336.

A Leadership Journey: Go for the Gold--December 5
Hands-on perspective about Girl Scouting's life-long benefits from women who earned their Gold Awards on Saturday, December 5 from 12:30-4:15pm at Huntsman Hall (University of Pennsylvania campus, Philadelphia). Contact Kristen Hughes at 610.933.7555.

Winter Camp at Mosey Wood--December 27-30
Heated cabins and shared meals in the dining hall warm up a week of winter activity. Cost: $100 per girl. Register on E Council. Contact Jodi Saul at 610.791.2411, ext 1518.

Girl Scout Night 2010 at Lehigh University Women's Basketball--February 6
Get player autographs and an event patch. Pre-game activities at 6pm, tip-off at 7pm; halftime banner parade. Download the registration form or contact Dale Townsend at 610.758.6976 for tickets.

History Committee's 3rd Collectors Meeting--April 16-17
Save the date for 3rd Collectors Meeting at the Valley Forge Service Center. Contact Olivia Selinger at 215.564.2030, ext. 1040 or see flyer.