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Kick Off 2011

 

100th Anniversary Task Force

 

Daytona Sleepover

 

Summer Camp 2011
 

Girl Scout Convention 2011

  

Property Reservation Procedures  

  
  


 

 Girl Scout Night with the Marauders

 

About Girl Scouts


Join Our List

Join Our Mailing List

 

 Girl Scouts of

Gulfcoast Florida, Inc.

4780 Cattlemen Road

Sarasota, FL 34233

941-921-5358

800-232-4475

 

www.gsgcf.org

 

 

 

Find us on Facebook 

 

 

We Wish to Thank Our Following Community Parnters: 

 

 

Publix 

 

United Way

Partner Agency

 

BackIssue: # 10June/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 Find us on Facebook.

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CEO Corner

Sue Stewart, CEO

 

On May 15th, we had much to celebrate at the Young Women of Distinction & Girl Recognition Ceremony.  More than 325 Girl Scouts from across the council were honored during this annual event held at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda.  Recognitions included the Girl Scout Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards, religious recognitions, graduating Senior Girl Scouts, those who were awarded a ten-year membership pin, and those who sold more than 1,000 packages of Girl Scout cookies this spring.  Please click here for photos.

 

Prior to the ceremony a community luncheon was held in honor of the Gold Award Recipients.  Special thanks to Garnette Scholl, Honorary Chair, and those who attended the luncheon in recognition of not only these young ladies accomplishments but in honor of all girls.

 

We are already planning next year's event and we welcome your feedback by completing the survey found here

 

I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome, summer student intern, Laurabeth Goldsmith. Laura recently completed her freshmen year at Emory University in Atlanta and will be working with us through the summer. Her focus will be assisting with the ongoing implementation of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. She will be working with girls and others to help us launch our new program year and 100th anniversary celebration: "The Year of the Girl". Laurabeth will also be learning about and working with staff in the areas of development, alumnae, and public relations. We welcome Laurabeth back to GSGCF as an alumna.

 

All the best,

 

Sue Stewart   

 

 

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Kick Off 2011 ~ Save the Date and Register Now! 

  

Everyone Is Invited!

Leaders, service unit team members . . . all volunteers!  Join us as we kick-off the 100th year of Girl Scouts!  Learn about our new strategic vision, get the inside scoop on the new Girl Guide to Girl Scouting, get a sneak peek on the new volunteer services delivery structure, and much more! 

  

A Bar-B-Q lunch will be provided.  The event will take place at the Gulfcoast Event and Conference Center in Sarasota (4740 Cattlemen Road) on Saturday, July 23, 2011 beginning at 9:00 AM.  Register online here.

 

 

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100th Anniversary Kick Off Celebration Task Force

 

Join Us for the Year of the Girl!

This year Girl Scouts of the USA is celebrating its 100th Anniversary!  Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. will be starting the "Year of the Girl" with a huge kick-off celebration for girls, families, volunteers, and the public to attend.  This event is tentatively scheduled for October 1, 2011 at the Charlotte County Fair Ground.  The celebration will feature games, music, a huge cake, information about signing up for Girl Scouts, arts and crafts, and interactive stations highlighting the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and national program portfolio.  If you would like to help plan or volunteer at this event, a task force is being created currently.  The task force will be meeting via phone conferences and webinars so as to accommodate people from around the council.  We are looking for Girl Scout troops, teen Girl Scouts and volunteers to plan and help out the day of the event.  If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Laurabeth Goldsmith at [email protected].

 

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Daytona Sleepover


 2011 Girl Scout Summer Sleepover at the Daytona 500 Speedway! 

Saturday, July 30th at 3:00 PM through Sunday, July 31 at 9:00 AM

 

   

 

Tickets paid in advance (before July 22) are $25 per person.  There are no age restrictions or limitations.  Prepaid packet pick up will be from noon until 4pm inside the lobby of Daytona International Speedway Tours.  Packets will include wristbands, traditional speedway tour tickets and a map on how to enter the speedway.  All guests will be required to sign in at the table prior to entering the speedway.  Packets will ONLY be given in their entirety to the name on the account.  We will not split up packets as troops/families come in. 

 

  • From 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm we will have local firefighting women come do a demo/tech talk for the girls about their jobs and will do a question/answer session.
  • From 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm, the girls will have an opportunity to change into their pajamas if they choose to.  Females ONLY after 4:30pm (staff included).  No male parents, no male siblings, no male friends - period.  No exceptions.

 At least one troop leader or parent must be present with group during the sleepover event.  If a parent needs to pick up a child anytime during the sleepover, they must contact the troop leader or adult in charge of that group.  They will exit out of gate 40 by the security guard shack.  Only the scout leader will escort the child from the sleepover and verify the adult asking for the child.  Photo ID will be required for all children pick ups.  Also, we will have security on property the entire time of the event.

 

Each girl will receive her goodie bag upon exiting the Daytona 500 Club.  The goodie bags will include:  15% apparel items in our pit shop (gift store), pencil, custom girl scout patch, 2011 race program, and key chain flashlight.

 

 

For more information or to sign up please contact:

Priscilla Porter Gustin

Daytona International Speedway

1801 W. International Speedway Blvd.

Daytona Beach, FL 32114

 

Office: 386.681.4251 | Fax: 386-681-5413

 

 

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Summer Camp 

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2011 Convention of Girl Scouts of the USA
 

National Convention

 Take part in the official launch of our Movement's 100th Anniversary - Renewing our Promise:  Girl Scouts in a New Century, where Girl Scouts will experience the excitement of beginning a new triennium.  Visit the official website (http://www.girlscouts.org/convention/default.asp) often to stay informed!  Click here to view the summary of the agenda sessions planned to deliver strategic, relevant programming with more choices of sessions and other activities than at past conventions.  Visitors must register to attend using the online registration process scheduled to be available in July.  Click here to view the registration information and ways you can participate.  Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida contact for the 2011 National Convention is Marie Graziosi, [email protected] or 941-921-5358 ext. 338.

 

Girl Scout Leadership Institute (GSLI) Opportunites

More than 1,200 girls-girls from every Girl Scout council in the nation-will converge in Houston for the 2011 National Girl Scout Leadership Institute (GSLI) held parallel to the National Council Session from Thursday, November 10, to Sunday, November 13. This year's GSLI is themed "Leadership and Innovation, the Next 100 Years," with a focus on interactive sessions designed to excite, inspire, and prepare girls to become leaders and encourage them to take action in the world around them.

Girls will participate in the opening and closing ceremonies and attend sessions that concentrate on the following:

  • Global connections
  • I Girl Scouts
  • Innovation in marketing
  • Innovation in business
  • Innovation in technology
  • Leadership

Additionally, as part of the GSLI, girls will do their part to kick off Girl Scouts Forever Green and participate in other convention activities including the plenary sessions and the Conversations of Consequence. The GSLI will wrap up on Saturday, November 12, in time for girls to join in the 100th anniversary celebrationand evening festivities. 

 

 Registration is $225 for the Convention and GSLI, November 10-13, 2011.

 

 Estimated cost per girl, for double occupancy at the hotel is estimated at $100/night, with a 5 night stay, totaling $500 in cost.

 

Airline tickets have not been purchased yet, so the cost is to be determined. 

You MAY use cookie dough and apply to council for Financial Assistance.  PLEASE let me know before JUNE 9, 2011 if you are INTERESTED.  Then we can work on a payment plan per individual basis.

Council is limited to 8 spaces for girls they can bring, so sign-up is on a first come first serve basis, so RSVP today!

 For more information check out their website at http://www.girlscouts.org/convention/whats_happening/gsli.asp or http://www.girlscouts.org/convention/default.asp  

 

To RSVP or for more information contact: Ann-Marie Mathews, [email protected]

 

  

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Property Reservation Procedures 2011-2012 

 

Girl Scout Troop Meeting Reservations for Use of Property  

It is that time of year to be thinking about troop meeting schedules for the next membership year. As an adult volunteer, it is great to plan ahead for meeting dates. As a girl led organization remember to coach and mentor the girls to plan the goals and activities for the year, set the meeting agendas, and choose the Journey series!

 

We are instituting a new procedure so that all existing troops have knowledge of and access to Girl Scout property reservations.

 

Goals for property use for troop meetings:

  • To increase the number of girls and troops using facilities
  • To increase the efficient use/coordination of properties for all troops.
  • To inspire girls and adults to leave the properties better than they found it, for the continued use and enjoyment of all.

 

Properties Available:

  • Gulfcoast Event and Conference Center (GECC)
  • Fort Myers Service Center
  • Camp Caloosa - The Lodge
  • Camp Honi Hanta - The Lodge
  • Arcadia Girl Scout House
  • Bradenton Girl Scout House
  • Charlotte Girl Scout House
  • Collier Girl Scout House
  • Sebring Girl Scout House
  • Venice Girl Scout House

 

We continue to offer troops access to meeting space at Girl Scout properties at no charge.

 

Attached here you will find the form for troop meeting reservations. Please list three choices for your meeting preferences for next year. If more than one troop requests a time and place, preference will be given to troops who meet the following criteria (in no particular order):

  • Larger troops or troops with potential for membership growth
  • Honor Troops
  • Troops using the Girl Scout Leadership Experience Journey series
  • Participation in product sales
  • Participation in FSP
  • Participated in early bird registration
  • Returning troops
  • Utilize E-biz for membership and program registrations

 

Deadline to submit your request is June 30, 2011. In addition to this notice in Cybernews, an email will be sent to all troops who reserved property last year and all Service Unit Managers.

 

 

Other:

  • There may be times during the year when troops will be notified that their scheduled date is unavailable due to a request to accommodate an outside group rental. We will make every effort to reschedule your meeting at a convenient time and place.
  • All properties will be closed for troop use starting December 17, 2011 and will reopen Tuesday January 3, 2012. This allows for cleaning and scheduled maintenance of facilities.
  • Troop meetings should generally be scheduled for 1.5 hrs including set up and clean up.
  • Girl Scout buildings close at 9 p.m.
  • All girls and adult volunteers will attend an orientation to the property and its use at the beginning of the troop year. Troop leaders will be required to sign a usage agreement which outlines various procedures, responsibilities and expectations.
  • When space becomes available during the year, information will be posted in Cybernews so that all troops can have access to make a reservation by contacting Pat Alba.

 

Questions: please contact Pat Alba

941-921-5358 ext 301

800-232-4475

Fax 941-923-5241

[email protected]Website www.gsgcf.org 

 

   
 

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 Girl Led = Girl Empowered!

  

Sybmitted by:

Jenni Stahlmann, Troop 795/209 Leader

 

Girl Led is more than a GS catch phrase; it's a valuable tool for creating future leaders. Homeschool troop 795/209 has turned badge work into a powerful exercise in project management, helping build strong communication, organization, and leadership skills in our Juniors, , Cadette, and Senior girls.

 

As a multi-level troop, we complete one coordinated Badge/Try It/Interest Project per month. For example, recently our Cadettes and Seniors worked on Emergency Preparedness, while the Juniors  did First Aid, and the Brownies did Safety Sense. The girls plan a badge two months ahead, so they have time to make phone calls, communicate with the troop, and get supplies.

 

Each month, we spend part of our first meeting planning for a future badge, and the remainder in a workshop for the current badge. A workshop is a time to work on activities together. Whatever requirements are not completed in the workshop, girls complete at home.

 

Our second meeting of the month is a volunteer day. For the past two years, we've worked with the Humane Society. Girls meet there, participate in a half-hour animal education program and then interact with the animals.

 

In the third week of the month, we go on a field trip related to our badge, and then the fourth week, we have a speaker who explains how she turned the love of our current topic into a career. Following our speaker, we hold a ceremony where girls receive the month's badge, along with any badges and journeys they've earned individually. Girls set up tables around the room to display their work, and then each one gives a short speech about her experience that month.

 

During planning sessions, Juniors  brainstorm ideas for field trips and potential speakers and deliver their suggestions to the Cadettes and Seniors. . Then they choose which activities they'll to do together in the workshop. One girl keeps track of the supplies they'll need and the people responsible for bringing them. She then emails the list to the troop. Cadettes and Seniors also plan which activities they'll do together. Then they choose the field trip and speaker from the Junior  suggestions.

 

Each month, one of the Cadettes or Seniors  is Project Manager. She is responsible for keeping a list of everyone's jobs, emails, and deadlines. She helps the other Cadettes/Seniors  stay focused during the planning session, makes sure the team meets their deadlines, and communicates with troop leaders.

 

Another girl is secretary. . She takes detailed notes at the planning meeting and emails them to the rest of the troop. She is also responsible for preparing thank you cards for the field trip and the speaker.

 

The special events  coordinator is responsible for setting up the field trip and the speaker. She finds phone numbers, makes all arrangements, follows up to confirm, and communicates the plans to the troop.

 

The supplies coordinator  keeps track of anything they will need for the workshop and sends reminders to the girls responsible for each item. Every month, the girls rotate positions.

 

Our experience this year has proven that Girl Led = Girl Empowered!

 

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Shop News

 

Updates on the NEW GSLE Program Portfolio...

August 1, 2011 - DEADLINE ANNOUNCED

 

In last month's edition of Cybernews, we announced the retirement of the exiting GS program and the introduction of the NEW GSLE Program Portfolio that will guide us into the next 100 years of Girl Scouting.

 

This portfolio is the foundation from which girls may build their Girl Scout experiences.  The portfolio consists of a Journey book of choice and the NEW, soon to be released GIRL'S GUIDE to GIRL SCOUTING.  The Girl's Guide contains the badge book and hand book in one convenient binder. The binder allows girls to customize their Girl Scouting experience.

 

Girl's Guides are GRADE level specific and now each grade level will have their own badge shape.  No longer will Cadettes through Ambassador be earning the same badges, IP's will no longer exist.  There are many changes and two new awards girls may earn include the My Promise, My Faith and the Journey Summit Award.

 

Girl's  Guides and program badges will be available beginning September 2011.  The current program will retire August 31, 2012.

 

VERY IMPORTANT: if you are bridging to the next level, it is HIGHLY encouraged you do not buy the current books but wait until September and purchase the Girl's Guide.  This way, you will be able to use the Girl's Guide for all two or three years (Cadettes) of the level you are bridging to.

 

If this is your last year in your current grade level, you may continue with the books and awards currently in our shops.  You too may Pre-Order the Girl's Guide. Just order your next Grade Level.  This way, you too will receive the SPECIAL Pricing.

 

You may Pre-Order Girl's Guides now!  The regular price is $22.50 but from now until our 100th Anniversary - March 12, 2012, they will be $16.87.  That's a 25% savings!  Prices quoted here do not include tax.

 

A note to Troop Leaders:  if your troop has one more year and wishes to finish their grade level under our current system, it is recommended that you determine what badges/awards your troop will work on next year and purchase the badges/awards early.  As the program gets closer to retirement, it may be difficult to locate awards girls may earn.  We have other councils to source for badges/awards but there will come a point where it will be difficult to get badges/awards in quantities needed.

 

Badges/awards may be SPECIAL ordered from the vendor as a last resort.  There is a minimum amount that must be ordered and a Special Order fee as well.  We want to do everything possible to ensure we do not need to Special Order any items.  While there is a higher cost associated with a Special Order, there also is a four to six week turn around on all Special Orders. .  When you plan your awards ceremonies, please keep this in mind.  It is our goal to provide great in stocks on retiring items but we also must keep our inventory level at a point where we will not have large quantities of retiring stock on August 31, 2012 as these items are non-returnable.

 

With this in mind, EFFECTIVE: AUGUST 1, 2011 we  will no longer accept returns/exchanges on current hand books, badge books, try it's, badges, awards, etc.  If you find you have badges/awards you do not need, it is suggested you communicate with other troops in your Service Unit to see if others need what you have or may have what you need!  Communication is the key to the success of this program transition.

 

While there may be some "growing" pains as we transition from our current to our NEW program, we are confident that once you are active in the NEW program, you will find the program FUN, relevant  and full of choices.  The GSLE Program Portfolio IS the NEW face of Girl Scouting and it will put a smile on everyone's face.

 

Still confused or have questions, please feel free to contact your local Girl Scout Shop for information.  We're here to help!       

 

 

 

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shopscoopThe Shop Scoop...
  

Congratulations to the winners of our "End of Year-Order Early" Shopping Incentive contest.  Each troop leader that placed their year end orders before April 23, 2011, received a 5% discount on their order(s) and their names were entered into a drawing for a $50 Shop Gift Certificate.  One winner was selected from each shop.

And the winners are.....

SCFM Shop:                Laura Brauch           

Sarasota Shop:            Lisa Coddington

 

Congrats Laura & Lisa.  We look forward to seeing you in the shop to receive your gift certificate.

 

June Shop Dates to Remember:

DATE

EVENT/LOCATION

TIME

6/4

SRQ - SHOP OPEN SATURDAY

9:00 AM-

1:00 PM

6/10

FM - SHOP CLOSES EARLY TO PACK FOR WEEKEND TRAVELING SHOPS.

CLOSES AT 1:00 PM

6/11

TRAVELING SHOP - COLLIER GS HOUSE

9:00 AM-

1:00 PM

6/12

TRAVELING SHOP - PORT CHARLOTTE GS HOUSE

11:00 AM-

2:00 PM

6/15

* EVENING SHOP EVENT AT BOTH SHOPS

5:30 PM-

9:30 PM

6/18

FM - SHOP OPEN SATURDAY

9:00 AM-

1:00 PM-

6/24

SRQ - SHOP CLOSES EARLY TO PACK FOR WEEKEND TRAVELING SHOPS.

CLOSES AT 1:00 PM

6/25

TRAVELING SHOP - SEBRING GS HOUSE

9:00 AM-1

1:00 PM

6/26

TRAVELING SHOP - ARCADIA GS HOUSE

9:00 AM-

1:00 PM

 

* Please join us on Wednesday, June 15, 2011 from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM for our Cookie Shop Event. There will be games, activities, refreshments and plenty of GREAT merchandise to purchase with your Shop Points.

 

We look forward to seeing you this month! 

 

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Mark Your Calendar!

  Chili's

 

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!

June 13, 2011

July 11, 2011

 

You must present flyer at time of purchase at one of these participating locations:

 

Participating Chili's Restaurants:

 

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

 

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Girl & Boy Scout Night With The Bradenton Marauders
  
Join us for Girl & Boy Scout Night on July 9th! 

Bradenton Marauders

 

Click here for the order form and flyer highlighting the evening's activities which include:

 

        Pregame parade of all troops

        A Marauders Souvenir Cup & voucher for a free soda

        First 500 Girl Scouts receive a patch

        Opportunity to meet fellow Girl Scouts and volunteers

        Kid zone with bounce house, face painting & speed pitch 

 

 

All of this fun and sportsmanship for an affordable $5 pp game ticket with a portion being returned to our council in support of Girl Scouting.

 

Please help us spread the word and let's fill McKechnie Field and share all the great things about Girl Scouting with our community!!!

 

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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.