Volunteer 411 fall/winter 2021 • volunteer 411
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VOLUNTEER 411
fall/winter 2021
Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland serves girls and adults across 67 counties in southern and central Missouri, southeast Kansas, and northeast Oklahoma. The Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland offers the premier leadership development experience for girls helping them to discover their own sense of self, connect with others in an increasingly diverse world, and take action to make the world a better place.
The Girl Scout Mission Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
The Girl Scout Promise On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
The Girl Scout Law I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.
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Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland PO Box 10747 Springfield, MO 65808
VOLUNTEER 411 The Volunteer 411 is a publication by Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland and is published biannually. This is your guide and first step when planning your troop adventures. Within these pages, you’ll find what’s new at Girl Scouts, tips and tricks to create wow-worthy moments, and more! You’re there for your troop and the Volunteer 411 is here for you! We are always providing new experiences and resources to make sure Girl Scouts can experience new adventures. From upcoming opportunities to new systems, we’ll make sure you are up to date. Catch up on all things new at Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland online and follow us on social media.
Contact Us info@girlscoutsmoheartland.org 877-312-4764 www.girlscoutsmoheartland.org Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland
Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland
@girlscouts_mh
@girlscouts_mh
Contents 4 Tips From Your Volunteer Support Team Get ready to meet any challenge that comes your way. 6 Volunteer Awards Celebrate the 2019-2020 award winning volunteers! 10 28 New Badges: 28 New Adventures Announcing new badges! Check out all of the new things coming this year 14 Adventures Beyond the Troop Meeting Discover more about the world around you, by trying new activities.
20 Girl Scouts and the Great Outdoors Plan your next outdoor adventure! 24 Get to Know Our Program Centers Learn more about about our program centers and all they have to offer. 30 Get to Know Our Cookie Baker How do cookies get from South Dakota to the Missouri Heartland? 34 Shop With Us From vests to tote bags we’ve got you covered! fall/winter 2021 • volunteer 411
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Tips From Your Volunteer Support Team As a Girl Scout volunteer, you are a fearless leader, empowering role model, or maybe even an innovative event organizer in the eyes of your girls. No one said this rewarding journey would be easy, but with these tips for troop leaders, you’ll be on your way to meet any challenge that comes your way. Meet your volunteer support team of experts who are passing along some advice and inspiring ideas!
Heather Mize | New Leader Specialist Manage Your Troop With Ease • Explore the new member management portal on myGS. This is the one-stop-shop to handle just about everything you need to do to assist you with troop management, as well as your family membership management. • In myGS, make sure you are opted into any emails you want to receive from us—including the Volunteer Connections. • Utilize the Volunteer Toolkit to deliver easy, fun troop meetings year-round. • Explore gsLearn for just-in-time training and the ability to track all your accomplishments.
We have even more great tips to help make this year the best one yet. Scan this QR code and head on over to girlscouts.org for dozens of articles and tips for your Girl Scout troop.
Curious about Volunteer Awards? Check out pages 6-7 for more information! Wanting to get outdoors? Check out pages 20-21 for tips on getting girls outside.
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Lynn Moxley Troop/SU Support Specialist Use Local Experts to Enhance the Girl Scout Experience Utilizing local subject matter experts like firefighters, professional gardeners, chefs, local retailers, medical professionals, and zoologists can really enhance the Girl Scout experience! Even your own troop parents may have expertise to share with the troop.
Sara Crane | Volunteer Support Manager
Get To Know Your Volunteer Support Staff • We have 5 Troop/Service Unit Support Specialists (TSS) supporting veteran troop leaders and service units across Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland. • We have 4 New Leader Specialists (NLS) supporting new troop leaders during their first two years in their role. • You’ll want to have an ongoing relationship with your Volunteer Support team member. We are here to give you a positive volunteer experience. • Give us a call, text, Facebook message, or email for any troop needs!
Bre Yelvington and Mikael Summers Troop/SU Support Specialist and New Leader Specialist
Katie Roush | Senior Troop/SU Support Specialist Get it done by October 1! • Renew your troop. • Complete “2020–2021 Financial Report” on the VTK. • Sign the “Standards of Conduct and Volunteer Appointment” on gsLearn.
Take Advantage of Your Resources • The “Volunteer” and “Forms” sections on girlscoutsmoheartland.org provides a ton of GSMHspecific information for our leaders and volunteers. • Use GSUSA resources. Just head to girlscouts.org and you will find lots of great information. • Routinely check gsLearn for new trainings. • Use the Volunteer Toolkit to plan your troop meetings.
Carrie Mott and Ian Hook | Troop/SU Support Specialist Stay on track and organized! • Create a Google Drive folder for leaders, parents, and older girls. Include items like a troop roster, lists of upcoming opportunities, badge work, and a visual guide for badges and uniforms. • Follow the Girl Scouts MO Heartland Volunteer Facebook Group and your service unit Facebook group for volunteer specific updates. • Maintain communication with your Service Unit Volunteer Support Coordinator. They are great Girl Scout mentors. fall/winter 2021 • volunteer 411
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Honoring You—Our Girl Scout Volunteers Without Girl Scout volunteers changing the lives of girls in their communities every day—Girl Scouts wouldn’t be the same. We know that you accomplish amazing things and are the reason a Girl Scout Daisy is able to explore new interests, a Girl Scout young alum can step confidently into college, and more. All volunteers are change-makers, but for those who go above and beyond all expectations and have a definitive impact on the troop and Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland as a whole—there are awards just waiting to be received! Check out the award-earning volunteers for the 2019–2020 Girl Scout membership year below.
GSUSA Awardees GSUSA Years of Service The Volunteer Years of Service Pin recognizes an adult member registered with Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. for their years of active volunteer service at five-year intervals (25, 30, 35, etc.). This pin differs from the numeral guard in that it represents the number of years an adult volunteer has actively provided service, whereas the numeral guard recognizes years of membership. Jonna Nunn—25 Years of Service, Springfield, Missouri Mavis Bowin—30 Years of Service, Columbus, Kansas Jan Rorrer—30 Years of Service, Springfield, Missouri Debra Messer—35 Years of Service, Columbus, Kansas Peggy Oney—35 Years of Service, Ozark, Missouri GSUSA Honor Pin: The Honor Pin recognizes an individual’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience; this support has had measurable impact on two or more geographic areas of service to reach and surpass the missiondelivery goals of the council. Joyce Dixon—Mountain View, Missouri
GSUSA Appreciation Pin: The Appreciation Pin recognizes an individual’s exemplary service in support of delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. This support has had measurable impact within one geographic area of service to help reach and surpass the mission-delivery goals of the area. Paula Wilson—Moberly, Missouri Kris Wren—Portageville, Missouri
Do you know a volunteer who deserves an award in your area? Complete the nomination form as soon as possible! Nominations for these awards are due by February 1, 2022 and must be for service provided in the 2020-2021 membership year. Reach out to your Volunteer Support Specialist at info@girlscoutsmoheartland.org for more information!
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GSMH Awardees GSMH Glowing Green Award The GSMH Glowing Green Award recognizes a volunteer who visibly exhibits a sincere commitment to the Girl Scout Promise and Law over an extended period, who repeatedly inspires others to carry out the Girl Scout Mission, and who actively supports and promotes GSMH goals and objectives. This volunteer has made a significant impact across GSMH or the Girl Scout Movement. Jennifer Mehmert—Jefferson City, Missouri Patty Cottrell—Boonville, Missouri GSMH Lasting Legacy Award The GSMH Lasting Legacy Award is awarded to a volunteer who has spent considerable time and effort to leave a legacy of girls who have embraced and shown courage, confidence, and character across GSMH. Cindy Dye—Nevada, Missouri GSMH Leadership Launch Award GMSH Leadership Launch Award is awarded to a volunteer who has created a positive impact on Girl Scouting in their short time with GSMH. This leader has started strong and merits recognition for their commitment to early excellence. Cassy Reif—Dexter, Missouri Heather Parnell—Ashland, Missouri Kori Johnson—Republic, Missouri Victoria Clubb—Puxico, Missouri
Coming Soon!
GSMH Rising Star Award The GSMH Rising Star Award recognizes a first-year volunteer who has embraced the Girl Scout Movement with energy and passion and has performed outstanding work in their first year. April Willis—Anderson, Missouri Cassy Spoonemore—Columbus, Kansas Kaila Frampton—Dudley, Missouri Brittany Robertson—Bolivar, Missouri
Additional GSMH Awards to help you honor your hardworking volunteers better: • VSC of the Year Award • Model Service Unit of the Year Award • Cookie Champion • Fall Product Champion
GSMH Unsung Hero Award The GSMH Unsung Hero Award recognizes volunteers who help wherever needed, whenever needed, and completes whatever needs to be done. Becky Britt—Waynesville, Missouri Monica Raney—Nevada, Missouri Julie Humphrey—Salisbury, Missouri Jon Albert—Branson, Missouri
Our new Service Unit Award Guide and Certificate Request, found under forms, makes it easy for you to honor your local area’s award worthy Girl Scout volunteers.
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gsLearn and the VTK Volunteering with Girl Scouts means opening doors for Girl Scouts and yourself. Our digital resources allow you to keep supporting Girl Scouts—while making your day-to-day volunteer activities easier. The Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) and gsLearn have been resources available to you, but there’s always something new! Check out the enhancements to the online resources you know and love— including resources for the new badges! And don’t forget - you can always contact your Volunteer Support team member with any questions.
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What’s New On the VTK?
New year, new Volunteer Toolkit resources! The VTK has continued to be a digital resource that supports volunteers in delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience as well as Juliettes in managing their own experience with their caregiver. This helps ensure that every Girl Scout has the opportunity she deserves to build a lifetime of leadership, success, and adventure. The good news is there’s always new enhancements coming to the VTK. Here’s some new resources and capabilities added to the VTK: • New 2021 Financial Report. Submitting your 2021 Troop Financial Report is just a click away when you use the finance tab under the VTK. The 2021 Troop Financial Report is now live and should be submitted annually by October 1. • New 2021 Badge Resources. The enhanced Volunteer Toolkit now includes full badge overviews, new communication tools, and activities that are easier to follow and lead. • New Resources for Juliettes. Individually Registered Girls (IRGs) and their families now have the same achievement view as caregivers in a troop. This includes badge images, names, and the date they were recorded. When it comes to resources—we’ve got you covered!
New! 2021 Badge Program Learning Paths in gsLearn
Like always, gsLearn is your one-stop-shop to dive into all things training at Girl Scouts. New this fall, we are introducing 28 new courses for you to explore the new badges. We have organized the courses for you into learning paths and you can view these badges by grade level or by topic. Head on over to gsLearn and check out the new courses for each badge. To find the learning paths for the new badges, click on the Content Library on the left side of your gsLearn dashboard. From there, you can view all the courses and learning paths available to you, or you can use the search bar at the top of the screen to look for specific information. By Grade Level • Daisy Badges • Brownie Badges • Junior Badges • Cadette Badges • Senior Badges • Ambassador Badges
By Topic • Cookie Badges • Digital Leadership Badges • Math in Nature Badges
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28 New Badges to Discover New Adventures We are excited to announce 28 new badges focused on entrepreneurship, math in nature, and digital leadership that embolden girls to navigate a changing society and build the futures they want for themselves and the world. Amid seismic shifts in technology and culture brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Girl Scouts can now earn new badges—in addition to the hundreds of existing badges— that address girls’ evolving interests in ways that resonate with them. The badges also address some of parents’ top concerns for their children as they handle the increasingly digital world, helping girls develop an entrepreneurial mindset toward technology, learn STEM skills while exploring nature, and build confidence and safe practices online.
Math in Nature (grades K–5) Despite increased remote learning, not all learning happens indoors. This badge gets girls outdoors to explore and conserve the natural world as they learn math concepts. Activities include discovering shapes and patterns in natural objects, learning about symmetry and tiling of a flat surface, and mastering time and measurement theories. Girl Scouts then use this background to design nectar feeders, trail maps, and other outdoor tools and essentials. Girls often receive the message that STEM isn’t for them, but they’re especially interested in STEM concepts when they’re linked to things that girls enjoy, such as outdoor time. Sponsored by Johnson & Johnson.
Cookie Business (grades K–12) With businesses shifting their models and relying even more on technology, girls learn to think beyond the storefront. The new Cookie Business badges help girls think like entrepreneurs as they run their own cookie businesses and incorporate online sales via the Smart Cookies platform. The badges progress from goal setting and effective sales-pitching in person and online to using market research, creating business plans, and implementing digital marketing campaigns. In light of the consumer trend to shop more online, including on the Smart Cookies platform, girls now have even more opportunities to experience digital sales and marketing.
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Digital Leadership (grades K–12) Digital well-being is not just a buzzword—it’s here to stay. Girl Scouts explore what a leader is, both online and in their everyday lives. They learn how to be online in a responsible and safe way, and dive into topics like managing your well-being online, how to balance your time on and offline, and how to deal with issues like misinformation, clickbait, and biases in advertising. Girl Scouts discover how people use technology to connect and lead, then use those skills to create impact and become digital activists themselves. While internet safety and well-being are among parents’ top concerns since the pandemic, many girls are already digital leaders who use technology to connect with others on social issues and causes they care about. These forward-thinking badges are designed to support and motivate girls as they navigate the digital world. Sponsored by Instagram.
You spoke, and Girl Scouts listened. This year, volunteers, girls, and families shared their thoughts on the process for earning Girl Scout badges—and this year there are a few important changes that you’ll see in the new badges that just rolled out. • • •
New badge booklets include a volunteer guide to help troop leaders plan and share badges with the troop. Badge booklets include pages for Girl Scouts to print and use during activities. The enhanced Volunteer Toolkit now includes full badge overviews, new communication tools, and activities that are easier to follow and lead.
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It’s OK to Not Be OK “Never give up.” “Quitters never win.” “Just push through it.” So many of us were raised with these well-meaning sentiments. Often framed as messages of inspiration and resilience, they overlook the fact that sometimes the strongest and most courageous thing you can do in certain situations is step away and take care of yourself. It’s OK not to be OK. 12
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You can always come back when you’re ready. Often, there is no “one shot” to achieve a goal. Some moments are more critical than others, but girls have countless opportunities to shine. Knowing when to walk away and how to set boundaries when something isn’t right for for them, whether in the moment or long-term, is a necessary skill that will help girls face the myriad of important moments they are sure to face throughout life. Talk with your girls about the pressures they are facing in life, and pay attention if they seem overly tired, agitated, or is acting out. Sure, acing that honors class or landing the lead in the school play are things to be proud of—but they should never come at the cost of her health and wellness. Sometimes, especially in today’s world, just putting one foot in front of the other and getting through the day is a success in itself.
Nobody can, or needs to be, “on” all the time. Even tennis champion Naomi Osaka decided to take a break and pay fines (instead of talking to the press during the French Open this year), to preserve her mental health and protect her game on the court—which was her task at hand. Your girls don’t have to be famous to be feeling the pressures of our “all-access” society. Keeping up appearances on social media has become a huge source of stress in young people’s lives—especially teen girls—and the pressure to look, act, and seem “perfect” can be overwhelming. Talk with your girls about the importance of taking time to feel and process their authentic feelings rather than always putting on a happy face. As humans, dealing with frustrations, disappointments, sadness, and anger is simply part of life, and working through those emotions, rather than denying them, helps us grow and become stronger people.
It’s OK to say “no.” In an interview with Elle magazine, Beyoncé opened up about the pressure to do it all. Admitting that she used to be someone who would simply tough it out in difficult situations and focus on taking care of everyone else before herself—she said she’s learned better. “There are things in my career that I did because I didn’t understand that I could say no,” she said. “We all have more power than we realize.” If your girls are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, sit down with them and take a look at everything that’s on their plates. They may be juggling more than they can handle—and even taking on things that don’t make them happy—to avoid disappointing people in their life. If possible, help them identify one or two things that they can bow out of or at least put on pause. Stepping away from even just one obligation can give them valuable time to just breathe and relax, which will help them keep going strong in the long run.
When Simone Biles withdrew from the gymnastics team competition at the Tokyo Olympics, it took courage for her—arguably the greatest gymnast of all time—to acknowledge her limits that day. And when she said she “truly [feels] like [she has] the weight of the world on [her] shoulders at times,” she was setting a positive example and doing the responsible thing by taking care of herself to preserve her mental health.
Teaching our girls to look out for themselves, and to care for themselves in the moment is one of the most important gifts we can give them. fall/winter 2021 • volunteer 411
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Adventures Beyond the Troop Meeting At Girl Scouts, she can discover more—including more about herself and the world around her. One of the best ways to inspire discovery and explore new leadership opportunities is to get Girl Scouts out into the world! Trying new activities or participating in shared interests is a great way to bond as a troop and encourages girls to grow and support each other. Girl-led activities are at the heart of our program, and we want to help troop leaders prepare for any kind of adventure your Girl Scouts can dream up!
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Where should you start? Submit a Troop Activity Interest Form for any adventure beyond the regular troop meeting.
Follow this check list for easy troop travel approval. Early Stages of Planning • Submit Troop Activity Interest Form. •
Submit Money-Earning Activity Application (if raising funds for your trip).
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Submit preapproval for • Cookie Program Credit Reimbursement (if applicable; service unit trips only).
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Read the “Troop Travel” Section of Safety Activity Checkpoints with your troop.
Verify each attendee is registered and all adults are background checked. (This is the most frequent reason application approvals are delayed).
4–6 Weeks Before Local, Regional, or National Trip • Submit completed Troop Travel Application with supporting documents to info@girlscoutsmoheartland.org. Supporting documents needed include: • o Driver’s licenses and proof of insurance for all drivers. • o Activity Insurance Enrollment Form—this is extra insurance for your trip. • o Trip itinerary—including names and addresses of each place you will be staying on the trip. • o Sleeping arrangements for the trip—include all people on the trip. • o Any proof of insurance or certification needed for activities (ex: ziplining, dolphin tours, • horseback riding). • o Any proof of insurance or additional requirements for housing or vehicle rentals including • extra insurance or proof of safety equipment. • o Proof of First Aid/CPR Certification or other trainings. • o Driving report • Submit Girl Scout Cookie Credit: Reimbursement for Service Unit Events and Day Camps form. After the Troop Adventure • Send any fun photos or stories to info@girlscoutsmoheartland.org. We love to see what you’re up to and you just might inspire another girl to take on the world! International Trips have different guidelines and should be submitted on a different timeline. Reach out to us for more information.
Travel Tips for Volunteers • •
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Before fundraising for trips, reach out to us via the Troop Activity Interest Form! We’ll help verify basic trip and activity information so that we can work together to determine if funds can be used for the trip in the way your troop would like to use them! Check Safety Activity Checkpoints for all recreational activities, housing, and transportation as you plan! Rentals of all types have extra requirements like insurance and approval that must be met before they can be used on the trip. Check with your Volunteer Support team member if you’re not sure about something! Tell us about tagalongs up front. The rule is, if you plan to include non–Girl Scouts on your trip, such as siblings, they should also follow the same travel progression rules as members, shown on pages 16-17. For example, an eight-year-old sibling of a Senior should not participate in an international trip. Additionally, a Brownie sibling of a Cadette should not participate in a national trip. And remember, you will have to purchase supplemental insurance for nonmembers.
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Travel Progression Progression allows girls to learn the skills they need to become competent travelers - including how to plan and organize trips! Travel fun can be endless when girls take the lead.
Troops going on Local Field Trips, Days Trips, and Simple Overnights can submit the Troop Activity Interest form to check on Safety Activity Checkpoint compliance for their activity. For Simple Overnights and beyond, troops are required to submit a Troop Travel Application.
Overnights Day Trips Local Field Trips
Ready for adventure? Check out the upcoming trip to Belize on pages 18-19!
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Make a day of it!
Get your travel feet wet. Walk to a nearby garden, take a short ride to the firehouse, or other local spots.
Girl-led tip: Girls should pick the location, activity (perhaps working toward a badge), and decide where to go for lunch.
Girl-led tip: Girls should choose the location.
For Daises and up after a local field trip experience.
For Daises and up.
Start with one night, maybe at a camp or museum. Next, plan a weekend trip in a nearby city or state park. Girl-led tip: Girls should plan the activity, meals, games, and pack their own bags. For Daises and up after a day trip experience.
Independent Travel International Trips National Trips Regional Trips Spend three to four nights away somewhere a few hours from home. Girl-led tip: Girls should plan all the key details, such as activities, the budget, route, and lodging. Remember— extended trip insurance is required. For Juniors and up after an overnight.
Travel the country! Trips often last a week or more. Think beyond a typical vacation location and consider historical sites, museums, or national parks! Girl-led tip: Girls should lead the entire planning process. Don’t forget about Take Action projects! Remember— extended trip insurance is required. For Cadettes and up, after a regional trip expierence.
Travel the world! These life-changing trips usually take one to three years to prepare. Consider visiting a WAGGGS World Centre! Girl-led tip: Download the Global Travel Toolkit, found on gsTravel. The girls should plan their entire trip (learning about new languages, cultures, passports, and visas, etc.).
Cadette through Ambassador Girl Scouts with travel experience can travel nationally or internationally by themselves through councilsponsored opportunities or GSUSA’s destinations. To learn more, check with us or visit the Girl Scout Destinations website. For Cadettes and up after an international trip.
Remember— extended trip insurance is required. For Cadettes and up after a national trip.
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Girl Scouts to Belize: A Wildlife Adventure Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland is continuing our partnership with EF Tours to provide Girl Scouts with the opportunity of a lifetime! Join us as we discover a tropical paradise with miles of shimmering blue Caribbean coastline and lush jungle canopies. Belize is bursting with diverse wildlife and a sense of adventure. See native jungle animals up close on multiple nature hikes, whiz through the treetops on a zip-line, and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean. Ancient ruins, cave tubing, and a riverboat cruise ensure this will be an adventure that Girl Scouts will never forget. When? June 21–28, 2023 Who? Girl and adult members of Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland. Girls must be at least 11 years old at the time of travel. The tour group will include a full-time Tour Director from EF Tours and Chaperones. Chaperones will consist of Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland staff and adult travelers. All adult travelers will have the opportunity to apply to be a chaperone. Additional information on the chaperone selection process will sent via email to travelers at a later date. How Much? The current price for this trip is $3,545 for girls, and $3,995 for adults. Price will increase as the departure date gets closer—so sign up now! You can find the most up-to-date price on the trip website. A $95 deposit is required at time of enrollment. Payments can be made on a schedule and in multiple forms. • Credit/debit card payments can be made online by the EF Tour traveler portal. • Cookie Program Credit or Fall Fund payments can be made by sending us an email at info@ girlscoutsmoheartland.org with the traveler’s name, card number, and amount to apply to her trip. This form of payment cannot be used for the $95 deposit. • Travelers can apply for financial assistance.
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Here’s what your experience includes: Full-time Tour Director Sightseeing: 1 sightseeing tour led by an expert, licensed local guide Activity level: Active; moderate walking (at least 2 hours daily), and may include high-altitude hiking, swimming, rafting, or more strenuous activities in high heat and humidity Entrances: Lamanai Ruins; Old Sugar Mill; guided jungle hike; cave tubing; canopy tour; Xunantunich Ruins; Chaa Creek Natural History Center; Belize Zoo; snorkeling Experiential learning: Visit a local exchange All of the details are covered: Round-trip flights on major carriers; comfortable motorcoach; boat; 6 overnight stays in hotels with private bathrooms (7 with extension); 3 meals daily (Days 2-6); dinner on arrival day; breakfast on departure day (Breakfast on Day 7 and 8, lunch and dinner on Day 7 with extension) For more information on the trip agenda, difficulty level, how to enroll and more—visit EF tours’ website or scan the QR code below.
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Girl Scouts and the Great Outdoors Whether you are planning your first camping trip with your Girl Scouts or are already an expert— we can help you every step of the way! Our girls have always been adventurers, exploring new and exciting places, even their own backyards. When she gets outdoors, she doesn’t just reach new destinations, but celebrates the traditions that got her there. Now, more than ever, girls need to spend time outside, and getting them there is easier said than done. The Outdoor Progression Chart on page 22-23 is a great resource for all troop leaders to use. It shows, step-by-step, how to get girls outdoors. From local trips to hiking national parks—she’s ready every step of the way.
Here are some beginning steps before planning your outdoor adventure: 1. Ensure that your outing is girl-led. This is the cornerstone of the entire Girl Scout experience, but it is especially important that girls can ask questions, lend ideas, and come up with a plan together. 2. Offer girls age-appropriate ways to engage in cooperative learning. A great example is Daisies can plan which snacks to bring on a hike, while older girls can choose their destination and pack their own materials. 3. Make sure that girls are learning by doing. There are so many opportunities during outdoor adventures for girls to take the lead, even if they make mistakes, such as preparing food, pitching tents, leading a hike, and reflecting on their trip.
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Girl Scout Ranger Program Girl Scouts has joined forces with the National Park Service to launch the Girl Scout Ranger Program, giving girls everywhere access to monuments, seashores, urban sites, and so much more. Here are five easy steps to earn your Girl Scout Ranger patch. 1. Choose a National Park Service site. Visit www.nps.gov/ findapark and choose a national park or a monument. Explore nature, learn the history, and read the stories to discover why it is important to preserve parks. In Missouri, there are places like Fort Scott, George Washington Carver, Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Trail of Tears, and Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield that are worth exploring. 2. Imagine Yourself in a National Park. Brainstorm activities that you might want to experience at a national park. Consider working outside with a geologist or inside identifying fossils. Maybe your interest lies in wildfire restoration, building a bridge, or a night sky project. 3. Contact the park and plan. Call the park and identify yourself as a Girl Scout. Ask if there is someone who works with the Girl Scout Ranger program or a volunteer coordinator. Express your ideas to the coordinator. Together, plan a project to help the park and fulfill your goals. 4. Go to the park and have fun! If your park does not have a volunteer program or is too far away to visit, create a Take Action Project. 5. Share the experience. Share your best shots on Instagram and Twitter using #gsoutdoors (don’t forget to tag @GirlScouts) and you can be part of the largest Girl Scout photo collage in the world. Share those photos with us too! Consider emailing them to info@girlscoutsmoheartland.org to let us know how your outdoor adventure went.
Outdoor Skills Patch Program She’s a force of nature—it’s time to get her outside. The Outdoor Skills Patch Program is a progressive, six-level program to help Girl Scouts build their outdoors skills. From exploring leadership to developing a love of nature, this patch program adds to the outdoor skills already learned in the Girl Scout program. Check out some of the curriculum below—the complete curriculum can be found on our website. Beginner Create a kaper chart Plan and prepare a simple snack Learn the overhand knot
Apprentice Learn first aid basics Learn to how to use a compass Learn methods of purifying water
Intermediate Learn how to follow trail signs Learn knife safety Learn how to dress for the weather
Expert Learn how to read a topographical map Learn how to build a trench fire Make a meal with a box oven
Advanced Learn Leave No Trace principles Build a fire and cook a simple meal Learn the clove hitch
Master Make dehydrated food Learn how to use a hatchet Learn wilderness first aid basics fall/winter 2021 • volunteer 411
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Outdoor Progression Getting outdoors allows her to explore the world around her and take on challenges. Progression allows girls to become more competent in the outdoors, including how to plan and organize outdoor activities. As she tackles the step she’s at—she can look forward to the next one, allowing her to have endless outdoor adventure.
r ing fo ssion? k o o L e progr e e r o m th k out ession c e h r C l Prog 17! e v a r T es 16 g a p on
Explore Out Move Out Plan and take a short walk outside.
Discuss what to take in a day pack.
Step outside to look, listen, feel and smell.
Discuss being prepared for the weather.
Dress for the weather. Plan a healthy snack of lunch.
Share what was observed.
Do activities to explore nature.
Learn more about what was discovered.
Plan and carry out an indoor sleepover.
Meet Out Look Out Share past experiences in the outdoors. Talk about favorite outdoor places and why they’re special. Wonder what else can be seen in the outdoors.
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Plan and take a short and easy hike.
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Learn how to stay safe in the outdoors.
Adventure Out Camp Out Sleep Out
Plan and take a one to two night camping trip.
Plan and carry out overnight in a cabin/backyard.
Take more responsibility for planning.
Discuss what to pack for the sleep out.
Learn and practice a new outdoor skill.
Learn to use and care for camping gear.
Learn and practice skills needed to cook a meal.
Learn a new outdoor cooking skill.
Learn and practice new outdoor skills.
Plan a food budget, then buy and pack food.
Review outdoor cooking safety.
Plan a menu with new cooking skills.
Practice campsite setup.
Discuss campsite organization.
Plan an agenda that includes fun activities.
Cook Out Plan and cook a simple meal outdoors. Make a list of gear and food supplies needed.
Practice hand and dish sanitation. Create a Kaper Chart for the cookout.
Plan time for fun activities.
Explore/protect the surrounding environment.
Plan and take an outdoor trip for several days. Learn and practice a new outdoor skill. Learn a new outdoor cooking skill. Develop firstaid skills and use safety checkpoints. Budget, schedule, and make arrangements. Participate in an environmental service project. Teach and inspire others about the outdoors. Imagine new experiences to be had outdoors. Practice all Leave No Trace principles.
Leave no trace principles: plan ahead and prepare, leave what you find, respect wildlife, minimize campfire impacts, travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, be considerate of others, and dipose of waste properly.
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Get to Know Our Program Centers We are home to four program centers, providing a second home for Girl Scouts to hike, swim, and camp. Spanning from Missouri to Kansas, our program centers provide Girl Scouts with outdoor experiences like cooking out, sleeping underneath the stars, and blazing nature trails. Each program center is waiting for you and your next outdoor adventure. So, if you are needing a home for your next outdoor adventure—it’s not that far away. Meet Our Program Centers Finbrooke Program Center A spectacular camp tucked away in Christian County, Missouri on 250 acres. Finbrooke offers six different camping units including a choice of small cabins, perma-tents, or platform tents. Each unit has a pavilion with electricity, access to flush toilets, and hot showers. The lodge can house 125 people, with a full commercial kitchen and bathroom facilities. This program center is accredited by the American Camp Association and is ADA accessible. Suggested activities: camping (service unit, troop, or family), fishing, hiking, mountain biking, nature activities, and service projects. The following Outdoor Adventure Programs are available upon request: • Archery • Zipline • Team building games • Canoeing • Kayaking • Low and high ropes • Climbing tower • Swimming challenge course Friendship Fields Program Center Located in Crawford County, Kansas, Friendship Fields is on 53 acres and offers the Red Bud Lodge which contains a double fireplace, flush toilets, and hot showers. With a capacity of 75, the lodge’s kitchen and meeting room are well-equipped. The grounds include a pavilion, fire ring, storm shelter, and canoe dock on a small lake that provides the opportunity for canoeing. Friendship Fields also has a 1-room log cabin with a kitchen and bathroom. Friendship Fields is ADA accessible. Suggested activities: camping (service unit, troop, or family), fishing, hiking, nature activities, and service projects. The following Outdoor Adventure Programs are available upon request: • Canoeing • Kayaking • Team building games
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Latonka Program Center Tucked away in its own private cove on beautiful Lake Wappapello in Wayne County Missouri, Latonka offers three camping units with screened cabins and one camping unit with a tree house. Each unit has a pavilion with electricity. All units have access to flush toilets and hot showers. Three climate-controlled buildings (the troop house, infirmary, and old house) are also available. With space for up to 100 people, the dining lodge has a full commercial kitchen, bathroom, and a large, screened area for indoor use or overflow. Troop House may be used year-round. This program center is ADA accessible. Suggested activities: camping (service unit, troop, family), fishing, hiking, nature activities, recreational activities, and service projects. The following Outdoor Adventure Programs are available upon request: • Archery • Low and high ropes • Canoeing challenge course • Paddle boating • Swimming • Zipline • Team building games Silver Meadows Program Center Situated on 113 acres in Boone County Missouri and featuring beautiful rolling meadows and a 2.5 acre lake, Silver Meadows offers a two-story lodge that can house 75 people and has a full commercial kitchen and bathroom facilities. An outdoor shelter with showers, flush toilets, and a fire circle is also available— perfect for tent camping. The site has a capacity of 200–500 for day events and is ADA accessible. Suggested activities: camping, fishing, hiking, nature activities, and service projects. The following Outdoor Adventure Programs are available upon request: • Archery • Canoeing • Team building games Planning Your Trip: Reserving Program Centers All Girl Scouts are invited to reserve our program centers at no cost. To check the availability of a program center or to begin the reservation process, contact us via info@girlscoutsmoheartland. org. Reservations are currently available for day and overnight use. Confirmations will be sent to the troop after a reservation is complete. • Outdoor Adventure Programs are available upon request based on Girl Scout grade level, as well as following outdoor progression along with our safety activity checkpoints. • Please note, COVID-19 guidelines may affect reservation and activity availability, as well as capacity requirements. fall/winter 2021 • volunteer 411
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6 Tricks to Boost Her Confidence Today You want your girls to dream big and achieve huge things in their life—and the first step to that kind of success is helping them to believe they can do anything they set their mind to. Steal these six boost-her-up secrets from Girl Scouts’ resident Developmental Psychologist Andrea Bastiani Archibald and watch the confidence soar.
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1. Catch them being Clever Kids are so terrific at observing life’s funniest, most puzzling, and inspiring moments. When your troop helps you see a situation in a different light, tell them why what they said is so interesting and how they changed your thinking. It matters to them that you’re really listening, and that you appreciate what they have to contribute (which is a lot!).
2. Switch up the Compliments If their used to being praised on their looks (or even their singing voice or on their soccer prowess), make sure to tell them how great they are at other things, too. They have many talents, and should know that they’re all valuable—that there identity doesn’t have to depend on any one of them. As far as talking about how cute they is it’s fine to tell them their looks nice, but make sure those comments are sprinkled in amongst applause for their numerous skills and talents. They are way more than just a pretty face!
3. Work up a Sweat Whether you initiate an impromptu yoga session in the living room or challenge them to a round of hoops on the driveway, getting active with your troop will boost theri endorphins (and, thus, their mood) and also help them appreciate just how much their awesome body really can do—instead of only focusing on the way it looks.
4. Ask for Their Help
5. Let Them Set the Trends Show curiosity about whatever they are into right now—whether that’s horses, astronomy, or, well, whatever! They look up to you, so when they see you’re interested in the things they likes, too, they’ll feel even more confident in their choices and sense of self.
6. Cheer Them On There will be times when your girls will want to try out for or audition for things that are highly competitive, and that might not work out for them—that’s a good thing! Don’t discourage ttem from attempting a challenge just because they might not get picked. Instead, tell them how happy it makes you when they try new things and really puts themself out there—and that you’ll be proud of them no matter what happens.
Have your girls aced almost every video game out there? Have they given you some pointers the next time they’re sitting down for a game. Or if they’re the queen of Instagram filters and you’re, well, a little challenged in that department, have them walk you through her favorites. Whatever they’re great at, call them out on it and let them be the teacher for once. Putting them in an expert role will show your girls that you value their knowledge, and give them leadership skills, too! fall/winter 2021 • volunteer 411
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Fall into Fall Product Fall Product Program is a simple and fast way for troops to earn funds to kickstart their Girl Scout adventures. Held every October through November, the Girl Scout Fall Product Program is, literally, a short and sweet program designed to help troops raise funds for all the amazing adventures in the year ahead. With just a one month commitment for troops, there are only about 6 steps to participate—with a volunteer support team member coaching you along the way! 1. Attend a Fall Product Training hosted by your service unit. 2. Host a Family Fall Product Training—this can be before, after, or in place of a regular troop meeting. This helps to get everyone on the same page to support girls as they set and reach their goals.
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3. Set up your Fall Product Account in the M2 software. It’s very user friendly, but we do have all the tutorials and resources to help you navigate it and succeed. 4. While the girls are out reaching their goals, you, the volunteer, will need to be available to collect, receipt, and deposit funds received by your troop during the sale.
5. It’s the end of the sale! Enter the girl orders in M2 and verify the fun and valuable recognitions the girls have earned! These recognitions auto-populate as girls reach different goals—verification is only needed for some levels, for example, those that ask for t-shirt sizes. 6. Be available to distribute the girl recognitions when they arrive in December!
M2, our Fall Product Program management site, is a fun and easy site! Despite its ease, we do ensure that volunteers and girls are adequately trained. Interactive and fun for girls, they can track their recognitions in real time, share videos and pictures to their parents’ social media accounts directly from the product site, and create a custom avatar of themselves.
But really, why participate? The Fall Product Program provides instant funds for your new troop and for the new Girl Scout year! As sweets and treats are sold, funds are deposited into the troop account. GSMH proceeds are taken out around the first of December and what is left in the troop account is yours to keep! By the first part of December, your troop has funds in their account to use to fulfill their Girl Scout adventures for the year!
2021 Dates Week of September 20: Service Unit Nut & Candy Chair Training October 22: Program Begins! November 19: Last Day to Collect Orders Week of December 6: Nuts and Candies Delivered to Service Units
Digital Forms and You During our Product Programs—every box of cookies and candy she sells turns into a lifelong memory for her and a lifetime of leadership for you. The good news is that the resources you need to set yourself and her up for success are right at your fingertips. Resources like forms turning digital makes sure you spend more time leading and less time filling out the necessary forms. Here’s how our digital forms work: 1. You fill out the form with the required information, and hit submit. 2. All submissions are directly and immediately sent to the correct staff member or team. Digital forms allow for your information to not only get to us quicker, but in a more efficient way. This way, you can be there for her, and we can be there for you!
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Get to Know Our Cookie Baker ABC Bakers has been baking Girl Scout Cookies since 1937! ABC’s mission is to deliver the best tasting cookies and provide an easy Cookie Program experience for our organization, our troops, and our families! They are licensed by Girl Scouts of the USA to provide Girl Scout Cookies for the annual Girl Scout Cookie Program. As one of the original licensed Girl Scout Cookie bakers, ABC Bakers proudly provides customer-focused responsive service, innovative products, and more effective training and digital tools to support us.
Focusing on Quality To continue creating safe, high-quality cookies that taste amazing, their bakery in North Sioux City, SD has an extensive program that analyzes potential risks, ensures preventive controls are in place, and regularly tests overall effectiveness with audits from the Global Food Safety Initiative. All these measures are working well, the bakery recently received the audit program’s highest rating—AA!
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But wait, how do cookies get from South Dakota all the way to the Missouri Heartland? Starting from our bakers, delivery agents, employees, cookie cupboards, communities, service units, troops, families, and down to every girl—the Cookie Program really does take a team effort to be successful. After the cookies are baked in South Dakota, they are transported to our three local delivery agents and warehouses. From there, our delivery agents work hard to deliver cookies to service unit drop-offs, cookie cupboards—or wherever cookies are needed. That’s where you come in! After delivery, we count on you—our volunteers—to distribute cookies from service units to troops to our families and girls for selling, where they finally end up in customers hands—and stomachs!
Baker, South Dakota
Local Warehouse
Guess what? There is a new cookie! Learn all about it on page 32. Respecting the Environment
Cookie Cupboards
In 2010, ABC kicked off the “out of the box” initiative, where they opted for cookie sleeves instead of cardboard boxes for some of our top-selling cookies, including Lemonades and Toast-Yay! This change alone led to saving 150 tons of paperboard, and an estimated 2,600 gallons of diesel fuel a year! This is a powerful example of what can be accomplished through making just one change, and they are always keeping an eye out on the next environmentally conscious way to bake and sell Girl Scout Cookies.
Troops
Sustainable Foods for All Tastes ABC Bakers is committed to support the production of certified sustainable palm oil. As part of Weston Foods, ABC Bakers is a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), an organization of growers, buyers, manufacturers, conservationists, and other interested parties striving to develop and follow best practices to ensure sustainability. Since 2015, all the palm oil used in their Girl Scout Cookies has been sourced exclusively from RSPO members through RSPO Credits, which support sustainable palm oil production practices.
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Check out the new badges on pages 10-11!
Did Someone Say New Cookie? Announcing the new Adventurefuls cookie joining the nationwide lineup for the 2022 Girl Scout Cookie season. An indulgent brownie-inspired cookie with caramel-flavored crème and a hint of sea salt, Adventurefuls take cookie lovers on a delicious taste adventure just like Girl Scouts go on their own amazing adventures through the program. Girl Scouts in the Missouri Heartland and Girl Scouts across the United States will offer the Adventurefuls cookie next season alongside favorites like Thin Mints® and Caramel deLites®. 32
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Where are the events and trainings? We know you are used to seeing our events and trainings listed in the Volunteer 411. However, due to COVID-19, our program and training teams have had to shift gears in many different directions in the past year alone. As the Delta variant adds to the uncertainty of COVID-19, we are working hard to plan trainings and events appropriately for our members. Thank you for your patience. We promise to keep you updated via all communication channels as we create more training and program opportunities for you. If you have any questions regarding a training or program, contact us via email at info@girlscoutsmoheartland.org.
gsEvents Coming Soon! We will be replacing our current event registration system with a movement-wide system later this fall. We’ll send more information out as soon as possible. fall/winter 2021 • volunteer 411
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Shop With Us From vests to tote bags, we have all your Girl Scout gear and must haves. Whether you prefer online or in-person shopping, you can shop with us your way. Call us at 877-312-4764 or email us at info@ girlscoutsmoheartland.org to place your order or join us for a Facebook Live shopping event. Coming this fall! Join us for in person shopping at one of our new pop up shop locations! Make sure to check your email and Facebook for dates and times. Next, check out all the ways you can shop with us to set you and your troop up for success. 34
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Retail Facebook Group Join Us at Our Pop Up Shops We are packing up and bringing the shop to you! Each pop up shop will have Girl Scout gear, fun swag, select badges, fun patches, insignia, apparel, and more! You can also request a pop up shop in your area or at your event. Be sure to stay connected to find out locations, dates, and times as to when a pop up shop will be coming your way and how to request a pop up shop.
Join our Facebook Group, “Girl Scouts MO Merch”, to keep up with our pop up shop locations, Facebook Live shopping information, giveaways, sales, and new items. Scan the QR code below to join!
We’re Going Live We all love to shop from the comfort of our own home and now you can shop with us through our Facebook Lives. Grab your favorite card and let’s shop—free shipping is included. Make sure to follow us on Facebook so you will be notified as soon as we go live!
Use Your Cookie Program Credit How does this work? To get started, complete the Shop Online Gift Certificate Request Form (located in the Girl Scouts MO Merch Facebook group) We notify GSUSA, and you will receive a gift certificate code from GSUSA to use at check out for any purchases made from the online store. To get started, complete the Shop Online Gift Certificate Request. Please allow 2-4 weeks for processing to receive gift certificate. Once your Cookie Program Credit is converted to a shop online gift certificate, it cannot be reversed.
Adult Uniforms $30 Your best vest yet! Proudly showcase your insignia, adult patches, and awards on this official vest. The stand-up collar, gold tone zipper, and welt pockets are among the special details that pull together your official look. Sizes range from Misses XS-Women’s 5X.
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Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland PO Box 10747 Springfield, MO 65808
877-312-4764 info@girlscoutsmoheartland.org
Discovery ahead. 28 new badges for 2021 Entrepreneurship | Math in Nature | Digital Leadership Check out pages 10-11. 36
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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Columbia, Missouri Permit No. 353
