December 2007, Issue No. 11
In this issue:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
TROOP NEWS
GIRL SCOUT PROGRAM OPPS
OTHER PROGRAM OPPS
VOLUNTEER OPPS FOR GIRLS / TROOPS
TRAINING OPPS
COUNCIL SHOP
COUNCIL CALENDAR
Welcome to Council Connection!
Council Connection is emailed to all volunteers who provided us
with an email address. This 'up to the minute' email will feature
news that YOU need to know to support girls ... like opportunities
in program, community service, training, volunteering, and more!
Many emails and flyers are combined into this one, comprehensive
email. We encourage you to forward it on to parents!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Girl Scout Program Center and Council Shop will be closed
Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1 for the holidays.
Girl Scouts finish in top ten, PAC holiday card contest
Last month the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center (PAC) offered a
holiday card making contest. While only one winning entry was selected,
three of our very own Girl Scouts did exceptionally well by finishing
in the top 10. Congratulations to Megan Janssen, Troop 153; Rachel
Rohe, Troop 298; and Maggie Schmitz, Troop 182.
Recognition nominations due by Feb. 8
Nominate your leaders, co-leaders and volunteers for recognition
awards. It is not too soon to start gathering information and getting
your nominations to the council. Guidelines and forms can be found
in VEG and on our website. Because the annual meeting for 2008 will
not be the same as in past years, all awards will most likely be
given out at the service unit meetings in May.
Registration open for 2008 spring conference, April 25-27, Naperville,
IL:
The New Girl Scout Leadership Experience: A bold journey into
the future!
Don't miss this opportunity to take your own leadership journey
as you discover one of the new leadership journeys (at every
age level), connect with other adults who share your passion,
and plan to take action as you take the learning home. Eight
to ten volunteers are needed to (a) champion the launch of the New
Girl Scout Leadership Experience in the fall of 2008 (b) take up
the mantle of Juliette Gordon Low who reminds us that the work of
today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers. This conference
has a rich offering for volunteers, whether you focus on program,
membership, adult/volunteer development, or other areas. Volunteers
will need to pay their own expenses. A selection of team members
will be made by Feb. 15. Contact Barbara Chambers at 920-734-7069,
ext. 14 or bchambers@gsfra.org
by Jan. 25.
Indianapolis 2008: National Convention and fun!
Next fall the GSUSA National Convention will be held in Indianapolis.
The council will be taking a coach bus and you are invited to join
us, either as a national delegate or a tourist! Bring your troop
and see what the city has to offer! Day passes to the convention
for visitors will be available. To learn more about national conventions
and what to expect, contact Mary Duba at 920-277-1497 or mduba1id@aol.com.
She would be happy to talk with your group. If you are interested
in becoming a national delegate (all expenses paid), fill out the
National
Council Delegate Form by Dec. 31. Contact Janet White at 920-734-7069,
ext. 13 or jwhite@gsfra.org
Looking for enthusiastic feedback
Your new council will have a multitude of program and camp facilities
to choose from, each with their own unique program offerings, several
service centers, and state-of-the-art technology. Knowing this,
what are you most looking forward to or hoping to see incorporated
in programs and/or services in the new council? In terms of programming,
camps, training, volunteer support and communications, meetings,
etc., what are you most looking forward to with the expanded capacity
of the new council? Email media@gsfra.org
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TROOP NEWS
Registered Girl Scouts covered under basic insurance plan
As a member of Girl Scouts, all registered members are covered under
our basic insurance plan. If an accident were to happen at a troop
event/meeting or a program, the registered member would be eligible
for insurance coverage. The basic insurance plan also applies to
volunteers who are helping out troops. If the individual who gets
injured is not a registered Girl Scout, the responsibility of insurance
would fall back on the parents, guardians or individual, if an adult.
Father/Daughter Dance photo service available
Special Memories Photography in Appleton would like to take pictures
for your Girl Scout Father/Daughter Dance. All attendees receive
a professional 4" x 6" print for free. Order envelopes
are available for families to take home and decide on a package
or prints. An amount equal to 10 percent of the orders will be given
to the service unit as a fundraiser. Contact Joel Bruessel at Special
Memories Photography at 800-236-7070 or 920-731-4561 or jbruessel@photolandinc.com
Lapsed girl mailing set for Dec.
All girls who were registered Girl Scouts last year but have not
yet joined again for this year will receive a special mailing in
Dec. to reconnect them with and to provide information about what
Girl Scouting has to offer this year. This may also spark curiosity
among some parents who assumed their daughters were already registered
this year. Troop leaders are encouraged to turn in registration
forms immediately, as this mailing could confuse parents about the
status of their daughter's registration, if the volunteers have
not passed registration on to the council.
Community Service: girls going good stuff
in the community
Check out these outstanding community service projects! To submit
your troops project, complete and return the Community
Service Report Form . Here are some cool examples:
Girl Scout Troop 478 from St. Pius X in Appleton collected new
and gently used athletic shoes from fellow students, faculty and
the congregations to benefit the Tumaini Children's Home in Kenya,
through the Hope Runs organization (which uses running to empower
children in impoverished communities with the tools of personal
health, social entrepreneurship and technology). The girls wanted
to help kids in the orphanage in Kenya who cannot afford or get
shoes. They agreed that most of us have a lot more shoes at one
time than these children in Kenya might ever have in a lifetime.
The girls collected 226 pairs of shoes. Leader is Kate Geenen.
Senior Girl Scout Troop 498 from Manawa collected and donated baby
clothes to the Waupaca Pregnancy Center. Leader is Mary Jean Smith.
Senior Girl Scout Troop 498 from Manawa donated four framed photos
of Conservation Camp from Girl Scouts who attended camp through
a county scholarship. This was done in conjunction with Waupaca
County Land and Water Department. The girls learned how to arrange
photos in a frame and felt courteous. Leader is Mary Jean Smith.
Senior Girl Scout Troop 498 from Manawa donated five books to the
Sturm Memorial Library in Manawa. The girls found this enriching
and felt compassion for others so they can learn and grow. Leader
is Mary Jean Smith.
Brownie Girl Scout Troops 332 and 565 from Menasha donated and
assembled hygiene kits in support of a mission trip to Haiti, sponsored
by Fr. Larry Canavera. The kits included hand towels, toothpaste,
shampoo, conditioner, nail clippers, barrettes, wash cloths, soap,
hand sanitizer, combs, notebooks, pencils, hair clips, toothbrushes,
band aids, antibiotic ointment, and first aid kits. The girls learned
they can help others around the world even though they have never
met them. The key message they wanted other girls to learn was that
when there are global problems and we ask 'why don't THEY fix it,"
THEY is each of us.
Junior Girl Scout Troop 179 from Neenah set up and assisted during
the Friends of Neenah Public Library annual book sale. They arranged
thousands of books, assisted in keeping books stocked and helped
customers. The girls discovered there are many people in the community
that love books. Leader is Judy Goodnight.
Cadette and Senior Girl Scout Troops 572 and 482 from Combined
Locks collected 150 food items by going door-to-door in several
neighborhoods and donated the food to a local food pantry. The girls
appreciated the generosity of the residents and were amazed at how
much food they collected. Leaders are Michelle Jahnke, Lori Nellis
and Donna Wittmann.
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GIRL SCOUT PROGRAM OPPS
Visit here
for a complete list of council programs. Visit here
to register online.
Girl Scout destination and getaway applications
due to GSFRA by Jan. 1
Girl Scout destinations
are a girl's opportunity to travel across the state, country or
globe. A destination offers girls the opportunity to go somewhere
new, do something different, and meet someone from far away and
might include doing anything from traveling to exotic locations
to roughin' it in your backyard to just hangin' with the girls.
Visit the destinations link for opportunities, application
and helpful hints. Girl Scout getaways
are 2-4 day events similar to destinations but do not require the
same application. Visit the getaways link for opportunities,
application and helpful hints.
Cookie programs
Prepare your troop for the 2008 Girl Scout Cookie Sale by having
them attend the Be A Smart Cookie (Brownie Girl Scouts), Cookie
Wiz (Junior Girl Scouts), or CEO-in-Training (STUDIO 2B, Cadette
and Senior Girl Scouts) on Jan. 5. Visit www.gsfra.org/stuff/cookies
Movin' and Groovin'
Jan. 12, 2008, 9 a.m.-noon / Recreation Center, Waupaca
Girls are invited to learn jazz, hip-hop and ballet moves from dance
instructors and students. Grade K-6 / $5/girl / Event 6214
CBT Winter Jamboree
Jan. 26 (1 p.m.)-27 (noon), 2008 / Camp Birch Trails, Irma
You are invited to bring snow shoes, cross country skis or sleds
and blaze Olivotti's trails during this overnight, wonderland trip.
Transportation provided from the program center. All ages / $20/person
OR bring a non-Girl Scout friend and pay only $10 each with her
$10 national dues / Event 6252
Celebrate 'Girl Scouts Make the World
a Better Place Week'
Girl Scouts from across the country will celebrate from March 9-15,
2008, to honor 97 years of Girl Scouting and its commitment to help
girls discover, connect and take action. Our council will again
celebrate with Girl Scout Sunday (March 9) and Girl Scout Sabbath
(March 15) and the Be Your Best from Head to Toe service project.
Girl Scout Sunday and Sabbath provide a special opportunity
to reflect on the rich tradition and spiritual foundation of Girl
Scouting, while exploring ways to carry out the Girl Scout message
into the future. We encourage service units and troops to talk with
their local places of worship about distributing Girl Scout bulletin
inserts on these special days. Girls are encouraged to attend in
uniform. The council will provide the inserts.
In the spirit of service, the Be Your Best from Head to Toe
service project will be taking place through the month of March
to collect personal care items for local shelters, agencies and
organizations in the community. This collection is often done on
a service unit by service unit basis. The council will provide customized
flyers and posters to be distributed in the community where the
collection drive will take place.
Information on both of these events was mailed to service unit
managers and Be Your Best from Head to Toe coordinators in
the beginning of Dec. Each service unit may place orders for Girl
Scout Sunday/Sabbath bulletin inserts and/or Be Your Best posters
and flyers advertising your collection drive. Order forms are due
to the program center by Mon., Jan. 7, 2008. If you do not have
an order form, contact Lisa Mengert at 920-734-7069, ext. 11 or
lmengert@gsfra.org
National Girl Scout Leadership Institute, Oct. 29 and 30, 2008
Girl Scouts who will be in grades 6-12 next fall are invited to
the 2008 Girl Scout Leadership Institute, immediately preceding
the GSUSA National Convention in Indianapolis. Learn about healthy
lifestyle choices, build leadership skills, and have fun in Circle
City. This event is hosted by Girl Scouts of Central Indiana and
GSUSA. $125 per girl (transportation, lodging and meals are not
included in this fee.) Details coming early 2008.
Saturday Suitcases
Ongoing, free, available for check-out at the Girl Scout Program
Center, Appleton
Ever wonder why washing your hands is so important or how fast a
sneeze travels? These age-appropriate, 2-3 hour program kits contain
everything you need to develop healthy habits for a healthy life.
Discussions and activities focus on healthy living through hygiene,
nutrition, fitness, self-esteem, standing up to peer pressure, and
women's health issues. There are kits available for each of the
four age levels. Contact Liz Brobst at 920-734-7069, ext. 20 or
lbrobst@gsfra.org
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OTHER PROGRAM OPPS
Ongoing opps
Scuba diving opportunity
Barb Wavrunek from our council is a PADI (Professional Association
of Dive Instructors) scuba dive instructor. Sessions are held for
people to try out scuba in the Chilton, Green Bay and Appleton areas.
Cost is $30/person and includes a briefing of safety issues before
water entry, all gear needed to discover the underwater realm in
a safe pool environment, as well as in-water preparation and exploration.
This could go toward a snorkeling badge. Contact Barb Wavrunek at
920-423-3050.
Oshkosh Gymnastics Center offers field trips
Staff will structure a field trip to meet your gymnastics and fitness
badge earning needs with an exciting, fun-filled hour with a variety
of equipment and activities that include a 40 ft. tumble tramp,
foam filled pit, four in-ground trampolines, slides, swings and
rings, rock climbing wall, bars and beams, zip line, climbing ropes,
and more. Small and large groups accommodated during the week around
existing class schedules and on Sat. and Sun. afternoons. Visit
http://pages.prodigy.net/dalehardt/
or 920-235-7800.
District Attorney Carrie Schneider offers program to girls
Girls are invited to meet with Outagamie County District Attorney
and former Girl Scout, Carrie Schneider. Learn about the law, her
job, the courthouse while learning components of various badges.
Contact Carrie Schneider at 920-832-2225 or Schneider.carrie@mail.da.state.wi.us
Schedule your troop a visit to the council shop
Bring your troop for a tour of the Girl Scout Program Center and
Council Shop. Contact Linda Werner at 920-734-7069, ext. 35 or lwerner@gsfra.org
Woodturning opportunity for girls
Girls are invited to learn about woodturning, the process of fashioning
wooden pieces or blocks into various forms and shapes by means of
a lathe, through the Woodturners Club that meets at the Boys and
Girls Brigade in Neenah on the second Saturday of each month (Sept.-June)
from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Contact James Parker at 920-734-2017.
Dated opps
Winter Gala at Smith Park in Menasha, Feb. 2
Activities include a 3-hole winter golf experience from 1-3 p.m.
and snow sculpting beginning on Fri. at noon until 3 p.m. on Sat.,
followed by judging and award presentation. An expert sculptor will
be on hand to provide tips. Free hot chocolate and chili. Contact
the Menasha Parks and Recreation Office at 920-967-3640.
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VOLUNTEER OPPS FOR GIRLS / TROOPS
Girl Scout parade volunteers needed
GSFRA is looking for creative individuals who can share their talents
and ideas for a council parade float. The council is involved in
the Appleton Flag Day Parade and Downtown Appleton Christmas Parade
and is looking for an individual, service unit or older girl troop
to take on this project. Contact membership@gsfra.org
Catholic Committee on Scouting seeks youth members
The Green Bay Diocese's Catholic Committee on Scouting is looking
to add youth Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to its decision-making committee.
The committee is currently composed of adult Boy Scout and Girl
Scout leaders from Northeast Wisconsin that are passionate about
increasing the knowledge and involvement of youth in the religious
programs that both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts offer. The committee
supports the religious emblems programs of Scouting, provides religious
emblems training for Boy Scout and Girl Scout adult leaders, hosts
youth retreats, coordinates the annual Bishop's Recognition Mass
and takes on multiple other duties as they relate to Scouting and
religious programs. Youth candidates must be at least 14 years of
age and have a strong desire to serve as an ambassador of Scouting
and its religious programs. Meetings are held four times a year
in addition to providing training dates and organizing special events.
Contact Liz Brobst at 920-734-4559, ext. 20 or lbrobst@gsfra.org
Children's Hospital in need of blankets
The Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is in need of blankets (from
baby blankets to twin size) for the Pediatric Unit. The fleece tab
blankets have been extremely popular. Contact Jenny Krikava at 920-969-5303
or JKrikava@chw.org
Donations to LEAVEN
LEAVEN is a community based non-profit organization that provides
emergency financial assistance, referrals to other service agencies,
and limited advocacy and service coordination to help residents
of Calumet, Outagamie and Northeastern Winnebago Counties. They
are currently collecting in-kind donations for families in need.
Items include gasoline gift cards, local grocery store or Sam's
Club gift cards, diapers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner,
toiletry items, cleaning supplies, garbage bags, tissue, creamer,
sugar and white copy paper. Contact leaven@new.rr.com
Carolina Manor Assisted Living looking for girl volunteers
Troops that are interested in doing activities like bingo, creating
greeting cards and art projects can contact Alyssa Grissman at 920-738-0118
or agrissman85@gmail.com
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TRAINING OPPS
Visit here
for all training opps.
The New Girl Scout Leadership Experience: a bold journey into the
future!
In preparation for the launch of the New Leadership Experience for
Girls in the fall of 2008, GSUSA is hosting six conferences in locations
across the country for volunteers and staff. Don't miss this opportunity
to Discover, Connect, and Take Action. You will sample not only
the "what" of our new programs but also explore the "how"
- and together begin to prepare our Movement to fully embrace the
girl-led, experiential, and collaborative New Leadership Experience
for Girls. Preview the first of the new materials that support the
New Leadership Experience for Girls; use these new materials as
a backdrop; and consider how we need to engage with girls to bring
the new program to life. Visit www.girlscouts.org/cloe
or page 20 of the Center for Leadership and Organizational Excellence
course catalogue.
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COUNCIL SHOP
Visit the Council
Shop for the latest shop hours and new items.
- The Council Shop will be closed Jan. 4 and 7 for inventory.
- Cookie merchandise on sale: Order by Dec. 31 and receive a 15
percent discount on mugs, plate, jar or related clothing. Visit
here
for items.
- Many Spring Splash and/or cookie coupons and credits will expire
on Dec. 31. Please check the expiration dates and use them while
they are still valid.
- Thank you to Gail Goodacre from Girl Scout Troop 19 in Black
Creek, who presented Annie Koslowski from the Council Shop with
flag sleeves for the council's flags as part of her Girl Scout
Bronze Award project. She and fellow troop members, led by Val
Abel, made 20 flag sleeves to protect the council flag resources.
- Product Recall Message from GSUSA Girl Scout Merchandise:
Customer satisfaction, safety and the quality of the product are
our primary concern. In keeping with our standards and testing
practices, periodic inspections of products are regularly conducted
to monitor production standards and safety guidelines. The manufacturer
and the factory responsible for the production of our Heart Shaped
Charm with Globe have concluded that the production run contained
some lead paint content, which is considered unacceptable to the
standard. To err on the side of caution, the Girl Scout merchandise
department has decided to declare a product recall. If you have
purchased this item, please return it to the shop by Dec. 28 for
a full refund. Contact Linda Werner at 920-734-7069, ext. 35.
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COUNCIL CALENDAR
December calendar of
events
January calendar of events
If your email address will be changing, please send an email
to asager@gsfra.org with your
name, new email address, troop number, and city. Be sure to note
if the email address of other registered family members will be
changing as well.
Girl Scouts of the Fox River Area, Inc.
4693 N. Lynndale Drive, Appleton WI 54913-9614
Ph 920-734-4559 or 800-924-1211
Fax 920-734-1304
Web www.gsfra.org
General email office@gsfra.org
Council Connection email girlscoutnews@gsfra.org
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