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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 Partners:
Partner Agency
Click on the photo below to join us for Girls Protecting Girls on February 18th.
Click on the photo below for information on our various girl and adult learning opportunites.
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 Issue: # 17 | January/2012 | |
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
From The CEO:
Welcome 2012....The Year of the Girl
I will never forget the inspiring words of Frances Hesselbein, a former GSUSA Chief Executive Officer, at our national convention in November. Mrs. Hesselbein believes that leaders "lead from the front" and that leaders give the gift of example. She lives as a positive example of leadership, and like Juliette Gordon Low, reinforces that leadership is about being, not doing. In 2012, as we celebrate girls: their leadership experience, their community service and their growth, let's be the role models we seek to develop in all girls.
I invite Girl Scouts, volunteers, parents, Girl Scout alumnae and the community to share in our Annual Meeting, Saturday January 28. In addition to the business of board governance we are celebrating Girl Scout traditions, ceremonies, songs, and launching our vision for the next 100 years of Girl Scouting. Learn about unique 100 service projects, 100 Forever Green recycling projects, 100 reasons to give and 100 gifts we seek to give each of our volunteers.
You will leave transformed.....with hundreds of new ideas, new friendships and new reasons to believe in the power of Girl Scouting. Won't this be a great way to start the New Year?
Regards,
Sue
PS... There is a great article highlighting Girl Scouts in the e'Bella women's magazine (a Naples Publication) this month, I hope you have an opportunity to read it and share it.
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In Memory Of
We are sad to report the death of Libby Blanton, former CEO of GSGCF :
Elizabeth W. Blanton, 78, of Lakeland, formerly of Sarasota died Dec. 26, 2011.
Memorial service is 1 p.m., Jan. 22, 2012, Christina Condo Clubhouse, 380 Sweetbriar Lane, Lakeland, FL 33813
Survivors include her daughters Donna E. Blanton, Becky Abel, and C. Whit Blanton; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and brothers Jim Wilson, Jr. and Bill Wilson. Libby graduated from Agnes Scott College in 1955. She was married to Charles D. Blanton Jr. and had three children. When her children were older, she was a Field Executive for Pioneer Girl Scout Council (Gastonia, N.C.). She lived in Kings Mountain, N.C. until 1971 when she moved to Ormond Beach, Fla. to work for Citrus Council of Girl Scouts. A promotion at Citrus Council caused her to move the family to Winter Park, Fla. in 1974. She became the Executive Director of Northeast Georgia Girl Scout Council (Athens, Ga.) in 1977. In 1980, she was appointed Executive Director of Gulfcoast Girl Scout Council (Sarasota, Fla.), where she lived and worked until her retirement in 1997. In 1998, she moved to Lakeland, Fla.
Libby was an active volunteer in her church. She also was active with the Girl Scouts as a volunteer before her employment with the organization and with various causes in the communities where she lived. She was a devoted supporter of Agnes Scott College and kept in contact with many of her friends from her college days and from the communities where she lived. Condolences: www.heathfuneralchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Agnes Scott College, (www.agnesscott.edu).
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Welcome
We would like to introduce Joe and Kathy Coblentz as new volunteer resident security persons for Camp Honi Hanta. Joe and Kathy and their infant son moved into the former staff house just before Christmas. They are employed full time elsewhere; are not paid Council employees; and will assist us by providing additional "eyes and ears" to help keep Honi Hanta safe and secure, including when Camp is not occupied. Their help will be much appreciated, and we are glad to have them as our newest volunteers! Welcome, Joe and Kathy!
More information will be coming in the future about the specific responsibilities of girls, volunteers and others using the camps, as we continue to implement new procedures and use volunteers as "camp watch".
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Year of The Girl
Year Of the Girl
In celebration of our 100th anniversary and our enduring commitment to girls, Girl Scouts has declared 2012 the Year of the Girl--and we're about to do something big! Join us on January 31 as we launch TogetherThere, calling on all members of society to help girls reach their full leadership potential. Because when girls succeed, so does society. All of us have a role to play in making that happen. Together, we will get her there. For more information, visit girlscouts.org/yearofthegirl
© 2011 Girl Scouts of the United States of America.
All Rights Reserved. 420 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10018
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Annual Meeting
Annual Meeting of the Council on January 28, 2012
The Annual Meeting of the Council will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012 at the Girl Scout 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 members-at-large of the Board of Directors and Board Development Committee. Registration at 9:30 AM and Annual Meeting begins at 10 AM . Enjoy light morning refreshments; no fee to attend. The Girl Scout shop will open immediately following the meeting adjournment. Register to attend online - www.gsgcf.org - until the January 24 deadline.
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Product Sales
It's Cookie Time!
The 2012 Girl Scout Cookie Program officially begins with pre-orders kicking off on Friday, January 6th. The theme of this year's Cookie Program is "What Can a Cookie Do? More than you see!" The annual Girl Scout Cookie Program is more than just a fundraiser of the world's tastiest cookies. The Cookie Program is all about the stories of the girls involved: the skills girls learn, the activities they are able to do, and the differences they are making in their communities using their Cookie proceeds. So, what are the stories of your girls? We love to hear what our girls are doing with their Cookie proceeds. Send your stories, photos, and ideas to Corinne Wright, Director of Sales, at corinnew@gsgcf.org.
Here are a few sales tips and ideas to help you start off the 2012 Cookie Program on the right foot:
- Save each year's pre-order card for the following year. It's a great list of cookie customers and their preferences that can be a great starting point for next year!
- Get girls involved in sales at the office. Remember, Girl Scouts sell cookies, not adults. Let girls visit offices, send a thank you letter along with the order card, or bundle cookies along with a thank you note for delivery.
- Role-play Cookie sales techniques for a successful pre-order season. Start practicing for booth season too!
- Be prepared to tell customers about your goals. Customers like to know what you're working toward.
- Ask everyone to support the Cookie Program. 90% of customers would be happy to purchase Girl Scout Cookies, but 35% are never asked.
- Check out www.littlebrownie.com for tons of fun activities and resources, including the VIP e-Training website.
2012 Cookie Program Dates
It's Cookie time! Mark your calendar with the following important Cookie dates.
January 6, 2012 - Cookie Pre-Order Taking Begins
January 22-24, 2012 - Cookie order cards due to troops (each troop will set their own date)
February 10-11, 2012 - Cookie pick-up day
February 11, 2012 at 5:00pm - Cookie booths begin council wide
March 18, 2012 - Cookie Sales End
March 23, 2012 - Final cookie payments due to troops
Bling My Booth Contest
GSGCF is pleased to introduce the 1st annual "Bling My Booth" contest. The contest is a chance for girls to show off their amazing Girl Scout Cookie booths and have some fun getting them "blinged out!" Winning troops will win a troop pizza party, a patch for each girl participating in the Cookie Program, and a certificate.
Prizes will be awarded in the following categories:
- Girl Scout Spirit and 100th Anniversary
- Crazy for Cookies!
- Glitz & Glamour
- Goal Getter (showcasing the troop's goals)
- Mints for the Military
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Against Human Trafficking!
Human trafficking is now considered the 2nd largest and fastest growing crime in the world and impacts more than 2 million girls ages 5 - 15.
Plan to join us on February 18 for this empowering event, free of charge, as we raise community awareness of domestic human trafficking.
Presentations by local law enforcement and survivor-led workshops for both girls and adults including:
- Local Impact and Statistics
- Physical Self-Defense
- Empowerment
- Recognizing the Signs of Trafficking
Seating is limited and pre-registration is necessary. Please click here for more information or to register/RSVP.
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STEM Challenge
Competition & STEM Program Opportunity for Girls
Girl Scouts of the USA is proud to be an outreach partner with the Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop and E-Line Media to introduce the second annual National STEM Video Game Challenge open to Girl Scouts! This challenge invites game makers to show their passion for playing and making video games and aims to motivate children's interests in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Up for grabs is almost $200,000 in cash and prizes, with multiple ways to win! The entry period is open through March 12th, 2012. Finalists will be selected by a distinguished panel of judges and winners will be announced in the spring of 2012 at a major public event.
For more information on how Girl Scouts can enter the Youth Prize competition (middle school & high school) go to: www.STEMChallenge.org.
Challenges like this support Girl Scouts' already strong commitment to STEM activities that are relevant to everyday life. Whether they're discovering how a car's engine runs, becoming math whizzes, or learning about careers in STEM fields, girls are moving forward into the future. Please see: www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/science/ for more information on all of our science offerings.
This challenge also compliments the Entertainment Technology Badge, where girls can dig into video game development! If you have girls earning this badge, encourage them to enter the STEM Video Challenge as well!
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You GO Girls! Travel Pathway Trips Interest Meetings
We have many great Travel Pathways Trips offered by GSGCF for 2012-2015. These trips are open to girls participating in any of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience Pathways (Troop, Series, Events, Camp, Virtual, and Travel). Girls who are not currently registered as Girl Scouts may become registered Girl Scouts within our council and join the movement through participation in the Travel Pathway.
For all girls and their adults who are interested in learning more about these trips, you are invited to attend one of our GSGCF Travel Pathway Trip Interest Meetings. There will be one held at the Gulfcoast Event & Conference Center in Sarasota on Saturday, January 7th and one held at the Fort Myers Service Center on Saturday, January 14th. Both meetings will be from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM . These meetings are open to Brownies - Ambassadors, adult volunteers, and parents/guardians.
If you are interested in learning more about any of the trips but can't attend a January meeting, feel free to contact Julia Onnie-Hay, Manager of Pathways, at: juliao@gsgcf.org or (941) 921-5358 ext. 316.
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Volunteer Updates
Flexible Ways to Volunteer
Girl Scout Pathways
What new paths will you explore with girls? The answers are endless. Spend a day or two teaching music. Lead a financial literacy series during the cookie sale program. Or lead a week's journey abroad. Whatever you choose, the time commitment is totally up to you, and you'll be making a lasting impact on the lives of young girls. We'll give you the information and support you need. And you'll have lots of fun doing it!
There are now several ways (we call them pathways) for you or someone you know to get involved, simply by matching your expertise, skills, interests, and life experiences to the opportunities available:
*CAMP: Unplug from your everyday demands and explore the great outdoors with a group of like-minded girls. Share your passion and unique talents with tomorrow's outdoor enthusiasts.
*EVENTS: Have high energy but limited availability? Choose your favorite topics, and help girls unleash their potential. During half day to three day events, you'll interact with girls, excite their passions, and help them become their best selves.
*SERIES: Have a particular skill or talent? Looking for a chance to work with girls without a long-term commitment? Then come share your passion with a focused group of girls who can't wait to learn your skill or pursue your area of interest.
*TRAVEL: Expand girls' horizons. Explore the world-or at least your corner of it-with a group of girls who need your help planning a trip, earning money, and preparing themselves for the adventures of travel.
*TROOPS: Want to participate in exciting activities, throughout the school year, with a small group of girls? You'll share so much as the girls in your troop earn awards and badges, go on field trips, and learn from community leaders and experts on issues important to your community.
*VIRTUAL: Enjoy mentoring girls in an online environment. The magic of the Internet will link you with girls who immerse themselves in leadership activities, earn badges, and enjoy the virtual-but very real-friendships that blossom. (Still in development).
To get started on your new pathway, contact Yvonne Bras or Amanda Jacob.
Volunteer Contributions - Maybe 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 volunteer contributions and for FAQ's click here.
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Shop Talk
Greetings from your Girl Scout Shop Staff
As we all prepare for the New Year, there are some changes that have occurred in our council Girl Scout Shops that we are very excited about.
1. ALL NEW PROGRAM PRODUCTS HAVE NOW ARRIVED. This means new badges, troop crests, pins, etc. are now available in our shops. These items are not available on our online shop site. If you would like to order new products and have them shipped, you will need to email or fax your order. Please include a contact number with your order as well as payment information.
2. The look of each shop has changed to accommodate our new program product. Come in and check out the changes. We think you will like what you see!
3. Council Cookie Tees to "Support Our Troops" are now available in shop and will be available online soon. Shirts range in price from $8-$12. A great opportunity for troops to purchase shirts for every girl at a great price and for a great purpose!
4. Table cloths have arrived just in time for cookie booths. They come in two sizes (card table and banquet) and two designs.
5. GSGCF 100th Anniversary Patch is back in stock. This is the patch available at the 100th Anniversary Kick-Off event in September. The price: $3/each.
6. Special Welcome to Shannon Allison, Sale Coordinator at Council Headquarters. Shannon will be assisting us in the shop and product sales areas. Shannon is anxiously waiting to assist you with your shop or product sales needs.
7. Retiring program try-its, badges, and IP's are all on display. We have no back-stock. If we are out of an item, we will check our other shop. If they do not have what you are looking for, we cannot order it. We will try to locate it from another council but please be advised, many of the other councils are already out of these items. These items will no longer be available after 8/31/12.
8. Effective 1/1/2012 - Retired books and printed resources will no longer be available in our shops.
SHOP SCHEDULE FOR WINTER/SPRING may be found here.
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Scholarship Opportunities
Dr. Elinor Crawford College Scholarship Fund Applications due March 1, 2012
Since 1989, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. Board of Directors has awarded college scholarships to 124-high school senior Girl Scouts. The guidelines providing eligibility criteria for the 2012 award year and the application for the Dr. Elinor Crawford College Scholarship Fund of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. are now available on the council website - GSGCF Updates tab. The completed application, including required attachments and letters of recommendation, must be received at the council headquarters in Sarasota by March 1, 2012. The scholarship recipients will be recognized for their achievements and presented with the scholarship award at the Girl Recognition Ceremony on May 20, 2012. Notification letters will be mailed to applicants by April 1, 2012. Please contact Marie Graziosi by email marieg@gsgcf.org or 941.921.5358 ext. 338 or 800.232.4475 for assistance.
The Lois Green Scholarship Award will be presented to a current Sarasota female high school student in grades 10-12 who has influenced the community and her peers by specific philanthropic efforts. The application and additional information can be found at the link here. For additional information, please contact Community Youth Development (CYD) at 941-922-5126 or info@cydonline.org.
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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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