Academics

Girl Scouts Celebrate National STEAM Day

Imagine girls taking on some of the biggest challenges and problems our planet faces—and helping solve them. Or having careers that are engaging and well paid. Imagine girls paving the way in innovation and design. And teaming up with peers to invent the future. Girls are making this dream into a reality every day, thanks to science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM).

Research shows that girls are interested in STEAM and excel at it. Yet, for a variety of reasons, girls often don’t pursue STEAM opportunities—starting as early as elementary school.

But we can change that! Let your girl see that STEAM can help her make the world a better place! Girl Scouts who participate in girl-focused STEAM programs…

  • Become better problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and inspirational leaders
  • Get better grades, earn scholarships, and follow more lucrative career paths
  • See STEAM as the foundation for a meaningful and successful future

Perhaps she’d like to…build a robot, create an app, invent a medical device, develop a video game, design a car, protect the world’s wildlife, send a spacecraft to a far galaxy, cure a disease, keep the ocean clean, study the stars… The possibilities are truly endless!

Help girls become STEAM Superstars! Access your how-to guide here.

Girls enjoy STEAM activities most when they’re hands-on and collaborating with friends or troop sisters. Girl Scouts with robotics experience consider working with others on a team (77%) and building things with their hands (73%) the most important components of STEAM activities. Girls can customize their STEAM experience with one or more of Girl Scouts’ NEW! Journeys and badges for Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors (K-5th grade).

  • Engineering: Think Like an Engineer Journey. Girls discover how to think like an engineer by participating in hands-on design challenges and completing a Take Action project.
  • Computer Science: Think Like a Programmer Journey. Girls learn how programmers solve problems as they (girls) participate in interactive computational-thinking activities and complete a Take Action project.
  • Outdoor STEM: Think Like a Citizen Scientist Journey. Girls practice the scientific method by undertaking a citizen science project. They make observations, collect data, and work with scientists who provide feedback on research and findings. Girls also complete a Take Action project.
  • Robotics badges: Girls design their own robots after learning how they’re built and programmed. “Unplugged” activities allow girls to earn badges without buying kits.
  • Mechanical Engineering badges: Girls complete hands-on engineering activities, such as building and testing rollercoasters, race cars, and gliders (Daisies and Brownies only).

With girls and STEAM – our future is bright!

Uncategorized

Citrus Council Launches ‘Citrus Scouterships’ as Part of a…

The month of November is widely regarded as the start of the “giving” season. Many use this time to reflect on the situation of others and donate their time, money and gifts throughout the community. The efforts are recognized globally and in social media, on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving as #GivingTuesday.

This year, Citrus Council will be making a direct investment in the development and growth of the Central Florida community. The council will be covering the membership fee of any girl looking to join or renew in the Girl Scouts, through Citrus Scouterships. The Scouterships will conclude on November 28, as part of Citrus Council’s culminating effort for #GivingTuesday.

In October, the Girl Scouts of Citrus Council launched their Hurricane Irma Relief initiative, providing Scouterships to girls in Central Florida for the month of October. Although this came about in the wake of Hurricane Irma, it quickly expanded to include those affected by Hurricane Maria. Many were able to take advantage of the Scouterships, but still many more were left out.

In an effort to include as many of the local community as possible and embrace the many families transitioning into Central Florida, Citrus Council has relaunched the Scouterships initiative, open to all girls during this month. For many girls, the Girl Scout experience provides an incredible leadership opportunity and for others a sense of normalcy during difficult times.

To apply…

New Girl Scouts:

  • Visit www.citrus-gs.org
  • Click JOIN NOW
  • Fill out your information & click Continue
  • Select a troop OR choose UNSURE, entering ‘Scouterships’ in the comment box
  • Select Financial Aid as the payment method

Renewing Girl Scouts:

  • Visit MY GS
  • Click RENEW
  • Select Financial Aid as the payment method

*Does not apply to memberships purchased prior to launch of campaign. Does not apply to adult memberships.

Girls participating in these Scouterships are encouraged to participate in the cookie program and fall product program in order to have a financially sustainable troop. This will allow them to earn enough funds to maintain their membership for years to come. Girls are also encouraged to partake in the ‘Do Anything’ program series, where they will experience and learn about a range of applicable life skills for their continued development.

Uncategorized

Welcoming New Girls to Your Troop

Your troop may already be up and running, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to welcome new members! Adding new girls to your troop—even midyear—can help energize your group, showcase the Girl Scout spirit of sisterhood and inclusion, and demonstrate by example how Girl Scouts is the best leadership development experience for girls in the world. Period.

After all, Girl Scouts is all about trying new things, building new skills, and getting to know new friends in a safe and supportive all-girl environment—with guidance from caring troop leaders like you, of course!

To smooth the transition for your newbies, incorporate these fun activities into your meetings, and new girls will feel at home in no time at all!

1. Set up a storytelling meet-and-greet!
One of the absolute best ways to connect with others is by swapping stories. Introduce newcomers at their first meeting, then have everyone else introduce themselves, covering the basics, like their first name, age, and years in Girl Scouts. Encourage your seasoned Girl Scouts to go a little more in-depth by sharing something about their families, pets, or interests. Maybe each girl can pick three things about herself she’d like her new Girl Scout sisters to know. Once all troop members have introduced themselves, ask new girls to share some of their own stories.

Be sure to build in time for questions so the girls have even more opportunities to connect and share. Make it super interactive and fun by finishing up the meeting with a cool trivia game to see how much they remember about one another!

2. Showcase what your troop loves to do most! 
At a new girl’s first or second meeting, work with the other girls to plan an activity around things the troop loves to do most, whether that be community service, outdoor adventure, photography, or science experiments. What better way to get a new Girl Scout’s experience off to an exciting and memorable start than to head straight into the action?

At the beginning of the meeting, have a couple girls take the lead and explain the activity and why they love it so much. For subsequent meetings, give new girls the opportunity to choose activities they love most and help them plan something special to share with the troop!

3. Encourage her to take the lead!

Girl Scouting is all about taking the lead and making things happen, so let newcomers do so early and often. You can start small, having them lead a simple activity, or go big by encouraging them to teach their Girl Scout sisters about an issue that really matters to them. You might also go around the room and have everyone share what taking the lead like a Girl Scout means to them, complete with real-life examples to help new girls really get a grasp of leadership and everything they have the power to accomplish as Girl Scouts. Allow them time to ask questions, too. Learning and leading, that’s how we Girl Scouts do it!
Academics

Prudential Spirit Awards 2018

 

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States’ largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service.

Created in 1995 by Prudential and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the program honors middle level and high school students for outstanding service to others at the local, state and national level. Thus far, it has recognized more than 120,000 young people who’ve made a difference – and inspired countless others to consider how they might contribute to their communities.

Top Winners receive sizable cash awards, engraved medallions and an all-expense paid trip with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C., for the national awards ceremony in late April 2018.

To be eligible, you must:

  • be in grades 5-12 as of November 7
  • be a legal resident of any U.S. state or Washington, D.C.
  • have engaged in a volunteer activity that occurred during the 12 months prior to the date of the application
  • submit a completed application to a school or the head of an official designated local organization by November 7

Girl Scouts can apply online at spirit.prudential.com or nassp.org/spirit. Applications must be submitted to the Citrus Council office no later than November 7, 2017. We will then review applications and select one or more Girl Scouts to represent our council in the state-level judging. If you have any questions of need a paper version of the application, please call 855-670-4787

Awards:

Local Honorees receive a Certificate of Achievement from their schools or organization. Those Local Honorees who qualify (26 hours of service for ages 10 and younger, 50 hours for ages 11-15, and 100 hours for older students) also receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

Distinguished Finalists receive an engraved bronze medallion, and other state-level runners-up receive Certificates of Excellence.

State Honorees receive an award of $1,000, an engraved silver medallion, and an all-expense-paid trip with a parent or guardian to Washington, D.C., for national recognition events.

National Honorees receive an additional award of $5,000, an engraved gold medallion, a crystal trophy for their schools or nominating organizations, and a $5,000 grant from The Prudential Foundation for a nonprofit charitable organization of their choice.

Leadership

Founder’s Day: Celebrating the Original G.I.R.L.

October 31 marks Girl Scout founder, Juliette Gordon Low’s birth in 1860 and is celebrated as Founder’s Day across the movement by girls and women who share Juliette’s vision, grit, and adventurous spirit. As the original G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™, Juliette saw a bright future for girls, gathering 18 girls in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia, to share what she’d learned abroad about a new outdoor and educational program for youth. With this, the first Girl Scout troop was formed—and the Girl Scout Movement was born to serve all girls nationwide.

Our earliest Girl Scouts, along with our pioneering founder, blazed trails and redefined what was possible for themselves and for girls everywhere. And ever since, Girl Scouts has provided girls with transformative experiences that set them up to lead in their own lives and the world. Because of Girl Scouts, millions of G.I.R.L.s have been prepared for a lifetime of leadership.

Juliette: the original G.I.R.L.

  • Go-Getter: As a child and young adult, she experienced several ear injuries resulting in almost total hearing loss that affected her for the remainder of her life. However, Juliette never let her disability stand as a roadblock to her goals.
  • Innovator: When she was just 16, she convinced her cousins to start the Helping Hands Club with her, to make clothing for families who had recently immigrated to the U.S. This was Juliette’s first foray into civic action, organizing in the community, and inspiring girls to take the lead for the greater good.
  • Risk-Taker: From that first gathering of a small troop of 18 culturally and ethnically diverse girls, Juliette broke the conventions of the time—reaching across class, cultural, and ethnic boundaries to ensure all girls, including those with so-called disabilities, had a place to grow and develop their leadership skills.
  • Leader: A meeting in 1912 with Sir Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Boy Scouts, inspired Juliette to establish Girl Scouts that same year. Telephoning a cousin from her home, she announced, “I’ve got something for the girls of Savannah, and all of America, and all the world, and we’re going to start it tonight!”

Learn more about the life and legacy of Juliette Gordon Low: http://www.girlscouts.org/en/about-girl-scouts/our-history/juliette-gordon-low.html

How awesome would it be to name a bridge in Savannah, Georgia, in honor of Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low? Let’s make it happen! Sign the petition: http://www.girlscouts.org/en/about-girl-scouts/advocacy/the-girl-scout-advocacy-network/sign-a-petition-to-name-the-savannah-bridge.html

Uncategorized

Citrus Council’s Response to BSA Announcement

As many of you are aware, on October 11th, a historical shift occurred in the scouting world when Boy Scouts of America (BSA) voted to accept girl members into the Boy Scout ranks at the Cub Scout level.

While we would certainly have preferred that their vote go in a different direction, this action in no way influences or changes our very important Girl Scout mission. Every aspect of our programming (local and national) has been designed to be girl focused and girl-led. We remain committed to that ideal as well as the core values and vision of the Girl Scout Movement as established by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912.  Notably, over 59 million living American women can count themselves as alumnae of this incredible organization that began with one woman’s heart and determination to make the world a better place more than 100 years ago.

Our approach to empowering girls and young women, is a proven method for preparing women leaders. Numerous research studies and countless testimonials, clearly recognize that participation in Girl Scout programming has proven highly effective in enhancing leadership qualities, as well as other key indicators of success, for the girls involved. This method is especially effective in at-risk communities; studies have shown that girls who experience our fully immersed single-gender Girl Scout programming demonstrate higher levels of self-confidence and academic success than girls who have not had benefit of our gender-specific and girl-led program opportunities. We greatly respect our BSA peers and the amazing job they have done shaping young men into highly productive American citizens for more than 100 years, however, there are many unanswered questions as to the effectiveness the BSA programming will have on girls. It is unclear as to the impact this will have on the growth and development of girls. The results of which may not be seen until after a generation of girls go through the programming.

As a council, we recognize the convenience this may offer to families who have both boys and girls. Please be clear, we deeply respect the right of all to make the scouting choice they feel best for their family. However, we also deeply hope Girl Scout’s unique girl-led environment, character-building traditions, relevant badge opportunities, and proven life-success outcomes will significantly factor into discussions as families consider their options. Girl Scouts of Citrus will stand true to our mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place and to the convictions we share through our traditions. We also stand by the value of our program as manifested in years of statistically proven outcomes that demonstrate why a fully immersive single-gender scouting experience offers a powerful and unique choice.

In light of recent cultural challenges and images of violence on the evening news, now more than ever, our girls need a safe space to develop their courage, confidence, and character and to see dignified and composed role models.

The decision of BSA does not diminish our mission, but reinforces the need to provide programming that is relevant to the interests and goals of today’s girl.

Uncategorized

Hurricane Irma Relief – Scouterships Available

In the last few weeks, Central Florida has been directly and indirectly impacted by two major hurricanes. Hurricane Irma left many without power during its landfall and still many more are faced with rebuilding their homes. Hurricane Maria did not directly impact Central Florida, but it has impacted many in our community, who have family and friends in Puerto Rico.

Throughout this ordeal, many Girl Scouts, Troop Leaders, and volunteers demonstrated their leadership abilities and took action to help their communities rebuild or collect the much-needed supplies. Countless more organized additional efforts to help however they could locally and abroad.

In appreciation of the compassionate efforts demonstrated by our community and our members, the Girl Scouts of Citrus Council will be waiving the registration fees for new Girl Scout members and renewing Girl Scout members through October 31, 2017.

New Girl Scouts:
  • Visit www.citrus-gs.org
  • Click JOIN NOW
  • Fill out your information & click Continue
  • Select a troop OR choose UNSURE, entering ‘Irma’ in the comment box
  • Select Financial Aid as the payment method
Renewing Girl Scouts:
  • Visit MY GS
  • Click RENEW
  • Select Financial Aid as the payment method
*Does not apply to memberships purchased prior to launch of campaign. Does not apply to adult memberships. Recipients to participate in ‘Do Anything’ Programming.

The Citrus Council will also be outlining a series of programs, entitled the ‘Do Anything’ Programming, designed to prepare girls for the many adversities they may encounter in life. The ‘Do Anything’ Programming will allow Girl Scouts to prepare themselves in first aide, vehicle maintenance, open fire cooking as well as additional skills.

Finally, the Juliette Birthday Bash is an annual event which takes place to celebrate the life and vision set forth by Girl Scout founder, Juliette Gordon Low. This celebration is open to not only Girl Scout members, but to their families as well. This year, the celebration will take place at Medieval Times, on October 28 – Register here.

Given the caliber of devastation and equally demonstrated comradery in our community, Girl Scouts of Citrus Council will be offering a reduced rate of $10 to all Citrus Council Girl Scout members, and a rate of $29.99 for non-members, to attend this year’s Juliette Birthday Bash at Medieval Times.

“…ours is a circle of friendships, united by our ideals.” – Juliette Gordon Low

 

Academics

Citrus Council Launches Media Girls Team

 

Media Girls Team Description

When you see a TV show, do you ever wonder what it would be like to be on camera or maybe behind the scenes? Either way, you could be part of our Media Girls Team! Girl Scouts of Citrus Media Girls team is a new program created by the Citrus Council to give young women the opportunity to learn and develop their skills in the media industry. Develop your on-camera experience or fine tune your behind the camera skills by being a Media Girl member.

As you prepare to be a spokesperson for Girl Scouts, you’ll learn the basics of talking to the media, initial video and photography creation, and the art of storytelling. Receive professional guidance from Council Marketing Staff and Media professionals in our community. Members will also take part in special behind the scenes tours of local media and get key insights from knowledgeable guest speakers.

As the official girl faces and voices of Girl Scouts of Citrus Council, the Media Girls Team will be called upon to:

  • Serve as brand ambassadors for media coverage opportunities (Radio, TV, Print)
  • Attend and Report on key Citrus events
  • Create videos for Citrus Council YouTube channel
  • Participate in Council photoshoots
  • Participate in focus groups
  • Write blogs, op-eds, articles and more

What are the participation requirements?

  • Be a Cadette, Senior or Ambassador level Girl Scout registered for the 2017-2018 school year
  • Agree to a one-year participation commitment – October 2017 – August 2018
  • Have a full Girl Scout uniform (vest or sash, white blouse, khaki pants)
  • Attend at least 75% of the monthly Media Girls meetings/ media tours/ guest speaker sessions (no meetings in December)
  • No experience necessary! Girls will be selected for media opportunities based on their skills, interests and availability.
  • Responsibly handle and use Council provided equipment

Application Process:

  1. Complete application at https://s.surveyplanet.com/rkYUI_9oZ
  2. Submit a short video to our Director of Marketing & Branding, Nelson Camargo at Ncamargo@citrus-gs.org telling us why you think you would be a great Media Girls team member.

 

Deadline to apply is October 10, 2017.  No late entries will be accepted.

Girls who are selected will be notified via email by October 16.

Uncategorized

Destination Exploration: Superhero Adventure

 

Calling all Girl Scout Superheroes! Want to hear about exciting new events, meet community partners, and learn about Fall Product? Then Destination Exploration is the place to be!

We are inviting all Girls, Troop Leaders, Parents, Friends, and Family to join forces with us as we spend the day exploring everything Girl Scouts of Citrus has to offer for the 2017-2018 year. Should you chose to accept this mission, you will be provided with a map to help you navigate through checkpoints that highlight a variety of program opportunities, community partners, and hands on activities.

As if this wasn’t SUPER enough already, you will also have the opportunity to participate in a guided nature hike, The Fall Product Rally, 59 Minute Quick Start, and taste your way through local food trucks!

You will have the option to choose from one of our 59 Minute Quick Start sessions where girls will be calling friends and family and sharing how supporters can help them reach their goal by purchasing Magazine Gift Cards using the Phone Script provided.

Grab your gear and be ready to Unleash the HERO Inside! Superhero costumes are welcome and you will receive a small token for dressing up.

Registration is required for all superheroes and sidekicks 5 years and older. Superheroes in training, Ages 4 and under, are free. Children must be accompanied by adults at all times. Villains will not be welcomed.

Event Cost: $3 per person – includes all activities and Fun Patch (food or beverages sold separately)

Everyone must wear closed-toe shoes for their safety.

*If you are participating in the 59 minute challenge please download the Quick Start Tools.

Online Registration closes October 5 at 2pm, but you can still register at the door

STEAM

Brevard Citrus Singer Auditions

The Citrus Singers Girl Scouts Chorus of Brevard is now adding members to the group for their fall and holiday shows. This is a great opportunity to perform around the Central Florida area for community, sporting, and scouting events!

Who can apply?

Any Girl Scout 3rd grade BROWNIE or ABOVE who can sing in pitch and has an enthusiasm to perform.

How to Audition:

Have the singer prepare two songs: pop, holiday or musical theatre selections, each about 1-2 minutes long (such as a verse and a chorus, or the last half of the song, etc…). Pick any songs that can be sung with confidence, preferably memorized.  They must use a karaoke/back up music track that does not have the lead vocal on it. You can search YouTube for different variations

Upload the recording to youtube or another video sharing site. Keep the video ‘public’. Email the video link to: Diana Carey at gstroop659@gmail.com. You will get a response within 24 hours.

What to expect:

Chorus rehearses 3-4x per month in October and November, usually on Saturday or Sunday late afternoon such as 4p– 6:00p (TBD). Girls sing as a group with microphones some will have the opportunity for solo parts. Some girls may sing harmonies and there may be some light movement.

The singer must sing in pitch and should have an interest in performing. They can be new, but should be enthusiastic about participating.

November & December we will perform holiday songs at a number of East Coast Florida venues and at the Orlando Citrus Bowl on December 16, 2017