We wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season! Thank you for all you do help girls build their leadership skills!! We hope you will get a little rest  before we begin a very exciting 2014! Just a few date reminders:

-This will be our last S'MORE of 2013 - our next issue will be delivered the week of January 6, 2014.

-Join us on Saturday, December 14 from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm at the GSKSMO Shop for last minute holiday shopping for your special GS. Lots of gift items on sale and of course hot apple cider and cookies. If you haven't picked up your on-time t-shirts, great time to come do that as well.

-We need more Council Trainers and we know there are so many amazing individuals out there who could be incredible trainers / mentors for other volunteers. Join us for our KC Trainer Meet & Greet from 9:30 am - 12:00 noon on Saturday, December 14 at Cabela's. Please RSVP by Wednesday, December 11 to prdept@gsksmo.org (include your full name and city / state you reside) (see below for other Meet & Greets coming to Topeka and St. Joseph in January).

-GS Offices and Shop will be closed beginning Tuesday, December 24 and will reopen on Thursday, January 2, 2014. We know some of you will have activities over the break. If you encounter an immediate need or emergency, you can always reach us on our emergency line: (816) 358-8750, dial 9.

-The official start date for the Cookie Program (beyond family and very close friends) is Wednesday, January 1. A parent email all about cookies will drop early that morning.

-Don't forget to send in your Adult Recognition nominations due by 5:00 pm on Friday, January 10. Click here for more details and forms.

How does your troop prepare for the Cookie Program?

Send your story to prdept@gsksmo.org by Monday, January 6. The selected troop will be featured in the January 10 S'MORE and the leader will receive a $20 GSKSMO Shop certificate.

We are launching a new, stream-lined Volunteer Application and Background Check solution at 5:00 PM on Monday, December 9.

Based on overwhelming feedback on the current system, we have spent the last several months developing  a new online application that will only require adults to enter their information ONCE throughout the entire process!!  In the New Year, we will also be working on our volunteer on-boarding process and finding ways to make this process more efficient. We will keep you updated on this work especially as we look toward the kick off of the 2014-15 membership year.

We so appreciate your feedback! Keep it coming and let us know how we can continue to support you!

Spring programs at camp open for registration on Monday, December 9. Challenge activities and STEM programs at our properties are listed on our interactive calendar, register your troop for an outdoor activity this spring!  

There is still time to attend a Cookie Training and you can attend from the comfort of your own home! On December 12 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm, we will host a webinar. You need to reserve your spot by clicking here. (Remember, at least one adult from every troop needs to attend training - Troop Leader or Cookie Manager).

 Individually Registered Girl (IRG) Training Meetings in Topeka and St. Joseph have been cancelled due to low registration. We want all of our IRGs to participate in the Cookie Program, and we will support you on a one-on-one basis. Just email us at cookies@gsksmo.org and we will walk you through all the easy steps to participation!

Spend a fun and informative morning with our Council Train the Trainer Team!

Meet the Training team and get up to speed on:

• The role of the Council Trainer
• What it takes to become a Council Trainer
• Council Training needs and subject matters

Because of your hard work in getting girls and families excited and facilitating such a great program experience, we had exceptional results with this year's program!

We do know there is always room to improve and hope you would be willing to give us your feedback and send the girl and parent survey links on to your families. Surveys will be available until December 31.

Thanks in advance for participating!

Troop Survey                  Girl Survey                       Parent Survey 

Your support is helping us move income from private philanthropy from 10% to 30%. Thanks to leaders and volunteers like you who guide girls through Girl Scouts, we have dedicated alumnae who are ready to give back.

Now a college Freshman, Sarah Kruger earned her Gold Award last year and agreed to help us raise funds this fall. Sarah shared her Girl Scout story and helped us write a letter asking people to donate to support building girl leaders. 

To learn more about Sarah's initiative, contact Mary Pat Beals at (816) 759-3045 or marypatbeals@gsksmo.org. Thank you! 

January 19

SHREK! The Musical at The Barn Players

All Ages and Families

Mission, Kansas

January 31

Girl Scout Night with the Missouri Mavericks

All Ages

Independence, Missouri

You Schedule It!

Johnson County Museum

All Ages

Shawnee, Kansas

You Schedule It!

Topeka Civic Theatre

Juniors

Topeka, Kansas

Even more events can be found on the interactive calendar