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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: # 12 | August/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 like us at  . |
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CEO Corner
The Year of the Girl: 2011-2012
I cannot think of a better summer! Since July, I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting with and working together with the most remarkable young women- our Girl Scouts and young alumnae. First, a special thanks to summer college intern, Laurabeth Goldsmith who inspired our staff, volunteers and girls, through her work developing and producing messages for and about girls for our GSGCF Youtube channel. Laurabeth continued implementing a project from her Girl Scout days by recruiting and directing over 25 teen volunteers. These new volunteers participated in an overnight at Camp Honi Honta (enjoyed the pool) and brainstormed ways that older girls can continue their leadership experience through volunteering at Girl Scout offices. The group redesigned our Facebook page, wrote letters and contacted elected officials for meet ups on issues facing girls, and created a girl led 100th Anniversary Kickoff for all girls in September 2011. We wish Laurabeth well in her sophomore year at Emory University, and we are grateful to a very generous anonymous donor who supported this first internship experience.
If you have visited the Girl Scout shops recently you will see that they have a new "touch" of girl. Ten girls participated in a week long series "Junior Retail Experience". The girls learned about and practiced customer service, visited a variety of retail stores, prepared merchandise, learned the cash register, and provided feedback about trends in girl apparel. We will set the trend this year, not just follow it. I had the honor to meet with each girl individually and interview her for a position as a retail volunteer. These girls are going places.
I would also like to thank a visiting volunteer, Patricia Honstetter. Patricia was in town for a few days and instead of visiting the beach or local attractions, she organized articles and news clippings into a very attractive display scrapbook.
I look forward to seeing all our volunteers and Girl Scouts as we begin our new year....together. What a way to celebrate and honor our 100th and our 50th anniversaries.....moving at the speed of girl.
All the best,
Sue Stewart
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Social Media
Checkout our new Social Media!
Did you know that you can view our facebook site and see updates and events without being a registered facebook user? Well you can! If you are not on facebook checkout our site at www.facebook.com/girlscoutsofgulfcoastflorida and if you are a facebook user please like our fan page to receive updates!
Our site now has videos, an opportunity to share your favorite Girl Scout Memories, new photos, trivia, and more!
We also have updated and uploaded new YouTube videos about Girl Scouts, upcoming events, and ongoing opportunities to volunteer! You can see these videos on our facebook page under the YouTube tab on the left-hand side or by going to YouTube and typing in Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. Checkout all of our videos on our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/GSGCF.
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Grant Grant Received GULF COAST COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANTS $21,050 We are please to announce that the funds awarded to GSGCF will be used to purchase a new donor database, marketing, and transaction processing system. This technology upgrade will improve grow, and maintain public support which will positively impact the Girl Scout mission.
The generosity of this grant is truly appreciated. The improvement of this technology will definitely streamline the fund development process.
Gulf Coast Community Foundation inspires people and mobilizes resources to transform the communities it serves. Gulf Coast is a public charity that was created in late 1995 and, since it began making grants in 1996, has funded more that $123 million in the areas of arts and culture, health and human services, education, civic affairs, and the environment. Gulf Coast is the largest community foundation in Florida.
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BLOOM! Event To Help Girls Have a Positive, Healthy Back-To-School Experience
Preparing to go back to school after the long summer vacation can be both exciting and stressful. Girls entering 4th-8th grades this year are invited to BLOOM! Back-to-School Spa Night,an event designed to help make that transition a positive and healthy one. "I remember being really stressed out about the first day of school after the long break, particularly when I was in middle school. Providing girls with some support and resources to boost their confidence is a great way to help ensure girls are set-up for academic and extracurricular success," says event volunteer Tammra Lynn, a Mary Kay consultant.
During the three hour event, girls will have the opportunity to participate in interactive workshops taught by female professionals who have volunteered their time to teach girls on topics pertaining to holistic health, self-esteem and beauty. Workshops will include: skincare and age-appropriate makeup, yoga, hair, nutrition, nails, fitness, stress management, and healthy friendships.
The event will be held at the Gulfcoast Event and Conference Center in Sarasota on Friday, August 19th from 6pm to 9pm. The registration fee is $10 for Girl Scouts and $22 for girls who are not Girl Scouts (the registration fee includes a Girl Scout membership for the 2011-2012 school year, which enables but does not obligate girls to participate in a wide variety of leadership development opportunities). There will be a Resource Table at the event for girls to take home information and supplies to help support them in having a successful school year. Healthy snacks will also be available.
For more information, to register or to volunteer, please contact Julia Onnie-Hay, Innovative Program Specialist with Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida at (941) 921-5358 or (800) 232-4475 ext. 316. Julia can also be reached at juliao@gsgcf.org. Back to Top |
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100th Anniversary Kickoff!
Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida will be throwing our 100th Anniversary Kick-Off Celebration on September 24 from 1pm to 4pm. The event will be held at the Gulfcoast Event and Conference center in Sarasota. The celebration will feature several activities including: giant slides, edible crafts, a history museum, carnival games, a giant cake featuring the history of Girl Scouts, and lots more! The cost for the event is $5. The celebration is open to Girl Scouts, families, alumni, and volunteers. Please register for the event using a Family Registration form. The event flyer and registration can be found here.
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Teen Volunteer Overnight
Last week we had 24 incredible girls and 5 awesome adult volunteers come to the Teen Volunteer sleepover at camp Honi Hanta. Many of these girls have been volunteering throughout the summer at the Fort Myers service center or council headquarters in Sarasota and so far have contributed over 350 community service hours to Girl Scouts!
Some of our current volunteer opportunities include: planning the 100th Anniversary Kick-Off, meeting with politicians and sharing your Girl Scout story, making video productions, working in the shop, doing administrative work, and creating mobile museums for Girl Scouts! If you know a Teen who may be interested in volunteering please have them fill out a Teen volunteer application.
To learn more about volunteering checkout the teen Volunteer video which can be found on our YouTube page. There are ongoing opportunities to volunteer throughout the school year afterschool, on evenings, and on weekends for special events! For more information please contact Amanda Jacob at AmandaJ@gsgcf.org or (941) 921-5358 ext 406.
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Fall Region Meetings
Volunteers who support the delivery of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, GSLE come together throughout the year at their local Region meeting to network with volunteers and staff and receive training on the latest happenings locally and nationally with Girl Scouts. GSGCF's first round of Region meetings will be this fall in August/September. Please be sure to mark your calendar and attend your Region meeting for up to date information to help you deliver the best Girl Scout Leadership Experience to the girls you lead with. Feel free to contact Amanda Jacob, director of volunteer management questions at amandaj@gsgcf.org.
All meetings begin at 6:30 pm with a meet and mingle with staff and volunteers from 6:00 pm - 6:30 pm.
Northern Region Tuesday, 9.13.2011 First Presbyterian Church, Bradenton 1402 Manatee Avenue, W, Bradenton
North Central Region Tuesday, 9.6.2011 GECC
4780 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota,
Eastern Region Monday, 9.12.2011 South Florida Comm. College
600 West College Drive, Avon Park
Central Region Tuesday, 8.23.2011 Pt Charlotte United Methodist Church 21075 Quesada Ave, Pt Charlotte
South Central Tuesday, 8.30.2011 Gateway Trinity Lutheran Church
Gateway 11381 Gateway Blvd, Ft Myers
South Central Thursday, 8.25.2011 Island Coast High School
Cape Coral 2125 De Navarra Pkwy, Cape Coral
Southern Region Thursday, 9.8.2011 Hodges University
2655 Northbrooke Dr, Naples
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Membership News!
Welcome back!
We hope that everyone had a wonderful summer and found some time to relax and rejuvenate with family and friends.
Are you and/or the troop ready for the new Girl Scout year?
Here are a few reminders of things to consider to help you get ready for the fall.
- Have you and/or the troop registered for the 2012 membership year? It's very easy...simply go to www.gsgcf.org, click on membership registration and follow the prompts.
- Has the troop or service unit submitted their end of year financial report? Thank you to ALL that have already submitted and met the deadline.
- Are all girls moving up to a new grade level placed and registered? Please reach out to the families of the bridging Girl Scouts to ensure they have a smooth transition into their new troop.
- Have all the adults volunteering with the troop completed a volunteer application and background check? Important that all volunteers adhere to the volunteer management guidelines.
- Fall recruitment season is upon us! We are looking for energetic and passionate individuals to help us with local recruitments. All you need is a positive attitude and we will provide you with all the materials needed to successfully host a recruitment event.
For more information, please email yvonneb@gsgcf.org or call 800-232-4475 ext. 312.
We look forward to an exciting year celebrating "The Year of the Girl".
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Don't forget to use your shop points!
All girls who sold 50+ packages of cookies during the 2011 Girl Scout Cookie Program should have received a Shop Points card as recognition for their hard work. Shop Points are better than ever this year! Girls can use their Shop Points to shop in the Girl Scout council shops, help pay for summer resident and day camp, and attend council programs. Juniors and older can even bank their Shop Points to use in a future year.
Shop Points can be redeemed in the council shops in person, by phone, fax, email, or through the council's online shop.
Shop Points cards expire on September 17, 2011! All Shop Points that have not been spent or banked by the expiration date will be lost.
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Mints for the Military cookies delivered!  During the 2011 Girl Scout Cookie Program, the Mints for the Military program saw record sales! Over 28,600 packages of cookies were sold for Mints for the Military, which sends Girl Scout Cookies to the men and women serving in the military. Over the past several weeks, these cookies have been shipped out to the military. For the 3rd year, GSGCF sent a portion of the Mints for the Military cookies to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where a Girl Scout troop on the base worked hard to deliver cookies to the men and women serving there. Another portion of the Mints for the Military cookies were sent to Operation Shoebox, an organization that sends goody bags and boxes to military personnel serving around the world. Thank you to everyone who supported Mints for the Military and the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Back to Top |
Patch Contest
ANNOUNCING: GULFCOAST COUNCIL PATCH DESIGN CONTEST
for
GIRLS ONLY
We have received numerous requests for a Council Patch. Its purpose:
- Allows Girl Scouts from other councils to document their travels.
- Lets others know about our council when YOU visit other places.
- May be used as a "swap."
Are YOU an artist? (You do not need to be)
Do YOU like to be creative? Are YOU a good story-teller?
Then grab some colored pencils, crayons, or markers and go to work
CREATING the FIRST GULFCOAST Patch designed by a Girl Scout
Just jot your ideas down; our vendor will make your ideas "COME TO LIFE"
All entries must be submitted to council by 10/1/11
Requirements:
- Design should be representative of OUR specific council.
- It should tell others who view it, a bit about what our council is about.
- You should incorporate GULFCOAST COUNCIL or GSGCF into your design.
WINNING ENTRY will become THE PATCH representing Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida.
Winning Designer will:
- Receive the FIRST GSGCF Council Patch - Framed Keepsake
- Design published in Cybernews and on Facebook with article about the Designer
- Receive a "Goodie Bag" filled with Art Supplies
- Receive $25 Gift Certificate to our council's Girl Scout Shop
Entries should be emailed to Cathy Brown or faxed to 941-923-5241 by the October 1, 2011 deadline. For Questions: Please contact Cathy at 941-921-5358 x313.
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Shop Talk...
Just a reminder, Cookie Dough/Shop Point Cards expire 9/17/11. The shops will be opened the following Saturday dates in September. In effort to serve you better, each shop is open an additional Saturday prior to Cookie Dough/Shop Point Cards expiring.
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SHOP |
SEPTEMBER | |
Sarasota |
10th - 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
17th - (last day for cookie cards) - 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
24th - 100th Anniversary Kickoff Celebration - 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. | |
Fort Myers |
10th - 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
17th - (last day for cookie cards) 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. |
If you have not already used your points, you may use them in the shops or online at our GSGCF Council Online Shop. A word of caution: if your order is MORE than the amount you have on your card, you will need to pay the difference using another form of payment. The online shop does NOT accept split tenders so please contact us via email or fax with payment information. Email: cathyb@gsgcf.org or 941-923-5241.
If your order has a balance due but no other payment information is received, your order will NOT be shipped until we receive this information. This will delay your order!!
Orders received with full payment are shipped within 3 business days. If part of your order is out of stock, items in stock will ship and we will ship the other items once we receive them. If we must split ship, you will only pay one shipping/handling fee. We will pay to ship the items we were out of to you once we get them back in.
Thank you everyone who have purchased items on our online shop. Since October 2010, we have processed nearly 250 online shop orders. As we head into our 100th Anniversary year, check us out for new GSUSA anniversary items and some special "Council's Own" anniversary items.
GREAT NEWS - You may now SHOP ONLINE by accessing our Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida face book page. Click on the SHOP ONLINE or SHOP BY GRADE LEVEL links on the far left hand side of the page. Check us out today by clicking here.
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CITGO Fueling Good Contest
Please take a minute to vote at fuelinggood.com so that Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida can win the $5000 Fueling Good Award. The $5000 in gas would really help us to reach our girls in the 11 counties we serve from the Skyway Bridge to the Everglades and out east to Highlands.
Please go to http://www.fuelinggood.com/rewardinggood?id=806001 and vote! Add it to your favorites and vote every day until August 14th! Share it with your friends...email, tweet or post it.
We really appreciate your help in spreading the word about voting for Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida!
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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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