Featured

Knowing when she’s ready for Resident Camp – 5…

Let’s cut to the chase: Really, only you and your daughter can decide when she’s ready for overnight camp. But, here are some questions to consider and skills to practice, before signing up or dropping her off at check-in.

Questions to consider and discuss as a family:

  1. Has she expressed an interest in camp? This is an excellent first step. If she’s asking about camp and shows a genuine interest in pursuing the opportunity, it’s worth continuing the conversation.
  2. Is she up for the adventure? If she’s a go-with-the-flow, unfazed, slightly oblivious, bundle of energy…she’ll probably fit right in. But, if she prefers to follow a careful routine or clings to you in new settings or unfamiliar situations, you’ll want to have a discussion about whether she’s ready to get outside her comfort zone.
  3. Is she prone to homesickness? Most campers experience some level of homesickness, as they adjust to a new location and being away from the familiarities of home and family. Consider whether she has spent the night (or multiple nights in a row) away at her grandparent’s house or at a friends house. How did she handle those experiences? What were the challenges? How did she cope?
  4. Is she comfortable in the outdoors? Camp is unfamiliar territory to some first-time campers. Consider how much time she typically spends playing outdoors, with bugs, heat, dirt, and rain. Has she ever slept outdoors in a tent – even in the back yard – or have you gone camping in an RV or cabin as a family?
  5. Does she have the skills to care for herself? Our trained staff counselors will ensure her safety and well-being at all times, but our campers are expected to care for their own bodies and belongings. Before coming to camp, she should be able to: pick out clothes appropriate for the weather and dress herself; brush her own teeth; brush/comb her hair and put it in a ponytail, if applicable; correctly apply her own sunscreen and bug spray; make her bed and keep her belongings neat and tidy; keep track of her backpack for an entire day; change into and out of her swimsuit; sleep through the night without wetting the bed or sleepwalking (if accidents happen, our staff are prepared to support her, though – and they’ll keep it as discreet as possible).

Here are a few tips to prepare for her first session of summer camp:

  • Discuss camp openly with her. Debate the pros and cons of the experience, and come to a consensus together. Invite her to fully participate in picking out her camp session based on the theme or dates.
  • In your discussions, make a list of questions she has that you don’t know the answer to, and reach out to our summer camp expert, Aimee Beauchamp, to get all the answers.
  • Practice spending more than one night at her grandparents’ house or a friends house, or in a tent in the backyard. Debrief the experience and ask what she liked, what she didn’t like, if she was ever scared, what feelings she felt, what challenges came up, etc.
  • Create a camp countdown with a calendar on the fridge where she can “X” off each day or paper rings where she can remove a ring as each day gets closer to camp.
  • Practice each of the skills she’ll need to care for herself (see #5 above).
  • If you’re the parent of a camper, get yourself ready! Sometimes, parents are more nervous about a first-time camp experience than the camper is! That’s understandable, though – it’s a big step in her growth and independence. In the weeks, days, and moments leading up to her camp experience, be aware of your verbal and non-verbal communication. Are you encouraging her to be brave, try new things, and overcome challenges? Her confidence will soar if you believe she can do anything she puts her mind to.

When you decide – together – that she’s ready for the camp experience, check out all session options at www.citrus-gs.org; or use GSUSA’s Camp Finder to locate a camp across the country (maybe near Grandma’s house!).

Cookies

Troop Funds and Troop Spending

Earning the troop funds this year was hard work, but selling fall product and cookies really paid off in the end. So how will your troop spend their earnings?

Helping girls decide what they want to do, and coaching them as they earn and manage money to pursue their goals, is an integral part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE). Your Girl Scout troop plans and finances its own activities, with your guidance. At the same time the girls learn valuable skills that serve them throughout their lives.

Girls can save the money for something big they want to do… like go on a trip or end-of-year party. They can also look to do a lot of little things throughout the year. It really depends on what the troop decides on.

I suggest putting the money into three piles to help your troop decide what to do with the earnings.

  1. Spend a Little
  2. Save a Little
  3. Give a Little

You and your troop can decide how much of your earnings should go into each pile.

Spend a Little

Last year my troop decided to go to Wonder Works and iFly Orlando. Both were fun and entertaining experiences. The girls braved indoor skydiving one day and challenged themselves at the high ropes course at Wonder Works another day.

We also wanted to be sure our troop continued as a troop. So while the girls had fun with some of the money, they were also responsible enough to save for troop expenses and older girl programs. We spent some of the saved funds for badge supplies and Citrus Council programs.

There are many ways a troop can spend their troop earnings. They can decide to spend it on everything from uniforms to summer camp registrations, and everything in between.

Some items that come to mind:

  • Early Bird Registration fee for adults & girls
  • Uniforms
  • Journey books
  • Bridging Supplies or Kits
  • Girl Scout Summer Camp registration
  • Discounted Program events hosted by Council
  • Service Community Camporee

Save a Little

It’s always a good idea to save a little money for a rainy day. You just never when you’ll need that extra bump. It might be tapped to help the troop reach a goal or to help with unforeseen expenses. Generally, it’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.

This can also be a great way to build for a long term goal. So while the troop spends some of their funds on fun activities throughout the year and troop expenses, they can also put aside a little at a time. The goal being to build enough of a reserve for a big party or a nice troop trip.

Give a Little

Our girls are always thinking of others before themselves. Setting up a pile for them to donate to a charity of their choice can be a great way to support them in this. It was amazing to hear about how so many troops donated a portion of their earnings to help their community and to those in need during Hurricane Irma and Maria.

Some troops also work on Take Action Projects. Often times there are specific supplies needed for these projects. Rather than looking for donations, troops can use this portion of their funds to buy the much needed supplies.

Your Role

As a co-leader it is your role to help guide your girls in their financial decisions. Having them learn about saving, earning, and spending can help them in adulthood.

It is also important to remember that all volunteers listed on troop/group bank accounts are ultimately responsible for troop/group finances. Misuse of Girl Scout funds is a serious offense and will be treated as such, including but not limited to termination as a Girl Scout volunteer.

Be sure to follow me on Facebook @floridagirlscout

National

4 Reasons to Gear up for Early Bird Season

“The early bird gets the… PRIZES!!” No worms here, just fabulous prizes and the satisfaction of getting something marked off your to-do list early.

Let’s start at the beginning: What is “early bird”? What are we even talking about here? Good question! Here’s some background: the annual Girl Scout membership year officially begins on October 1 and ends the following September 30. If you’re a current member, you’ll need to renew your registration for next year by September 30 or sooner. And if you do it super early…[you guessed it?!]… you’re an Early Bird! The Early Bird season kicks off on April 1 across the country, and it will end on May 15 for Girl Scouts of Citrus. You can still renew your registration from May 15-September 30, but you’ll just be “on time,” not an early bird. Got it? Ok, great.

——

Here are the 4 reasons you’ll want to participate in Early Bird Renewal:

  1. You’ll earn a free, exclusive Early Bird patch. All girls who register between April 1 and May 15 get our commemorative Early Bird patch to sport proudly all year long on their vest, sash or tunic. Oh, and re-registered adults get one too!
  2. Prizes, prizes, and more prizes. Each week, there are new incentives for you and your troop, and/or chances to be entered into a prize drawing. The earlier you renew your registration, the more prizes you can win! All incentives are cumulative, so if you renew during week 1, you’ll be eligible for ALL the prizes throughout early bird season.
  3. It makes life easier for Troop Leaders, too. Troop Leaders get to head into the summer knowing whether their girls will be back in the fall and can begin looking forward to more adventure together. Or if they have some openings in the troop, they can offer spots for new girls ready to have the experience of their young lives. You’ll be able to hit the ground running once the new year begins.
  4. Parents get some benefits as well. By renewing now, parents get to make sure their daughter(s) will be right back in the same troop come fall by securing their spot. Plus, it will be one less item on your very full list when fall arrives and you’re deep in back-to-school mode.

Stay tuned for more information about prizes, patch design, and even more Early Bird fun!

———

Helpful Reminders:

Key Dates
Early Bird Renewal: April 1-May 15, 2018
On-Time Renewal: May 16-September 30, 2018

Girl Scouts of Citrus Early Bird Page

Renewal Fees
Girls: $25 annual
Adults/Volunteers: $25 annual
–or invest in lifetime memberships for adults (age 30+) for $400, or young alums (age 18-29) for $200.
More information on Lifetime Membership.

Outdoor

Benefits of Unplugging at Camp

From the backyard to the backcountry, Girl Scouts has a long, storied, and successful history of getting girls outdoors. In fact, many Girl Scouts tell us “camping trips” are one of the best things about their Girl Scout experience. It’s true: connecting with nature in a girl-led setting is a big benefit of belonging to Girl Scouts. Studies show that girls today are not spending nearly enough time outdoors.

Technology and structured activities leave less time for girls to get outside and enjoy nature. But as a Girl Scout, she’ll have plenty of opportunities to create her own outdoor adventures and develop a lifelong appreciation for nature and the out-of-doors – whether with her troop at camp or with friends and family.

And that’s great news – because when Girl Scouts get outside, they:

  • Discover that they can better solve problems and overcome challenges
  • Develop leadership skills, build social bonds, and are happier overall
  • Become team players and care more about protecting our environment.

And we know she loves technology (hey – we do too: STEM is one of our program pillars), but leaving her phone at home provides even more benefits to the camp experience:

  • Girls use all of their senses and attention to observe interactions around them and begin to form new friendships.
  • Resiliency boosts when girls begin to problem-solve on their own, with a friend, or with their counselor; rather than relying on a text to mom or a YouTube how-to search.

It can be an uncomfortable transition at first, for both campers and parents. Talk to your camper about what it will be like to spend an entire camp session without technology: what excites her about that? What makes her nervous about it? How will each of you adjust your behavior and expectations in the days and weeks leading up to camp, during camp, and after camp?

Aimee Beauchamp, Girl Scouts of Citrus’s very own summer camp expert, shares this insight and advice on how to prepare: “The camp staff can bridge communication between campers and parents in cases of emergency or in other specific situations, but be careful not to promise your camper that she’ll be able to call home every night or at any time she requests. It won’t be realistic in the camp session’s busy schedule, and it shouldn’t be necessary either. By fully participating in the summer camp experience, your camper is rising to the challenge to step out of her comfort zone, practice her independence, and problem-solve with friends. Empower her to use the resources around her! Encourage her – she can do this. And you can too.”

Girl Scout camps have the opportunity to employ incredible youth development professionals as camp counselors. Counselors are trained to facilitate building friendships between campers, and ensuring campers’ needs are met. They help girls connect with each other through positive communication and shared experiences. Our supportive counselors will ensure your camper has every opportunity to succeed.

When girls spend quality time outdoors, disconnect from technology, and increase their exposure to nature and new friendships, they thrive physically, emotionally, and intellectually. And there are tons of Outdoor Programs for girls to choose from. Visit www.citrus-gs.org for all the details.

Leadership

Did someone say FUN and ADVENTURE?!

I love taking my troop outdoors.  They always get to develop their skills and I’m able to give them new scouting challenges. The best part about the experience is as they get older you can expand on the outdoor activities. This helps to keep them engaged over the years.

We first started our outdoor adventures in 2011, when we attended Running River’s (now Wild River) Magical Camporee at Camp Mah-Kah-Wee. They made crafts, learned new campfire songs and took their first hike. There’s really nothing like that first hike.

My daughter Elyse and I, 2012

In 2012 we went to Riverpoint Program Center for a WOW Wonder of Water day program. This was out in Brevard, and they really enjoyed the water activities. The girls completed the Mailbox Trail activity that day too.

The following year, we ventured outside of Council properties and went to the Florida Elks Lodge for the Tradition Expedition Camporee hosted by the Wild River Community. The girls roasted marshmallows around a campfire, exchanged swaps, went canoeing and tried archery for the first time.

Elyse exchanging swaps at Tradition Expedition

Most recently, my troop attended the Wild River Cadette Retreat at Riverpoint Program Center. They cooked meals, completed two outdoor badges and participated in archery, paddle boarding, canoeing, and kayaking. It was great because no experience was like the last. There’s always something new and different we all got to share in.

 

Whether you are an outdoors enthusiast or prefer staying inside there are many options to get your girls exploring nature. Here are just a few ways I’ve come across that could help:

  • Attend a service community camporee… like I did with Wild River.
  • Earn an outdoor badge during your troop meetings.
  • Ask an older girl troop from your service community to host an outdoor badge workshop or teach an outdoor skill.
    • One of the bridging requirements is for girls to teach younger scouts a skill they have learned!
  • Reserve a Citrus Council property for a couple hours to canoe, kayak, or archery.

Girl Scout Camp!

Every year, Girl Scouts of Citrus Council will send out a Camp Book in the mail. The Camp Book has information on all types of camp programs being offered by Council. It can also be found online http://www.citrus-gs.org/en/about-girl-scouts/our-council/publications.html

Paddle Boarding at River Point

There are camp programs for Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors. Camp adventures can include archery, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, paddle boarding, campfires, songs, hiking, and other activities.

If you’re a first time troop leader or a troop leader that hasn’t jumped into camp experiences, then you might want to attend a Citrus Open House. This can be very helpful to understand what is offered by Council and when. It can be even more useful for when parents have questions.

At these open houses, you’ll learn more about day camps, sampler camps, travel camps and resident camps. The Council staff is there to answer questions and you can take a tour of the sleeping and activity areas.

If you can’t make it to one of the Open House, then reach out to Council for additional information. There are great resources on the council website and you can always reach out to council staff for more info…especially if your interested in reserving a space.

Be Safe and Be Prepared

Whether you’re planning to take your troop camping or do an outdoor activity, here are some key things you want to keep in mind:

  • Visit your health provider to complete a girl physical and receive a current tetanus shot.
  • Watch the eight outdoor skill-building videos before taking girls outside at www.girlscouts.org/en/adults/volunteer/volunteer-resources/outdoor-resources.html. These videos can help volunteers give girls a sense of empowerment in the outdoors, show them how to use natural resources more wisely (including respecting our environment and wildlife), and help them become lifelong stewards of the land and our natural resources.

The Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) has some great resources to help plan your Outdoor Experience. Most recently, the VTK has been updated with some great activities in the STEM Journey & Badges, and the Outdoor Journeys & Badges.

Whatever you decide, I know it will be an amazing experience. As I look back at my time as a Troop Leader, I can say that some of my favorite time spent with my Girl Scouts, has been in the outdoors.

Be sure to follow me on Facebook @floridagirlscout

National

It’s Girl Scout Week!

Girl Scout Week is celebrated each March, starting with Girl Scout Sunday and ending with Girl Scout Sabbath on a Saturday, and it always includes Girl Scouts’ birthday, March 12. On that date in 1912, Juliette Gordon Low officially registered the organization’s first 18 girl members in Savannah, Georgia.

There are so many ways to share your Girl Scout pride this week! And it’s never too late to celebrate. Check out these awesome ideas for girls, from our very own Girl Scout sisters!

  1. Recite the Girl Scout law to your family or friends, and talk about which parents are most important to you right now in your life.
  2. Wear your uniform to your religious service.
  3. Draw a picture of your troop and list 3 things you can learn from your Girl Scout friends. Post it at home or at school.
  4. Pick up 10 pieces of litter in your neighborhood.
  5. Tell a friend about why you love being a Girl Scout.
  6. Wear your Girl Scout uniform to school.
  7. Write a thank you note to your Girl Scout troop leader.
  8. Sing your favorite Girl Scout song – or learn a new one.
  9. Learn about the Girl Scout Gold Award and National Young Women of Distinction.
  10. Explore Girl Scout history with a little online research or by talking with an expert.
  11. Teach a Girl Scout tradition to a younger Girl Scout troop.
  12. Learn about a famous Girl Scout.
  13. Make a time capsule to open when you graduate from High School.
  14. Coordinate a community service project.
  15. Decorate cupcakes, sing Happy Birthday, and celebrate!

Learn more about Girl Scouts’ traditions and special days: http://www.girlscouts.org/en/about-girl-scouts/traditions.html

Leadership

Celebrating Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society. What you may not know is this event began as a small-town school event in California in the late 70’s and started out as a week-long event, known as Women’s History Week. International Women’s Day on March 8 was seen as the focal point for this week.

In 1980, President Carter issued the first Presidential Proclamation declaring this week as National Women’s History Week. Over the years, several states had declared the month of March as Women’s History Month. The momentum influenced Congress to declare the month of March 1987 as National Women’s History Month.

Traditionally, Women’s History Month in schools has focused on the U.S. women’s suffrage and reform movements of the late 1800s and early 1900s, but there’s oh-so-much more! Girls and women are making history every day!

Ways to Celebrate:

  • Get inspired with videos from makers.com.
  • March 8: International Women’s Day, a global celebration of the economic, political and social achievements of women, took place for the first time on March 8, 1911.
  • Thank a woman who inspires you. Write her a letter. Send her a message on Facebook. Send her a gif of appreciation.
  • Read about women throughout history who’ve done amazing things.
  • Share your story through a creative outlet. Women’s stories need to be heard. Submit a piece to your favorite publication. Start a blog. Launch a YouTube channel.
  • Mentor a young woman or Girl Scout. Girls everywhere are in need of positive role models that can help them grow and develop into leaders.
  • Earn a Badge!Like the “Girl Scout Way” badge, Celebrating Community or My Family Story for Brownies, or Playing the Past for Juniors. Or check out the GIRLtopia Journey for Seniors.

Just a note: Throughout history, women trailblazers have fought both for and against controversial topics. As you explore the resources linked here, and do your own research and discovery alongside girls, you might find topics and causes that are still controversial today. If you’re a troop leader, communicate openly with parents of the girls in your troop so they know what you’ll be discussing at your troop meeting. If a polarizing topic arises, be sure to cover both sides of the issue briefly, and then move on.

Badges and Patches

We Don’t Need A Badge For That!

We Don’t Need A Badge For That!” is a program series where Girl Scouts connect with the community to work on community service projects.

This series is about community service and giving back throughout the year. Girl Scouts of Citrus Council will work with different community partnership to create a Take Action projects, clean-up events, or other services.

This series does not involve a badge or patch, but rather, encourages Girl Scouts and their families to volunteer and help support our Central Florida community.

Just Wing It! – March 24 – 11:00 am to 3:30 pm

The kickoff event to this program series is a take action project. Girl Scouts will be creating and establishing a butterfly learning garden. This is something anyone and everyone can do. Working with Orlando City they will be allowing Girl Scouts to use their land to design, create and build their garden for future events, generations, and environmental gains!

Come out and help us put together butterfly homes, plant flowers, create a peaceful garden for everyone. As teams we will build the homes, paint them and set them in place for the butterflies. Other teams will be planting trees, plants, flowers, and more. Lunch will be provided and an educational session will take place on importance and impact this has on our community. The girls will just need to show up in old clothes and Tennis Shoes and be ready to work.

Juniors can Register Here

Seniors and Ambassadors can Register Here