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Girl Scouts of
Gulfcoast Florida, Inc.
4780 Cattlemen Road
Sarasota, FL 34233
941-921-5358
800-232-4475
www.gsgcf.org
We Wish to Thank Our Following Community Parnters:
Partner Agency
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 Issue: # 5 | January/2011 | |
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, parents and families 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. Don't forget to stay in touch via social media - fan or friend us at  . |
CEO Corner
Message from the CEO
Happy New Year!
2011 promises to be our best year yet! This is our time, as leaders working together with girls, to provide the premier leadership experience.
We can do this in several ways. By:
ü Delivering the GSUSA Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) through girl led, cooperative and experiential programming.
ü Inspiring others through positive, solution oriented communication.
ü Advocating for all girls to become a Girl Scout.
ü Offering a variety of leadership opportunities for girls K-12 through Pathways (troop, series, events, travel, camp and virtual), with the Journey books as our guide.
ü Coming together as one mission, one council, one voice, and one movement.
2011 moves us closer toward our 100th anniversary nationally and our 50th anniversary locally as Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. The power to honor our past and to shape our future is within each of us! I look forward to working together as one council to create our next 100 years together.
Sincerely,
Sue
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." ~Eleanor Roosevelt
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Product Sales
Girl Scout Cookies are Coming Soon!
The theme of this year's Girl Scout Cookie Program is "Starting Today." Starting Today we are in business for the future. Starting Today girls are learning important skills like goal setting and money management that they can use for the rest of their lives. Starting Today girls are reaching their goals and making their dreams come true through the Girl Scout Cookie Program!
Girl Scout Cookie pre-orders begin on January 7, 2011. Below are a few tips and ideas to make the most of the pre-order period.
- Ask everyone to consider purchasing Girl Scout cookies. The number one reason customers don't buy cookies is that they were not asked.
- Remember to collect payment at the time of delivery only.
- Tell customers about the goals your troop has set and what you are working toward.
- Make sure girls are involved in all aspects of collecting cookie orders, including when the order cards go to work with parents. Girls can send a letter along explaining their goals and what their troop is working toward, or girls can make cookie deliveries when cookies arrive.
- Hold on to your order card from year to year. It's an excellent tool for future cookie sales.
- Don't forget to take your order card everywhere!
Cookies arrive February 12, 2011. Stay tuned for more tips and ideas for the best-ever cookie booths! If you've got cookie questions or need more information, contact your Service Unit Cookie Coordinator or Corinne Wright, Director of Product Sales.
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Overnights at the GECC
In response to Girl Scout requests to utilize the GECC for overnight events, three dates will be made available for Service Unit use via a lottery system - February 4, 2011, May 6, 2011, and August 19, 2011. The lottery will be held January 14 at noon. To participate in the lottery, please send an email to Debbie McDowell-Tate by January 14 at 10:00 AM with your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd date choices. The first service unit pulled will receive their first choice, the second pulled will receive their highest choice and so on.
To utilize the GECC for overnight events on one of these dates, the following must be agreed to:
- Accept responsibility for security and safety of participants as no staff will be on site.
- Girls and volunteers will comply with the conditions of the Troop Usage Facility Contract excluding the clause regarding building closure at 8:30 PM.
- Volunteers in charge and their girl partners will schedule and attend an orientation session if not previously oriented.
- To use the AV equipment, the volunteer and/or girls in charge must schedule and attend an orientation session for AV usage.
Please email Debbie McDowell-Tate or phone 921-5358, ext. 303 if you have any additional questions or input to improve our process.
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Annual Meeting of the Council on January 29, 2011
The Annual Meeting of the Council will be held on January 29, 2011 at the Gulfcoast Event and Conference Center. The Girl Scout democratic process will guide the activities of the meeting as council delegates convene to listen to and assess stewardship reports, and elect the officers, members-at-large of the Board of Directors, members of the council Board Development Committee, and the delegates and alternates to the National Council of the Girl Scouts of the USA. Registration at 9:30 AM and Annual Meeting begins at 10 AM. Light morning refreshments will be served only; no fee to attend. The Girl Scout shop will open immediately following the meeting adjournment. Guests and members of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. can register here to attend.
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Troop Happenings
Shout out to Sarasota 11 and Sarasota 12 troops who donated 400+ stockings full of goodies for the Salvation Army stocking drive for families and seniors. Stockings were filled with items such as toys, toiletries, games, and holiday decorations. Troops have been working over 2 months on this project. Kudos to Sarasota!
Kudos to Troop 777 for the recent plantings at the Arcadia Girl Scout House. The project was completed during "Make a Difference Day" and is very much appreciated.
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New Events
Tropical Paradise Luau
Come join Service Unit Manatee 5 in their 22nd Annual Father and Daughter Sweetheart Dance, Tropical Paradise Luau! Girls bring your favorite guy, 18 or older, for a night of dancing and fun. Photo opportunities will be available for an additional cost and don't forget to dress in your favorite luau beach wear!
GSLE Outcomes: D1, D3, C1, C5
Recognition: N/A
Location: First Church of the Nazarene
1616 59th St W.
Bradenton, FL 34209
Grade Level: K - 12
Date:January 22, 2011
Deadline:Registrations accepted at the door
Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Cost: $12/girl $12/adult
Contact: Ann-Marie Mathews
Me and My Guy Camp Out with the Everblades
Enjoy the COOLEST camping experience you have ever had. The Everblades are hosting a joint Girl Scout and Boy Scout night on the ice. Girl Scouts accompanied by their dad or adult male role model are invited to camp out on the covered ice of Germain Arena.
The complete night package includes:
- Florida Everblades Hockey Game
- Midnight Pizza Party
- Special "Camp Out" Movie
- Chance to Earn Recognitions
- Games and Competitions with/against the Boy Scouts
- Souvenirs & Prizes
GSLE Outcomes: D1, D4, C1, C2, T2, T4
Recognition: There will be many stations running all night that will meet recognition requirements for all grades.
Location: Germain Arena, Ft. Myers
Grade Level: All
Date: March 12 - 13, 2011
Deadline: March 1, 2011
Time: 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM
Fee: $30/girl $30/adult
Minimum: 50 girls 30 adults Maximum: 100 girls 90 adults
Note: Participants are welcome to bring sleeping bags and/or pop up tents for the event.
Contact: Amy Gainey
Florida Girl Scout Conference & Legislative Days
How can you DISCOVER what is going on in our state government? Want to CONNECT with girls across the state to make a difference through government? Learn how you, as a young girl leader of today, can TAKE ACTION and make our world a better place. Join us for the Florida Girl Scout Conference in Tallahassee, Florida. On Saturday and Sunday, girls will participate in fun group activities focused on advocacy, leadership, politics and women in government. On Monday, girls will hit the Capitol for Girl Scout Legislative Day 2011! Girls will sit in the seats of Senators and debate issues in a mock legislative session. Then, girls will meet with their elected officials and spread the word about the benefits girls received from participating in Girl Scouts.
GSLE Outcomes: D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, TA1, TA3, TA4, TA5
Recognition: We will cover a portion of the Girl Topia and Your Voice Your World journey.
Location: Tallahassee, Florida
Grade Level: 7-12
Date: March 19-21, 2011
Deadline: February 11, 2011
Time: Multiple pick-up locations will be arranged along I-75 based on participants. Pick-ups may begin as early as 6 AM on March 19 with drop-off as late as 11 PM on March 21. Exact locations and times will be confirmed with participants directly.
Fee: $125/girl
Minimum: 10 girls
Maximum: 20 girls
Note: Fee includes meals while at the conference, hotel, transportation, and conference materials. Girls will need money for meals on the road up and back and spending money for the gift shops if they choose.
Contact: Amy Gainey
Upcoming Program Events
Check out these upcoming programs in full detail in the Program Opportunities Book. Space is still available, register soon. Online registration is open for events held through March 2011.
All Grade Levels
Journey to Healthy Living January 15, 2011
Collier Page D-9
Local Food: Immokalee
Farmworkers Coalition February 19, 2011
Immokalee Page E-4
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Girl Scout Daisy & Brownie
Check out these upcoming programs in full detail in the Program Opportunities Book. Space is still available, register soon. Online registration is open for events held through March 2011.
Girl Scout Daisy
Refer to all Grade Levels
Girl Scout Brownie
Get Moving-a Series Jan 14,18,26 - Feb. 3,9,18
Lee Page D-8
Better Together!
Healthy Eating: Breakfast! January 22, 2011
Bradenton Page D-11
Wetlands Work Day February 5, 2011
Sarasota Page E-11
Stress Less Yoga February 12, 2011
Port Charlotte Page E-2
Better Together!
Healthy Eating: Lunch February 26, 2011
Arcadia Page E-6
Girl Scout Junior
Check out these upcoming programs in full detail in the Program Opportunities Book. Space is still available, register soon. Online registration is open for events held through March 2011.
Get Moving-a Series Jan 14,18,26 - Feb. 3,9,18
Lee Page D-8
Low Ropes Course January 15, 2011
Honi Hanta Page D-9
Lady Legal January 21, 2011
Lee Page D-8
Better Together!
Healthy Eating: Breakfast January 22, 2011
Bradenton Page D-11
Economics for Success January 29, 2011
Lee Page D-11
Wetlands Work Day February 5, 2011
Lil' Sprouts: Discovering the
World of Plants February 12, 2011
Sebring Page E-2
Stress Less Yoga February 12, 2011
Port Charlotte Page E-2
Better Together!
Healthy Eating: Lunch February 26, 2011
Arcadia Page E-6
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Girl Scout Cadettes
Check out these upcoming programs in full detail in the Program Opportunities Book. Space is still available, register soon. Online registration is open for events held through March 2011.
Low Ropes Course January 15, 2011
Honi Hanta Page D-9
Climbing Wall and Zipline January 15, 2011
Honi Hanta Page D-9
Lady Legal January 21, 2011
Lee Page D-8
Better Together!
Healthy Eating: Breakfast January 22, 2011
Economics for Success January 29, 2011
Lee Page D-11
Wetlands Work Day February 5, 2011
Sarasota Page E-11
Lil' Sprouts: Discovering the
World of Plants February 12, 2011
Sebring Page E-2
Stress Less Yoga February 12, 2011
Port Charlotte Page E-2
Equipping and Advocating Girls
on the Journey Weekend February 25-27, 2011
GECC Page E-5
Better Together!
Healthy Eating: Lunch February 26, 2011
Arcadia Page E-6
Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors
Check out these upcoming programs in full detail in the Program Opportunities Book. Space is still available, register soon. Online registration is open for events held through March 2011.
Low Ropes Course January 15, 2011
Honi Hanta Page D-9
Climbing Wall and Zipline January 15, 2011
Lady Legal January 21, 2011
Lee Page D-8
Finances 101 January 19, 2011 Sarasota Page D-10
Better Together!
Healthy Eating: Breakfast January 22, 2011
Bradenton Page D-11
Working 102 January 26, 2011
Sarasota Page D-12
Economics for Success January 29, 2011
Lee Page D-11
(Almost) On My Own February 2, 2011
Sarasota Page E-1
Wetlands Work Day February 5, 2011
Sarasota Page E-11
It's Your World February 9, 2011
Sarasota Page E-3
Lil' Sprouts: Discovering the
World of Plants February 12, 2011
Sebring Page E-2
Stress Less Yoga February 12, 2011
Port Charlotte Page E-2
Budgeting and Bills February 16, 2011
Sarasota Page E-3
Equipping and Advocating Girls
on the Journey Weekend February 25-27, 2011
GECC Page E-5
Better Together!
Healthy Eating: Lunch February 26, 2011
Arcadia Page E-6
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Travel Pathway
Are you a girl or adult volunteer interested in discovering, connecting and taking action through the Travel Pathway?
If so, you are invited to take a brief online survey to let your local Girl Scout council know where you want to travel and what you want to do there. Current Girl Scouts and adult volunteers are highly encouraged to make their voices heard by taking a few minutes to answer eight multiple-choice questions on an easy online survey. Filling out the survey ensures that your voice is heard as council staff develops the travel pathway for the upcoming years.
For any questions or comments about the Travel Pathway Survey, please contact Julia Onnie-Hay.
Alaska destination Trip
Did you know that Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc is sponsoring a national destination trip to Alaska? This fully guided educational adventure is designed to offer equal doses of natural history, cultural awareness, and active adventure. You and 13 of your fellow explorers will survey the biodiversity of the local environment, and learn about local research, Eyak history and culture. As you explore the Copper River Delta, you will see and experience the balanced relationship of plants and animals with their physical and biological environment. You will learn through the geology of the region how this unique and diverse environment came to be. You may also have an opportunity to work on a project with a local biologist, if available during your visit. Girls must be between the ages of 15 - 18 at the time of the trip.
Spots are still available for this trip and many other destination trips offered around the country and the world. Learn more about all of the trips here or if you have specific questions about the Alaska trip you can email Melissa Mason or call 941-921-5358 ext 336.
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Spring Break Camp
Join Us for Spring Break Camp Cattlemen
UNIQUELY ME MONDAY
Spend the day learning about what makes you one-of-a-kind and sharing that with others! You can learn and share about your friends, your family and what you like to do for fun. There will also be a special chance for you to show off a special talent.
SPRING-TIME TUESDAY
Today we will celebrate the meaning of spring and learn about this special time of year to the earth. We'll be celebrating spring with a full day of spring-themed games, activities and crafts.
UNDERWATER WEDNESDAY
Pack your swim suit and get excited about water. We'll be splishin' and splashin' with water activities and games. Remember to wear sunscreen!
ROCK-OUT THURSDAY!
Come out for a day of rockin' good times! We'll be performing on stage, doing a little singing and making crafts fit for a rock star!
FAIRY FLUTTERBY FRIDAY
Fairies flitter and flutter; and for this day of camp little girls will too! We'll spend the day exploring how fairies live and play. Don't miss this fairy-tastic day!
Location: Girl Scout GECC, Sarasota
Grade Level: K - 8
Deadline: February 18, 2011
Fee: $22/girl per day
Minimum: 25 girls Maximum: 50 girls
Note: Girls need to bring their own lunch daily. Beverages and snacks
will be provided.
Contact: Ann-Marie Mathews
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Chili's Give Back Day!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Meet up with friends...to enjoy great food and fun!
Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. is once again joining with Chili's for
"Chili's Give Back Day to Girl Scouts"!
Join us as Chili's proudly supports local Girl Scouts by donating 10% of your purchase to help build tomorrow's leaders today!
Mark your calendar!
January 24, 2011 May 9, 2011
March 7, 2011 June 13, 2011
April 11, 2011 July 11, 2011
You must present flyer at the time of purchase at one of these participating locations:
Participating Chili's Restaurants:
3715 1st Street, Bradenton
6125 Exchange Way, Bradenton
5851 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota
4131 Tamiami Trail, Sarasota
4289 Tamiami Trail, Venice
1471 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte
8901 College Pkwy, Ft. Myers
9310 Ben C. Pratt/6 Mile Cypress Expressway, Ft. Myers
1760 NE Pine Island Rd, Cape Coral
2703 SE Hwy 70, Arcadia
821 US 27 North, Sebring
4251 9th Street N, Naples
2431 Tarpon Bay Blvd, North Naples
Hope to see you there!
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Camp Caloosa
Save the Date
Camp Caloosa Creative Solutions: Properties and Programs
Wednesday, January 19th ~ 6:30 PM - 8 PM
Service Center in Ft. Myers
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Membership Updates
A few friendly reminders:
- All girls need to be registered Girl Scout members by their third troop meeting. Unregistered girls don't receive the benefits of Girl Scout membership including opportunities to participate in product sales or program events and supplemental accident insurance. Adults working directly with girls on a regular basis and adults managing troop funds need to become registered members as well as complete a volunteer application.
- Important ~ there must be two adults with the girls at all times. A troop should have a minimum of two adult members registered as part of the leadership team including a leader and co-leader. A great way to delegate leadership roles between adults that are hesitant to take on a role is to rotate or assign each adult the responsibility to facilitate with girl input and help a troop meeting or meetings throughout the year. Never have one adult alone with girls at troop meetings, trips, outings, or events. Always follow the girl/adult ratio as defined in Safety Activity Checkpoints for the event or activity engaged in. If you are a troop leader struggling to secure additional adults to be a part of the leadership team, please check in with your membership specialist and service unit manager who can provide guidance.
- The fall recruitment rush is over, but there are still girls interested in joining troops. If you have a troop of less than eight girl members, we encourage you to consider taking on additional girls. Girls need to participate in groups large enough to ensure the Girl Scout processes: provide experience in self governance, and small enough to allow for the development of the individual girl.
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Tax Deductions Volunteer Contributions - Could be a tax deduction! We know you are not motivated to volunteer because of possible tax breaks. But, did you know you may be able to deduct some of the expenses incurred by volunteering for Girl Scouts? Not only does Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida appreciate your volunteer time and contributions, so does the federal government. Examples include mileage to and from your volunteer work, uniform pieces, and office supplies to do your volunteer work. To learn more about these possible tax breaks, and for FAQ's click here. |
Volunteer Learning Opportunites
Upcoming Learning Opportunities
Online registration is now available for February trainings.
January 2011 15th Leadership Essentials GECC Pg. 09 February 2011 5th Leadership Essentials Sebring Pg. 09 5th Leadership Essentials Ft. Myers Pg. 10 5th CPR Sarasota Pg. 15 5th First Aid Sarasota Pg. 15 Click to see a full schedule of volunteer learning opportunities.
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Dr. Elinor Crawford College Scholarship Fund Application due March 1, 2011
The Guidelines (to determine eligibility) and Application are located on the council website - GSGCF Updates tab. Completed application, including required attachments and letters of recommendation, must be received at the council headquarters in Sarasota by March 1, 2011 (postmarked by February 28, 2011 if mailing). Scholarship awards will be presented at the Girl Recognition Ceremony on May 15, 2011. Award notification letters will be mailed to applicants by April 1, 2011. Please email Marie Graziosi or call 941-921-5358 ext. 338 or 800-232-4475 for assistance.
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Girl Scout Clothing Drive
It is not too late to donate your gently used clothing and accessories for the GSGCF Clothing Swap. Drop off donation for infants, girls, and women only at any GSGCF facility during regular operating hour until Janaury 7th.
- Clothing and accessories must be laundered, smoke and pet free.
- NO undergarments will be accepted.
- All remaining items will be donated to a local charity in need.
The swap will take place during the upcoming Open House Event at the service center in Ft. Myers on Tuesday, January 11 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
Questions? Contact Megan Fasig or 236-561-1800 ext 408.
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Open House Event Ft. Myers Service Center Mark your calendar for our upcoming Open House event at the service center in Ft. Myers onTuesday, January 11 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM.
Parents, volunteers and girls can mix and mingle and enjoy a "one stop shop" experience with everything from retail specials to training and fun girl led activities.
Activities include:
- Extended shopping hours and special event pricing until 8:00 PM.
- Clothing Swap hosted by Troop 2055 - choose from a selection of gently used girl's and women's clothing. Go Green and BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag!)
- Cookie booth ideas from expert Girl Scouts.
- Cookie expert volunteers and Corinne Wright, Director of Product Sales will be available to answer cookie questions.
- Troop Pathway Orientations - If you have not completed this required training to start leading a troop, contact membership specialists Grace McGee or Tonja Brooks to RSVP for Troop Pathway Orientation. It's a great way to meet other first time volunteers and make valuable connections.
- Lights, Camera, Action - Girls and volunteers will be asked to share your Girl Scout Leadership Journey! Our public relations department will be on sight prepared to record your responses to "What Did You Do Today?"
We look forward to seeing you and your Girl Scout(s) - 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 or visit us at .
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Healthy Girl Task Force
2011 Healthy Girls Task Force Now Recruiting!
Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors who want to earn community service hours by helping other girls in their community live holistically healthier lifestyles are invited to apply to participate in the 2011 Healthy Girls Task Force! This is the third year that the Healthy Girls Task Force is engaging girls to make a difference while having fun, cultivating healthy lifestyle, and leading by example...and this year we have incorporated the suggestions of girls to make the Task Force even more educational and more focused on sharing information with younger Girl Scouts.
The Task Force will meet twice per month for five months, January-May 2011, on the second and fourth Thursdays from 6 PM to 8 PM at the Girl Scout Gulfcoast Event & Conference Center in Sarasota. At the meetings, girls will learn lots of the latest information on health and wellness from community experts. Girls will also practice healthy living behaviors such as enjoying nutritious, delicious snacks and getting some fun physical activity together.
Girls will pair up with their sister Task Force members to deliver the information they learned in their meetings and the Uniquely Me! self-esteem strengthening program to at least five different Daisy, Brownie, Junior or Cadette troops (or other groups of girls in schools, churches and community-based organizations) through interactive workshops.
For Seniors, participating in the Task Force is an excellent way to help earn the Visionary Award featured in the Girltopia Journey.
To apply to be a Healthy Girl Activist, simply send your name, contact information, and a brief statement about why you want to be on the 2011 Healthy Girls Task Force to Julia Onnie-Hay, Innovative Program Specialist. Application deadline is January 12, 2011.
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USA's 100 Best Communities
Time To Celebrate!
Sarasota County was chosen as one of the USA's 100 Best Communities for Young People! A celebration is planned by Sarasota County Government on Thursday, February 3, from 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM at the Potter Building (on the Sarasota Fairgrounds Property - Fruitville Road). There will be light refreshments and presentations that you won't want to miss!
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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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