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Badges and Patches

New Journeys and Badges added

Heading into the new Girl Scout year means new exciting badges, journeys, and opportunities for Girl Scouts of all ages! With the update of the Volunteer Toolkit brings an array of new content from Daisy to Ambassador and every girl in between. We are thrilled to announce the following badge and Journey resources have officially been released and you can start planning your new Girl Scout year as early as today in the Volunteer Toolkit online!

Daisies:

  • Space Science Explorer
  • Eco Learner
  • Progressive Cybersecurity badges:
    1. Cybersecurity Basics
    2. Cybersecurity Safeguards
    3. Cybersecurity Investigator

Brownies:

  • Space Science Adventurer
  • Eco Friend
  • Progressive Cybersecurity badges:
    1. Cybersecurity Basics
    2. Cybersecurity Safeguards
    3. Cybersecurity Investigator
  • *Brownie Quest Journey

Juniors:

  • Space Science Investigator
  • Progressive Cybersecurity badges:
    1. Cybersecurity Basics
    2. Cybersecurity Safeguards
    3. Cybersecurity Investigator
  • Mechanical Engineering badges:
    1. Balloon Car Design Challenge
    2. Crane Design Challenge
    3. Paddle Boat Design Challenge
  • *Agent of Change Journey

Cadettes:

  • Think Like an Engineer Journey
  • Think Like a Programmer Journey
  • Progressive Robotics badges:
    1. Programming Robots
    2. Designing Robots
    3. Showcasing Robots
  • Leader in Action
  • Eco Trekker

Seniors:

  • Think Like an Engineer Journey
  • Think Like a Programmer Journey
  • Progressive Robotics badges:
    1. Programming Robots
    2. Designing Robots
    3. Showcasing Robots
  • Eco Explorer

Ambassadors:

  • Think Like an Engineer Journey
  • Think Like a Programmer Journey
  • Progressive Robotics badges:
    1. Programming Robots
    2. Designing Robots
    3. Showcasing Robots
  • College Knowledge
  • Eco Advocate

*Brownie Quest and Junior Agent of Change are part of the It’s Your World – Change It! series, not new content but now available in digital format on the Volunteer Toolkit.

Progressive badges are suggested to be earned in the order they are listed for the best experience.

Remember that even though 2017-2018 content was archived on June 30, you have access to view it to see where you need to start your new year!

To ensure you have access to this amazing new content, renew your membership and troop leader status for 2019. If you are having trouble seeing specific content, try clearing your cookies and cache before reaching out to customercare@citrus-gs.org (or your local council) for support.

Happy planning!

National

Girl Scouts Ranks Top 10 in World Value Index

Courage. Confidence. Character. Individually, these three words are strong, compelling, and generally something a person strives to have or to be. Together, these words are powerful to anyone who is a Girl Scout, was a Girl Scout, or associated with one even just through buying cookies. These three words create an everlasting, nostalgic, yet effective impact that allows Girl Scouts of the USA to hold the number 10 spot out of 200 companies in the World Value Index rankings, and number 9 in the Top 10 nonprofits, overall.

As defined by enso, “The World Value Index measures the extent to which Americans are inspired by brands’ missions — and the extent to which that inspiration drives active support and purchase.” Thanks to our Girl Scout girls and adults, past and present, we are recognizable and memorable. The Girl Scout mission is strong on it’s own, but it’s our members and alumnae who bring that mission to life.

Thanks to a Gold Award Girl Scout, people are aware that Girl Scouts is so much more than camp or cookies.

Thanks to a Cadette troop’s Take Action Journey project, people find themselves with a better alignment of their beliefs supporting the Girl Scout mission.

Thanks to a leader who no longer has children of their own in Girl Scouts but continues to volunteer her time and energy because she is so passionate and excited to support a life-changing organization.

Thanks to a Girl Scout Daisy dad who is “Man Enough to Be a Girl Scout,” and wears the shirt he purchased with pride as he bumbles through his first meeting alongside his brand new co-leader.

Awareness, alignment, support, purchase. These are the four dimensions enso measures to determine the rankings of the World Value Index. Whether it’s participating as a Girl Scout, troop leader, cookie captain, donor, or even just buying a can of nuts or box of cookie, we know and are fortunate that Girl Scouts is such a highly viewed and supported organization.

And we just want to say thank you. It’s a great time to be a G.I.R.L.

Leadership

Getting to Know the VTK

What is the Volunteer Toolkit (VTK)?!

When I became a troop leader in 2009 the VTK was not available. I spent countless hours planning, researching, reading, training and asking many questions before my first troop meeting.

The VTK has truly been an incredible resource from Girl Scouts USA, and they keep adding more functions to it.

 

Setting up your My Year Plan

I use the toolkit regularly to add council events to “My Year Plan”. As the name implies, it is a resource on the VTK that guides you as the troop Co-Leader to plan your Girl Scout year with your troop. You can customize a troop plan, include the troop meeting location (time/day/meeting frequency), and even upload a troop picture of you and your girls. This is also very transparent for parents, who can see what is being planned every step of the way.

Now, I’ll be honest, I didn’t use the VTK when I planned my outdoor activities this past year. I’ve just always used another resource to enter these type of troop activities. But the more comfortable I become with the VTK, the more likely I’ll rely on it for all of my troop functions.

Keeping track of your troop

Through the VTK, you can review all contact information (email address/home address/phone numbers) for each girl and parent. This is vital to have in good order before fall product training & sales begin. I have also been able to manage specific troop position assignments and verify background check status for troop volunteers.

When it’s time for early bird I use the VTK to re-register my troop. The VTK allows me to communicate with my troop and troop parents through email.

I really like the convenience of logging into my MYGS to view all the adult and girl event registrations.

My Meeting Plan

You can also use the VTK to help plan your troop meetings. View upcoming Citrus Council events and discuss with your troop. You can access your meeting overview, set up an activity plan, and make materials list.

I also like the ability to manage troop communications through email reminders and attendance records. This helps me organize myself while keeping the girls and their parent updated on upcoming activities.

Resources

Here are just some additional resources you can find on the VTK to help guide you as a troop Co-Leader:

  • Safety and Travel forms
  • Troop Leadership
  • Volunteer Aids
  • New content to be added July 2018 include the Explore tab, Badge tracks, STEM Journeys and more for all grade levels!

 

How Do I Access the VTK?

Login to the VTK through your MYGS Member Profile at https://gsmembers.force.com/members/login.

Be sure to watch the Volunteer Toolkit Tutorial at www.girlscouts.org/en/adults/volunteer/volunteer-resources.html.

 

Some Key Things to Remember….

 

Citrus Email Preferences

Don’t miss emails from Citrus Council, Subscribe to the bi-weekly newsletter today!

www.citrus-gs.org/en/about-girl-scouts/our-council/email-preferences.html

Be sure to share the link with your adult volunteers, parents and girls.

 

Update My Troop

Maintain accurate records for your troop for easy renewal and registration.

The updates will be implemented into the MYGS community so that everyone has access to the troop information.

www.citrus-gs.org/en/about-girl-scouts/our-council/forms/UpdateMyTroop.html

Troops accepting new girls or troop volunteers can be displayed in the Citrus Council online catalog for parents or new girls to go online and register for your troop.

 

All Things Girl Scouts

Additional Troop Tips are available at https://allthingsgirlscouts.com.

Follow me at @floridagirlscout for more insights and tips on Girl Scouts.

Outdoor

Summer Camp Series: Everything I Need to Know, I…

We learn oh-so-many things at summer camp: how to roll a sleeping bag or bedroll, how to start a fire and cook a s’more, how to make a sit-upon, and how to protect our natural environment. But there are lessons learned that go way beyond practicing an outdoor skill – like sparking lifelong friendships, admitting you messed up, surviving your first friendship fight, stepping outside your comfort zone, and even surprising yourself.

When Girl Scouts enjoy a camp experience outdoors, 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

When girls spend quality time outdoors and increase their exposure to nature, they thrive physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Our research shows that girls who attend camp experience two types of fun: “hard fun” (overcoming challenges) and “people fun” (building strong relationships). “Hard fun” provides opportunities for challenge, mastery, and feelings of accomplishment. It involves goals, strategies, and obstacles. “People fun,” on the other hand, provides opportunities to build and strengthen social bonds and to hang out with friends. In this sort of fun, girls cooperate, communicate, and compete. Learn more about how outdoor experiences positively impact girls’ lives.

——————————-

We rounded up just a few of our favorite life lessons from Girl Scout camp, shared directly from alumnae and staff:

Camp life is like Florida weather: it changes often during the day. Just be ready.
-Cookie

—————————

Independence. Being away from my usual routine and the people I normally rely on in everyday life was a huge step towards figuring out how to do things for myself. And not only just how to be self-sufficient, but also how rewarding it can be to be independent and be able to do things and figure things out for myself. Asking mom and dad for help is always 100% ok, but sometimes it’s really cool to be able to prove to them, and yourself, that you are capable.

Camp friends are lifelong friends. Friendships made at camp are so much stronger than friendships made anywhere else. Camp is a place where you can be yourself 100%, so the people you meet at camp know you for your true self. They love and accept you for who you are, which makes your bond so much stronger. Camp friends really are the best.
-Firefly

—————————

Camp taught me that I can always be myself no matter what. With all the counselors wearing wacky clothes and being so confident in them, it taught me that I can do the same. It taught me that there is nothing I cannot do. I was terrified of the ropes course when I first starting going to camp and eventually I did the course for the first time and fell in love. Eventually, I became a certified instructor. Camp helps you overcome your fears!

Ahhh this makes me miss Camp so much!
-Scooby

Outdoor

Make the Most Out of Your Summer

Summertime is the BEST time to be a Girl Scout! (Ok ok, really, anytime is the best time to be a Girl Scout, but summer brings new kinds of fun!) We’re celebrating the season, soaking in the sunshine, keeping cool, exploring nature, and so much more! Here are a few ways to make the most of summer:

  • See you at Summer Camp! Whether it’s overnight resident camp, day camp, or just a one-day outdoor adventure, summer camp is where it’s at. Not only are we exploring nature, and building friendships to last a lifetime. At camp, girls practice independence and decision-making, which builds confidence. We want to see your summer camp pics! Post on Instagram with #gsoutdoors. 
  • Earn a Badge. Summer is the perfect time to explore something new. Earning badges with your troop is super fun, but you can also achieve badge success on your own, by exploring the topics that are you uniquely interesting to you. Stay tuned through the month of July, because BRAND NEW badges are coming soon. For now, check out the badge explorer, for activity topics you’ll love.
  • Attend an Event. Spend a day going beyond your usual routine. Round up a few friends from your troop or just go on your own to meet new Girl Scout sisters. Browse the calendar of events here. 
  • Invite a Friend. Don’t keep your Girl Scout fun a secret. Invite a friend to join the summer fun, or to join your troop when the school year starts. We’ve already got a worldwide sisterhood. Let’s not leave anyone out. Within the next week, tell a friend about how much fun you’ve had in Girl Scouts and invite her to join you. Bonus fun: write it in a letter, as if you’re pen pals! 
  • Renew Now. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to renew your membership for next year. Troop leaders and parents can do this in your MyGS account. Make sure your membership doesn’t lapse. Renew today.
Leadership

The Men Who are Man Enough to be a…

Are You Man Enough to be a Girl Scout?!

The Man Enough to be A Girl Scout campaign is about recognizing men who are involved in Girl Scouts. When the men in a Girl Scout’s life step up to be Man Enough to be a Girl Scout, they are standing with all girls in our community as they strive to become women of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

Here are just a few stories of the Girl Scout dads stepping up to take an active role in their daughter’s Girl Scout experience.

Brownie Troop Dads

A group of dads from Troop 3054 went on a hiking day activity with their daughters to earn the hiker badge. One dad helped his daughter walk the trail the week beforehand, teaching her how to read the trail map and help her prepare as it was his daughter who girl-led the hiker badge. The troop dads attended the “Get Outdoors” end of year celebration and game night. They also attended a daddy daughter date night at Steak and Shake.

 

The troop dads include Jared Weinhold, Steve Krueger, Matt Garboski, Scott Bompkamp, Ed Morales, John Mazzanovich and Mark Dowling.

Juliette Dad

Jim Marchione has been a registered Girl Scout with Citrus Council since his oldest daughter Angie, started as a Daisy. Eight years later, he’s a fearless co-leader and watched his other daughter Gabriella, bridge to Juniors.

Jim, better known by his camp name of “Burpee,” has helped with loading hundreds of cookie cases in his community every season, teaching about safety with from his years in law enforcement, health and fitness from his many nutrition degrees and certifications and has facilitated a Bronze Award through the South Lake Animal League and a Silver Award through the Red Cross. He researches and guides the girls through many scouting adventures including Scouts Rock at Graceland, primitive camping, overnighters, badge workshops, and a recent trip to Savannah, GA to visit Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthplace and The First Headquarters!

Jim started out helping his wife Yvonne’s multi-level troop in South Lake Community, but then, as his girls became Juliettes, he has taken over as their leader, guide and mentor.

Behind the Scene GS Dad

Joe Howe is the Behind the Scene’s Girl Scout dad.  “Not only is he understanding and always makes sure GS comes first on schedule but he is a HUGE help” expressed his wife and first year troop leader, Vicky.  While Joe works late during the week and is unable to make the troop’s regular meetings, he makes an effort to attend as many Girl Scout/Troop activities as he can.

He has helped out with all of the troop’s cookie booths, their snooze at the zoo event, and special outings to the police, fire departments and ice skating.  He’s has helped read over meeting plans and shared many ideas for potential projects for the troop.

During cookie season he was Vicky’s right hand. Joe would spend nights sitting with Vicky on the computer sorting and counting the many boxes of cookies that took over their house.

“When my counts didn’t add up he poured me a glass of wine and sat counting boxes again and again until we found the error. This was my first year being a troop leader and cookie mom and I would not have been able to do it without this amazing Girl Scout dad” shared Vicky.

Recruit your man!

Girl Scout volunteers come from our communities. Whether they are the dads, uncles, brothers or the volunteers who support her leadership journey. Men can make a difference in the lives of girls today and help them become the leaders of the future.

When girls succeed, society succeeds.

National

#gsoutdoors challenge!

Show us how you take the lead outside by accepting the #gsoutdoors challenge! 

Each week in June, Girl Scouts of the USA will present a unique challenge that will push you to explore the great outdoors in exciting, new ways—not to mention inspire you to keep the adventure going all summer long! At the end of each challenge, Girl Scouts will randomly select one lucky winner (four total) to receive an awesome prize from The North Face.

Your Challenges (Should You Choose to Accept):
June 1-8: Go the Distance
June 9-15: Rock the Lifestyle
June 16-22: Embrace Adventure
June 23-30: Nurture Nature

How to enter:
1. Head to Instagram and follow @girlscouts.
2. Post a photo tagged with #gsoutdoors that shows how you’re taking on Girl Scouts’ outdoor challenges.
3. Wait for a confirmation from @girlscouts that we’ve received your entry. Once you get the message, claim your post to complete your entry.

Participants can enter once a day, so get creative and join Girl Scouts all month long to increase your chances—and, most importantly, get outside! (Psst . . . you don’t have to be a Girl Scout to participate. You just have to lead like one.)

The sweepstakes will be open from June 1 to June 30, 2018, and one winner will be selected weekly starting June 11. Check the Official Sweepstakes Rules and FAQs.

To power the next generation of women who push boundaries and move mountains, The North Face has recently teamed up with Girl Scouts of the USA to inspire girls to challenge themselves, learn about the natural world, and continue the Girl Scout tradition of having life-changing outdoor experiences. Through our multiyear collaboration, The North Face will support the development of 12 new Outdoor Adventure badges, with programming ranging from mountaineering and climbing to backpacking, hiking, and trail running. These 12 new Girl Scout badges, which will roll out over the next two years, will teach girls in virtually every U.S. zip code about the benefits of outdoor exploration. Learn more about this exciting collaboration.

Troop Tips

Schools out, now what?

Let’s Get Ready for Summer!

It’s a great time to have fun with your Girl Scout friends. Don’t take a summer break from school, homework AND Girl Scouts. Make this the best summer for your troop.

Staying active over the summer

Meet with your troop and determine if you want to meet once or a couple times over the Summer. Meeting with your troop in June, July or August has a couple advantages. Your troop can earn a badge or the community service bar pin. The troop can meet and determine which badges and Journeys they want to earn during 2018-2019. The girls can create a troop calendar to include service projects, badges, service community annual events, holiday activities and Citrus Council programs.

If your troop decides to meet, schedule a couple troop activities. Here are some suggestions:

  • Image from Daytona Lagoon water park

    Regal Summer Movie $1 Express

  • Go to play or musical
  • Take a morning day or evening hike
  • Visit splash playgrounds
  • Cook a new recipe and provide to your local fire station
  • Participate in a 4th of July parade
  • Visit a farmer’s market
  • Try a new yogurt or ice cream shop
  • Collect & donate school supplies

 

Stay Productive

Ask Juniors/Cadettes/Seniors/Ambassador Girl Scouts to consider a bronze, silver or gold award project.

Be sure to check the Citrus Council calendar for upcoming Silver or Gold training before starting any higher award project.

Over the Summer girls will read novels, picture books and chapter books.

Earn the GSC Summer Reading Patch! Girl Scouts complete book logs to receive the fun patch. The fun patch can be purchased at the GSC Council Shop.

If your troop doesn’t meet over the summer, ask your girls to write post cards when they travel or maintain a summer journal to include their local adventures. Be sure to plan a fun back to school activity to reconnect the girls before the school year begins.

Girl Scouts from Seminole County

Visit a Seminole County Public Library, sign up for the Summer Reading Program, complete the book log and receive a free book at www.seminolecountyfl.gov/departments-services/leisure-services/seminole-county-library/kids-page/

Read 10 books or 300 pages, complete the online Z Kids Summer Book Club form at http://zradio.org/completed-z-kids-summer-book-club-form/

The bookmobile schedule can be found at www.scps.k12.fl.us/district/departments/lets-read-seminole/bookmobile.stml

Image from Palm Springs Middle School website

Girl Scouts from Orange, Brevard, Volusia, Lake & Osceola

Complete a book log from the Summer Reading library program and receive a book.

Read 10 books or 300 pages, complete the online Z Kids Summer Book Club form at http://zradio.org/completed-z-kids-summer-book-club-form/.

Participate in the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program (first-sixth grade) complete the reading journal and receive a free book.

Earn a religious emblem over the summer

Girl Scouting promotes and encourages girls to participate in faith-based programs. It has been part of the Girl Scout tradition since its inception in 1912. Girl Scouts recognizes the religious diversity that exists within our communities. There are various religious recognitions offered by different faith communities at www.praypub.org/gsusa

The National Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts serves Catholic youth and adults through quality faith based programs at www.nccs-bsa.org/index.php/religious-activities

Our Catholic Faith Patches: Women in Scripture & Models of Faith patch series guidebooks available at www.catholicscoutingstl.org/awards/catholic-identity-patch-program

Plan for the Fall

Ask the adult volunteers and troop parents to meet during the Summer.

Recruit adults to support the Co-Leaders during back to school recruitment, fall product, cookie season and during troop meetings. Update your MYGS profile to include the adult volunteer role(s).

Outdoor

Pack Your Bags! It’s Camp Time!

It’s almost time to pack the bags for summer camp! We’ve still got some time, but the Girl Scout motto is to “Be Prepared,” so now is the time to make sure you have everything she’ll need for her camp session. As you’re spring cleaning, you might find items to set aside for camp, or realize it’s time for a shopping spree because her “outside” sneakers have a hole in the toe…

For Day Camp:

  • Non-refrigerated lunch
  • 2 bandannas
  • A water bottle on lanyard and labeled
  • Sun screen/bug repellent (non-aerosol)
  • Day Bag

For Resident Camp:

Clothing & Activity Accessories

  • T-shirts (No Tank, Halter or Spaghetti Strap Tops)
  • Shorts, jeans, long pants
  • Warm sweatshirt or lightweight jacket
  • Rain gear (poncho)
  • Bathing suits (one-two for pool and one for waterfront activities) – One piece or tankini; no bikinis
  • 2-3 Towels for pool/shower
  • Sturdy, closed toe/closed heel shoes for walking around camp (no Crocs or flip flops)
  • Shower shoes (these can be flip flops or Crocs)
  • Water shoes or old sneakers for waterfront activities. They will get wet (no Crocs or flip flops).
  • Undergarments
  • Pajamas
  • Socks (worn at all times)
  • A hat or bandana
  • Laundry bag (for dirty clothes)
  • Plastic bag for wet clothes

 

Personal Care Items

  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Soap/Deodorant
  • Hairbrush or comb
  • Shampoo/conditioner
  • Insect repellant (non-aerosol)
  • Sunscreen (non-aerosol)

 

Day/Evening Gear

  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Small backpack/nap sack-(day bag)
  • Refillable water bottle with name

 

Overnight Gear 

  • Sleeping bag or blanket and sheets. Note: Bring a single top sheet if you are using a sleeping bag. (twin size)
  • Pillow
  • (Optional) Comfort items: stuff animal, books, coloring pages, journal, pictures

 

What not to pack

There are a few things you shouldn’t bring along to camp. Some are for safety purposes (like keeping critters away from your stuff), but others are just to make the camp experience more enjoyable. Plus, you won’t have much room left in your bag anyway! Don’t bring this stuff:

  • Soda, energy drinks, candy, gum, and coffee type drinks
  • Fruity smelling deodorant or toothpaste
  • Body sprays or perfumes
  • Aerosol containers of any kind
  • Permanent markers
  • Any expensive or irreplaceable items
  • Valuable jewelry
  • Electronics – iPods, iPads, MP3’s, digital cameras or any other electronic devices
  • Cell phones
Cookies

Top Ten Cookie Sellers

The 2018 Cookie season is in the books. Our girls did an amazing job selling cookies, working booths and managing their business. While many sold well over 1,000 boxes, there were some that were able to sell upwards of 2,000 boxes.

The Top Ten Cookie Sellers for 2018 are:

Girl Scout Service Unit Total
Ashley Henderson Sparkling Rivers 3795
Senaia Asanya Foliage 2687
Temperance Houck Ohana 2156
Sabrina Mcelwain Voyager 2043
Serenity Blackley Voyager 2039
Hailey Gomez Imagine 2024
Meryem Belghazi East Orange 2004
Rebecca Zehnal Imagine 2000
Kayleigh Remer Voyager 2000
Melissa Janes Heart of Lake 2000

 

 

Congratulations Girl Scouts! You did an incredible job this year.