The GSSA Weekly from Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama

August 14, 2014


 

Welcome to GSSA Weekly, the council's e-newsletter. 

 

At right, members of Troop 8645 walk dogs for Save-A-Stray before they (the dogs) begin their long trip to New York to find forever homes.

Very clever incorporation of puppy kisses into community service!

Click here or on the image to see a larger version
 

Want to see your Girl Scouts featured in GSSA Weekly?  E-mail the photo with event information to [email protected].

  
Camporee Book - Updated for 2014


Is your Service Unit planning a Camporee?

Use the latest version of the Camporee Book -- it tells you everything you need to know* about holding a Camporee.  

This  reference gives you safety guidelines, camp capacities, and handy checklists for putting on a fun, safe and approved camporee.

Speaking of Camporees, does your troop have a Certified Camper (needed to camp overnight)?  Click here to see our Certifications Calendar to find an upcoming training, whether it is for camping, canoeing, zip line or archery! 

*Except how to make armpit fudge.  You'll have to look that up.

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Quick Links
Give Us Your Input to Take to the National Convention!  
  

Girl Scouts of the USA is seeking input on the outdoor experience of Girl Scouting.  This will be one of many topics discussed at the upcoming GSUSA national convention.  We would like to take your input with us on this important topic.  Here are the questions:    

What should our promise to girls be regarding outdoor experiences in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience?

What can Girl Scouts (local and national) do to support and encourage volunteers and girls to incorporate outdoor experience into their regular troop activities?

Please send us your thoughts at [email protected] with the subject line Outdoor Experience.  Thank you for helping us shape the future of Girl Scouting!
 

School is Starting!
  

Where did the summer go?   For me, this summer has reflected the adage "time flies when you are having fun."   I don't know about you, but we had a good summer.   Almost all of the staff was able to spend at least one day at resident camp, seeing what the girls are doing and working with them directly.   Sometimes, when you are dealing with the business aspects of Girl Scouts, you need to find and take the time to get out and savor what we really do, work for and with girls.   I saw some great learning and fun this summer. It was a joy.

School begins for much of GSSA this week and into next.   It feels like summers are just getting shorter and shorter.   I hope you had a chance to enjoy your children during their time away from school and that they are looking forward to the school year.

Read more in our blog, The Virtual Volunteer.

Recruitment Events
  

Upcoming Recruitment Events 

Please share with family and friends who might be interested in Girl Scouting for their girls.


Elmore County - Thursday, Aug. 14


Mobile County - Thursday, Aug. 21 New Listing


 
Montgomery County - Saturday, Aug. 23


Mobile County - Thursday, Sept. 4  Time updated to 6-8 p.m.


Autauga County - Saturday, Sept. 6


 

New Programs & Updates
  

For your convenience, we now have a "Trainings/Certifications" calendar on our Volunteer Resources page -- this makes it easy to find upcoming certifications that will enable you to have more fun with your troop!
 

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Dauphin Island Sea Lab Mini-Destination 

He and Me Fishing Day at Camp Sid

 
 

Upcoming Deadlines 

Event

Location

Date

Deadline

Dauphin Island Sea Lab Mini Destination (5th grade Juniors, C S A)

Dauphin Island

10/3-5

8/18

Gold Award Take Action Training (S A)

Mobile

8/23

8/18

Zip Line Facilitator Certification (Volunteers)
 

Kamp Kiwanis

9/6

9/3

Basic Water Rescue/Small Craft Safety-Canoe Certification (age 14+)
LAST TRAINING THIS YEAR 

Kamp Kiwanis

9/6

contact instructor

Gold Award Take Action Training (S A)

Montgomery

9/13

9/8

Camping Adventures! (Vols and grade 2+ daughters)

Camp Scoutshire Woods 

9/27-28

9/18

Archery Certification (Vols and girls age 15+)

Camp Scoutshire Woods 

9/27

9/18

Alumnae Weekend (Alums and Adult members)

Camp Scoutshire Woods 

10/4

9/23

 

For a complete listing of our events, please visit our calendar. 

 

Other Opportunities

 

Because we want our girls to have many learning (and fun!) opportunities, we offer this additional calendar for programs that are not presented by our council. Some of these programs are presented by our volunteer Troops and Service Units, others are put on by groups in the communities we serve. Calendar listings do not imply endorsement by the council.  This calendar is available on our Events & Programs page 

Please contact the volunteer listed in the program for more information and program status. 

Newly Listed Events:  

SU804 Snail Round-Up at Langhan Park

Volunteer Op: Assist and Cheer on Veterans at Gold and Glory 5K 

Upcoming Events:  

 Free Flights at the Enterprise Muni Airport  

 Ongoing: Volunteer Opportunity at Bay Area Food Bank Community Gardens

 Shop at Books-a-Million this Saturday afternoon and benefit our girls!