April 28, 2010
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Spotlight  
Putting Heads, Hearts and Hands Together
for World Thinking Day and Girl Scout Week
To mark World Thinking Day on February 22, nearly 100 girls from the Conrad Weiser Service Unit (Berks County) sampled rice portions, learned about healthy shopping on a budget, successful farming techniques and dairy farming, and explored the challenges of accessing clean water in struggling nations. The theme for this year's program was "Together we can end extreme poverty and hunger." The annual global event, held on the same day in February, connects millions of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world by exploring their abilities to take action and make a difference. The girls put their global thinking to local action by collecting toiletry items for donation to the Food Pantry Ministry at New Journey UMC in Reading, and supported Opportunity House's annual Souper Bowl fundraiser.
 
For their Day-long commemoration, 233 girls from the Sandy Run Service Unit (Bucks County) drew inspiration from the international hunger-awareness program Empty Bowls. The girls turned their creative thinking into art with a Pottery Bowl Painting project. In addition to collecting canned goods for a food pantry and having a coin toss to raise money for the Juliette Gordon Low World Friendship Fund, they painted 'empty' ceramic bowls to remember those who go to bed hungry every night. The owner of Potter's Alley created a proud display of the girls' handiwork in the shop window (below). thinking_day
A few short weeks later, troops throughout the Council celebrated Girl Scout Week--seven themed days that always include March 12, when Juliette Gordon Low held the first troop meeting in 1912. Many conduct community-outreach projects that help girls lead by example. Girl Scout Sabbath kicks off the week on the Sunday preceding Girl Scouting's official birthday, and activities continue through the following Saturday.
 
gs_sundayOn this year's Girl Scout Sabbath, girls and leaders from six troops in the Carillon Service Unit were recognized at St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Hilltown (Bucks County). Three girls and one leader served communion (below), all troops were acknowledged in the Sunday service bulletin, and a prayer of thanks was offered to applaud their participation in Girl Scouting and commitment to community service. At St. Isidore Catholic Church in Quakertown (Bucks), Girl Scouts of all levels from the Richland Service Unit took part in the Mass as altar servers, cantors and readers, and led intercessions, petitions, and the offertory. Through the offertory, the girls presented cookies for the priests and the Food Bank.
 
Event Announcements 
Girl Scouting's Highest Honor Goes to 56 Girl Members  
At GSEP's 2010 Girl Scout Achievement Ceremony on Saturday, May 8,
56 young women will receive Girl Scouting's highest achievement for its girl members--the Girl Scout Gold Award. The Gold Award is reserved for girls who complete rigorous, community-based leadership projects by committing a minimum of 65 hours for their planning, implementation and completion. Also that day, dozens of other girls will be presented with the Graduating Senior Girl Scout Scholarship, a number of community and civic awards, and the 2010 Graduating Senior certificate. 
 
The keynote speaker for the Achievement Ceremony is Quakertown-native and life-long Girl Scout Jennifer L. Donley, Ph.D. A former Fulbright Scholar, Jenn is a Giacconi Postdoctoral Fellow at the Space Telescope Science Institute, the home of the Hubble Space Telescope. While conducting research for a year in Australia, Jenn was a co-leader for a Girl Guide troop. Upon returning home for her graduate study at the University of Arizona, she helped develop an Astronomy Camp for Girl Scout leaders from around the country. Jenn remains an active volunteer by sharing astronomy-based activities with middle-school classrooms.
 
Watch for photos and an overview of the ceremony on the website and in an upcoming edition of eNews.
 
2010 Annual Meeting and One Mission, Many Pathways Workshop--May 22
Penn View Christian School
(420 Godshall Rd., Souderton)
Come for the Annual Meeting, stay for learning and planning! GSEP's 2010 Annual Meeting, from 10:30-11:45am, will include reports on Council programs, membership, finances, and more. Arrive at 9:45am to meet Board Nominees, do some shopping, and browse program information stations. Download the Annual Meeting Program with the 2010 Board Slate and the RSVP form. RSVP by
May 12. Contact Rosa Sanchez at 215.564.2030, ext.1029 for a paper copy of the Annual Meeting Program, to RSVP, or for more information.
 
Service Teams, Council Learning Facilitators, and Product Program Action Committee members
are encouraged to stay and attend One Mission, Many Pathways, a working lunch from 12-2pm, featuring informational sessions about the
Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE). Opportunity will be provided for small-group discussion about supporting GSLE and Journeys in the 2010-11 Program Year. Invitations will be sent soon; workshop participants need not attend the Annual Meeting.
 
2010 Adult Recognition Ceremony--June 9 at 6:30pm
Spring Ford Country Club (48 Country Club Rd., Royersford)
Celebrate the achievements of GSEP's dedicated volunteers. Register through  
E-Council (via Adult Training Calendar) by May 26Cost is $30/person (includes three-course meal; cash bar available). Registrants will be contacted to secure their entr�es of choice. Contact Devon Miller at 610.933.7555, ext. 1419.
Programs for Girls
eath_day_logoDon't Miss Out! GSEP's PECO-sponsored Green Project continues through April 30!
Hundreds of volunteers have already logged thousands of hours on the PECO-sponsored 2010 Green Project, but there's still a week left and plenty of work to be done See the flyer for a list of project ideas and locations. Individuals are welcome and encouraged to participate, and troops should register on E-Council (include project description and estimated number of hours to be spent in the 'Other' section of the registration form). Contact Brittany Sedler at 888.664.9770, ext. 1500.
 
Go Green Online! Play It's Your Planet--Love It!
Troops can supplement their Journeys program with online action with the new It's Your Planet--Love It! game. Girls can test their skills at clearing the air of polluted clouds, select eco-conscious fashions, create art from trash, read and send 'Earth' mail, and more!  
 
Program Aide Core and Specialty Training for Older Girls 
Girls in grades 6-12 are needed to assist Council, Troop and Service Unit programs for younger girls! Program Aide participation develops leadership skills, provides an opportunity to interact with younger girls and see how they learn, and meet fellow Girl Scouts from other troops. Register on E-Council. Contact Melanie Doll at 610.791.2411, ext. 1525.

Saturday, May 1: 10am-4pm
Trinity United Church of Christ (17 N. Third St., Coplay) 
Cost is $5 (includes lunch)
 
Saturday, May 8: 9am-3pm
Faith Lutheran Church (2012 Sullivan Trail, Easton)
Cost is free (bring a bag lunch)
 
Tuesday, June 22: 9am-3:30pm
St. John the Evangelist School Cafeteria (752 Big Oak Rd., Morrisville)
Cost is free (bring a bag lunch)
 
Specialty Training (prerequisite: Program Aide Training)
Wednesday, June 23: 9am-1:30pm
St. John the Evangelist School Cafeteria (752 Big Oak Rd., Morrisville)
Cost is free (bring a bag lunch)
 
Super Summer Celebration--May 28-30
Camp Wood Haven (Pine Grove, PA; This event is for troops only)
Cost is $45/girl, $45/adult (includes all meals and Summer Event Patch)
Troop leaders of Girl Scout Brownies through Ambassadors who are new to camping get the support they need and introduce girls to great camp
activities, including swimming (weather permitting), hiking, sports and games, nature, crafts, and sing-a-longs. Archery is available for Juniors, and a climbing wall for Cadettes and Seniors. A perfect end-of-year activity to kick off a great
summer! Register through E-Council.
 
Summer Travel Opportunity for Teens in Guatemala!--July 9-17
Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors (ages 15-18) interested in archaeology, history, global cultures, Spanish, and the trip of a lifetime are invited to join fellow Girl Scouts on Guatemala's Historical and Natural TreasuresI to explore the diverse terrain of a tropical paradise through colonial cities, picturesque lakes, and ancient Mayan ruins. Fourteen girls will hike the summit of Pacaya Volcano National Park, learn about geology, traverse jungle-shrouded ruins at Tikal, and discover ancient and present-day Maya. Two staff members from Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina trained to work with high-school girls chaperone the trip, which is outfitted and organized by Holbrook Travel. Local tour guide provides
24-hour accompaniment upon arrival in Guatemala. Cost is $2,460/person
(all-inclusive from Miami, with mandatory travel/trip cancellation insurance; additional $30 Guatemala departure tax and gratuities for guide and driver required). Contact Lesley Robinson at 843.552.9910, ext. 224. Click here for more info.
Product Program News
Adventure Credit Deadline Extended to December 30
The Adventure Credit deadline has been extended and all credits must be received by a Council office by December 30. To facilitate more timely returns of credit vouchers this year, our Registration and Finance departments have established new procedures and will be working closely to ensure efficient credit processing entry. Contact Lindsay Guyer at 215.564.2030, ext. 1043.
Adult Development 
Volunteers Needed! Scout Appreciation Days at Dorney--May 15 & 16
Scout Appreciation Days at Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom provide an opportunity to build membership, so GSEP will set up an information table at the park entrance. To volunteer to staff the table individually or with your Service Unit or troop, contact Marianne Zellner at 1.888.664.9770, ext. 1511. Individuals or troops who volunteer to staff a three-hour shift will receive up to two complimentary tickets!
 
20th Annual Adult Camping Weekend--August 20-22
Camp Tweedale (Oxford, PA)
Adults Only for this weekend of laughter, relaxation and Girl Scout memories, including special stories from Girl Scout alumna and archeologist Stephanie Bartlett. Cost is $50/person for the weekend, and $40/person for Saturday only. Proceeds benefit GSEP Older Girl Scholarship Fund. Download the registration formHelp is needed! Donate news items and gift cards, or create a 'themed basket' for a Silent Auction! Bring all items to any Service Center by
May 21. Mark all donations Attn: Chris Snyder/ACW at Valley Forge. 
 
Save the Date! Fall Adult Learn and Lead (F.A.L.L.)--October 1-3 
Camp Tweedale (Oxford, PA)
One of GSEP's premiere events for volunteers includes the official 2010-11 rollout of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) and Journeys. Attendees will get ideas to guide girls through Journeys resources and activities. Registration forms will be available online soon. Call for Presenters! Proposals invited for F.A.L.L. workshop instructors! Preference given to workshops that support and enhance experiences to engage girls in Journeys. Reimbursement for expenses is provided. View the Journeys Map to enhance and align workshops with the GSLE. Contact Dale Moelter at 610-933-7555, ext. 1498 for information or a presenter application.
Program Partner Activities 
New Conservation Scout Day at Sesame Place--May 8
Girl Scouts attend gardening and water conservation sessions and a Jack Hanna nature show! Log on for more details. 
 
More events at the Wachovia Center!
Visit the website for more details.
Picture Place  
Echoes of Holiday Melodies Should Earn This Girl a Badge! 
 
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In pursuit of her Photography badge and potentially a Gold Award proposal, Girl Scout Ambassador Natasha Zimnoch captured some images from the Great Valley Service Unit's (Chester County) caroling event last December, when girls braved the snowy cold to spread some holiday warmth. The last requirement for Natasha's badge was to get her photos published in a newspaper or newsletter, so we're happy to oblige. Good luck, Natasha! Now go for the Gold!
 
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Issue: 44
CONTENTS
Event Announcements
Programs for Girls
Product Program News
Adult Development
Program Partner Activities
Picture Place
Camp News
What's In Store
The Dotti Martin Fund
Opportunities for Older Girls
Advocate for Healthy Youth!

CAMP NEWS 

Don't Wait!
Early-bird Discounts for all camp registrations end April 30!
 Financial assistance is available. 2010 Camp Directories are available online and at any GSEP Service Center
 
Program Changes
  To accommodate interest in programs that have sizable waiting lists, GSEP announced additions and cancellations:
 
Camp Wood Haven 
Additional programs 
'2-Extreme'
Session 3, July 4-9
 
Camp Program Aide'
 Session 5-6, 
 July 18-30
 
'Club Wood Haven' 
 Session 5
July 18-23  
 
Cancellations
'Broadway Magic'  (Session 5-6)
 
'Window to the World'
(Session 7)
 
Correction
'Wilderness Adventure'
(Session 5-6, July 18-30) is a two-week program (gr. 9-12). Girls will travel to Ohiopyle State Park for whitewater rafting, rock climbing and hiking.
 
Contact
Michele Bement at
610.791.2411, x1603.
  
 Camp Tweedale
Additional program 
'The Amazing Race'
Session 3, July 4-9 
 
Cancellations
'Adventure Sports Plus' 
'Wilderness Cooks' 
(both Session 3)
 
Contact Lavena Bryant at 866.564.2030, x1038.
 
 Upcoming
Open Houses
 
Shelly Ridge
 Day Camp
Saturday, April 24
1-3pm
 
Mountain House
Day Camp
Sunday, April 25
2-4pm
 
Valley Forge
 Day Camp
Sunday, April 25
1-4pm
 
Laughing Waters
Sunday, May 2
1-4pm

Wood Haven
Sunday, May 2
1-4pm
 
Camp Property Available for
Spring Camping 
Because of a program cancellation at Camp Laughing Waters, the property is available May 21. Check E-Council for available units. Note: Because of time limitations, payment
in-full is required upon reservation.  Contact Property Registrar at 215.564.2030, x1054.
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WHAT'S IN STORE 
 
Think Globally,
 Shop Locally!
 Celebrate the Council's
 three-year anniversary with
25 percent off all GSEP clothing in May! (While supplies last. No additional coupons or discounts.)
Stock up on end-of-year Try-its, badges, uniforms, Journeys books and supplies for next year? Visit a GSEP Retail Shop or shop online. All GSEP shops are open every Saturday in May (except May 29), and the first and second Saturdays in June.  
 
Girl Scouts merchandise is available through GSUSA, third-party retailers, but purchases made at GSEP shops and the website directly support the Council, its programs, and girl-member activities.
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DOROTHY 'DOTTI' MARTIN SCHOLARSHIP FUND ESTABLISHED 
Dotti Martin

To advance the level of charitable support Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania can provide, the Board of Directors voted to establish the Dorothy 'Dotti' Martin Educational Scholarship/ Destination Fund, in memory of lifetime-volunteer Dorothy Martin, who passed away

 January 20, 2010.

 

Several of Dotti's friends and fellow volunteers have contributed the initial dollars to launch the Fund. Additional donations can now be received. Email the Office of the CEO or contact Rosa Sanchez at 866.564.2030, ext. 1029 for information or to make a contribution.

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR OLDER GIRLS
 
Silver and Gold Awards 
Project proposals for Silver Awards (grade 9) and Gold Awards (grade 12)  
 due April 30
 
Final training workshops for Silver and Gold Awards using the original guidelines have been scheduled through June. All meetings 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
 
Contact Joan Hannahoe at 610.791.2411, ext. 1509.

   Join the GSEP

 Honor Guard
Girl Scout Ambassadors and Seniors invited to join the GSEP Honor Guard to conduct flag ceremonies at Council events. Members attend quarterly trainings; full uniform required(GSUSA-issued white polo shirt, khaki pants or skirt, black shoes, and sash or vest). Gloves and red sashes provided at
each event.
Contact Jennifer Allebach
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 ADVOCATE FOR HEALTHY YOUTH! 
 
Support the Healthy Media for Youth Act
The Girl Scout Research Institute's latest survey, Beauty Redefined: Girls and Body Image, revealed alarming statistics about teen girls' relationships with the media and the fashion industry. Nearly 90 percent of girls say the media pressures girls to be thin and 60 percent compare themselves to models, which can lead to body dissatisfaction and unhealthy eating. 
 
GSUSA worked with
U.S. Reps. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) to develop the Healthy Media for Youth Act (H.R. 4925) and more cosponsors are needed. Visit The Girl Scout Advocacy Network
for resources to contact members of Congress and request their support and signature on the bill.
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Edited by: Betsy Taube
 
Share your stories! Send photos and details about your troop programs and activities to Betsy Taube, Acting Communications Manager. We will do our best to include your news in an upcoming issue of eNews, but space limitations prevent us from posting all submissions.
 
eNews Hard Copies: If you know of a Leader or Service Unit Manager who does not receive have access to a computer and would like to receive eNews, contact Loretta Rudzinski at 866.564.2030, ext. 1049 to arrange for a mailed copy. 

Spread the Word! Be sure to forward this e-mail to fellow volunteers, friends and family! Just click the "Forward" link below. Encourage them to subscribe by entering their e-mail address by clicking the "Join Our Mailing List" button above 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