Fall Product

Fall Product Program Gives Something to Celebrate

When Citrus Council presented the Fall Product Program to us, I immediately got excited because, yippee, something for the girls to look forward to!

My name is Dana Allen and my Troop #825 has been around since 1982 and I have been the leader the entire time. I have definitely seen lots of things happen in these 38 plus years. We have sold many products and reached a multitude of goals. However, 2020 has been the most challenging year with the present situation of Covid-19.

Citrus Council has definitely stepped up the game and given (and are still giving) us so many avenues to travel to keep our troops active and connected. I was proud to hear positive remarks from all the parents in our troop as I presented the Fall Product Program and dropped off their order forms to each girl. I am excited to share our ongoing success story for the 2020 Fall Product Program. We are rocking it with (at this moment) $3,020.00 sold. It has not just dropped in our laps. We are emailing, calling, texting, and sharing on social media to all our families and friends all the ways they can place an order. I check our troop dashboard several times a day and send out messages of encouragement to the girls.

Thank you to the Product Team for all you do. This is a great program and I love the M2 Media Group. So easy to navigate, yay!

I just want to say thank you to all involved in helping our troops make the 2020 Fall Product Program work, and my sincere thanks to my girls and troop parents.

 

Dana Allen/Troop #825

Sunrise Community

 

 

[Photo taken pre-Covid-19, before social distancing protocol]

Featured

Episode 9 – Join the AtGS Movement

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We’re gearing up for BIG things in 2020! And we need your help.

Every month, we’ll be opening up guest blog submissions and podcast guest applications to plan all the All Things Girl Scouts goodness for the following month. Our listeners and readers have so much knowledge and experience to share, and we’re ready to help even more Troop Leaders and parents make Girl Scouts AWESOME for girls in their troop.

Be a Guest Blogger

There are 3 types of articles you can submit:

  1. Share Your Story: Something AWESOME your troop or Service Unit has done in Girl Scouts. What are your successes that others could gain inspiration from?
  2. How-To: Share the step-by-step of how to earn a specific girl award, qualify for a volunteer recognition, or host a bridging ceremony (for example).
  3. Expert Resources: Do you have a super-cool day job with expertise to share? Maybe you can help girls earn a badge by sharing resources.

To get started, submit your interest form here.
The deadline to submit is the 10th of each month, for content to be published the following month.

Be a Podcast Guest Host

There are 3 types of Podcast Guest Hosts:

  1. Girl Scout Experts – If you have a special skill, experience, or knowledge related to Girl Scouts, join us on an episode to share it! Are you really good at Dutch oven cooking? Love the STEM badges? Let’s chat.
  2. Professional Experts – If you’ve got a cool day job that girls or troop leaders might be interested in learning more about, let’s chat.
  3. Council Celebrity – How fun would it be to interview council CEOs, Board chairs, and Camp Directors?! Let’s highlight your Council’s celebrities with exclusive interviews!

Want to be a Podcast Guest Host? Submit your interest form here.
Know someone who would be an awesome guest? Suggest a guest here.

Troop Tips

A Closer Look at What Teen Girls Want (Even…

When it comes to working with our teen girls, it’s all about balance. Balancing the fact that they want to be adults and are maturing in a lot of ways, and that they are still girls who need chances to choose, learn, and be silly. Take a look at what teen girls need and think about how you can balance this in your troop.

Teen girl want you to:

  • Accept them for who they are.
  • Respect their need for space.
  • Respect their need for privacy.
  • Accept their right to their own opinion.
  • Accept their right to have a say.
  • Understand that their “self” as an individual is not the same as their “self” when part of a group.

Teen girls want:

  • Opportunities to learn skills – anything that increases their sense of mastery, proficiency, or the ability to “hold their own” in the adult world.
  • Activities that are social.
  • Activities that are separate for “little girls” – even teens who like working with younger girls need time with their peers.
  • Activities that allow them to demonstrate their know-how.
  • Opportunities to joke around with an admired adult (as long as the fun is not at their expense).
  • Food.
  • A sense of choice.
  • A chance to save face.
  • A chance to contribute.
  • Fair feedback – without humiliation or embarrassment.
  • Reassurance without feeling childish.
  • Milestones and privileges that come with being older.

During confrontations, teen girls want:

  • A chance to talk without interruption.
  • To feel heard, that their position was truly considered.
  • To avoid “traps” and “bait”.
  • To prove that they have control over themselves, that you can’t make them.
  • Opportunities to “repair” mistakes.

What tips and tactics have you tried that help teen girls thrive?

Featured

We’re a Girl Scout Family and I Wouldn’t Have…

Chris S. is a troop leader from Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore. A proud Eagle Scout growing up, he shared his volunteer experience with us and explained why he thinks Girl Scouts is the best leadership training for girls. 

Girl Scouts is a family affair for us. I’m one of six leaders in a multi-level troop of 27 girls; my wife is our troop treasurer; and my daughter, Luci, is a second-year Brownie. Our Girl Scout experience began when Luci joined as a Daisy in first grade. From our first parent meeting, I knew I wanted to get involved and be a resource for the energetic girls running around. In our troop, we’ve balanced fun activities with giving back—from cranberry picking in the fall to packing toiletries and personal items for “blessing bags” for those in need in our community. 

Luci loves astronomy and science, so she’s excited about the new science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) badges. She’s even earned her Brownie Space Science Adventurer badge. She and her troop attended a council-wide cybersecurity event recently, and I love watching her eyes light up when she delves into a topic that excites her. I also love that she’s able to share her passion for STEM with her troop, because she might not talk about STEM as much when she’s with her school friends. Girl Scouts is definitely a platform for her interests. 

I became an Eagle Scout in high school and consider that one of the most valuable experiences in my life, but from everything I see now as a troop leader at Girl Scouts, I feel strongly that it’s the best place for girls to develop character and confidence. It’s so important for them to have a space to themselves where they can grow their confidence and follow their passions. It’s been amazing to watch the girls become comfortable with who they are, own their interests, and learn to rely on one another. In fact, it’s the most important thing for me to see as a dad and troop leader. For example, Luci hated bugs, but as she earned her Brownie Bugs badge, she looked for bugs under rocks and got close to them in a way I hadn’t seen before. If it were just the two of us hiking, she wouldn’t have done that; with her friends, she has more confidence and she pushes herself to do more. 

For the dads out there, I think if you want to spend high-quality time with your daughter and make meaningful memories, Girl Scouts is the perfect way to do so. There are so many incredible activities you can take part in, and you shouldn’t feel intimidated or afraid to do them. Actually, a majority of volunteers in our council wish there were more actively involved dads. Don’t get me wrong, many dads volunteer—one dad is a police officer who talked with the girls for their Brownie Safety Award pin—but I’m a delegate in my council, and I think it’s 95 percent women. I do a lot of our outreach to new members, and moms are usually surprised when they hear me on the phone. After they get to know me, however, they become more comfortable and they like the fact we have both male and female leaders. 

Girl Scouts being just for moms and daughters is a stereotype that needs to get squashed. Being a Girl Scout troop leader opened my mind to different things, and it’s made me more aware of the need for girls to empower themselves and of the unique issues that women face today. I feel passionately that girls should never think of themselves as limited because they’re girls; they should always know they can do anything they want. And for Luci, knowing that her dad is there to support her as she does her part to make the world a better place is what matters to me most of all.

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!

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.

Outdoor

Travel & Activity Reminders

As the Girl Scout year winds down in May, many girls are looking to see what they can spend their troop funds on. They’ve worked hard during cookie season and fall product season, so they’ve looked forward to reaping the benefits. They may have decided on a trip/activity and set it as a goal.

Hopefully as a troop co-leader you’ve guided and advised them on what kind of trips/activities they can apply their troop funds to. As a troop co-leader it is important to remember to do your due diligence and submit the appropriate paperwork for all travel/adventure/activities.

Below are a few resources from the Girl Scouts of Citrus Website (Please keep in mind that these are updated yearly, always refer to the website for the most current information):

Remember that safety is our number one priority, so please review the guidelines when advising the girls on their choices and before scheduling any activities to ensure that there is ample time to process paperwork and to confirm that they are approved locations.

Short and Sweet

Volunteer Appreciation week

Did you know that you are part of the largest girls’ leadership development organization in the world 🌎?! Because of YOU we build girls of courage, confidence, and character and prepare them for the lifetime of leadership, success, and adventure that every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ deserves.

It is fundamental in Girl Scouts to make the world a better place. Whether you are earning your first aid badge or working to complete your Silver Award project helping others is what Girl Scouts do. My troop’s first service project in 2009 was collecting long sleeve shirts for the Florida Farm Workers. We also assembled birthday boxes for HOPE Helps, collected pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House, decorated holiday stockings for the Oviedo Kiwanis Club and colored greeting cards for Color A Smile. Each service project provided the girls an opportunity to grow in love and kindness for others in their community.

My most treasured gift that I have received as a troop leader, were cards written by the girls. Their thankful words provide encouragement to strive for excellent leadership and continued service in Girl Scouts.Recognize your service community, troop cookie chairs, fall product chairs, co-leaders, adult volunteers that assist during troop meetings, service community team, troop finance chairs and troop chaperones.

On April 22, we celebrate Girl Scout Leader’s Day. Ask your service community what they have planned to recognize and appreciate their adult volunteers and co-leaders. You can also show your favorite volunteer your love and gratitude during National Volunteer Appreciation week.

Here are just some of the ways you can show your appreciation…

  1. Craft…Cook…Create…Have the girls make something for your one-of-a-kind Girl Scout volunteers.
  2. Recognize the volunteer efforts on social media. Include why your volunteer(s) are special to you and include the hashtag #NVW2017 during National Volunteer Week April 23–29.
  3. As a troop leader my favorite volunteer appreciation gifts I received were cards written by the girls. Write your volunteers letters thanking them for their time, talent and commitment.
  4. Send personalized eCards. Pick your favorite G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ design, type their name, and share the card on social media or through email. www.girlscouts.org/sharethanks
  5. Submit Community Level Award nominations or a Board of Director’s Approved Recognition for the efforts of your adult volunteers. Nomination forms are available at www.citrus-gs.org/en/for-volunteers/volunteer-recognitions.html.
  6. Girl Scouts of Citrus recognizes 5/10/15/20 + years of adult volunteer service by providing Years of Service Pins. Provide the Years of Adult Volunteer Service to your Service Community Team. Adults with twenty or more years of service are presented their pins during the Annual Business Meeting.
  7. You can always get them something from the Girl Scouts store. GSUSA has a special discount going on in April. Use code VOLUNTEER18 for 15% off one item from the Girl Scout online store. *The code is available April 1 through April 30, 2018, for 15% off one item from a customer’s order.
  8. The Citrus Council Shop also has a special 10% discount on your purchase from April 16 – 19, 2018 and 15% purchases over $75.

Need help to provide more program and opportunities with your troop(s)?! During April recruit your family, friends, colleagues or school parents to register as an adult volunteer with Girl Scouts of Citrus. www.citrus-gs.org/en/about-girl-scouts/join.html

Volunteers are not paid – – not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless. *Anonymous

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.