Dear Green Grapevine-

What is the meaning of the Girl Scout sign and how and when  should you make it?  

Thanks -

Trudy Ages

The idea of the sign came from the days of chivalry, when armed knights greeted friendly knights by raising the right hand, palm open, as a sign of friendship. To give the sign, raise the three middle fingers of the right hand palm forward and shoulder high (the three extended fingers represent the three parts of the Girl Scout Promise). Girls give the sign when they:

• Say the Promise or Law.
• Are welcomed into Girl Scouts at an investiture ceremony that welcomes new members.
• Receive an award, patch, pin, or other recognition.
• Greet other Girl Scouts and Girl Guides.

Girl Scouts can greet each other with the Girl Scout handshake, used by Girl Scouts and Girl Guides all over the world. The handshake is made by shaking hands with the left hand and making the Girl Scout sign with the right. The left hand is nearest to the heart and signifies friendship.

By the way... Another really popular sign used by Troop Leaders is the Quiet Sign. Raise your right hand high with an open palm. As girls in the group see the sign, they stop talking and also raise their hands. Once everyone is silent, the meeting can begin.

To learn more about Girl Scout traditions click here: http://www.girlscouts.org/program/basics/traditions/

President's Volunteer Service Award

The President's Volunteer Service Award program was created in 2003 as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service.  

Recognizing and honoring volunteers sets a standard for service, encourages a sustained commitment to civic participation and inspires other to make service a central part of their lives.

Congratulations to the following Members and Troops who have earned their 2013 President's Volunteer Service Award. Click here to view a list of Awardees.    

For more information on the President's Volunteer Service Award, click here. 

HONOR A VOLUNTEER!  

Nomination period: Ends March 15, 2014

Each year we ask our membership to nominate amazing volunteers who have gone above and beyond for our girls. We're excited to announce that this year the Adult Recognition Committee and Council staff have created a new online system for submitting nominations. This system will make it easier to nominate more volunteers than ever before. Not tech savvy? That's ok; we'll have the traditional packet available as well.

Summer Camp is here!  And it's the best ever! We have more for  girls of every grade-level in 1, 2, 3 and 7 day sessions. Plus - we are introducing Day Camp with bus transportation.

Online registration is easy and open now. Payment can be made with either a credit or debit card. Paper registrations are always accepted and can be found in the Summer Camp Brochure. Financial Assistance is available. If you have a question, email program@gssef.org.

Checkout the Summer Camp Brochure's special flippable page feature by clicking on image or here.

Visit our Summer Camp web page here for general information, camp forms and complete descriptions of all of our awesome camp sessions. Online registration links can be found on the page as well.     

Want to see photos from our Summer Camp 2013? Check them out here. 

Girl Scout Thanks-A-Lot Weekend event

Celebrate your troop accomplishments with a girls' getaway to  Nickelodeon Suites Resort! Grab your troop members and do-si-do to the Nickelodeon Suites Resort to enjoy sweet rewards during the 7th Annual Girl Scout Thanks-A-Lot Weekend event (select weekends April - June, 2014). 

Mall Madness Fun - Picture this!

Check-out all the fun photos from Mall Madness that was held on February 22 at the Coral Square Mall by clicking here.  

Troop 10717 Really Charged Up during a STEM Workshop  

At a recently held STEM workshop hosted by college students from Florida International University (FIU) and the Society of Women Engineers, Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts from Troop 10717 learned how to make their very own cell phone chargers to then take home. It was a true hands-on learning experience. And a great way to introduce technology to girls. 

More Programs     

Visit our Online Program Calendar here.