Are You Ready for a New Year?

Have you had a wonderful holiday so far? We hope you are enjoying lots of great family time with your Junior Girl Scout! It's hard to believe that in just a few short days we will begin another new year!!
 
As this season of gift giving comes and goes, we know our Girl Scouts are working hard to show their gratitude and looking at ways they can support others in the new year. We love this recent blog post from Girl Scouts of the USA giving four easy ways to raise a grateful girl.

We can't wait for all that is to come in 2016! Of course, you will be hearing about the start of the  Cookie Program on January 1st, Thinking Day events in your service unit and a big celebration for the 100th Anniversary of our Highest Awards. We are celebrating with a council-wide day of service on March 12 and our Honors Ceremony on April 2. Please make plans to join us for our Inspire a Girl events!
 
There are so many great ways to get involved! Connect with your Girl Scout's troop leader and help her / him lead a program or chaperon an activity. Stay connected and share your troops' activities with us. Consider a year-end tax deductible gift that supports Girl Scouting across our council. Your support means so much!

And, we want to hear from you... What is your Girl Scout up to? Are you looking for something you can't find? We are here to help and definitely want to hear how we can enhance your experience! Your feedback is so valued - let us know!

It's Almost Cookie Time!!  

Cookie sales begin Jan. 1, 2016!  The Cookie Program is about so much more than delicious treats, it's an essential program that teaches girls The 5 Skills: Goal Setting, Decision Making, Money Management, People Skills and Business Ethics! 

These 5 skills are vital to growing a young woman with courage, confidence & character. Visit our website to learn more about the Program and the 5 Skills!

Holiday Hours  
 
All GSKSMO Girl Scout offices and shop will be closed beginning December 23 and will reopen on January 4! 

We wish you and yours a very Happy New Year!
 
The Girl Scout Shop is always open online, and we look forward to seeing you in person beginning on January 4.

#GirlScoutsGiveBack

At Girl Scouts, we love the holiday season because it's all about giving. With so many troops giving back this time of year, we would love for you to see all the great ways #GirlScoutsGiveBack! Check out this story about  Junior Troop 40 and Daisy Troop 2022 from Raytown who spent the day creating holiday cheer with the residents of Hidden Valley Nursing Home. These two troops sang songs and made crafts with the residents! Way to give back, Girl Scouts!

You can see more #GirlScoutsGiveBack stories by checking out our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and BLOG!
Preparing for the Winter
American Red Cross's Pillowcase Project

Winter weather can be dangerous if you're not prepared. Community Partner American Red Cross is making sure Girl Scouts know what to do if bad weather hits with a great project for grades 3-5. The Pillowcase Project teaches Girl Scouts how to pack essential items in a common pillowcase in a severe weather situation. This prep course helps girls identify signs of severe weather and stay safe. 

Junior Girl Scout troops 292, 906 & 2018 from Olathe, Kan. recently participated in The Pillowcase Project and even got to decorate their own pillowcases! What a great way to educate girls about how to stay safe in winter weather. Learn more about the event here!
Community Partner: 
Missouri Comets

Does your Junior Girl Scout LOVE sports? Go inside with Kansas City's professional indoor soccer team, the Missouri Comets for Girl Scout Day on Feb. 6! This event is great for all ages! Cheer on the comets as they play the Chicago Mustangs and receive a poster to be signed by the players following the game!

We have 100+ Community Partners serving Girl Scouts all over our region, many of which can be done by girls individually or with their family! We encourage you do these fun activities together!
Did You Know?
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is about more than sweet treats! 85% of girls surveyed about Cookie Program participation said they developed Money Management skills. This skill set includes developing budgets, taking cookie orders, and handling money.
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