Family Guide to Girl Scouts
In Girl Scouts,
we build girls who are not only dreamers, but also doers. We believe all girls should be go-getters, innovators, risk-takers, and leaders who make the world better. Because, if we’re going to change the world, it’s up to us to take the lead!
I have the grit of a
I have the curiosity of an
GO-GETTER.
INNOVATOR.
I don’t just dream. I do. I know what is required to achieve my goals. And nothing will stop me from getting right back up – again and again.
I don’t just share ideas, I solve problems. I find connections and look for opportunities to make my world, your world, and our world better.
I have the courage of a
I have the heart of a
RISK-TAKER.
LEADER.
I’m not fearless. I’m just confident that I can handle whatever comes my way. Every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow.
I’m not a great leader because I have power over others. What makes me a great leader is my power to inspire others’ greatness.
WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF THE
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You want to see her happy, confident, strong, and ready to succeed. So do we. Whether making new friends, riding horses, building robots, traveling, or just having fun, she’ll find her place here. From troop meetings and activities to summer camps and council-wide events, opportunities abound in your Girl Scout experience.
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1 ❧ WHY GIRL SCOUTS?
Girl-led. Girl-tested. Girl-approved. Since 1912. Research shows that girls thrive best in an all-girl, girl-led, and girl-friendly environment like Girl Scouts— a safe, no-limits place designed specifically with her in mind where she’ll explore her potential by practicing different skills, and taking on leadership positions. At Girl Scouts, she’ll always feel encouraged to dust herself off, get up, and try again. Since March 12, 1912, when the original G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader) powerhouse, Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low, organized the very first Girl Scout troop in her hometown of Savannah, Georgia, Girl Scouts has provided girls of all ages and backgrounds with thousands of unique, girl-led experiences. Through Girl Scouts, girls are challenged, taught, connected, and encouraged to take meaningful action at every turn. We’re not stopping until every girl is prepared to empower herself for a lifetime of leadership, success, and adventure.
DID YOU KNOW...
50%
OF FEMALE BUSINESS LEADERS
80%
OF FEMALE TECH LEADERS
73%
OF FEMALE U.S. SENATORS
...WERE GIRL SCOUTS?
100%
OF FEMALE U.S. SECRETARIES OF STATE
Growing with Girl Scouts A LIFE-LONG LEADERSHIP JOURNEY... We invite your girl to grow with us from kindergarten through high school, when she earns her Gold Award – the highest achievement in Girl Scouting.
AMBASSADORS 11TH & 12TH
JUNIORS 4TH & 5TH DAISIES K & 1ST learn the importance of helping others, the elements of the Girl Scout promise,
BROWNIES 2ND & 3RD go on a quest to find the three keys to leadership. They explore their place in the wide world of girls.
learn that leaders need power – their own, their team’s and their community’s. Juniors are encouraged to achieve their
BRONZE AWARD.
CADETTES 6TH - 8TH develop relationship skills needed to be leaders in their life and their world. Cadettes are encouraged to achieve their
SILVER AWARD.
SENIORS 9TH & 10TH have a vision and lead the world closer to it. Girls use their sisterhood to better themselves and the world. Seniors are encouraged to achieve their
GOLD AWARD, the highest award earned by a Girl Scout.
raise their voices to advocate for issues they care about. They actively move their dreams forward and learn that leaders aim for justice. Ambassadors are encouraged to achieve their
GOLD AWARD, the highest award earned by a Girl Scout.
Girl Scouts is Accessible, Affordable, and Valuable. Annual membership in Girl Scouts is $25 and is paid directly to Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA). All girls and adults participating in Girl Scouting are required to be members in the national organization to participate in local Girl Scout programming. (Membership covers Girl Scout liability insurance, and supports the research and program development our local council relies upon.) Financial aid is available for girls and volunteers to help with the cost of membership, uniforms, books, council-sponsored programs and events, camp, and trips. To request financial aid, please use the online registration portal to check the box during the registration process. Learn more at www.girlscoutssoaz.org/financialaid.
What You’ll Do in Girl Scouts MORE FLEXIBILITY IN GIRL SCOUTS In Girl Scouts, your girl can choose how she participates! She can join a troop that meets regularly. Or, she can join as an Independent Girl Scout and enjoy events, camp, and other activities when her schedule allows. Either way, there’s so much to gain from Girl Scouts. Contact us at customercare@ girlscoutssoaz.org or 520.327.2288 to learn about joining.
WHAT YOUR GIRL WON’T WANT TO MISS Girl Scouting is all about doing. As a Girl Scout, she will: •• Make new friends. Girl Scout sisterhood means building a circle of friends who bond over experiences. Plus, Girl Scouts practice inclusion, so all girls are welcome. Connect with girls nearby – and around the world. •• Earn badges by learning new skills. Troops decide what they will try: science, technology, art, nutrition, dance, ecology, even criminal justice – there is always something more to explore! •• Take on meaningful service projects for a chance to work together, help others, and become champion community problem-solvers. •• Explore the great outdoors by horseback riding, hiking, exploring, and camping at Girl Scout properties or anywhere in nature. •• Embark on adventures like field trips or an overnight getaway. Older girls may save troop funds for faraway travel to places like England or Japan. •• Find her entrepreneurial spirit while learning financial literacy. No matter what she chooses to do, she will seek out challenges and have the support and guidance she needs to reach her goals!
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The Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) Our one-of-a-kind adventures inspire every girl to try new things and take smart risks. We help her learn that she has everything it takes to solve her own challenges, now and later. At home, at school, and in Girl Scouts, don’t be surprised when she speaks up to say, “I’ve got this!” •• The Girl Scout experience is designed to be girl-led. Decision making, compromise, and communication are essential elements to developing strong leaders. •• We encourage girls to learn by doing. We ask them to take a risk – try it out and see how it works. •• Girl Scouts is a cooperative experience – girls work together to discover, connect, and take action in their community.
We are focused on achieving the following outcomes through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience: SENSE OF SELF Girls have confidence in themselves and their abilities, and form positive identities.
POSITIVE VALUES Girls act ethically, honestly, and responsibly, and show concern for others.
CHALLENGE SEEKING Girls learn to take appropriate risks, try things even if they might fail, and learn from mistakes.
COMMUNITY PROBLEM SOLVING Girls desire to contribute to the world in purposeful and meaningful ways, learn how to identify problems in the community, and create “action plans” to solve them.
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS Girls develop and maintain healthy relationships by communicating their feelings directly and resolving conflicts constructively.
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The Foundation of the GSLE While she may be exposed to these topics at school, in other youth programs, or even on her own, in Girl Scouts she will experience them in a unique way that puts her on a path to a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. And because our program is girl-led, girls decide what they will do, together.
GSLE
1
2
3
4
1. STEM (SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, AND MATH) She will discover that STEM can help her make the world a better place! Our unique programming inspires girls to celebrate scientific discovery in their everyday lives. Girl Scouts who participate in girl-focused STEM programs: •• Become better problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and inspirational leaders. •• Get better grades, earn scholarships, and pursue more lucrative career paths.
2. OUTDOORS Today’s technology and structured activities leave less time for girls to get outside and enjoy nature. But as a Girl Scout, she will create her own outdoor adventures, build the kind of outdoor skills it’s hard to get anywhere else, and develop a lifelong appreciation for nature. And that is great news – because when Girl Scouts get outside, they: •• Discover that they can better solve problems and overcome challenges. •• Develop leadership skills, build social bonds, and are happier overall.
3. LIFE SKILLS Girl Scout badges, beginning with Civic Engagement and expanding to Healthy Living, Communication Skills, Practical Skills, and Global Citizenship, form the foundation of activities for personal growth. Whether it’s by staying healthy, developing strong relationships with family and peers, advocating on behalf of others, protecting our environment, or exploring careers that can truly change the world, Girl Scouts gain the inspiration and skills needed to accept challenges, overcome obstacles, and take the lead.
4. ENTREPRENEURSHIP The Girl Scout Cookie Program and Fall Product Program are important (and exciting) parts of the Girl Scout experience – providing tons of learning opportunities for girls and beyond-delicious cookies and more for our awesome customers! It’s a win-win. Whether girls go door-to-door, set up booths, or sell cookies online, they are preparing for a bright future. See page 17 for more information about the Girl Scout Cookie and Fall Product Programs. GirlScoutsSoAZ.org ☙ 9
What is the Impact of Girl Scouts? Research demonstrates that Girl Scouts is linked to success! According to The Girl Scout Impact Study, Girl Scouts shine above their peers in leadership, academics, career aspirations, and hope for the future. When it comes to benefiting girls, Girl Scouts delivers.
4 IN 5 Girl Scouts are leaders compared to 2 in 5 non-Girl Scouts
SUPPORTIVE ADULT RELATIONSHIPS Girl Scouts are more likely than non-Girl Scouts to have an adult in their lives who:
ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION Girl Scouts are more likely than non-Girl Scouts to participate in: •• Healthy activities, like exercise and eating right
•• Makes her feel important
•• Leadership activities when working in a group
•• Makes her feel she can do anything
•• Community service activities, like volunteering
•• Helps her pursue goals and plan for the future
•• Outdoor activities, like hiking or camping
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT Girl Scouts are more likely than non-Girl Scouts to: •• Earn excellent grades
•• Money management activities, like how to spend and save •• STEM activities, like science experiments and building robots
•• Expect to graduate high school
ACTIVE LEARNING
•• Expect to graduate college
Girl Scouts are more likely than non-Girl Scouts to:
HOPE FOR SUCCESS Girl Scouts are more likely than non-Girl Scouts to: •• Expect to have a great future
•• Work collaboratively with others on group projects •• Engage in hands-on activities and reflect on what worked/didn’t work •• Take an active role in decision making
METHODOLOGY: An online survey was conducted by the research firm Decision Analyst and consisted of 3,014 girls (1,507 Girl Scouts, 1,507 non-Girl Scouts) aged 5–18. Quotas were set by age, race/ethnicity, region, and family income to achieve a nationally representative sample. For more information, contact gsresearch@girlscouts.org.
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2 ❧ MEMBERSHIP INFO
5 Easy Steps to Start Her Journey!
1 2 3 4 5
Register your girl(s) and yourself (see page 12). Get Girl Scouting! As soon as she’s registered, she’s ready to start her Girl Scout adventures and eligible to participate in any Girl Scout events and opportunities (see more starting on page 17). Learn more about getting involved (see page 20).
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.
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,
Attend parent/caregiver meeting.
respect authority, use resources wisely,
Enjoy your Girl Scout year!
make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.
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We are a Network NATIONAL ORGANIZATION
Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is national organization supporting local councils.
LOCAL COUNCILS
GSUSA
Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona (GSSOAZ) is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit that fundraises to manage the operations of programs, camps, and other council-led activities in a six-county region of Southern Arizona.
GSSOAZ
AREA TEAMS
TROOPS
Within Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona are Area Teams (AT) – groups governed by our council policies, but managed by volunteers who support troops and volunteers in different geographic regions of our council.
AT
Volunteers are the heart of our organization!
TROOPS
Troops are groups of girls matched with adult volunteers who have been background checked by the council.
Ready, Set, Register! 1. Visit GirlScoutsSoAZ.org. 2. Click on the “Join Now” button. 3. Complete the online form. •• Enter your troop number, if known. •• If you don’t know your troop number, look for a troop near you using your ZIP code. •• If a troop is not available, consider starting a new one! 4. Submit your form. 5. For assistance, call 520-327-2288 and reference “troop placement.”
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6. Once you’re in a troop, the leaders will contact you.
Girl Scouts Resource Center Locations Tucson 4300 E. Broadway Blvd. Tucson, AZ 85711
Yuma 1950 W. 3rd St. Yuma, AZ 85364
Sierra Vista 2367 E. Fry Blvd. Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
Nogales 1831 N. Mastick Way Nogales, AZ 85628
ADDITIONAL PROPERTIES: (located in Pima County) •• Angel Charity Place for Girls •• Hacienda Program Center •• Camp Whispering Pines
Let’s Shop! We carry all of the essentials for her Girl Scout journey! Find all of your girl’s uniform needs at our Girl Scout Shops: recognitions, badges, patches, sashes, vests, and all the rest. Talk with your troop leaders to identify which items your girl needs. Check out our T-shirts, gifts, and other fun stuff, too! Throughout the year, watch for shop specials and sales, and keep an eye on your email for your newsletter coupons. Visit GirlScoutsSoAZ.org to shop online, view our product catalog, or see current shop hours. Or visit one of our three retail locations, in Tucson, Yuma, and Sierra Vista. For more information, call 520-327-3162, or email our Retail Manager, Mary Wood, at mwood@girlscoutssoaz.org.
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3 ❧ THE TROOP EXPERIENCE Troops are led by volunteers. Please expect troop leaders to contact you within two to four weeks after you complete your registration. Troop leaders must pass a background check and complete training prior to their first troop meeting. Every troop experience is different. Talk to your leaders to understand what will be offered throughout the year and what troop dues might be required. In their troop, girls will earn badges and patches for accomplishments. Volunteers will guide the troop through the badge requirements and special Girl Scout Journeys as girls build skills and advance through each level. We strive to teach our girls real-world skills and more – we want to show them that it’s their inner strength that counts! Our programs inspire continuous learning and spark innovation to solve everyday challenges.
Badge vs. Patch: What’s the Difference?
BADGES
PATCHES
Official recognitions that indicate an increase in knowledge or skill in a particular subject. Badges can be earned at every age level, and should be placed on the front of the tunic, sash, or vest.
Emblems signifying participation in a Girl Scout program, event, or activity. Patches are placed on the back of the tunic, sash, or vest. Think of it as a scrapbook of Girl Scout experiences.
Variations of a Troop
TRADITIONAL Two unrelated adults co-lead a troop. Other parents volunteer to help as needed.
TROOP COORDINATOR/ TROOP MENTOR One adult acts as the “administrator,” responding to emails, planning the troop calendar, etc. Other parents volunteer to lead specific grade levels, meetings, or activities based on skill or preference (this works well in a multi-level troop.)
GIRL-LED One adult acts as the “leader,” but each girl and parent rotates leading meetings, activities, and events. This promotes the girl-led experience, as they get to teach their friends a new skill. Added benefits are rotating locations to cut down on troop dues for purchasing supplies and snacks.
TEAM-LED All parents volunteer as troop co-leaders and evenly divide responsibility by interest and/or skill set.
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Troop Responsibilities
FAMILIES:
LEADERS: •• To follow the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
GIRLS: •• To follow the Girl Scout Promise and Law. •• To be willing to take risks, be confident, and support her peers.
•• To let girls lead – ensure girls of every age take an active and gradeappropriate role in deciding the what, where, when, why, and how of what they do. •• To create an inclusive environment where girls and families feel welcome and connected to the troop.
•• To attend and participate in meetings and events.
•• To provide a wellrounded and safe program following Girl Scout guidelines.
•• To listen to others in the troop and show respect for what they are saying.
•• To listen to and respect every participant and serve as a role model.
•• To be prepared and conduct herself in a safe manner. •• To respect troop co-leaders and other volunteers.
•• To use volunteer resources such as the Volunteer Toolkit and contact the service unit or council when support is needed. •• To be registered, background checked and trained by the council.
•• Volunteer with your troop – your troop leaders cannot do it alone. •• Support your Girl Scout through all facets of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. •• Encourage your girl to take risks and try new things. •• Be a cheerleader and allow your girl to take the lead. •• Attend council events with your Girl Scout and encourage active participation in troop meetings. •• Have questions? Start with your troop leaders. We’re also here to help! •• Stay current. Once you’ve become a member, log into MY GS – your Girl Scout community found at the top of our website, GirlScoutsSoAZ.org. This is where you can update your contact information, renew membership(s), add volunteer roles, and see troop information. •• Stay connected through our social media channels, council emails, the Volunteer Toolkit, and website.
4 ❧ PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES
Girl Scout Cookie and Fall Product Programs Did you know that the Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest financial literacy program in the world? Through participation in the Cookie Program and the Fall Product Program, girls develop five critical skills:
1 2 3 4 5
GOAL SETTING How to develop a business plan.
DECISION MAKING Think critically and solve problems.
MONEY MANAGEMENT Directly handle customers’ money.
PEOPLE SKILLS Engage with the community and develop confidence.
BUSINESS ETHICS Develop positive values like honesty and integrity.
When Girl Scouts participate in Product Programs, their troops earn proceeds to fund field trips, supplies, community service projects, and more. Girls will have a chance to set personal goals and earn individual rewards. They can participate in the Product Program independently or through their troop. More information can be found online at GirlScoutsSoAZ.org under “Cookies+.”
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Activities Keep Her Engaged
COUNCIL-SPONSORED PROGRAMS AND EVENTS From skill-building workshops and council trips to outdoor adventures and leadership development opportunities, we offer amazing programs for girls of all ages. Participate with your troop, as an Indie Girl Scout, or with your family. Information about council-sponsored programs can be found at GirlScoutsSoAZ.org under “Programs and Events.” Register today!
STEM
THE OUTDOORS
Our STEM programs introduce girls of every age to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Through hands-on experiments, girls develop new skills and discover how they can improve the world with STEM— whether they’re discovering how a car’s engine runs, experimenting with kitchen chemistry, or caring for animals.
Our Outdoor programs offer girls plenty of opportunities to unplug, explore the world around them, develop a lifelong appreciation for nature, and build the kind of outdoor skills it’s hard to get anywhere else—like building a campfire, pitching a tent, or canoeing across a lake.
GIRL VOLUNTEER CORPS Our unique volunteer club for Girl Scouts in 6th-12th grades is a powerful way for girls to make a difference in their communities while meeting new friends and having fun. Together, girls take action on local issues (like hunger, homelessness, protecting the environment, and so much more) through a variety of hands-on service projects of their choice.
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Girl Volunteer Corps currently has three chapters, in Tucson, Yuma, and Sierra Vista.
Get Outside at Camp! Exploration and adventure are essential components of a robust Girl Scout experience. Our council offers many options to suit the needs and interests of your Girl Scout.
COUNCIL-SPONSORED CAMP PROGRAMS From canoeing to camp songs, outdoor cooking to horseback riding, girls will experience the great outdoors and create lifelong memories at Girl Scout camp. Explore our camp programs at GirlScoutsSoAz.org under “Camp.”
TROOP CAMPING Troop leaders can plan troop campouts to any of our camp properties. Troop camping is open to girls of all ages. We encourage you to chaperone and enjoy age-appropiate camp activities with your girl! To ensure a safe experience, a co-leader or another adult volunteer is required to complete outdoor training prior to a troop campout.
CAMP PROPERTIES Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona has two unique camps, both located in Pima County: •• Hacienda Program Center, Sabino Canyon •• Camp Whispering Pines, Mount Lemmon Whether you want to plan a getaway for a weekend (or longer), go troop camping, bring your family for a reunion or special event, or have a team building experience – there is something for everyone at our Girl Scout camps. Learn more at GirlScoutSoAz.org under “Properties.”
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Highest Awards
BRONZE. SILVER. GOLD. The highest honors a Girl Scout can earn. All three awards give girls the chance to do big things while working on an issue they care about. Whether she wants to plant a community garden at her school and encourage others to eat healthily for her Bronze, advocate for animal rights for her Silver, or build a career network that encourages girls to become scientists and engineers for her Gold, she’ll inspire others (and herself).
BRONZE AWARD Juniors (grades 4-5)
SILVER AWARD Cadettes (grades 6-8)
GOLD AWARD Seniors and Ambassadors (grades 9-12) Learn more at girlscoutssoaz.org/highestawards.
5 ❧ GET INVOLVED!
Troops Excel When Parents Take Part Girl Scouting is unique in that it encourages families to participate WITH their daughter rather than watching as their daughter participates. Parents, friends, and other family members can share time, experience, and ideas with their troop. Girls who have family support and participation in their Girl Scout adventures are more likely to stay involved!
FAMILY VOLUNTEERS CAN: •• Lead a troop. •• Manage the Girl Scout Cookie Program as a Troop Cookie Manager. •• Coordinate communication (i.e. Facebook group, parent emails, etc.). •• Volunteer to get first aid certified to help with activities. •• Manage troop funds and the bank account. •• Offer to host and facilitate meetings or coordinate the use of a local venue (church, library, rec center, school). •• Organize badge work for the troop; rotate leading badge activities. •• Organize community service projects and activities for the troop. •• Provide snacks, and more! If you’re interested in volunteering with a troop, visit us online at GirlScoutsSoAZ.org. Your troop leaders can also use your help! Let them know if you’re willing to lend a hand managing meetings, supporting the Girl Scout Cookie Program, or chaperoning events.
Volunteer Appreciation Appreciation is an ongoing process for anyone, anywhere, anytime! Showing appreciation for one another is an excellent way to show respect, recognize each other’s strengths, and build mutual commitment. Do you have awesome Girl Scout volunteers in your life? Be sure to nominate them for a Volunteer Award. Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona recognizes volunteer efforts through formal awards developed by the council and Girl Scouts of the USA. Volunteer Awards are designed to offer tangible, visible recognition with criteria and requirements, forms, and step-by-step instructions.
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK Volunteer Appreciation Week – the third week in April – is set aside especially for our volunteers. Girl Scouts pay tribute to the volunteers who help girls make the world a better place. The week centers on the longstanding National Girl Scout Leaders’ Day (April 22), but expands the definition of volunteers beyond troop co-leaders to include all the volunteers who work on behalf of Girl Scouts. Volunteer Appreciation Week is a perfect time to have your daughter make a card or gift for her co-leaders. Mark your calendars for the week of April 22. GirlScoutsSoAZ.org ☙ 21
and Caregiver
^
The Volunteer Toolkit:
A digital tool that helps families and leaders make the most of their Girl Scout year! Wish there was a way to keep everything for Girl Scouts in one place? The Volunteer Toolkit is a digital tool where you can find troop plans, scheduled events, program content, and other resources for the entire Girl Scout year. You can acccess it anytime on your home computer, tablet, or mobile device from any page at GirlScoutSoAZ.org. No more hunting for the right activity or book!
For Caregivers • Check out what your girl’s troop or group is planning this year • See when troop events are scheduled • Stay in touch with the troop leaders and volunteers • Find out what your girl needs for each meeting • See the troop’s end-of-year finances • Discover new ways to participate in the Girl Scout experience
Fully customizable, the Volunteer Toolkit is digitally responsive so you can plan and prepare practically anywhere.
For Troop Leaders • View program content and other resources to manage your troop planning all year long • Access petal/badge and Journey troop meeting plans • See step by step activity guides for each troop meeting • View and edit your troop roster • Manage renewals for both girls and adults • Email parents with a single click • Share troop meeting activities with parents • Record troop finances and meeting attendance • Log girls’ petal/badge and Journey achievements • Add events and your own troop activities WANT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT? JUST SIGN IN AT GIRLSCOUTSSOAZ.ORG, CLICK MY GS AND CHECK IT OUT!
Conflict Resolution Conflict exists when there is a difference, actual or perceived, between two or more parties, which is characterized by tension, mistrust, and poor communication. If you are experiencing conflict between a troop volunteer or parent, please use the steps below.
STEPS TO RESOLVING CONFLICT Talk to the person with whom you are in conflict. Before approaching the person, consider the following: •• What is the issue? (Issues are the problems or topics that you see as basic to the conflict.) •• What is your position? (Your specific proposal to consider as a solution to the conflict.) •• What is your interest? (Your basic human need that you would like satisfied, or at least acknowledged.) This is usually the “driver” behind the emotion that you are feeling. •• As a reminder, the purpose of your meeting should be to open the lines of communication and discuss the issue, share your position, and ask the person to share their feedback. Stay open to possible solutions to resolve the conflict. •• Don’t spread your complaint around to others – gossip does not help the situation and can cause embarrassment and anger. If attempts have been made and resolution has not been successful, contact your Troop Support Specialist. If you don’t know who your Troop Support Specialist is, please contact troopsupport@girlscoutssoaz.org, and we will let you know. GirlScoutsSoAZ.org ☙ 23
Important Dates The Girl Scout year runs October 1 - September 30. For more information on each event, including specific dates for the current calendar year, please visit our council calendar at GirlScoutsSoAZ.org/Events.
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER DECEMBER JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
Outdoor October
G.I.R.L. Conference
Girl Scout Cookie Program Kick-Off
15: Camp registration opens!
Girl Scout Week
Cookies & Cocktails
22: World Thinking Day
Fall Product Program
(adults-only event)
APRIL 22: Girl Scout Leaders Day
MAY May 1 - June 30: Early Bird Renewal
JUNE - JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
Girl Scout Camp
Back-To-Troop Block Party
STEMtember
Highest Awards ceremony
Important Resources GIRLSCOUTSSOAZ.ORG
Our website is full of the most up-to-date, helpful resources, and information on upcoming activities and programs, latest news, forms, the Cookie Program and Fall Product Program, forms, camp, and much more!
GIRL SCOUTS MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER
All registered members (unless opted out) will receive our monthly email newsletter filled with the most important news, upcoming events, and more.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Search for Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and follow us for fun photos, updates, and more!
QUESTIONS?
12: Girl Scout Birthday!
Can’t find the info you need? The GSSoAZ staff are here to help! Contact us at customercare@girlscoutssoaz.org or call 520-327-2288.
Annual Meeting Thin Mint Sprint
Frequently Asked Questions Can older girls join Girl Scouts? Yes! Girls through 12th grade may join Girl Scouts at any time! When does registration take place? Most girls register for Girl Scouts in the spring or early fall. However, registration is ongoing, and girls can join at any time. Visit GirlScoutsSoAZ.org to join today! Is a registered girl guaranteed placement in a troop? Through our website, girls can search our Opportunity Catalog to find a troop that fits her needs and schedule. Girls can choose an existing troop and jump right into the fun. If there are no existing troops in her area, a girl can choose a troop that is still forming and join in the fun with other new members. Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona is always seeking adult volunteers to start new troops. Interested in starting one? We’ll help you every step of the way. Visit GirlScoutsSoAZ.org or call 520-327-2288. When, where, and how often do troops meet? Troop leaders work with girls to determine when, where, and how often meetings take place. Become a troop leader or co-leader, and you can help create a troop meeting schedule that fits with your family’s needs. Beyond a traditional troop experience, what other ways can girls participate in Girl Scouts? There are many ways for today’s girl to experience the benefits of Girl Scouting. We offer hundreds of programs and special events —available to girls of all age levels — throughout the year. Many other activities are offered at the community level. Girls also may attend Girl Scout camp, join special interest groups, and participate in local, national, and global travel opportunities. Can a girl participate in more than one way? Yes! Visit GirlScoutSoAZ.org for details. How long is the Girl Scout membership year? The Girl Scout membership year runs from October 1 through September 30. Many troops slow down their activities over the summer, but the council offers programming year-round. What do Girl Scouts wear for uniforms and what is the cost? Girl Scouts wear tunics, vests, or sashes (style and color varies by age level) to display their badges, patches, awards, and official insignia. Depending upon a girl’s age level and size, sashes range from $7 to $9, and tunics and vests range from $16.50 to $26. Girl Scouts participating in a troop are encouraged to speak with their leaders before purchasing uniforms and official insignia. For information, contact our Girl Scout Shop at 520319-3162 or email Mary Wood, our Retail Manager, at mwood@girlscoutssoaz.org. Do Girl Scouts have to purchase guides or badge books? Girl Scouts are encouraged to purchase a Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting for their age level. The guide enhances the Girl Scout experience, providing badge-earning activities and all of the information needed to fully participate. Guides are available for purchase through the Girl Scout Shop. Each age level also has interactive and reflective Journey books that help girls develop their leadership abilities around specific topics. Girls are encouraged to check with their troop eaders before purchasing specific Journey books. Are men allowed to volunteer? Yes! Many fathers, grandfathers, and other adult males are active Girl Scout volunteers. We even have a dedicated group, the moveMENt, that organizes events just for girls and the men in their lives. How can I stay informed about Girl Scouting at Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona? Be sure to read our monthly eNewsletter, visit our website, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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About My Troop Keep all the vital information about your troop here for future reference. Troop #:
Area Team:
Grade Level: Daisy Brownie Junior Cadette Senior Ambassador Meeting Day: Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Meeting Time:
AM PM
Meeting Location: Troop Procedure if Parent/Guardian is Late Picking Up Daughter in Emergency Situations:
Prior notice by parent or guardian is required if another person is to pick up your child.
TROOP DUES Amount $
per
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR TROOP LEADERS & VOLUNTEERS Name: Phone:
Email:
Name: Phone:
Email:
Name: Phone:
Email:
AREA TEAM CONTACT Name: Phone:
Email:
MY GS LOG-IN INFORMATION User ID:
Password:
Notes:
QUESTIONS? We’re here to help! Contact Member Support at 520-327-2288 or CustomerCare@girlscoutssoaz.org (Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m).
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
GirlScoutsSoAZ.org PUBLISHED SUMMER 2018