2022-2023 GSGATL Troop Renewal Guide by Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta

Be The Spark

Spring Renewal 2022–2023 | Renewal Begins April 1

She’s a force of nature. Get her outside! Archery

Horseback Riding

Arts

STEM

High Adventure

Water Sports

3 beautiful locations in metro Atlanta Camp Meriwether

Camp Timber Ridge

Camp Misty Mountain

Meriwether County

Cobb County

Floyd County

A letter from the CEO: A Girl Scout is many things. Honest and fair, considerate and caring, friendly and helpful. But, above all, a Girl Scout is resilient. Our Girl Scout community has been faced with huge challenges over the last two years that have tested all of us. Your girls have been the bright light shining through it all, rising together above each obstacle they face with grace and confidence. Leaning on each other for support to conquer their goals and continue achieving their dreams. In the 2022-23 Membership Year, I am excited to say that we are continuing to move forward at the speed of girl, providing a space for them to set their biggest goals yet. Our dedicated staff is working hard to plan in-person events and activities that bring our Girl Scout community back together, while still providing virtual options for those who need it. I am looking forward to seeing all of you in the coming year. We will connect, go on new adventures and make a difference together. Your girls are already on the way to becoming their best selves. Whether they dream of being an artist or an astronaut, we can help them get there. Yours in scouting,

Amy S. Dosik Chief Executive Officer

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta

Blazing trails and redefining what’s possible for girls everywhere? Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta has been dedicated to this since 1921. Though women received the right to vote months before our charter was signed, many still faced discrimination at the polls. Most women still followed strict social norms and restrictions educationally and financially. The Girl Scout organization challenged this. Girls were encouraged to embrace their unique strengths and create opportunities based on their interests, but not someone else’s. And with that, girls began participating in areas previously limited to them... sports, science, and outdoor adventures. The values instilled in girls 100 years ago are still true today – helping every girl unlock her full potential, find lifelong friends and make the world a better place. 4

Blazing Trails Since 1921

What our families think: - 91% of caregivers say Girl Scouts is welcoming to families of all kinds - 89% of parents say their girls are happier because of Girl Scouts What our girls think: - 88% said they learn things that help prepare them for the future - 91% said they are excited about the things they get to do in Girl Scouts What our alumni think: - 68% of alums assert that Girl Scouts has had a positive impact on their lives - 88% of Girl Scout alums are satisfied with their lives today, and 87% say they have successfully met their life goals

“The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers.” Juliette Gordon Low 5

Highest Awards The Future is Female

Gold Award Issues of the World, Meet Your Match

Gold Award Girl Scouts are rock stars, role models, and real-life heroes. How do they do it? By using everything they’ve learned as a Girl Scout to help fix a problem in their community or make a lasting change in their world. It is a key that can open doors to scholarships, preferred admission tracks for college, and amazing career opportunities. Each year, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta awards more than $50,000 in scholarship money to Gold Award Girl Scouts. Thirty-nine US colleges and universities offer scholarship awards to Gold Award Girl Scouts, ranging from $1,000 to $18,500 per year.

Tafton B., Troop 6027, Cherokee County | Teens Helping Teens Tafton created a program to educate her peers on suicide prevention and help reduce the stigma around mental health. She created pamphlets and other resources to provide direction on what to say to those who express suicidal thoughts, the warning signs and what next steps to take. Her work was shared with local suicide prevention agencies, counseling services, high school and youth groups.

Interested in learning more about Highest Awards? Email goldawardsupport@gsgatl.org. 6

Silver Award

Bronze Award

Do Big Things

Working Together to Make a Difference

When Cadettes focus on an issue they care about, learn the facts, and take action to make a difference, they gain the confidence and skills that will catapult them to lifelong success. It all adds up to the Girl Scout Silver Award – the highest honor a Cadette can achieve.

Abby B., Troop 3031, Gwinnett County | Conditions Impacting Crayfish Creek & Urban Waterways - A Reference Abby wanted to educate the public on how their actions impact erosion, sedimentation, and runoff specifically at Crayfish Creek and other waterways. She made contacts within the community who introduced her to the Crayfish Creek restoration project, which helped to expand her awareness. Abby continued to research and write articles on these conditions and added informational materials to Crayfish Creek’s website. She was invited to speak to a group of educators to encourage students to take action. Abby has been a member of the Crayfish Creek Restoration Team for almost a year.

When Juniors team up to make a difference in their community, they learn important leadership skills, discover new passions and watch how seemingly small actions make a big difference. It all adds up to the Girl Scout Bronze Awards – the highest honor a Junior can achieve.

Aubrey J. and Zoie T., Troop 17068, Jackson County | Creating Kits for Dogs Aubrey and Zoie recognized that rescue dogs sometimes have trouble settling into their new homes, which can lead to the owner returning them to the shelters. First, they collected donations from neighbors and local organizations. Then, made 25 kits to help rescue dogs become comfortable in their new homes. Each kit included shampoo, toys, treats, bones, and a small training book to help owners with their new pet. They donated the kits and extra supplies to a local rescue agency, Dirt Road Doggies Rescue and created a video.

We’re a gathering place for girls gro We’re celebrating a big birthday this Membership Year. Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta is 100 years young, receiving our council charter in 1921 signed by Juliette Gordon Low herself! Within a year of getting our charter, our council grew from five troops to 27 troops with 526 registered members!

Do you have a special Girl Scout memory? Email marcomm@gsgatl.org and help us celebrate 100 years of Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta. Whether you are a Girl Scout, alumni, parent/guardian, volunteer or troop leader, we want to hear from you! On the left page: Cookies - Circa 1950s. Girl Scouts Selling Cookies Door To Door. On the right page: Camp - Circa 1920s. Thornton Hall, named for Mrs. Albert Thornton; Badges - Five Cadette Scouts stand on a sports field with hands clasped and raised, 1978

Did you know? Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta first started selling Girl Scout Cookies in 1936. Cookies were baked by girls and their families. In 1951, there were only three varieties of Girl Scout Cookies sold! Peanut Butter Sandwich, Shortbread, and Chocolate Mints. Today, our council sells nine different varieties to customers across the metro Atlanta area through cookie booths and Digital Cookie online stores. Proceeds earned from the Girl Scout Cookie Program stay local to help fund troop adventures and support Council programming.

owing up, a century in the making.

In 1925, the first summer camp session was held at Camp Civitania (now Timber Ridge) in Mableton, Georgia. That year, the camp hosted about 35 campers each week for just $7 a session. Girls participated in arts and crafts activities and received swimming lessons by volunteer college students in the natural swimming pool fed by a stream. In addition to all the traditional activities we love, our camps have grown to include horseback riding at Camp Misty Mountain and Camp Meriwether and a STEM Lab at Camp Timber Ridge. Girls might try their hands at zip lines, geo-caching or simply making s’mores with new friends.

Since our beginning, Girl Scouts have been able to earn badges, help their community and deepen their friendships. Some of the early badges included Health Guardian, Homekeeper, Naturalist, Star Gazer, Boating and Typography. Today, girls can earn badges in Cybersecurity, Democracy, Car Care, Entrepreneurship, Trailblazing and more. Our badges may have gotten a 21st century makeover, but they still symbolize the same thing: learning a new skill and discovering new passions.

Girl Scouts is a Great Value In today’s world, girls have so many extracurricular activity options. Your girl may not grow up to be a professional athlete or musician, but every parent wants their girl to lead a successful, full life as an adult. For a fraction of the cost of other extracurricular activities, your girl will learn valuable leadership and life skills that will set her on the path to success. With more than 100 years of experience developing girls’ potential, the value of Girl Scouts is unmatched. See for yourself what a valuable experience becoming a Girl Scout can be.

Activity

Membership

Uniforms, Gear, Etc.

Additional Activites

Total Annual Cost

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta

$25/year, $35 annual fund

$60

$20 per event, $50 SU and troop dues

$260

Sports

$350/season

$400

$40

Martial Arts

$100/month

$25-50

$90

$1,700

Music Lessons

$30/hour

$75

$25

$1,760

Dance/ Gymnastics

$150/month

$150

$3,000

Horseback Riding

$50/hour

$350

$4,750

(3 months)

(weekly)

$400

(costumes, shoes, etc.)

$400

(boots, uniforms, etc.)

per competition

per event

$950

per sport per season

Spring Renewal Incentives Girl Renewal Incentives

Annual Fund Incentives

Tier 1: Renew between 4/1 – 4/3 Receive a Girl Scout Carry-All Bag complete with compact mirror, GSGATL eco-bracelet made from recycled water bottles and special 100th anniversary patch.

Give $100 and receive Girl Scout Mini Nalgene Water Bottle, Girl Scout Hair Ties and Annual Fund patch.

Tier 2: Renew between 4/4 – 4/30 Receive GSGATL eco-bracelet made from recycled water bottles and special 100th anniversary patch.

Give $50 and receive Girl Scout Hair Ties and Annual Fund patch.

Tier 3: Renew between 5/1 – 5/31 Receive special 100th anniversary patch.

Give $35 and receive Annual Fund patch.

Troop Leader Incentives Renew 80% of your troop by April 30 and receive two FREE co-leader memberships.

Build a girl-led future. The Girl Scout Annual Fund

When you donate, you help girls gain the grit and strength essential to overcome challenges and set themselves up to do big things. Please join other Girl Scout families and support local girls with a gift to the Annual Fund. When you make your gift of $35 or more, your Girl Scout will receive the special 100 year anniversary patch on the right to add to her sash or vest. Your gift will help us build strong female leaders for the next century. Thank you!

The 2021-22 Membership Year is the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta Council’s charter. To celebrate, we created a special patch to recognize 100 years of local Girl Scouts making the world a better place!

Donate today at Donate.GirlScoutsATL.org If you make a donation to the Annual Fund as a troop and want to distribute the donation among the families who contributed, send an email with the names and donation amount for each family to annualfund@gsgatl.org.

Juliette Girl Scouting Another Way to Girl Scout Did you know that Juliette Girl Scouts are registered girl members in grades K-12 who are not affiliated with a troop? They participate in a way that fits their schedule, attending events and participating in activities that meet their needs and interests, with the support of an adult. What can a Juliette do? Everything Girl Scouts in a troop can do! As a Juliette, you have the same opportunities as girls in traditional troops and are able to pick and choose the way you want to participate in Girl Scouts, both in person and virtually. We even have special events just for girls like you! Have questions or interested in becoming a Juliette? Email juliettes@gsgatl.org.

High Adventure is Here! Girl Scout Trailblazer Program

The Girl Scout Trailblazer Program is designed for Girl Scouts in grades 8-12 who are looking for an opportunity to engage deeply in high-adventure outdoor activities. Trailblazers develop skills in diverse hiking styles, camping, orienteering methods, outdoor preparedness, and high adventure sports. There are no prerequisites for creating your Trailblazer troop other than an interest and willingness to complete the requirements of the pin within the first year of being part of the program. The program is intended to be run just like a troop. Girls are encouraged to participate in the full Girl Scout Program but through the lens of the program’s focus. 13

2022 Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta Events Adventure is just a click away. There is still so much to look forward to in the 2022 Girl Scout Year! Our event calendar is constantly being updated with new opportunities, both in person and virtual! Don’t miss out on fun activities like events, camp adventures, family sleepovers and activities, outdoor special events, leadership opportunities, Annual Fund events, trainings, and more! Check out Events.GirlScoutsATL.org to view our calendar.

Miss Media

Explore creative and non-fiction writing, visual art, photography & leadership! Lime Green Giraffe is a by-girls for-girls online publication that publishes two annual issues in addition to more frequent coverage of special Girl Scout events. Open to Girl Scouts, ages 11-17. New member applications accepted through June 11. Discover more at LimeGreenGiraffe.org

What is Miss Media? An exciting, eight-month program that gives you the opportunity to explore the ever-changing media environment and potential careers. Plus, you can develop valuable communication skills through real-life interview and speaking experiences! Learn more and how to audition at MissMedia.GirlScoutsATL.org

Though she may be small, she is mighty! Younger Girl Scout Opportunities Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors can’t wait to explore their world, using their energy and spirit to help others and take pride in making the world a better place. Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta offers unique opportunities and activities for girls in grades K-5, designed to help them learn new skills, make discoveries, and connect with life-long friends. As you plan your upcoming year, visit YoungerGirl. GirlScoutsATL.org to learn more about specific Journeys, Badges and activities for Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors. 15

Lifetime Membership Become a member for life—and you’ll be a champion of girls for years to come.

You can champion the next generation of change-makers by investing in Girl Scouts and becoming a member for life. Your contribution will support Girl Scouts, which gives girls a place to prepare for a lifetime of leadership. And, by becoming a lifetime member, you’re joining a group of like-minded supporters and contributing to Girl Scouts’ mission. When you sign up as a lifetime member, $25 of your contribution automatically funds a year of membership for a Girl Scout in an underserved community in your area. As a result, in just a few years, lifetime membership has funded more than 30,000 memberships nationally for Girl Scouts whose families would not have otherwise been able to afford it.

Adult Lifetime Membership

(Ages 30 or older)

Lifetime membership is available to any individual who accepts the principles and beliefs of the Girl Scout Movement, pays the one-time lifetime membership fee, and is at least 18 years old (or a high school graduate or equivalent). Your lifetime membership donation is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Visit GirlScouts.org/lifetime

$400 Young Alumnae Lifetime Membership (Ages 18-29)

$200 10+ Year Volunteers Lifetime Membership

$200 16

Benefits include: Ǥ Lifetime membership card and pin Ǥ Invitation to an annual call for lifetime members hosted by Girl Scouts of the USA’s CEO Ǥ Invitations to memorable events Ǥ Monthly Girl Scout Network digital newsletter Ǥ 10% off Girl Scout merchandise purchased online Ǥ Discounts at JOANN stores and more.

Financial Assistance Girl Scouts For Every Girl

Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta is proud to offer financial assistance as well as alternative payment methods for interested families from the health insurance providers below. In order to submit a request, please complete the appropriate financial assistance form available at the bottom of Renew.GirlScoutsATL.org

Girl Membership

Badge & Sash**

Adult***

Amerigroup (K–12)

$25

$15

N/A

CareSource (K–12)

$25

Peach State* (K–12)

$25

$15

N/A

*Please contact Peach State Member Services (Monday – Friday from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. at 800-704-1484) to complete the membership process. Member must have visited their PCP & Dental within the last 12 months. ** Badge & Sash vouchers are sent via email within four to six weeks of submission once renewal is processed. *** All adults must be insured by the participating provider to qualify for a Girl Scout membership. No refunds will be given to girls or adults covered by insurance providers. On May 1, 2021, WellCare membership joined the Peach State Health Plan

Membership Renewal Process

Step 1:

Step 2:

Renew Your Troop

Go to MyGS.GirlScouts.org and click “Login” to enter your username and password.

Go to My Troop(s). To renew your entire troop, “select all”. For individual girls who are ready to renew, select the box next to their troop number. Don’t forget to renew yourself and other adults and select volunteer role! If a girl in your troop has chosen not to renew at this time, leave the “not returning” box unchecked until after Oct. 1, 2021. Click “Renew”.

Renewing for another year of Girl Scouts is easy! Follow the steps below to renew your troop.

Step 3:

Step 4:

Review Troop Details

Payment

Confirm your girls’ member details, including school attending, and select membership year. Choose payment type and click “Next Participant”. You will do this with each girl you are renewing. Please note, membership fees are non-refundable or transferable. You can now review your cart.

Check the box to agree to the Girl Scout Promise and Law. If you would like to make a donation to the annual fund, select desired amount and council “333-Greater Atlanta”. This is the last opportunity to make edits to your cart. Click on “add payment details” to include credit card information.

CONGRATULATIONS! You’ve renewed your troop! If you need further assistance, contact Member Care at helpline@gsgatl.org or 800-771-1139.

Treats & Keeps treats & keeps program

Earn money to troop activities at the beginning of the chocolates, nuts & magazines Girl Scout year!

PT ST EM AR BE TS R 20 22

EarnTreats money for troop activities atGirls Scouts to The & Keeps Program allows the their beginning of the Girlselling Scout chocolates, nuts and run own businesses magazines to customers to fund exciting new adventures year! while learning five essential skills: goal-setting, decision The Treatsmoney & Keeps Program empowers making, management, people skills and business goal setting, ethics. decision making, money management, peoplemiss skillsthe andfun! business ethics. Don’t You won't want to miss the fun! Treats & Keeps begins September 24. Program begins September 2022. . For more information, visit TK.GirlScoutsATL.org

Have questions? Visit TK.GirlScoutsATL.org

Build-A-Bear is now at Badge & Sash! Create a Girl Scout friend that's unique as you! your bear

your bear

your bear Choose fun Girl Scout outfits & accessories, the possibilities are endless!

For more details visit,

Shop.GirlScoutsATL.org 20

To all the explorers, trailblazers, changemakers, and stargazers who volunteer with us: thank you. With you, girls learn to listen to their hearts, think on their feet, and raise their voices for what they believe in.

You’re their hero—and ours. From everyone at Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta: Thank you!

As you know, volunteers are the backbone of Girl Scouts. They help girls dream big and show them that anything is possible. If you know someone who may be interested in becoming a Troop Leader or other volunteer for Girl Scouts, please encourage them to join us! Volunteer.GirlScoutsATL.org