Listening Post Fall 2012

what’s

inside?

Save the Date

2

From Your CEO & Board President

3

Troop Notes

4

Upcoming Events

6

Special Pullout Section

9

100th Anniversary Highlights

13

Volunteer Recognition Luncheon

15

Girl Scout Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards

17

fall 2012 It's back to school time!

Well, Girl Scouts, the summer sure was awesome: full of sun, swimming, and, of course, high temperatures! And although you may have taken a break from school, Girl Scouting has been in full swing all summer long. Girl Scouts participated in Rock the Mall in Washington D.C., cookie donations, service projects, summer camp, travel opportunities and more!

As summertime comes to a close, and the school year gets under way, you probably have mixed emotions, but are excited to see all of your friends. You will have a lot to share with them about your summer of fun in Girl Scouting, and a lot to look forward to as another Girl Scout year begins!

So, get excited, get involved, and bring your friends along with you! If you know a girl who is not in Girl Scouting, invite her to join the fun. Tell her about all the great times she will have and the new friends she will make in Girl Scouts.

You can also tear out the center pages (starting on page 9) in this issue of the Listening Post, and give it her so she (along with her family) can learn more!

Building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.

Research alert! Generation STEM Swing for the Scouts October 19, 2012 Raven Golf Club Love to golf or know someone who does? Then join us in the beautiful fall weather and make a difference in girls’ lives by participating in the Swing for the Scouts golf tournament. All proceeds from this fundraising event will help transform our existing Camp Sombrero into a Leadership Center for Girls and Women. Registration deadline is October 10. You can register on our website at www.girlscoutsaz. org or contact Leslie Friedman at 602.452.7003 for more information.

Women and Young Women of Distinction December 1, 2012 Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa Please mark your calendar and don’t miss the opportunity to help the Girl Scouts celebrate 100 years of Girl Scouting. We continue to honor past and present Girl Scouts who have played an important role in making Arizona, and the world, a better place. Contact Leslie Friedman at 602.452.7003 for more information.

Pearl Awards – Celebrating 100 Years of Volunteering December 8, 2012 Sheraton Phoenix Downtown The Pearl Award is presented to Girl Scout volunteers whose actions directly support the council’s wide range of response team efforts to deliver service to girls and adults across our jurisdiction. Contact Mary Mitchell at 602.452.7015 for more information.

For more on our upcoming events, see page 6.

We have heard for many years now the reasons why girls enter STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields at lower rates than boys: girls do not always know that STEM careers are options for them, they often do not get the same type of encouragement to enter these fields early in life, and they often cannot see it as an avenue to success in the world. Cultural and gender biases also remain strong deterrents.

But despite the barriers, when you ask teenage girls if they are interested in STEM, 75% say yes.

This finding is one of many breakthroughs from recent research conducted by the Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI). The report, titled “Generation STEM,” analyzes girls’ interest in STEM-related fields, and how to keep girls excited and motivated to pursue STEM careers.

To download this report, visit www.girlscoutsaz.org/publications.

“It’s in the Bag” Wrap up!

Girl Scouts, way to go! You prevented 6,232,584 plastic bags from entering Arizona’s landfills through your participation in the “It’s in the Bag” project!

More than 7,000 Girl Scouts participated in this effort, and hundreds of girls came to celebrate their accomplishments on April 21st for the “It’s in the Bag” Capstone Event at the Phoenix Zoo. At the celebration, Girl Scouts were able to get to know their sister Scouts, swap stories, eat lunch, and join in the Earth Day activities held at the Zoo. The highlight of the day: Pop band "Savvy" performed for the Girl Scouts! Such fun!

To all who participated in the project, thank you for your dedication to making the world a greener place for all!

Even though the project has concluded, reducing the amount of plastic waste in our environment is an ongoing challenge. So keep up the momentum you started over the past several months! Continue to collect and properly recycle plastic bags at local grocery stores, use reusable bags as much as possible, or ask for paper instead of plastic!

Our earth will thank you for it!

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from your

ceo & board chair Dear Sisters in Girl Scouting, At our council’s annual meeting in April, we asked girls to tell us what they thought about a variety of topics. Their remarks were candid and wise— just as we expect from girls who grow up in Girl Scouting. Here are a few highlights: On self-esteem, body image and sexuality, girls are troubled by the images of girls and women portrayed in the media. They understand and resent unrealistic and unhealthy images of perfection and sexual allure. They recognize that obesity is a problem and that fitness is important.

Girls know that in order to be respected, they must first respect themselves—and this means self-care that is balanced and authentic to whom they are on the inside, as well as the outside.

Bullying is an issue of concern. Girls must stand up for themselves and model assertive behavior for others, they say. “Mean girls” are not okay.

Bullying can take many forms, from cyber to verbal and physical. The messages carried in media and in particular, rap music, encourage abusive behavior. Finally, girls say that they need to support each other.

Girls had a lot to say about media. They particularly dislike images and television shows that they see as degrading to women like Teen Mom, Jersey Shore, Toddlers and Tiaras, 16 & Pregnant, and Wife Swap.

They are also concerned that overuse of virtual communication may jeopardize girls’ interpersonal skills.

Girls want their parents to be interested and active in their lives. They recognize that families are varied and want the definition of a “normal family” to be more inclusive. Among their role

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models they want scholars and people who can teach them etiquette.

On physical safety, girls are concerned about domestic violence, human trafficking and drugs. They are also concerned about limits on their options and want safe ways in which to participate in challenging activities such as mountain climbing.

Finally, girls want time to grow up. They do not want to be rushed into adulthood, whether that involves appearance or behavior. As can be expected, the girls at our annual meeting, being Girl Scouts, told us that Girl Scouting is a great way to maximize their years as a girl and a young woman. They like the mixture of learning and fun. They strongly prefer to “do” an activity, rather than to read or be told about it. They want to model and encourage younger Girl Scouts to stay with the program because in their opinion, it only gets better as they become Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts.

We are grateful to our wonderful girls, and the adults who joined them, for sharing their valuable thoughts. We have shared this information, in its entirety, with our Board of Directors and council staff. It will be one of the critical inputs to future program strategy and planning.

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Tamara Woodbury, CEO

Margaret Serrano-Foster, Board Chair

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Fun at Rock the Mall in Washington D.C.!

Holly Snopko, Leader of Troop 1265 took some amazing photos on the troop trip to Rock the Mall in Washington D.C.! The Girl Scouts spent five days learning everything they could about D.C. – from the White House, to many museums, to Rock the Mall, to the monuments, and Arlington cemetery. Holly reports, "It truly was a trip of a lifetime!"

Check out girlscoutsaz.org/news for more!

Thanks for the pictures, Holly!

Troop 2305 shows off their moves!

Troop 2305, a Cadette/Senior Troop in Gilbert is known for their love of service, their global perspective, and their flare for the dramatic. On October 29, 2011, Troop 2305 sent six of their girls plus five Girl Scout family members to dance with over two hundred other zombie-fied dancers to the Arizona State Fair. “Thrill the World” is a dance event celebrating Michael Jackson’s iconic Thriller video. The girls learned set choreography both in a dance studio and online so that they could perform simultaneously with thousands of people all over the world in an attempt to break a world record.

Each chapter of “Thrill the World” picks its own charity to support with their dance. The Phoenix chapter sold event t-shirts and DVDs of the dance to raise money for the Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

“This was a fun, creative way for my Cadettes working on their Media Journey to make an impact in their community, as well as globally,” said Sara Fujimura, who has been Troop 2305’s leader for the last six years. listening post

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Girl Scouts support soldiers overseas!

Troop 1542 got together to help pack boxes with items to be sent to military troops, as part of “Operation Marshmallow.” Operation Marshmallow has been in existence for three years, and is a way of thanking soldiers by sending them boxes filled with hygiene items, candy and a bag of marshmallows. Anyone interested in donating items, adopting a soldier or helping pack boxes may contact the troop at 623.329.3568.

Back row (l-r): Jenna Dickson, Sarah Newcomb, Meg Lane Front row (l-r): Abby Palubinskas, Alyssa Schneider, Sarah Martin

Girl Scouts to the rescue!

Girl Scouts Kaylee, Kaitlyn and Aileen of Troop 630 were holding a cookie booth at the Safeway at Grand and Reems in Surprise one night when they saw a few gentlemen that seemed out of place. What they discovered later is that the men had robbed the Wells Fargo bank inside the store.

When the police arrived, the girls were able to direct the police to the general direction where they ran and give them a description of the men. The girls were a big help to the police, who were later able to find viable evidence on

one of the suspects based on their description, including a trench coat that was worn by one of the men, and left behind the store.

One of the police officers stayed and spoke with the girls, and answered questions about being a police officer. She also let the girls tour her police car. Troop 630 has invited the officer to join them at a Girl Scout meeting in the near future.

After hearing about this story, Channels 3 and 15 interviewed the Troop!

Thank you to the “Sewing Bees!”

Former Girl Scouts who live at Tempe’s Friendship Village retirement community formed the “Sewing Bees” in order to restore vintage uniforms in partnership with the GSACPC Historical Society. The uniforms are cataloged, archived and displayed at the GSACPC museum, and utilized for local fashion shows.

The Sewing Bees and Joyce Maienschein, one of GSACPC’s Historical Society members, were featured in the Tempe, Chandler, and Gilbert issues of the Arizona Republic Newspaper!

Thank you to the sewing bees and our Historical Society volunteers for your years of service and dedication to Girl Scouting! listening post

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From left to right: Phoenix Police Officer with Kaylee, Kaitlyn and Aileen of Troop 630.

upcoming

EVENTS Adventures in Girl Scouting October 13-14 October 20-21 October 27-28 November 3-4

Window Rock Flagstaff Bullhead City Maricopa

Come be a part of a full day of the Adventures in Girl Scouting event and participate in activities and learning opportunities for girls AND adults! Girls will get to engage in a variety of level-appropriate activities straight from the Girl’s Guide and Journey Books, and adults will have the chance to gain important training and information on being a leader and supporting girls in your troop! This is an action packed day you won’t want to miss!

Questions? Rebecca Smith at rsmith@girlscoutsaz.org

Together We Can September 21-23, 2012 Willow Springs Program Center TOGETHER WE CAN make the world a better place. Join us for the Together We Can Conference, a Global Action adventure for adult volunteers and their daughters at Willow Springs in Prescott. Learn activities to help girls understand,

in a fun yet educational way, about serious global issues affecting girls, young women, and their communities.

Questions? Rebecca Smith at rsmith@girlscoutsaz.org

Weekend with Juliette October 5 - 7, 2012 Shadow Rim Ranch Take a break and enjoy a weekend at beautiful Shadow Rim Ranch in Payson. Weekend with Juliette is an adult volunteer learning retreat.

Several tracks will be available to expand your leadership toolkit.

Learn basic troop leadership skills and complete Troop Camp Certification Level 2.

Questions? Rebecca Smith at rsmith@girlscoutsaz.org

Calling all Alumnae!

October 21, 2012 Heard Museum Celebrate our 100th Anniversary with Girl Scout friends! Remember your first s’more, campfire, cookie sale, or Girl Scout sing-a-long?

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This event will give all alumnae an opportunity to share these wonderful memories, renew past friendships and reconnect with alumnae from other councils and countries! The cost for the event is $30 which includes day admission to the Heard museum (and group tours if requested) and a light buffet.

Questions? Nancy at 602.452.7093.

A Girl’s World is Different February 15, 2013 Desert Willow Conference Center A Girl’s World is Different (AGWID) is the premier one-day conference addressing the most important issues affecting the lives of Arizona’s girls. This year’s multi-track conference will focus on education, and how success in school, coupled with awareness of issues, can keep more girls on a positive path to jobs, health, safety and success.

Whether you’re a parent, troop leader, professional in the field or an advocate please join us for this important community discussion.

Questions? Leslie at 602.452.7003 or lesliefriedman@girlscoutsaz.org

Family Giving Campaign The Family Giving Campaign invites Girl Scout families to support the cost of providing a full Girl Scout Leadership program to every member of the Girl Scouts–Arizona CactusPine Council. Funds that are given to the campaign support: »» Training and enrichment for volunteers, including troop leaders. »» Maintenance and operations of all our camps, service centers and our Girl Scouts shop. »» Programs and initiatives such as financial literacy, and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). »» Financial aid including registration and camp fees.

Levels of investment: 1. $25 can provide registration fees, a Girl Scout sash and Journey book for a new Brownie so she can join her neighborhood troop.

2. $50 can provide a starter kit and one Journey book for a Cadette so she can continue her Girl Scout Leadership experience.

3. $100 can provide leadership training, resources and support for three new troop leaders.

4. $250 can provide a three-day leadership training for older girls.

5. $500 can provide an overnight neighborhood encampment for 125 girls at one of our camps.

As a family, you see the benefits of Girl Scouting first hand. Consider what Girl Scouting means to your family and invest in a girl today! For further information contact Nancy Knoche at 602.452.7093 or nknoche@girlscoutsaz.org

Girl Scout Women Now Earning the ‘Future’ Badge

By Mary L. Holden, Copy Editor, Raising Arizona Kids

This past spring, GSACPC Board Chair Margaret Serrano-Foster hosted a meeting of several former Scouts and called it the first ever “Getting to Know Us Luncheon.”

The meeting was held to introduce a future vision for Scouts who are in or will become members of this council. The vision builds on what already exists here at GSACPC: 11,000 adult volunteers, 25,000 girl members, and five camps located throughout Arizona. In the spotlight for this Board’s vision for the future is Camp Sombrero, at the base of South Mountain in Phoenix.

Money will be raised to transform Camp Sombrero into the Leadership Center for Girls and Women. The camp will be an environmentally friendly place for Girls and Women to call their own. Financial support will also be raised to strengthen the five “focus areas” in Girl Scouts: science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), financial listening post

literacy, healthy living, environmental and global leadership.

The “Campaign for Girls and Women in Arizona,” now in the planning stages, will kick off with the Women and Young Women of Distinction Event on December 1, 2012 at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa. For former Scouts, memory is the sash that contains life experience badges. Unlike the embroidered ones that were sewn onto our cloth sashes, all of our life experience badges can only be seen through our personalities, our hands, our work, our play and our hearts.

It’s time once again to earn a badge, but this time it will be called “The Future of Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine.”

To learn more about the Campaign for Girls and Women in Arizona, contact Marla Bassler at mbassler@girlscoutsaz.org or 602.452.7075

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Girl Scout Diana Greymountain attended Presidential Medal of Freedom Ceremony On April 26, President Barack Obama announced he would bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of the Girl Scouts organization, posthumously. The current CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), Anna Maria Chávez, invited five Girl Scouts from across the country to join her at the ceremony on May 29.

Diana Greymountain, 16, of Page, Arizona was one of these five Girl Scouts. She has been a Girl Scout for 11 years and is currently working on her Gold Award Project to improve a poorly marked hiking trail in her neighborhood.

After learning about Diana and her project, the GSUSA Advocacy office called and invited her and a chaperone to fly to Washington D.C. for the Presidential Medal of Freedom Ceremony at the White House—all expenses paid.

“We are so proud that Diana was chosen to represent our founder, Juliette Gordon Low, at the White House,” said Tamara Woodbury, CEO of GSACPC. At the ceremony on May 29, Diana witnessed the Award ceremony alongside GSUSA CEO Anna Maria Chávez, and was able to meet President Obama face-to-face as well.

"It's very exciting," said Diana Greymountain. "It's a whole new experience. I've always dreamed of going to Washington and, most of all, meeting the president."

Girl Scouts, invite your friends to join the fun!

Don’t you just love Girl Scouting? Don’t you wish all your friends were Girl Scouts? Why don’t you invite them?

Tear out the next couple pages and give them to a friend.

They can learn about Girl Scouts, discuss it with their family, and hopefully join the excitement as the new Girl Scout year begins!

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it’s great being a girl –

it’s way better being a

girl scout!

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

it’s way better being a

girl scout!

From community service projects to summer camp, travel opportunities to career exploration, Girl Scouts participate in enriching activities that give them the tools and opportunities to become exactly who they want to be.

Through experiences that build confidence, creativity and important life skills, today’s Girl Scouts develop real world leadership abilities. In Girl Scouts, girls:

Discover themselves and the world around them Connect with others through caring relationships and critical team-building skills

Take Action to make the world a better place by becoming advocates for themselves and their communities

girl scouting is...

FUN – There is a reason why the Girl Scouts organization has

become stronger over the past 100 years—because it's enjoyable!

There are currently 2.3 million members nationwide and more than 25,000 here at GSACPC. Becoming a Girl Scout means joining a sisterhood of girls who make a mark on the world, all while building lifelong friendships and memories.

Making a difference – Girl Scouting isn’t just fun, it makes

a difference in the lives of girls and the community. The benefits of Girl Scouting are clear. Compared to non-Girl Scouts, research shows that Girl Scouts of all ages: »» achieve higher grades and have higher educational attainment »» have twice as many leadership opportunities »» are less likely to use drugs and alcohol »» have stronger relationships with their peers »» grow up to have a more positive sense of self, and are more engaged in their community

becoming a girl scout

Girl Scout membership is open to girls between the ages of 5 and 17.

Girl Scouts are divided into age levels, with program opportunities to meet the needs of each age group – see back page for details.

leadership begins in girlhood.

In Girl Scouts, girls learn to dream big and feel confident in who they are and what they are capable of. Girl Scouts has developed exciting, engaging programs in five focus areas that will strengthen girls’ success: STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), healthy living, environmental leadership, financial literacy and global citizenship. Here are some examples of how Girl Scouts get involved in these focus areas at Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Across the country and here in Arizona, Girl Scouts is changing the way girls look at, talk about, and participate in STEM. At Girl Scouts, STEM isn't just an option for girls; it is an opportunity they're excited about. From camp programs to badge work and activities in their local community,girls are learning hands-on skills that will translate into leadership and success.

For example, in 2011, Girl Scouts from Troop 995 brought their creative minds to the local FIRST LEGO League (FLL) competitions. They built, tested and programmed an autonomous robot, and invented a device called the “Mix-o-Fridge,” which allows campers to practice food safety during a campout. After a qualifying competition, the “Robo Peeps” advanced to the FLL State-level Competition where they received 1st place for their presentation.

Environmental Leadership

Healthy Living

“Use resources wisely,” a phrase from the Girl Scout Law, represents a principle that has been a key part of the Girl Scout program since it was founded 100 years ago. Today, we maintain this focus, and give girls a variety of ways to improve their environment.

In Girl Scouts, there are always opportunities to stay active, have fun and learn how to be healthy physically, mentally and emotionally.

The Green School Movement is a new project allowing a committee of girls to work with girls in Suriname (a country in South America) in order to “green” the schools there and here at home.

Take our Thin Mint Sprint, for example! In April 2012, 600+ Girl Scouts, families and other community members came together to participate in the 100th Anniversary 5K Thin Mint Sprint. Girl Scouts were decked out in Scouts attire, and came out in droves to run in the 5k Thin Mint Sprint, and walk in the 1 Mile Samoa Stroll. Through Girl Scouting, healthy living is also fun!

global citizenship As “Global citizens,” Girl Scouts learn to connect with others, and make a difference in the world around them. Girl Scouts from GSACPC are making an impact through the My Voice, My Future Project. By partnering with the O’Connor House and other Arizona organizations, a committee of Girl Scouts are excited to work in their community to increase bipartisan voter registration and turnout in Arizona.

financial literacy One of the most well-known Girl Scout programs is the Girl Scout Cookie Program. What people may not know is that the cookie program is the largest girl-led business in the world, and strengthens skills in goal setting, decision-making, people skills, business ethics and money management.

Through the cookie program, girls learn how to set and reach goals, and budget the money made for activities, community service projects and trips.

During the 2012 Cookie Program, Troop 688 knew that they wanted to make a donation to the Ronald McDonald House, and upon learning they needed a new washing machine, the girls jumped into action. They worked eight-hour cookie booths, multiple booths in a weekend and even set up in neighbors’ yards. After all was said and done, they sold over 2,200 boxes of cookies, and were able to provide the much needed washing machine to the Ronald McDonald House.

ways to participate

Many girls join a local troop where they build character, gain self-esteem, make close friendships and serve their communities. Others choose to become an independent Girl Scout, also known as a “Juliette.” Juliettes can participate in the same activities as those in troops – like community programs and Girl Scout camp– without being affiliated with a troop. Annual membership is only $12, and financial assistance is available.

Girl Scout Daisy grades k-1

Girl Scout Cadette grades 6-8

Girl Scout Brownie grades 2-3

Girl Scout Senior grades 9-10

Girl Scout Junior grades 4-5

Girl Scout Ambassador grades 11-12

call us today to become a member!

602.452.7000 or 602.452.7011 (Español)

100th Anniversary Highlights What a great honor to celebrate! March 12, 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouting in the United States. Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) has done many things to celebrate this special milestone. Here are some highlights from a few of our 100th anniversary events and programs.

Honorary Troop 1920 Pinning Ceremony at the Arizona State Capitol On the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouting, March 12, 2012, Girl Scouts from across Arizona welcomed Governor Jan Brewer and state Legislators as members of the newly-created Honorary Girl Scout Troop 1920 during a “pinning” ceremony at the State Capitol. Honorary Troop 1920 – named in recognition of the year in which women in the United States gained the right to vote–is an honorary troop with the special mission to continue as a strong voice for girls and women at the state level.

Troop members include our Governor and members of our state legislature. Please note all members of Troop 1920 were not able to be present for this occasion.

Celebrating our Past, Planting for our Future The Centennial tree planting project: Celebrating the Past, Planting for our Future, was a partnership between our council and the Arizona Community Tree Council (ACTC). Through this partnership, 100 trees were donated to local GSACPC Girl Scouts to plant in their communities.

To culminate this project, the ACTC joined with the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture and the Arizona Nursery Association to donate 10 trees to our organization: one tree for every decade of Girl Scouting in the United States. The trees were planted at the Arizona State Capitol.

At an Arbor Day ceremony on April 27, Girl Scouts from Troop 2143 helped plant one additional tree with Secretary of State Ken Bennett. Bennett also read an Arbor Day proclamation written by Governor Jan Brewer.

Centennial Jamboree 2012 This year, at the Girl Scouts Turn Back the Clock: Centennial Jamboree 2012, 1,400 Girl Scouts from across Arizona participated in all the traditional camp activities–archery, hiking, dancing and more–and also enjoyed historic activities in honor of the Girl Scouts 100th anniversary. Held in Mayer, Arizona, the activities were similar to those that would have been enjoyed when Girl Scouts was founded in 1912. Girls learned Morse Code, how to use signal flags, and even played basketball in vintage “bloomers,” all in the name of building skills and having fun!

Council Co-Generational Women’s Circles Girl Scout Troops for Grown Ups

Calling all women interested in Girl Scouting! The Co-Generational Women’s Circles brings women together who share a passion for participating in a community that builds girls (and women) of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

We welcome past and current volunteers and adults who were involved in Girl Scouting or those who are interested in learning more about it.

We are going to get to know each other, talk about our Girl Scout stories and current happenings in Girl Scouts and you will learn about current opportunities that exist to participate in Council activities.

Each circle meeting will include an activity, such as a craft project, interesting speaker or Girl Scout History project.

Here are the details:

Central Phoenix Circle

where: Girl Scouts Administrative Center – 119 E Coronado Road, Phoenix, AZ 85004 when: September 20, October 18 and November 15 from 6:00-8:00 pm contact: Marthajane Vincent – mvincent@azdot.gov • H 480.280.9318 • C 602.828.4483

Phoenix West Circle

where: Litchfield Scout Lodge – 300 N Old Litchfield Road, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340 when: September 13, October 11 and November 8 from 6:30-8:30 pm contact: Mary Price – girlscoutsforever@hotmail.com • C 480.438.4306 Marie Edwards – medwards37@cox.net • H 623.536.1311

East Valley Tempe Circle

We are in the process of selecting a location for possible fall gatherings. The contact at this time is Eunice DeDios – eunicededios@girlscoutsaz.org or 602.452.7017

Soldiers Send Special Thanks Troop 612, a troop of Ahwatukee Girl Scouts received a special thank you from soldiers in Afghanistan! Equipped with pictures and a fun message, these soldiers shared just how thankful they were for the cookies donated through the Gift of Caring program. During the cookie sale, the Gift of Caring program invites the community to purchase Girl Scout cookies as a donation, instead of a personal purchase. listening post

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volunteerRecognition luncheon

Thanks so much to our volunteers! We greatly treasure you!

Individuals who have stood the test of time and have given many years to Girl Scouting are recognized each year for their support and dedication. Each of these volunteers continues to play a significant role in ensuring that girls have the opportunities they need to become successful leaders. Volunteers received their awards at the Council’s Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa on April 28, 2012.

Honor Pin The service performed by the recipient is outstanding, is above and beyond the expectations for the positions held, and is delivered to two or more Neighborhoods within the council’s goals and objectives.

Brenda Wardon

Not pictured: Sherry Reyes, Lori Scheeler

Mike Hoffman

Thanks Badge The service performed by the recipient is truly outstanding, benefits the total Council or the entire Girl Scout organization, and is so significantly above and beyond the call of duty that no other award would be appropriate.

2011-2012 Membership Numeral List Service year recognition given to adults, acknowledging the number of years each has spent as a member of Girl Scouts. This includes membership as a girl and an adult.

40 Year Pin Joanie Allen Ginger Allingham Ann McCage Gabi Reil Jan Saban

45 Year Pin Jenni Burns Charity Shulman 50 Year Pin Mary Ann Martin Sally Nelson Ellen Poole

Appreciation Pin The service performed by the recipient is outstanding, is above and beyond the expectations for the position held, and is delivered to at least one Neighborhood within the Council’s goals and objectives.

Mary Ellen Androsky

Sarah Best

Lianne Bowles

Julie Buelt

Chy Cabral

Dianne Loff

Virginia Payan

Lou Ann Sedgwick

Andrea Keller Doris Sawner 60 Year Pin Buzz Philliber 70 Year Pin Mary Thomas

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Mike Hoffman, Stellar Scout Volunteer!

Mike Hoffman loves Scouting. A Boy Scout as a child, Mike earned an Eagle Scout Award, and continued to serve Boy Scouts for more than fifteen years as an adult.

Currently, Mike serves as the President of the board of directors at the Boy Scouts Grand Canyon Council. However, his dedication isn’t limited to the Boy Scouts.

When Mike’s daughter joined Girl Scouts, he decided to devote his time here as well. Since 2003, Mike has served with the Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) Board of Directors as a Board Member, as well as three terms as Council Treasurer. Mike’s vision, insight and abilities have been essential to GSACPC’s continued growth as the premier leadership organization for girls.

For his years of service, GSACPC honored Mike with the highest award available for volunteers, the Thanks Badge, which is given to those who exhibit exceptional dedication to the Girl Scout movement.

What is remarkable is that Mike Hoffman has already received similar recognitions in Boy Scouting, having earned the Distinguished Service Award in 1986 and the Silver Beaver Award in 1997. For any volunteer to have received any of these awards is impressive; to have received honors from Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts is rare and very special.

Hoffman, who is the President and CEO of Arizona Benefit Plans, Inc., received the Girl Scout honor at the GSACPC Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on April 28th from Frances Hesselbein, the former CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA and current President and CEO of the Frances Hesselbein Leadership Institute.

The CEO of the Boy Scouts of America Grand Canyon Council, Larry Abbott, was also present at the ceremony to recognize Mike’s service in both organizations.

2012 Fall Sale!

The 2012 Fall Sale is right around the corner! Whether you are saving for a big trip or have lots of activities planned throughout the year, the Fall Sale is the perfect opportunity to start earning proceeds to fund these amazing experiences!

What is the Fall Sale?

The Girl Scout Fall Sale is a “friends and family” sale where girls sell candy, nuts and magazines to their friends and family while earning proceeds and recognitions!

Who can participate?

All GSACPC Girl Scouts at any age level are allowed to participate in this sale. Just make sure you are a currently registered GSACPC Girl Scout and if you are in a troop, make sure your troop is registered too!

Why participate?

There are many fantastic reasons to participate: »» Start earning proceeds to fund a trip or a variety of activities throughout the year! »» Practice the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) Five Product Program Skills: Goal Setting, Money Management, Decision Making, People Skills and Business Ethics »» Introduce younger or new girls to a Product Program BEFORE the big Cookie Sale! »» It’s easy and exciting!

When is the Fall Sale?

Girls sell and deliver candy, nuts and magazines from the end of September through the beginning of November. Exact dates will be posted on the GSACPC website and communicated to Service Unit Teams as soon as the information becomes available.

Questions?

productprogram@girlscoutsaz.org

Girl Scout

GOLD

Award

On March 31, 2012, 23 Girl Scouts earned their Gold Award, the highest and single most demanding award a Girl Scout can obtain, at the 2012 Gold and Silver Award Celebration.

To earn the Gold Award, girls use the leadership, determination, creativity and confidence they strengthened in Girl Scouting to identify a community problem and create lasting change. It is common for a girl to contribute over 200 hours of her time to complete her Gold Award project.

To honor their accomplishments (and those of the Silver Awardees), Girl Scouts received a special message from an inspiring woman—Major General Marcia Anderson—the first African American female to be promoted to Major General in the U.S. Army. She encouraged the Girl Scouts to continue to do everything in life with passion, and surmised that future Senators, business owners, and community leaders were among the awardees.

With the accolades of the awardees, this isn’t a stretch: 19 Gold Awardees earned scholarships to attend college.

Out of the 19 scholarship recipients, 12 of them will study in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) related areas.

Congratulations, Gold Awardees! Each of you is an inspiration to all!

Hannah Choulet (Phoenix) Hannah made 13 “Happy Time Boxes” full of materials and instructions for several craft projects as well as crossword puzzles, word-searches, coloring pages and more for children at local hospitals.

Mikayla Dulaney (Chandler) Mikala helped rebuild a camp for girls so more girls have the chance to experience it, and gain the confidence to be tomorrow’s leaders.

Kelsey Churchman (Mesa) In order to improve

teacher and troop leader who had passed away, Cyanna designed an outdoor classroom and planned a memorial dedication event.

children’s literacy in non-English speaking homes, she recorded over 100 books onto IPods for children to take home, so they can read along while their parents listen.

Sarah Coopman (Glendale) Sarah built a “Future

Garden” for the organization Streetlight Phoenix, where victims of sex trafficking could go to reflect, and think about healing. listening post

Cyanna Hicks (Phoenix) To commemorate a former

Roxanna Easley (Tempe) Roxanna made a video

capturing the stories of adoptees for local adoption agencies to utilize in training.

Elisabeth Judd (Phoenix) Elisabeth planned and led several months of Irish dance and culture classes | 17 | spring 2012

for local students, and even helped the children with several performances.

Brianna K. Osman (Chandler) Brianna planted a

Kacey Kerr (Scottsdale) Kacey helped a local

garden in her community and four fruit trees at a community center in Phoenix so those in need can enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables.

Julia King (Prescott) Julia read books to adults at a

Nishta Patel (Chandler) Nishta hosted a paint-a-thon for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and created position manuals for six members of the relay planning committee.

homeless shelter revamp their office space: she painted, installed a bookcase, held a book drive, and reorganized the space.

local nursing home, and then held book drives with her school and Girl Scout troop. She then set up libraries at the Samaritan Society, the Adult Day Center and Friends of the Library.

Krisztina Kreidl (Flagstaff) Krisztina compiled a list

of the most common foods distributed at a local food bank, and organized a recipe drive throughout Flagstaff. She then prepared a cookbook, called “Bean there, Love that” in English and Spanish, and arranged for local businesses to print copies for the food bank.

Jennifer Leja (Prescott) By establishing a pen-pal like

system, Jennifer developed a communications link between high school students in Prescott with those in Prescott’s two Sister Cities (Suchitoto, El Salvador and Caborca in Sonora, Mexico).

Megan Lippincott (Phoenix) Megan helped design, assemble and install a stained glass window at her church in honor of a parishioner who had recently passed away.

Elizabeth Monnig (Glendale) Elizabeth planned, filmed and edited a video called “Courtesy Counts” which describes how children can be kind and respectful to others, and presented it to a local preschool and a local religious education program.

Breona Peralta (Gilbert) Breona worked on the

landscape of her school’s softball field, making it a safer place for students to play.

Xochitl Rascon (Gilbert) Xochitl created a garden at a local school and provided families with a book of tips (in English and Spanish) on living an environmentally friendly lifestyle.

Sarah Sagadin (Glendale) Sarah created booklets

for children to understand what pet is right for them and their family, and provided these to a local animal shelter and veterinarian.

Kaitlyn Stone (Flagstaff) Kaitlyn developed four

websites for local military organizations in Flagstaff to keep the community and military informed of current events, and generate support for the military.

Julie Teplik (Mesa) Julie created a system so a local

women’s resource center can have an ongoing supply of much needed supplies (clothes, household items, etc.).

Surekha Naidoo (Scottsdale) Surekha created a club

called “Youth Ambassador Program” at her High School and developed a website to inform Phoenix residents about the resources at the library in order to generate support.

Mariah Neal (Phoenix) Mariah designed, built and

stocked a closet of clothes for children at St. Joseph’s hospital and hosted a toy drive as well.

Callie Ochsner (Prescott) To help girls overcome the

fear of entering fields that are currently dominated by men, Callie planned and hosted an event, called “G.I.R.L. Science,” where community members discussed with girls how they use science in their work. listening post

Alumnae Mary Thomas with Major General Marcia Anderson

| 18 | fall 2012

Girl Scout

SILVER Award

The Girl Scout Silver Award—the highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn—gives a girl the chance to show that she is a leader who is organized, determined, and dedicated to improving her community. After completing a Cadette Journey, these girls have looked around their community and discovered something they could change for the better. With a small team, they made a plan to Take Action and put it into motion, demonstrating an understanding of sustainability and the wider world and sharing what they have learned with others.

Silver Award recipients’ reports received January 1 – June 4, 2012.

Belen Adams Kaylee Aliory Ashley Arvidson Olivia Besthoff Cassidy Blomberg Ceceilia Bueno Alexis Carabajal Michelle Coen Tatum Crone Cheasea Divins Chazlynn Dominguez Kayla Enfield Alyssa Engelke Jackie Farkus

Girl Scout

BRONZE Award

Raven Fielding Cami Frei-Allen Haley Gillian Alexandra Gutierrez Ashlee Harris Nicole Harris Lauren Hawks Haily Hunter Mia Jarvis Demi Johnson Savanah Johnson Abigail Kany Diana Kemmer Rebecca Kim

Julia Knecht Adara Koivula Lydia Kolanowski Anna Magann Cassi Marin Shea Meacham Arianna Medina Chloe Medina Nicole Muehleisen Ashley Ong Marina Ortega Jessica Payne Jessica Peebles Leticia Perry

Brooke Porter Noelle Sakauye Rachel Sandoz Carly Sapp Ariana Schneider Jacqueline Simmons Jordan Simon Bailey Speer Erica Spence Catherine SpencerPhillips Hannah Stevenson Makenzie Taylor Emily Trantina

Hannah Ulrich Makenzie Vandervort Skylar VanPatter Lissette Villa Elizabeth Wadsworth Nora Wagner Alexandra Weber Megan Werder Celine White Joanna Wilson Leah Woolf Sophia Yates Ryann Yount

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is a leadership adventure and the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior can achieve. After completeing a Journey, a girl and her team plan and complete a Take Action Project, develop more confidence, meet new people, and have the kind of fun that happens when Girl Scouts work together to make a difference in their community.

Bronze Award recipients’ reports received January 1 – June 4, 2012.

Julia Aleman Madison Arbo Elena Archipov Erika Armenta Alexandra Arrowood Hannah Balasabas Kate Barney Adeline Beckman Caley Benson Alynna Berrios Jenna Bolena Siani Booth Noel Braudt Heather Braun Angela Brewster Melissa Briggs Amanda Brockbank Grace Brown Megan Buchert Astazzia Calderon Brock Callahan Brynn Callahan Gabriella Cancellieri Macy Canedy Kellee Caputo Emily Castle Courtney Chatburn

Angela Chester Hailee Clark Stephanie Clark Alexandria Clugston Madison Cooley Pieper Cull Abbey Cummings Lexi Currier Sarah Curry Madeline Dafoe Julia Diaz Megan Downey Caitlin Dugan Cambrie Ellison Miranda Espinoza Alyson Fair Allison Femiano Madison Fray Alex Gibson Avalon Gordy Abby Green Katie Greene Cheyenne Halfacre-Buie Taylor Hall Allie Hall Emilie Hamlin Erica Hardy

Lauren Harris Hailey Harrison Savannah Hazelwood Breanna Ingram Natalie Jeremiah Lauryn Koski-Sanborn Erin Krebs Claire Kretschmar Areya Kugler Mikayla Landrith Sara Lewis Megan Linden Madison Lowry Lauren Malinas Kyliegh Mantell Kimberly Markegard Emi Matsumoto Autumn Matthews Keeley McGettigan Chase McQuillian Coral Milliard Ashley Minks Tatum Mitchell Daisy Monge Amanda Moran Jenna Moriarty Lizzy Muntz listening post

| 19 | fall 2012

Marissa Myers Sabrina Newman Michelle Northey Ellie O'Neal Lauren Ortiz Hailey Palmer Ava Pieper Kirsten Potts Bailey Price Megan Price Allison Ray Cara Redding Kate Ruffley Acacia Salas Tiffany Sanchez Peyton Sawyers Megan Schaaf Alexandra Scharff Lauren Schneider Laine Schrader Nicole Schuermann Madison Schultz Jordan Schumacher Alyssa Scott Jyllian Search Savannah Senica Hannah Shackleford

Lindsy Sisneros McKayla Smith Molly Smith Carley Stewart Mckenna Strano Emma Strazz Morgan Swift Makena Sy Mauren Tagg Sydney Tatum Taylor Thompson Alix Tolman Jessica Utoft Hayley Vallera Julia VanAstine Emily VanHorn Megan Vigarino Zailey Wacker Allison Wendt Paula Wilt Savannah Wood Hannah Wren Taryn Wyckoff

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PAID PHOENIX, AZ PERMIT NO. 974

119 E Coronado Road Phoenix, AZ 85004 girlscoutsaz.org facebook.com/gsacpc @gsacpc

What’s New

shop hours & closed dates

@ the council shop?

The Council Shop will be closed on the following dates:

Tuesday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm

Check out what’s new and exciting in the Council shop this Fall!

Saturday 8:30am - 3:00pm

September 1 September 20

Sunday, Monday & Holidays CLOSED

Lariat Necklace $35

Pearl Drop Earrings $65

Dangle Earrings $22

Dangle Necklace

Indian School Rd

$24

3806 N 3rd Street

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