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 Issue: # 2 | October/2010 | |
Dear Girl Scout Families and Friends,
Welcome to Cybernews - the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida's online newsletter keeping you informed of all the great things being done by and for Girl Scouts.
Go Green! Please share this newsletter as a great resource for other volunteers and parents to get involved this year. We will be updating our website frequently, along with the girl program book and adult learning calendars. If you would like to receive this newsletter, click the Join Our List button on the left.View our online newsletter at S'more News and stay in touch via social media - fan or friend us at  . |
CEO Corner
Message from the CEO
This has been an extraordinarily difficult past few months shaping our budget in a time of economic hardship. On September 16 the board discussed and approved a balanced budget for Oct 1-Sept 30, 2011.
In preparation, the leadership team, under my direction, carefully reviewed every budget line item and prioritized our work based on the strategic plan approved by the board in March - focused on core mission.
As of Friday September 17, I regret to announce that we initiated a plan for a reduction in force with the elimination of three full time positions. They are: Director of Property, Director of Adult Development, and Ranger at Camp Caloosa. Richard, Sherry and Gene have contributed over 24 years to Girl Scouting here and in other councils. They are not only our coworkers but our friends. Their last day was September 17, 2010. We wish them well and appreciate their dedicated service.
I appreciate that everyone may be thinking: "What does this mean, what about me, who do I call for what?"
In the upcoming days, weeks and months, we will be clarifying all roles and responsibilities and implementing our plan of work for the new membership year. Goals will be measurable and our focus will be on positive outcomes for girl leadership directly tied to our mission.
As part of our individual and organizational plan, and most significant to our moving forward and bringing out our best, will be our ability to communicate, function as an integrated team and communicate, communicate, communicate.
Together with girls, volunteers, staff, board members and the community, we will implement principles of strategic learning (strategic planning)..... while continuing to monitor and adjust to the realities of the local, state and national economy.
We will deliver our mission and our promise to girls - "to build girls of courage, confidence and character to make the world a better place".
It is key that we continue to maintain high morale and a positive attitude. With your "can do" approach, the Girl Scouts will continue as a positive work and volunteer environment and an example for young woman to excel, grow and fulfill their potential.
We will continue to communicate updates and changes, including which staff you will be working with. I want to strongly encourage open two way communication and positive problem solving. The following addresses some of the questions I have received.
Camp Caloosa remains open and ready for use.
The camp has been open and available for use all summer.
Plans for troop and service unit camping, council programs, and the implementation of the Forestry Management Plan will continue for Camp Caloosa. We intend to honor our plan to utilize the property for the coming year - providing a safe place for girls and finding creative ideas to best use the property (rich in environmental opportunity and history).
There will be a meeting for membership who wish to discuss GSGCF properties on October 20, 2010 from 6:30-8 pm at 1500 Monroe St. Fort Myers in the first floor conference room. Parking is off of Heitman Street. Click here for a map.
Girls and adults are welcome to attend. Members of the board of directors will be present. The agenda will include information sharing, questions and answers, and small group work for generating ideas.
Click here for a downtown map:
The Community Development Public Works Center is building #1 on this map and is one block North of the Lee County Courthouse (Justice Center) and one block west of the Federal Courthouse.
What about safety of girls and adults on the Camp Caloosa property on weekends?
Many councils across the country are looking at new ways to use properties without a ranger present. We have examples of several possibilities: weekend "hospitality" volunteers, support from local volunteers, travel volunteers and paid stipends. Troops reserving Camp Caloosa will be informed as to their roles and responsibilities for the short and longer term.
How will I know what I can use at Camp Caloosa and how to access it?
Staff are currently developing a "how to" guide for use of all properties so that girls and adults can be confident and self directed. The guide will be available no later than October 20 and will be presented at the meeting. Outdoor trainers will also have current information available.
Once again I want to personally thank you all for making our organization the outstanding success it has become. As always my door remains open to you to discuss any problems, opportunities, creative solutions and anything else that's on your mind.
Thank you,
Sue
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Alumnae Have you joined the NEW Girl Scouts Alumnae Association? Once a Girl Scout, Always a Girl Scout! Be counted as we move together towards the Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary in 2012! Share memories...Tell your story...Reconnect with others! Check in on Alumnae newsletters and blogs. Be informed on all that is happening at Girl Scouts on a national and local level. Sign up today at http://alumnae.girlscouts.org |
Family Support Plan: Corporation Matching Gifts and Volunteer Hour Match Need funds for your troop? The Family Support Plan (FSP) allows parents an opportunity to not only support Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida with a financial contribution but a portion of each donation goes back to your troop. Did you know that many companies have matching gift programs through which they match dollar-for-dollar employees' donations or have grants available for employees who volunteer their time. Employer matching gifts increase the impact of your personal support and mean more resources that Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast can provide for girls, troops and service units to enjoy. Check with your company's department of human resources for company matching opportunities. What do I need to do to get my gift matched?
The employee must initiate the matching gift process. This usually means contacting your employer or former employer to obtain the proper form, completing the form, and following the company's guidelines for submission. GSGCF will verify any necessary forms and once all of you company's matching gift guidelines are met, they will issue the matching funds to GSGCF.
Here are just a few companies that participate in company matching: - Bank of America Matching Gifts
- Groutmasters of Manasota, Inc.
- Illinois Tool Works Foundation
- Regions Bank
- Sam's Club 6445
- State Farm Foundation
- Walmart Foundation
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All Grade Levels
Journey to Healthy Living - New Event Would you like to be a healthy girl? Get ready to be your best for the new year. Come have a fabulous day of fun health games such as Food Olympics, Obstacle Course and more! This WON'T be your typical boring Health class. Help lead your family to health in a FUN way! GSLE Outcomes: (D1, D2, D3, D5, C1, C5, T2, T3, T4) Recognition: this event will cover a portion of the Get Moving and Sow What Journey. Also girls will receive Maximized Living MaxGirl Patch. Location: Cambier Park, Naples FL Grade Level: K-12 Date: January 15, 2011 Deadline: January 11, 2011 Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Fee: $8/girl FREE/adult Minimum: 30 girls 15 adults Maximum: 100 girls 50 adults Contact: Amy Gainey, amyg@gsgcf.org
Upcoming Program Events Check out these upcoming programs in full detail in the Program Opportunities Book. Space is still available, register soon. Events held in October, November and December are now available for online registration excluding Boo At the Zoo. Ladies in Pink Ribbon Day 10.16.2010 Sarasota Page A-2
Mom & Me Pink Ribbon Day 10.16.2010
Ft. Myers Page A-2
Boo at the Zoo-Family Event 10.23.2010 Naples Page A-5
Manatee Day at Mote Marine 11.13.2010 Sarasota Page B-4
Local Food: Dakin Dairy 11.20.2010
Myakka City Page B-6
Back to Top Girl Scout Junior
Upcoming Program Events Check out these upcoming programs in full detail in the Program Opportunities Book. Space is still available, register soon. Events held in October, November and December are now available for online registration. True Beauty Festival 10.23.2010
Sarasota Page A-4 Little Sprouts 11.12.2010 Port Charlotte Page B-2 Crime Investigators 11.13.2010 Ft. Myers Page B-3 Back to Top Teen Girl Scouts Upcoming Program Events Check out these upcoming programs in full detail in the Program Opportunities Book. Space is still available, register soon. Events held in October, November and December are now available for online registration. True Beauty Festival 10.23.2010
Sarasota Page A-4
Media Mavens Tour 10.14.2010 Sarasota Page A-3 Media Mavens Series 10.21.2010 Begins Sarasota Page A-3 Teen Board Retreat 10.29-30.2010 Bradenton Page A-5
Little Sprouts 11.12.2010 Port Charlotte Page B-2
Crime Investigators 11.13.2010 Ft. Myers Page B-3
Travel Pathway London, Paris, Lucerne: A Girl Scout Journey Travel to these fabulous locations with EF Tours and GSGCF this summer 2011!! Girls ages 15 to 18 are welcome to travel through Europe and see the Girl Guide's Pax Lodge, Windsor Palace, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Our Chalet - just to name a few of the sights! For more information please contact Ann-Marie Mathews, Program Specialist, at annmariem@gsgcf.org or ext 318. Back to Top |
Girl Scout Shop
Upcoming Shop Events
October 2, 2010 1st Annual Yard Sale 9a-2p Join us on Saturday, October 2nd for the first ever Yard Sale. There will be bargains galore. We will also have some in-store special pricing on regular priced merchandise as well. See You There! October 30, 2010 Happy Halloween Event 10a-2p Saturday, October 30th, we invite you to wear a costume and receive a 10% discount on your purchases - 10/30/10 ONLY. There will be "goodies", refreshments and fun for all. Join us for a spook-tacular sales event. Girl Advisory Board The Girl Scout Shop is going "Girl Led". Click to find out how to be involved.
Need a Name Badge? Have you misplaced your name badge? Are you a volunteer in need of a name badge? If you answered "YES" to any of the above, this message is for YOU! If you are interested in ordering a new name badge, please respond back to me BEFORE October 9, 2010. Please email the following information to: cathyb@gsgcf.org In the subject line please put NAME BADGE ORDER The magnetic badge is green marbleized with three information lines. Each line holds a MAXIMUM of 21 characters (letters and spaces). The cost of the badge is $10. You will need to provide information for ONLY the first two lines. NAME: POSITION: LOCATION:GULFCOAST FLORIDA Please include payment information as well. - If paying by charge,I will need card number and expiration dates (mo/year)
- If paying by check, please send the check to council headquarters to my attention. Also, please ensure there are two contact phone numbers on the check.
Council Address: Girl Scout Shop 4780 Cattlemen Road Sarasota, FL 34233 Attn: Cathy Brown Please include contact phone in case there is a spacing issue. I will contact everyone once the badges arrive. If you would like the badge mailed or sent with a Membership Specialist, please include this info in the email as well. Thank you and it is our pleasure to serve your shop needs. Cathy Brown Regional Campus Shop Manager 800-232-4475, ext. 313 Back to Top |
GSUSA National Convention 2011
Do you want to be a National Council Delegate?
The 52nd National Council Session/2011 Convention of Girl Scouts of the USA will be held November 10 - 13, 2011 in Houston, Texas. National conventions are held every three years for the purpose of determining the general lines of policy of the Girl Scout Movement and the Girl Scout program. The purpose of the meeting is to:
- Hear the report of the National Board of Directors.
- Act on proposals and information presented to the delegation.
- Elect the National Board of Directors and Board Development Committee for the next three (3) year term.
- Help establish direction for Girl Scouts of the USA on new strategies for success, growth, and expansion in the next century.
Unique to the 2011 Convention will be the launch of a nationwide year-long celebration of the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouts.
Each Council is eligible to send delegates to the convention, and the combined delegate body is referred to as the National Council. The number of delegates each council will send is based on membership as of September 30, 2010. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. anticipates sending four voting delegates, as prescribed by the formula established by Girl Scouts of the USA.
Requirements of a National Council delegate include:
- Be a citizen of the United States of America.
- Be a registered member of the Girl Scouts and fourteen (14) years of age or older.
- Be available to attend the entire National Council Session (Nov. 10-13, 2011) in Houston.
- Be committed to attend preparation meetings prior to the National Council Session offered by GSGCF.
- Be willing to report back to Council membership.
- Be committed to serve as a National Council delegate for the three (3) year tenure and be willing to attend any additional National meetings called.
All potential nominees must be willing to commit to the following accountabilities:
- Study the agenda for the National Council Session.
- Be informed on the council's point of view about actions to be taken by the National Council, but vote independently in the best interests of Girl Scouting as a whole.
- Know the rules relating to parliamentary procedures and how to use them.
While the Board Development Committee will consider a number of factors in making its ultimate selection, the Committee will also specifically seek candidates that model one or more of the characteristics and skills outlined below, with no one or combination of characteristics and skills being weighted more than the others. On the application, you will be asked to self-assess your experience in each of the following competency areas:
- Strategic Thinking - demonstrates ability to think in terms of long-term goals and objectives that advance the Movement as a whole; is future focused.
- Communication - demonstrates ability to express ideas and facts in a clear manner.
- Experience (Policy-Influencing/Policy-Making) - has participated in council meetings and effectively represents different points of view of the membership.
- Girl Scout Knowledge - has knowledge of Girl Scouting at the Council level and the Girl Scout Movement.
- Decision Making - has the ability to analyze issues from a Council and National perspective. Demonstrates ability to weigh options and consider ramifications.
- Adaptability - demonstrates flexibility when new information is brought forward; comes to the National Council Session informed but not instructed.
- Team Building - promotes partnerships and demonstrates commitment to a team approach; will support decisions of the National Council once made.
Girl Scouting is GIRL LED! Girl Scouts fourteen years of age and older are eligible to serve as National Council delegates. The Board Development Committee looks forward to receiving applications from both girls and adults.
If you are interested in serving as a delegate, please email or mail your completed National Council Delegate Application by November 2, 2010 to Attention: Marie Graziosi, Director-Executive Services, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc., 4780 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL 34233. The Board Development Committee will review applications and develop a slate of National Council delegates and alternate delegates to be presented for election at the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. Annual Meeting of the Council on January 29, 2011. An application is available on the council website. To request an application by mail or for further assistance, please contact Marie Graziosi by email or at 941.921.5358 ext. 338 or 800.232.4475.
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Product Sales
Design Your Future Fall Product Sale
The Fall Product Sale is under way, and this year's theme is "Design Your Future." Help your girls get ready for an awesome Girl Scout year and construct a plan for success by kicking off the year with the Fall Product Sale. During the Fall Product Sale, troops sell magazine subscriptions, nuts and chocolates to friends and families. Troops earn start-up funds while girls earn great prizes and patches. Best of all, participating in the Fall Product Sale is easy! Just contact your Service Unit Fall Sale Coordinator to ask how your troop can get started today. Sales end October 21, 2010.
 QSP Online Program
The QSP Online Program is back this year by popular demand! The QSP Online Program is part of the Fall Product Sale that allows customers to purchase magazine subscriptions and renewals online with a credit card. Girls can get started today by clicking here to log in to the QSP Online Program. There's even an option to send Monkey Mail - a talking monkey email to friends and family! Troops earn 10% back on all magazines ordered through the QSP Online Program.
Want to learn more about how your troop can get started in the Fall Product Sale? Contact your Service Unit Fall Sale Coordinator for more information, or contact Corinne Wright. Back to Top |
Region Meetings
The first round of region meetings were a great opportunity for volunteer and staff partnerships and sharing. Please save the date for a December meeting. Everyone is welcome to attend - girls, parents, volunteers in all pathways, Girl Scout partners and collaborators and those who just want to know more. All begin at 6 p.m. with a meet and mingle; program begins at 6:30 p.m. and we will wrap by 9:00 p.m. See you there!
Region Date Place
East Mon, Dec 6 South Florida CC, Sebring
Central Tues, Dec 7 Pt. Charlotte United Methodist
South Thurs, Dec 9 TBD S. Central Mon, Dec 13 TBD
N. Central Tues, Dec 14 GECC, Sarasota
S. Central Wed, Dec 15 TBD North Thurs, Dec 16 TBD
You may attend the region meeting that works with your schedule. For more information, contact Amanda Jacob. |
Service Center in Fort Myers
Service Center - Open House/Special Event Announcement Mark your calendar for three special events happening at the Service Center in Fort Myers October 12th, January 11th, and March 8th Parents, Volunteers and Girls can take an opportunity to mix and mingle and enjoy a "one stop shop" experience with everything from retail specials to training and fun girl led activities. Join us for our first event TUESDAY OCTOBER 12 from 6:00pm - 8:00pm. Activities include: Troop Pathway Orientations - Contact membership specialists, Grace McGee at gracem@gsgcf.org or Tonja Brooks at tonjab@gsgcf.org to RSVP for Troop Pathway Orientation if you have not completed this required training to start leading a troop. It's a great way to meet other first time volunteers and make valuable connections. Girl Led training - Join program specialist, Amy Gainey to gain more knowledge in encouraging your troop to be "girl led". Learn tips and activities to help your girls receive the most from their Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Extended shop hours - Enjoy extended shopping hours until 8:00pm. All shoppers will receive a special "bounce back" coupon redeemable during the March 8th event on special items. Lights, Camera, Action - Come prepared to possibly be on camera. Our public relations department will be on sight prepared to record your responses to "What Did You Do Today?" See and participate in Girl Led activities. Girls and adults alike are encouraged to engage with our host troop as they facilitate a variety of activities that you can take back to your own troop or service unit. We look forward to seeing you and your Girl Scout - spread the word and bring a volunteer friend. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Don't forget to stay up to date on future events and activities. Be sure to check for more details in upcoming issues of Cybernews and Facebook! |
Volunteers and Learning Opportunities
Volunteer Learning Opportunities
Click to see a full schedule of volunteer learning opportunities.
Smorgasbord 2010 November 6th and 7th 2010 Please join us at Camp Caloosa (our Secret Garden) to enjoy camp and its history as we celebrate Girl Scouting and its traditions. Workshops include singing, nature, crafts, swaps, skills and journeys. Share your experiences and expertise with other adult volunteers from all over our council. There will be time to take a leisurely canoe ride or just kick back and look at the stars. This is an all adult weekend aimed at enriching your scouting experience, making new friends and learning new things. For more information about this fabulous opportunity please visit our website at www.gsgcf.org and click on the training book - On-Line Registration is now available for this program! Upcoming Learning OpportunitiesMust register by paper. Online registration is available for November and December trainings only. Small Craft Safety 10.16.10 Sarasota Page A-13 Canoe/Kayak 10.16.10 Sarasota Page A-13 New Leader Weekend 10.22 - 24.10 Lee Page A-17 Small Craft Safety 10.23.10 Lee Page A-13 Canoe/Kayak 10.23.10 Lee Page A-13
Back to TopNew VolunteersWelcome to our Girl Scout team! We are excited for the 2010-2011 Girl Scout year and the many journeys we will embark together. We wanted to remind you of a few things to aid in the success of your troop. · All girls and adults participating in the troop need to be registered within the first three troop meetings. This will ensure that the Girl Scout insurance is activated and that the girls are in the system when participating in the Fall Product Sale. If the troop submits the registrations by October 1st, all girls registering will receive an "On Time" patch. · The troop leaders are required to take leadership training within three months of being appointed. Flexible training delivery options are available to fit your schedule including online options. Click here to view the adult learning opportunities calendar for the next class near you. · Troops need to establish a troop bank account where all Girl Scout monies are administered. We have a partnership with Bank of America, where Girl Scout accounts are not charged service charges and where on-line banking and a troop debit card are instantly issued. A minimum of two signatures that are not related nor live in the same household and that are registered Girl Scouts are required. Please contact your membership specialist for more information. · Please save the date for the regional meeting scheduled for the month of December. See more information in the Region Meeting section of this newsletter. For more detailed information, please review the quick start guide in Volunteer Essentials, an on-line resource.
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About Girl Scouts
All programs sponsored by the council have specific program outcomes so you can be sure that your Girl Scout gets the full Girl Scout Leadership Experience every time she participates. Because no girl is the same, customizing the Girl Scout experience and letting the girl choose how she participates in Girl Scouts gives her control over her Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Each program and activity she participates in will encourage her and help her gain confidence in her skills and ability to be the girl she wants to be. Girl Scouting builds girls of Courage, Confidence and Character who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. is chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA and serves over 10,500 girls in ten counties including: Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, and Collier. For more information about the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida visit www.gsgcf.org.
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