On My Honor Spring 2014

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ON ONMY MY

honor spring 2014

Quarterly Magazine

Amazing Jounrey Gold Award project takes scout to Guatemala

Where are they now?

See where our alumnae are today


Looking Ahead Summer is fast approaching and it’s

time to start thinking about another exciting year in Girl Scouts. Based on the feedback we have received from you, our volunteers, it’s clear there’s a lot of you that love what we’re doing. Programs continue to provide an amazing experience for our Girl Scouts. Whether it’s riding horses at the Riverview Equestrian Center at Camp Sycamore Hills, tree-climbing at Camp Holloway, or participating in the many cultural programs we offer, there’s never been a better time to be a Girl Scout. There truly is something for every girl. Besides programs, we’re constantly trying to make your experience with Girl Scouts easier. We are always looking at ways to expand availability of online training. Even when we provide the classroom experience, you leave with a new friend in Girl Scouts. Personal connections still prove to be the most enriching and lasting experiences. We have a new Girl Scout Advisory Committee. Committee members are high school Girl Scouts possessing great experience in leadership. There are 30 Girl Scouts participating. Do you know a Girl Scout who’d like to be a part of the next year’s program? These girls have discovered, connected and are taking action. Instead of a role as a board member, these girls are forming their own committee and creating their own leadership experience. With so much going on with Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, it’s difficult to capture it all. I hope the excitement inspires you to join us for another year as we strive to make a difference in a girl’s life.

Agenia Clark President/CEO Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee

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ON MY

honor spring 2014

On My Honor is a quarterly publication of Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee. Editors in Chiefs Kathleen Varallo | Amber Moak

Shop talk

President/CEO Agenia Clark

Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee will soon be transitioning to our Spring Shop hours starting in April. Now is the time to begin planning your Girl Scouts bridging ceremonies, and you local shop has you covered from Membership stars and discs to Bridging Rainbows. Come by the shop to check the new merchandise!

Find your Volunteer gear and more at the shop now. Buy the Girl Scout in your life their very own Girl Scout themed Loom Band Kit!

Program Contributors Jennifer Buckelew Director of Programs Samantha Keeney Program Manager Development Contributors Laura Hardwicke Fund Development manager Guest Contributors Greg Gressal Troop Leader Shelly Fulks Girl Scout & Gold Award Recipient Submissions for Troop Scrapbook or other content should be sent to onmyhonor@gsmidtn.org

From April 1 - May 24, shop hours: •

Sunday: Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday:

Closed Closed 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Open every Saturday from April 5 - May 17 (except April 19, Easter weekend). Girl Scouts’ Nashville Shop 4522 Granny White Pike Nashville, TN 37204

Phone: (615) 460-0222 Email: nashvilleshop@gsmidtn.org

• • •

Scrapbook submissions must include: Troop number (or service unit number if a serviceunit-wide event) The city or county in which the troop is based A short blurb describing the project or event A clear, good quality photo (no text or Photoshop effects, please)

We do not guarantee that all photos and non-Scrapbook submissions, such as articles, will be used. Photos and stories can also be submitted to our Facebook and Twitter @girlscoutsmidtn.

On the cover: Girl Scout at the Healthy Living Badge Blast. spring 2014

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06 troop scrapbook

Check out what our troops have been up to.

08 year in review

See what happened in 2013. We can’t wait to see what 2014 has in store!

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12 amazing journey

Gold Award recipient, Shelly, takes her mission to another country.

14 always a girl scout See what our alumnae are up to.

20

14

18 take your pick

We have some amazing programs in store for this year.

20 going places Learn about the

Franklin Transit Patch.

22 one drop at a time Girl Scouts celebrate World Water Day.

contents 4 on my honor


girl scout resolutions “My New Year’s resolution is to be a better Girl Scout.” - Samantha troop 2449

“My New Year’s resolution is to clean my room.” - Madisyn troop 160

“My New Year’s resolution is to spend more time with my family.” - Brianna troop 1024

New Year. New You. Check out what some of your fellow Girl Scouts’ New Years Resolutions are!

What do you want to change this year? Want to be healthier? It’s never to late to start a new exercise with your family, or take the dog for a walk. Want to be a better Girl Scout? There are plenty of new activities to get involved in this year. Maybe you want to start something new. Whatever your

“My New Year’s resolution is to make sure all my grades are as good as they need to be to reach my goals.” - Piper troop 160

New Year’s Resolution is, Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee is proud of you. As a council we have come together to create a resolution ourself. We resolve to be even more supportive of everything you do, and we can’t wait to see the wonderful things that each of you will accomplish this year!

“My New Year’s resolution is to become a vegetarian.” - Lauren troop 2449

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troop scrapbook

troop

Cookie Fun

Brownie troop 927 takes advantage of the props and photo booth Sara Cassese (product sales manager for service unit 102) had set up as part of their local cookie rally.

SCRAPBOOK

Christmas at Camp

Ambassador troop 1193, from Murfreesboro, celebrated their last “Christmas at Camp”pictured here with their gifts from ‘Santa Scout’. The girls have been keeping this tradition going for the past ten years and will be graduating in May! 6 on my honor

Healthy Eating

Troop 1271 giving back in the most scrumptious way possible. The girls held a food drive in their classes at Harpeth Valley Elementary to collect specific items to make dinner bags. The girls compiled 37 dinners in a bag kits and presented them to Cindy Tinnel, winner of the Food Network’s show Chopped and local cafeteria manager at Henry Maxwell Elementary.


troop scrapbook

Having a Buzzing Time Troop 466 showed no fear and had a great time learning all the fun and interesting facts about bees from a local beekeeper in Lebanon, TN.

Soles Caring 4 Souls Got shoes? Daisies, Autumn and Ellery, braved the weather to ensure all the shoes their troop collected were delivered to the Soles4Souls organization in December.

Women’s Health Senior and Ambassador troop 2787 of Nashville earned their “women’s of health” badge by inviting Mary Egger, nurse practitioner with Vanderbilt Breast Center to conduct an interactive discussion concerning health topics facing young ladies. They learned how to lead healthy lives. They discussed: emotional health, high cholesterol, blood pressure, cancers (breast, skin, cervical), vaccines, stress, exercising, healthy eating and smoking.

Cookie 101

Daisy troop 1714, in Clarksville, got down to the basics, learning the ins and outs of cookie selling at their local cookie rally. spring 2014

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girl scout annual report

14,000

Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee proudly served more than 14,000 girls across 39 counties.

7,000 541

More than 7,000 volunteers assisted us in our effort to serve our Girl Scouts. 541 girls received top honors for completing the requirements for their Girl Scout Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards.

Year in review 2013

Girl Scouts has become a

tradition near and dear to many people’s hearts. Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee can’t thank our families, girls and supporters enough for the time and dedication they put into making dreams a reality. What’s in store for 2014? We imagine that it will be better and more exciting than the year before. Join us for another year of cookies, patches, badges, camp, adventures, memories and excitement! 8 on my honor


2013 - What A Great Year By: Greg Gressal Troop 2163 Leader and service unit 142 manager

In the beginning I had my

84

84 girls became Stellar Sellers by selling at least $1,000 in Fall Product and/or 1,000 packages of Girl Scout Cookies.

2,600

More than 2,600 girls attended summer camp!

doubts that we could top all the great experiences we had during the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouts, but once again my Girl Scouts rose to the challenge. We had a year of great fun: hiking, camping, community service projects and trips, but a few events stand out. For the 2013 Cookie Season, we chose the Wounded Warrior Project for our Gift of Caring recipient. The girls had the opportunity to personally deliver 267 boxes of cookies to the organization. It was a wonderful experience. The Tullahoma Civil War Campaign had their sesquicentennial (150th) anniversary and we were asked to serve as the Color Guard for this prestigious event. The event that stands out the most for me though is the SOLA Awards. As a leader this was a special time for me because I received the Honor Pin award and my entire troop and their families were there. It was a great day for our troop because the girls also received their Silver and Bronze Awards. Thank you Mikayla, Laura, Taylor C., Grace, Reanna, Gracie, Taylor P., Heather, Sydnee and Micayla for an awesome year. I’m looking forward to what 2014 has in store.

$228,961.80

Economic impact from the 11,790 service hours girls participated in.

To learn more about our great year, head over to our website (gsmidtn.org) or issue.com/gsmidtn to view our full Annual Report! spring 2014

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girl scout cookies

Sweet

Lessons

G

irl Scout Cookie program: it’s more than sweet treats, it’s the largest girl run business in the world! When you purchase Girl Scout Cookies you help girls develop five key skills and build a resume to further their dreams and goals. How are these skills valuable? Every girl starts with the basics and builds upon them each year. With each skill they learn and become more comfortable speaking in front of people, understanding the importance of money and how to handle it, learning what it takes to organize and manage a business, and so much more. The skills they learn not only go to bettering themselves but improving each community they live in. The Girl Scout Cookie program truly is a unique experience.

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Rosemary (Junior) and sister Abby (Brownie) from troop 774 selling cookies door to door in their neighborhood.


Goal g Settin

girl scout cookies

Fall Product Delivered to Soldiers Cathy,

Decisio n Making

Money Management

People Skills

Once again, you two amaze me!!! The delivery of fruit slices, nuts and cookies was right on time and all went smooth insofar as points of contact making connection, etc. I was in awe when I saw all that had been donated. These items became the foundation to 1,900 Farewell bags Hugs for Our Soldiers was making for the 101st Airborne’s 2nd Brigade soldiers that are deploying to Afghanistan starting next week. What a fantastic contribution the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee made once again!! And, Jason, to make everything come full circle, M&W makes it possible each time for the items to get delivered to Fort Campbell. Thank you both for being the leaders of such integral parts of all of our successes in supporting our troops!! Hugs,

ess n i s u B Ethics

Kathy Founder/CEO Hugs for our soldiers www.hugsforoursoldiers.org

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girl scout gold award

From a Sound to a smile seemed to be a great service that I could take part in and have an impact on their lives by doing so. My father, a plastic surgeon, and my project advisor, who was born with a cleft lip and palate, were able to help me in my education on cleft lips and palates. They also helped me decide what I would need to take in my postoperative kits. I quickly began to fill out the paperwork to get approval from the Council, so that I could begin my project. In order to request donations, I wrote letters By: Shelly Fulks, Girl Scout Senior to plastic surgeons in the Nashville area. I was very fortunate in that am a Girl Scout Senior and I received numerous generous I recently completed my Gold donations in a short time. The Award. When I began to think donations allowed me to acquire of a project for my Gold Award, the needed supplies: Neosporin, I debated through a lot of my cotton tipped applicators, gauze, interests. I thought of doing hydrogen peroxide and colorful a project based on music or plastic whistles. Although a reading. However, when my father whistle seems like an odd medical mentioned going to Guatemala supply, each child can use it to and helping children through their train itself to push their newly post operative recovery from cleft repaired palate to the back of their lip and/or cleft palate surgery, all throat. This forces the air to come other ideas left my mind. This was out of their mouth rather than the project for me. through their nose. It allows them The idea of helping to develop better speaking habits children who are born with a and decreases the nasally tone in deformity such as cleft lip or their voice. These simple supplies cleft palate spoke to my heart. I to us can be nearly impossible to cannot imagine having difficulties come by in Guatemala, whether it doing three of my favorite things: is due to availability, education, or speaking, eating and smiling. I poverty. am a “people person,� therefore Once I arrived at Clinica helping to comfort these children Ezell in Montellano, Guatemala

I

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in February, I was overwhelmed by the work being done there. I was only one of many people who would be changing lives throughout the course of the week. Due to my lack of surgical experience, as I am only a sophomore in high school, I was only allowed to observe the surgeries. Along with observing, I was able to carry one of the children out to his mother for the first time after surgery, and play with each child throughout their entire experience at the clinic. I know I will always hold these memories close to my heart. As each child was ready to leave the clinic and return home, I gave their mother one of my post operative kits and taught them how to use each item to care for the wound so that it could properly heal. My experience completing my Gold Award was life changing. It sounds daunting to undergo such a time consuming project. However by choosing something based on what you love to do, 80 hours quickly becomes a fraction of the desired time you want to spend completing your project. I am so grateful to Girl Scouts for furthering my drive to start and complete this project, which has forever changed my life and the lives of the children I worked with and met.


girl scout gold award Shelly diligently prepared each box for her trip in February where she would be hand delivering the boxes to post-surgery patients.

Shelly began working on her project in December of 2012. She reached out to multiple plastic surgeons and doctors, gathering supplies for the box you see here. In each supply box there is Neosporin, cotton tipped applicators, gauze, hydrogen peroxide and colorful plastic whistles.

Far Left: Shelly rolling a patient around the hospital to put a smile on his face. Middle: Post surgery, Shelly reunited a mother and her son. Bottom: Shelly meeting with the family to see how the mother and son were doing.

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girl scout alumnae

Always a Girl Scout

Once a Girl Scout, Always a Girl Scout.

What does it mean to be a Girl Scout? The patches and badges represent so much more than a little thread and needle it took to be placed on a sash. Cookies are more than a tasty treat. And the leaders are not just the ‘Cookie Mom,’ they are the map leading girls to become great women in today’s society. As a Girl Scout, you’re in good company. Need help saving a life, they have it

covered. Want to know how things run, they can teach you that. Every skill and adventure leads young girls on a path to the future. Girl Scouts from all over the world have grown to achieve great success. Right here in Middle Tennessee we have great leaders that started out just like you. We want to stay connected with all our alumni, visit over to our website (gsmidtn.org) and sign up to be a part of our alumni association!

Dinah Shore (1917-1994) Dinah, known as Fannie Rose in her native Winchester, Tennessee, demonstrated her singing talents even as a child. Her Girl Scout leader recalled that whenever the troop wanted to sing, Fannie Rose would lead the group enthusiastically. As a sophomore at Vanderbilt University, her career as a singer began with a fifteen-minute program on WSM radio in Nashville. She later became internationally famous as a singer and entertainer.

Josephine Holloway (1898-1988) Josephine spearheaded Girl Scouting for thousands of girls and women in Nashville. As a social worker at the Bethlehem Center in Nashville, she set up “unofficial” troops for black girls and encouraged other women to organize similar troops. In 1943, our Council officially recognized the strong program Mrs. Holloway built for African girls.

Wilma Rudolph (1940-1994) She was the first American woman to win three Gold Medals in track and field at a single Olympiad. As a child Rudolph suffered from scarlet fever, pneumonia and polio, which restricted her to braces during some of her adolescent years. The 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, Italy, were a golden achievement for the Clarksville, Tennessee native.

Alexis Marks Alexis’ involvement in Girl Scouts has never stopped. As a child, Alexis was a Girl Scout from Daisy to Ambassador. She participated in many of the programs offered by our Council, earned her Gold Award by starting a dance troop at her church for children who couldn’t afford dance lessons and served as a camp counselor. Upon graduation, Alexis became an adult volunteer and continued to run her dance troop. What started as a group of five students in 2009 has grown into a group of 18 children who perform at least twice a month all over Tennessee. Alexis is currently a senior at Nashville State studying pre-med and a troop leader. She credits Girl Scouts for teaching her how to be a strong woman and to persevere. 14 on my honor


girl scout alumnae Rhea Seddon knew from an early age that she wanted to be an astronaut. Working toward her goal, she prepared for a career in medicine at a time when not a lot of women were in the field. Her Girl Scout experience played into this decision as it taught her to take chances (especially when camping). She also made lifelong friends, learned how to interact with adults from a young age, be independent, and to be a productive member of the community through service projects and cookie sales. In 1979 Rhea became an astronaut. Her flight experience includes three trips into space (1985, 1991, 1993). Rhea retired from NASA in 1997 and went on to be the assistant Chief Medical Officer of the Vanderbilt Medical Group. She is currently a partner at Life Wings.

Dr. Sonal Saraswat Gupta

89, Sonal y camp in 19 tney freesboro da p row: Whi d at the Mur To : re re ctu ctu pi pi s sister at Gupta, Bottom : Girl Scout e back row. Sonal Sarasw th w: in ro ) m lft Top picture e tto Bo girl (from th y Robinson is the fourth binson, Cind et, Laura Ro y Ashley Stre se ris or M swat Surabhi Sara

practices as an internist (adult primary care doctor) at Heritage Medical Associates in Cool Springs and volunteers as a troop leader for her daughters’ troop. She joined Girl Scouts in first grade and through her experiences in scouting learned many skills that still help her in her career and life today: camaraderie, confidence (to sing loudly or stand up for herself!), and courage (to try new things and do something others may not think is that cool but that she knows is right!). She calls scouting "the single most important activity" in her life and attributes this to the guidance and support of her leaders (Ms. Sue Ashley and Ms. Cindy Robinson) and fellowship of her sister scouts. She recently attended a 25-year-reunion with her childhood troop and noted that although everyone works in different fields now, the skills they learned through Girl Scouts contribute to the success they have become today.

Reconnect with Girl Scouts. Sign up for alumni news, events and more! gsmidtn.org spring 2014

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girl scout summer camp

Follow your dreams Camp Holloway and Camp Sycamore Hills are excited for another fun filled summer of incredible programs. Whether your camper wants to ride a horse, complete a work of art, tackle our high challenge course, or be the star of her own production we have a program to meet her interests. Our camps showcase every girl’s unique qualities and individuality as she participates in groupled activities and enjoys many opportunities to laugh and have fun while growing into a strong young woman.

Camp Scholarships Camp Scholarships are available for girls registered as a member with the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee. Scholarship applications are confidential. Please don’t hesitate to apply for a scholarship, we believe all girls should come to camp to find her dream!

Visit gsmidtn.org/camps/summer-camps/ for summer fun! 16 on my honor

Want to learn more about camp? OPEN HOUSE April 27 | 3 - 6 p.m. Camp Holloway 7551 Holloway Road Millersville, TN 37072 ls Camp Sycamore Hil ad 2020 Girl Scout Ro 5 Ashland City, TN 3701


girl scout summer camp

Gleek

Camp s Hollow a

y June Chan 22 - 27 nel yo ur inne singin g rg out th and dancin leek by e g thro u with a week. Insp ire oth gh per fo ers rm showc ase yo ance as yo end o u u f the w r talents a t the eek.

t Up! 5 - 20 ShakeHIolloway June 1 Camp

high p with a u reate it e k ssion. C Sha e s e c n and da energy dance routine s n your ow our fresh move ff y ce. show o r forman e p t r o h with a s

Horse Pro

Camp Sy

grams

Wil

als & Anim t r A 20 t u 5 June 1 d Abo

Camp

y

Hollowa

tion run s a in g a e r im Let you u turn tiger strip o y and wild as of pink s r e d a h draw o o into s t w o al. arn h blue, le rite anim o v a f r ou ha sculpt y afternoon wit n a Spend al visit. im live an

Sycamore

Celebrati Camp Sy on camore H ills June 13 18

Come ce leb days of su rate the last mmer at c amp! You will d ip your to es in the creek, clim b adventure high during an program and even plan your own party!

camore H

ill

s Check ou t the man y programs available for girls grade s 2 - 12. H o rse programs vary depe nding on riding ability and age.

It’s not

too late

Camp FamilySycamore Hills Camp - 25 May 23

y orial Da m e M ily d Spen your fam ool h it w d weeken Splash in the p p. reek at cam n the c w o d e and is and cru Meals, lodging est r. d. B togethe provide t n e m in enterta nd! ou deal ar

We are accepting registrations throughout the summer. We have something for every girl age 5-17.

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girl scout programs

Upcoming

programs

For Girls, By Girls Girl Leadership Conference

College 101

College Weekend Road Trip

Girls in 6th – 12th grade are invited to network with other girls from middle Tennessee while learning what leadership is and how we can apply it to our lives, business etiquette, manners, interview techniques and more! All of the activities are planned by girls and will be led by Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors. More information to come!

Inviting all girls 7th through 12th grade to discover what college is all about! Explore the different majors you can study, plan how you will pay for college and meet college professionals. There are sessions for parents too! Stay on top of it as we help you prepare for your future. Visit Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee website (gsmidtn. org) to learn more.

Hit the road with us as we visit colleges around the state. You will eat, sleep and play like college students. If you are a rising 9th through 12th grader then jump on the van for this adventure. Dates are determined by the colleges we visit, so mark your calendars for some time in June. Don’t miss the bus for your future. Visit Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee website (gsmidtn. org) to learn more.

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girl scout scholarships

Scholarships for Girl Scouts Lipscomb University Nashville, Tennessee Scouting Scholarship This annually renewable award equals $2,500 per student and is available to incoming freshmen who have received the Eagle Scout Award, Venturing Silver Award, Sea Scouting Quartermaster Award, Girl Scout Gold Award, or American Heritage Girls Stars and Stripes Award. Written proof of the award is required. The funds will be applied to room & board charges only, up to a maximum of 8 semesters. The student must live on-campus and maintain a 3.0 GPA to be eligible. Award: $10,000 award (distributed in $2,500 increments each year for up to four years and are applied to room-and-board charges) Requirements: • Has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award For more information: www.lipscomb.edu/financialaid/Undergraduate-Scholarships Office of Undergraduate Admissions (615)-966-1776

University of Tennessee at Martin Martin, Tennessee Girl Scout Gold Award Scholarship Award: $800 per year (renewable) Requirements: • Girl Scout Gold Award recipient (and all requested documentation) • At least a 21 ACT composite score and a 3.0 GPA • Must live in university housing For more information: www.utm.edu/departments/finaid/scholarships.php Kim Cooper, Financial Aid Office 731.881.7039 kcooper@utm.edu

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girl scout transportation patch

Going Places The title says it all, Girl Scouts are going

places, literally. Ever wonder how to get around without a car? Well, Girl Scout Junior troop 1746 and Daisy troop 2460, out of Franklin, TN ventured after school to learn about the ways public transportation is offered in their community. The girls were picked up in the Franklin Transit Trolley from their school, Liberty Elementary. They were given tickets to deposit in the payment box to secure their trip to downtown Franklin. At their destination they were greeted by Franklin Mayor Ken Moore, Authority Vice Chairman Dale Thomas, Executive Director Debbie Henry and Transit Manager Sue Conner. The transit team showed the girls everything from purchasing tickets to learning the different routes that they could take in Franklin. They discussed the many benefits that their community receives from the program and the different bus routes that are offered, including the route they offer every December to view the Christmas lights.

Earn the Franklin Transit patch today and share your pictures and adventures with us (onmyhonor@gsmidtn.org or Facebook)! 20 on my honor


L.E.A.D-ing

girl scout L.E.A.D

the Way!

With the generous support of our community, Girl Scouts of

Middle Tennessee is proud to say that we have never turned a girl away from scouting for financial reasons. Our L.E.A.D. (Lead, empower, achieve, discover) program is just one way we stay committed to our girls. Program support helps provide full financial aid which covers everything from uniforms, badges, camp and the programs that will help our girls thrive in self confidence, leadership and service. What sets L.E.A.D. apart? Troops are lead by current college students or recent graduates that mentor and instill the values of higher education in our girls! This one-on-one time with older mentors gives girls a chance to interact and learn. L.E.A.D. girls are given an opportunity that may have never been presented to them without the generous support of our partners. With deep gratitude, we would like to recognize our L.E.A.D. supporters: Bank of America Charitable Foundation Dan and Margaret Maddox Charitable Fund Gannett Foundation Ingram Charities The Louie M. and Betty M. Phillips Foundation James Stephen Turner Family Foundation Regions Bank Foundation Wells Fargo Foundation Thank you for playing a crucial role in building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

Do you know a college student or recent grad that would be an asset to our troops?

Contact Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee at info@gsmidtn.org to get involved today!

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girl scout stem

Water, Water

Everywhere

Join us for the United Nations World Water Day, March 22 as we explore and celebrate this years theme “Water and Energy.” Every time you turn on a light, cook a meal, or watch TV, you use energy - but also water. This includes the water we use for hydroelectric (energy created from running water), nuclear, and thermal energy sources. Here in Tennessee 12 percent of our energy is from Hydroelectric power. Thirty percent of our energy comes from nuclear power, which uses thousands of gallons of water a year to help power our homes. Coal, our primary source of energy, also uses water. Water is used to cool machinery, generate steam, and turn the turbines that generate electricity. Water is a precious resource; it’s important for us to know where it comes from, how it’s used and the impact it can have on our world. During World Water day we’ll learn about the water cycle, talk with hydrologists (people who study the movement, distribution and quality of water on Earth) about water here in Tennessee. We will also build rain barrels and lean how to reduce our water use and help people in water-poor areas gain better access to water.

I Tapped Out! We are almost half way! Join us as we try to save 100,000 gallons of water by World Water Day, March 22. We’ll be doing this by turning off the tap whenever we brush our teeth and recording each time we Tap Out in our online diary. Visit gsmidtn.org for more details. 22 on my honor


STEM-ing

girl scout stem

the Mind

In August 2013, Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee again became a partner in Dell’s Youth Learning program – a Powering the Possible initiative. This initiative is illustrative of Dell’s commitment to putting technology and expertise to work where they can do the most good for people and the planet. Through this program, Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee is able to offer a one hour STEM related course as a nine week quarter elective. The girls at Bailey STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Magnet school participated in the “Be a Video Game Developer” program. “We are deeply thankful for our partnership with the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee in advancing our scholars’ access to these enriching STEM opportunities,” said Christian L. Sawyer, Ed.D, Executive Principal and Chief Instruction Officer at Bailey STEM Magnet Middle School. “We know these learning experiences are preparing our

scholars to succeed and lead in the global economy, where STEM-related careers are already prominent and will grow significantly in importance. In fact, the US Department of Labor projects that by 2020, there will be 1.4 million computer specialist job openings. What’s most powerful about this is to see our scholars showing such creativity and ingenuity in their weekly computer gaming STEM elective, an opportunity made possibly by this empowering partnership!” In addition to the Bailey school students, Troop 1440 in Rutherford County also participated in the program. To date, we have served 65 girls with this program, and will continue to introduce STEM concepts and inspire future careers in STEM for our girls. Are you involved in STEM? Share your story by contacting program manager Samantha Keeney (skeeney@gsmidtn.org)!

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NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

4522 Granny White Pike Nashville, TN 37204 www.gsmidtn.org

Thank you for making this cookie season so sweet!

NASHVILLE, TN PERMIT NO. 1131


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