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Greetings!
 Let the final countdown begin! With just a little over a week to go until the BIG Day, we are doing everything we can to make it the best Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri event ever. We want the BIG Day to be a wonderful, family-friendly event that both adults and children will enjoy and that supports our Girl Scout mission. Because of that, we have decided to cancel Allstar Weekend's performance at the BIG Day. The band has released a music video that is not consistent with the Girl Scout vision and core values. The community will still enjoy fabulous performances from Ryan Beatty, Katherine Hughes and a surprise guest! In order to spread the word and make sure everyone knows they should join us on September 22, we'll be doing some additional local media next week. Be sure to look for us on Monday, Sept. 17 at 9 am on KTVI with Tim Ezell and at the Show Me window on KSDK on Thursday, Sept. 20 at 12:30 pm. We will also be on KSDK News on Friday, Sept. 21 at 4 pm. Even though we'll be promoting the BIG Day on TV and radio, we need your help to get the entire communtiy to come out to the event. Be sure to tell everyone you know how much fun the BIG Day will be and that everyone is invited, not just Girl Scouts. It's free to attend, and trust us, it's going to be a day you won't want to miss! From the parade to the FamFest and celebrity concert, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and we want all of eastern Missouri to help us celebrate the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouting. We'll see you all downtown next Saturday!
Best Wishes,
Donna K. Martin
CEO, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri
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Don't Miss The BIG Day
 Although registration for the VIP area has closed, you, your family and friends can still attend the BIG Day for free and participate in the more than 100 activities at the FamFest. Watch the parade featuring big bands, balloons, professional floats and our very own astronaut, Linda Godwin, as Grand Marshall.
After the parade and FamFest, be sure to stick around for the celebrity concert featuring Katherine Hughes, Ryan Beatty and a surprise guest.
BIG attractions to the FamFest include the USTA SmashZone, a Disney BIG Hangout area, a foam dance pit, Ferris Wheel, Wave of Fire inflatable slide and a classic car show.
Visit our website for more information. |
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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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Online Registration is Right Around the Corner
Exciting News! In 2013, GSEM will introduce a new online registration system. All members - girl and adults - must have a valid, active email account with the Council to utilize online registration (girl members under the age of 13 must use a parent/guardian email address). To ensure your record is updated, please provide your email address on the membership registration form this fall. If you don't have an email address, you can sign up for a free on with Yahoo, Gmail or Hotmail. |
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New 2012 Membership Financial Assistance Form
In these difficult economic times it is critical that we provide financial assistance to those who genuinely need it. With that goal in mind, we are implementing a new process for aid. All membership applications with financial assistance requests must have a "Membership Financial Assistance Form" completed and attached to the membership application. The "Membership Financial Assistance Form" can be downloaded from the GSEM website by clicking "Join" from the homepage and printing the PDF. You can also request a copy from your Community Development Manager. The form is also available in Free Materials at the Emerson Resource Center at the Girl Scout Service Center. This form must be completed by a parent or guardian. If there are two girls from the same family applying for assistance, one application per girl must be submitted. Please contact your CDM with questions. |
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The Fall Product Program is an Important Part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience
Trophy Nut, our Fall Product Program partner, provides program ideas that help girls engage with five skills that are essential to leadership - goal setting, decision making, business ethics, people skills and money management. Printed materials are included in the troop training kits and additional learning resources are available at www.NutsForKnowledge.com.
The Fall Product Program is a key source of funds for troops as well as our Council. All of the proceeds are used locally on programs for girls, activity scholarships, training for adult volunteers who work with our girls and maintenance of local Girl Scout camps.
There is a contest this year for the District and Neighborhood Fall Product Program Manager with the largest percentage increase in the number of troops selling in 2012 versus 2011. The winners will receive a $100 gift card to the spa of their choice. |
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April Showers Dates for 2013
 Mark your calendars for the following April Showers dates:
Drop-off: April 12-14 Showering the Community: April 13 Pick-up: April 20 |
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Safety Activity Checkpoints
 Troops may be planning outdoor activities such as horseback riding or rock climbing. To ensure the safety of the girls, troop/group Leaders are responsible for verifying that all Safety Activity guidelines are met by reviewing the Safety Activity Checkpoints.These standards include planning and supervision, additional checkpoints, clothing, equipment, site and emergency procedures and First Aid. The horseback riding and rock climbing guidelines and checkpoints of Safety Activity Checkpoints require that stable area and rock climbing sites be inspected and Council approval obtained. See a current list of all Council-approved stable and rock climbing sites. |
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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 Program and the 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. View a calendar showing exact dates troops may or may not conduct money-earning activities. Troops may participate in Family Partnership at any time. |
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P.R.A.Y
 P.R.A.Y is pleased to announce several webinars planned in response to a growing demand for information on religious emblems programs and partnering with the faith community.
The webinars are free and open to the first 100 participants. You may sign up for as many as you want. The topics are described in our Learning Center. Please review the descriptions carefully to make sure you sign up for the appropriate sessions.
Topics include: - Religious Emblems Coordinator (R.E.C); Overviews and Best Practices - My Promise, My Faith and faith-based award for Girl Scouts; Overviews and Best Practices - The P.R.A.Y Program for Protestant and Independent Christian Churches - Faith-based Initiatives (F.B.I)
Registration is open for some webinars now and some will be available soon. You can also view past webinars on a couple of the topics. |
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Centennial Patch Program
To earn the centennial patch, girls must complete a total of five activities. Girls should choose one activity from each of the Discover, Connect and Take Action categories and then complete two more activities from any category. Activities can be completed individually or in a troop, in any order. This patch will be available to purchase in the GS Shop through March 12, 2013. Activity 4 Understand the Impact of Giving Leave a Legacy Brick by Brick - Invest in Girls is an opportunity for girls to learn about philanthropy through the patch program and for adults, family members and the community to support Girl Scouting by making a minimum donation of $100 to GSEM. Those who donate $100 will receive a commemorative 4x8 inch brick that will be placed at a camp of the donor's choice. The bricks will be in the following locations: - At Camp Cedarledge, a walkway will be created at the Cedarledge (old) Dining Hall - At Camp Fiddlecreek, the current brick patio, which was created with the donations to the Sparking the Fire campaign, will be expanded - At Camp Tuckaho, a new brick patio will be dedicated on the northeast side of the Multipurpose building Find out more information about the bricks and order online. For an additional $20, a miniature replica "baby brick" will be available. The miniature bricks will be mailed to donors at the end of September and December 2012 and March 2013 for use in Court of Awards, Milestone Ceremonies, Adult Recognition Dinners and other Girl Scout activities. Contacts: Vivianne Frye-Perry, Urban Team, 314.592.2366, vperry@girlscoutsem.org Lucretia Penn, Suburban Team, 314.592.2337, lpenn@girlscoutsem.org Jessica Upchurch, Rural Team, 314.592.2359, jupchurch@girlscoutsem.org Learn More About Financial Literacy Financial Literacy badges are designed for girls to learn how to save, spend and give to others. The Making Choices leaf for Girl Scout Daisies and badges such as Philanthropist (Brownies), Business Owner (Junior), Financing My Dreams (Cadette) or Financing My Future (Seniors) build financial literacy skills in a fun way. Girls may also want to participate in GSEM's "Making Cents in the City" patch program, which provides opportunities for girls to learn and understand how to use financial resources wisely. Find out more about the badges and Making Cents in the City. |
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Girl Scout Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards
 For current information, check out the GSEM award web pages:
You'll find FAQs, the definition of a Take Action Project, GSUSA girl and adult award guidelines and GSEM award related forms. Girl Scout Gold Award Workshops Girls must complete prerequisites for the Girl Scout Gold Award before attending a Gold Award workshop.
Prerequisites: - Have earned the Girl Scout Silver Award as a Cadette and complete a Senior or Ambassador Journey that includes a community Take Action Project related to the Journey theme
OR
- Complete two Senior or Ambassador Journeys and community Take Action Projects related to each Journey theme
During the fall 2012-2013 program year, GSEM will be updating the online registration system. Therefore, there will be no online registration available for fall workshops. After January 2013, you may register online.
Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Gold Award Workshop 2300 Ball Drive St. Louis, MO 63146
C.39 Mon., Sept. 24, 6-8 pm GSEM Service Center
C.41 Sat., Oct. 13, 9:30-11:30 am GSEM Service Center
C.43 Sat., Oct. 13, 12:45-2:45 pm Camp Tuckaho
C.45 Wed., Oct. 17, 5:30-7:30 pm GSEM Service Center |
Girl Scout Shop
Lots of reasons to celebrate means lots of new Girl Scout items in the GS Shop. You'll always remember the Year of the Girl with patches, pins, stationary and other items from this gift selection. Wrap up celebrating the 100th year with memorable keepsakes including the official pin, jewelry, collector patches and T-shirts. See all the new items in the fall catalog on our website. St. Louis GS Shop Mon. & Fri. - 9 am-4:30 pm Tues.-Thurs. - 9 am-6:30 pm Closed Monday, Sept. 17
Select Saturday Hours - Open 10 am-2 pm
September 15, October 13, November 10, December 8 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. |
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All Ages
 International Girls Day
Nov. 17, 10 am-3 pm @ St. Louis University
$14 per girl includes lunch, tote bag and T-shirt
Submit: Individual Program Application on page 67 of Lead & Learn, postmarked by Oct. 19
Come participate in a day of exploring healthy habits that will include crafts, workshops and a key note speaker. This event is being offered in collaboration with the Kappa Delta Sorority.
The first 300 registrants will be accepted to attend.
Contact Nancy Riemann, 314.592.2331, nriemann@girlscoustem.org |
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 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey present Dragons, coming to Scottrade Center on Oct. 11-14. Girl Scouts can purchase $11 tickets for the performance on Friday, Oct. 12 at 7 pm.
For more information, email mchaplin@stlblues.com or call 314.589.5968. |
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 My Promise, My Faith Pin
Everything in Girl Scouting is based on the Girl Scout Promise and Law and includes many of the principles and values common to most faiths. Girls of all grade levels can earn the My Promise, My Faith pin developed by Girl Scouts of the USA. This pin, which girls can earn once a year, complements existing religious recognitions and allows all girls to further strengthen the connection between their faith and Girl Scouts. A girl earns the My Promise, My Faith pin by carefully examining the Girl Scout Law and directly tying it to her faith. Requirements for the pin are included in The Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting for all levels. |
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 Religious Recognitions
Religious recognitions were developed by individual religious organizations/groups to encourage the spritiual growth of their youth members and reinforce many of the values integral to Girl Scouting. While My Promise, My Faith helps girls connect Girl Scouting with their faith, the religious recognitions programs help girls grow stronger in and learn more specifically about their faith. A girl works with her family and religious leaders to complete requirements for these recognitions. Girl Scouts does not endorse any specific religion; it does foster and support an inclusive environment in which girls develop respect for people of all faiths.
Visit www.interfaithcalendar.org to view interfaith calendars to help you work with girls to avoid scheduling Girl Scout activities that conflict with religious holidays.
Contacts:
GSEM - Lucretia Penn, 314.592.2337, lpenn@girlscoutsem.org
Catholic Committee - Ann Lederman, 314.792.7608, annlederman@archstl.org
Christian (Protestant) Committee - Deb Hazelwood, 314.849.4235, debh@praypub.org |
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 Girl Scout Night at Busch Stadium
For our 100th anniversary year, we get a BONUS Girl Scout Night at Busch Stadium on Tuesday, September 18 at 7:15 pm. Root on our own Donna Martin, CEO of GSEM, who will be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Tickets are $15 each.
Visit www.cardinals.com/girlscouts to order your tickets today. |
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Grades K-8
 Pedal the Cause
Girl Scouts ages 5-13 are invited to sign up for the 2nd annual Kids Challenge at Soldiers Memorial on October 6-7. The 1-mile looped course is on a closed course. A $25 fee covers T-shirt, water bottle and refueling station support.
Participation in the Kids Challenge will help Girl Scouts become physically active and can help them earn some requirements of their Journey. Below is a list of Journeys by age.
Girl Scout Daisy - It's Your Planet-Love It! Between Earth and Sky
- Session 8 When the Flowers Meet the Trees
- Add an Energy Balance Focus from the Between Earth and Sky with
Healthy Habits Energy Balance booklet
Girl Scout Brownie - It's Your Planet-Love It! Wonders of Water
- Session 3 Water for All
- Add an Energy Balance Focus from the WOW with Healthy Habits Energy
Balance booklet
Girl Scout Junior - It's Your Planet-Love It! Get Moving
- Session 8 Moving in New Directions
- Add an Energy Balance Focus from the Get Moving! with Healthy Habits
Energy Balance booklet
Girl Scout Cadette - It's Your Planet-Love It! Breathe
-Session 3 What's in the Air?
For questions and to register, visit www.pedalthecause.org.
Please note: Girl Scouts does not permit fundraising for other organizations. |
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Grades 2-3
 "Family of God" Catholic Faith-Building Program
Family of God, first offered in 1981, is the official religious recognition program of the Roman Catholic Church. It is an activity series developed to complement the catechetical efforts of the parish and families.
Girls in grades 2-3 who are enrolled in the Girl Scouts of the USA can earn this religious award.
In the Family of God program, parents and guardians play a large role in assisting girls in completing activities and that can take up to three or four months if done within an organizational setting. The program includes a guide for adults. Medals are presented each year at your local parish service.
The program helps girls discover the presence of God in their daily lives as members of their family and parish and understand that they are special in their family's eyes and most importantly in God's eyes.
The chapters include:
- I am Special to my Family
- I am Special to God's Family
- I Belong to my Family
- I Belong to God's Family
- I Can Help my Family
- I Can Help God's Family
For more information on Catholic Girl Scout awards, contact the Office of Catholic Scouting at www.catholicscoutingstl.org or call 314.792.7608 or 314.792.7613. |
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Grades 4-12
 Rural Programs
Check out Lead & Learn for more information and how to register for these fun upcoming programs. Deadlines are approaching soon.
Oct. 6 - Girl U (S, A)
Truman State University, Kirksville
Oct. 6 - College Prep 101 (C)
Truman State University, Kirksville
Oct. 15 - Zumba (J, C, S, A)
The Studio, Sullivan
Questions? Contact Jessica Upchurch, Rural Program Manager, 314.592.2359, jupchurch@girlscoutsem.org. |
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Grades 6-12
 Best of Missouri Market
Discover how you and your troop can make a difference for young children at the Missouri Botanical Garden's Best of Missouri Market this fall. Connect with happy children, pumpkins and paint. Take action by signing up to volunteer on Oct. 6 or 7 for an opportunity to give service that is fun!
Over 100 Missouri food producers and craftsmen offer fresh produce, baked goods, fresh and dried flowers, herbs, handcrafted items, baskets, wooden toys, custom jewelry and more at the 17th Annual Best of Missouri Market. There will also be live music and a Kids Corner with cow milking, pumpkin decorating and barnyard animals. Girl Scouts will help in the Kids Corner with crafts, games and demonstrations. Training is provided each day, and girls and adults can visit the displays before or after volunteering.
Contact Kathy White, 314.592.2389, kwhite@girlscoutsem.org by Sept. 26. |
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 destinations Open House
October 1, 6 pm @ GSEM Service Center
If you have a desire to travel and you are 11 years old or older, don't miss the destinations open house. Girls will enjoy an ice cream social while previous destinations attendees share their experiences. |
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Grades 8-12
 2012 Science, Engineering and Technology (S.E.T) Awards Video Contest
If you could create a TV show about science, engineering or technology in your daily life, what would it be? Open to all legal US residents ages 13 and older, this contest requires submission of a video that entertains and pitches your idea. You could win a trip to the S.E.T Awards in Los Angeles plus a guidance meeting with a writer/producer/executive.
Visit http://setcontest.votridea.com/contests/eic-contest for details. Entry deadline is Oct. 1. |
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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 more than 58,000 girls annually is only possible through the help of people like you. Please consider devoting a little bit of your time to help us make the world a safer place.
There is a unique opportunity to take the First Aid Instructors course with the American Red Cross. A class will take place on October 16, 23 and 30 from 6-10 pm at the GSEM Service Center. This class will be available for only $50. In order to participate, you must hold a current CPR and First Aid Certification. This class will be limited to only 8 participants.
This is only available to volunteers interested in training CPR/FA classes for GSEM. To train for GSEM, you are required to schedule two courses per year for two years and have the ability to schedule 9 months in advance to meet print deadlines. If you are interested, please submit a registation form found in Lead & Learn as soon as possible. The course number is CF.600 and registration will be handled on a first come, first served basis.
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Attention All Daisy Troop Leaders
 Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri (GSEM) is embarking on a long term research project designed to measure the outcomes of Girl Scouting for girls over several years.
We are inviting parents to enroll their Girl Scout Daisies in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You are asked to provide the following information to the parents of girls in your troop. If the Girl Scouts in your troop registered last year, they do not have to re-register for the project.
Dear Parent, Guardian,
Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri (GSEM) and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) invite your daughter to be a Girl Scout Voice and to share her experiences about Girl Scouting through a brand new research project. GSEM is embarking on a long-term study of the benefits of Girl Scouting and we'd like to have your daughter participate.
The purpose of this project is to understand what your daughter is doing and learning through Girl Scouts and to identify how she benefits over the long term. By completing these online surveys, your daughter will help us tell the story of the Girl Scout experience for all girls.
- Please note that your daughter's information on these surveys is secure and confidential. Your daughter will not receive any sales or marketing contact as a result of her participation, and Council staff and volunteers will not be able to see her individual responses to questions. We will see the information compiled across all girls who take the surveys. Information on the Girl Scout data policy may be found at www.girlscouts.org/research/data_use_policy.asp.
- There will be incentives for Girl Scouts as they complete the surveys.
Once your daughter is registered, she will receive invitations to participate in online surveys later this winter as well as in future years. She may accept or refuse to participate in these surveys as she wishes.
If you have questions about this project, please contact Kathy White, Director, Research and Evaluation, 314.592.2389, kwhite@girlscoutsem.org. |
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Come Ride a Horse with Us
The Saddles & Spurs program at Camp Cedarledge is for troops who want to learn more about horses and take a trail ride. Our horse programs are for Girl Scout Daisies through Ambassadors.
- Pony Tales (D, B): Come join us for a one-hour introductory program at the Equestrian Center where girls will take a pony ride, play games and groom a horse - Hoofprints (J, C, S, A): Girls will love this 90-minute horse program where they'll learn how to safely stop, start and steer a horse and then participate in a 45 minute trail ride - Saddle Scout Patch Program (J, C, S, A): Learn about the world of horses, participate in a trail ride and earn a special Camp Cedarledge horse patch - Golden Horseshoes (J, C, S, A): An extended ride of 1.5 hours for experienced girls - Troop Ride and Cookout: Take a ride through and enjoy a cookout meal afterwards (Oct. 6, 13, 20)
Dates: Oct. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21
To register, fill out and mail the registration form in Lead & Learn.
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Advanced Outdoor Adventure Course
If your Girl Scout has already participated in the OAC program and is still begging for more climbing and fun, space is still available at the Advanced Outdoor Adventure Course weekend. Weekend supervision is included. To participate, girls must have previously earned the Outdoor Adventure Course patch. Register by mail with the Individual Program Application found in Lead & Learn. Dates: October 19-21 Cost: $45 per girl |
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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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