The family guide to
GIRL SCOUTS
gssn.org
Letter from the
Chief Executive Officer
Dear Girl Scout Family, Thank you for choosing Girl Scouts for your girl! You are part of the preeminent leadership development organization for girls and have opened the door to a world of fun and opportunity. Everything girls do in Girl Scouting is infused with the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE), which shows girls how to:
Discover themselves and their values and use their
knowledge and skills to explore the world.
Connect and care about, inspire, and team up with
others locally and globally.
Take Action to make the world a better place. National research has shown that Girl Scouts achieve higher grades, have twice as many leadership opportunities, are more likely to make sound moral decisions, have stronger relationships with their parents than their non-Girl Scout peers, and earn higher income as adults. Consider Girl Scouts as one of the best investments you can make in your girl’s future! Sincerely,
Pam Czyz Chief Executive Officer Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada
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Table of Contents 6 8 11 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 28 29
Growing with Girl Scouts The Girl Scout Leadership Experience Membership and Other Costs We are a network Investing in Girls Mission, Promise, and Law The Girl Scout Cookie Program The Girl Scout Fall Product Program Get outside at Camp Trips and Travel Activities Highest Awards Girl and Leader responsibility to the Troop Girl Scout Volunteers Family’s responsibility to the Troop The GSSN Shop Important Dates and Resources About My Troop
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Welcome to Girl Scouts! In Girl Scouts, we build girls who are not only dreamers, but also doers. We believe all girls should be go-getters, innovators, risk-takers and leaders who make the world better. Because, if we’re going to change the world, it’s up to us to take the lead!
Go Get ‘Em Like A Girl Scout
Dream big. Then take action. We teach girls to create their own opportunities to learn, imagine and make things happen. Because those who step up now, stand out later.
Innovate Like A Girl Scout
We bring the challenges. Then we get out of the way. When we give a girl the right problems to solve, she brings inspiration and innovation until she’s tackled them. Now, and later.
Take Risks Like A Girl Scout
Speak up with an idea. Test out a new skill. We empower girls to take risks on a daily basis—and “I can’t” isn’t in our vocabulary. Because when taking on fears becomes fun, girls become unstoppable.
Lead Like A Girl Scout
Our girls don’t say “why me?” They say “watch me!” We teach girls to see challenges as opportunities, over and over and over again. Because when girls believe they can solve tough problems, they do.
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Growing with Girl Scouts
A life-long leadership journey
You want to see her happy, confident, strong, and ready to succeed.
So do we. Whether making new friends, riding horses, building robots, traveling, or just having fun, she’ll find her place here. From troop meetings and activities to summer camps and council-wide events, opportunities abound in your Girl Scout experience. We encourage you to stay connected with us from kindergarten through high school when she earns her Gold Award – the highest achievement in Girl Scouts.
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AMBASSADORS 11TH & 12TH
JUNIORS 4TH & 5TH DAISIES K & 1ST learn they can care for animals and themselves and to protect Earth’s treasures.
BROWNIES 2ND & 3RD go on a quest to find the three keys to leadership. They explore their place in the wide world of girls.
learn that leaders need power – their own, their team’s and their community’s. Juniors are encouraged to achieve their
BRONZE AWARD.
CADETTES 6TH - 8TH develop relationship skills needed to be leaders in their life and their world. Cadettes are encouraged to achieve their
SILVER AWARD.
SENIORS 9TH & 10TH have a vision and lead the world closer to it. Girls use their sisterhood to better themselves and the world. Seniors are encouraged to achieve their
GOLD AWARD, the highest award earned by a Girl Scout.
raise their voices to advocate for issues they care about. They actively move their dreams forward and learn that leaders aim for justice. Ambassadors are encouraged to achieve their
GOLD AWARD, the highest award earned by a Girl Scout.
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The Girl Scout Leadership Experience E
ERIENTIA P X
We’re focused on observing the following outcomes through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE):
SENSE OF SELF: Girls have confidence in themselves and their abilities, and form positive identities.
POSITIVE VALUES: Girls act ethically, honestly, and responsibly, and show concern for others.
CHALLENGE SEEKING: Girls learn to take appropriate risks, try things even if they might fail, and learn from mistakes.
COMMUNITY PROBLEM SOLVING: Girls desire to contribute to the world in purposeful and meaningful ways, learn how to identify problems in the community, and create “action plans” to solve them.
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS:
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Girls develop and maintain healthy relationships by communicating their feelings directly and resolving conflicts constructively.
B O R AT
Girls work together to achieve their goals.
E
We encourage girls to learn by doing. We ask them to take a risk – try it out and see how it works.
A LL
IV
DISCOVER their passion CONNECT with others TAKE ACTION to create change
Decision making, compromise, and communication are essential elements to developing strong leaders.
L
Keys to Leadership
L-LED
CO
Our one-of-a-kind adventures empower every girl to try new things and take smart risks. She will learn that she has everything it takes to solve her own challenges, now and later, to help them learn how to become tomorrow’s leaders.
GIR
STEM
OUTDOOR
LIFE SKILLS
ENTREPRENEURSHIP 9
Membership Renewal
Early Bird Renewal - May 1 - June 15 On Time Renewal - by September 30 The Girl Scout membership year runs annually from October 1 – September 30. Girls and adults may enroll as a member of Girl Scouts at any time. Memberships are valid for the programming year in which you enrolled. Troop Leaders can renew their whole troop all at once, or families can renew individually via their MyGS Member Profile.
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ACTIVITY SUPPLIES You may be asked to contribute supplies for activities, or provide a small fee to cover the cost for the volunteers to buy them for your girl’s troop.
BADGES AND PATCHES These are the tokens girls earn for their hard work and display proudly on their uniform. Not mandatory, but girls love collecting them!
BOOKS A variety of Girl Scout program books are used by troops to facilitate the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. This is especially helpful for new troops. You can purchase yours at the GSSN Shop!
CAMP/TRIPS/ OVERNIGHTERS The cost of these trips vary and may be covered all or in part by troop proceeds raised through the Girl Scout Cookie Program, Fall Product Program or by family’s contribution.
UNIFORM A variety of uniform pieces are available at the GSSN Shop.
ACCESSIBLE, AFFORDABLE, AND VALUABLE Annual membership in Girl Scouts is $25 and is paid directly to Girl Scouts of the USA to cover the cost of fundamental services supporting the Girl Scout Movement including: accident insurance for members participating in approved Girl Scout activities, research, resources, training, and services to councils. All girls and adult volunteers are required to hold a membership in the national organization in order to participate in local Girl Scout programming such as camp, council events, and the cookie program.
Financial Assistance We’re committed to ensuring that all girls, regardless of financial means, can fully participate in our Girl Scout program, and will provide financial assistance accordingly. Financial assistance is available for membership registration, dues, uniform components, handbooks, troop, service unit, or council-sponsored events and programs, and resident camp.
TROOP FUNDS & FUNDRAISING Local troops and service units may assess additional dues or fees and participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program and/or the Fall Product Program in order to offset supply and activity costs. Troop funds are earned by the troops and are the property of the troop as a whole, not the individual members. Girls, with guidance from their leaders, will decide how they’ll use their funds.
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WE ARE A NETWORK N
Girl Scouts of the USA is a national
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Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that independently fund raises to manage the operations of programs, camp, and other councilled activities over 96,000 square miles in northern Nevada and northeastern California.
Service Units A Girl Scout Service Unit is a community of volunteers and girls in a geographic area defined by a cluster of schools. The service unit (or SU) team is an essential support system that organizes training, provides mentorship, girl program, and member support for volunteers, girls, and caregivers.
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What Service Units do:
Collaborate with GSSN Staff to recruit new girl and adult members to join the fun. Support volunteers and girls to keep troops engaged and provide a wider Girl Scout community. Recognize volunteer contributions and efforts. Plan and run Service Unit events for all troops to participate in. Support participation in the product sale programs. Engage with the local community to spread the mission of Girl Scouts.
Troops
Troops are led by adult volunteers. If you registered into a troop with existing troop leaders, please expect for your troop leader to contact you within one week after you complete your registration. Troop leaders must pass a background check and complete training prior to their first troop meeting. Every troop experience is different. We encourage you to talk to your troop leader to understand what is offered throughout the year. If your troop does not have the required two leaders, please consider volunteering! In their troop, girls will have the chance to earn badges and patches throughout the year for their accomplishments. Troop leaders will guide girls through the badge program and journeys as girls accumulate skills and advance through each level. We strive to teach our girls real-world skills and more – we’re out to show them that it’s their inner strength that counts. From troop meetings to camp, our programs inspire continuous learning and spark innovation to solve everyday challenges.
Individually Registered Girl Scouts
As an Individually Registered Girl Scout Member (sometimes referred to as “Juliettes”), you’ll get to experience all the fun and amazing things Girl Scouts do but on your own schedule. A Girl Scout Juliette is a girl who participates in Girl Scouts as an individual member. It is named in honor of the founder of Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low. Today’s girls may sometimes find it hard to fit all their desired activities into their busy schedule. If you are a Girl Scout who does not wish to join a troop, or are unable to find a troop that meets at a convenient time or place, you can still be a Girl Scout! If you choose to be a Girl Scout Juliette, you can participate in as many or as few activities that interest you and fit your schedule, and earn badges and patches with your family’s support!
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Together, we can get her there:
Invest in girls. Change the world. As a Girl Scout family, you know girls are our community leaders, entrepreneurs, and change agents – they’re discovering their passions, following their dreams, and building a better world for all of us. But did you know there are girls right here in our community, who need your help to be a Girl Scout? Girls who live in city-subsidized housing, homeless shelters, and who attend low-income schools. YOU can make sure every girl has access to the amazing opportunities available to her through Girl Scouts. 100% of every dollar donated stays local. 100% of girls will change their world.
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gssn.org/donate
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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THE GIRL SCOUT
Cookie Program January - April
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest financial literacy program in the world! When Girl Scouts participate in the cookie program, their troop earns proceeds from each package sold which fund field trips, troop supplies, programs, and more. Girls can choose to participate in the cookie program independently or through her troop. For more information, visit gssn.org/cookies.
The Cookie Share Program As a way to recognize hometown heroes like local firefighters, police officers, military troops, and community service organizations, Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada encourages troops to participate in the Cookie Share Program. During cookie season, girls ask customers to purchase additional packages of cookies to be donated to incredible local organizations!
the 5
1
GOAL SETTING how to develop a business plan
2 DECISION MAKING think critically and solve problems
3 MONEY MANAGEMENT directly handle customer money
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skills
4
PEOPLE SKILLS engage with members of the community and develop confidence
5 BUSINESS ETHICS develop positive values like honesty and integrity
When a Girl Scout participates in the Fall Product and Cookie Programs, she’s building a lifetime of confidence as she learns five skills essential to leadership, success, and life.
THE GIRL SCOUT
Fall Product Program October-November
The Fall Product Program is a sale of nuts, candy, and/or magazines primarily to family and friends. It’s a great way for troops to start earning funds for their next adventure right away! Girls will get to practice the Five Skills and earn fun rewards. Find out more at gssn.org/fallproduct.
The Fall Product Share Program For every $6 donation during the Fall Product Sale, we’ll send a selected nut/candy item to a member of the military via our partner, Blue Star Moms of Nevada. Girls will earn a Share Patch for selling three military nut orders. Its easy to do, and the troop will still earn proceeds on every donation!
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Get Outside AT CAMP!
Exploration and adventure are essential components to a robust Girl Scout experience. Camping is a great way for girls to explore leadership, build skills, and develop a deep appreciation for nature. It’s also a great way for girls to learn how to be self-sufficient and independent while making new friends and having a blast! All girls can register for camp (grades k-12), regardless if they are in a troop.
Summer Resident Camp GSSN’s resident summer camp at Camp Wasiu II is for girls second grade and older and sessions range from three to 10 days. From outdoor adventures on the lake, to camp songs, canoeing, outdoor skill development and more, there is something for every girl at camp. Explore camp at gssn.org/camp.
Troop Camp Troop leaders may plan weekend campouts to Camp Wasiu II throughout the school year. We encourage you to chaperon and experience camp with us! Troop camping is open to girls of all ages.
Camp Wasiu II Sierra City, CA
gssn.org/camp
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TRIPS and TRAVEL Girl Scouts love to travel—from the field trips they take as Brownies to the global adventures they go on as teens. Check out Girl Scout Destinations (forgirls.girlscouts.org/travel), the ultimate adventure program for girls ages 11 and older. With a ton of different trips to apply for every year—from surfing camp on the east coast and breathtaking hikes out west, to the crazy-cool wonder of new cultures abroad—there’s something amazing for everyone to experience. Local, regional, and national travel opportunities are also part of GSSN’s travel focus. These trips can include everything from a day hike in the Sierra Nevada’s, to a three-day whitewater rafting adventure in California, to a visit to Savannah to explore the birthplace of Girls Scouts. How far will your Girl Scout experience take you? That’s up to you!
Your next great adventure is just around the corner! 19
Activities Try new things. Make new friends. Go on more adventures than you can count! GSSN activities and programs are a fun, engaging way to introduce girls to new ideas and experiences, challenge them to be leaders and change-makers, and teach them valuable skills that will last a lifetime. Find the perfect activity, training, or camp session for you at gssn.org/activities.
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Highest Awards
Bronze. Silver. Gold.
The highest honors a Girl Scout can earn. All three awards give you the chance to do big things while working on an issue you care about. Whether you want to plant a community garden at your school and inspire others to eat healthily for your Bronze, advocate for animal rights for your Silver, or build a career network that encourages girls to become scientists and engineers for your Gold, you’ll inspire others (and yourself).
Bronze Award
Juniors (grades 4-5)
Silver Award
Cadettes (grades 6-8)
Gold Award
Seniors and Ambassadors (grades 9-12) Find out more: gssn.org/awards
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GIRL’S RESPONSIBILITY TO THE TROOP • To follow the Girl Scout Promise & Law • To be willing to take risks, be confident and supportive towards her troop peers • To attend and participate in meetings and events • To listen to others in the troop and show respect for what they are saying • To be prepared and conduct herself in a safe manner • To respect troop leaders and other volunteers
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LEADER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO THE TROOP • To follow the Girl Scout Promise & Law • To let girls lead – ensure girls of every age take an active and grade-appropriate role in deciding the what, where, when, why, and how of what they do • To create an inclusive environment where girls and families feel welcome and connected to the troop • To provide a well-rounded and safe program following Girl Scout guidelines • To listen to and respect every participant and serve as a role model • To use volunteer resources such as the Volunteer Toolkit and to contact my service unit or GSSN when I need support
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We Lead Together
Prepare her for a lifetime of leadership, and be the mentor she needs. Girl Scouts is a volunteerled organization, so we need parents, guardians, community leaders, and other caring adults to invest in the lives of girls. Whether you have ten minutes or a lifetime, we need volunteers just like you!
GIRL SCOUT VOLUNTEERS Have a positive impact on girls Build self confidence Apply their talents Give back to their community Develop their leadership skills Build their network Make a difference!
Got a minute? Definitely!
Of course!
Just a few...
What can I do to help?
But I also have three kids and a dog.
I prefer one-time opportunities to help.
Troop Volunteer
Community Advocate
Troop Leader or Troop Co-Leader Be her hero! Here you’ll be on the front lines teaching girls all they can be.
Service Unit Manager Be a leader and mentor for your area’s Troop Leaders!
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Help your troop leader with everything from meeting activities to snacks.
Fall Product Volunteer Use your accounting and management skills to help keep the candy, nuts, and magazine sale organized in your area.
Cookie Volunteer
Office Volunteer
Do you love cookies? Help girls in your area do their best work by keeping things organized for the Cookie Program.
Join us for a short time each week to assist with the daily service operations of supporting more than 5,000 Girl Scout members.
Help us spread the word about the amazing things Girl Scouts does for Girls!
Event Volunteer Join us for one day! You can lend a hand at any event.
We need you!
Parents and guardians of our girl members make a difference and impact the quality of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Together, we are building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place!
FAMILY’S RESPONSIBILITY TO THE TROOP • Support your Girl Scout through all facets of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience • Encourage her to take risks and try new things • Be a cheerleader and allow her to take the lead • Volunteer with your troop – your troop leader cannot do it alone • Complete any necessary paperwork and help her fulfill responsibilities to the troop • Attend council events with your Girl Scout and encourage active participation in troop meetings • Stay connected through our social media channels, monthly council emails and our website • Ask questions – start with your troop leader. We’re also here to help! For inquiries, call the GSSN Council at 775-322-0642. • Stay current – Once you’ve become a member, log into MyGS – your Girl Scout community found at the top of our website at gssn.org. This member community will allow you to update your contact information with Girl Scouts, renew your membership(s), add volunteer roles and see troop information when populated by your troop leader.
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SHOP Shop for all your Girl Scout badges, patches, fun t-shirts, accessories, camp items, and more at the GSSN Shop or online at girlscoutshop.org! 605 Washington Street Reno, NV 89503
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THE GIRL’S GUIDE TO GIRL SCOUTING When you’re a Girl Scout, you discover who you are, connect with new friends, and do good things to make the world a better place. As you and your friends team up and work together, everything you need to be successful is right at your fingertips in The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting along with the Journeys. Uniquely designed, each binder is divided into three sections that will help you build skills and gain the confidence to do amazing things. Available now at the GSSN Shop!
BADGE VS. PATCH: What’s the Difference?
BADGES
PATCHES
are symbols that indicate an increase in knowledge or skill in a particular subject. Badges can be earned at every age level. Badges should be placed on the front of the sash or vest.
are emblems signifying participation in a Girl Scout activity. Patches are placed on the back of the sash or vest.
Find out where to place badges, patches, and insignia at: bit.ly/2k2nWpU
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22: Volunteer Appreciation Day
All That Glitters Awards Ceremony (date varies by year)
22: World Thinking Day
June - August: Camp Wasiu II in session
MARCH
FEBRUARY
1: Camp Wasiu II registration opens!
SEPTEMBER
April 1 - June 15: Early Bird Renewal
The Girl Scout Cookie Program Begins! (Pre-order taking time)
JUNE
31: Founder Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthday
JANUARY
Fall Product Program (dates vary by year)
MAY
APRIL
OCTOBER
Important Dates Girl Scout Week (dates vary by year) 12: Girl Scout Birthday!
Annual Membership renewal due by September 30
Resources GSSN.ORG Our website is full of the most up-to-date, helpful resources, and information on upcoming activities and programs, latest news, forms, the Cookie Program and Fall Product Program, forms, camp, and much more!
GSSN MEMBER CONNECT E-NEWSLETTER All registered members (unless opted out) will receive our monthly email newsletter filled with the most important news, upcoming events, and more.
SOCIAL MEDIA Search for Girl Scouts of the Sierra Nevada on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest and follow us for fun photos, updates, and more!
QUESTIONS? Can’t find the info you need? The GSSN Staff are here to help! Contact us at girlscouts@gssn.org or call 775-322-0642.
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About my Troop Troop #
Program Grade Level:
Service Unit: Meeting Day and Time: Meeting Location: Procedure in troop if parent/guardian is late picking up girl in emergency situations: Prior notice by parent or guardian is required if another person is to pick up your child. Troop Dues: Amount $
per
Leaders/Volunteers Contact Information: Name: Phone:
Email:
Name: Phone:
Email:
Name: Phone:
Email:
Service Unit Contact: Name: Phone:
Email:
MyGS Member Community Login information: User ID:
Password:
Notes:
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605 Washington Street Reno, Nevada 89503
775-322-0642 girlscouts@gssn.org