May 27, 2010
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Sponsor Showcase
PECO Helps GSEP Go Green (and Platinum)
A mainstay on the Philadelphia skyline, PECO knows a thing or two about going green. The Delaware Valley's primary energy supplier launched a $15.3 million initiative to help preserve the environment and make its customers more environmentally responsible. Elements include installation of a 45,000 square-foot green roof and an LED-based system for the Crown Lights atop its Center City headquarters, increased use of hybrid and biodiesel vehicles, construction of its first 'green building' in West Chester (which earned the company Silver LEED Certification), and much more.
 
peco_earthdayAmong the community
activities PECO supports is the two-week GSEP Green Project to mark Earth Day, which engaged more 4,000 girls, volunteers and staff in 13,000+ service hours on eco-friendly projects. PECO welcomed more than 60 girl participants to learn about its environmental initiatives and how to reduce their carbon footprint.
 
PECO was also a Platinum Sponsor of GSEP's 2010 Take The Lead program in Philadelphia, GSEP's largest annual fundraiser that celebrates some of the region's most accomplished women leaders and provides immeasurable development opportunities for girl participants.
 
Angela Ahmad, PECO's New Business Manager of the Philadelphia Region, served on the Take The Lead Event Committee and is a GSEP Board Member. "Helping our youth understand the importance of environmental conservation is necessary to preserve our planet's resources for years to come," she said. "Together, we can have a greater impact, and that's why we support open space and environmental educational programs throughout the region."
Vote for GSEP's 'First Bloomers!'
Nearly three dozen local girls wrapped up their program year last weekend by installing a landscape of native plant material through First Bloom, a program of the National Park Foundation that connects 4th-6th graders with nature through hands-on activities at some of the nation's most spectacular sites. Rangers at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia met monthly with the 30 girls throughout their program year to teach the value of conservation and the perils of invasive plants. First Bloom culminates with a garden-design contest, and GSEP team is among 26 teams of landscape-artists-in-training--from Fire Island National Seashore on New York's Long Island to Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska--are currently competing for top-honors. The team with the most votes gets a free trip to a national park! GSEP's First Bloomers got creative by using Girl Scout Cookie-clipart as a legend in their design. Voters must select five different design picks to submit their ballots. HURRY! Voting ends May 28!
Adult Development 
Online Background Clearance Issues Being Corrected
GSEP has implemented a process change to resolve recent technical issues with the Online Background Clearance procedure. Upon completion of an online Application Request with references and payment, volunteers will be provided web-access to the Online Background Clearance Application (via email invitation, typically within 2 business days). Applications must be completed within 10 days before their access to the link expires. Screening-status notification is provided by mail within 2-3 weeks of completion. Volunteers are reminded to select the 'Submit Payment' button only once; multiple selections will generate multiple debit/credit card charges. Those who have completed the online process (including credit-card payment) but have not received confirmation/status notification should contact Vernita Smith at 215.564.2030, ext. 1011
  
Global Leadership Opportunities for Volunteers! 
GSUSA seeks women ages 18-35 for Global Leadership Opportunities through the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). Selected applicants remain in representative pool for one triennium; inclusion does not guarantee participation. Volunteers are responsible for travel and associated expenses. GSEP application also required. Contact Kristen Hughes at 610.933.7555, ext. 1411.
  
President's Volunteer Service Award 
GSEP invites applicants for the Presidential Volunteer Service Award. Individuals ages 5 and up are eligible with documented volunteer hours from 2008-09 and 2009-10 program years. Send completed forms to Shawnna DiFilippo at the Valley Forge Service Center; call 610.933.7555, ext. 1409 for information.
Staff Corner 
GSEP Names Marcy Rost Chief Operating Officer 
marcy_rostMarcy Rost has been named Chief Operating Officer, effective May 24. She has oversight responsibility for all aspects of Adult Development, Membership and Program. Marcy began working as a consultant to GSEP in 2008 to design and implement programs and initiatives to support the Girl Scout mission. She has extensive, high-level non-profit management and leadership experience, having served as Chief Operating Officer and a Special Assistant to the CEO for Foundations, Inc.; Vice President of Operations, Government Solutions for ACS State and Local Solutions; Director of Corporate Strategy and Planning for the Delaware River Port Authority of Pennsylvania and New Jersey (for 10 years); and Executive Director of PennPORTS, Office of Pennsylvania Governor Robert P. Casey. Marcy earned her B.A. from Dickinson College and a Masters of Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania.
Programs for Girls
Program Aide Core and Specialty Training for Older Girls
Girls in grades 6-12 help Council, Troop and Service Unit programs, work with younger girls, develop leadership skills, and meet fellow Girl Scouts from other troops. Register on E-Council. Contact Melanie Doll at 610.791.2411, ext. 1525.
 
Program Aide Core Training 
Saturday, June 5: 9am-3pm
Indian King Clubhouse (Belvidere Circle, West Chester)
Cost: Free (bring a bag lunch)
 
Saturday, June 12: 9am-3pm
Trinity United Church of Christ (532 E. Main St., Collegeville)
Cost: $5 (lunch and beverages provided)
 
Scholarships available for Aerospace Destination! June 27-July 9
An out-of-this-world opportunity for girls ages 15-18! The U.S. Space & Rocket Center offers funding for the Aerospace Career Explorer Destination in Huntsville, Alabama. The $912.50 scholarship covers half of the $1,825 event fee. Girls earn jet and astronaut wings by training like a fighter pilot and completing simulated and extended duration space missions. Click here for program details. Deadline: June 4.

 

Summer Teen-Travel to Guatemala!--July 9-17
Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors (ages 15-18) explore Guatemala's Historical and Natural Treasures! Experiences include a summit-hike of Pacaya Volcano National Park, Mayan ruins, diverse terrain and a tropical paradise through colonial cities. Chaperoned by trained staff from Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina, with a 24-hour local tour guide in Guatemala. Cost is $2,460/person (all-inclusive from Miami, with mandatory travel 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 information.
 
Heritage Patrol is Back at Musikfest! August 9-13
Each year, the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania Heritage Patrol Interest Troop helps showcase early-American folk arts and local history at Musikfest in the Colonial Industrial Quarter of historic Bethlehem. Children ages 6-12 can enjoy Historic Krafts'n'Kids, and girls entering grades 7-12 are invited to learn about Heritage Patrol and its mission to study and preserve local heritage. Visit the website for activity schedules, registration forms and deadlines, and costs. Contact Betsy Cutler at 610.395.2721 or Sandra Villard at 610.253.0620.
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, found that nearly 90 percent of girls say the media pressures them 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 to contact members of Congress for their support.
Picture Place  
GSUSA Woman of Distinction Inspires at Oakville SU's Bridging Event  sinback_shannon
Sixteen-year old Girl Scout Ambassador Shannon McNamara from the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey council (photographed below with 20-year volunteer Susan Donahue-Sinback) kicked off the Oakville Service Unit's (Bucks County) recent bridging ceremony by talking about SHARE, her Gold Award project that empowers girls in East Africa to reach their highest potential through reading. GSUSA deemed Shannon's sustained initiative as one of the 10 most significant Gold Award projects last year and named her among its 2009 National Young Women of Distinction.
Issue: 46
CONTENTS
Sponsor Showcase: PECO
Vote for 'First Bloomers!'
Adult Development
Staff Corner
Programs for Girls
Advocate for Healthy Youth!
Picture Place
What's In Store
Camp News
Opportunities for Older Girls
WHAT'S IN STORE 
    
 All Retail Shops will be closed June 10 for GSEP all-staff meeting.
 
 
GSEP Clothing 25% Off through May 28

 While supplies last; no additional coupons or discounts.
Visit any GSEP Retail Shop 
or shop online.

 

Summer Hours

 Begin in June 

All Shops open Saturday, June 5 and 12.

Summer Hours begin

week of June 14:  

Tues.-Thurs.

10am-5pm

 

Shelly Ridge

Closed for inventory

 June 14-18

(re-opens Tues., June 22)

 

Valley Forge and

 online sales

Closed for inventory

 June 21-25

(re-opens Tues., June 29)

 

Lehigh Valley

Closed for inventory

 July 12-16

(re-opens Tues., July 20)

 

Delaware County and Jane Seltzer Shops close for the summer June 12.

 

 Think Globally,
 Shop Locally!

Girl Scouts merchandise is available through GSUSA and 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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CAMP NEWS 

Camperships Available!
Girl Scout Camperships provide financial assistance to families who cannot afford full registration costs for Day or Resident Summer Camp. Visit the 'Camps' page for application information or contact Joan Hannahoe at 610.791.2411, x1509.
 
 
Program Changes
 
Camp Laughing Waters
Additions

aMAZing Riders!

July 18-30

Grades 6-10

Cost: $670

 

Art for CHANGE

August 1-13

Grades 6-10

Cost: $595

 Register for both

 

Cancellations

Into the Deep 1
(Sessions 5-6)

Into the Deep 2

(Sessions 7-8)

 Contact Amy Hollaman at 215.564.2030, x1019.
 

Camp Tweedale

Additions

The Amazing Race

June 27-July 2

Grades 6-8

Cost: $285

  Register on E-Council.

 
Upcoming Open Houses
Camp Tweedale
Saturday, June 19
12-3pm
 
Camp Laughing Waters
Saturday, June 19
1-4pm
 
Camp Mosey Wood
 Sunday, June 20 
 1-4pm
 
Camp Wood Haven
 Sunday, June 20 
 1-4pm
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR OLDER GIRLS
 
Silver and Gold Awards 
Manuals and Training:
Original Guidelines 
 
Updated Gold and Silver manuals are now available online. Final workshops have been scheduled through June. All meetings from 7-9pm.  
Register on E-Council. Contact Joan Hannahoe at 610.791.2411, ext. 1509. 
 
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
 
June 29, Valley Forge SC

   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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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