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FROM THE CEO: Gina M. Jaeger Happy holidays to all of our volunteers, staff and members! The holiday season has quickly approached, and I don't know about you, but I have lots to do to get ready!
We have a lot of activity going on in the council, and I have some great news to share with you. As we enter into the 2014 membership year, we are showing an increase in girl members in comparison to the same time last year! Although our council was not one of the five councils in growth to win the $5,000 from GSUSA, we did come close. Thanks to all of you who have been so helpful in getting our membership renewals done in a timely manner, and recruiting new members to the Movement!
More good news is that our Fall Product Sale has been outstanding. Because of all your hard work and dedication, you have increased sales over last year by over 7%! I believe this is a good indication on how you will do with the Cookie Program, as well.
As you know, the Ventura office relocation will happen in December. As a result, the day(s) and operating hours the retail shop will be open will be affected during the actual move date. Please check our website where the most current relocation information will be posted when the time comes. During this period, we will do the very best we can to accommodate your purchases through appointments or via fulfilling your order from the Castroville shop so that you don't miss any stocking stuffers! Be sure to see the shop article below. Note that all council offices and shops will be closed December 25, 2013 - January 1, 2014 for the holidays.
This is a time to be grateful for the many blessings in our lives. This past month, I have attended a Leaderama at Camp Arnaz, and the Service Unit Cookie Program training in Ventura, and I see first hand the dedication and commitment of our volunteers. I am grateful that you have chosen to make a positive difference in the lives of girls in our council. I am also grateful for the support of our volunteer Board of Directors, and the council staff for their dedication in supporting you to bring the Girl Scout program to our members.
Have a wonderful Holiday Season!
Gina Jaeger
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 VENTURA OFFICE RELOCATION Preparations are in full-swing for the move to 1500 Palma later in the month. The new office space will provide a larger first-floor retail shop environment full of natural light and convenient parking. And, the building amenities will allow for conferencing and trainings. Stay tuned for the grand opening event - because we can't wait to... share and dedicate the new office to Girl Scouting!
While we will strive to minimize, there will likely be some disruption accessing the Ventura office and shop during the relocation of furniture, merchandise, phones and computers. Ventura office phone numbers will not change as a result of the move. Staff throughout the council including the Castroville office and shop will be available to provide support. Information will be provided once we receive the move-date.
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VOLUNTEERS
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for PROGRAM ADVISORY TEAMS Interested in joining a fun group of fellow volunteers, who love girl-led, engaging, fun and local program activities? Please consider serving on a regional Program Advisory Team. Parents, leaders, and older girls are invited to join. Meetings will be held alternately in person and via conference call once a month.Please send your interest to programs@girlscoutsccc.org.
"DON'T WORRY. THERE'S NOTHING TO BE AFRAID OF."- HELPING GIRLS FIGHT OFF FEARS From bug anxiety to fear of the dark, some of girls' worries and how you can help stem them. "One of the most important things when you're dealing with someone who has a fear, whether it's rational or not, is to listen carefully to what they're really afraid of," says psychologist Jerilyn Ross.
DID YOU KNOW? That Girl Scouts who complete all three journey books in a grade level can earn a summit award? The Journey Summit Award Pin is earned by girls Daisy- Ambassador who have completed all three National Leadership Journeys at their grade level. The colored border around each pin corresponds to their grade level. More information on the awards can be found on the Girl Scout website
MY PROMISE, MY FAITH - The holidays are here and this is a great time to participate in My Promise, My Faith. Girls can participate every every year they are in Girl Scouts and receive a pin for every year they participate. You can get more information about this in your Girl Guide to Girl Scouting. Several religions have partnerships and/or shared religious awards with Girl Scouts, i.e. Catholic, United Methodist, African Methodist Episcopal, Jewish, Baha'I, etc. Check out the GSUSA website for more information.
Questions? Contact Camille cjaque@girlscoutsccc.org
JOIN THE DAISY CHAIN New Daisy leaders will receive a starter packet with easy instructions for the first four meetings. Ask Membership Managers or Service Unit Managers about the starter kit. When the packet is completed, new Daisy Troops will receive one Journey book of their choice.
BROWNIE CIRCLE New Brownie leaders now have a started packet too! Just what the Brownie Elf ordered to be able to join the mix of Girl Scouts. Also, check out Quick Start on the GSUSA website for more ideas for new Daisy, Brownie and Junior troops.
Questions? Contact Camille cjaque@girlscoutsccc.org
ATTEND LEADERAMA NORTH! January 25, 2014 Develop and expand your volunteer toolkit. Sessions vary in topic from exploring Journeys to learning Girl Scout crafts and traditions. Network with peers and share best practices. Leaderama is open to all registered Girl Scout troop leaders and co-leaders. Register to attend at www.girlscoutsccc.org/events.
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 DAISIES & BROWNIES
GOLDIEBLOX™ KITS AVAILABLE JAN 2014 NEW GOLDIEBLOX™ DIY KITS AVAILABLE IN THE NEW YEAR! These kits will inspire the next generation of female engineers. Construction toys help girls develop spatial skills and get them interested in math and science. Check the GSCC website, DIY KIT section for more info coming soon! . Watch this great video of what this tool and girls can do. Check out the GOLDIEBLOX commercial here.
LAST CALL for "I CAN BE"™ ACTIVITY PACKETS! BarbieŽ and Girl Scouts of the USA announced a unique partnership to create the BarbieŽ "Be Anything, Do E verything" patch. The participation patch is designed to inspire the next generation of female leaders, encouraging girls to explore endlesscareer possibilities through exciting new program activities.
Activity Packets (including booklets and patches) are available in limited quantities and while supplies last through the council Program department. Packets are available in English and in Spanish. Interested Troop Leaders should submit a request including: Troop Leader Name, Troop number, mailing address, choice of English or Spanish language packets and number of girls in the troop to: programs@girlscoutsccc.org.
Packets will be assembled and ready for pick in the Ventura, Santa Maria and Castroville offices. Packets can delivered to area SU Meetings for troops that are remote from an office. While supplies last!
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JUNIORS, CADETTES, SENIORS AND AMABASSADORS
ROSE PARADE FLOAT DECORATING J/C/S/A Girls interested in decorating a Girl Scout float for the next Tournament of Roses Parade, can read all the information and view the available dates at www.gsfloatdecorators.com
GOLD AWARD WORKSHOP- THOUSAND OAKS 2:30 PM SUN. DECEMBER 8, 2013 C/S/A This information meeting for 8th grade Cadettes and above, will highlight the requirements for earning the award, submission deadlines, ideas and tips for planning a successful project, NEW Gold Award application process and more. Attending this meeting is the absolute best way to get ready to Go for the Gold! Register today!
SAVANNAH TOUR - SUMMER 2014 C/S/A 6th grade Cadettes and above are invited to join the fun on an amazing journey! Experience the southern charm and architecture of Savannah, visit cool historical sites, First Girl Scout Headquarters and participate in the programs at Juliette Low's Birthplace. Girls will make new friends and lifelong memories! Visit the GSCCC Travel page for more information.
SAVANNAH 2014 INFO CALL: Conference Call: Tuesday, December 10, 2013 8:00 pm Email programs@girlscoutsccc.org for teleconference dial-in information.
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ALL PROGRAM AGE LEVELS
January 2014 Program event highlights! The calendar is always evolving and being updated throughout the year with new and exciting program opportunities including:
- Cookie University 1/4/14 Salinas
- Cookie University 1/4/14 San Luis Obispo
- Cookie University 1/4/14 Santa Barbara
- Cookie University 1/4/14 Thousand Oaks
Register and view all council program offerings @ www.girlscoutsccc.org/events.
Difficulty registering? Contact Kim: kimccalister@girlscoutsccc.org
ON YOUR WAY TO EARN THE LEGACY ARTIST BADGE ...The Coastal Art & Poetry Contest is open to all grade levels and is a chance for Girl Scouts to explore co astal themes and present them creatively. C heck out the flyer for more information: Coastal Art & Poetry Contest .Entries must be postmarked by January 31, 2014!
NATIONAL WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA REMEMBRANCE DAY - DECEMBER 14, 2013 Volunteers and Veterans from across the country lay wreaths on the graves of fallen soldiers. Ceremony begins at 9:00am at the following  cemeteries: Nordhoff Cemetery, Del Norte and Cuyama Rds, Ojai, on-site contact Denis Doucette; Conejo Mtn Memorial, 2052 Howard Rd, Camarillo, on-site contact Jim Carpenter; Assumption Cemetery, 1380 Fitzgerald Rd, Simi Valley, on-site contact Bob Pratt. Brief ceremony is conducted prior to wreath laying. Components of Citizen Legacy badge can be satisfied by participating.
"FOR THE TROOPS" LETTER WRITING For the Troops includes a child's letter in every "We Care" package delivered to servicemen and women overseas. Troops at all grade levels can participate in or organize an ongoing letter writing campaign. Click here for more information and guidelines.
FOREVER GREEN 2013 ACTIVITY GUIDE AND FREE PATCH PROGRAM! Join Girl Scouts across the council to make the world a better place! Activities focus on savi  ng energy, conserving water and reducing plastics in the environment. It's easy to participate: individually, as a troop, or with a group. Download the Forever Green Activity Guide for 2013, complete three or more activities, register the activity with GSUSA and complete the patch order form online and pick up your free patch in one of the council shops. Questions? Contact: programs@girlscoutsccc.org
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ARNAZ PROGRAM CENTER
EVENTS & PROGRAMS
- First Aid/CPR Certification at Arnaz: January 11 and February 22
- It's Your Story Tell It, Brownie Scrapbooking Workshop: Friday - January 17 5-8PM
VISIT ARNAZ PROGRAM CENTER and check out the improvements!
- Pippin and Rome Cabins: Now have Showers!
- Lodge Activity Room: Has been transformed into Teen Mentoring & Training Center
- Improved Garden: Native plants and herbs added. Troops can help with upkeep and planting.
- Archery Range: New location and improved targets
Come stay in one of the cabins and use the newly installed showers. The cabins provide a cozy location for troop or family outings. The winter season is made more special with a campfire. Plan the next tent, yurt or cabin camping trip today! Make reservations: camparnaz@girlscoutsccc.org
Arnaz Overnight Rate:
- Rome Cabin - $65.00
- Pippin Cabin - $50.00
- Yurts - $35.00
- Camp Sites - $20.00 -$35.00
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PRODUCT SALES
NUTS & MAGAZINES: December 4 Final Payment due to council will be withdrawn from troop accounts.
VERIFY TROOP ROSTERS IN PREPARATION FOR COOKIE SALES Is your troop roster current and correct? If not, please contact Kim McCalister: kmccalister@girlscoutsccc.org.
COOKIES Cookie University will be held January 4, 2014. Registration is open for all four Cookie University locations: Castroville, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Thousand Oaks. Registration is limited. Register here and select the Cookie University of your choice.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR COOKIE U's Council will provide a shirt, lunch and a BIG Thank you!! Troops or older Girl Scouts that would like to volunteer, please email dstilwell@girlscoutsccc.org. Make sure to include: Troop number, name, number of girls and adults volunteering; and the location of the Cookie U at which you would like to volunteer.
COOKIE SALE DATES!
January 11-26 -Initial Order taking
February 7-10 - Troop Cookie Pick-Up
February 14- March 16 - Cookie Boothing
March 16 - Last Day of Cookie Sale
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SHOP TIL YOU DROP
SATURDAY SHOP HOURS: December 7, 11 am-3 pm
HOLIDAY CLOSURES Council shops will be closed December 25, 2013 through January 1, 2014. Any email, fax or phone orders received after 12 pm on December 24 will be processed January 2.
HOLIDAY PURCHASES: To insure delivery before Christmas, please place your Girl Scout shop orders by Friday, December 6.
WE'RE MOVING! the Ventura council offices and shop are relocating this month, the Ventura shop may be closed additional days to accommodate the physical move. Actual shop closure dates will appear on the website and on Facebook. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. Please note that our Castroville shop and our website will be open for business as usual during the Ventura move, please contact the Castroville shop at 800-822-2427 x9782 if you need assistance.
IT"S ALMOST COOKIE TIME
- This year the council shop is offering a limited edition Cookie Booth-in-a -Bag. More information here...
- Mobile Girl Scout Shop coming to Cookie University events on January 4, 2014. Pre-order form opportunity on select cookie related items available here. Pre-orders are due to Rebecca Jones by December 6, 2013. Items will be available for pick-up at the mobile shop.
No time to visit our shops? Everything can be found on the council online shop Look for GSCCC council's own items to be available through the website soon.
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TROOP BANKING The Girl Scouts of California's Central Coast Board of Directors has approved Troop Banking with Bank of Montecito and US Bank. Both banks have service-free checking accounts for non-profits. Details will be posted on the Banking portion of the Volunteer website as soon as they are available.
Also note that Union Bank has electronically generated notices to many of its customers in notification of a $20 monthly service fee on their checking accounts. Girl Scouts of California's Central Coast has received this notice for Troop Accounts open at Union Bank. Our banking representative has reported to us that there will be no change to non-profit accounts, therefore the $20 monthly service fee will not be charged on Girl Scout Troop Accounts. Should you see a fee or have any questions, do not hesitate to contact Nancy ntillie@girlscoutsccc.org.
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ALL COUNCIL HOLIDAY CLOSURES
- Council All-Staff Meeting: December 16 (Castroville & Central Offices also closed December 17)
- Holiday: December 25-January 1; Council will re-open January 2
Note: The Ventura office may experience additional closure date(s) in December due to the impending office relocation. A notice will be sent as soon as information is available.
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GSUSA BLOG NEWS Not only has Nestlé Crunch announced that its Girl Scout themed candy bars have been named the 2013 Product of the Year (POY) in the candy category by Product of the Year USA...read about more recent partnerships GSUSA has joined or developed to support girls!
Dove
Dell
Nestle
Alcoa Foundation
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