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Spotlight
Girl Scouts, Girl Scouts Everywhere!
To celebrate Women's History Month, Exelon hosted Girl Scout Brownies from Troop #41553 from the South Brandywine Service Unit (Chester County) to talk about career paths. Exelon topped off the visit by presenting GSEP with a generous gift of $15,000! Exelon professionals who met with the girls were (l. to r.) Erica Freedman, Sharon Midgley, Abbey Harting and Sheree Petrone.
Agencies supported by the United Way of Berks County were invited to participate in a photo shoot, which will culminate in a "Thank You!" video for its corporate funders as the 2010-11 campaign wraps up April 8. Berks County Girl Scouts (right) were among the participants, and finished their camera session with an impromptu kick-line. The video is expected to be posted on YouTube in the coming weeks.
Daisy Girl Scout Troop 637 (above) from the Solehi Service Unit got a jump on Easter by assembling "green" baskets for Betty Lou's Pantry in Coopersburg/ Center Valley (Lehigh County). The girls used two- liter soda bottles, gallon milk jugs and pipe cleaners to make festive baskets, then stuffed them with recycled shredded paper, candy eggs, and toys to brighten the holiday for 60 local families.
 More than 200 Girl Scouts have completed the three-part "Planting Seeds, Growing Lives" Patch program, which GSEP developed in partnership with the Philadelphia Horticultural Society to teach girls of all ages to build relationships and use horticulture and greening to transform their communities. Hands-on activities, including planting a pizza garden and worm composting, focus on the tenets of Growth, Exploration, and Leadership. More than 60 Girl Scouts (right and below) were recognized for their progress in the program on March 7, the final day of the Philadelphia International Flower Show.
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Programs for Girls
 PECO Sponsors GSEP's 2nd Annual
Green Project--April 16-30
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.
Recognition Mass for Members of GSEP Catholic Committee--April 18
Girl members of GSEP's Catholic Committee will be recognized at a Mass at 2pm Sunday, April 18 at The Cathedral Basilica of S.S. Peter & Paul in Phialdelphia (18th Street & The Benjamin Franklin Parkway). The annual mass, which will be celebrated by Bishop Joseph McFadden, will commends the work of Council Girl Scouts who are committed to their faith-based programs as part of their Girl Scout experience. CONTACT: Pat Antonacci at pantonac@adphila.org. |
Adult Development
Required Training for Volunteers Planning to Camp
Service Units planning to camp this year must have completed Outdoor Courses 101 and 103, both of which will be offered on two weekends. Each Service Unit is guaranteed 5 course slots on each weekend. Training for Spring 2010 Campers is March 26-27. To register, contact Jill Sober as soon as possible. Training for Fall 2010 Campers is July 24-25; registration deadline is July 19.
NEW REGISTRATION PROCEDURES! Effective immediately, volunteers who need training must first register for the prerequisite Outdoor 101 course. (link to Training Calendar). Volunteers will be able to review the upcoming schedule for Outdoor 102 and 103 trainings, but may only register for subsequent coursework at the physical site locations where they complete their training. Following completion of Outdoor 101, volunteers may select from available dates for upcoming courses. GSEP staff will complete the registrations through E Council, and volunteers will receive an electronic confirmation letter with directions. Email Jill Sober with questions.
Online Background Clearance Issues Being Corrected
GSEP has experienced intermittent issues with its Online Background Clearance process, and is working with its provider to correct the problem. Volunteers who are planning to use the online process are reminded to select the 'Submit Payment' button only once, which will open a secure page personal data entry. Multiple selections of the 'Submit Payment' will generate multiple debit/credit card charges. Volunteers who have completed the online process and made their credit card payment--but were not directed to this secure window for data entry--should contact Vernita Smith at 215.564.2030, ext. 1011.
Facilitating Adult Learners
Volunteers are still needed to become Council Learning Facilitators to provide mandatory training for troop leaders and other volunteers--especially for Outdoor Training programs. Training experience is not required, but a comfort-level with facilitating group learning is a plus. New volunteers are assigned a mentor. Applicant requirements include adult Girl Scout membership; completion of an interview with the Director of Adult Development; availability to attend up to four trainer meetings a year; and attendance at the six-hour "Facilitating Adult Learners" workshop (next session: 9am-4pm on Saturday, April 24 at Shelly Ridge Service Center, and . Download an application form. CONTACT: Jennifer Allebach at 610.933.7555, ext. 1414.
THERE'S STILL ROOM! 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.
Outstanding Volunteer Recognition Shouldn't Wait!
Service Unit Managers can still nominate troop leaders and other adult volunteers for their outstanding achievements. Click here for an overview of the Adult Recognition Program, and visit the Adult Education page for nomination forms. Numeral Guards for eligible adult volunteers can be ordered and purchased at any GSEP Retail Shop.
Neighborhood Summer Day Camps!
Neighborhood Day Camps provide youngsters with the unique opportunity to participate in summer camp programs that are closer to home. Programs are fully-run by volunteers with sponsorship and support from Service Units. to learn how your service unit can participate in this initiative and become eligible for an exciting incentive. Information meetings for Service Unit representatives will be on April 6 at the Lehigh Valley Service Center; on April 7 at the Valley Forge Service Center; and April 8 at the Shelly Ridge Service Center; all meetings held from 6:30-8pm. Register on E Council. CONTACT: Marianne Zellner.
Home Study Available for E Council Field Data Entry
Home-study instruction to enter troop information online through E Council is now available for "01" Troop Leaders, Service Unit Managers and Service Unit Registrars. To receive the electronic instruction, email ecounciluserrequests@gsep.org, with "Field Data Entry Instruction" in the subject line. Instruction requests will be answered via email with a link to access the home-study course; volunteers will have 10 days to complete the instruction upon receipt of the email. Upon completion and grading, volunteers will be notified via email regarding their ability to access E Council for online troop data entry. CONTACT: Eleanor Malkemes at 1.866.564.2030, ext. 1055. |
Cookie Program News
Girl Scouts across the Council have used the annual Cookie Program to maintain awareness and raise money for victims of the earthquake in Haiti. Brownie Troop #757 of Huntingdon Valley (left, Montgomery County) added a flower sale and collection box to its indoor cookie booth, and Girl Scout Juniors from Troop #41334 in West Chester (right, Chester County) braved the cold to collect money for the people of Haiti and U.S. soldiers overseas. Watch for more troop efforts to support the Haiti crisis in future issues of eNews.
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Program Partner Activities
Go Green! Observe Earth Hour with WWF--March 27
Pledge your support here and turn off your lights for one hour, Earth Hour, 8.30pm, Saturday, March 27.
Carousel Arts Consultants offers Social Dance and More
Carousel Arts Consultants introduces the technique of social dances--including Swing Dance, the Foxtrot, the Waltz, the Cha Cha, and the Salsa!--all while reinforcing social skills, values and respect. A great troop activity! Download the syllabus or contact Maria Feeney at 484.433.0618 for information.
Scout Appreciation Days in May and June
Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom--May 15 & 16
Girl Scouts, their families and friends can enjoy a day of fun and excitement at Dorney Park. COST: $18.50/person (a savings of $9.49 on regular admission), $4.49 for juniors/seniors, and FREE for children age 2 and younger. Download the coupon and copy as many as needed; offer is not limited to Scouts! GSEP will receive $1 for each coupon redeemed at the park. CONTACT: Brenda Zuberka at 1.888.664.9770, ext. 1521. NOTE TO LEADERS: A small quantity of pre-printed coupons is available for those who do not have internet access. The weekend event provides an opportunity to build membership, so an information table will be set up at the entrance to the park. To volunteer to staff the table for part of the weekend individually or with your Service Unit or troop, contact Marianne Zellner at 1.888.664.9770, ext. 1511.
Clementon Park and Splash World--June 12 & 13
Girl Scouts, their families and friends are invited to Clementon Park and Splash World! COST: $5/girl wearing her sash or vest, $14.99/family member or friend who join them (a $20 savings off regular admission). Coupons will be available soon and be copied as needed! GSEP will receive $1 for each family or friend coupon redeemed at the park (Girl Scouts must also present their coupons). CONTACT: Brenda Zuberka at 1.888.664.9770, ext. 1521. NOTE TO LEADERS: Because the weekend is not exclusive to GSEP, it provides an opportunity to build membership, so an information table will be set up at the entrance to the park. To volunteer to staff the table for part of the weekend individually or with your Service Unit or troop, contact Cheryl Baker at 1.888.664.9770, ext. 1508.
Mark Your Calendars! Summer and Fall Events at Wachovia Center! Dinosaurs, World Team Tennis, Temple Football, Philadelphia Flyers! Click here to get a jump-start on the details. | |
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| STILL TAKING
THE LEAD!
 "I have attended many awards dinners ... what really stood out to me was the poise and speaking skills of all [the Girl Scout emcees and presenters ... you] should be extremely proud to have these young ladies representing your organization."
These reflections of a guest at the Take The Lead ceremony in Berks County are not unique. Don't miss GSEP's final 2010 Take The Lead event at the Lehigh Country Club on Tuesday, April 27. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased online.
CONTACT: KellyStrause at
610.791.2411, ext. 1513.
Browse the photo galleries from the Philadelphia and Berks County events!
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR OLDER GIRLS
Spring Delegate Meetings in Allentown and Valley Forge
April 10
Girl Scout members ages 14 and up are welcome to attend. Girls can participate in a "Girls Only" Strategy Café; agenda items include a presentation from GSEP's property consultants. Click here for details. Contact Olivia Selinger at 215.564.2030, ext.1040 with questions and to RSVP.
Become a Girl Delegate!
Applications for 2010-11 are still being accepted
through March 31.
Silver and Gold Awards
Proposals due April 30!
Silver Award project proposals from current 9th- graders and Gold Award project proposals from current 12th-graders are due April 30.
Training Workshops
Final training workshops for Silver and Gold Awards using the original guidelines have been scheduled through June. Original-guideline trainings will not be available after June 30. All meetings are from 7-9pm.
Go for the Silver
June 1, Lehigh Valley SC June 9, Valley Forge SC June 14, Atonement Lutheran Church in Wyomissing
Go for the Gold
May 11, Atonement Lutheran Church in Wyomissing May 20, Smith Lodge at Shelly Ridge SC May 25, Lehigh Valley SC June 29, Valley Forge SC
Seniors and Ambassadors!
Join the GSEP
Honor Guard
A new GSEP Honor Guard is forming to conduct flag ceremonies at various Council event, such as Take The Lead, Gold and Silver Award ceremonies, and the Annual Meeting. Honor Guard members must attend quarterly trainings and have a full uniform (GSUSA-issued white polo shirt, khaki pants or skirt, black shoes, and a sash or vest). White gloves and red sashes will be issued at each event. For questions and to schedule a phone interview with council staff- contact Jennifer Allebach. _______________ |
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CAMP IS COMING!
GSEP's 2010 Summer Camping Guides are online, with NEW Spanish translations! (Instrucciones y formas de registración en español están 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
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.
Don't forget to forward this e-mail to your fellow volunteers by clicking the "Forward" link in the bottom left corner of this page. They can subscribe by entering their e-mails in the "Join Our Mailing List" box in the lavender right-side panel.
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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