Girl Scout Connections Winter 2022

It’s A New Year, Girl Scouts

We are excited to step into 2023 with such a remarkable Girl Scout family and community that believes in building girls of courage, confidence, and character. There are many reasons to celebrate the beginning of the new membership year. New Girl Scouts are discovering the magic of Girl Scouting and making new friends. Older Girl Scouts are working toward earning their high awards, and our incredible volunteers are planning fun adventures and preparing for a successful cookie season. To top it off, our community prioritized addressing the funding and equity gap by investing in women and girls.

In October, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation gifted GSACPC with a $2.25 million grant to support our three-year expansion plan that provides enhanced outdoor adventure opportunities to Girl Scouts throughout the year. This generous investment marks more than $10 million in support that The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has invested in local girls in the past 10 years alone. As if that news wasn’t fantastic enough, we announced a $2.8M donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott a few weeks later. This gift is part of an $84.5 million donation awarded to Girl Scouts of the USA and 29 councils selected by MacKenzie Scott, making this unprecedented investment the largest donation from a single individual in the national organization’s history.

Speaking of trailblazers, GSACPC is just days away from kicking off the largest girl-led entrepreneurial

program in the world, the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Cookies will be available across our jurisdiction from Jan. 16 – March 5. Did you know that in 1917, Girl Scouts initially baked Girl Scout Cookies from home with moms volunteering as technical advisers? Over a hundred years later, girls are still the most important part of the cookie season! Your enthusiasm, creative ideas, and fantastic customer service are just a few reasons our council experienced the “Great Cookie Sellout of 2022”. We could not ask for a more amazing group of adult volunteers to carry on the tradition of helping girls gain essential life skills, entrepreneurial expertise, and leadership, all of which will stay with them for a lifetime.

As your family and troop prepare for the seven-week cookie program, remember that our community cannot wait to get their hands on our beloved Girl Scout Cookies! They will go out of their way to support you by purchasing them in-person and online, and their purchase goes beyond enjoying delicious treats. GSACPC is grateful

that proceeds from our cookie sale stay local to support Girl Scouting in central and northern Arizona. We look forward to witnessing girls and troops earn proceeds for fun activities and service projects that will leave a lasting impact in their communities. Thank you in advance for your hard work. We believe in you and know you will reach your goals!

Yours In Girl Scouting, Mary Mitchell and Christina Spicer GSACPC Co-CEOs Lupe Camargo GSACPC Board Chair

Letter from the Co-CEOs and Board Chair

Left to right: Christina Spicer, Lupe Camargo, Mary Mitchell

88 Likes

The

Social Shout Out!

Check out the most liked post from our Instagram page @GSACPC Jun. 1 – Sept. 30, 2022.

Bring Home the Cookies 5K is returning on Feb. 25, 2023 at Westgate Entertainment District!

In partnership with @statefortyeightfoundation and @statefortyeight, join GSACPC as we celebrate the 2023 Girl Scout Cookie Program and raise funds to empower Arizona’s entrepreneurs for a sweeter future. Runner registration for this event opens on Nov. 1!

Interested in sponsoring our 5K or registering as a volunteer? Visit girlscoutsaz.org/5k

¡Bring Home the Cookies 5K regresa el 25 de febrero del 2023 en Westgate Entertainment District!

En asociación con la organización State Forty Eight Foundation y la compañía State Forty Eight, únase a GSACPC mientras celebramos el Programa de Galletas Girl Scout 2023 para recaudar fondos para empoderar a las empresarias de Arizona. El registro de corredores para este evento abrirá el primero de noviembre.

¿Está interesado en patrocinar nuestro 5K o registrarse como voluntario? Visite girlscoutsaz.org/5k

#girlscouts #girlscoutsaz #gsacpc #BringHomeTheCookies5K #5K #azrunners #running #event #arizonaevent #gscookies #cookies #outdoors

Editor’s Note

Happy New Year, Girl Scouts!

Whether you’re preparing for your first cookie season or simply sharpening your cookie boss skills, we have packed this issue with all-things cookies to support your journey. Cookie season is an exciting time, and we cannot wait to see you build your entrepreneurial skills and have fun over the next seven weeks.

Our goal is for readers to see themselves reflected in the stories, photos, and perspectives featured. Our cover photo features Girl Scout Cadette Savanna Ellis from Troop 7428, who has been an active Media Ambassador for years and does a wonderful job representing our council with local media – pulling from her rich experiences in the organization.

Please continue to share your stories, celebrations, and news with us at girlscoutsaz.org/stories so we can feature them across our publications and social media channels. Also, please email suggestions for our magazine or comments about this issue to our Marketing and Communications team at marcom@girlscoutsaz.org

We look forward to hearing from you!

—Your Editorial Team

Girl Scouts in Action

Adventures, Innovations, Leadership, Pushing Boundaries, Setting an Example, Taking Charge, Accomplishing Goals. This is Girl Scouts.

1 Girl Scout Brownies, Penelope and Nevaeh from Troop 4525 had the opportunity to visit the Arizona Humane Society and put their skills and passion for animal care into practice. The girls earned their Brownie Pet Badge by reading to dogs at the shelter and got to interact with awesome desert critters and reptiles that are also rescued. The girls learned how specialists care for reptiles and discovered new ways to support animals in the shelter. After their trip, the girls learned they shared a common interest and love for animals.

2 Troop 308 explored the many wonderful sites Savannah, Georgia has to offer! They took a trolley tour through historic Savannah and visited the Laurel Grove Cemetery and Andrew Low’s House. They also participated in a program at the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, completed a ghost walk, and spent some time at the Marine Science Center at Tybee Island. Their trip was full of adventure and exploration. Before coming home, a stop at Savannah Square Pops, and Leopold’s Ice Cream was very much needed.

3 Multi-level Troop 872 took a trip to Camp Surf in San Diego, California where they spent time riding waves and creating life-lasting memories. Girl Scout Brownie, Avery, learned how to boogie board for the first time with her sister, fellow Girl Scout Senior, McKenna. The troop also visited Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where they learned about some of the aquarium’s marine animals and came into close contact with a star fish.

4 After a busy cookie season, Troop 3186 celebrated their success with a weekend at Parsons Leadership Center where they had water balloon archery, game night, and supplies to tie dye t-shirts. The girls also went swimming and had a mermaid themed party with Smokey the Bear as a special guest. Even though this weekend was organized to celebrate the troop, parents also had a chance to stay in the cabins and watch their girls enjoy a weekend full of fun and friendship.

5 After seeing the impact of nurses and hospital care team members, Emilia and Natalie from Troop 3047 gathered Girl Scout Cookie donations as a token of appreciation for their hard work and dedication. They dropped off all cookie packages to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital for staff to enjoy. This special delivery brought a lot of smiles and served as a reminder of the great difference hospital staff make for families experiencing hardships.

6 Duri ng last year’s cookie season, multi-level Troop 4317 collected donations for Family Promise, a non-profit organization based in Scottsdale that serves families experiencing homelessness. The troop donated cookie packages, and asked Family Promise if they could help in any other way. Since the organization needed first aid kits for their centers, the girls compiled four complete first aid kits and earned their First Aid Badge and Rosie Daisy Petal. The troop had lots of fun assembling the medical kits, but the most rewarding part of the experience was getting to visit the Family Promise headquarters. They experienced the warmth of the center and saw all the hard work that goes into helping families in need.

7 This past May, the members of Troop 3721 hosted a bridging ceremony at Kiwanis Park in Tempe! During this event, the girls celebrated their accomplishments as a troop – reflecting on their triumphs and memories that they will cherish for years to come. When asked what their favorite thing about Girl Scouts is, the girls shared that making new friends, exploring, camping, and learning new things are all at the top of their list. Congratulations, girls!

8 Three cheers for Troop 3042 who completed their Bronze Award project! The girls used their funds from their cookie sales to create a resiliency wall for the healthcare workers at Dignity Healthcare at Chandler Regional Hospital. The wall was constructed to help health care workers relax during their breaks, allowing them to be creative, destress, have a positive distraction from work, and connect with their colleagues. Additionally, the troop donated 100 cookie packages to the hospital!

9 We love seeing our Girl Scouts being able to explore together and celebrate their hard work. After three years of saving their cookie funds, the members of Troop 1092 ventured on an adventure to Disneyland Resort in California! A well-deserved trip full of rides, scrumptious food, and meet and greets with Disney friends is exactly what the girls needed to strengthen their Girl Scout bond and feel connected as a troop. We cannot wait to see what other adventures are in your future!

10 Troop 2425 utilized their money management skills and were able to budget for a troop adventure with United Gateways using their cookie funds! The girls left all their electronics at home and fully immersed themselves in the experience. They were able to participate in multiple outdoor activities such as surfing, boogie boarding, rock climbing, archery, and more. They even were able to ride a carousel that is over 100 years old!

11 The members of Troop 4313 delivered 147 packages of cookies and letters from their secondgrade class to the residents of the Arizona State Veterans Home! Although this was their second-year donating, it was the first time the girls were able to deliver their donations in person. What a great way to honor and celebrate our country’s veterans.

12 The Cadettes from Troop 203 took a road trip last summer for six, fun-filled days in Utah. They hiked down into Bryce Canyon and then up into Zion National Park! During their hike, they encountered snow, creeks, and mud. Additionally, they were able to work on their cooking and camping skills while creating ever-lasting memories.

13 We love hearing how troops make a difference in their communities, just like Troop 7143, who used their troop funds to complete their Silver Project. The troop added a gaga pit, two tetherballs, and three four-square courts to their school’s playground. They also made a video reviewing the rules of tetherball and gaga for the P.E. teachers to play at the beginning of each school year.

We Want to Spotlight Your Girl Scout Memories and Milestones

Share your triumphs and favorite moments with us! Your stories could inspire others to begin their Girl Scouting journey. Visit girlscoutsaz.org/stories to submit your stories and photos.

Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council

Own Your Sparkle Reflections

on Confidence Building

By Zuri Torres

Imagine this – It’s your first day at a new school. It’s a few minutes before the start of your first-period class, and the hallways are bustling with laughter, chatter, and the sound of lockers shutting.

Take notice of how you feel; are you self-conscious of your appearance and sense a wave of anxiety overcoming you? Or are you strutting down the hallway like it’s your runway and this is your moment to shine? For most teenage girls, and even women, the prior is their reality.

New and even familiar social environments can trigger self-conscious behavior that has us overthinking and questioning how others perceive us. So, what is the bridge between that space of discomfort and feeling comfortable within it? Self-confidence.

Self-confidence is a skill that, like any other, requires practice and patience. Not all of us are born with the ability to walk into a room full of strangers and feel completely at ease with ourselves and our abilities. Or perhaps we are, and through the years, we slowly chip away at those pieces of confidence that allowed us to walk up to other kids on the playground and automatically become best friends, unafraid of revealing the complexities that make us uniquely imperfect. As a woman who has struggled with her confidence, I found five ways you can start your self-love journey.

Practice a healthy positive mindset

Low self-confidence can stem from self-doubt, imposter syndrome, fear of rejection, etc. Although we cannot control others’ thoughts and the values which they hold, we can control our own. Practicing words of affirmation such as “I am a hard worker and will find success” or “I am worthy” are great starting points. The goal is to one day look in the mirror and say them not out of routine, but because you truly believe them.

Take risks

I have a wonderful friend who once told me, “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you” and it has been my mantra for years. Taking (controlled) risks and stepping out of self-constructed fear can be an incredible feeling that leaves you feeling stronger. Approach new opportunities thinking about what excites you about them instead of anticipating the worst. Even if you try something new and fail, the courage to try is a win.

Be compassionate with yourself

Negative self-talk can be a go-to tactic when you feel embarrassed in a situation or face a moment of failure. Although your emotions in those moments are valid and meant to be felt and processed, telling yourself you’re “dumb” or “not good enough” is not a coping mechanism to lean into. Imagine talking to your best friend; what

would you tell them? Instead of saying “you’re dumb for thinking you could get an A+ on the test” you’d probably go with “you tried your best, and there is value in that.” Just like you express kindness to those you love, show that same kindness and love to yourself.

Practice your version of beauty

Some girls have been compared to the “perfect” woman – you know, the airbrushed model in ads, or the fictional character in a film, who is exactly that: fictional. The truth is, there is no such thing as the perfect woman and beauty is subjective. Your hair color, style, makeup, and even how you treat others all contribute to a version of beauty that is all your own. Waking up in the morning and making choices that help you feel good and contribute to the person you want to be is gorgeous!

Keep showing up

As I previously mentioned, self-confidence takes time and practice; it cannot be mastered overnight. Try to have patience with yourself. Every day that you make an effort, you’re another step closer to your goal.

When trying some or all these practices, feel free to customize them or add some of your own! There is no set way to accomplish self-confidence, nor is there a deadline by which you should feel you’ve peaked; it is all a constant learning process of accepting and embracing ourselves.

We are all people who are gorgeous collages made up of experiences and emotions that are uniquely our own. So instead of feeling unsure and ashamed of those pieces, let’s find the power within them because once they are put together, they create art – or, as I like to say, they make you sparkle.

Self-confidence is a skill that, like any other, requires practice and patience.

Zuri is a member of GSACPC’s Marketing and Communications Team. As a part of her role, she manages Council’s Media Ambassador Program - helping girls build public speaking and creative skills related to the marketing field.

Embracing Cultural Identity Through Family and Travel

By Darian Cruz

From Mexico City, Josselyn

Islas traveled to her mother’s hometown, Santiago Patlanalá, nestled in the green hills of Silacayoápam in Oaxaca, Mexico.

The eight-hour drive took her family through a steep and mountainous region that was covered in rich vegetation. As she looked out the window, she began to think about her family and her mother’s early childhood. Though the trip was part of her aunt’s birthday celebration, it transformed into a journey of self-discovery that reconnected Josselyn with her cultural heritage and identity.

In 1988, when Josselyn was three years old, her family immigrated to the United States where she encountered a clash of cultures and began to question where she came from; but as she was entering her teenage years, talking about Oaxaca was like opening a wound.

“My mom’s memory of El Pueblo was filled with struggle because she was reminded of the poverty her family experienced,” said Josselyn. “When she spoke about her hometown, she didn’t speak with love or care, she spoke with a lot of difficulty.”

While living in Mexico, her mother’s braided hair was mocked, and childhood memories became painful to remember, which was reflected in the

way she spoke to her children about her indigenous roots. These conversations later strayed Josselyn and her siblings away from embracing their Mexican Indigenous culture, especially growing up as immigrants.

“I remember she would speak about Oaxaca in a very denigrating way, and would say things like, ‘we’re too short and our skin color is too brown’, said Josselyn. “The same comments I was hearing from her, I was also hearing from other people, so when others asked where I was from, I wouldn’t answer with pride.”

Something else that impacted Josselyn’s perception about Oaxaca, was her immigration status that limited her ability to travel. Since she couldn’t leave the country, it was easier for her to block off the idea of even visiting. She stopped asking questions and disconnected herself from her culture, until her father started to teach Mexican history during family dinner. As she began to put together the different pieces of her family’s story, Josselyn was also taking a Mexican history class and a folklore storytelling course when something in her clicked.

“I realized how much similarity there was all around the world in the way we story tell and experience things,” said Josselyn. “That’s when I began to think ‘I want to go’, ‘I want to go to the pyramids’, ‘I want to learn about these stories’— ‘I want to know where I come from’.”

After years of not having a great interest in learning about her culture beyond what she was experiencing at home, Josselyn’s unexpected trip to Oaxaca was a time of healing and rediscovery. Being there answered so many questions and doubts that were carried into her adulthood. Out of all the amazing things she lived this past summer, her favorite part was visiting her late grandfather’s home and hearing her 17-year-old son express how grateful and complete he felt after learning more about his family background.

Like Josselyn, her mother also changed the way she spoke about her origins and replaced hurtful words with those of love and encouragement. Together, they learned how to dispel stereotypes, and truly embrace who they are and where they come from.

Islas is a

Recruitment

Pine Council. Through her role, she supports council recruitment events and works towards establishing relationships with bilingual Spanish speaking families. Channeling her experience as an immigrant and woman of color, she hopes to shine light on Girl Scouting by welcoming girls of all backgrounds, especially Latinas, to the Girl Scout Movement.

Here’s her advice for you: “Know your culture, your history, and ask questions. [When traveling] immerse yourself in the everyday life of the local community, and if you’re unable to travel, asking questions can help just as much because it sparks interest and helps us understand what our place in the world is and how we can help.”

Explore the World with GSUSA Destinations

Girl Scout Seniors - Ambassadors can visit different parts of the world through GSUSA’s Destinations Program which offers multiple programs, some tailored to fit a specific area of interest.

Flip to page 26 to learn more about summer 2023 experiences available for Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council

Josselyn

Member

Executive at Girl Scouts – Arizona Cactus –

Photo by Jhovani Morales

Photo by Edgar Rodrigo

Leading with Courage: GSACPC Girl Scout and Camp Manager Receive Honorable Awards

The Girl Scout Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards signify a girl’s commitment to her community. Additionally, there are other leadership and service awards that can be earned through exceptional courage during difficult, and sometimes, life-threatening events.

The Girl Scout Medal of Honor is a national award that is earned by saving someone’s life or helping them through an emergency, similar to the Citizen of the Year Award delivered by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. Last fall, two of our amazing council members received recognition for their selflessness and bravery, and we are honored to share their accomplishments:

In September, GSACPC Girl Scout, Arabella from Troop 1624 received a Medal of Honor by helping her grandfather survive a stroke. While she was home alone with her grandfather, Arabella called 911 and guided the paramedics to her grandfather where she informed them about his symptoms and helped save his life.

That same month, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office presented Karen Hill, Camp Manager at Camp Willow Springs with the 2021 Citizen of the Year Award for her compassion and empathy as she helped a missing woman experiencing a mental health crisis. Karen worked with deputies and first responders to ensure the woman was receiving the care she needed.

Responding in a time of crisis is extremely challenging, but Arabella and Karen responded to each situation in true Girl Scout spirit – fearlessly and ready to take action. We admire their courage, and the way they stepped in to make a difference in someone else’s life!

Above: Girl Scout Arabella with her grandfather.

Below: Karen Hill, Camp Manager of Willow Springs

GSACPC Receives $2.25M Grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation

Our council is the grateful recipient of a $2.25 million grant from The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation to expand outdoor programming throughout the year. This generous investment marks more than $10 million in support that The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation has invested in local girls in the past 10 years alone.

“Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council continues to think outside the box and create innovative programs that young women need,” said Renee Parsons, co-founder of The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation. “We believe in supporting the outdoor programming because we know it will help young women build selfconfidence, improve overall well-being and become better leaders.”

While GSACPC has consistently provided outdoor summer programming at camp properties across northern and central Arizona, our three-year expansion plan will emphasize leveraging these campsites and providing enhanced outdoor adventure opportunities for Girl Scouts throughout the year. In addition, the plan includes strengthening transportation and bus stops routes for members in extended areas and redesigning our Counselor-in-Training (CIT) programs by adding a paid Junior Counselor for Girl Scouts who are 16-17 years old.

MacKenzie Scott Donates $2.8M

In October, our council received a $2.8 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. Our gift was part of an $84.5 million donation awarded to GSUSA and 29 local councils selected by Scott, making this unprecedented investment the largest donation from a single individual in the national organization’s history.

Scott is a champion for girls and women who, through her philanthropic efforts, has looked to make a long-term impact on girls’ futures. She selected the 29 recipient councils, including Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, based on donor criteria that has not been made public. By selecting Girl Scouts

as a recipient, not only will individual council regions throughout the nation be impacted, but the donation will directly impact the nearly 2 million girls and adults participating in Girl Scouting nationwide.

This gift will expand access to Girl Scout programming across central and northern Arizona, including all of the Navajo Nation. Our funding vision includes supporting membership retention and growth, upholding Our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Racial Justice (DEIRJ) and Wellbeing Commitment, and expanding access to Girl Scout programming (GSLE) across our jurisdiction.

GSACPC History Committee Corner

Early Girl Scout Camping in Arizona

By Julia McKee-Ostos

Every summer, thousands of Girl Scouts look forward to camp, but when did it all start?

From the beginning of Girl Scouts in 1912, camping and other outdoor activities were a centerpiece of Girl Scout life. In Arizona, Girl Scouts used different camping facilities across the state, before purchasing their own camps, starting with Camp Maripai in 1942.

1928 1929-1939 1923

Girl Scouts were camping at Sulphide del Rey in the Pinal Mountains near Globe, Arizona.

About 30 Girl Scouts camped on privately owned land in Iron Springs, Arizona in the Prescott National Forest.

Girl Scouts used facilities at Hassayampa Mountain Club in Prescott for camp sessions known as Camp Fiesta. They enjoyed horseback riding, backpacking, swimming, and lifesaving training.

1929 – Camp Counselors pictured (left to right) are Mary Shivvers, Peggy Bradford and Jean Clark.

1930 – Jean Clark bent over showing the campers at Camp Fiesta how to skin a rattlesnake.

1936 – Camper on a horseback ride.

Council Highlights

As interest in camping began to grow, Girl Scouts in Arizona were seeking new camping spots to gather with troops and spend time in nature. These sites gave girls an opportunity to learn from one another, expand their skillset and explore their passion for the outdoors. Camps held at Hassayampa Mountain Club in Prescott through 1929 and 1939 became known as Camp Fiesta where Jean Clark, the first recipient of the Golden Eaglet in Arizona, was the head Camp Counselor and instructor. The camp sessions featured horseback riding, swimming, and lifesaving training, as well as a Pioneer Unit.

In 1940, camp was held at the Dunning Big Pine Mine site, run by Camp Director and Property Owner, Maxie Dunning, one of the first Girl Scout leaders in Arizona. That year, girls learned about gold panning, hiked Mount Tritle, and experienced the

visit of a Mountain Lion. A year later in 1941, camp took place at Kendall Mine, another deserted gold mine on Mount Tritle. Now, both sites are part of the Prescott National Forest.

In 1942, Maxie announced that the city of Prescott was willing to lease the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) site in Groom Creek for two years at $1.00 per year. Later on, eighty adjoining acres were obtained, and became what we now know as Camp Maripai, named after Maricopa and Yavapai County.

The Goldwater family from Phoenix did a lot to make the camp possible with money from Goldwater’s Fashion Shows.

1934 1941 1940

The first Day Camp was held in Phoenix.

Privately owned property called Big Pine Mine was available to 74 girls for three, one-week sessions.

Privately owned site called Kendall Mine, became available to 104 girls for three, one-week sessions.

1940 – Girl Scouts swimming at Big Pine Mine Pond in Prescott, Arizona, property of Charles and Maxie Dunning. In 1916 Maxie Dunning started an unofficial Girl Scout troop in Prescott as a teenager and later became President of the Council, known at the time as the Maricopa Girl Scout Council.

1993 – Flag raising ceremony at Camp Fiesta located at Hassayampa Mountain Club in Prescott, Arizona. Jean Clark, Lead Camp Counselor, is on the far left. The bugle belongs to Jean and can be found at the Barbara Anderson Girl Scouts Museum.

The 2023 Girl Scout Cookie Program

Can you believe the 2023 Girl Scout Cookie Program is right around the corner?! We are excited to welcome new and returning Girl Scouts to the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world. During these seven weeks, girls will step into an entrepreneurial role and harness new skills as they raise funds for adventures and service projects.

You (Girl Scouts) will have the opportunity to experience the inner workings of what it takes to run a small business and in the process dive into five key areas of learning:

Money Management – Learning to create a budget and handle money.

Learning how to manage both physical and digital sales will be incredibly helpful as you age through the program. Managing your personal allowance, bills, and even college funds are all tasks that require basic money management skills.

Business Ethics – Learning to act ethically, both in business and in life. Ensure that you are managing your booth honestly and treat your customers respectfully.

TIP: If a customer is not interested in eating cookies (believe us, it happens) offering a Cookies for the Community option is a great alternative.

Decision Making – Learning how to make decisions individually and in a team setting.

Everything from managing inventory to marketing techniques all require decisions that will affect your overall sales. No need to worry though; you are prepared to make all of those with confidence.

Goal Setting – Learning how to set goals and create a plan to reach them.

Setting goals will help you stay on track and give you perspective with each passing week – it’s super satisfying to see your progress with each passing week in the program!

People Skill – Finding your voice and building confidence through customer interactions. It’s okay to feel nervous about speaking to customers. Public speaking is a skill that is best learned through practice. If you are shy, start by simply greeting your customers, and slowly you’ll feel comfortable in your environment and be able to make sales pitches like a pro!

All these areas contribute to the foundation of entrepreneurship. We know, without a doubt, that every Girl Scout can not only master each area but thrive within them.

Cookies Creating Leaders of the Future

When a girl begins her Girl Scout Journey, she signs on to a lifechanging experience that opens doors to various opportunities that will give her the necessary tools to become a strong leader.

Whether you’re an alum and know Girl Scouts like the back of your palm, or perhaps didn’t have access to Girl Scouting, but now your daughter does, you have probably experienced the rewards of the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Not necessarily the plush toys or adventure gear that girls can earn through sales but the lifetime skills that girls develop as they navigate the program.

As members of our Arizona communities excitedly await the announcement of the start of the cookie season, troops and IGMs have been preparing for weeks – coordinating booth

slots, finalizing sales goals, creating marketing strategies for online and in-person sales, and deciding how their earnings will further enrich their Girl Scouting experience. Although the foundation of the cookie program can appear standard across all Girl Scout Levels, we can see that each year girls nurture a deeper understanding of the key pillars of the program.

As girls grow from Daisies to Ambassadors, they learn new things according to their age group and Girl Scout Level.

During their first cookie sale, Daisies learn about money, the basics of financing, and how to keep track of their earnings, represented by their My First Cookie Business and Cookie Goal Setter patches. At an early stage in life, Daisies are already learning about the significance of money, which is a great way to start making sense of the world.

When they become Brownies, girls are more inclined to make decisions, outline goals and communicate with their troop about their budget to better prepare for their next cookie sale. If a troop has only been participating in the program for a couple of years, Brownies might organize a plan to raise more funds, and meet their set goal. Additionally, this is a great age for girls to foster public speaking skills; fueling their confidence to take on greater challenges.

Once girls reach their Junior – Senior levels, what they’ve learned so far in previous years becomes an addition to the wonderful learning experiences that await! Now that they have an understanding of money, budgeting, and planning, they start to look at the cookie business through a different lens. While they’re still coming up with creative customer pitches, girls progress into innovators, and begin to use technology and other marketing resources to sell their product and support their goals. Selling cookies is not an easy business, which is why it’s important for girls to communicate with friends, family and leaders about new ways they can reach potential customers in their community or beyond.

During their final year as Girl Scouts, Ambassadors who participated in the Cookie Program since they were Daisies, will begin to realize that they’ve collected a long list of skills that will help them blossom into successful and confident leaders. Similar to how they earn badges and patches to display on their vest or sash, the skills they’ve learned will also become something they’re proud of. Even though Ambassadors are preparing for their next step in life, they will continue to lead with a curious mind and a suitcase full of amazing experiences and expertise. Their strong speaking skills will help them ace their college interviews, their finance knowledge will make budgeting for their class books and essentials a breeze, and the confidence they’ve built throughout the years will help them create lasting connections.

Sharing Wisdom: From Cookies to Leadership

A Girl Scout’s first cookie season, although exciting, can be intimidating for her as well as new volunteers and families. From learning about program guidelines and best practices to reserving booth slots, there is a lot to take in to ensure our girls have a successful cookie season. Luckily, our council is full of incredible volunteers who have shared their experiences of what they wished they’d known as they stepped into their first cookie season.

After my first year of managing the cookie season, I wish I had known the importance of training. Go to your Service Unit cookie training and take copious notes! They will teach you everything you need to know to have a successful season.

I did not really understand what self-scheduled booths were and what the process was to reserve one. I also wish I would have known how much change to have on hand. When we first started, we didn’t have enough small bills and I had to keep going to the store for change. Make sure to have enough change for cash payments and be prepared for card payments. Make sure to bring enough inventory and have a parent or co-leader on standby to bring more if needed. I also did not know about troop-to-troop transfers during my first year, which has turned out be very helpful. Booth etiquette is also important to know. Make sure that if you are still cleaning up past your time, you are not selling, and refer the sales to the next troop. Please do not throw cookie boxes into the trash cans at the locations. We did this our first year because we didn’t know better.

There are a few things that new IGM families need to know. First, know that all expenses are the

responsibility of the family (the parents/guardians). IGMs do not receive troop profits or have a troop bank account, and do not have access to funds to help pay for fees, travel, meals, equipment, etc. regarding product sales.

Know that there is a staff member at the council and service unit level that is assigned to work directly with IGM girls and families; get to know who that is and ask every question you have to feel confident in the program. Do venture out of your neighborhood - we live in an “extended area” of the Council on the Hopi reservation, and initially were not aware that we could sell cookies in other areas.

Is there anything you would have done differently?

I think the only thing I would have done differently from the beginning is ask for more help. During the cookie season, I am very busy, and now I have much help from co-leaders and volunteers managing meetings and everything else that comes up. I can better focus on managing our cookie program because of their assistance!

There are quite a few things we would have done differently. My troop consisted of first-year Daisies during our first cookie season. I wish I had known to bring snacks and water for them, and only do one-hour shifts and then switch out with another troop/Girl Scout.

I would have also kept on top of transactions when girls were

What do you wish you had known going into your first cookie season?

Malinda

Troop Leader – Troop 4929 (Daisy-Junior)

Karri Troop Leader – Troop 1942 (Junior-Senior)

Laurel IGM Parent/Guardian

signing out the cookies. I used the receipt books but did not update eBudde very often. I highly recommend keeping this up to date; it makes the end of the season so much easier.

Most definitely. We would have gone outside our area and off the Hopi reservation to sell cookies. We should have also purchased our own table, chairs, and canopy sooner; they are must-haves for certain locations. Additionally, it would have been beneficial to use our network of people earlier to get the word out about cookie sales. We didn’t reach out to them until about mid-way through the season.

How has participating in the cookie program helped you grow as a Leader/Girl Scout Family?

I love cookie season as a leader because I get to see all the members of my troop more often than in regular meetings! There is always someone at my house picking up cookies. It’s so much fun, and I always reward the girls with prizes after they’ve reached smaller goals to uplift and encourage them.

Participating in the cookie program has definitely taught me to be prepared for anything - we have had a lot of interesting situations at cookie booths. It has also helped me teach my girls about financial responsibility and making choices. They get to decide how to spend their money, and how they will help others.

As a leader, it has helped me grow in my ability to plan, organize, and keep records. It has also helped me share with others that Girl Scouts is about more than cookies when interacting with customers. The cookie booths and selling with my own daughter have helped my public speaking, and conversational skills as well. I have come to really enjoy cookie season.

It has helped with our daughter’s confidence and speaking skills. She has grown to be able to share more about her personal Girl Scout experience with those who ask during the sales and other events. She’s set her goals high and has exceeded them numerous times. In 2021, she set her goal to sell 5,000 packages of cookies, which is very high for our geographic location. With her determination and networking, she ended the season with 10,813 packages sold, making her the top cookie seller.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program has allowed us to grow closer as a family and even travel together. By reaching certain cookie reward levels, our daughter has earned trips to Hawaii and

Disneyland and has paid for a trip to New York City with her program credits. Her next goal is to travel to Belize in 2024, the summer of her senior year, her last year of Girl Scouts.

What advice do you have for families considering participating in the cookie program?

If you’re on the fence about participating in cookie sales, I highly recommend trying it! Your Girl Scout(s) will learn and grow so much by selling cookies. I’ve seen girls who were very shy come out of their shells and become amazing at talking to customers. I’ve seen girls’ confidence grow as they smashed their goals and attained a cookie reward they were dreaming about.

I would say, do what is comfortable for your daughter. I would ensure the families understand the purpose behind the cookie program and what a great learning experience it is for girls. I would involve the girls in the learning and decision-making process. Let them know they have choices. They can participate in any way they choosethey can sell individually, online, at cookie booths, or any combination. This will be our girls’ tenth year selling cookies, and I can see how much their skills have grown. They can confidently speak with customers, handle and count money, plan booth sales, manage inventory, and so much more. I think this process has taught them skills they will use in many other aspects of their lives.

Depending on the girl’s level and location, know it’s okay to start small. As IGM families, we are financially responsible for all cookies assigned to us. Start with a two-hour window for beginning booths, any booth slot of more than four hours may be too long for some girls. It is helpful to assign family members a role in how they can support the girl’s cookie sales. As a family, we all set up cookie booths in our local villages and surrounding towns. We’ve even traveled to Phoenix (250 miles one-way) to sell cookies on the weekends. Take advantage of the two-week pre-sales order window to get the word out about your daughter’s participation in the cookie season. I also suggest making decorations to dress up her booth and even creating a video to send to close family and friends. Make the cookie season family oriented but most of all, have fun.

Virtual Volunteer Recognition and Awards Ceremony

Every year we celebrate the incredible dedication and achievements of our volunteers during the Volunteer Recognition and Awards Ceremony.

This year the ceremony was held virtually on Oct. 22 and hosted again by two of our fabulous board members, Miguel Acero and Jenny Holsman Tetreault. The ceremony included inperson award deliveries, watch parties and exciting prizes!

Our volunteers are truly the heart of our organization – guiding Girl Scouts as they conquer new life skills, supporting programs and events, and mentoring girls as they navigate change and obstacles. Thank you for everything you do; know that you are appreciated and loved.

Girl Scouts National High Achievement Awards

Nationally recognized and established by Girl Scouts of the USA, High Achievement Awards are presented to volunteers who have gone above and beyond in advancing the Girl Scout Mission. Our council’s Recognition Committee reviewed all nominations and letters of endorsements to select the recipients.

to Excellence

Council Trainer Award

This award recognizes a volunteer trainer for service that went beyond the expectations in a position that assisted our council.

Thanks Badge II

This award honors a Girl Scout Volunteer who continually provides outstanding support and whose ongoing commitment, leadership, and service have had an exceptional impact on the entire council or Girl Scout Movement and has previously received the Thanks Badge.

Council Star Award

Honor Pin

This award honors an adult member who has delivered outstanding service in two or more geographic areas of service.

Recognizes a volunteer for performing a specific task that significantly benefits Council.

Rebecca Oakes JoDee Turner Sandy Stratton

Commitment

Honors volunteers who received the Appreciation Pin at least three years ago and continue to be engaged at the Service Unit level.

Karen Stevenson Amanda Austin Kristin Baldwin Stephanie Melvin

Jennifer Fischer Carolynn Slover Alanna Iannone

Sandra Patchett

Erin Long Katrina Prentice

Samantha Smith Rebbekka Hirsch Sandra Patchett

Thanks Badge

The

Years of Service Pin

Given in 5-year increments, this award indicates the total number of years as a Girl Scout Volunteer.

20 YEARS

Kim Belcher Melanie Callahan Rebbekka Hirsch Holly Snopko Sandy Stratton Michelle Witte

Pearl Award

Kate Allen

Julie AndersonMora

Linda Arneson

Dolores Bartlett

Joanne Becker

Annette Benn

Tammie Bohnker

Patricia Boykin

Kati Brocker

Nancy Buell

Lindy Buffett

Justina Burks

Charyle Calvert

Stephanie Carriere

Ana Colombo

Chelle Daly

Carissa Decicco

Julie Donick

This

Joanne Duncan

Kristen Duncan

June Durham Marie Edwards Yolanda EdwardsGuerra Tonya Emling Yolanda Evans Jennifer Farner

Jennifer Fischer

Tabb Forster

Briana Germundson

Mara Gerst

Melanie Gibson

Cynthia Gonzales

Kate Gookin

Angela Gray

Diane Gruener

Jennifer Gunty

Sarah Hall

Natalie HallWaters Marsha Harmon Joanne Hartley Shirley Hawkins

Rebbekka Hirsch

Jessica Horn

David Inserra

Deb Jeskawitz

Laura Keith Andrea Keller

Anglea Kelley Jeryse Kelly

Cathy Kerr

Jessica Kjellstrom

Lee Kline

Angela Konecki

Kathryn La Touf

Laura Laizure

Monique Lange

Nancy LaValley

Susan Law Shelly Lear Bobbie Legg Erin Long Oona Mada

Regina Matos

Julia McKeeOstos Brenda McNamar

Debbie McNelly

Pamela Meade

Karen Meinerz

Stephanie Melvin Jana Miranda

Jannis Mossman

Mary Musegades Sally Nelsen

Katherine Nelson

Joan Norris

Rebecca Oakes Oakes

Maria Ort Bobbi Page Celia Page

Sandra Patchett Mary Peralta Leslie PerezWhitehead Melissa Perguson Lisbeth Philliber

Donna Pocano Amber Pryor Justin Pryor Gabriele Reil Bobbi Jo Reischmann

Sherry Reyes Manuel Rojolemus

25 YEARS Brenda Wardon

40 YEARS Joanie Allen

Numeral Guard

Indicates the total number of years of being a registered member of Girl Scouts, including girl and adult years.

40 YEARS

Andrea Borg Shelly Lear Ruth Anne Myers Cynthia Staley

45 YEARS

Linda Arneson Diana LaulainenSchein

50 YEARS

Joanie Allen Gail Basham Frances Grumbling Ann McCage

55 YEARS Jennifer Burns Rita Collom Margaret Danielson Wayne Douglas Kristine Ehlis Julie Gregory Clare McCauley Charity Shluman

Susan Russell

Trent Sanders

Priscilla Sanders

Samantha Smith

Gail Smith

Jaime Snethen

Holly Snopko

Brandi Spellman

Sandy Stratton

Alena Stuhmer

Polly Thomas

Kim Thursby

JoDee Turner

Becky Weinberg

Linda Weiss

Sigrid Wilcox

60 YEARS Barbara Gustafson Joy Holdread Scholly Ketcher Sally Nelsen Ellen Poole

65 YEARS Barbara Holdred Andrea Keller Marilyn Mulholland Barbara Olsen Christine Whitney Sanchez Doris Sawner

70 YEARS

Dawn Corley Lisbeth Philliber Harriet Redwine

75 YEARS

Phyllis Lindhurst Virginia Ross

highest honor in Girl Scouts for adult members. It honors a Girl Scout Volunteer who continually provides outstanding support and whose ongoing commitment has had an exceptional impact on the council and Girl Scout Movement.

Kathryn La Touf

David Inserra Deb McNelly

Appreciation Pin Given to volunteers who have delivered outstanding service for their position in at least one Service Unit and continue to go above and beyond to contribute to the Council’s goals and objectives.

Dedra Wadsworth

JoAnn

Duncan Marsha Harmon Michelle Planek Michelle Do Linda Spencer

Brorlynn Day Krystal Ray Laura Mitchell Brianna Iannone Karri Rice Paula Gualtiere

is presented to Girl Scout Volunteers whose actions directly support Council’s wide range of efforts to serve girls and adults across our jurisdiction. Recipients are nominated by Council Staff members.

Fall Product Program

Every time fall rolls around, grocery stores fill their aisles with pumpkin spice flavored everything, but for Girl Scouts, October means one thing: Fall Product!

From October to November, girls put their business skills into action as they raised funds in their community by selling magazines, chocolates, nuts, and other goodies. Girls completed sales as a way to contribute to their fundraising goals that will feed into projects and opportunities that will ultimately create positive change for all.

For the 2022 Fall Product Program, 2,470 girls participated in the program, and collectively raised $900,000

Every Package of Cookies Leads to Something Bigger

Apackage of Girl Scout Cookies holds more than just deliciousness; it represents possibility. With each package sold, a girl gains essential skills that she will carry into adulthood.

Chatting with customers at a cookie booth evolves into confidently speaking in front of a board room, managing cookie inventory turns into tracking product units for her business, etc. Not only does the Girl Scout Cookie Program prepare girls for the future, it gives them the tools to create change in the present.

Did you know that 100 percent of the funds raised from the cookie program stay local? Girl Scouts set monetary goals at the beginning of each season –goals based on the funds needed to take a well-deserved trip as a troop/family, attend Girl Scouts Summer Camp, complete a High Award service project, or simply contribute to bettering their communities. Troops and IGMs receive a portion of their total sales to add to their goals!

A percentage of funds is also designated to support the year-round programs that make Girl Scouts the ultimate girl leadership experience and to cover all the incredible work and processes that need to take place to ensure the cookie program happens - packaging, shipping, warehouse fees, training materials, rewards/incentives, and more. All the money will benefit the girls in one way or another because this program and organization with them as the priority.

2023 Cookie Program Key Dates:

Jan.

Jan.

Jan.

Jan.

Jan.

Jan.

Feb.

Feb.

Mar.

Mar.

Creating Change Matters — Share Those Moments

We love seeing how Girl Scouts in our council use their cookie funds to create lasting positive change in their communities. Does your troop or Girl Scout have big plans or a project that will be supported by the sales made in the upcoming cookie season? We want to hear about it! Share your photos, videos, and stories with us at girlscoutsaz.org/stories. Your experiences could inspire more girls to participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program next year!

Venture into E-Commerce with

Digital Cookie Tip!

Create and upload videos to your Digital Cookie site to share your cookie pitch with your customers and practice your digital marketing skills!

With each passing year, we want to ensure that girls are gaining the experiences and leadership skills that are reflective of the current business market.

Now more than ever, e-commerce businesses have stepped into center stage. Digital Cookie is an online platform that gives Girl Scouts an introduction to e-commerce practices. Girls can personalize their sites, craft creative marketing campaigns, learn how to manage inventory digitally, and take online payments. All of this is in addition to the entrepreneurial skills that girls typically gain with traditional cookie sales.

This year, our newest addition to the cookie line-up, Raspberry Rally, will

be available exclusively on Digital Cookie during Cyber Cookie Week on Feb. 27-Mar. 5!

Why make this cookie only available online? We hope that the demand for this scrumptious new treat will drive a high volume of customers to the Digital Cookie App where our Girl Scouts can actively attend to them and make a significant number of sales by utilizing the platform. Girls can also take orders in-person through the app in real time.

Sell on the go with the Digital Cookie Mobile App!

Download is FREE.

With your parent/guardian’s permission, share your videos on your private social media accounts to further spread the news of your ongoing cookie sales.

Around the Bend

Give Back with Cookies for the Community

As cookie enthusiasts, it can be surprising when a potential customer shares that they don’t eat cookies. We are just as shocked as you! When a situation like this arises, customers can donate their purchased package of cookies, through The Cookies for the Community Program: an opportunity for troops and IGM families to donate packages of purchased cookies to local organizations.

Girls can choose between two options: troop or council donations. The Council Cookies for the Community option designates cookies for distribution to our partner organizations – St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, St. Vincent de Paul, and USO Arizona. The Troop Cookies for the Community option allows troops to collect cookie donations and donate them to a local organization of their choice. We suggest that troops specify a donation goal and choose an organization before the start of the cookie program better to communicate the impact of their purchase to customers. To learn more about Cookies for the Community, visit girlscoutsaz.org/cookies.

Annual Meeting

April 22, 2023!

Over the last few years, we shifted our council’s Annual Meeting to a virtual experience to ensure the safety of our members during the global pandemic. We discovered it allowed more members across our jurisdiction to participate without enduring hardships.

We’ve missed gathering in person with our Girl Scout Family, therefore, the 2023 Annual Meeting will be hosted as an inclusive, hybrid event. Whether you can join us in-person or virtually, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.

Open to all, we look forward to sharing our democratic process with our members and celebrating the accomplishments of the 20212022 membership year. Registration details are available at girlscoutsaz.org/annual-meeting

The creative spark that ignites during each cookie season is incredible – booths are blinged out, Walkabouts are made with colorful cookie wagons, and unique cookie marketing content is being shared with family and friends. This season, share your cookie ingenuity by entering the 2023 Cookie Spirit Contest for a chance to win $75 in program credit and a Girl Scout goodie bag!

To enter, submit one of the following:

• GSACPC Walkabout Photos

A walkabout is what we call going door-to-door selling cookies! When you’re venturing out into your neighborhood, make sure to snap a few photos to submit for the contest.

• General Cookie Spirit Video

Unleash your inner film director and submit a 30 second video that captures your vibrant cookie spirit! (30 sec max)

• Cookie Flair Photos

Get creative and level up your wagon, or lemonade-style cookie booth!

Four winners will be announced each Saturday from Jan. 16 – Feb. 26 on Council’s social media platforms, totaling 24 winners!

Visit girlscoutsaz.org/cookie-contests to learn more.

Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council

Explore the World with GSUSA Destinations

Traveling can provide a fresh perspective on life. Experiencing new cultures and having the courage to jump into an adventure leads to positive personal growth and encourage healthy risk-taking further on in life.

Girl Scout Seniors - Ambassadors can visit different parts of the world through GSUSA’s Destinations Program which offers multiple programs, some tailored to fit a specific area of interest. Girls in our council who attend a GSUSA Destinations program can receive at least 30 percent financial support from our council when applying. Email destinations@girlscoutsaz.org to learn more.

The summer of 2023 is full of incredible experiences for Girl Scouts – here are a few to consider!

The Ultimate Harry Potter Experience

June 9 – 22, 2023

Girl Scouts are invited to join Girl Scouts of Central Texas in their Harry Potter journey! The trip will start with a visit to Universal Studios in Florida where you’ll visit Diagon Ally and Hogsmeade. You’ll then jet across the Atlantic Ocean to tour the original set at Warner Bros. London and explore other Harry Potter locations around the United Kingdom. Finally, you will have the opportunity to ride the Hogwarts Express through Scotland!

Hiking the Swiss Alps | June 24 – July 7, 2023

You can enjoy a week-long visit to Our Chalet, one of the five WAGGS World Centers, where you will hike some of the most popular trails, go rock climbing, learn about Swiss culture, and make new friends from around the world! You will also go sightseeing in other Swiss cities and plan those individual adventures within your group.

Exploring Thailand | July 7 –24, 2023

This trip through Thailand will involve service, sightseeing, and seriously beautiful temples. In Northern Thailand, you’ll work with local communities on projects related to education, the environment, or community development. Next, you’ll visit an elephant sanctuary and observe these gentle giants and help maintain their home. The next stop is Bangkok where you’ll explore its winding canal, historic sites, and local flavors. Finally, you’ll finish the trip with some free time at Cha-am Beach and observe elephants in their natural habitat in Kui Buri National Park.

Jamboree is Back!

After a four-year hiatus, Jamboree is coming back this spring! A Girl Scout tradition, Juniors - Ambassadors from all areas of our council are invited for an extended weekend of outdoor skill learning and fun!

This year, Jamboree with be hosted at our Shadow Rim Ranch property in Payson, AZ on April 28-30. Troops and teams will practice their technique in outdoor skills challenges, camp in either cabins or tents, and embrace nature to the fullest. Please note that Jamboree will take place biennially moving forward.

Interested in participating? Visit the Activities Calendar at girlscoutsaz.org to get started. Space is limited, and meals will be provided to all attendees.

On your mark, get set, GO!

The Bring Home the Cookies 5k is returning on Feb. 25 at Westgate Entertainment District! In partnership with State Forty Eight Foundation and State Forty Eight, we will be supporting Arizona’s entrepreneurs for a sweeter future. Open to the community, all are welcome to join the fun of the race, do some shopping at the Runners’ Village featuring local businesses and entrepreneurs, and stock up on delicious Girl Scout Cookies!

Registered 5K runners will receive a limited-edition State Forty Eight shirt, a medal, a timed race, and a package of Girl Scout Cookies.

Register at girlscoutsaz.org/5k.

Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council

CEO Cookie Fast Pitch

Join us on Jan. 21 at State Forty Eight Headquarters in Chandler.

Our fourth annual CEO Cookie Fast Pitch is coming up! This event provides an opportunity for girls to fine-tune their cookie pitch and develop the confidence to go rock their cookie sales goals. Executives provide constructive feedback, share their own sales experiences and expertise, and, of course, support girls by purchasing cookies! If you are an executive or CEO and want to join us for this lively morning and help champion our cookie entrepreneurs this year, contact Alycia Elfstrom at aelfstrom@girlscoutsaz.org

Girl Scouts interested in the Cookie Fast Pitch can register by visiting our Activities Calendar at girlscoutsaz.org.

Girl Scout Cookie Night with the Phoenix Suns

Girl Scout Cookies are a slam dunk and who knows that better than the Phoenix Suns?

Girl Scout families, friends, and supporters are invited to cheer on the Phoenix Suns as they take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Jan. 22 at the Footprint Center! Girl Scouts will be hosting cookie booths outside of the arena as they work to reach their cookie goals. Join the fun and stock up on your favorite Girl Scout Cookie flavors! To purchase tickets visit: girlscoutsaz.org

2023 Girl Scout Convention

Get ready! The 2023 Girl Scout Convention will take place July 18–22 at Walt Disney World® Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. From our newest Girl Scouts to generational members currently serving as volunteers to our loyal alums, this convention celebrates the power, strength, and creativity of all girls. We anticipate this to be our largest nationwide gathering to date, with 10,000 or more attendees. The convention consists of two events over the course of nearly a week:

56th National Council Session (national business meeting) Phenom by Girl Scouts – consists of exciting experiences in the Expo Hall and other fun and enriching programming from July 20–22. Meet special guests, attend the National Bridging ceremony and Gold Award celebration, take part in amazing activities and demos in the Expo Hall, and much more.

Learn more and register at girlscouts.org/convention

Champions for Girls

The Return of

More than 400 Girl Scout supporters gathered at Parsons Leadership Center on Nov. 5 for the return of Badge Bash!

After a two-year hiatus, it was amazing to see so many community members fill our camp and raise vital funds to support programming for girls.

Badge Bash guests, whether on their own or with a “troop” of friends, had fun exploring camp, trying Girl Scout-inspired activities, and enjoying dinner under a starlit sky.

The return of the event was made extra special by a moving tribute to Tamara Woodbury for her 30 years of service to GSACPC. During her remarks, Tamara shared, “it has been the honor of my life to serve the state and this movement”.

The evening was capped off with a lively after party that included dueling DJs, dessert, and the presentation of The Most Spirited Troop Award to our amazing council volunteers.

We are deeply grateful for all the volunteers, sponsors, and attendees who helped us bring back Badge Bash in 2022. We’re already looking forward to next year!

Memorials

Reflects gifts made June 1 – Sept. 30, 2022.

In Memory of

June 1 – Sept. 30, 2022:

There were 33 different Silver Award Take Action project reports submitted for the following 75 Silver Award Recipients.

Tributes

Reflects gifts made June 1 – Sept. 30, 2022.

Sandra Lynn Lay Helios Education Foundation

Melanie Pieron

Patricia Burg

Tamara J. Woodbury Kathleen Duffy Ybarra Nora Hannah Michelle Just Margaret Mullen

Troop 212 Samantha Swan Peyton Van Hemert Troop 487 Madison Stock Troop 511 Audrey Power Savanna Scott Emma Whitmore Troop 655 Jada Kennedy Troop 674 Hayden McCauley Kylie McEwen Leanna McKnight Allison Wright Troop 757 Karlie Gracia Dani Thomas Olivia Uram

Troop 932 Tatum Bethke Valerie Huizar

The highest award a Girl Scout Cadette (grades 6-8) can earn, the Silver Award helps girls become organized, determined, and dedicated to improving the community. After completing a Cadette Journey, girls find a way to create positive change. In a small team, they plan to “Take Action” on the root cause of the problem they discovered and researched. They put their plan into motion, demonstrate an understanding of sustainable change, connect with others outside their immediate neighborhood, learn how others have solved similar problems, determine how others can help, and share what they learned.

Troop 1126 Isabella Espinoza Aubry Golamb Troop 1248 Lily Hindes Troop 1304 Athena Conway Troop 1377 Kaylan Cave Abigail Hurst Karynn Johnson Kylie Smith Troop 1468 Savannah Luckie Delaney Silveri Troop 1593 Emily Kodicek

Troop 1948 Charlotte Anderson Madison Godinez Lorna Maynard Baylee Pennington Lillian Rice Kiera Tallant

Troop 2019

Gabriella Demgen Harper Honeycutt Kylie Lark Leia Southworth Troop 2137 Jula Keturatana Mackenzie McEldowney Troop 2374 Kaylee Fowler Troop 2650 Sophia Tew Troop 2654 Eva Mast

Troop 2732 Sydney Anderson Cordelia Boyd Meagan Cummings Nicole Richardson

Troop 3006 Hailea Austin Brooke DiCamillo Ayla Edwards Cameron Weber

Troop 3384 Karina Kapadia Troop 4290 Kieran Sellers Shannon Sellers Troop 4482 Marisella Urcuyo-Acevedo Troop 6464 Leah Lopez Elle St. Peter Independent Girl Members Katelyn Bons Sophie Becker Ella Brewer

AlisonWings

In Honor of

Kathryn Cromley

Paul Cromley

JP Morgan Chase Foundation, Cromley Wrage

Tomás Guerra Julia & Samuel Leung Mary Sue Telley American Express Foundation Paulette Brown

June 1 – Sept. 30, 2022:

There

Troop 511 Samantha Whitmore

Troop 558 Shante Summers

Troop 1044 Savannah Schroff

Troop 1264 Sophia McKeon Jade Marinzulich

Troop 2104

Sanaa Chenel

Troop 2595

Isla Smith

Cora Richardson Ada Loresto

Grace Franklin Clementine Anderson Maddie Wesseler

Emilie Buckner

Lilley Hamel Brixley Killebrew

Troop 3047

Natalie Dominguez

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is a leadership adventure, and the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior (grades 4-5) can achieve. After completing a Journey program, girls work together to find and research a problem in their community. They plan and complete a “Take Action Project” to address the root cause of the problem, learn how others have solved similar issues, develop more confidence, meet new people, and discover the rewards of working cooperatively to make a difference in their community.

Troop 3282 Kyara Flores Itzayana Flores Maria Tabbilos

Troop 3297 Chloe Dunlap Abigail Deutschman

Troop 3369 Savannah Scott Meira Hart

Troop 3615 Chloe Davis Garianna Benson Lucia Stramiello Isabelle Davis Avery Kaiser Hayley Simon Hayden Hreha

Troop 3721

Ainslie King Crystal Allen Troop 3725 Sofia Ponce Kaylyn Owen-Jones Reese Hammer

Emily Slaten Riley Lawrence

Amelia Hilton Julia Nodsle Maddison Simon Anniston Miller Rose Masiello

Elizabeth Packer Maya Blueford Hope Bellefeuille

Troop 3801 Mallory Davidson Vanna Flett Brynlee Rodgers Troop 3893 Laila Bergman Chloe Ward Adyson Hebert Isabella Huels Virginia Anderson Troop 3958

Julia Shaw Giada Pumo Kennedy McClintock Eleanor Sapp

Troop 4320

Kaia Romanelli Molly Prince Jenna Micek Anneliese Haberlin

Troop 4615 Magnolia Hall Vanessa Byassee Madison Konkel Charlotte Falk

Troop 4659 Mara Darcus Leah Williams Georgina Haddad Isabella Toebben Lucia Fleming Kayla Norbury Emily Forbes Jessica MacPhee Mary Mullenmeister Laura Bird Olivia Johansen

Troop 4674 Aiyana Argulski

Religious Recognitions

Reflects awards received in the 2021-22 member year

My Promise, My Faith

Miriam Allen

Anastasia Allen

Lovely Buckley

Jamiah Colman

Elin Hansen

Kaia Hansen

Amani Jones

Natalie Kaleta Kelly Wood

God and Church Komrey Bucich

Thea in Me Miriam Allen

God is Love Laura Skodinski

Family of God Laura Skodinski

were 37 different Bronze Award Take Action project reports submitted for the following 139 Bronze Award Recipients.

Troop 4675 Emma Yuhas Elsa Rigsby Brooklyn Liberatore Teagan Anderson Troop4864 Mila Martinez Mila Brnilovich Myla Bingham Alania Posillico Alegra Posillico Taylor Pool Kaylee Sands Aubrey Gudgeon Troop 4894

Mya Wells Cora Smith Abbey Valdez Madeline Jones Gracie Bell

Zoe Mullins Antonella Magallanes Debra Warner Naia Huggins Alanna Hart Jullian Hallquist Troop 6167 Priscilla Kalec Troop 6234 Kaya Crockett Sydney Phillips Ella Wade Troop 6404 Kayli Puccetti Troop 6455 Shannon Robelet Hannah Fraser Marilyn O’Connell Maya O’Connell Tegan Burger

Troop 7073 Izadora Palma Kendra Arreaza Troop 7133 Heather Kunberger Shirah Avalos Moxie Marquis Eva Osgood Green Troop7286 Savannah Bledden Troop 7287 Ellianna Davis Alexandria Salgado Shelby Tanner Allison Flores Troop 7387 Ellie Peacock Troop 7443 Ailey Mejia Abby Bonn

Troop 7478 Beretta Hale Zoey Davison Nevaeh Castro Janaye Carter Amy Wilson

Independent Girl Members

Eleanor Cronin

Troop Collaborations

Gabrielle Padia Aryana Reavis Anabella Tallant Milliah Pennington Emalia Geiser Maleah Morales Chloe Tagle Giselle Armenta

119 E Coronado Road Phoenix, AZ 85004 602.452.7000 / 800.352.6133 girlscoutsaz.org @GSACPC

¿Prefiere esta información en español? ¡Contáctenos! preguntas@girlscoutsaz.org o 602-452-7011

Council Shop

The Council Shop is currently open for in-store visits and is offering curbside pick-up! This is your resource for all things Girl Scout-related – find program supplies, branded merchandise, uniform kits, and more!

GSACPC follows the CDC’s guidance on face coverings/masks based on our COVID-19 Community Level. Please check the online tracker to determine if masks will be required during your visit.

Business Hours:

Mon, Wed, Fri – 9am-5pm 2nd and 4th Sat – 9am-1pm girlscoutshop.com never closes!

Your Council Shop is located at:

Parsons Leadership Center 1611 E. Dobbins Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85042 602.452.7137 | shop@girlscoutsaz.org

Movie Night Giveaway

Enjoy a magical night of entertainment with your troop or family! One lucky winner will receive movie themed decorations and a mini popcorn machine. To enter, submit a photo and blurb of your most recent Girl Scout adventure at girlscoutsaz.org/stories by Jan. 27, 2023. Good luck, Girl Scouts!

Key Dates

Make sure to mark your calendars with these exciting events!

1/6 Preorders on Digital Cookie begin 1/6-13 Cookie Delivery (Extended) 1/14-15 Cookie Delivery (Metro Phx)

1/16-3/5 2023 Girl Scout Cookie Program

1/16 Martin Luther King Jr. Day

1/21 CEO Cookie Fast Pitch

1/21 Bring Home the Cookies 5K Block Party

1/22 Girl Scout Cookie Night with the Phoenix Suns

2/1 – 28 Black History Month

2/25 Bring Home the Cookies 5K 3/3-5 National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend

3/12 Girl Scouts’ Birthday

3/15 Summer Camp Registration Opens

4/22 Annual Meeting 4/28-30 Jamboree