| Dates to Remember |
Girl Scout Shop & Resource Center open School Year Hours
Now-May 31
Give the Green Light
ToGetHerThere
Now-March 31 Community ConversationsMarch 19-April 12
Special Reception for Major General Marcia Anderson
March 20
Girl Scout Sunday Celebration
March 25
Recognizing Excellence Nominations due
March 30 Illustrated Poem Contest deadlineMarch 30
Flip the Switch/Earth Hour
March 31
Reconnect & Rediscover Alumnae Rededication
April 5
Offices Closed --
Staff Development Meeting
April 11
I Want to Rock the Mall
Contest Entries due
April 20
Offices Closed-- Battle of Flowers Holiday April 27 Offices Closed --Memorial DayMay 28
|
| Join Our List |
 | |
|
|
Here you'll find timely information about programs, adult learning opportunities, and other general news to keep you connected to GSSWT! Volunteer Connection will be sent weekly every Friday. Stay in the know and keep an eye on your inbox for great Girl Scout information!
|
| It's Here! Summer of the Girl 2012 |
|
 The Summer of the Girl 2012 Camp Guideis finally here! Keep an eye out for the printed version, landing in a mailbox near you soon. For now, take a look at the activities offered during the Summer of the Girl 2012! Please note that this is a large file and full color -- you may want to use black ink to print. |
| Community Conversations 2012 |
|
The Volunteer Advisory Steering Committee (VASC) acts as the core of the volunteer-led structure being the voice of the volunteers, advisors to all operational committees and creates a transparent environment between the work of the council and its members. Let's talk! What is working? What do you need for resources and support? What leadership opportunities do you want to see? What isn't working as well? Service Unit team positions, meetings, structure? Join one of our volunteer facilitators as they lead these Community Conversation discussions that will take place throughout the council. You are welcome to attend any of the meetings and bring your ideas as we strive to support all volunteers. Meetings are as follows:- 6:30 p.m., Monday, March 19 -- New Braunfels Scout House,
345 Howard Street, New Braunfels, 78130 - 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 20 -- Del Rio Girl Scout House,
304 East 9th Street, Del Rio, 78840 - 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 28 -- Uvalde Girl Scout House, 609 Dean Street, Uvalde, 78801
- 6:00 p.m., Thursday, March 29 -- Schertz United Methodist Church, 3460 Roy Richard Drive, Schertz, 78154
- 6:30 p.m., Friday, March 30 -- Mira Sol Activity Center,
9 Manning Road, Waring, 78074 - 2:00 p.m., Saturday, March 31 -- Northwest Hills United Methodist Church, 7575 Tezel Road, San Antonio, 78250
- 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 4 -- The Neighborhood Place,
Edgewood -- El Hogar de los Vecinos, 3014 Rivas Street, San Antonio, 78228 - 6:30 p.m., Monday, April 9 -- Floresville Girl Scout Office (Wilson Co.), 600 State Hwy 97 E, Floresville, 78114
- 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 12 -- Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center, AT&T Conference Rooms, 811 N. Coker Loop, San Antonio, 78216
|
| Special Reception -- Tuesday, March 20 |
|
 GSSWT invites Girl Scouts of all grade levels and their guardians to a special reception at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 20 at the Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center to honor Major General Marcia Anderson of the U.S. Army Reserves. A Girl Scout Alumna, Maj. Gen. Anderson is the first female African American to achieve major general status in the Army Reserves. Dress is business attire. Questions? Contact Theodora Setterbo(210-349-2404/1-800-580-7247 ext. 225). |
Girl Scout Sunday Celebration --
Sunday, March 25 |
|
The Catholic Committee invites Girl Scouts to St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church (1602 Thousand Oaks Dr., San Antonio, 78232) at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 25 and join Bishop Cantu in celebrating Catholic Girl Scout Sunday. Many girls will be receiving their religious awards at this time.
|
Recognizing Excellence Staff Nominations
due Friday, March 30 |
|
The Recognizing Excellence staff awards will award up to six staff members each quarter in one of the following categories: customer service, commitment, flexibility, teamwork, leadership, and creativity and innovation.
Nominations from staff and volunteers for the first quarter will be accepted through March 30 for awards presented in April 2012. A group of board members will select the award recipients each quarter. At the end of the year, one staff member will be selected as GSSWT's Best of the Best.
Read about previous award recipients and nominate a staff member here!
|
Chemists Celebrate Earth Day
2012 Illustrated Poem Contest |
|
As part of Chemists Celebrate Earth Day (CCED) activities, the San Antonio Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS) is sponsoring an illustrated poem contest for students in Kindergarten-12th grade. Winners of the San Antonio ACS Section illustrated poem contest will advance to the ACS National Illustrated Poem Contest!
Write and illustrate a poem using the CCED theme, Rethinking Recycling -- It's Easy to Be Green! Your poem must be no more than 40 words. Contest deadline is Friday, March 30. Read complete details here.
Questions? Contact Svitlana Kroll (210-313-7263).
|
| Rediscover & Reconnect -- Thursday, April 5 |
|
You were once a Girl Scout.
You hiked trails and camped out under the stars.
You canvassed your neighborhood to sell those yummy cookies.
You honed your skills with each badge you earned.
You learned to lead. And you built lifelong friendships.
Join GSSWT from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 5 (AT&T Center, North Saddles & Spurs Club) to rededicate yourself to Girl Scouts and renew your commitment to the  100-year-young Movement that builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.
This adult-only event is free; light appetizers and adult beverages will be served. Ready to reconnect? RSVP by Monday, April 2. Questions? Call 210-403-1591.
|
See the History of Girl Scouting
in an area near you! |
|
Landmark Inn in Castroville
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts of the USA, long-time Girl Scout Estella Reyna Kierce has put together a memorabilia display spanning more than nine decades of Girl Scout history. The exhibit (free of charge), located at the historical Landmark Inn on 402 East Florence Street in Castroville, will be open to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. now through March 31.
Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center in
San Antonio
It's your Girl Scout history -- come read and enjoy photos of 100 years in the USA and 88 years in San Antonio and surrounding areas outlined by decades on beautiful green banners! These banners, the work of the 100th Anniversary History Committee, are on display at the Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center near the lobby. Enjoy the scavenger hunt, available in the Resource Center, while you travel down memory lane.
Patrick Heath Public Library in Boerne
Come experience "100 years of Girl Scouting," on display now through March 31 at the Patrick Heath Public Library in Boerne, located at 451 N. Main Street. The collection will be on display during regular library hours. On March 29, Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas's own Juliette Gordon Low impersonator will be on site from 2:00-6:00 p.m. to share stories with visitors at the display.
Remember--
You can still share our history in your area. Still have that vintage Brownie beanie? How about a unique Girl Scout pin? Show them off by identifying a location within your area to host a 100th anniversary exhibit or display. Interested but need help in organizing? The council's 100th Anniversary History Committee has ideas for you! For more information or to submit secured locations for an exhibit or display, please contact Linda Jurman.
|
| All Things 100th! |
|
Give the Green Light ToGetHerThere
Visibly show your support for the promise of all girls and their leadership potential by lighting your residence and place of business with green exterior lights for the month of March to commemorate
Girl Scouting's 100th Anniversary!
Go beyond -- take the ToGetHerThere Pledge and visit togetherthere.org to determine how you can make a difference in the future of American leadership.
Go Retro -- Change that Photo!
Calling all Girl Scouts! For the month of March, Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas is asking all alumnae to change their Facebook profile pictures to a photo of them as a young Girl Scout in uniform.
100th Anniversary Bear Build-A-Bear Workshop will introduce the limited edition commemorative 100th Anniversary Girl Scout Bear on March 16. These bears would make a great gift for a volunteer or your Girl Scout's birthday! Build-A-Bear Workshop will also host special Girl Scout events at their affiliate store locations. Contact Anthony Cardenas, 210-525-0901, at the North Star Mall location in San Antonio or Christina Alvarado, 210-694-0287, at the La Cantera location in San Antonio for more information or to schedule your event today. The "Girl Scouts" name, mark and all associated trademarks and logotypes, including the "Trefoil Design," are owned by Girl Scouts of the USA. Build-A-Bear Workshop is an official GSUSA licensed vendor.
|
Tornadoes in the United States:
How Can You Help? |
|
The outpouring of support for the people affected in the wake of the devastating tornadoes in the United States last week has been remarkable, and Girl Scouts across the country are always eager to help in many different ways. We know, however, that after natural disasters like these, sending funds is often the best way to help.
Below is a list of ways individuals and troops can help.
|
| Forever Green |
|
Save Energy-Join Earth Hour
 To encourage sustainable behavior change, reduce carbon dioxide footprints, and save energy and money, you are invited to participate in the symbolic Earth Hour event by turning off lights from 8:30-9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 31. Go beyond the hour-replace incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® qualified, or other energy-efficient, bulbs. Aluminate
Download Aluminate, Alcoa's Recycling iPhone app,
to help you set a recycling goal, track your progress, find a nearby recycling center, and learn how you are making the world a better place -- it'll also tell you how much cash you may earn for your recycling efforts! Download this app for free at iTunes.
while saving the planet!  Ditch the paper and plastic -- pick up one of these reusable bags from your local H-E-B store today! H-E-B and Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas have partnered to create and sell reusable bags to commemorate Girl Scouting's 100th anniversary. Art depicted on the bags was created by Girl Scouts from Texas to honor 100 years of Girl Scouts. The reusable bags are now available exclusively at all H-E-B stores in Texas, and proceeds from bag sales will benefit all Girl Scout councils across the state. These bags are only available until May, so grab yours before they're gone! Can't find them in your local store? Ask an H-E-B employee where they display reusable bags, and keep an eye out on our Facebook page for locations where the bags have been spotted! What are you doing to be forever green?! We want to know! Post your pictures and ideas to GSSWT's Facebook page. Happy Saving! Learn more about Forever Green here.
|
| Love to Travel? |
|
Do you love to travel? Enjoy meeting new people? Want to help others? The Mobile Leadership Center (MLC) team is looking for volunteers to assist with upcoming travel dates. The duty is to provide professional, superior customer service to all internal and external customers, members, volunteers, staff and other community contacts. We are looking for people who are committed to Girl Scout values, are customer-service friendly and knowledgeable of the Resource Center and Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Upon your first shift with the MLC, you will receive a free T-shirt and lapel pin. After completion of each shift, you will be entered into a drawing for fun prizes. Drawing will be held in the late spring. Interested? Contact Cathy Noll or Tamarra Mencey.  |
Bridging into the Next Century Event
with Walt Disney World |
|
GSSWT is excited to share this inspirational message from Walt Disney with you -- "Take the initiative to share YOUR character with the world through your courage and confidence to take steps to save our planet. The Walt Disney Company prides itself on innovation and inspiration to create magic and share a message of conservation in its theme parks and resorts. We hope you are inspired every day to create magic and actively engage in the preservation of your community-and beyond! We look forward to seeing you and your fellow Girl Scouts at Disney's Bridging into the Next Century Event taking place May 25-28, 2012 at the Walt Disney Resort. Be sure to get your tickets and book your resort rooms soon to ensure that you can share in the excitement of this once-in-a-lifetime event! The event is open to all Girl Scouts -- and their friends and families -- from across the country." |
| Girl Scouts Do Great Things! |
|
Clarisa Medina & Run the World
Girl Scout Ambassador Clarisa Medina hosted the "Run the World" Camp, a four-day program for female students enrolled in Longfellow Middle School. The camp is the product of Clarisa's Girl Scout Gold Award Take Action Project. During the camp, girls were taught in areas of morals and values, math and science, world issues, self-defense, and self-awareness. "Run the World" was covered by NowCast SA, KABB Fox San Antonio and WOAI earlier this week.City of Castle Hills Proclamation During the City of Castle Hills regular City Council Meeting on Tuesday, March 13, Mayor Bruce Smiley-Kaliff issued a proclamation recognizing the Girl Scouts of the USA's Centennial celebration. Accepting the proclamation were (L-R) Julia Reyes, Troop 86; Arianna Hernandez, Troop 86; Lauren Shipley, Troop 1237; and Wynter Rabold, Troop 924. 
Girl Scouts on KVOU in Uvalde Girl Scout Junior Jocelyn Teran and Girl Scout Brownie Carina Morales in Uvalde joined GSSWT Board Member, Linda Ramón at KVOU in  celebration of the 100th anniversary. Linda spoke about Juliette Gordon Low and how the movement has grown from 18 girls to 3.2 million! The girls spoke about why they like being Girl Scouts and that the Uvalde troops are doing 100 deeds this year to commemorate the 100th. Also, Carina is Uvalde's top cookie seller, having sold 1,009 boxes of cookies.
|
| Girl Scouts in the News |
|
MySA.com, Friday, March 9Elaine Ayala blogged about the ToGetHerThere initiative in anticipation of our 100th Anniversary media event. Read the blog here. The Takeaway, Monday, March 12
NPR's The Takeaway phoned former Gamma Sigma Girl President Irene Saucedo and GSUSA CEO Anna Maria Chávez about the 100th Anniversary. In the interview, Irene credits the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas Gamma Sigma Girls initiative for providing a stable place to develop confidence. Listen to the interviews now. San Antonio Express-News and MySA.com,
Tuesday, March 13
San Antonio Express-News covered our 100th anniversary celebration with a front page feature story in Tuesday's paper. MySA.com posted the story as well, along with a slideshow dating back several decades of photos from the Express-News archives. Read the article and see the slideshow here. KSAT 12, Tuesday, March 12
KSAT 12 was on the scene for the event, and ran coverage on the evening news. The accompanying news article can be found on KSAT's website.Girl Scouts were also featured in several local papers, including the front page of Seguin Daily News.
|
Shop News
| | |
Open School Year Hours Now-May 31
Monday-Thursday: 8:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Second Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
|
|
GSSWT's Vision Statement
Our vision is to be a high performing, girl-focused staff with the desire and skill set to provide the highest standard of support that enriches, empowers, and energizes the local Girl Scout Movement. In doing so, we create a lifetime of inspiration through Girl Scout experiences that are so relevant and inclusive every girl will want to be a part.
|
|
|
