“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.

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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!

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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.