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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
Take a Summer Journey!
Click on the images below to learn more about summer girl leadership opportunities at
Camp Honi Hanta and
upcoming Horse Camps.
Click the photo below to take the Girl Scouts Forever Green Pledge.

| | Juliette Gordon Low: 2012 Presidential Medal of Freedom |
| | GSUSA Girls Speak Out Contest Winner |
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 | June/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

Congratulations to all Girl Scouts and their parents from throughout the 10 county region receiving recognition at our Young Women of Distinction celebration Sunday May 20. Girls received certificates and awards for bronze, silver and gold achievement, cookie program goal setting success, religious awards, ten year pins, and graduating seniors. The Dr. Elinor Crawford College Scholarship Fund award of $1,000 each was presented to ten accomplished Girl Scouts Ambassadors.
What I love about the celebration is that girls can see what is possible to achieve through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Parents can see that their daughters are mastering skills and leading others. The energy and possibilities are boundless! Please plan to join us next year to recognize the achievements and community service provided by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. Visit our Facebook Page to view photos from the event.
Look to your email this summer to take part in a variety of surveys to help us assess your interest and involvement for the school year 2012-2013. We will be talking with girls, parents and volunteers in order to bring the Girl Scout Leadership to life in your neighborhood. We want to continue to retain the girls and volunteers we have by offering quality experiences, while increasing the number of girls participating. We have one terrific program that benefits all girls. In this "Year of the Girl", let's tell everyone how great is it when girls and adults work together to make the world a better place!
Regards,
Sue
sues@gsgcf.org
941-921-5358 x 302
While summer is a time of rest and relaxation, remember that Girl Scouting continues. As a troop or individually, consider the following:
Forever Green Projects: calling 3,000 girls to participate (link to website)
It's Your Summer- Love It: summer programs are filling quickly. Fun and affordable (link to website)
100 Wonderful Ways to Celebrate the 100th. (click here)
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In Remembrance
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Ruth Nash, who passed away on May 22, 2012. She recently celebrated her 96th birthday. Ruth was a lifetime Girl Scout - a true "Green Blood" who participated as a girl member, volunteer, staff member and generous alumnae in New England, overseas and locally in Charlotte County. Many of Ruth's treasured Girl Scout possessions were donated by her to us and are housed in the History and Archives exhibit at our Sarasota office. She was so proud of her years as a Girl Scout and wanted to share history with others who would follow in her footsteps.
A Girl Scout memorial service is being planned for this summer to honor Ruth. If you would like to honor Ruth's service to Girl Scouting, please consider a tribute gift in her memory to Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. We will be working with her family to identify the special way in which these funds can make the biggest impact. Please keep her daughters Gail, Bobbie and Peggy in your heart, along with her "sister Girl Scout" Martha McKenzie and the hundreds of girls whose lives she inspired.

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Property News
Camp Caloosa Volunteer Resident
Around Memorial Day, the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida welcomed a new volunteer resident of Camp Caloosa in North Fort Myers. Similar to the very successful Camp Honi Hanta arrangement that has been in effect for the last several months, our new Camp Caloosa resident is employed full time with another company. On his off hours, he will provide general security for the Camp; complete property inspections and reports pre- and post-occupancy by the troops; and help us be aware of any needs so that Camp Caloosa can continue to be a safe and attractive environment for girls to visit and enjoy.
During training for those wishing to use the properties for troop and group camping during 2012-13, volunteers and girls will learn more about the responsibilities of individuals renting properties and our focus on leaving all properties better than found.
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Year End Council Volunteer Recognitions
Congratulations!
The following volunteers have been recognized by their peers for their dedication and commitment to Girl Scouting in their communities this year. Join us in offering them a well-deserved thank you and congratulations!
Outstanding Volunteer - recognized for service to service unit or program delivery area beyond the expectations of the position.
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Liz |
Rueda |
OV |
Collier 11 | |
Marti |
Shuster |
OV |
Collier 11 | |
Colleen |
Sullivan-Gonzalez |
OV |
Collier 12 | |
Jeanne |
Annunziata |
OV |
Collier 13 | |
Anna |
Arnold |
OV |
Charlotte11 | |
Pam |
Myers |
OV |
Charlotte 11 | |
Jennifer |
Carley |
OV |
Charlotte 12 | |
Stacy |
Kirk |
OV |
Highlands | |
Jodi |
Hutchins |
OV |
Highlands | |
Christine |
Kennedy |
OV |
Lee 11 | |
Lisa |
Tharp |
OV |
Lee 11 | |
Melanie |
Maggard |
OV |
Lee 13 | |
Alyson |
Nalewail |
OV |
Lee 14 | |
Andrea |
Maghella |
OV |
Manatee 1 | |
Barbara |
Borderieux |
OV |
Manatee 1 | |
Tami |
Manevitch |
OV |
Manatee 4 | |
Jeannine |
Martin |
OV |
Manatee 4 | |
Julie |
Krokroski |
OV |
Manatee 5 | |
Gigi |
Payne |
OV |
Sarasota 11 | |
Jasmina |
Herrera |
OV |
Sarasota 11 | |
Kelly |
Pells |
OV |
Sarasota 14 | |
Cristy |
Disbrow |
OV |
Sarasota 15 | |
Leslie |
Williams |
OV |
Sarasota 15 | |
Lisa |
Raerdon |
OV |
Lee 14 |
Outstanding Leader - recognized for outstanding performance directly working with girls.
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Colleen |
Fleetham |
OL |
Collier 11 | |
Michelle |
Birmingham |
OL |
Collier 11 | |
Suzanne |
Garbinski |
OL |
Collier 12 | |
Lynn |
Morrison |
OL |
Collier 13 | |
Jennifer |
Kazwell |
OL |
Charlotte11 | |
Doria |
Melenzi |
OL |
Charlotte11 | |
Glenn |
Wilkinson |
OL |
Charlotte12 | |
Becky |
Henderson |
OL |
Charlotte12 | |
Linda |
Carl |
OL |
Highlands | |
Jennifer |
McGee |
OL |
Highlands | |
Lisa |
Lewellen |
OL |
Lee 11 | |
Kim |
Ponzio |
OL |
Lee 13 | |
Donna |
Sillars |
OL |
Lee 13 | |
Brigit |
Christensen |
OL |
Manatee 1 | |
Sonya |
Matson |
OL |
Manatee1 | |
Lisa |
Daniel |
OL |
Manatee 4 | |
Tammy |
Peters |
OL |
Manatee 4 | |
Kelly |
Stienke |
OL |
Manatee 5 | |
Belinda |
Fisher |
OL |
Sarasota11 | |
Laurie |
Harris |
OL |
Sarasota11 | |
Julie |
Chartier |
OL |
Sarasota14 | |
Theresa |
Leach |
OL |
Sarasota15 | |
Jessica |
Haynes |
OL |
Sarasota15 | |
Michelle |
Lewis |
OL |
Lee14 |
Green Angel - recognized for outstanding support to girls and council.
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Lisa |
Broderick |
GA |
Collier | |
Angel |
Nowling |
GA |
Highlands | |
Chris |
Trant |
GA |
Lee 13 | |
Kathy |
Davis |
GA |
Manatee 4 | |
Cyndie |
DeBlock |
GA |
Manatee 5 | |
Phil |
Goodson |
GA |
Sarasota 11 | |
Phyllis |
Elsishans |
GA |
Sarasota12 | |
Megan |
Pierce |
GA |
Sarasota14 | |
Candice |
Fogo |
GA |
Sarasota15 |
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 ARTICLE
Early Bird - There is Still Time! | | |
Time is running out to re-register for the 2012-2013 Girl Scout membership and be considered "Early Bird". Early Bird is an incentive program encouraging troops, girls, and adults to re-register for the new membership year and benefit from some incentives. Check out the flier for more details on the program. Re-registering is easy as 1, 2, 3...go to www.gsgcf.org, click on the text box on the right hand side to pre-register, and follow the prompts. If you need any online help, either email the help desk at helpdesk@gsgcf.org or give us a call at 800-232-4475.
Deadline to qualify for early bird membership is June 13, 2012.
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NEW Summer Environmental Leadership Experience
at Camp Honi Hanta

NEW Summer Environmental Leadership Experience at Camp Honi Hanta and Horse Camp Opportunities. Make this a summer you will remember! All girls are welcome to take a summer journey with Girl Scouts. Troop camping reservations available June - August.
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New Girl Learning Opportunites
Teen Volunteer Summer Service Kickoff
ATTENTION ALL TEEN GIRL SCOUTS: Want to earn community service hours while having fun and gaining valuable experience? Then make sure to attend the Teen Volunteer Summer Service Kickoff! You will learn the ins and outs of teen volunteering while doing creative activities, eating snacks and earning 2 hours of community service! You will also complete activities that meet requirements for the Senior's GirlTopia Journey or Cadette'saMAZEJourney .
Location: GSGCF Council Headquarters Boardroom in Sarasota.
Date: June 12th from 2 P.M.- 4 P.M. .
Note:This program is designed to inform girls about the summer volunteer program with Council and summer camp volunteering opportunities.
For more information, or to RSVP, please contact: Teen Volunteer Coordinators at teenvol@gscf.org or at (941) 921-5358 ext. 322.

Amazing 411 on Middle School
Girl Scouts presents 411 on Middle School as a onetime event to registered Girl Scouts and their friends! Don't let your daughter miss out on this wonderful program for upcoming 6th grade girls to help equip them for a smooth transition to middle school.
Relationships can be a maze. Navigate the twist and turns of friendships; learn how to prepare for middle school:
* Healthy Friendships * Self-image
* Goal setting * Stand up to bullying
* Conflict resolution * Time management
*Give-aways
*Fashion show
*Fun, Fun, Fun!
Girl Scouts signature program 411 on Middle School prepares upcoming 6th grade girls with the courage, confidence, and character they need to make the transition to middle school successfully! Click here to downlaod a flyer.
Location: GECC, Sarasota
Grade Level: Entering 6th grade only
Date: June 16, 2012
Deadline: June 11, 2012
Time: 9 A.M.- 2 P.M
Fee: $6* (fee includes the Amaze Journey) / Adults-FREE
*Girls who bring a friend NEW to Girl Scouting receive ½ off
Minimum: 15 Girls
Contact: Ann-Marie Mathews, annmariem@gsgcf.org
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Community Troop Day at Camp
On April 28, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast FL, Inc. served 75 girls and 20 adult volunteers during the Community Troop Day at Camp Honi Hanta. Community troops are girls in Bradenton and Sarasota communities who, without the generosity of our donors, may not get to participate in traditional Girl Scout experiences.
Girl Scout volunteers delivered program from our environmental curriculum, It's Your Planet, Love it! Girls also participated in a traditional flag ceremony, enjoyed 'smores and each received a reusable water bottle and patch for participating!
Thanks to all that participated and made this day possible!
Event Photos
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Young Women of Distinction Luncheon - May 20, 2012
We wish to thank everyone who played a part in the Young Women of Distinction Luncheon held on Sunday, May 20, 2012.
The luncheon was held prior to the award recognition ceremony at the Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center in Punta Gorda with 85 guests. Patrice Weston, former board member, was our emcee and member of the event committee. Along with Patrice, Mary Disher, board member; Garnette Scholl; Kate O'Brien; and Melissa Burtless served on the Young Women of Distinction luncheon committee.
Sue Stewart, CEO and the council took this time to specially recognize the 2012 Gold Award and Dr. Elinor A. Crawford College Scholarship recipients.
We also thank our speakers who helped to celebrate 100 years of Girl Scouting with our Past, Present, and Future themed presentation. Linda Getzen, president of the board of directors, spoke about our history; Rae Dowling, board member, spoke about our alumnae today and the impact Girl Scouts has had on building women leaders; and Brittany Ring, Girl Scout Ambassador, represented the future.
The event raised funds to help support the council and allowed for the girls and family members to attend the luncheon. Thank you to Florida Power & Light, Florida Blue (formerly Blue Cross Blue Shield), Publix, Garnette Scholl, Cheech Hill, Jeanette Showalter, and Dr. Elinor A. Crawford for their support.
Event Photos
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 The Shop Scoop
Summer Hours
Greetings from your Council Girl Scout Shops! As we head into the summer, we just want to remind you of our new SUMMER shop hours.
Sarasota
TUESDAY - 10 A.M. - 6 P.M.
THURSDAY - 10 A.M.- 5 P.M.
FRIDAY - 9 A.M.- 2 P.M.
SATURDAY - 10 A.M. - 1 P.M. (JUNE 9, AUGUST 4, AUGUST 11)
Fort Myers
TUESDAY - 10 A.M. - 6 P.M.
THURSDAY - 10 A.M.- 4 P.M.
SATURDAY - 9 A.M.-2 P.M. (JUNE 16, AUGUST 18)
June Shop Special Events
June 13 - Sunset Shop Event, 6 P.M. - 9 P.M. at both Sarasota and Fort Myers shop locations.
June 23 -Traveling Shop,10 A.M. - 2 P.M. at the Sebring Girl Scout House.
July Shop Information
July 1-14 Fort Myers CLOSED for Inventory. Please contact Shannon in Sarasota for assistance. We will Ship FREE to your door while the shop is closed. Contact Sarasota at shopsrq@gsgcf.org / 941-921-5358 x 313 / 800-232-4475.
July 15-21 Sarasota CLOSED for Inventory. Please contact Teresa in Fort Myers for assistance. We will Ship FREE to your door while the shop is closed. Contact Fort Myers at shopfm@gsgcf.org /239-561-1800 x 401 / 800-586-3186.

Are you in the mood to shop and are you looking for GREAT Deals? Then look no further. Your local Girl Scout Shops have just marked down many items throughout the stores. We have AMAZING prices on tee shirts for girls and adults, Zip Front Hooded Jackets for Daisies and Brownies, Rugby Shirts, Henley T-shirts and Zip Front Hooded Jackets for Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors.
Looking for a piece of Girl Scout History? Make sure you check out our recent markdowns on select 100th Anniversary items. You'll find great gift ideas for everyone in the family. Why not shop now for the holidays!!
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Parent End of Year Checklist
The school year is coming to an end, families are planning vacations, and your daughter's troop is wrapping up the year and preparing for the up-coming membership year. Such exciting and busy times!
Below are some suggestions that will help you and your daughter's troop leader get a "Jump Start" for the 2012-2013 membership year:
- Has your daughter's membership been renewed for the new Girl Scout year? It is now quick and simple! Go to www.gsgcf.org, click on register for membership, and follow the prompts. By registering online your daughter's membership will continue without lapse and she will be able to continue to participate in activities without interruptions.When your daughter "Early Birds" by the deadline she will get a patch.
- Is your daughter "Bridging" (moving up to another grade level)? Do you know what troop she will be joining? Please check with your troop leader or call the council office to find out.
- Have you considered contributing to the Family Support Plan? By contributing financially to the Family Support Plan you are contributing, not only to Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc., but to your daughter's troop as well. The troop gets a percentage of all their donations.
Remember that a Girl Scout Leader is a VOLUNTEER and needs parental support. Please consider being part of the troop committee ~ go ahead ~ ask the troop leader what you can do to help!
Thank you for letting your daughter be a part of Girl Scouts ~ an experience of a life time!
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Welcoming Just for Girls Academy
A request from a Girl Scout Volunteer...
I Need Your Help Welcoming an All Girls School
Troop leaders, I need your help welcoming approximately 150 girls at the new ALL-GIRL charter school in Bradenton, Just for Girls Academy. Let's have our girls extend a warm Girl Scout welcome with a card and a SWAP. It could be a great way to find a home for those extra SWAPS you found when you were cleaning out your troop locker at the end of this school year.
If your girls are willing to make a card this summer, you can send them to me by August 1st (address below), and I'll hand deliver the cards to the academy just before they open. What a great way to welcome this school and give them a small glimpse of the great friends they can make in Girl Scouts.
Just for Girls Academy is a free public charter school, opening in August 2012 on 21st Street East in Bradenton. The school will serve girls in grades Kindergarten through 3rd grade to start, and then they will add a grade each subsequent year through middle school. After speaking with the CEO, it was clear that this school shares so many of the Girl Scout ideals and values. They plan to focus on character development, service project opportunities, gardening, yoga, sports and even equine-assisted learning activities to foster empathy, courage, confidence, and leadership. Does this sound like Girl Scouts in the making or what?
You can send your cards and SWAPS to:
Jenni Stahlmann
2438 Stratford Dr
Sarasota, FL 34232
For more information about Just for Girls Academy, visit their website at www.justforgirls.org.
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Forever Green 2012

100th Anniversary Take Action Projects
Honoring our Past and Celebrating our Future
Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida (GSGCF)
and
Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA)
Supported by the Jesse Ball DuPont Fund and GSGCF
2012 is the Year of the Girl and time for all Girl Scouts to take action to make our world a better place!
Girl Scouts Forever Green (GSFG), our 100th Anniversary National Take Action Project, is a global effort to improve the environment and protect natural resources. We invite you to lead your troop, family, school, and community in three month-long Take Action projects during the summer of 2012. Take the online pledge today to make a yearlong commitment to environmental efforts.
All girls, families, volunteers and community members are invited to join our action project to reduce plastic waste.
Learn about the effects of waste on our environment, and discover ways to reduce plastic waste. Use reusable bottles and bags and recycle aluminum cans and plastic bottles.
Click here to learn more about how you can make a difference, sign up to take the pledge, and earn a special one of a kind, one time only GSGCF Forever Green Patch.
Please email all questions or comments to: forevergreen2012@gsgcf.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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