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Greetings!
 Starting in mid-August, our website will be getting a fresh new look! We are thrilled to announce that a website re-design is underway to make finding information easier for all of our girl and adult members. In addition to being more user-friendly, the new website will have a more current and streamlined look that better aligns wtih GSUSA branding. The re-design will be launched in phases, but all of the information available on our current website will still be available throughout the launch. We have identified a staff member who will assist anyone having difficulty finding information on the new site. Her contact information will be listed on our new homepage. Time is running out to register as a VIP for the BIG Day. As a VIP, you'll get some great perks like entrance into a special VIP area with refreshments, and you'll also be entered in a drawing to be one of 300 people to win a meet and greet with Katherine Hughes, a competitor from season 5 of Radio Disney's Next Big Thing. Katherine has just been added to our celebrity concert lineup, and we are so happy that she will be joining us and performing for the whole community. Everyone is invited to this fun, free event on September 22, so bring your friends, neighbors and the whole family. There will be exciting activities for people of all ages and you won't want to miss it. Best Wishes, 
Donna K. Martin
CEO, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri |
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The BIG Day
 Sept. 22, 2012
The BIG Day will be the biggest event in St. Louis this fall and everyone in the community is invited. Our celebrity concert will feature Allstar Weekend, one of the hottest boy bands on the charts. Be the first to hear their new single live! Ryan Beatty, whom Ryan Seacrest touted as the next Justin Bieber, will also perform. In July, we will be announcing our third celebrity entertainer, so be on the lookout! There will also be a Disney star at the event, who will be announced in a month. Be one of the lucky VIPs to win a personal meet and greet with this great Disney entertainer.
The day begins with a parade and will culminate with over one thousand girls participating in a flash mob and a FamFest at Soldiers Memorial Park with over 100 exhibitors providing fun activities for the whole family. A celebrity concert tops off The BIG Day, making this the event you won't want to miss. BIG attractions to the FamFest include the USTA SmashZone, a Disney BIG Hangout area, foam dancing, the BIG Wheel, inflatables and more. The deadline to register as a VIP has been extended until August 15, so visit our website to find out more about becoming a VIP and even more details about the event. Remember, registering as a VIP will enter you in a drawing to be one of 300 people to get a personal meet and greet with a Disney star. Also, find out about volunteering and transportation.
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The BIG Day is Looking for BIG Things
 Work is in progress to ensure that the BIG Day is a great day for all. We are recruiting marching bands, food vendors, local entertainment groups for the performance stages and vendors who would like to provide an interactive program booth. We want to have activities to include all family members to make this a fun day for all.
Who better than our members to ask for suggestions? If any of you have any suggestions please contact Sarah Moran, 314.592.2387, with your suggestion and contact information so we can make a connection with them. |
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BIG Day Service Project
 Donate used jeans - warm a service person's heart.
Your 100% cotton used blue jeans can become a quilt that will provide comfort to members of the U.S. Armed Forces who have been injured while serving in harm's way. Donated blue jeans will be cut into quilt blocks. Participants at the BIG Day will be invited to write messages on the blocks, which will be sent to Operation Quiet Comfort to be made into quilts. Find out more information.
Help prepare for the service project by attending a jean cutting party! Jean cutting work sessions for adults and Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts will be held on August 13 and August 29 at the St. Louis Service Center.
Please bring your rotary cutter, cutting mat and sharp scissors if you have them. If not, we will supply them for your use.
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The BIG Day Parade
Make sure your Neighborhood is featured in the parade and assist in telling our story. We want to show our community the unity we have as an organization to celebrate our landmark 100th Anniversary. In order to feature both Neighborhoods and troops, we will have a flag brigade. Here's how you can get involved:
- Your Neighborhood can participate by purchasing a 100th Anniversary flag at the shop at a discounted price - Each troop that has held their own 100th Anniversary celebration can make a streamer to hang on the flag with their troop number and name of the celebration on the streamer, which will be attached to the flag - Your Neighborhood will then designate two representatives (you might consider holding a contest to select people or you can choose them) to carry your flag - This unit will be prominently featured in our parade - You can maintain these flags and proudly display them at future Neighborhood meetings
This is a fun and rewarding way to encourage troops to plan their own centennial year celebration. We hope to see many flags and streamers being carried down Market Street.
For planning purposes, please email Mary Ann Owens, mowens@girlscoutsem.org and confirm that your Neighborhood will be participating in this exciting initiative. |
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Floats Wanted for the BIG Day Parade
 Represent your District or Neighborhood with a float in our Girl Scout parade. Floats for the parade will be selected by an unbiased committee. Selection will be made by September 1 to allow time to build the floats. To be considered, you must submit a drawing or COMPLETE written description of your float. These can be submitted to mowens@girlscoutsem.org or mail by September 1 to: Mary Ann Owens Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri 2300 Ball Drive St. Louis, MO 63146 Float requirements: - All floats must adhere to Safety Activity Checkpoint regulations - Floats must be constructed on a flat bed with rails (a pick up truck does not qualify as a float) - Floats must follow a theme that reflects the Girl Scout mission and program elements - Floats need to be decorated appropriately to reflect the quality of the parade - Floats that feature entertainment of some type will be given higher consideration - Floats may have girls with appropriate adult supervision on them |
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Be an Official 100th Anniversary Parade Participant
 As part of our BIG Day on September 22, we'll be parading through downtown St. Louis and we want YOU to be part of the Century of Promise parade.
We're looking for 10 very special groups of Girl Scouts to join the parade as official participants. Your group should have a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 50 Girl Scouts and offer a special performance or clever theme that demonstrates one of the key elements of Girl Scouting. Show us your pride in camping, STEM, being green, a Journey or any other element of Scouting. You might create a dance, do something with grocery carts to celebrate April Showers or make costumes out of recyclable materials. Come up with a dynamite idea so your group can be featured.
Send us a 2-5 minute video, pictures or a plan showing us your idea. Be creative. You have until September 1 to submit your idea to Nicole Dalton, ndalton@girlscoutsem.org. |
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Flash Mob Teach Sessions
 Join us as we learn the BIG Day flash mob dance and have fun. We are offering you a special chance to learn the flash mob dance for the BIG Day. These will be offered at the Girl Scout Service Center on the following dates at 6:30 pm:
August 22 September 6
There will also be sessions in rural areas, and they will take place before the Back to School Splashes: District 10 - Crystal City Pool on August 7 @ 6 pm District 11 - Farmington on August 9 @ 5:30 pm District 12 - Union Splash n Swimplex on August 3 @ 6:30 pm District 15 - Kirksville Aquatic Park on August 4 @ 7 pm District 16 - Memphis Pool on August 11 @ 6 pm District 17 - Mark Twain Landing on August 10 @ 6 pm District 18 - Louisiana YMCA on August 2 @ 5 pm
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Leadership Fundamentals 2012
 November 3 @ Maritz, 1375 N. Hwy Drive, Fenton 630999 am-noon - Leadership Fundamentals Noon-1 pm - Lunch 1:15-3 pm - Business Meeting Save the date for Leadership Fundamentals and Representative Assembly. We are finishing out our 100th Anniversary year, and we will once again enjoy a day of fabulous workshops, friendships and fun. Register by October 5. See the event registration form on page 77 of Lead & Learn. |
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Believe in Girls 5 Mile Walk/Run
You won't want to miss our Believe in Girls 5 mile Run/Walk to celebrate 100 years of Girl Scouting. Bring the entire family to run or walk the full five miles or just one. The run/walk will commence at the GSEM Service Center on November 24. For information and to register, see page 75 of Lead & Learn. |
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Troop Money Earning
 Troop Money Earning projects must not compete with Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri fundraising efforts (i.e, Cookie and Fall Product Programs and th e United Way campaign). Troops participating in the Fall Product Program may conduct additional money-earning activities during the time of the Fall Product Program, with the approval of the Neighborhood Team Chair. A calendar showing exact dates troops may or may not conduct money-earning activities is available online. Troops may participate in Family Partnership at any time. |
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"Let's Talk"
Here's your chance to have a great dialogue with the CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, Donna Martin. The "Let's Talk" sessions will happen in several areas of our Council jurisdiction. Donna will be there to answer your questions and visit with you about the great things happening during our Centennial celebration. Please submit questions to Mary Ann Owens, mowens@girlscoutsem.org, at least 5 days before the session. This allows us to gather our information and give the best answers to your question. All sessions will begin at 6:30 pm: October 23 - United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall - 300 E. Washington St., Kirksville, MO 62501 October 24 - Park United Methodist Church - 2335 Palmyra Road, Hannibal, MO 63401 November 1 - Mineral Area College North College Center - 5270 Flat River Road, Park Hills, MO 63601 November 28 - Girl Scout Service Center - 2300 Ball Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146 |
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Girl Scout Shop
Be sure to visit this summer as new merchandise from GSUSA will be arriving. Check out the new merchandise in the fall 2012 catalog now available.
Now available for a limited time, Nestle Crunch candy bars. The flavors, inspired by favorite Girl Scout cookies, are Thin Mints, Caramel and Coconut and Peanut Butter Cream. Quantities are limited and are only available through September 30.
Planning on attending the BIG Day on September 22? Be one of the first to get a BIG Day tote bag available now for $6. The official BIG Day patch is now available to purchase for $1.50 each. St. Louis GS Shop Summer Hours through August 24 Monday-Wednesday and Friday - 9 am-4:30 pm; Thursday 9 am-6:30 pm Select Saturday Hours - Open 10 am-2 pm September 8 & 15, October 13, November 10, December 8 |
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Grades 4-8
 Engineering Adventures
October 6, 9 am-noon @ Washington University
$10 includes snack, supplies and patch
Submit: Troop Program Application by September 8
Girls will experience the creativity and innovation of engineering with fun, hands-on activities on a college campus. This workshop is hosted and facilitated by Washington University engineering students. Meet female engineers and hear first-hand how they turn ideas into solutions.
Contact Amber Phillips, 314.592.2376, aphillips@girlscoutsem.org for more information. |
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Grades 6-12
 Older Girl Roundtable
August 30, 6:30-9 pm @ St. Louis Service Center
Submit: Individual Program Application by August 25
The Cadette, Senior and Ambassador Task Force has planned an exciting roundtable event for Girl Scout Cadette, Senior and Ambassador Leaders/Advisors and girl members. Opportunities await you to interact wtih other girl members, leaders and advisors, find out about programs for older girls and share what's happening in your District. Invite other Leaders/Advisors and older Girl Scouts that may also benefit.
Contact Mary Felker, 314.592.2318, mfelker@girlscoutsem.org for more information. |
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Troop Recruiters and Coordinators
Here's the best way to ensure the 2013 new Leaders you work so hard to recruit and organize into troops are on track and ready to roll.
A new approach to GSEM's Leader Prep Training is being offered this fall. A training retreat for new leaders or any Leader needing a refresher is being held at Camp Cedarledge on September 28 and 29. Come for the weekend or just Saturday. Friday night will be dedicated to Girl Scout Traditions while Saturday is devoted to understanding the role of a Leader, getting started with Journeys and Girls Guide to Girl Scouting, troop management basics and preparing for the Fall Product and Cookie Programs.
Registration details will be presented in the new Lead & Learn (formerly Inspire Leader Program Bulletin and Course Catalog), which you should have received. It is also available online and in the Girl Scout Service Center. Encourage all new Leaders and assistant Leaders in your neighborhood to register for this "all-inclusive" training event. For those who are perhaps a bit less adventurous, two additional "in-town" versions will be offered at the Girl Scout Service Center on October 6 and 11. To help spread the word, event fliers and registration forms will be available for you. Contact your CDM or Adult Education Manager to request a supply. |
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Girl Scout Alums
The BIG Day won't be as BIG if you're not there, so "Meet up at Daisy's Gate" at the Alumnae Hospitality Tent on September 22. While you're there, you can help judge the "1913 First Class Challenge," a fun competition testing the skills of contestants vying for badges that simulate those awarded in the first Girl Scout Handbook of 1913. Candidates will be judged on time and proficiency in such skills as bathing and dressing a child under two, knowing their own measurements, semaphore, setting a table, making a bed, bandaging a wound and securing a burglar. We also need hosts to register alumnae, staff the guest book, assist in taking photos and clearing tables. To volunteer, please contact Melanie Palmer, 314.592.2319, mpalmer@girlscoutsem.org to schedule a shift. |
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GSLE Pathways Tote for Experienced Volunteers
Have you been in Girl Scouting for at least five years? Are you having fun exploring the Girl Scout Leadership Experience Pathways?
Show your enthusiasm by accessorizing with the GSLE Pathways tote.
Acquiring a Pathways tote and related patches:
- Pathways totes are available to registered and approved volunteers who have served in Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri (GSEM, GSCGSL or BTA) for five years or longer - Volunteers may purchase a Pathways tote after earning one patch in any Pathway - Volunteers can qualify for one $5 coupon, redeemable at the Girl Scout Shop, by meeting certain specified criteria, indicated by a ($), in earning a Pathways patch - A $1 discount per each five years of adult Girl Scouting, up to 20 years (maximum $4) can be applied to the purchase of a Pathways tote - Approved volunteer experiences related to Journey programs are retro-active and may be applied to earning a Pathways patch when accompanied by required documentation |
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Techbridge
 August 29, 10 am-noon @ Girl Scout Service Center, food will be provided
Come learn to successfully lead girls in Girls Go Techbridge hands-on programs in-a-box. Techbridge topics include green architecture, engineering design, circuitry, simple machines and engineering know-how. Many of the activities correlate with Girl Scout Journeys and available badges. Participants will complete a hands-on project. Girls Go Techbridge is designed for girls in grades 4-12.
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Robotics Essentials
August 25, 9 am-noon @ Girl Scout Service Center
Are you interested in working with a Girl Scout FIRST LEGO League team? Take this course to learn how to start and structure a team, discover resources to help prepare for competition and gain an introduction to programming with LEGO Mindstorms NXT.
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Participate in GSEM's First Webinar
This summer, we are piloting our first webinar to facilitate Job Orientation for Troop Recruiters and Troop Coordinators. Find out more information and register here. |
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Have You Saved a Life Today?
Each year, the American Red Cross teaches lifesaving skills to over 700 GSEM volunteers. Creating a safe environment for nearly 58,000 girls annually is only possible through the help of people like you.
We need volunteers to take the American Red Cross Instructor training as soon as possible to ensure that there are enough trainers to certify our Leaders as Level I or Level II First Aiders. Help make a difference in people's lives by teaching First Aid and CPR/AED to Girl Scout Leaders.
Click here for more information and dates the training will take place.
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ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS OF EASTERN MISSOURI
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 GSEM is a proud United Way member and is supported by the following United Way Agencies: United Way of Greater St. Louis, United Way of the Mark Twain Area, United Way of Adair County/Northeast Missouri, United Way of St. Francois County, Franklin County Area United Way.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is committed to building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. www.girlscoutsem.org
800.727.GIRL[4475] |
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