Girl Scout Spirit Fall/Winter 2018 | Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains

Links2Leadership:

Fall/Winter 2018

Empowering Girl Scouts at School

The Girl Scout

Alum Shares Her Lifelong Girl Scout Friendships

2018 Summer Camp Highlights

Girl Scout Cookie Program Begins January 11!

The Girl Scout

2 3 5 6 7 8 9 11

In this issue G.I.R.L. Rally The Links to Leadership Q&A with Girl Scout Alum Cheryl Grove LinkedIn: Girl Scout Network Women of Distinction Amarillo Desserts First Lubbock Summer Camp 2018 Cookies Are Coming!

Save The Date

The Girl Scout Spirit magazine is published by 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

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Make Your Voice Heard at Our Annual Meeting The beginning of fall means it’s time for me to prepare for one major event at our council—the annual meeting! You might not have expected my answer, but Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains holds an annual meeting near the beginning of each year, and it is when policy, direction, and focus are set for the organization.

I am excited about one key change the delegates at our 2018 meeting made: one member, one vote. Any currently registered member within our council who attends the 2019 annual meeting and who is age 14 or above will be eligible to vote.

That means you are all a delegate and may attend our 2019 annual meeting February 2 in Arlington, Texas, in a voting capacity. More details and information will be forthcoming on the council website so you are prepared.

Previously, council delegates were nominated; now I hope you will feel welcome to be more personally involved in shaping the direction of our council to meet your needs.

I also want you to know that on May 10, 2018, the council’s board of directors approved the sale of approximately 59 acres of the Camp Kiwanis property. This area of Camp Kiwanis is currently used only as horse trails during the summer, and trails will be adjusted to other areas of camp to allow our girls the best trail ride experience possible. Proceeds from the sale will be used in accordance with our council’s property sale policy.

Becky Burton, CEO Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains

Do a Good Turn on Your Birthday Do you have enough gift cards, candles, and socks? With our Girl Scouts Birthday Club, ask friends and family to donate to Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains instead of giving a gift!

We’ll help you honor your Girl Scout experience and build more G.I.R.L.s (Go-getters, Innovators, Risk-takers, Leaders)™. Set up your Birthday Club fundraiser with our special collection envelopes, or ask everyone to give securely on our website.

gstop.formstack.com/forms/birthdayclub

Downtown Fort Worth was covered in blue, brown, green, and khaki August 25 at the first-ever G.I.R.L. Rally Powered by Girl Scouts!

Hundreds of Girl Scouts, volunteers, and parents flooded Sundance Square for tons of hands-on activities showcasing Girl Scouting in the Fort Worth area.

Sylvia Acevedo, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, was there to inspire the girls, and she spoke with and took photos with every single girl she met at the rally!

FALL/WINTER 2018 The Girl Scout SPIRIT 2

The Links to Leadership Morningside Middle School in Fort Worth has a unique opportunity for girls to become Girl Scouts. Women from the Fort Worth (TX) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated volunteer to lead the Links2Leadership troop for girls at the school. The Links, Incorporated is one of the oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of women who are committed to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. These women are leading this innovative troop when girls are at a pivotal age in Girl Scouting.

This will be the second year for the Links2Leadership troop.

“We’re very impressed by how much we accomplished last year, but we have even more planned for this year!” said Rosita Knox of the Fort Worth (TX) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated. “We are giving girls exposure to so many things they wouldn’t have exposure to.”

Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains already delivers the complete Girl Scout experience to thousands of girls in select elementary schools across Tarrant County, Amarillo, and Lubbock through Girl Scouts at School.

Morningside Elementary School, which feeds into 3 The Girl Scout SPIRIT FALL/WINTER 2018

Morningside Middle School, has a Girl Scouts at School troop, so it was a natural extension to continue the Girl Scout experience for girls moving into the sixth grade and for girls who weren’t already Girl Scouts. The Fort Worth (TX) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated underwrites the financial cost for the troop in addition to volunteering to lead the troop.

“This troop is near and dear to me because as a middle school student, I too was a member of a troop specifically for inner-city students,” said Shannon Fletcher, VP of Programs for the Fort Worth (TX) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated. “Girl Scouts personally taught me the skills to be a bold and courageous leader as a student but also to develop future skills in life.”

Kendall Ferguson echoed this sentiment.

“We’re very excited to have girls make the decision to focus on themselves instead of focusing on peer pressure,” said the Fort Worth (TX) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated member.

Cynthia Smith, who oversees Girl Scouts at School as director of community

Because of you, we feel proud of ourselves. ~Cadette from Troop 3590

partnerships for Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains, says girls in middle school need the mentoring that the Fort Worth (TX) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated sisters provide.

“I’ve seen first-hand the girls’ jubilation of seeing different women who look like them in specific careers,” she said.

“They seem to think that these jobs could never happen for them.”

To help form the Links2Leadership troop for the new school year, Ms. Knox and Ms. Ferguson set up a table for recruitment at the school’s Meet the Teacher night. Several Girl Scouts returning from last year’s troop volunteered their time to proudly wear their Cadette vests and actively recruit their friends (and even girls they didn’t know yet) to visit the table and sign up for this year’s troop.

Given this commitment and excitement from the troop’s

universities for sustainability,” said Elizabeth Doane of the Fort Worth (TX) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated. “The collaboration between the Fort Worth (TX) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated and the Girl Scouts is an excellent combination of the goals of the Links’ Services to Youth facet and the Girl Scouts’ leadership-building initiative.”

Last year, Ms. Fletcher taught the girls a civics lesson about the election process and how government works. They ended with a mock election.

“It is essential that these future leaders feel empowered to know they too can make a difference in their school and community,” she said.

Cynthia Odom of the Fort Worth (TX) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated said this natural collaboration “became a ‘why not?’” Ms. Odom also is executive vice president and chief financial officer for Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains.

Thank you for helping us be Girl Scouts and for helping us know it in our hearts. girls, the Fort Worth (TX) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated sisters’ dedication to the Links2Leadership troop is the very least they can give, Ms. Knox said.

“When the girls are giving us so much, can we not do enough?” she noted.

The Links, Incorporated has “facets,” or focus areas, on the arts, services to youth, national trends and services, international trends and services, and health and human services. So the members in these facets come to a meeting to help the girls earn badges and patches.

“The primary goal of the Links’ Services to Youth facet is to close the achievement gap; promote the integration of health and wellness; develop training modules for local pre-K through college; expand and support science, technology, engineering and mathematics and promote the integration of the arts (STEM to STEAM); and promote and support historically black colleges and

~Cadette from Troop 3590

When asked her best experience in the troop’s inaugural year, one Girl Scout said it was earning the First Aid patch because it could be important one day.

“If someone was injured, I feel like I could help them,” she said.

Of her experience, another Girl Scout said, “I am nicer to people. I’ll help people with things they can’t do for themselves.”

The Fort Worth (TX) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated sisters are passionate about their troop and instilled that passion in the girls.

“With so many distractions and other interests, they keep coming. One girl, the first time I came to a meeting, asked, ‘Are you coming back?’” Ms. Knox recalled. “I said, ‘I’ll come back if you come back!’ That was really special.”

FALL/WINTER 2018 The Girl Scout SPIRIT 4

Q&A with Girl Scout alum Cheryl Grove EDITOR’S NOTE:

It began with a Facebook post. “I ran across this old photo today of my old troop as we bridged to seniors in 1988. Many of those girls remain my closet friends, and we have so many shared memories. As we leaders and volunteers struggle through the challenges of planning and implementing our meetings and outings, keep on moving forward with the confidence that you are doing good work that has a lasting impact on your child and the world.”

I reached out to Cheryl to learn more about Troop 1111, which was in the then-Tejas Council. Cheryl now is a leader of Troop 1550.

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Q: How long did your troop stay together?

A: Our troop formed in second grade.

We stayed registered through the end of high school.

Q: What is one of the funniest memories you share with your troop sisters?

A: We still laugh at the memory of going around our neighborhood, painting all the fire hydrants silver.

Although we were bundled up in coats and cold-weather clothing, one of us (who shall remain nameless) ended up with paint on her undies!

Q: What is one of the most challenging things you accomplished as a troop?

A: According to my leader, we were not always the craftiest of gals. She remembers the challenge that they had as leaders trying to plan crafts that would allow us to feel successful.

Q: What are your takeaways from your Girl Scout experience?

A: The Girl Scout experience cultivated our curiosities and a love for learning. Through various experiences, we saw the benefits of working hard and of teamwork.

The most important takeaway was lifelong friendships with some amazing girls. We were, and continue to be, very close friends through the ups and downs of life. We now live in different places in the country, are in different stages of life, and even have different political views. But we have a common bond that will never break.

Q: Was your Girl Scout experience a deciding factor in becoming a troop leader?

A: Absolutely. Initially, I didn’t have the confidence to lead a troop. But when the need arose, I stepped up to give my first daughter a good experience.

Since friendships in Girl Scouts made the biggest impression on me, that tends to be my focus.

Q: What lessons did you learn as a Girl Scout that influence your troop leadership style?

A: My mom was one of my leaders, so I try to be sensitive to what it’s like for my daughters to have me as their leader. Singing was a bonding experience in my troop, so I encourage my girls to sing a song or two when we’re together. It’s because of my experiences that I encourage other leaders to keep going with their troops.

Q: What is different about Girl Scouting now as opposed to when you were a Girl Scout?

A: Most songs are different; nearly all the badges are different. Even the Promise has changed. There is more of an emphasis on empowering girls now, which I love.

The newly launched Girl Scout Network on LinkedIn will harness the power of more than 50 million Girl Scout alums around the world, creating an unstoppable force to champion issues that affect girls and women, including pay equity, and build the female leaders of today and tomorrow.

If you were a Daisy, Brownie, or higher in Girl Scouts—for a year or even 10—follow the Girl Scout Network on LinkedIn. If you’re a seasoned troop leader, you might have girls who are now adults! Tell them to join the Girl Scout Network, too.

Q: Anything else?

A: Our leaders, Lynn Hunter and Sue Berry (my mom), made sure that we had a variety of experiences. From overnights at museums and power plants, touring a factory or the local phone company, to helping us design a cool sweatshirt to wear when uniforms weren’t cool anymore, they stuck with us through all the weird stages. Thank you!

linkedin.com > search “girl scout network” > click Follow FALL/WINTER 2018 The Girl Scout SPIRIT 6

Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains recognized and celebrated four inspiring women in August for their leadership and service to the Amarillo community. Stephanie Pena of The Salvation Army of Amarillo led the event as the emcee, and Girl Scout Cadette Abigail Rardon of Troop 5114 presented the honors along with council CEO Becky Burton.

| Amarillo Thank you to our Amarillo event partners for their support

2018 HONOREES DISCOVER AWARD

CONNECT AWARD

TAKE ACTION AWARD

GOLD

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

SILVER

BRONZE ER Now Xcel Energy

FLORAL Betenbough Homes

Dr. Joanna Wilson

Save the Date

Sally Hawkins

Brandy Sanchez

Natalie Stephenson

BRUNCH Shirley Thomas

Women of Distinction | Fort Worth & Lubbock | May 2019 |

Desserts First is a Girl Scout cookie extravaganza! Prominent Lubbock chefs flex their baking skills to deliver one-of-a-kind Girl Scout Cookie-inspired creations. Then, guests vote for their favorite desserts.

And it all supports our leadership programs for girls in Lubbock.

bit.ly/WODgstop

2018 Lubbock Winner:

Tasha Teel

Cheers to these Desserts First sponsors!

Mary K. Crites, AIA-Architect | Environmental Landscape Solutions | Texas Tech Physicians–Pediatrics | Rockin’ Box 33 | Abacus Civil Engineers Fanning, Fanning and Associates MPE Engineers | Schlotzsky’s | American Bank of Commerce | Happy State Bank 7 The Girl Scout SPIRIT FALL/WINTER 2018

See You Next Summer!

The sun has set on another summer at resident camp. We are thankful for everyone who made the 2018 camp season a shining success!

Our girls took part in all kinds of adventures that challenged them to go outside of their comfort zones while having a blast. We asked our campers to share their favorite memories from this summer: ☙ “I love horseback riding and seeing animals in nature.” ☙ “Love singing, being part of the color guard, and meeting new

people.” ☙ “It was my first time at camp. I felt very welcomed by the counselors. The activities were fun.”

We’ll Miss You, Natalie!

For these reasons and many more, girls return to Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains camp each year. Thank you to all of our campers! We hope to see you next summer and hope to see many more new girls!

Outdoor Education Manager Natalie Stephenson (a.k.a. Speedo) has retired from our council after more than 40 years of service to our girls and the outdoors! We will truly miss Natalie’s innovative and can-do attitude and absolute passion for creating amazing outdoor experiences for girls at Camp Kiwanis and throughout our council. Natalie grew up at Girl Scout camp, worked at camp, and even met her husband at camp! Just mention the word “outdoors,” and her eyes light up. Natalie says she has been blessed and hopes she has blessed many Girl Scouts along the way. Congratulations and best wishes, Natalie!

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Troop Cookie Marketing Essentials Available in Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains shops only.

Limited to quantities on hand.

Visit gs-top.org for shop locations and hours.

Cookie Cart

$35 Yard Sign Car Magnet

$8

$5

Cookie Button

$1 Cookie Booth in a Bag

$30

Includes: Cookie Time Rollabana, GSUSA 5’ sq. Tablecloth, Thank You Bags (set of 25), Cookie Pen, Money Pouch

9 The Girl Scout SPIRIT FALL/WINTER 2018

Girl Scout Cookie Program

Begins January 11!

Girl Scouts is in its second century of Girl Scouts selling cookies! Given that more than half (57 percent) of Girl Scout alums in business fields credit the Girl Scout Cookie Program with developing skills they use today—including money management, goal setting, and public speaking—the cookie program has helped millions of female entrepreneurs over the past 100 years spark their careers.

How far can a cookie take a troop?

Troops 2700 and 2727 Troops 2700 and 2727 started their summer with an eight-day road trip to Savannah, GA. These 14 girls saved cookie money for the last two years to make this trip happen! The girls worked hard to fund the entire trip themselves without a parent contribution. They had a packed itinerary and found the time to do a Take Action Project!

Troop 3000 The Brownies of Troop 3000 had a special horse in mind as they sold their Girl Scout cookies! Bentley was adopted and in need of care to become healthy again. Troop 3000 unanimously voted to donate more than half of their cookie program money to help care for and support Bentley!

He became an honorary member of Troop 3000— complete with his own sash.

Remember:

100%

of the money the council and our troops raise through the Girl Scout Cookie Program stays with our council and our troops.

Troop 1224 Twenty-six Girl Scouts from Troop 1224 went to San Antonio for their troop trip.

The troop used cookie money from the past two years to help pay for the trip. They saw the Alamo, went on a river boat tour, spent the night at the SeaWorld shark exhibit and then went behind the scenes!

Troop 3407 Troop 3407 went on its first big trip to Austin. They worked hard during the cookie program to help fund this trip. The girls toured the Waco Mammoth National Monument and Texas State Capitol, hiked the Inner Space Cavern, and visited the Girl Scouts of Central Texas office!

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Organization U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 2277 Fort Worth, TX

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.

Save these dates!

19-27

2

27

Oklahoma

Texas

The Panhandle Gives

#GivingTuesdayLBK

22

12

World Thinking Day

Girl Scout Birthday

Council Annual Meeting

22

Girl Scout Leader’s Day