March 12, 2010
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Happy Birthday, Girl Scouting!

On March 12, 1912, Juliette Gordon Low gathered a group of 18 girls in Savannah, Georgia and the Girl Scouting movement was born. Her mission to expose young women to opportunities for their leadership development continues today through national programming that builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania is proud of and grateful for the commitment and achievement of the more than 41,000 girl and 14,000 adult members in its nine-county region, as well as the generous support of many friends and donors - all of whom enable Juliette's dream and spirit to live on!

Happy 98th Birthday, Girl Scouting! We can't wait for your 100th!  

Spotlight
A Message from the Board Chair
ann_field
 
Dear Friends: 
I returned recently -- along with Barbara Hill, Interim CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania -- from a national Girl Scouts corporate meeting with Board Chairs and CEOs from each of the 103 national Girl Scouts councils. Among the many discussion items were Girl Scouting's 100th anniversary in 2012 and a major branding initiative that is underway through the National Council. 
 
The takeaways that are specific to our Council are significant and demonstrate that, as we complete our third year of post-realignment, GSEP is on the right track to become a high-impact council in accordance with, if not exceeding, GSUSA standards:
 
Our Council charter was renewed through 2012.
 
The results of our 2009 audit were the best since our realignment, which indicate significant improvement in our financial performance and operational efficiencies.
 
Our adoption of a Strategic Learning initiative is a positive, progressive tool that will enable us to develop and implement systems and processes that are increasingly efficient and effective over time. This is an extensive, organic process that will engage dozens of GSEP members, community partners, staff, Board members and other constituencies over time.
 
Clearly, GSEP is poised for greater, long-term growth. 
 
We're grateful for the more than 1,000 GSEP members, Board and staff who completed our CEO Search Survey. We're in the process of sharing the results with our CEO Search Committee, which will in turn use the findings to develop a plan and set of guidelines to identify the candidate who is best equipped to chart a path for GSEP's sustained growth and viability. 
 
I'd like also to thank and acknowledge the individuals and corporations who were so instrumental in the success of our first two Take The Lead program events in Philadelphia (March 2 at The Rittenhouse Hotel) and Berks County (March 9 at the Reading Crowne Plaza). We look forward to our third and final awards program on Tuesday, April 27 at the Lehigh Country Club, and hope you'll find a way to support this memorable event.
 
Yours in Girl Scouting,
 
Ann Thornton Field
Chair, Board of Directors
Cookie Program News 
Still Selling Outside the Box
February's snowy weather had a chilly impact on logistics for the 2010 Cookie Program, so Product Program managers extended the Cookie Program to April 5. Snow drifts aside, sales have been brisk. By early March, Girl Scouts had sold nearly 3.9 million boxes of cookies -- more than 97 percent of the Council's goal of four million boxes! Cookies are now available for purchase at all GSEP retail locations. Troops can contact GSEP Product Program managers to secure additional cookies.  
  
LemonadesTM Not Part of Girl Scout Cookie Quality Withdrawal 

The lemon cookie variety sold by Girl Scouts in the GSEP council are not among those recently withdrawn by Girl Scouts of the USA. Customer complaints centered on the taste and/or strange smell of Lemon Chalet Cremes, which are manufactured by Little Brownie Bakers. GSUSA learned that 15 lots of the cookies in question were safe to eat, but did not pass the baking company's quality test. Thirty-one councils were affected, but GSEP was not one of them. GSUSA member councils can elect to use one of two commercial bakers--Little Brownie Bakers or ABC Bakers--as suppliers for their Cookie Programs; GSEP works exclusively with ABC Bakers.  The bakers' cookie varieties are similar, but sold under different names.

 
Product Program Advisory Committee Seeks Volunteers 

Volunteers are needed to become voting members of the Product Program Advisory Committee (PPAC). PPAC establishes volunteer task forces that provide input to GSEP Product Programs and will meet on March 20, June 13 and September 25 at the Shelly Ridge Service Center. Contact: Lindsay Guyer at 215.564.4657, ext. 1043.

 

 Troops Visit Harrisburg 

Girls celebrated Presidents Day with a trip around Philadelphia on a Ride the Ducks charter, selling cookies and collecting donations to support Cookies from Home. One of their stops included Penn's Landing along the Delaware River. 
Programs for Girls 
Young Women's Leadership Conference--March 13, 9am-4pm
Pennsylvania Institute of Technology -- 800 Manchester Avenue in Media 
Claudia McBride, President of the World Affairs Council, is the keynote speaker for Voices of the Future: It's Your Planet-Love It! A day-long series of workshops focused on the environment and global reach open to all girls--not just Girl Scouts!--grades 8-12. Separate adult track available. Day-of registrations are welcome! COST: $15/person (includes lunch and event patch). CONTACT: Email Joan Hannahoe or call 610.791.2411, ext 1509. View the flyer.

  

Percussion Patrol Performs This Weekend, Seeks New Members
The Percussion Patrol, Troop 6087, will perform in the lobby of Lehigh University's Zoellner Arts Center (Bethlehem) on Sunday, March 14 before the Taiko Drum Troupe's performance of TAO: "The Martial Art of Drumming."  The Percussion Patrol is looking for new members for future performances, and is available for Try-It sessions and drum circles with larger troops or Service Units. CONTACT: Don Amig at [email protected] or 610-349-7251.
 

Trefoil Science Day--March 20

Feldman Building at Delaware Valley Community College in Doylestown

North Wales Service Unit Manager Robin Robinett, a Ph.D. chemical engineer, has organized an afternoon of hands-on experiments with water, color separation and balloons - all to engage girls in polymer science, physics, electricity, space and computers. The passport event fulfills requirements for Try-Its, badges and Interest Projects, and enters girls in a prize raffle. COST: $6 / girl; includes custom event patch. No food allowed in the building. CONTACT: Robin Robinett at 215.855.2179, and view the flyer.

 
PECO Sponsors GSEP's 2nd Annual Green Project
In its first year, GSEP's Green Project challenged 2,000 Girl Scouts to devote 10,000 hours to cleanup and beautification projects - and 5,000 volunteers exceeded the goal by logging nearly 15,000 service hours on major projects throughout the region. With generous support from PECO, the tradition continues with a goal to engage 5,000 volunteers in 16,000 service hours. The Council has developed a list of beautification project ideas and locations.  Troops should register their participation on E Council and include a brief description of their project and the estimated number of hours to be spent in the Comment section of the registration template. CONTACT: Brittany Sedler at 888.664.9770, ext. 1500.

Adult Development 
Facilitating Adult Learners
Join the network of Council Learning Facilitators to provide mandatory training for troop leaders and other volunteers. Training experience is not required, but a comfort-level with facilitating group learning is a plus. New volunteers are assigned a mentor. Applicants must complete an interview with the Director of Adult Development, attend the six-hour "Facilitating Adult Learners" workshop, and be available to attend additional specialized workshops. Download an application form. Next session is Saturday, April 24 from 9am-4pm at Shelly Ridge Service Center. CONTACT: Jennifer Allebach at 610.933.7555, ext. 1414.
 
Outdoor Fun and Skills Weekend--April 30-May 2
Camp Wood Haven (Pine Grove, PA) 
While the volunteers train, girls go camping! Adults attend with or without their troops to complete Outdoor 101, 102 and 103 and other training programs. COST: $30 per person. Troop-space is limited. Download registration form and visit the Adult Education page of the GSEP website for full details. CONTACT: Jill Sober at 610.791.2411, ext. 1504.
 
Troop History Project
Girl Scouting celebrates its 100-year history on March 12, 2012, and every troop can play a part! Visit the Events & Programs pages of the GSEP website for full details. CONTACT: Jean Harlow c/o Valley Forge Service Center at 610.933.7555; leave name and contact information for a return call. 
Program Partner Activities 
Girl Scout Day at National Constitution Center--March 13
Girl Scouts run the museum in this activity-packed day at the National Constitution Center. Troops engage in fun, exciting, interactive programs to earn credits towards badges and Try-Its. Girls participate in an outdoor flag ceremony, take a guided tour of the museum's permanent exhibits and become part of the performance of the Citizenship Show. Troops will learn what it means to be a U.S. citizen and how to become active leaders in their communities. COMING SOON! Museum Discovery; Paper Works; and Women Through Time badges!
 
Spring and Summer Badge Programs at the National Liberty Museum
 
321 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
The National Liberty Museum offers Girl Scout Badge Programs year-round! Fees include museum visit and a special program. For more badge programs and alternative dates, call 215.925.2800, ext. 140 or visit the website. COST: $8/girl; $5/adult. Minimum:10 girls; maximum:100 girls.
Peaceful Solutions to Conflict for Girl Scout Cadettes
Saturday, March 13 -- 1-2:30pm
Wednesday, July 28 -- 1-2:30pm
Girls learn to resolve conflicts like teasing and bullying by engaging in dialogue about conflict resolution and avoidance, and improving communication and leadership skills.
 
Working It Out for Girl Scout Brownies
Saturday, May 13 -- 1-2:30 pm
Girls learn to deal with teasing and bullying, and acquire news skills to solve problems so they can feel safe and strong. The museum's giant Shredder exhibit gets rid of hurtful and harmful words, and its Jellybean Children show better ways to work out problems and make new friends.  Fee includes a gift for each girl and Working It Out Try-It.
  
Model Citizen for Girl Scout Juniors
Saturday, June 19 -- 1-2:30 pm
When they get to vote, what will be important to these young women?  Girls take a guided tour with one of the museum educators to learn how to be a model citizen and make good choices. Discussion includes the rights and responsibilities that come with freedom, and girls get a chance to use Voting Machines to exercise their rights.
 
Celebrating People for Girl Scout Juniors
Thursday, July 15 -- 1-2:30pm
People around the world and across the country speak different languages and share different customs and values. These differences make individuals unique and distinguish members of a community, group, or team. Girls explore cultural differences and individuality through the museum's interactive exhibits and discussion that focuses on the nation's diversity. Activities focus on appreciating individuality of oneself and of others and the importance of inclusion, especially of those with physical or cognitive challenges.
Scout Events at Wachovia Complex Continue 
Scout Excursions continue at the Wachovia Complex, including Philadelphia Wings lacrosse, Philadelphia Flyers hockey and the Harlem Globetrotters! View the flyer or contact Reta Feldman at 215.952.7316.
 
Baseball Scout Nights Hit a Homerun!
Friday, April 2 - 7:05pm
Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia
Hurry! Standing-Room-Only tickets remain for pre-season Philadelphia Phillies-Pittsburgh Pirates face-off. Free Phillies patch and pre-game parade for all Scouts in uniform. Limit one adult chaperone for every six Scouts. Only Standing Room Only tickets are available. COST: $5 each. Visit the website for information and to purchase tickets.
 
Friday, July 30 - 7:05pm
Coca-Cola Park, Allentown
The Lehigh Valley IronPigs host a night of baseball, fireworks and a campout for Scouts and their families. Registration by June 30 recommended for this sell-out event. COST: $16 / person, includes game, fireworks, campout on the infield, movie on the big-screen, next-day breakfast and event patch. $9 / person tickets for game-only guests. Capital BlueCross lawn seating available. View the flyer for information.
 
Thursday, August 5 - 7:05pm (Food Court opens at 5pm)
FirstEnergy Stadium, Reading
Girl Scouts and their families will enjoy a pre-game Happy Hour in Phunland and parade on the infield when the Reading Phillies face the Trenton Thunder. Each attending troop can try their hand at a first-pitch, and fireworks cap off the evening. All tickets provide reserved seating. Reading Phillies donate $2 of every ticket purchased to GSEP. COST: $20 / person for and pre-game buffet; $9 / person for game-only guests. View the flyer for full details and contact information. 
 
Art of Rhythm & Dance with Tahya
Girls and troops can learn how rhythm and movement from traditional folklore has been handed down across generations to influence women's culture through an instructional and participatory program. Visit the website or call 610.776.7045.
Issue: 41
CONTENTS
Spotlight: A Message from the Board Chair
Product Program News
Programs for Girls
Adult Development
TAKING THE LEAD!
SCHOLARSHIPS
FOR ALL AGES
 
Kohl's Kids Who Care
$350,000 for more than 2,000 youth ages 6-18 who make a difference in their communities. $1,000 post-secondary education scholarships for 200 regional youngsters; $5,000 awards for 10 national recipients. DEADLINE: March 15. Visit the website.
 
GlaxoSmithKline and The Philadelphia Foundation
 $1 million fund for Philadelphia residents who overcame significant adversity. Residence in Philadelphia County for at least one year, with enrollment or plans to attend university or community college in Pennsylvania. No age limit. $5,000 scholarships renewable up to four years. DEADLINE: March 15Visit the website.
  
Pepsi Refresh Project
 Monthly prizes of $1,000 to $50,000 for community projects with measurable impact. Recipients determined by public voters. Up to 1,000 applications can be submitted each month. DEADLINE: 13th of each month. Visit the website
 
_______________
 
TAKING THE LEAD! 

Girl-led events continue
 to impress guests

 Troops Visit Harrisburg

"Electrifying! Electrifying! Electrifying!"

 

"I was I was flabbergasted and humbled by how my presenter described me."

 

"It's been said that 'Life is not measured by the breaths we take-but by the moments that take our breath away.' This evening's gathering is certainly one of those moments."

 

Those are just a few of the reflections shared by the honorees at the first two Take The Lead award programs in Philadelphia and Berks County earlier this month. More than 500 guests attended the events and their consensus was the same - spectacular! GSEP will host its final Take The Lead event in Lehigh Valley, at the Lehigh Country Club on Tuesday, April 27. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased online. CONTACT: Kelly Strause at or by phone at 610.791.2411, ext. 1513.

 _______________

CAMP IS COMING! 

GSEP's 2010 Summer Camping Guides are online. NEW! Spanish translation of registration materials posted on the website. (Instrucciones y formas de registraci�n en espa�ol est�n disponible en la pagina de Internet, www.gsep.org.)
Early-bird Discounts for registrations paid in-full by April 30; financial assistance available. Open Houses at each camp location:
 
Camp Laughing Waters
Sunday, May 2  Saturday, June 19
1-4pm
 
Camp Mosey Wood
Sunday, May 16
Sunday, June 20
1-4pm
 
Camp Tweedale
(Resident and Day)
Sunday, May 16
 12:30-3:30pm Saturday, June 19
12-3pm
 
Camp Tohikanee
Sunday, April 18
1-4pm
 
Camp Wood Haven
Sunday, May 2 Sunday, June 20
1-4pm
 
Mountain House Day Camp
Sunday, April 25
2-4pm
 
Shelly Ridge Day Camp
Saturday, April 24
1-3pm
Sunday, May 23
3-5pm
 
Valley Forge Day Camp
Sunday, April 25
1-4pm
 _______________
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Edited by: Betsy Taube
 
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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