Spark A TRIANNUAL PUBLICATION OF THE GIRL SCOUTS OF KANSAS HEARTLAND COUNCIL
DECEMBER 2020 COOKIE EDITION
Hip-hip hurray for Toast-yay! -pg. 4
6
Cookie Countdown
8
Cookie Goal Photo Contest
11 Top Seller Info
Letters from Liz 2021 is fast approaching and I wish all our thousands of Girl Scout families across Kansas Heartland a very merry and safe holiday season! Our dedicated council staff is continuing to develop and provide Girl Scout programs and events with the health and safety of girls, volunteers and families foremost in our planning. With, of course, loads of fun and learning experiences packed into each offering. One very important annual girl program that we have been busy enhancing is our Girl Scout Cookie Program, which is all about girls powering their Girl Scout adventures by how they choose to run their personal cookie business. In the process, they develop and master five very important skills - Goal Setting, Decision Making, Money Management, People Skills and Business Ethics. I’m extremely excited about the new options Cookie CEOs will have to help them plan how they would like to run their businesses this year! They will have many of the same options available to them that thousands of other business owners are currently utilizing to shift their approach in leading their businesses successfully through these challenging times. Each Girl Scout is receiving a packet delivered directly to her home with materials and details to help her plan her goals and develop her business strategy this year, with safety in mind. One of the options available is the opportunity to take pre-orders as soon as girls receive their packet. So any day now! Choosing this option might help them better manage their cookie inventory. Or, girls may decide to just participate in the Direct Sale, which begins on February 12. Girls also have the opportunity to set up their digital cookie business site early this season for both direct ship and girl-delivered options and credit/debit card access. Email invitations to set up the accounts are on their way. The council’s product program team is also working to set up drive-through booth options for troops. Stay tuned for details about booth sign-up. I look forward to seeing how all of our Cookie bosses show their great entrepreneurial spirit this cookie season! Yours in Girl Scouting,
Table of Contents 4
Key Cookie Dates
5
Cookie Program Pre-Sale
7
Cookie Kickoff
10
Cookie-ology Trainings
12
Family Entrepreneur Pins
13
Cookie Credit Breakdown
14
Girl Scout Week
15
Council Info
Liz Workman Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland
Spark is all about YOU... Send story ideas, photos, accomplishments, and comments to:
Communications Department Phone: 888-686-MINT (6468) Fax: 316-684-4141 E-mail: communications@gskh.org Mail: 360 Lexington Rd. Wichita, KS 67218 Online: kansasgirlscouts.org/share
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Spark ☙ DECEMBER 2020
PUBLISHED
by the Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland Council Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland serves more than 10,000 girls and adults in 80 Kansas counties through its operational headquarters in Wichita, Kansas, and regional offices in Emporia, Garden City, Hays and Salina.
CONNECT ONLINE facebook.com/ksgirlscouts twitter.com/ksgirlscouts flickr.com/ksgirlscouts
The United Way helps here.
Instagram: @ksgirlscouts Snapchat: @ksgirlscouts
Please pass me on to a friend or recycle!
Thank you to the Juliette’s Pearls Leadership Society for your continued support. Your investment in our mission continues to support the integral programs that build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. For luncheon details or to become a JPLS member, call (316) 684-6531, email kleonard@gskh.org, or go to kansasgirlscouts.org/jpls.
For more than 100 years, Girl Scouts have learned the skills, embraced the experiences, and grown the friendships that help them change the world and accomplish great things. Especially in times of crisis, Girl Scouts come together as part of a sisterhood to take action to help communities in need. On December 1, Girl Scout Lacey and a team of go-getters from Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland spent the day at Starwood's Outdoor Center for some chilly adventures. We livestreamed the fun throughout the day to
give the outside world a glimpse of what girls can accomplish at camp, all with the help of several experienced Girl Scout campers. Because of our generous Girl Scout advocates, we raised more than $1,100 in support of our outdoor programming for girls across Kansas. Thank you for powering our promise and contributing to Girl Scouts and investing in her next outdoor adventure!
Coming January 2021! DECEMBER 2020
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Key Dates
FOR THE 2021 COOKIE PROGRAM Jan 10 Jan 27 - Feb 10
SALE
PREP
Dec - Jan
Troop Initial Cookie orders due Statewide Cookie Deliveries
Feb 12
Direct Sale starts!
Feb 12
Booth sales begin
Feb 13
Cookie Cupboards open
March 28
REWARDS
Cookie Program Pre-Orders are taken
April 15 May 1 - 2 May
Sale Ends
Cookie Credits available to spend! Top Seller Weekend Cookie Rewards arrive for troop distribution
NEW this year, Toast-Yay!™ is a delightful toast-shaped cookie full of French toast flavor with a touch of cinnamon and our signature trefoil on top! The joy of savoring each bite of a Girl Scout Cookie and watching girls learn valuable business skills just got sweeter. 4
Spark ☙ DECEMBER 2020
Back by
Popular
DEMAND!
For the 2021 Cookie Program, girls can begin selling RIGHT NOW! You read that correctly. Girls can begin selling NOW! Due to popular demand and an emphasis on safety, we have added an additional presale option for girls to pursue their goals through the 2021 Cookie Program. The presale option is how the Cookie Program was previously handled prior to moving to the Direct Sale approach where girls have inventory on hand when the sale
begins. This year, the presale portion of the program will be combined with the Direct Sale of cookies on hand that still begins Feb. 12, 2021. Girls should have already received an information packet to begin taking pre-orders now using their direct order card. They will also have the opportunity to gather orders online where the customer will have a direct ship or girl-delivered choice. Your Girl Scout will receive an email invitation shortly containing information on how to launch her Smart Cookies account.
i mp o r t a nt Dates Week of Dec 14: Girls Receive Girl Supply Envelope in the mail
Girls Receive email invitation from Smart Cookies
Dec 16 – Jan 8:
Girls take pre-orders and participate digitally through Smart Cookies
Jan 8:
Girls turn in pre-orders/money to Troop Product Manager
Jan 10:
Troop Product Manager places Initial Order
Jan 29 – Feb 10: Cookies Arrive! Girls deliver pre-orders and continue selling
thru the Direct Sale and Smart Cookies process.
Mar 28:
Cookie Program Ends
DECEMBER 2020
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Hey, Cookie CEOS! Have you heard the buzz?
Cookie Camp + Cookie Kickoff =
The Cookie
Countdown
This new, combined event will take place virtually from February 3 - 12 as we countdown to the Cookie Program and practice the five skills that every amazing Cookie CEO needs! You have two options!
Option 1: Register on UltraCamp and attend the full series! Register by January 4 for a chance to win the first prize. Final registration deadline: January 18. For $30, girls will receive: ✶ 12 live sessions hosted by staff, community partners, and a few special guests, including early access to the official Cookie Kick-off on February 12 ✶ Two earned badges for your program level ✶ Daisies: Money Counts & Count It Up ✶ Brownies: Philanthropist & Give Back ✶ Juniors: Business Owner & Customer Insights ✶ Cadettes: Comparison Shopping & Financing My Dreams ✶ Special event patch ✶ Instructions for activities completed in live sessions and bonus on-your-own activities ✶ A box of bee-themed goodies and activity supplies ✶ The chance to win prizes by completing activities and attending live sessions
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Spark ☙ DECEMBER 2020
Option 2: Attend only the official Cookie Kick-off on February 12 at no cost! There is no registration for this one. BUT. There are only 475 spots available! Socially distanced watch parties are encouraged, where possible. ✶ Join us LIVE for the official Cookie Kick-off! ✶ Meet & Greet with a special guest ✶ Interact with girls from across Kansas Heartland ✶ Chance to win a prize for attending live
Calling all Seniors and Ambassadors! We need your help as Queen Bees for this event. If you are interested in leading workshops, recording activity videos, or helping as a Zoom moderator, please contact Jennifer Koftan at jkoftan@gskh.org.
NOTE: The originally scheduled in-person sessions of Cookie Camp, Cookie City Search, and Cookie Kickoff will NOT take place. The Cookie Countdown and virtual Cookie Kick-off replaces these events.
Something big is happening with the Cookie Share Program! The program you’ve come to know and love is now becoming the Care & Share Program. How does the program work? It’s simple! Shares cost the same as a package of cookies and customers can simply opt to purchase a taxdeductible Share, which donates a package of cookies. Seasoned Girl Scouts know that this program is a wonderful way for customers to support not only the Girl Scout
and her troop, but also charities in their community. The sweet impact of this program will be felt by local essential workers, food pantries, Catholic Charities, Kansas military troops, units and their families, and other community organizations. In 2020, the share program distributed 10,062 packages to the military and other Kansas charities. Since the program’s inception in 2010, our Girl Scout entrepreneurs were able to reach a landmark number of shares with more than 185,320 packages being donated.
Be sure and tell your customers about this sweet way to give back and support their neighbors! Visit kansasgirlscouts.org to learn more about the Care & Share program and how Girl Scouts are sharing something sweet all across Kansas each year.
Girl Scout Cookie Kick Off!
Fri., February 12
The bees, the buzz. . . .get excited with Girl Scouts from all across the council virtually on Friday, February 12 at 6PM CT for the 2021 Cookie Kick Off! From a bakery tour to “Live” presentations from our council shop, tips and tricks from one of our own Top Sellers; Adalyn Wilkie and special guest; Girl Scout Alum Gold Award Recipient and National Young Woman of Distinction; Reiny Botros, this is not your average kick off! With only 475 spaces available, you will not want to miss this unique hour of cookie fun. With no registration needed, on the day of the kick off, just scan the QR Code located here or on our home page to gain access to the event using the password: GSCookies or login to the ZOOM Meeting: Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/95925239907 Meeting ID: 959 2523 9907 Passcode: GSCookies
▶ And don’t forget to register for the door prizes from our website Cookie Kick Off banner or put in your browser: https://bit.ly/GSKHkickoff DECEMBER 2020
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Cookie Goal Photo Contest Share your troop's goal for a chance to win! One of the 5 Skills girls learn through the Girl Scout Cookie Program is goal setting, and the Cookie Goal Photo Contest is the perfect opportunity to practice this skill! This contest gives entire troops of G.I.R.L.s (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ the opportunity to prepare for their next Girl Scout adventure by submitting a troop goal. Twelve lucky Girl Scout troops will win a 5-foot folding table simply by sharing your troop's Cookie Program goal! Learn about more exciting opportunities on our Contests & Incentives page in the Cookies section at kansasgirlscouts.org.
Just 2 steps to enter! 1 2
Write your Troop's Cookie Program Goal on the goal sheet (next page), and don't forget to write your troop number!
Take a photo with your troop holding the goal sheet and tell us your story! What is your troop planning to do with their cookie earnings? Will you camp in the mountains, explore amazing new places, or even embark on more than one Girl Scout adventure? Email us your photo and cookie story by Feb. 12 to communications@gskh.org with the subject line: “Cookie Goal Photo Contest.” In the email, include your troop number, city, and contact info. Traveling or going camping with your troop’s cookie proceeds? Tell us your troop's plans! Please submit a group photo of your troop following appropriate health guidelines, or a troop representative photo if your troop is meeting virutally.
Troops entering contest must be current members of Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland who are participating in the 2021 Cookie Program. Photos entered into contest may be used in Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland print and digital communications.
Win a 5-foot folding table!
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Spark ☙ DECEMBER 2020
12 lucky troops will be all set for a number of occasions with this prize!
Our Troop
Cookie Goal (number of cookie packages)
(troop number)
c
kie-ology e
)
cook-ie-ol-o-gy /kooke/al je- (noun) The science that deals with the Girl Scout Cookie Program structure and substance, its history and the processes that act on it. Cookie-ology joins the gsLearn environment! Trainings will be available towards the end of December.
Cookie-ology 101 This is a REQUIRED training for all NEW Troop Cookie Managers. As a first year Troop Cookie Manager, you will receive a training kit prior to beginning your gsLearn learning path. All modules must be successfully completed by January 8.
Cookie-ology 102 Troop Cookie Managers beginning their second year or more will access gsLearn for a condensed version of cookie-ology 101 and learn what’s new for the 2021 season. REMEMBER: In order for a Troop Cookie Manager to have access to the online ordering system, Smart Cookies, the volunteer must have submitted a signed Troop Manager Agreement and complete all requirements listed to the right.
To be a Troop Cookie Manager you must be/have: ✶ Registered with GSUSA and be an approved volunteer with GSKH ✶ SIGNED 2021 Troop Cookie Manager Agreement in the office ✶ Current with financial obligations (no past product program challenges or outstanding debt with council) ✶ MUST attend/complete trainings: • 2021 cookie-ology training (gsLearn) • Financial Management (gsLearn) • Safety-Wise (gsLearn)
Introducing gsLearn – an online training platform for troop leaders! From Financial Management to Safety-Wise, you can find necessary trainings like the Cookie-ology series online through this easy learning system. Access courses on-thego, track your progress, and more by signing into your My GS account and clicking on the gsLearn button.
gsLearn
All trainings are available to all members and some are designated to be taken by volunteers serving in specific roles in the council. Details are provided in the training descriptions. Head to kansasgirlscouts.org to access gsLearn.
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Spark ☙ DECEMBER 2020
Celebrate success as a
Top Seller
May 1 - 2, 2021
Field Station: Dinosaur Day Experience 130+ Fall Program units or 750+ Cookie packages
Field Station: Dinosaur is the perfect location for Top Sellers and their families to celebrate success! Girls who flex their entrepreneurial skills and reach this goal will enjoy Jurassic golf, animatronic dinosaurs, live shows, a maze, and much more!
Circus, Circus, Circus Overnight 190+ Fall Program units or 1200+ Cookie packages
With dinner on the “midway,” girls and their adult chaperones will enjoy a glowing, spinning performance before chaperones “magically disappear” and girls begin their journey of the impossible and spectacular! Prepare for a wondrous evening as Starwoods transforms into the circus for one night only.
Share VIP Lounge 50+ Fall Program Shares or 100+ Cookie Shares
Unlock this coveted, special reward to gain access to the Share VIP Lounge during the Day Experience. Girl Scouts in the Share VIP Lounge will have access to secret surprises and rewards that are only available to those reaching these special Share goals.
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Girl Scouts Pay it Forward during Festival of Giving During the annual tradition of Festival of Giving, more than 1,200 Girl Scouts gave back to their communities by donating their time and gifts on the wishlists of social service organizations throughout our council's 80 counties. Festival of Giving began in 1950 as the Doll Festival in Wichita, where Girl Scout troops would dress dolls, place them on display during the festival, and then distribute them to local and overseas agencies for children who might not receive Christmas presents. The event has since expanded to benefit organizations across all 80 counties represented by Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland. Organizations that benefitted from this year's Festival of Giving included the Kansas Humane Society, Derby Community Family Center, Wichita’s Littlest Hero, Sunshine Children’s Home, Conway Springs Mission Mart Pet Pantry, Starkey Inc., and many others.
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Spark ☙ DECEMBER 2020
Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland Cookie Program This is What a Girl Can Do! 2021 SALE DATES
2021 Cookie Varieties FEBRUARY 12 - MARCH 28
9
Shortbreads
Peanut Butter Sandwich
2020 SUCCESS
Need more info on the sale? Go to: kansasgirlscouts.org/cookies/
5 THE
Caramel deLites
TROOPS EARNED
2,050
$585,698
COOKIE BOOTH OPPORTUNITIES
IN PROCEEDS
SKILLS
Lemonades
FLAVORS
Thin Mints
S’mores
10,062
GIRL SCOUTS LEARN: Caramel Chocolate Chip
INTRODUCING THIS YEAR’S NEW COOKIE
NEW Toast-yay!
HOW THE COOKIE CRUMBLES Girls Scouts of Kansas Heartland serves 10,000 girls and adult volunteers across 80 counties.
$1.07 BAKERY & SALE COSTS
· Goal Setting · Decision Making · Money Management · People Skills · Business Ethics
Peanut Butter Patties
$2.89 GIRL & VOLUNTEER SERVICES
TOTAL PACKAGES SOLD
27 GIRLS
SOLD MORE THAN
Rewards & Proceeds - $1.04 40¢
To girls (Cookie Credits, recognition items and incentives)
60¢
To troops (programs, activities, and supplies)
2¢
To Service Units
2¢
To Participation Bonus recipients
1,200
4,153
PACKAGES EACH
GSKH GIRL SCOUTS SOLD COOKIES
Bakery & Sale Costs - $1.07 $1.06
To cookie baker (cookies, troop and promotional materials, and forms)
1¢
For sale expenses (postage and other sale expenses)
GIRLS EARNED
$383,443
Girl & Volunteer Services - $2.89 $2.89
$1.04
1,050,905
PACKAGES WERE DONATED TO MILITARY AND LOCAL FOOD BANKS THROUGH COOKIE SHARE PROGRAM
IN COOKIE CREDITS (CAN BE SPENT ON GS SHOP MERCHANDISE, CAMP, TRAVEL OR OTHER PROGRAMS)
For support programs and services (girl programs, volunteer services/training, financial assisstance, facility operations/maintenance, and program resources)
241
PACKAGES SOLD PER GIRL ON AVERAGE
GIRL REWARDS & SU/TROOP PROCEEDS
Cookie Credits Boxes
All girls who sell at least 30 packages of cookies during the Girl Scout Cookie Program earn Cookie Credits they can spend on events, activities, camps, programs, GSKH shop purchases, council-approved troop trips, travel, destinations, and even the annual Girl Scouts of the USA membership dues. *Girls who sell 300 packages or more earn $13.50 per 30 sold. Cookie Credits earned will not exceed $405 annually.
Credits
30 - 59 60 - 89 90 - 119 120 - 149 150 - 179 180 - 209 210 - 239 240 - 269 270 - 299 300* DECEMBER 2020
$10 $20 $30 $40 $50 $60 $70 $80 $90 $135 ☙ Spark 13
Girl Scout Week
SUNDAY 3/7
MONDAY 3/8
TUESDAY 3/9
WEDNESDAY 3/10
Girl Scout Sunday
Get Outside
Be a STEM-inist
Lead with Confidence
Wear your uniform to your place of worship. Think about your beliefs and how they are relfected in the Girl Scout Law. Consider earning the My Faith, My Promise award this weekend. #girlscoutsunday
A Girl Scout leaves a place better than she found it. Leave little acts of kindness wherever you go today. Learn about Leave No Trace Principles with the new Eco-Series of badges. #gsgetinvolved
STEAM careers are here to stay! Try a new STEAM activity or experiment and then check out the STEM Career Exploration Badges to find a career or role to investigate and begin your conversation. #girlsinSTEAM
THURSDAY 3/11
FRIDAY 3/12
SATURDAY 3/13
Enterprising Spirit
Girl Scout Birthday
Sharing Saturday
Venture into the business of coming up with an idea for a product and bringing it to life! Through the new Entrepreneur badges, explore problems and develop creative solutions. #gsEnterprise
Wear green or your Girl Scout uniform and throw a birthday party with girls that aren't yet Girl Scouts. Bring a gift to a local charity or create a birthday-in-a-box for your local children's charities. #hbdgirlscouts
GATHERING AT
Ceremony Island Join us for a new series of live sessions each moth! Sessions will include a digital guide with 2-3 activities to complete with families. Visit kansasgirlscouts.org for more information and registration. Gathering: Kittens, Bunnies, and Puppies, OH MY! January 12, 2021 | 6:00-6:45 pm The Cookie Countdown February 3-12, 2021 | Multiple Times Gathering: Girl Scout Proud March 11, 2021 | 6:00-6:45 pm Gathering: Dirt & Worms April 8, 2021 | 6:00-6:45 pm Gathering: May the Fourth Be With You May 4, 2021 | 6:00-6:45 p.m.
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Spark ☙ DECEMBER 2020
Take a look back at all you’ve done! Acknowledge your hard work by sharing your stories and efforts throughout this week through social media. Use our hashtags so we can celebrate with you. #KSGirlScouts
Explore the new Democracy badges and begin planning a community service project! Research how you can make an impact on your government by completing these exciting badges. #gsDemocracy
Girl Scout Week celebrates the founding of Girl Scouts in 1912 when Juliette Gordon Low registered the first 18 girls in Savannah, Georgia. Girl Scouts of all ages can celebrate by taking action in their communities—make the world a better place! Take the challenge to earn the proud Girl Scout patch! Go to kansasgirlscouts.org for more inspiration and tag us on social @ KSGirlScouts.
SAVE THE DATE
Virtual Annual Meeting Saturday, April 10, 2021 All members ages 14 and older are encouraged to serve in a leadership role as a voting member during the annual business meeting.
Council Information Southwest Region
North Region
114 Grant Ave. Garden City, KS 67846
St. John's Lutheran Church 302 S. 7th Street Salina, KS 67401
360 Lexington Road Wichita, KS 67218
Garden City Little House
East Region
Augusta Little House
Garden City Regional Office ( (888) 686-6468
South Central Region
Salina Regional Office ( (888) 686-6468
108 Hackberry St. Garden City, KS 67846
Wichita Headquarters ( (888) 686-6468
928 E. Kelly Ave. Augusta, KS 67010
( (888) 686-6468
Please contact staff to arrange an appointment to meet at Double E.
Northwest Region Hays Regional Office ( (888) 686-6468
Newton Little House 715 Washington Road Newton, KS 67114
Camp Double E
2707 Vine St., Suite 8 Hays, KS 67601
Camp Four Winds
794 Road 200 Emporia, KS 66801
9236 SE Quivera Road Leon, KS 67074
Camp Starwoods 7800 S. 103rd St. West Clearwater, KS 67026
To reserve a property, call Customer Care 1-888-686-MINT (6468).
Rawlins
Decatur
Phillips
Norton
Smith
Jewell
Republic
KEY
Cheyenne
Cloud Sherman
Thomas
Sheridan
Graham
Rooks
Osborne
NORTH
NORTHWEST Logan
Gove
Ellis
Scott
Lane
Rush
Ness
Dickinson Saline Ellsworth
Morris
Barton McPherson
Marion
Lyon
Double-E
Garden City Stanton
Grant
Haskell
Gray
SOUTHWEST Morton
Stevens
State Park
CAMPING
Seward
Harvey
Reno
Meade
Greenwood
Butler Ford
Emporia Coffey
Stafford
Hodgeman
Finney
Chase
Pawnee Kearny
Osage
Salina Rice
Hamilton
State Park
Ottawa
Russell
Hays Wichita
Camp Property
Lincoln
Trego
Wallace
Greeley
Mitchell
Regional Office
Woodson
Allen
Edwards Pratt Kingman
Kiowa
Clark Comanche
Starwoods Barber
Sedgwick
Wichita
Sumner Harper
Cowley
SOUTH CENTRAL
Girl Scout members get FREE access to basic/primitive campsites at 26 Kansas State Parks, thanks to the Girl Scouts of Kansas Heartland Council’s partnership with the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.
Four Winds
Wilson
EAST Elk Chautauqua
Montgomery
Neosho
Labette
To request a campsite reservation, you must complete an application form. This form can be obtained on our council website. For more information, go to: kansasgirlscouts.org > Our Council > Our Camps > State Park Camping DECEMBER 2020
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360 Lexington Road Wichita, KS 67218 www.kansasgirlscouts.org
SHOP TALK Represent for cookie season!
H O U R S
CUSTOMER CARE
1 (888) 686-MINT
←Yard Sign $6.95
Cookie Cart $30 ↘
M Tu-Th Fri
8 a.m. - 6 p.m. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
HAYS HOURS
M (shop) M (offices) Tu-Th Fri
Money Pouch → $5
(Emporia, Garden City, and Salina) Open by appointment only
HEADQUARTERS HOURS (Wichita)
M (shop) M (offices) Tu-Th Fri
←Table Cloth $17
Shop 24/7 online at kansasgirlscouts.org > Shop
12 - 6 p.m. 12 - 5 p.m. 12 - 5 p.m. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
8 a.m. - 6 p.m. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
SHOP SATURDAYS
Jan. 6 Feb. 6 Mar. 20 Apr. 17 June 5 July 17
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.