Girl Scouts Heart of the South - The Promise_Spring/Summer 2015 by Girl Scouts Heart of the South

Spring/Summer 2015

The Official Publication of Girl Scouts Heart of the South

inside:

Scouts Heart of the South 12 Girl It’s So Much S’More Than Cookies! Serve, Protect & Lead! 5 To Memphis Police Officers and Staff Volunteer With Girl Scouts

Scouts Honors 9 Girl Women of Distinction

In Oxford-Lafayette Co., MS

Incredibll PPzz Lovee Girr Scoutt! The Girl Scout Promise On my honor, I will try: to serve God and my country, to help people at all times, and to live by the Girl Scout Law. Girl Scouts Heart of the South Promise Magazine Team Chief Executive Officer Melanie Schild Senior Director of Community Engagement and Marketing Jenny Jones Director of Engagement Alison Coons Director of Communications & Creative Services Kristen Posey-Russell Director of Fund Development Kimberly Crafton Associate Director of Resource Development Linda Safford Associate Director of Fund Development Lori Gilmore

P.O. Box 240246 | Memphis, TN 38124-0246 | (800) 624-4185 www.girlscoutshs.org 2014-2015 GSHS Board of Directors

BOOK A GROUP EVENT WITH US

ann receivv Free patcc RESERVE YOUR

SPOT TODAY

901-462-0024 memphisg memphisgroups@incrediblepizza.com www.MemphisIncrediblePizza.com

Kathleen Webb, Chair Dr. Pamela Evans, 1st Vice Chair Shelia Whalum, 2nd Vice Chair Claire Barnett, Secretary David Vance, Property Chair Ginny Szalay, Treasurer/Finance Chair Ahsaki Baptist Karen Bowyer Cathy Fitzpatrick Deborah Harris Grace Hutchinson R. Brian Lowery Suzette Matthews

Pat Moody Adrienne R. Morris Jenniffer Stephenson Laurie M. Thorton Rev. Cheryl Penson Vicki Sneed Melanie Schild

facebook.com/girlscoutshs

pinterest.com (girl scouts heart of the south)

flikr.com/photos/girlscoutshs

twitter.com/girlscoutshs (@girlscoutshs)

instagram.com/girlscoutshs (@girlscoutshs)

youtube.com/user/girlscoutshs

The Girl Scout Mission Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

Spring/Summer 2015

the Promise | CONTENTS program Profiles

Rah! Rah! Cookie Rallies

Girl Scouts gather to celebrate the start of Cookie Season

Women of Distinction

membership Moments

To Protect, Serve and LEAD!

Memphis Police Officers and Staff deliver the GSLE to Mid-South girls

Court of Awards and Annual 21 New Meeting Plans and Information

Girl Scouts honor Women of Distinction in Oxford-Lafayette Co.

18 troop Tales

GSHS - It’s S’More than Cookies Overview of all the exciting new initiatives and programs at GSHS

council Cares from our 5 & 11 Messages CEO and Board Chair

Memoriam 22 In Girl Scouts mourn the loss

of Ms. Elizabeth “Honey” Gwin

23 Council Project Highlights

iss n’t m o d d an ur fun o side” “flip

The Official Publication of Girl Scouts Heart of the South

Want to see your troop featured in a future edition of the Promise? Get creative! Send a picture of your group making the Girl Scout Promise to news@girlscoutshs.org. See page 20 for guidelines. photo above: Madison County Girl Scout leaders show their love for Girl Scouts and the Girl Scout Promise.

program Profiles

Rah! Rah! Cookie Rallies

Girl Scouts Gather to Celebrate the Start of Cookie Season!

emember those high school pep rallies? Right before the season opening game, everyone would gather in the gym, the band would play and the cheerleaders would jump and shout, firing everyone up and cheering the school team on to victory! For Girl Scouts, Cookie Season is our time to shine, and to show our support for “Team Cookie,” Girl Scouts Heart of the South hosts Cookie Rallies at the beginning of Cookie Season to fire up our troops and catch the cookie fever! To accommodate all our girls, GSHS staged four Cookie Rallies around the region in Jackson, TN; Tupelo, MS; Grenada, MS, and at the Landers Center in Southaven, MS. 2015 marked our first year to hold a rally in Grenada, and the turnout was amazing! At the events, girls and leaders were treated to a day of cookie-themed fun and educational activities that encouraged the girls’ entrepreneurship, salesmanship and leadership skills. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led business initiative in the world, and GSHS stages the rallies to help increase our girls’ confidence and excitement about participating in this iconic program. In celebration of the new Rah! Rah! Raisins cookie variety and the 40th birthday of everyone’s favorite cookie - Samoas - this year’s cookie rallies were truly pep-rally themed complete with pom-pom making stations, areas to make megaphones for use at cookie booths and even photo booths with cheerleading-themed props. Girls and leaders were also treated to carnival games, inflatables, samples of new cookies and presentations from GSHS’s Brittan Davis on the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Kappa Delta Sorority members and athletes from local colleges also helped facilitate games and taught the girls some cheers! Several troops also participated in GSHS’s first “Lights! Camera! Action! Cookie Commercial Shoot” where they were filmed in front of a green screen doing cheers or singing songs. The videos were then shared on GSHS’s YouTube and Facebook pages to help spread the word about the upcoming cookie sale. Individual videos were also made available for troops to use on their Digital Cookie websites. This year was the first year GSHS opened the event to vendors and representatives from the Memphis Zoo and other attractions were on hand to help leaders plan future activities for their girls. With a record total attendance of over 1450 girls, the 2015 rallies were the most successful yet, and we’re already looking forward to next year! 4

the Promise |

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

council Cares

The Girl Scout Law I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

Amazing Things are Happening at Girl Scouts Heart of the South!

Thoughts from our GSHS Council CEO

reetings and welcome to the first edition of Girl Scouts Heart of the South’s new magazine, the Promise! In order to become a Girl Scout, a girl must make the Girl Scout Promise, and with this new magazine, Girl Scouts Heart of the South hopes to share the promise of Girl Scouts - that potential and that adventurous spirit found in every girl - with you.

As both GSHS Council CEO and former Girl Scout Leader and Girl Scout Mom, I know that no organization offers more positive experiences and more leadership and scholarship opportunities for girls than Girl Scouts. Girl Scouts truly excels in helping girls fulfill the promise within themselves, and I am proud to be a part of this storied organization. Here at Girl Scouts Heart of the South, we want everyone to know that there truly is “no place like Girl Scouts!” In August and September, we kicked off our 2014-2015 year with a series of Wizard of Oz-themed Volunteer Extravaganza events where we debuted a number of new programs and initiatives for our Girl Scouts and Girl Scout families. Over the past year, our Girl Scouts Heart of the South team has poured countless hours and all their creative energies into the amazing new opportunities we have developed to help fulfill the promise of girls in our area. Girl Scouts’ mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place, and Girl Scouts Heart of the South is committed to developing the next generation of girl leaders. In addition to our continued commitment to our robust Bronze, Silver and Gold award program and related scholarships, we have also introduced many new programs like the new BIZgirls Entrepreneurship Laboratory, our new Women at Work initiative, our Scholarship Socials fundraising events for girls and many more, all aimed to create a world where every girl – and woman – can reach her fullest potential! You can find out more about all the unique opportunities now available to Girl Scouts Heart of the South girls in our feature story, “Girl Scouts Heart of the South: It’s So Much ‘S’More’ than Cookies!” on page 12 of this issue of the Promise. I am honored to be a part of this outstanding council at this inspiring time. Several of our new initiatives including National Stand Beside Her Week and our new GPS (Girl & Parent “Stuff”) newsletter have gained national attention, and I am proud to be able to share these new endeavors with you in this issue. But I am equally pleased to have the opportunity to shine the spotlight on the wonderful work that has always been done and continues to be done by our amazing Girl Scout volunteers. Without the leadership, dedication and commitment of volunteers, there would be no Girl Scouts. Every Girl Scout volunteer has a unique story to share about his or her own journey with Girl Scouts and the journey of the girls he or she serves. Each issue of the Promise will highlight the inspiring work being done by Girl Scouts Heart of the South volunteers. In this issue, we are pleased to introduce you to several female Memphis Police Officers dedicated to bringing the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls in underprivileged areas. Their stories and their work is truly inspiring, and Girl Scouts is grateful for their service and for the service of each and every one of our outstanding volunteers. Thank you again for your support and for your commitment to Girl Scouts and the Promise of girls. Warmest regards,

MELANIE SCHILD | Chief Executive Officer Girl Scouts Heart of the South melanie.schild@girlscoutshs.org GIRL SCOUTS HEART OF THE SOUTH

| the Promise

membership Moments

To Serve, Protect and LEAD!

Memphis Police Officers and staff deliver the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and a new perspective to Mid-South girls.

Officer Fields (left) and Ms. Walker (right) are excited to pick up their troop’s cookies at the Memphis Area Count ‘N’ Go!

or Memphis Police Officers Shameka Love, Tameko Fields and TACT Unit employee Charlotte Walker, Girl Scouts’ mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place is a mission and a message they cannot wait to share.

Serving in historically underprivileged Memphis neighborhoods, these women are changing young girls’ perceptions of who they are, what they can achieve and what they can become. These dedicated ladies’ commitment to delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to the young women they serve is giving these girls an opportunity to see themselves and their circumstances differently. Officer Shemeka Love, a 15-year veteran of the MPD, has always been interested in bettering her community by bettering its youth. After graduating college, she began her career at Youth Villages but soon felt called to make a greater impact and changed career paths. After joining the MPD, she became involved with the Community Outreach Project which works directly with youth. Officer Love’s Girl Scout troop*, Legends Park Troop 13285, and

Officer Tameko Fields shows members of Troop 13911 how to properly fold and present the American Flag.

Officer Shemeka Love, co-leader of Troop 13285

Each of our Girl Scouts Heart of the South troop leading officers are committed to bettering their community and enriching the lives of citizens in the neighborhoods they serve. Leading by example, all of these dedicated volunteers are participants in the Memphis Police Department’s Community Outreach Program (C.O.P), a proactive initiative developed by the MPD to improve the quality of life of citizens and reduce juvenile violence, utilizing crime prevention techniques through identification, enforcement and education within the community.

membership Moments

Troop 13911 Volunteers with Special Olympics In May of 2014, the Memphis Police Department Color Guard was asked to present the colors at the Special Olympics of Tennessee’s Track and Field competition at Rhodes College. Officer Fields, a member of the Color Guard, asked her girls if they would like to come and volunteer at the event. They were all eager to help facilitate some of the games and were quickly put to work helping wherever they were needed. But in helping with the Special Olympics event, the girls found something even more special inside themselves. As they met and befriended a whole new group of young people facing their own unique set of challenges, the girls learned to see that everyone has their own set of obstacles to overcome, and that they can be overcome. The troop had such an amazing time volunteering with Special Olympics and meeting new friends that they are already planning how they can help with the next event.

Officer Fields and the MPD Color Guard

Frayser-area Girl Scout Troop 13911 led by Officer Tameko Fields and TACT Unit employee Charlotte Walker are sponsored by the Community Outreach Project and Girl Scouts Heart of the South. The C.O.P. program sponsored Girl Scout troops for many years but Girl Scouting had begun to be neglected and attendance had lapsed until Officers Love and Fields and Ms. Walker became involved several years ago. Officer Fields - a former troop leader of her own daughter’s Girl Scout troop - knew the benefits of Girl Scouting first hand, and Ms. Walker was looking for a troop for her niece, then only five. Now both troops are home to girls from 2nd to 8th grade. Girl Scouts provides a place for them to learn, to share new experiences, to make new friends and, most of all, belong. “Being a Girl Scout is something that makes them different; it sets them apart and makes them stand out - in a good way,” says Walker.

Officer Fields is one of the first to say that she and Walker face prejudices of their own within the neighborhoods they serve because of their invovlement with the force. One of the main obstacles they face is an underlying mistrust of and misconceptions about the police force that pervades the areas where they work. But rather than giving up, the officers and civilian employee Walker choose to face these false perceptions head on and try to bridge the gap. They are committed to showing the girls (and their families) the opportunities that lie outside their neighborhood and the potential that lies within themselves - through Girl Scouting. Their tenacity is paying off. Each troop has a core group of girls who have been with the troop since the beginning and while recruitment numbers shift up and down each year, the core girls remain steadfast and dedicated to the program. If they have not heard from the leaders in a few days, they have even been known to call up and ask, “When’s our next meeting? It’s been too long!” And “too long” may have only been a week.

“I want to be able to show these girls things they’ve never seen or would never be able to experience without Girl Scouts.” ~ Officer Shemeka Love

Officer Fields is also quick to emphasize the trust that she and her fellow leaders work hard to establish with their girls. Although several of the girls have parents who are highly involved with the troop’s activities (including Marilyn Cole and Christine Payno who support the officers’ every effort), they do not all have the same kind of support system at home. In an environment where children do not always have a positive role model or mentor, these ladies see it as their mission to be that trusted female adult in these girls’ lives. However, while their vocation gives the girls something to aspire to, it also presents its own type of barrier to creating that all-important friendship and trust.

Both troops meet as often as they can depending upon available space, but they try to get together at least once a week. Occasionally they may skip a week, but usually only around holidays when schedules collide. The troops even continue to meet regularly throughout the summer. The leaders feel it is crucial to continue the regular routine in order keep the girls interested and involved. But it’s no wonder that they want to keep meeting every week all throughout the year. (continued p. 8)

Troops put great emphasis on education. Each troop activity or outing is planned with an educational goal in mind. Even a typical weekly meeting includes time for the girls to do their homework and ask for assistance from the leaders if they need it Through their participation in Girl Scouts, the girls have been able to visit The Pink Palace, the Arkansas Diamond Mine and even the Clinton Library in Little Rock. After every event or field trip girls are asked to either discuss or journal about their experience. They are given time to talk about how the experience impacted them or possibly changed their perceptions of themselves or their world.

Troop 13911 visits The Pink Palace Museum.

For written reports, the leaders give critical feedback in order to enhance the girls’ writing and critical thinking skills. Officer Fields and Ms. Walker encourage their troop to find a new word each week and bring it along with the definition and usage in a sentence. By helping to increase their girls’ vocabulary and hone their writing skills, the leaders further their ultimate goal of helping the girls realize the importance of education and attaining academic excellence. They also make the girls aware of the scholarship opportunities available to Girl Scouts and assist them any way that they can. GIRL SCOUTS HEART OF THE SOUTH

| the Promise

membership Moments

3 7

2 5

The girls have gone skating, painted pottery, taken a fine dining etiquette class at L’Ecole Culinaire and even swimming lessons together one summer all while keeping up with summer reading projects and other summer studies - with Girl Scouts. A typical meeting begins with the girls reciting the Girl Scout Promise and the Girl Scout Law. “The Promise and Law are important,” says Officer Love, “because it gives them guidelines to live by.” After that, they generally have some kind of planned activity such as a craft or presentation, but they often take field trips or do service projects. They are all active in the Girl Scout Cookie Program and look forward to setting up their booths each year at places like Walmart, Incredible Pizza and Big Lots. Troop 13285 has even set a goal of raising $25,000 through Girl Scout Cookie sales. Officer Love has worked with the troop to determine how much they will have to sell at each booth location in order to meet their goal, and the girls could not be more excited. No matter the girls’ circumstances, it is important to each of the leaders that the girls give back. The girls have participated in collecting toys for the Memphis Police Association’s annual toy drive. They have visited nursing homes and helped with Special Olympics and the March of Dimes. The leaders encourage

Do you know a special Girl Scout volunteer? Do you have an inspirational Girl Scout story to share in the Promise?

1. Troop 13911 donates toys to the MPA’s annual Hearts of Giving Toy Drive. 2. Girl Scouts enjoy the Memphis Area GSHS Cookie Rally. 3. Troop 13911 paints pottery at Sieze the Clay 4. Troop 13285 creates Christmas gift boxes for Pendleton House. 5. Troop 13911 girls having fun at their cookie booth. 6. Ms. Walker and Troop 13911 at L’Ecole Culinaire. 7. Troop 13285 visit Centennial Mall in Nashville, TN.

the girls to come to meetings happy, to smile and always strive to be the best that they can be. They use words like “fabulous” and “shining star” to describe their girls and empower them with confidence and self-esteem. They use Girl Scout experiences to show them that they have worth and that no matter what they have or do not have, they can always give to others. Officers Love and Fields and Ms. Walker know that without the Girl Scouts, some of their girls would never experience anything beyond their own home and school. “It’s a cycle that has to be broken,” says Officer Love. “The parents do the best they can, and sometimes that’s just providing the basics. Unless the girls are exposed to new things, they will never strive for a better life.” When asked why they volunteer with Girl Scouts, all three ladies smile when they talk about the enjoyment and the tremendous satisfaction they feel knowing they are doing something that will have a positive and lasting impact on these young lives. Because they are able to broaden their troop’s horizons through Girl Scouts, they know they are helping to broaden each girl’s beliefs about the woman she can be and what she can achieve in life. “We show them that you are a leader when you are a Girl Scout,” says Officer Love. “That will make an enormous difference in their lives.” *Officer Love is assisted by Officer Buford and Lt. Giles of the MPD.

The Official Publication of Girl Scouts Heart of the South

Write to us at news@girlscoutshs.org and tell us all about it! We are always looking for exciting and unique Girl Scout experiences to share with the world. Help us tell the Girl Scout story by sharing yours today! 8

the Promise |

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

program Profiles

Girl Scouts Heart of the South Honors Women of Distinction of Oxford-Lafayette County, Mississippi on November 12, 2014.

Peggie Gillom-Granderson

2014 Women of Distinction Nominees

irl Scouts exists to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place - essentially, to inspire and to build Women of Distinction. To honor the female leaders of today that Girl Scouts aspire to become, Girl Scouts Heart of the South held its fourth annual Women of Distinction luncheon in Oxford, MS on November 12, 2014.

This year’s inspiring event proved to be the most successful and exciting thus far with over two hundred in attendance showing their support and admiration for the thirteen exemplary nominees. Under the masterful guidance and dedication of 2014 Women of Distinction committee members Vicki Sneed (chair), Jennifer Eastland, Mary Ann Frugé, Mary Haskell, Margaret King, Molly Meisenheimer, Abi Rayburn, and Dana Williams, the luncheon raised over $20,000 for Girl Scouts Heart of the South, a record total for this popular annual event.

Mary Donnelly Haskell

During the luncheon, attendees and nominees were treated to an inspiring message from keynote speaker Peggie Gillom-Granderson, Ole Miss all-time leading scorer and rebounder in women’s basketball. A former professional basketball player, Mrs. Gillom-Granderson spent 16 seasons as an assistant coach on Van Chancellor’s Rebel coaching staff from 1981-1997. Prior to returning to Ole Miss in 2003, she was the head coach at Texas A&M University. She was also an assistant coach for the 2000 Women’s Basketball Olympic team. In 1996, Mrs. Gillom-Granderson was inducted into the Ole Miss Athletics Hall of Fame and is a 1997 inductee of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame for the last five years. The Gillom Sports Center at Ole Miss was named after her and her sister, Jennifer, in 2000. Mrs. Gillom- Granderson joined the FCA staff in October 2009 and serves as part time chaplain for the Ole Miss women’s teams. Most recently she was inducted into the Ole Miss Alumni Association Hall of Fame as part of the 2014 Homecoming festivities. Luncheon guests also enjoyed a presentation from Girl Scouts Heart of the South Chief Executive Officer Melanie Schild who reiterated Girl Scouts’ commitment to building tomorrow’s Women of Distinction and highlighted the council’s many new leadership initiatives for girls. (continued p. 10) Inaugural Honoree and 2014 WOD Committee Chair Vicki Sneed (right) and 2013 WOD Honoree Mary Ann Frugé (left)

Mary Ann Strong Connell GIRL SCOUTS HEART OF THE SOUTH

| the Promise

program Profiles The program culminated with the afternoon’s main event: the introduction of the thirteen 2014 Women of Distinction nominees by Master of Ceremonies - singer, actress and former Miss Mississippi - Mary Donnelly Haskell and 2014 Women of Distinction Committee Chair, Vicki Sneed. This year’s thirteen honorees truly exemplified what it means to be a Woman of Distinction and Girl Scouts Heart of the South was proud to present each with a trophy for their nomination.

Cynthia Bolden

Kasey Daniels

Carol Dye

Donna Fisher

Beth Fitts

Lila Herren

Lynn Klepzig

Kathy Mooney

Katie Naron

Rachel Robinson

Linda Spargo

Rachel West

the Promise |

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

The 2014 Women of Distinction nominees included: • Cynthia Bolden Health Consultant with Nature’s Sunshine products for 18 years and owner and operator of Good Nutrition in Oxford. • Mary Ann Strong Connell Attorney with the Mayo Mallette firm in Oxford, MS, adjunct law professor, board member, recipient of numerous professional accolades and active volunteer in the Oxford-Lafayette Co. area. • Kasey Haynie Daniels Assistant Vice President and Loan Officer at the Bank of Holly Springs and lifelong resident of and community volunteer in Abbeville, MS. • Carole Shields Dye Former principal of Bramlett Elementary School and lifelong advocate for educational and community advancements and enhancements in the Oxford, MS area, • Do nna Fi she r Clerk of the Municipal Court of Oxford and avid supporter of the United Way and Lafayette County School System. • Beth Fitts Award-winning former high school journalism teacher, leader of the National Explorer ’s Bible Study group and Board Member of the Oxford-Lafayette Baptist Memorial Hospital. • Lila Herren Director of Volunteer and Patient Services at Baptist Memorial Hospital North Mississippi and a caring, influential member of the OxfordLafayette Co. community. • Ly nn A l o w ay K l e pz i g Ge n e ra l M a n a g e r a n d C o - O w n e r of Fu rn i t u re Wo rl d, I n c . a n d av i d c o m m u n i t y vo l u nte e r i n bo t h t h e Ox ford an d A bbev i l l e , M S a re a s. • Mar y Katherine (Kathy) Mooney Senior Vice President of Operations with FNC Bank Oxford and active volunteer at Anchor Baptist Church. • Kat i e N a r o n Former teacher and Water Valley School District Teacher of the Year in 2010. Adjunct writing professor at Ole Miss, co-owner of Oxford Floral and member of numerous community boards and civic groups. • Dr. Rachel Robinson Faculty member at the University of Mississippi, School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Practice department and faculty advisor for Kappa Epsilon Professional Pharmacy Fraternity for women students. Member of numerous professional boards and active volunteer at the Oxford Medical Ministries Clinic. • Linda Spargo Former assistant to Ole Miss Chancellor Khayat, avid Ole Miss ambassador and active volunteer and fundraiser for numerous Oxford-area organizations and initiatives. • Ra c h e l Ma l o ne We st Fo u n de r of I nv i tat i o n Ox fo rd a n d I nv i tat i on Tu pe l o M a g a z i n e s a n d fo rm e r J u n i o r Au x i l i a ry of Ox fo rd Vol u nteer of t h e Ye a r. (continued page 11, bottom left)

Oxford-Lafayette County Girl Scouts recite the Girl Scout Promise and Girl Scout Law.

council Cares

Volunteers are the Heart and Soul of Girl Scouts Heart of the South!

A Message from our GSHS Board Chair

s an active member of the community, I wear many hats from busy real-estate attorney to search and rescue trainer, but my volunteer work with Girl Scouts Heart of the South is near and dear to my heart. I consider it my mission to tell the world about the outstanding work being done on behalf of our local girls by Girl Scouts Heart of the South and its amazing volunteers! Girl Scouts Heart of the South is fortunate to have wonderful volunteers who help us ensure Girl Scouts have a positive and rewarding experience. Each year girls get to experience new programs and initiatives designed to help them grow into the leaders of tomorrow. Thanks to our volunteers, girls have learned to be good money managers through cookie sales, to be part of a troop working as a team and to come up with inspiring ways to better their community for themselves and future generations. Volunteers generously give of their time and energy and Girl Scouts Heart of the South applauds those valiant efforts. If you are currently volunteering with us, we want you to know that we appreciate everything you do. If you are a former volunteer and would like to volunteer again, we encourage you to join us in the exciting future that is Girl Scouts Heart of the South.

Making a donation is simple. Visit us online at www.girlscoutshs.org/donate or return the enclosed envelope with your donation. And to show our appreciation, we’ll send you one of our fun new “Proud Supporter” window clings so you can show the world that you support Girl Scouts Heart of the South! If you would like more information on how you can volunteer or how you can help financially, please call Girl Scouts Heart of the South at (800) 624-4185. There’s no place like Girl Scouts, and there’s a place for YOU in Girl Scouting. Join us, won’t you? Thanks and best wishes,

gshs

H UT

KATHLEEN WEBB | 2014-2015 Board Chair Girl Scouts Heart of the South www.kathywebblaw.com

SUPPOR UD

GIR

In an effor t to reco g nize th e e f fo r ts of fe male le ad e r s t hro ug hout our council ju r is d ictio n, G ir l S co u ts He ar t of t h e So ut h l ooks for ward to h os tin g ad d itio nal Wo me n of D i st i n c t i o n event s in new a reas inc lu d in g S tar k v ille , M S and th e J ac k s o n , TN area i n the nea r future.

• $45 will pay for three girls to become Girl Scouts • $120 will provide a year of select programs for a girl to learn and enjoy • $360 will sponsor a complete year of Girl Scout experiences

R TE

Sp urred by the 2 014 lunch e o n’ s o uts tand in g s ucce s s , t h e co m mi ttee is a lready b us y p lan ning fo r 2 0 1 5’ s Wo me n of D i st i nction Luncheon w hich will mar k the f if th an nive r s a ry of t hi s exciting event . Not o nly will G ir l S co uts He ar t of th e S o u t h o nc e ag a in honor exem p lar y wo me n in the Oxfo rd - Lafaye t te C o unt y a rea, but all prev io u s Wo me n of D is tin ctio n n o m i n e e s and ho norees will be re co g n ize d and an award will b e pre s e nte d to t he fir st Young Woman of D is tin ctio n, an o u ts tand in g Ox fo rdLafayette C ounty Gir l S co u t to b e n o min ate d by he r p e e rs.

Not able to volunteer? You can still help Girl Scouts Heart of the South fulfill our mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place by making your financial contribution today. With your help, we can continue to provide experiences of a lifetime to girls in our area.

T hi s event’s rema r kable s ucce s s wo uld no t have b e e n possi bl e w i t ho ut the tireless effo r ts of th e Wo me n of D is tin ctio n co m mi ttee member s a n d by the eve nt’ s g e n e ro us s p o n s o rs i nc l ud i n g: F NC, Inc.; Kap p a De lta S o ro r ity ; B ap tis t M e m o ri a l H os p i ta l Nor th MS; Char te r R o ad Hos p itality, I n c. ; FN B B a n k Oxfo rd; Invitation M ag a zine ; Ole M is s Athle tics Fo und at i o n ; A b b eville Ba nk; C ater pillar, I n c. ; S am & M ar y Has ke ll; Re n a s a nt B ank; Swetla nd C ook, PL LC ; U n ive r s ity of M is s is s ip p i; B anc o r pSouth Oxford; Do n & M ar y Ann Fr u gé ; K itty M an n ; M ayo Mal l et te, P LLC; Oxford U nive r s ity C lub, L LC ; S n e e d Hardwa re ; T he Ox ford Ea gle, Inc.; Y ’all Twins ( M arg are t & Kath e r in e K i n g ) and Lee & Shannon Ferg us o n.

PRO

( “ Wo men of Dis t inct ion , ” conti n u e d ) Af te r the intro d u c t i o n of al l t h e outstanding no min e e s , M ar y Ann S tro n g C o n n e l l was named the 2 014 Wo man of D is tin ctio n fo r th e Oxfo rdLafayette C ounty a rea and th e eve nt co nclu d e d with a ra f f l e of a Li feG reen bicycle cou r te s y of R e gio n s B ank and p re s e nte d by Oxfo rd-Lafayette C ounty G ir l S co uts .

Maybe you are currently not a volunteer but you’re looking for a way to impact the lives of countless young women in our area. Whether as a troop leader or a project facilitator in one of our programs or events, there is a place for you in Girl Scouts! Today’s girls crave the support and encouragement of men and women just like you. And yes, we do mean men and women. We are always looking for men who are “Man Enough to be a Girl Scout!” But no matter who you are, you have unique talents and gifts that can encourage and empower young women in our area. Girl Scouts Heart of the South wants to give every girl who wants to be a Girl Scout the experience of a lifetime – that first badge, that bridging ceremony and one day that coveted Girl Scout Gold Award. But we cannot do that without the help of dedicated volunteers. Please consider giving your time to Girl Scouts.

EART OF

GIRL SCOUTS HEART OF THE SOUTH

| the Promise

program Profiles

ftentimes when people think of Girl Scouts, they immediately envision smiling girls making crafts at summer camp or girls in uniform selling delicious cookies. And while cookies, camps and crafts are key elements of Girl Scouting, it takes much more to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

Girl Scouts is committed to giving girls the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, and to accomplish this goal, Girl Scouts Heart of the South is committed to developing the next generation of girl leaders. During the 2014-2015 year, Girl Scouts Heart of the South introduced several vital new programs and initiatives designed to promote entrepreneurship, leadership and scholarship and to inspire girls through graduation and beyond. Read on to find out how YOU can get involved and help shape the next generation of girl leaders with Girl Scouts Heart of the South!

irls BiZ Entrepreneurship Laboratory

In late spring 2015, Girl Scouts Heart of the South will open BIZgirls, Girl Scouts Heart of the South’s new hub for young female entrepreneurs! BIZgirls is a working laboratory and startup incubator created to provide girls with the resources, mentors and opportunities required to help them launch and grow their own businesses and innovations. BIZgirls is where girls can go to become real entrepreneurs – the kind who make a real difference in the world while making real money for themselves or for their cause.

p re

Women-owned firms continue to grow in number at rates exceeding the national average; however, in terms of both revenue and employment, the share of female-owned, high-level firms has remained essentially unchanged over the past 16 years. Even after successfully launching a business, the majority of women business owners (91%) still find themselves gazing at a glass ceiling, much like their mothers and grandmothers before them. Girl Scouts Heart of the South wants girls to shatter that glass ceiling as they reach for the stars! Located at the Memphis Service Center, the BIZgirls lounge will provide girls with a computer lab, research and learning materials, workshops and mentors to help them develop key skills and formulate workable business models to ensure their enterprise’s success. How can you help? Mentor our BIZgirls! Our BIZgirls need enthusiastic, enterprising female mentors to help bring their dreams to life. Not able to volunteer? Support our BIZgirls! Our creative and ambitious young women need female sponsors as well. Sponsoring means advocating for girls and actively helping them to advance through your contribution of funds and resources. Contact Girl Scouts Heart of the South to get involved with BIZgirls today!

p i sh

Through Women at Work - a mutual support program seeking to identify and promote female-owned businesses - Girl Scouts Heart of the South is partnering with the women business owners of today to mentor and inspire the female entrepreneurs of tomorrow!

r eu

As an organization dedicated to fostering financial literacy and entrepreneurship in young women, Girl Scouts Heart of the South supports Women at Work! Girl Scouts Heart of the South champions female success. As of 2014, there are well over 9 million women-owned businesses in the United States. Since 1997, the number of female-owned enterprises has risen at 1 ½ times the national average. Through our Women at Work initiative, Girl Scouts Heart of the South wants to help women and girls continue that success by bringing greater awareness to local female-owned businesses and the efforts of female business owners everywhere. Through Women at Work, Girl Scouts Heart of the South offers women business owners the opportunity to invest in their own endeavors while also investing in today’s girls.

n re

Through our BIZgirls Entrepreneurship Laboratory, Girl Scouts Heart of the South aims to inspire tomorrow’s female entrepreneurs to reach new heights by providing the resources needed to get them there - today! Girl Scouts Heart of the South believes that with access to the right tools, community and coaching, female-owned businesses can achieve greater success. So why not begin with girls? By encouraging young women and their startup efforts, GSHS is discovering untapped talent and equipping girls with the skills and experience necessary to level tomorrow’s entrepreneurial playing field - today!

t en

Girl Scouts has been empowering and encouraging women in leadership for over 100 years! 80% of today’s female entrepreneurs are Girl Scout alumnae, and through our new Women at Work initiative, Girl Scouts Heart of the South is committed to encouraging and empowering today’s female business owners, former Girl Scouts and non-Girl Scouts alike!

Women at Work member organizations provide contributions to support financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs that empower girls through the development of five essential skills: goal setting, money management, people skills, decision-making, and business ethics. Are you a female business owner? Become a Women at Work member and show that you and your organization stand with other female-owned businesses in your support of Girl Scouts and our efforts to shape the female leaders of tomorrow. For more information on the benefits of Women at Work Membership, visit our website at www.girlscoutshs.org/women-at-work.

WOMEN AT

W RK

FEMALE-OWNED BUSINESS & SUPPORTER OF GIRL SCOUTS

GIRL SCOUTS HEART OF THE SOUTH

| the Promise

program Profiles home, preventing women from reaching their fullest potential.

week was chosen to commemorate our founder Juliette Gordon Low’s - birthday.

At Girls Scouts Heart of the South, we’re developing the next generation of girl leaders. We want to create a world where all women and girls are appreciated for their talent, strengths and uniqueness.

During the week, participants were urged to tell the world on social media just how they planned to #standbesideher and to tag influential female mentors in their lives.

p i h s r

e d a e l

Stand Beside Her is a call to action initiative to mentor, support and develop women and girls; to end comparison and competition and create more collaboration and support for one another.

Starting in childhood girls are inundated with negative messages and behaviors that prevent them from building healthy relationships and ideals about their potential.

Girl Scouts Heart of the South introduced this new national effort at Girl Scout National Convention in Octiber 2014 to change our current culture so every girl and woman can reach her fullest potential.

Girls keep these unhealthy ideals and relationships as they mature into women. The competition and comparison formed on the playground and in the classroom carries over to the boardroom and in the

With great enthusiasm for the project, numerous other Girl Scout councils banded with Girl Scouts Heart of the South to celebrate the first National Stand Beside Her Week October 25-31, 2014. This

an intiative of

Girl Scouts Heart of the South is proud to introduce SheLeads! a three-year leadership program designed for 9th-11th grade girls. Starting Fall 2015, in partnership with schools, Girl Scouts Heart of the South will identify top local performers who will be invited to join other outstanding girls within our Council jurisdiction to form the first class of SheLeads! Through interactive monthly sessions, the SheLeads! series will teach young women valuable life skills, explore future career options and strengthen their connectivity with themselves and the world around them. Each session will feature a women’s group, corporate host, or a panel with women from the community sharing their leadership journey. Girls will be paired with “Champions” for small group discussions, participate in fun activities, have personal reflection time, and complete a community service project. Through their involvement in SheLeads! girls will support a cause that is important to them, be afforded scholarship and travel opportunities, and find their own voice to improve their communities. If you are interested in becoming a SheLeads! Champion or participating in the SheLeads! program, please contact Girl Scouts Heart of the South.

the Promise |

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Juliette Gordon Low’s life work was about supporting, developing and mentoring strong girls and women, and in her honor and as part of her legacy, Girl Scouts Heart of the South looks forward to introducing more Stand Beside Her initiatives in the coming months and to celebrating the second annual National Stand Beside Her Week the last week of October 2015. For more information on Stand Beside Her, please visit http://bit.ly/gshs_SBHVideo to watch our Stand Beside Her video.

program Profiles

Food, Fun & Friendship for HER Future!

Through this new initiative, each Service Unit within the Council now has the opportunity to start a unique scholarship fund specifically for girls from their Service Unit and raise money for those funds by hosting “Scholarship Social” events. Participating Service Units are encouraged to raise funds through one large Scholarship Social or by working with troops to host smaller Scholarship Socials. These fun meal-time events give party goers a chance to eat some terrific food, have fun with their friends, possibly make some new friends and contribute to the Service Unit’s scholarship fund. All proceeds from individual, troop or Service Unit Scholarship Socials will be pooled to fund the scholarship for the entire Service Unit.

schola Girl Scouts Heart of the South Scholarship Fund

In and effort to continue to empower girls through education and academic success, Girl Scouts Heart of the South is proud to introduce the “Scholarship Social” fundraising initiative. This endeavor is aimed to support the Council’s new college scholarship program for girls who are seniors in high school and have been a member of the Service Unit offering the scholarship at some point during their life.

Girls do not currently have to be registered Girl Scouts during their senior year of high school in order to apply, however, special considerations can be given to girls who have stayed active in scouting through their senior year in high school.

rship

To encourage participation and educate Service Units on how to plan their events, Girl Scouts Heart of the South has created a full complement of materials - including a how-to video and step-by-step guide complete with event theme ideas and tips. A helpful video entitled “The Ask” will be available from the Council late spring 2015. All Scholarship Social Information is available on our website at www.girlscoutshs.org/scholarshipsocials. Have fun planning your Scholarship Social, and let us know how we can help! For questions, please contact the Girl Scouts Heart of the South Fund Development Department.

GPS girl & parent “stuf f ”

Charting the Direction you want her to go! In order to better serve and understand our Girl Scout families – parents, grandparents, and caregivers throughout our Council – Girl Scouts Heart of the South has created The GPS: Girl & Parent “Stuff” e-newsletter. Through timely articles and calendars of local events, The GPS strives to connect families to the concepts and values that shape the Girl Scout mission. A bi-monthly publication of GSHS, The GPS is an energetic, easy-to-follow resource aimed to help parents of girls of all ages find new opportunities for great family experiences and conversations. Articles in The GPS are color-coded by age group so you can quickly find the items most relevant to you and your child, but every article has been carefully curated to provide family enrichment now and into the future. The first edition of The GPS was released in November 2014 and received immediate national praise. Look for the next edition of The GPS in April 2015. To read past editions, visit our website at www.girlscoutshs.org/publications. Through The GPS and our other initiatives, Girl Scouts Heart of the South is committed to providing the highest quality leadership and academic opportunities for girls in our Council area. Even as these new initiatives grow and thrive, GSHS will continue to introduce new and innovative programs to help build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. To keep up-to-date with all of the exciting things that are happening and all of the amazing opportunities available to today’s girls through Girl Scouts, visit our website at www.girlscoutshs.org!

GIRL SCOUTS HEART OF THE SOUTH

| the Promise

Everybody loves an adventure. For some, it’s a trip to an exotic land, for others it can be as simple as a day spent playing in the park. But then there are girls like Ann. As a Brownie, she had never been away from home before her first troop camping trip. She was scared, but Girl Scouts had given her the courage and the confidence to be able to face those fears. After that first trip, a new world of adventure opened for Ann. She wanted to experience it all, and she did - through Girl Scouts. Girl Scout resident camp was always an exciting time for her. During her summers there she learned to swim, read a compass, ride a horse, pilot a canoe, even save someone’s life with CPR and - most importantly - how to make friends with girls from near and far. Ann’s thirst for adventure grew as she grew. During her teenage years, she continued to go to Girl Scout camp, but she also journeyed across the country on Girl Scout sponsored Destination trips. She went to Wyoming and rode horses in the mountains. She went to California where she learned to scuba-dive and deep sea fish. Her love of travel continued to thrive as she journeyed with Girl Scouts to Switzerland and to Mexico, seeing the world and being inspired not just by the scenery but by all the other adventurous, confident girls she met along the way. As an adult, Ann realized that the experiences she had through Girl Scouts had prepared her for a lifetime of adventure and had opened the world to her in ways she could never have known. Even today, Ann still keeps in contact with many of the friends she made through her Girl Scout travels. Girl Scouts had indeed given her the world. Ann’s journeys wouldn’t have been possible without the support of caring people like you who give to your local Girl Scout Council. Not all girls can afford these adventures, and with your donation, Girl Scouts Heart of the South can provide local trips, summer resident camp, trips to Girl Scout Destinations and even international travel for girls in our area. Without your financial support, girls like Ann may never know what it is like to travel the world, experience new cultures and make lifelong friends. • • • •

$125 could send a girl to a mini-camp session $400 could send a girl to summer resident camp for a week of fun and adventure $600 could help sponsor a girl’s Destination trip to another state $1,000 could help a girl visit another country and make international friendships

Girls can’t wait for the adventures, for the friendships and for the memories. Girl Scouts Heart of the South needs your help right now to ensure that the next generation of girls with the courage, confidence and character to make our world a better place have these adventures that open up their world. Give her the world. Give her Girl Scouts. To donate, simply visit us online at www.girlscoutshs.org/donate or fill out and return the attached envelope with your gift. If you would like more information, please call our Fund Development office at 901-334-3461. Thank you for your generous gift to all girls. You’re giving them the adventure of a lifetime.

Give Her the World. Give Her Girl Scouts.

troop Tales

top left: Happy Valentine’s Day from the Mother Daughter Valentine’s Day Tea! middle left: 16 Junior Girl Scouts from Lindenwood Troop 10333 traveled to Saint Louis, Missouri. Each of these girls met or exceeded their goal for the 2014 Girl Scout Cookie Program. Their reward was a trip to St. Louis to visit the Saint Louis Zoo, Gateway Arch Experience, Saint Louis Science Center, and the City Museum, St Louis, MO! Looks like a super fun weekend! Congratulations, girls! bottom left: Members of Kappa Delta Sorority and other university athletes taught girls (and guys! #manenoughtobeagirlscout) some fun cookie cheers at the GSHS Rah! Rah! Cookie Rallies .

the Promise |

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

above: Girls celebrate the beginning of another new Girl Scout Year at the “Kick It Off Camp Style” event at Camp Fisherville left: Members of Troop 10425 enjoyed their trip to Discovery Park of America in Union City, TN

troop Tales

above: Girl Scout Brianna and Troop Leader Vickie make megaphones for their cookie booth at the Tupelo, MS, Cookie Rally. right: Members of Troop 13285 are ready to shine at the Black Light 3K Run.

right: Brownie Girl Scout Margeaux shows off the newest member of her troop, her adorable cat, Stella!

above: Thanks to Asia Rainey for being such an inspiration to our girls at the Creative Writing Workshop she held for budding young literary GSHS girls! left: Members of Troop 40487 take a break from the fun to smile for the camera at the Jackson, TN Rah! Rah! Cookie Rally.

above left: Congratulations to Sophie from Brownie Girl Scout Troop 23026 in Saltillo, MS, who won the Kindle Fire at the Tupelo, MS, Cookie Rally. above right: Thanks Kappa Delta-Gamma Psi for hosting Girl Scouts at the Valentine’s Day Tea. All the girls had a blast! left: Members of Troop 20177 participate in the “Lights! Camera! Action! Cookie Commercial Shoot” at the Tupelo, MS, Cookie Rally.

GIRL SCOUTS HEART OF THE SOUTH

| the Promise

troop Tales

above left (right & left): 2013-2014 GSHS Council Top Selling Girl Scouts were recognized at luncheons with council CEO Melanie Schild where they were presented with their iPad Minis. These girls sold 2,014 or more boxes of Girl Scout Cookies. below left: Troop 20177 honors veterans for their brave service! These girls asked members of their local community to display the patriotic bows their troop had made on their doors and mailboxes. What a great way to show appreciation to those who serve us! above right: GSHS Council staff in Jackson, TN, help Averitt Express drivers load up 1,016 cases of Girl Scout Cookies to deliver to Operation Troop Aid. Thank you Girl Scouts and supporters for this generous donation to the men and women serving our nation!

Want to see YOUR Troop in the Promise? GSHS encourages you to submit professional quality, â&#x20AC;&#x153;printworthyâ&#x20AC;? photography for use in The Promise, Heartstrings, The GPS, The Juliette, the GSHS website and Facebook page and other media campaigns. Photographs should be sent in JPG, TIFF or PDF format, 300 dpi at 2550x3300 pixels (at least, preferably), to news@girlscoutshs.org. Photographs should not be date-stamped OR cropped in any way. Please note that submitted photographs may be chosen for use in a variety of publications and without advance notice. Please be sure to have a signed copy of the Girl Scout media/photo release form on file for each girl pictured. Submissions should include a brief but detailed description of the event pictured in the email body. Submissions may be saved and published at a later date. Not all submissions will be chosen for publication. Have questions about photography? Need some help? Contact Alison Coons, GSHS Director of Engagement, at (901) 334-3473 or alison.coons@girlscoutshs.org.

the Promise |

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

facebook.com/girlscoutshs

pinterest.com (girl scouts heart of the south)

flikr.com/photos/girlscoutshs

twitter.com/girlscoutshs (@girlscoutshs)

instagram.com/girlscoutshs (@girlscoutshs)

youtube.com/user/girlscoutshs

program Profiles

GSHS Introduces New Service Unit Court of Awards Annual awards and recognitions to be presented at local Service Unit events.

ach April, Girl Scouts Heart of the South hosts the Annual Meeting where we conduct a business meeting to approve the board slate, any by-laws changes that may be needed and present the financial report

In the past we have also included the girl and adult awards and recognitions. This creates a logistical challenge every year, requiring girls and adults to travel to Memphis, Jackson or Tupelo, to receive their recognitions and awards. Our Girl Scout Gold Award recipients are often forced to choose between the annual meeting and prom! Bet you can guess what theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re choosing. GSHS wants to make sure every girl or adult is properly recognized. This is why we are changing up the Annual Meeting and bringing the girl and adult recognitions back to the local level through Court of Awards. The format for the Annual Meeting will be a council highlight and business meeting to approve the board slate, any by-laws changes that may be needed, the financial report and departmental updates. We invite every member age 14 and up to attend this important and informative council meeting on Saturday, April 25 in Memphis, TN. Here comes the fun part - your local Court of Awards! Bringing the celebration to the Service Unit will allow girls to be honored at every age level, at every award level and in front of parents, friends and community leaders where it really counts. Volunteers will also be honored at the local level, where their friends and family can share in their recognition. This will also present an opportunity for younger girls to see older girls achieve higher awards and be inspired to stay in Girl Scouts and achieve new heights themselves. Not only will the new Court of Awards ceremonies provide a venue for more meaningful recognition, but the new system will also enable Service Units to select a date that works with their local calendar.

C OURT OF AWARD S

To help Service Units plan a great Court of Awards, GSHS has developed a Court of Awards Grand Celebration Guide for Service Units. Service Unit event planners can download the guide at http://bit.ly/gshs_COAPlanningGuide. This guide explains how to host a Service Unit Court of Awards complete with Flag Ceremony, Badge Presentations and Reception. There will be examples for large Service Units, small Service Units and even individual troops. Court of Awards are not mandatory but highly encouraged! Your Membership Manager, if available, and another council staff person will attend as a speaker, and presenter of council-level awards. These staff will speak about any awards they are presenting, council initiatives and summer camp opportunities. Our Annual Meeting has traditionally served and recognized about 10% (or less) of our girls and volunteers. Through the implementation of local Court of Awards ceremonies, we hope to serve 75 to 80 percent (at least) by bringing recognitions to your front door and showing our gratitude for being a part of Girl Scouts. If you have questions, please contact Jenny Jones, (662) 350-6041 or jenny.jones@girlscoutshs.org.

GIRL SCOUTS HEART OF THE SOUTH

| the Promise

council Cares

In Memoriam

Girl Scouts Mourns the Loss of Ms. Elizabeth “Honey” Gwin

Ms. Gwin and her young friend, Will

irl Scouts Heart of the South was saddened to learn of the passing of Ms. Elizabeth “Honey” Gwin in August, 2014 at the age of 105. Ms. Gwin was president for Prairie Girl Scout Council and later served as Executive Director for the council that covered Northeast Mississippi.She was also the recipient of the Thanks Badge II, the highest honor bestowed upon a Girl Scout.

Ms. Gwin had an unrelenting passion for Girl Scouting and devotion to girls. She came to Girl Scouts as a volunteer and eventually became the executive director for the Prairie Girl Scout Council, now known as Girl Scouts Heart of the South. For over forty years this phenomenal woman inspired hundreds of girls and adult volunteers. During her tenure, Ms. Gwin exceeded all expectations and grew council membership from 400 to 5,000, using innovative ideas, tenacity, and a relentless work ethic. She also recognized the need for a permanent site for a residential Girl Scout camp and spent many years cultivating relationships that would accomplish this goal. She was instrumental in finding and securing the land for Camp Tik-A-Witha in Van Vleet, Mississippi, in 1970; and, adept as she was at utilizing resources, she convinced the architectural department at Mississippi State University to design the camp. Moreover, when the Tombigbee State Park wanted to dispose of cabins, she was first in line with a request: that the cabins be given to Girl Scouts. Soon after the camp opened, she began work on another dream—providing a residential camp session for children with special needs, which was later named in her honor, the Elizabeth Gwin Special Session. She will be missed by Girl Scouts.

Camp Fisherville to Receive Renovations Girl Scouts Heart of the South is excited to see our Long Range Property plan starting to take shape, and the next project on our list is at Camp Fisherville!

Ms. Gwin inspired all Girl Scouts to be the best they can be, to never give up their dreams, and to stand tall with grace whenever adversity strikes. She insisted that it’s the girls and volunteers who deserve credit for building the council and camps; however, without strong female leaders like her, girls and volunteers wouldn’t have had such a shining example of how to persevere and lead towards a better future. Ms. Gwin was truly a woman of courage, confidence and character who truly made the world a better place. Without her there would be no Camp Tik-A-Witha and because of her vision, thousands of girls have benefitted from a Girl Scout outdoor program experience and will continue to do so for years to come. Ms. Gwin will be missed but never forgotten for her legacy “for the girls.”

This renovation project of the lodge includes renovating both the kitchen and bath, interior and exterior paint, the conversion of a sleep porch including bunk beds, additional lighting, flooring, and adding AC system. The lodge will not be available starting February 1. We hope to have the work completed as soon as possible, but no later than April 1, 2015. Please be patient with us as we make these amazing renovations! We can’t wait for you to see them! We’ll be posting before and after pictures on our Girl Scouts Heart of the South Facebook page. Just 30 minutes east of Memphis, Camp Fisherville sits on 72 acres in Fayette County, TN and is perfect for small group camping, day trips and adult training. 22

the Promise |

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

GSHS Board Chair Kathy Webb hands out cookies, reminding recipients that “One’s to Keep! One’s to Treat!” and to “Do a good turn daily.”

Wednesday, September 3, 2014, GSHS staff and volunteers surprised passersby all around the Greater Memphis, Jackson, and Tupelo areas by handing out not one - but TWO - free boxes of Girl Scout Cookies until the supply ran out! The staff’s pop-up locations were broadcast on several morning news shows and over social media using #goodturn. GSHS staged the event to inspire others to do something unexpected and kind for someone else each day - to “Do a good turn, daily.” Cookies were given out free of charge, but with the promise that recipients would keep one box for themselves and give the other away.

council Cares

GSHS Establishes Helping Hearts

Volunteers are the lifeblood of Girl Scouts. Their dedication to our organization and to our girls is key to our success, and our gratitude for their service is immeasurable. GSHS needs our volunteers, but there are times when our volunteers need a community of support. To answer this call, Girl Scouts Heart of the South has established Helping Hearts – A Girl Scout Volunteer Crisis Assistance Fund to provide assistance grants for volunteers in crisis.* As dedicated as our volunteers are to helping us, Girl Scouts is dedicated to making the world a better place for them – and their families – as well. Support and funding for the Helping Hearts Fund is made possible by generous gifts from fellow donors and volunteers - like you. For more information and to find out how you can help, please visit www.girlscoutshs.org/ helping-hearts-fund. *The Helping Hearts Fund exists to provide emergency funds to GSHS volunteers and their families facing financial hardship due to extreme crisis situations (i.e. loss of income due to prolonged illness, excessive medical expenses, property damage due to disaster, etc.). Applications will be reviewed by designated Girl Scouts Heart of the South council personnel and referred on a case-by-case basis to the council CEO and Board for final approval.

Help GSHS Earn Money From H&R Block Tax Time is Here!

Do you need some help getting your taxes done this year? Girl Scouts Heart of the South has partnered with H&R Block to help our volunteers and donors with all their tax needs while raising money for our organization. Just print out the flyer found at http://bit.ly/gshs_HRBlock2015 and take it by any local H&R Block ofice when you get your taxes done. Each new customer who goes into H&R Block with the flyer will help Girl Scouts Heart of the South receive $20 from the nonprofit referral program. You can feel good knowing you helped Girl Scouts raise money to help build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place!

TASTIC! February 27 - March 1, 2015 February 27 - March 1, 2015, Girl Scouts Heart of the South staged its first “Cookie-Tastic!” Weekend event. Participating restaurants in the Greater Memphis and Tupelo areas created desserts inspired by and incorporating Girl Scout Cookies and sold them with part of the proceeds going to benefit GSHS. Girl Scouts Heart of the South would like to thank the following restaurants for their participation and support:

MEMPHIS

irl Scouts strives to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. We could not accomplish our mission without the aid of our dedicated volunteers.

Coletta’s Restaurant

1063 South Parkway East Memphis, TN (901) 948-7652

2850 Appling Road Memphis, TN (901) 383-1122

Lisa’s Lunchbox

5030 Poplar Avenue Memphis, TN (901) 761-4044

5885 Ridgway Center Pkwy, Ste. 101 Memphis, TN (901) 767-6465

Crave

TUPELO

A Girl Scout Volunteer Crisis Assistance Fund

209 Court Street Tupelo, MS | (662) 260-5024

Double Barrel Steakhouse 147 Broad Street Shannon, MS | (662) 767-0088

South Restaurant

1010 North Gloster Tupelo, MS | (662) 205-8751

Steele’s Dive

4187 Main Street Tupelo, MS | (662) 205-4345

GIRL SCOUTS HEART OF THE SOUTH

| the Promise

council Cares

Girl Scout History Coming Soon!

Heritage Center to open at Memphis Service Center

uliette “Daisy” Gordon Low assembled 18 girls from Savannah, Georgia, on March 12, 1912, for a local Girl Scout meeting. She believed that all girls should be given the opportunity to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually. With the goal of bringing girls out of isolated home environments and into community service and the open air, Girl Scouts hiked, played basketball, went on camping trips, learned how to tell time by the stars, and studied first aid.

Within a few years, Daisy’s dream for a girl-centered organization was realized. Though she hardly imagined a world where Girl Scout cookies would be sold online and “geocaching” with satellite GPS would replace reading a compass, Girl Scouts continue to change the world while still embracing our rich history and tradition. From our willingness to tackle important societal issues, to our commitment to diversity and inclusiveness—Girl Scouts is dedicated to every girl, everywhere. To celebrate that history and tradition, Girl Scouts Heart of the South has established our new Heritage Center, located in the Memphis Service Center. Born from the effort of many volunteers who have carefully collected, stored and documented memorabilia over the years and the inspiration of dedicated alumnae to make this collection available to all, the center will soon be open for browsing at no charge to visitors. GSHS Board Member Pat Moody helps “break ground” for the new Heritage Center.

The Heritage Center will include an archival library of handbooks, camp and cook-out manuals, songbooks and a variety of program materials dating back as far as the 1920s. In addition to print materials, this collection includes microfilm, slides, recordings and other audio-video media. We have vintage photos and scrapbooks compiled by girls, troops, and the legacy councils which make up the Heart of the South today. Badges, awards, and a collection of vintage uniforms will also be on display. Girls, friends, and parents will soon be welcome to browse the hands-on exhibits and displays of unique Girl Scout memorabilia. Displays will change seasonally to include historical perspectives on camping, community service, skills and career development, cookie sales, famous Girl Scouts and other areas of special regional interest. In the near future, the Heritage Center will begin accepting donations of Girl Scout memorabilia. Volunteers will be invited to become a part of the team, cataloguing artifacts and providing support for troop and public visits and tours. Watch for updates as our Girl Scout history and the Heart of the South Heritage Center come alive before your eyes!

Girl Scouts Heart of the South congratulates our own

Hillary Clemons, Regional Program Specialist,

for being named one of

The Memphis Flyer’s top & bottom photos courtesy Justin Fox Burks photography

the Promise |

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

2015 Top 20 Under 30! http://bit.ly/gshs_Top20under30

Ready for a year of fun and friendship? Adventure and excitement?

hot

trends

Get all your Girl Scout gear at our council shops. MEMPHIS JACKSON TUPELO

Girl Scout Adult .95 $24 Fleece Jacket

What will you do?

Discover a new hobby. Go on scavenger hunt. Sleep underneath the stars. Sing silly songs with new friends. Help people in your neighborhood. Perform a talent show.

Girl Scou Yankee CandtleCookie s $15 - $22

Talk to your troop leader for more information. New to Girl Scouts? Visit us at girlscoutshs.org join or call 800.624.4185 for more information. Girl registrations for the upcoming membership year starting on October 1, 2015 must be received between April 1 - July 31, 2015 to receive the “I can’t wait to...” patch.

for get ready m ore fun!

out Awesome Girl S$c22 Dad T-Shirt

SHOP ONLINE

I Can’t Wait to Girl T-Shirt $... 18

www.girlscoutshs.org/shop

Council Scholarships! Girl Scouts Heart of the South Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarshipship Application deadline: Sunday, March 15, 2015 Amount: $1,000

College Tours Like No Other

Visit local colleges and get a unique glimpse of what life is really like on campus! Hosted by Kappa Delta Sorority members, girls get to see the campus, learn about college traditions and take part in exciting campus activities.

Get Ready. Get Set. Go State!

grades

6-12

Sunday, March 1

Dorm Dayz

Sunday, March 22

grades

9-12

The scholarship is awarded based on achievement in Girl Scouting, academics, leadership, and extracurricular activities. Recipients must have earned their Girl Scout Gold Award.

Girl Scouts Heart of the South West Tennessee Scholarship

Application deadline: Sunday, March 15, 2015 Amount: $4,000 ($500 per semester, up to 8 semesters) The scholarship is awarded based on achievement in Girl Scouting, academics, leadership, and extracurricular activities. Applicants must be a resident of Benton, Carroll, Chester, Crockett, Decatur, Dyer, Gibson, Halls, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, or Weakley County www.girlscoutshs.org/scholarships

Millsaps College Announces $60,000 Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarship

Girl Scouts earning the Girl Scout Gold Award who also meet admission criteria for Millsaps College as entering freshmen will receive a minimum total scholarship package of $60,000 ($15,000 per year, renewable for four years). The scholarship support will be available for freshmen students entering Millsaps in the fall of 2015. Visit www. millsaps.edu for more information.

Campus Insider Saturday, April 11

Going Gold Can Help You Pay for College

Colleges from across the nation recognize the dedication, and determination, in earning the Gold Award and rewards recipients with scholarships. Here is just a short list of nearby schools offering this extra incentive. MISSISSIPPI Delta State University Millsaps College Mississippi State University University of Mississippi University of Southern Mississippi TENNESSEE Dyersburg Community College Lipscomb University University of Tennessee at Martin

Kicking It On Campus

Sunday, April 12

Dorm Dayz

Sunday, April 19

grades

9-12

grades

6-12

grades

6-12

Girl Scouts Take on DSU!

Sunday, April 19

GIRL SCOUTS HEART OF THE SOUTH

grades

9-12

| the Promise

Kindness Travels With Kindness Travels, you can send a random act of kindness to a girl on the other side of the world—or request a message whenever you need encouragement! Send as many messages as you like, knowing that the more you give, the more you help kindness spread. You’ll feel great when you send kind words to a sister Girl Scout who needs them, and if you’re feeling down, you can request a supportive message to brighten your day. Use the colorful map to see the first name, age, and location of girls who are spreading kindness across the globe. See how far you can help kindness travel! http://forgirls.girlscouts.org/kindnesstravels/

We could all use a friend when we’re feeling down. When you’re in need, a kind word can come from anywhere. You can send a random act of kindness to a girl on the other side of the world! If you need encouragement, you can request a message. See how far we can help kindness travel!

easy

S W A P S 6

SamoaS SWaP • Tan Pipe Cleaner • Brown Pipe Cleaner • Small Safety Pin Twirl tan pipe cleaner in a flat circle. Wrap brown pipe cleaner around flat circle to create “chocolate stripes” of a Samoa. Attach safety pin. Voila!

the Promise

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

thin mint SWaP • Black Foam Sheet • Paper, cut into small strips • Hole Punch • Small Safety Pin Cut black foam into crescent shapes. Print “Who Ate My Thin Mint” on the paper. Punch hole on paper. Attach paper and foam cookie to safety pin.

Dear Daisy, My Girl Scout leader is planning a big trip this summer for our troop. My Mom won’t be able to go. I’m not sure I am ready to go away without my mom. I have been in Girl Scouts for 5 years but I’m only 12. What should I do? - Scared Dear Scared, I know how you feel! My troop took an overnight trip to an amusement park when I was only 11. I was so scared. Guess what? My friends ended up making me forget how scared I was and I had so much fun. I ended up planning our trip the next year and it was a 5 day trip. You are more ready than you think. Go and have fun! You will never forget the fun you will have. - Daisy

Dear Daisy, My English grades are not very good in school. I really don’t like to read the books they assign in school. I used to like reading a lot but now I hate it. What should I do? - Reluctant Reader Dear Reader, First of all, I want to encourage you to read whatever you like to read when you are not in school. Read magazines, books on any level, blogs - anything you like. This will improve your reading skills and help you when you have to read those books in school that you don’t like. You will find yourself enjoying reading so much more and you will see your grades improve too! - Daisy

Dear Daisy, I’m supposed to spend Spring Break with my Dad this year but he has remarried and his new wife and I do not get along. What should I do? - Stepmom Troubles Dear Troubles, Getting a new step-mom is hard for most kids. You are not alone. Your step-mom is probably nervous about starting a relationship with you. Keep an open mind and stay positive. This Spring Break may turn out to be full of surprises! - Daisy Dear Daisy is an advice column answered

Dear is an advice answered by byDaisy Girl Scout Seniorcolumn and Ambassador GirlTroop Scout Senior Ambassador 20356and from Oxford, MS.Troop 20356 in Oxford, MS. Have a question? Need advice? Email Daisy at deardaisy@girlscoutshs.org

Have a dilemma of your own? Need advice? Email Daisy at deardaisy@girlscoutshs.org

BUILD YOU LOVE SOMETHING

with Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math Girl Scout Engineering Day Camp

Join the Mississippi State University Student Chapter of the American Institute for Chemical Engineers for this fun and exciting engineering and robotics day camp exclusively for Girl Scout Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors. Discover engineering through fun experiments and LEGO robotics, plus meet current engineering students, learn from professors, and explore future career opportunities with your Girl Scout friends.

www.girlscoutshs.org/calendar

Light breakfast, snacks, and lunch provided by AlChE Cost: $2 per girl, includes patch Who: Girl Scout Junior-Ambassador (or girls in grades 4-12) Registration: Now- 3/16/15 Min/Max: 00/150 Questions? Contact Emilie Hutcheson at 662-350-6044

Design Your Own Video Game

Girl Scouts of the USA and Dell created an awesome interactive experience that puts you in the driverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seat of video game development.

http://forgirls.girlscouts.org/makeagame

Be the Video Game Developer walks you through the creation of a video game - allowing you to pick the characters, background, and music to create the world within a video game.

Get Crafty with Computer Code

Made with Code is a Google initiative to champion creativity, girls, and code, all at once.

www.madewithcode.com

On this super friendly, and super fun, website you can code your first creative project and meet music producers, fashion designers, humanitarians, and animators who are using computer science to make the things you love. GIRL SCOUTS HEART OF THE SOUTH

| the Promise

coding, competition &

community service Mississippi Girl Scout Service Units put out an all call for older Girl Scouts who were interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), and who were interested in earning their Community Service Bar. “The real focus behind this group is that they want to help. They want younger girls to see that STEM activities are fun, and that STEM careers are possible.” said Dr. Renee Cunningham, Chickasaw County Girl Scout Service Unit Manager and Assistant Professor of Mathematics Education at the University of Mississippi. The girls hosted a STEM Day at the University of Mississippi – Tupelo introducing fellow Girl Scouts to robotics. They created kits for Girl Scout Daisy and Brownie troops to complete an engineering design challenge. And volunteered at the Mississippi Junior FIRST LEGO League. It was there that they decided in addition to volunteering, they wanted to learn more about robotics and come back as competitors. The girls enlisted the help of Mannie Lowe, FIRST Tech Challenge Program Manager and the University of Mississippi Center for Mathematics and Science Education Program Director to help design, build and code their first robot.

“The positivity of the judges and the helpfulness of the other teams encouraged them and it really changed their lives. To take something that they did not know, something they were unsure of, and to be successful at it really gave them a new level of confidence.” said Cunningham. Keeping the focus on volunteering, the girls plan to volunteer again at the Mississippi ‘s FIRST Tech Challenge, as well as field test GSUSA’s Engineer Your Own Journey for Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors. They are also discussing other ways they can extend robotics to Lee County Girl Scouts.

“ To take something that they did not know, something they were unsure of, and to be successful at it really gave them a new level of confidence.”

Competition day was really nerving-wracking for the girls, worrying if their robot would move, or if their partnered teams would get frustrated with their inexperience, but the girls stuck together and overcame their fears to walk away with the Judges’ Choice Award for the FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Tournament Northern MS Qualifier. 4

the Promise

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

Kamp Kiwani receives Silver Award for Best Overnight Camp by Memphis Parent Magazine’s Family Choice

Kamp Kiwani Grades 1 - 3

May 31 - June 5 May 31 - June 5 May 31 - June 5 May 31 - June 5 June 5-7 June 5-7 June 6 June 7-12 June 7-12 June 7-12

Pioneer Girls Blast Off Artrageous Kamp’tastic Me and Mine (mini session) Troop Camping (mini session) Dad Day (day session) Ew! Yuck! Myth Busters Hogwarts Express

May 31 - June 5 June 5-7 June 5-7 June 6 June 7-12

Campfires & Teddy Bears Me and Mine (mini session) Troop Camping (mini session) Dad Day (day session) Brownie Blitz

Grades 4 - 6

Grades 6 - 8

Midnight Madness NCIS

Grades 7 - 12 Rancheros Campapalooza

May 31 - June 5 June 7-12 May 31 - June 12 June 7-12

Grades 1-3 Grades 1-6 Grades 1-6 Grades 1-6 Grades 1-3 Grades 4-6 Grades 4-6 Grades 4-6 Grades 4-6 Grades 1-6 Grades 1-6 Grades 1-6 Grades 4-6 Grades 4-6 Grades 4-6 Grades 6-8 Grades 6-8 Grades 7-12 Grades 7-12

Camp Tik-A-Witha Grades 1 - 3

June 14-19 June 21-26 June 28 - July 3 June 28 - July 3 July 5-10 July 12-14 July 12-14

Whatever Floats Your Boat Pony Tails Moonlight Mischief Cowgirl Up Trail Mix Talls and Smalls Troop Trek

June 14-19 June 14-19 June 14-19 June 21-26 June 21-26 June 21-26 June 28 - July 3 June 28 - July 3 June 28 - July 3 July 5-10 July 5-10 July 5-10 July 12-14 July 12-14

Top Chef Night Owls Summer Sampler Pamper Me Please Camp On Filly Fun Water Logged CSI: Camp Scene Investigators Hoof Prints In-spa-ration Dive In Oozie Goozie Talls and Smalls Troop Trek

June 14-16 June 17 -19 June 21-26 June 28 - July 3 July 5-10 July 12-14

Wee Bit I Wee Bit II Water Bugs Trails & Tiaras Brownie Blast Daisy Daze (mini session)

Grades 4 - 6

Grades 6 - 8

Grades 7 - 12 Pack-N-Paddle Amazing Race River Wild

June 14-21 June 21-26 July 5-12

Grades 1-3 Grades 1-3 Grades 1-3 Grades 1-3 Grades 2-3 Grade 1 Grades 4-6 Grades 4-6 Grades 4-6 Grades 4-6 Grades 4-6 Grades 4-6 Grades 4-6 Grades 4-6 Grades 4-6 Grades 4-6 Grades 4-6 Grades 4-6 Grades 4-6 Grades 4-8 Grades 6-8 Grades 6-8 Grades 6-8 Grades 6-8 Grades 6-8 Grades 2-8 Grades 4-8 Grades 7-12 Grades 7-12 Grades 7-12

registration opens

MARCH 2

www.girlscoutshs.org/summercamp

Ready to lead? Try one of our camp in training sessions! These two week sessions offer girls a unique leadership experience to develop their camp skills, learn teaching techniques, explore counselor responsibilities and discover camp operations. We have three “in training” sessions, each designed to meet the girls’ interest and experience. Junior Counselor in Training June 28 - July 10 Grades 9 - 10 at Camp Tik-A-Witha Great for the girl interested in becoming a counselor, but wants to try it out first. Counselor in Training June 14 - July 10 Grades 11 - 12 at Camp Tik-A-Witha This advanced leadership course is open to girls who are interested in preparing for a position on a camp staff, learning job skills and having the best time of their lives!

www.girlscoutshs.org/summercamp

Wrangler in Training May 31 - June 12 Grades 11 - 12 at Kamp Kiwani Same great program as Counselor In Training, but with an equestrian twist! GIRL SCOUTS HEART OF THE SOUTH

| the Promise

Say hello to summer! This summer get outside and try something different. Meet a new friend and go on an adventure. Get ready for the best summer yet filled with fun, friends, laughter and excitement. Summer camp is a magical place where you’ll discover exciting activities with brand new friends. Whether it’s hiking, horses, or water sports you love, you’ll be the guide of your own adventure, finding fun around every corner.

e camp ound th and iends ar gs make fr you sing silly son e fire whil s’mores y eat gooe

try som ethi

ng new horseba or whit ck riding, zip li like repelling, e w a t e r rafting ning, kayaking

have fun creating art, doing yoga, swimming, stargazing, exploring and relaxing

h e wit ces al tim erien in re al exp pictures d y life in re enjo people osts an real y from p awa

r you Pick ion. sess No matter what session you choose, you’ll enjoy swimming, boating, crafts, archery and nature. You’ll practice being a leader, sing around a camp fire and make lifelong memories with new friends.

Online registration opens March 2: www.girlscoutshs.org/summercamp Summer is waiting. Find your adventure today!

check us out @

OPEN HOUSE Join us for a Camp Open House!

These days are perfect for any girl thinking about coming to summer camp to come check it out first! You and your family can see all the fun you’ll have at summer camp! Meet the camp director, your camp counselors, see where you’d sleep & eat, check out the lake, trading post & more! Camp Tik-A-Witha Van Vleet, MS Sunday, April 12

the Promise

Kamp Kiwani Middleton, TN Sunday, April 26

www.girlscoutshs.org /sum

SPRING/SUMMER 2015

mercamp

COLLEGE TOURS AND SCHOLARSHIPS

Spring/Summer 2015

The Official Publication of Girl Scouts Heart of the South

BUILD

SOMETHING

YOU LOVE

with

Science, Technology,

Engineering, Art & Math

KINDNESS travels spread kindness around the world

Get her

Dear Daisy

DELVES INTO YOUR DILEMMAS

OUTDOORS

ADVENTURE AND FUN AWAIT YOU THIS SUMMER

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 2