January 8, 2016
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GSSI new year pic w our girls
Upcoming Girl / Troop / Family Events
2016 marks 100 years of Girl Scouting's Highest Award! Celebrate with GSSI!
GSSI will honor all past recipients of Girl Scouting's Highest Award and current awardees at a gala event, Tuesday, April 26, at the University of Evansville. Details are forthcoming, but mark your calendar now for April 26! If you are a past Highest Award recipient or know of anyone who is, please contact Pat Bateman, 812-421-4970; or [email protected]

Highest Award Training 
When: Sunday, January 31, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
For: 4th-12th grade girls interested in learning more about the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
Where: Holiday Inn, 7101 US Hwy 41, Evansville
What: Girls will have the opportunity to listen to past award recipients speak, ask council staff questions, learn what it takes to earn these awards, and leave the training with a project in mind! 2016 is the 100th Anniversary of the Gold Award! Earn the highest award at your level of Girl Scouting during this special year! Snack will be provided, but girls should eat lunch before the training. After the training, parents can stay with their girls, if they would like to swim.
Questions: Program Department, [email protected]

Deadline 
to submit final reports is March 1 for this year's Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. 
Please have your final reports turned in by March 1 to be recognized at a special awards banquet on April 26.This year's Highest Award Banquet includes a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Gold Award. (See the following post for details.)

Save the Date for the Highest Award Banquet
Highest Award Banquet, Tuesday, April 26 
University of Evansville
Dinner 6 p.m., Ceremony 7 p.m. 
Invitations to follow in March. This event will recognize current Bronze, Silver, and Gold recipients 500+ cookie sellers, and past recipients of the Gold Award, with emphasis on the 100th anniversary of the Gold Award. Anyone is invited to attend. Registration information available in March. Questions? Contact GSSI's Program Department:  [email protected]

The Harlem Globtrotters are coming to town! 
Discounted tickets available for Girl Scouts, plus a special patch! 
Questions: Contact Kristine Slizewski 602-707-7011, [email protected] 

Call to Action: 
World Thinking Day Event: Sunday, February 21
Girl Scout troops (Junior-Ambassador) are invited to host a station at the World Thinking Day event, Sunday, February 21 at USI! Troops can sign up for a country that has Girl Scouts or Guides, and then host a booth for that country with information to share with other troops. Troops should also make SWAPS (approx. 300), and can have food, a game or activity, or whatever they'd like to share with others!
Interested in hosting a booth?--email or call Gretchen Helm [email protected] or call 812-421-4970 ext. 331

Save the date!
GSSI's travel group is hosting a dress donation drive to raise money for girls going to Costa Rica for a service project!
Saturday, February 6, 8a.m.- 1 p.m.

Save the dates for summer at Camp Koch!
Good Turn Weekend (clean up weekend), either May 21-22 or June 4-5
Troop Camp weekend - June 11-12
Brownie Magic: (girls entering grades 2-4) 2 nights
Session 1: Sunday, June 26-Tuesday, June 28
Session 2: Wednesday,June 29 - Friday, July 1
Camp Sampler I: (girls entering grades 4-6) 2 nights
            Sunday, June 26-Tuesday, June 28
Camp Sampler II: (girls entering grades 2-5) 2 nights
            Wednesday, July 6 - Friday July 8
Adventure Seekers: (girls entering grades 4-7): 5 nights
Session 1: Sunday, June 26 - Friday, July 1
Session 2: Sunday, July 3 - Friday, July 8
Camp Koch Challenge:(girls entering grades 6-8) 5 nights
            Sunday, July 3 - Friday, July 8
Koch Adventure Team: (girls entering grades 8-10) 9 nights
            Wednesday, June 29 - Friday, July 8
DA, BR, JR Adventure Day: - Saturday, July 16

Volunteer Resources

Interested in On the Go training?
On the Go certification is required before planning and holding an overnight activity with Girl Scouts.  Indicate your interest here.

Pat on the Back
GSSI has so many great volunteers and staff who are generous with their time and talent! A big thank you goes to:

All of the girls who will participate in the 2016 Cookie Program and the volunteers and families supporting them! (from Melissa Rynkiewich and the rest of the GSSI staff)

Reggie Mahoney, ABC Interbake Representative, for assisting Product Sales Manager Melissa Rynkiewich in delivering multiple sessions of SNAP training in Jasper and Evansville. Thanks also to the leaders and other cookie volunteers who attended the training--and who will guide girls through valuable financial literacy experiences during this year's Cookie Program! (from Melissa Rynkiewich)


Would you like to give a "Pat-on-the-Back" to a special person who went that extra mile or
stepped in to help without being asked? Send an email to Margaret with the name of the volunteer or staff member and how she/he helped out.
Cookie Program Updates

Cookies 101
Don't forget to review the Cookies 101 Troop Plan Book frequently for hints, deadlines, and information on this year's program.

Upcoming Deadlines:

Opt-out for Teen Troops
 Opt out forms must be submitted to the council office by Jan 16.

Initial Orders 
Girls' orders due to troops no later than January 20.
Troop orders due to SU no later than January 25.
SU orders due to GSSI no later than January 28.


Visit the Web site "Cookies" tab for updated resources and information!  
Katie's Korner Retail Shop

Yankee Candle Girl Scout Cookies Candles are now available at Katie's Korner!

Katie's Corner Council Shop
223 NW 2nd St. Evansville
812.421.4970 or 800.757.9348


Shop hours:  Monday-Thursday, 9:00am to 5:30pm, Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Shop online or contact [email protected] if you have any questions.  

On my honor, 
I will try to serve God and my country, to help others at all times, 
and to live by the  Girl Scout Law.
Girl Scouts of SW Indiana | 812.421.4970 | www.girlscouts-gssi.org