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

 

Cookies

Wrapping up your Cookie Season

Cookie Season is finally over! But before you shut down and focus on other Girl Scout activities, there are two questions you need to ask yourself:

  • Is all the money accounted for?
  • Did you meet your cookie goal?

Is all the money accounted for?
Collect all remaining cookie money and deposit to the troop bank account. Provide each girl/adult the remaining cookie balance and the final due date for the money collection.

Make at least three attempts to collect the money. The attempts to collect money must be documented in writing.

All outstanding parent debt must be reported immediately to Council’s Product team (by March 1, 2018 to Debbie Zito at 800-367-3906).

Enter each cookie deposit under Finances: girl transactions in www.abcsmartcookies.com.

Inform the troop of their total cookie profits.

Retain the ABC Smart Cookies Troop Balance Summary and share it with your troop leader(s) or troop finance manager to complete the June troop finance report.

…and of course, let the girls know which cookie incentives they earned as a result.

Did you meet your cookie goal?

Before the cookie sale started your girls set individual and/or troop cookie goals.

If they reached their goal:

  • Be sure to congratulate the girls on accomplishing their cookie goal.
  • Plan a cookie celebration with your troop.
  • Look at the cookie sale pin, earned cookie badges and fun cookie items available at the Citrus Council Shop.

Didn’t meet your cookie goal:

  • Meet with the girls and discuss how they can meet their goals next year.
  • Look at what you did well and what didn’t go so well.
  • Discuss different ways to increase cookie sales at booths and during walkabouts.
  • Suggest increasing online cookie sale participation.

 

Remember to Say THANK YOU

Lastly, be certain that your booth locations are recognized and appreciated for supporting the Girl Scouts of Citrus Council. In the past I would provide each booth location with some token of appreciation. They can be thank you cards, thank you certificates, handmade swaps or even some Girl Scout cookies.

Troop 763

Thanking each booth location is a great way for your service community to have the opportunity to return for booth sales next year. This is especially important when the location was a high traffic area.

It’s also good practice for each service community to thank their community cookie chair(s) and troop cookie troop chairs for their time, talent and support.

Troop 154

They’ve worked hard to make this a successful cookie season for all and showing appreciation can go a long way to make the experience a rewarding one.

Thank you to all the parents, girls and volunteers who made this cookie season a great experience for all.

 

 

Be sure to follow me on Facebook @floridagirlscout

Cookies

Finish Strong this Cookie Season

When I say Girl Scout you say COOKIES!

This has been an amazing cookie season for the girls to learn and complete their 5 cookie skills: Goal Setting, Decision Making, Money Management, People Skills, Business Ethics.

There are a couple days remaining and the girls are almost at the finish line. The girls are looking to their adult volunteers for a cookie victory! That’s you by the way J

 

Cookie Booth Management

Check your cookie inventory after each cookie booth. Visit your cookie cupboard regularly for additional cases of cookies. Oddly enough, customers really want cookies when they can’t find them or when cookie season is almost over. Funny how that works right?

Encourage your girls to continue selling door to door, at cookie booths and at local businesses.

Promote cookie sales using different booth posters or marketing ideas.

  • Fill your Easter basket with Girl Scout Cookies!
  • Don’t be a fool on April Fools Day… give a box of cookies to your friends and family.
  • Purchase cookies for Teacher Appreciation Month in May.
  • Girl Scout cookies freeze well to eat during the Summer.

Cookie Sale Management

Deposit cookie money into your troop banking account after each cookie booth. Be sure to collect cookie money from initial cookie orders and deposit into your troop bank account.

Check the cookie money you have received and provide the girls their remaining cookie balances. Provide receipts for cookie money received. The cookie receipt booklets are provided to your cookie chair at the end of the cookie season.

Check your cookie paperwork for accuracy and contact your cookie chair for assistance or support. It’s important to know your remaining cookie inventory to prepare for cookie cleanup.

Provide the cookie sale ending date to your adult volunteers and girls.

  • Cookie Booths end February 25
  • Digital Cookie Program ends February 25

National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend

From February 23 through February 25 Girl Scouts across the nation will band together to speak as a single, powerful voice to raise awareness of the Girl Scout Cookie Program and increase cookie sales.

Wild River Cadettes attend a woodworker badge workshop to prepare for the National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend. Several troops will display their project at cookie booths.

Make sure you have plenty of cookie booths this weekend and let your community know that this is the last opportunity to purchase cookies.

For those selling cookies this weekend, There’s a National GS Cookie Weekend Patch you can purchase from the Citrus Council Shop at www.girlscoutshop.com/CITRUS-COUNCIL.

 

 

Girl Scouts of the USA’s Cookie Pro Contest 2018

This cookie season, let’s show them how the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world prepares girls to lead, learn, succeed, and shine – not only for today but also for the future.

Enter the National Girl Scout Cookie Pro Contest 2018 now through April 30, 2018 at www.girlscouts.org/en/cookies/just-for-cookie-sellers/cookie-pro.html

 

Leadership

CIT and VIT…what you’ll need to know to earn…

Counselor-in-Training (CIT) I (must be currently enrolled in 9th grade)

Mentor younger girls in a camp setting as you build skills toward becoming a camp counselor. To earn this award, complete these steps:

  1. Take a leadership course designed by your council on outdoor experiences.
  2. Work with younger girls over the course of a camp session.

 

Counselor-in-Training (CIT) II (must be currently enrolled in 10th grade and earned your CIT I)

To earn this award:

  1. Earn your CIT I award
  2. Work with younger girls over the course of at least one camp session while focused on increasing your skills in one specific area- such as riding instruction, lifeguarding, or the arts.

 

Volunteer-in-Training (VIT) (must be currently enrolled in 10th grade)

This award is for girls who’d like to mentor a Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, or Cadette group outside of the camp experience. If you’ve completed 9th grade, you’re eligible to earn this award. Your VIT project should span 3-6 month period.

  1. Find a mentor volunteer who is currently the adult volunteer for a group of girls at the level you’d like to work with. This volunteer will help you through your training and internship, and you’ll help the volunteer with her group of girls for the 3-6 month period.
  2. Complete a council-designed leadership course
  3. Create and implement a thoughtful program based on a Journey or badge that lasts over 4 or more sessions. Be responsible for designing, planning, and evaluating the activities. If you’re passionate about a topic like art or technology, you could design the activities around the area you love or in which you have expertise.