Spring/Summer 2017
The Girl Scout
The Girl Scout
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In this issue: Artist Badge Competition DNA of a G.I.R.L. Poster Go Gold!: 2017 Gold Awards G.I.R.L. Quiz 2017 Women of Distinction C.A.R.E. Recap Volunteer Spotlight Dallas Wings Partnership Renew Your Membership Desserts First Preview Tips, Tricks, & Secrets from Top Cookie Sellers
Hi! I’m Becky, and I’m a Leader. And You? Just since the last issue of Spirit, it has become evident to me that your belief in the power of G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ has always been within you—girls, volunteers, parents, staff members, alumnae, everyone reading this issue. I encourage you to take our quiz on page 4 to learn your strongest G.I.R.L. trait. Are you a go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, or leader? I found out I’m a leader, which might seem obvious, but the quiz defines “leader” in terms other than simply being in charge. It takes more than four simple words to be a G.I.R.L. Our new head G.I.R.L. champion is Sylvia Acevedo, who was chosen as CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA in May. Before the official announcement, as interim CEO, Sylvia spent time with our Girl Scouts in Lubbock and attended Women of Distinction, recapped on page 5. Sylvia’s visit was just like a visit with any other lifelong Girl Scout. She was so comfortable creating with the girls that I think they forgot she was the acting head of an organization with 2.5 million girls—until she passed out her CEO patch! She was so tuned in that she picked up on the girls interested in STEM and helped them know what classes they could take, possible careers, and tips. The ambition of our older Girl Scouts always makes me proud. I am just a bit prouder this year because our council had Gold Award honorees from every service area: Abilene, Amarillo, Fort Worth, Lubbock, and Wichita Falls! See page 3 for these G.I.R.L.s’ names. Earning your Gold Award is itself the ultimate accomplishment in Girl Scouting; the icing on the cake is the fact that our Girl Scout community is building a supportive environment for more girls to Go Gold! Becky Burton GS-TOP CEO
The Girl Scout Spirit magazine is published by the Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains, Inc. 4901 Briarhaven Road Fort Worth, Texas 76109 800-582-7272 / 817-737-7272 gs-top.org Editor-in-Chief Jessica Lewis Service Centers Abilene 325-670-0432 Amarillo 806-356-0096 Fort Worth 817-737-7272 Lubbock 806-745-2855 Southlake 817-281-7578 Wichita Falls 940-723-4336
1 The Girl Scout SPIRIT SPRING/SUMMER 2017
WO R K
ON ART
Your Artist Badge!
This summer, enter the Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains design competition and work toward earning your Artist Badge! Daisies to Ambassadors, you’ll have the chance to showcase your original design. Daisies, your creative efforts will help you earn your Tula Petal! Follow Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains on Facebook for more information coming June 15: facebook.com/GirlScoutsTOP.
SPRING/SUMMER 2017 The Girl Scout SPIRIT 2
One Easy Step to More Confidence: Go Gold! OK, so it’s not easy. Or one step. But it’s so worth it! Flags from almost every country in the world lined the event hall. The international décor wasn’t intentional, but it certainly was inspirational. This year’s Girl Scout Gold Award honorees could imagine their great big life ahead of them as part of an extraordinary group of women to earn the highest award in Girl Scouting. The council’s annual Gold Award Celebration was held in Fort Worth on May 12 for all who earned the award this year. These motivated young women completed 3,447 hours of community service through their projects. They are leaders willing to go the extra mile for what they believe in. They are each a G.I.R.L. through and through! Sarah Banchs............................ Troop 2111 Lauren Bartleson..................... Troop 2039 Bryla Birdwell............................. Troop 6756 Catherine Brown...................... Juliette Christina Brown....................... Juliette Lili Chambless.......................... Troop 3370 Christen Davis.......................... Troop 4116 Harriet Davis.............................. Troop 6839 Julia Dickerson......................... Troop 7162 Raquel Garcia-Geary............. Troop 3323 Sahar Gokal............................... Troop 1563 Hailey Hurd................................ Troop 2111 Emily Jenkins............................ Troop 8570 Katherine Kallinikos................. Troop 3381 3 The Girl Scout SPIRIT SPRING/SUMMER 2017
Cjae Kell...................................... Troop 5179 Rachael Klein............................. Troop 6756 Sydney Lehman....................... Troop 2723 Mallory Mathison...................... Troop 1525 Kallie Menard............................. Troop 91225 Rynae’ Miles............................... Troop 3215 Kate Miller................................... Troop 7162 Emily Morris............................... Troop 3370 Grace Nguyen........................... Troop 1714 Anna Phillips.............................. Troop 5110 Kate Reece................................. Troop 4018 Molly Rose Rhymer................. Troop 3370 Abby Rickwartz......................... Troop 5110 Sarah Ritz................................... Troop 3371
It took a few weeks of trial and error for me to figure out … that it is not only acceptable, but quite essential, to ask for help when needed. Kate Miller, on what she learned from her Gold Award Megan Rohmer......................... Troop 4657 Alisha Samnani......................... Troop 1563 Zoe Schneider.......................... Troop 3370 Skyler Sinke................................ Troop 3422 Christina Stephens................. Troop 1630 Melissa Stevko.......................... Troop 4044 Lauren Tyler............................... Troop 4081 Claire Unruh.............................. Troop 4081 Sarah Venesky.......................... Troop 4044 Sarah Wenzel............................ Troop 3370 Caylynn White-Frierson........ Troop 1101 Brittany Wilhelm...................... Troop 5703
-taker, or leader? sk ri r, to va no in r, te et -g go a Are you u are with this fun quiz! yo L. R. .I. G of d kin at wh t ou Find On vacation, you typically want to:
At school or work, you’ve struggled with:
Your favorite video games:
A) See all the really famous sights in the tour book, even if you’re tired! B) Research what interests you and plan your own itinerary. C) Forget planning—let every day be its own adventure! D) Show friends or family around places you love but they haven’t seen before.
A) Turning in assignments when time’s up. You want everything to be perfect! B) Daydreaming. Sometimes you just get caught up in your own thoughts. C) Remembering to read the directions. You usually want to just dive right in! D) Talking too much, even if it’s about the assignment you’re working on!
A) Challenge you! You want to work for that high score. B) Feature cool new technology you can test out and play with. C) Let you switch up scenes and characters as much as you want. D) Are the ones you can play with other people as a team.
As far as books go, you love:
When there’s a karaoke machine at a party, you:
If you worked for NASA, you’d want to:
A) Nonfiction. Who needs fiction when there’s so much in real life to learn about? B) Sci-fi or fantasy. Books that aren’t like everyday life help you see things differently. C) Mysteries and thrillers. It’s exciting to never know what’s going to happen next. D) Stories about relationships. Families and friendships are the best things in life!
A) Sing the same song every time. You’ve practiced it, so you can hit every note! B) Tend to perform as a “backup dancer.” So many ways to bring the fun! C) Play “dare-oke” and have your friends pick songs for you that you’re scared to sing. D) Pick a song that you know another, more reserved girl might want to sing with you.
A) Start a program to get even more girls and women involved in space exploration. B) Invent new, faster methods of space travel and ways to gather data. C) Go out in space! How cool would it be to see Earth from the moon? D) Run the Mission Control Center, which handles any problems a space mission might encounter.
For Halloween, you:
Your room is decorated with:
When it comes to exercise, you:
A) Spend weeks thinking of and shopping for a perfect costume. Your look will be on point! B) Make your own costume. It’ll be just how you want it and you’ll save money to boot. C) Dress as your favorite, but not that famous, character. Who cares if anyone else “gets it”? D) Coordinate a group costume with your friends so that everyone’s in on the fun.
A) Posters of your idols—all the athletes, artists, and others who’ve achieved your dreams. B) Lots of artsy stuff. Collages, paintings, and even images of space are inspiring to you. C) Different stuff all the time! You’ll put things up, only to get into new things and redecorate. D) Pics of you and your girl squad. You and your friends are inseparable.
A) Stick to the same sport—you’re just about to perfect that jump shot! B) Make up a twist on whatever sport you’re playing. New rules keep things fun! C) Are always trying something new. Switching things up keeps it interesting. D) Love cheering on your friends when they beat their own best time or high score.
If You Answered… Mostly A’s: You’re a go-getter!
You’ve got a vision of how you want your life to look and you keep going for it, even when the going gets tough. Your can-do mentality and ambition will take you far!
Mostly B’s: You’re an innovator! You’re an original, independent thinker. With your love of learning and natural curiosity, you’re a wonder at solving problems in creative new ways.
Mostly C’s: You’re a risk-taker!
You’ve got an open mind and love the thrill of trying new things. Your embrace of adventure will open doors for others who might not be as bold.
Mostly D’s: You’re a leader!
You’re an advocate for all and are always cheering on the group. Through empathy, team building, and humility, you empower those around you to be their best.
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SPRING/SUMMER 2017 The Girl Scout SPIRIT 4
Sharing Our Girl Scout DNA
Women of Distinction Through the Women of Distinction event, Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains recognizes and celebrates inspiring women for their service to the community, in particular for their advocacy and motivation to develop the young leadership of tomorrow. These women share our Girl Scout DNA of being go-getters, innovators, risk-takers, and leaders. We recognized our Lubbock-area Women of Distinction on May 2 with the help of emcee Christy MartinezGarcia, Girl Scout Cadette Lauren Settle, and special guest Sylvia Acevedo, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA. Sylvia spent extra time with our council’s Girl Scouts, volunteers, and staff over her two-day visit. Everyone who met her went home with the exclusive CEO patch Sylvia designed herself! Our Fort Worth-area Women of Distinction gathered May 17 for their event. Special guests were J.R. Labbe, Girl Scout Cadette Abi Ward, Girl Scout Senior Brenna Kaplan, and Carolyn Phillips. Carolyn is a Girl Scout alumna who owns local company Alchemy Pops. During her keynote speech, Carolyn surprised the audience by showing us her Junior vest with all of the badges! Her guest at the event was her mother, who was her Girl Scout troop leader.
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2017 HONOREES CONNECT AWARD
TAKE ACTION AWARD
Paulette Turner
Anette Soto
Natalie Martin
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
FORT WORTH
DISCOVER AWARD
Martha Crawley
Mary Helen Horne
Save the Date
LUBBOCK
Amarillo Women of Distinction Aug. 3 kschutz@gs-top.org
Mary Myers
Dr. aretha marbley
Cookie Rainwater-Lewis
Betty E. Wheeler
We thank these sponsors for supporting our Fort Worth and Lubbock events SILVER
GOLD
Ada Rummel
BRONZE
Ben E. Keith City Bank Frost Bank Jane Rector Junior League of Fort Worth Moritz Dealerships Natalie and Brant Martin United Supermarkets MEDIA
Fort Worth Magazine
IN-KIND
Alan Henry Insurance
FRIEND
American National Bank ELS and Fence Lubbock Texas Tech Physicians of Lubbock Pediatrics TTU School of Nursing Larry Combest Community Health and Wellness Center
Latino Lubbock Magazine Mark Umstot Photography Pressman Printing
BRUNCH
Romelia Duarte Studio West
SPRING/SUMMER 2017 The Girl Scout SPIRIT 6
The Truth About Our Volunteers…
They Are Energetic, Creative, Open-Minded, and Passionate!
Honorees! Congratulations 2017 THANKS BADGE Christi Baker, Leanne Guhl, Jody Piper, Summer Young HONOR PIN Jill Butschek APPRECIATION PIN Terri Carey, Renata Caughman, Kimberly Cornett, Missy Crane, Christy Ealy, Karen Giles, Katherine Kinsler, Nancy Lock, Ruth Owen, Lee Perkins, Crystal Rushin, Tracey Ventimiglia
VOLUNTEER OF EXCELLENCE AWARD Alice Andrews, Charles Baker, Symantha Baker, Diane Barber, Stacey Beyhmer, Nicole Brown, Viola Caldwell, Sandra Dannemiller, Jamie Flaniken, Tracy Gualandi, Isela Hernandez, Stacey Leinen, Melissa Lygren, Constance Maikai, Ruth Mares, Charlie Mayhall, Katie Miller, Janeen Mills, Amanda Renfro Moore, Margie Olivarez, Patricia Pierce, Jill Pope, Melissa Roenbeck, Heather Rudzik, Debra Shackelford, Kathy Shepherd, Stephanie Taylor 7 The Girl Scout SPIRIT SPRING/SUMMER 2017
Our Celebration and Recognitions Event (C.A.R.E.) travelled to four cities in April to show our appreciation for those who are the backbone of our organization: our volunteers! They are those who go the extra mile, find opportunities, and are committed to making the world a better place through Girl Scouting. Amarillo, Fort Worth, Lubbock, and Wichita Falls planned for months to host volunteers, girls, family and friends, council staff, and special guests. The rooms were filled with people who know the impact Girl Scouts has on the lives of girls and young women. “I love doing what I can to make a difference in these girls’ lives,” said one volunteer. “I hope I’ve been able to plant a seed that will help them grow into respectful, courageous, and responsible young women.”
ht Volunteer Spotlig
Carol Hillhouse Finds the Complement to Her Calling in Girl Scouts “The girls call me Dr. Carol. I always do the animal badge first!” Carol Hillhouse laughs when asked if her career influences her Girl Scout activities. Carol has been a veterinarian for 34 years and a Girl Scout troop leader for nine. She’s making a significant difference in the entire community of Panhandle, Texas, by combining two great passions. Carol has lived in Panhandle for three decades. She is on the leadership team of three troops—Brownie Troop 5223, Junior Troop 5004, and Cadette Troop 5230—in the “very rural” community of 2,300. She and her husband, Joe, own two veterinary clinics in Panhandle and Borger, Texas. They have two grown sons, so Girl Scouts is Carol’s only girl time. She has made such an impact with that time that in 2015, we honored Carol with our Women of Distinction Take Action Award. A Girl Scout alumna herself (Brownie in Augusta, Ga.; Junior in Temple and Wichita Falls; and Cadette in Waco), Carol overheard news that there would not be a Girl Scout troop in Panhandle one year because there were no troop leaders. The thought stayed in her mind until she decided she could be that troop leader! So in 2009, she took that leap with a Brownie troop. “Of course, this snowballed,” she said. She’s been a leader every year since. “Overall, I am science-oriented and spend more time on STEM activities than just making crafts,” she says about her leader style. “I try to do things with the girls that
they do not get to do in school, not always just to get a badge.” Business owners and others in Panhandle have been especially willing to share their talents and skills with Carol’s Girl Scouts, she says. Many have relatives and friends in her troops, and in a small town, everyone knows everyone. “Maybe it is hard to tell us no!” she grinned. There aren’t many activities for younger girls in Panhandle, Carol says, and Girl Scouts is popular for them. As they get older, she sees other activities compete for their time, but while she has girls in her troops, she likes to think they are learning and growing in ways that will serve them as they become adults. “I like to emphasize life skills such as communication,” she explains, “and all of the Girl Scout Law qualities!”
I’ve come to know and love these girls through the years, and it is so gratifying to watch them grow up. It has taken a lot more of my time than I originally planned, but it has been well worth it. Dr. Carol Hillhouse, DVM, DABVP SPRING/SUMMER 2017 The Girl Scout SPIRIT 8
Save
GO ON AN
these
Dates
RENEW YO MEMBERSHUR IP Believe in the Power of G.I.R.L. You are more than a Girl Scout. You’re a G.I.R.L.
Socks Score Smiles The WNBA’s newest team, the Dallas Wings, invited us to “Sock It to the Lynx” at its game May 20 and collect socks for the Arlington Life Shelter as a service project. The troop to collect the most socks before game tipoff would line up to highfive the Wings players as they entered the court for the second half! Girls, troop leaders and volunteers, friends and family, and council staff all arrived to cheer on the Wings as they played the Minnesota Lynx. They dropped off their socks at the Girl Scout booth set up outside before the game. As a Girl Scout team, we collected 399 pairs of adult and youth socks to donate to the Arlington Life Shelter. Troop 3501 collected the most with 107 pairs and got to high-five the Wings courtside! Nothin’ but net, everyone. Thanks to all!
We are everyday optimists. Adventure-seekers. Problem-solvers. Our strength doesn’t come from how much we can lift but from how often we can lift ourselves back up. We are girls, troop leaders, mentors, advocates, parents, Girl Scouts. We are G.I.R.L.s. And we will not stop. In fact, we’re just getting started. Renew your membership before Sept. 30 at www.gs-top.org to get your free patch!
Sample exclusive culinary creations featuring everyone’s favorite Girl Scout cookies! Desserts First is a fundraiser in Lubbock and Fort Worth for adults only (21 and up) where you can wind down after work with friends, enjoy complimentary wine, and of course taste local chefs’ best original desserts. All funds raised directly benefit Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains. For ticket or sponsorship information in Fort Worth or Lubbock, contact Efrain Duarte at 806-589-5948 or eduarte@gs-top.org. Lubbock Sept. 14 McPherson Cellars
Fort Worth Sept. 19 The Marquis on Magnolia
Mark your calendars for North Texas Giving Day: Sept. 14! Gifts to invest in Girl Scouting can be made that day at northtexasgivingday.org from 6 a.m. to midnight.
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EPIC ADVENTURE OCT. 6–8 For three days, girls will dominate Columbus, Ohio! G.I.R.L. 2017 is a one-of-akind gathering of girls and women from around the world. The Girl Scouts of the USA event Oct. 6–8 will bring together more than 10,000 people—Girl Scout members, supporters, speakers, entertainers, and exhibitors—to inspire girls to get active in their communities and build a better world.
G.I.R.L. 2017 will feature: • Life-changing conversations about issues affecting girls, women, and all of us • Inspiring speakers • Chances to learn crucial lessons and skills to implement in girls’ communities • Amazing friendships and connections that will last a lifetime • Incredible fun and excitement! Find information about registration, travel planning, events, speakers, and FAQ at girlscouts.org/ GIRL2017.
Cookie Program 2017
Cookie CEOs, you sold nearly 2.7 million packages of Girl Scout cookies during the 2017 season!
C Is for Cookie Counting in the Council
That is almost 225,000 cases!
Girl Scout Cookie Program numbers are in! Our girls are really practicing their business skills! The new Girl Scout S’mores cookie didn’t hurt, right? But who gets those cookies plus our other favorites out there? Y-O-U!
You sold 8.24% MORE packages than last year! We know you worked really hard to experiment with new ideas and show appreciation for your repeat customers. It pays off to be a G.I.R.L.!
How´d They Do It?
TIPS, TRI CKS , AND SECRE TS FROM OUR TOP 3 COOKIE SELLER S
EMILY SAMS
ALISABETH HATFIELD CALLEIGH BURGESS
TROOP:
TROOP:
1288
5702
TROOP:
4016
LEVEL DURING 2017 COOKIE SEASON:
LEVEL DURING 2017 COOKIE SEASON:
Q: How long did you spend selling cookies? Did you prepare for your sale before it began Jan. 13? A: I sold cookies every single day. I got ready for my sale by helping my Girl Scout sisters practice talking to customers. I set goals for myself. I didn’t reach my goal this year, but I’m going to try again next year.
JUNIOR PACKAGES SOLD: 3,033
LEVEL DURING 2017 COOKIE SEASON:
Q: Give us your best sales pitch! A: “Hello! (You have to be nice and greet people, not just yell at them about cookies.) Would you like to buy some Girl Scout cookies? They are $4 a box. Would you like to get five boxes for an even 20? We accept cash, Visa, and MasterCard.” Always say thank you even if the customer does not buy cookies; at least they listened to you for a minute.
Q: Which way to sell was most successful? How did you make it successful? A: Cookie booths. I set up so the cookies can be easily seen. We try to have the right mix of cookies.
DAISY PACKAGES SOLD: 3,684
Q: What do you do when someone says they don’t want to buy cookies? A: If someone just said “no,” I said, “Thank you.” But if they had a reason, I had a comeback. If they said, “I don’t have cash,” I said, “We take checks and credit cards!” If they said they couldn’t eat them, I said, “Would you like to donate to our military through Project Troop to Troop?” Q: What are your very best tips, tricks, and secrets to selling more cookies? A: Never stop asking because more people say no than say yes. Have fun! Sing and dance and be friendly.
Q: How long did you spend selling cookies? A: I sell cookies for about three to four hours during the week and spend all day selling on weekend days—six to eight hours. It’s hard work, but I get to go to camp and win cool stuff with my Cookie Bucks. The Diva Trip is fun, too. Q: What are your very best tips, tricks, and secrets to selling more cookies? A: Ask everyone, sell everywhere, and keep a positive attitude!
JUNIOR PACKAGES SOLD: 3,003
Q: What do you do when someone says they don’t want to buy cookies? A: I would point out that we have a new cookie that everyone is going crazy over. I also ask if they would like to donate cookies through Project Troop to Troop. I always say thank you even if they don’t buy cookies. Q: What are your very best tips, tricks, and secrets to selling more cookies? A: 1) Say that cookies are $4/box, but if people are buying several boxes, try to upsell them to 5/$20. 2) Take credit cards! Most people don’t carry cash or a checkbook. 3) Place an order at the beginning of the sale. I ordered a lot of the new S’mores because I thought they would be popular—and they were! SPRING/SUMMER 2017 The Girl Scout SPIRIT 10
Organization U.S. Postage
PAID
4901 Briarhaven Road Fort Worth, Texas 76109 800-582-7272 • 817-737-7272 gs-top.org
Girl Scouts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information on how you can support our mission through outright gifts or professional goods or services, please call 800-582-7272 or visit gs-top.org.
Join the Club to Continue Juliette’s Legacy The Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains 1912 Club opened to members one year ago. Do you believe Girl Scouts prepares girls to lead through everyday experiences and activities, promotes confidence as taking action—not simply having self-esteem—and breaks down success as several stages and not just the positive outcome? Consider a monthly gift of $19.12. You can easily, quickly, and securely join our 1912 Club at bit.ly/1912Club (URL is case-sensitive). Because of you, more girls can gain the courage, confidence, and character to make our world a better place.
Permit No. 2277 Fort Worth, TX