January 2008, Issue No. 12

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

2008 Girl Scout Cookie Sale is here: Ready. Set. Go!
The Girl Scout Cookie Sale kicked off on Jan. 9 and will run through Jan. 27. Cookie booths will be set up throughout our council from March 14 to April 13. Contact Crystal Matuszewski at 920-734-7069, ext. 17 or cmatuszewski@gsfra.org

Council 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 spring.

Post-Crescent and Oshkosh Northwestern volunteer nominations due to council by Feb. 8
Each year the council nominates volunteers for awards given by the Post-Crescent and Oshkosh Northwestern to people living in the distribution areas of each newspaper. If you know someone who is deserving of this award, contact Janet White at 920-734-7069, ext. 13 or jwhite@gsfra.org with names and reasons for nominating this volunteer and your contact info.

Pedestal or table donation sought
Our lion cub, Young Courage, is looking for a pedestal or table to be donated for proper display. Must hold up to 300 pounds and be at least 27"x 38". Contact Angela Oehler at 920-734-7069, ext. 61 or aoehler@gsfra.org

GSFRA history book available for purchase
This is your last chance to have a unique memento of our council's history prior to the formation of the new council. Books available for $4 at the Council Shop.

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.

Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes
Visit the new Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes website today!

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TROOP NEWS

Renting council properties: change in insurance needs
When renting the Girl Scout Program Center or Camp Winnecomac, all participants are covered under the council's Commercial General Liability Policy. In the past, additional purchased insurance was necessary if there were going to be non-Girl Scouts at the event. This is no longer necessary. This will eliminate one more expense for the troops/service units who choose to use our facilities. Contact Angela Oehler at 920-734-7069, ext. 61 or aoehler@gsfra.org

Money-earning guidelines: building skills, meeting budgets
By planning and participating in money-earning activities, girls build real-world skills that benefit their troop, council and community - but most importantly, themselves. Girls can learn budgeting, goal-setting, customer relations, good business practices, and public relations.

Girl Scout troops and service units typically finance their activities through a variety of ways, such as dues, council-sponsored product sales, event fees, and in-kind donations. Realizing that the cost of some programs may make it necessary to seek additional funding, GSUSA and local councils have developed money-earning guidelines for girls and adults to follow. See Safety-Wise standards 28 and 29 and Volunteer Enrichment Guide (VEG) 'Money, Money, Money' chapter. Please review these resources BEFORE planning any money-earning activity. All troop and service unit money-earning projects must have council approval prior to beginning the activities.

Following is a list of Do's regarding money-earning activities:
- Participate in Girl Scout council product sales
- Follow Safety-Wise standards and GSFRA's guidelines about money-earning
- Make sure the need for additional funds is well established
- Make sure the event is part of the regular ongoing troop activities that the girls have planned
- Make sure activities are age-appropriate, suited to the abilities of the girls and consistent with the goals and principles of the Girl Scout program
- Make sure the girls are trained, directed and supervised by adults
- Make sure each girl's participation is voluntary
- Complete the Money-Earning Application (VEG, page A-12) and submit it to your membership staff person at least three weeks prior to making any financial commitment
-Receive notification of approval of the money-earning activity from the council

Community service: girls doing good stuff in the community
Check out these outstanding community service projects! To submit your troop's project, complete and return the Community Service Report Form. Be sure to include specific numbers of items made, collected, donated, etc. Here are some cool examples.

Senior Girl Scout Troop 433 from Clintonville used money earned from the Be A Reader Fall Product Program to purchase fleece material to make and donate two fleece tab blankets to the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin - Fox Valley. The blankets will be used for children admitted through the emergency room who didn't have a chance to bring their favorite blanket from home. Leader is Connie Mitchell.

Senior Girl Scout Troop 433 from Clintonville set up and operated a Girl Scout display booth for the Clintonville and Bear Creek Lions Club Health Fair to inform participants of Girl Scout activities and initiatives. Leader is Connie Mitchell.

Junior Girl Scout Troop 608 from Clintonville collected small gift items to accompany 36 home-delivered holiday meals to senior citizens. The girls were glad to do this project for the second year in a row. Leader is Jessie King.

Each Brownie Girl Scout from Troop 355 in Winneconne made a donation to make to Father Carr's Place 2B (such as gifts, books, food, etc.) after learning about the organization and hearing a special story called "The Quilt Maker's Gift" by Jeff Brumbeau. The girls were taught by their leader how to make polite introductions. Then representatives from Father Carr's were presented with the donations and everyone enjoyed a group photo. The girls were presented with a certificate and special badge for their work. Leaders are Missy Watson and Jill Zander.

Each girl from Junior Girl Scout Troop 89 in Appleton designed a poster asking for donations for the Fox Valley Humane Association and displayed them at St. Bernadette School. They also decorated a large bin with animal designs for collection items. Over 25 items such as laundry soap, toys, food, etc. were collected. The troop enjoyed a tour of the shelter and asked well thought out questions of the staff. Leader is Kim Oskar.

Junior Girl Scout Troop 681 from Oshkosh planned and held a costume Halloween dance to collect socks for kids in the Oshkosh area for the Back to School Back Pack Program. The girls made posters with used socks stapled on to promote the event, as well as live announcements at school. 367 pairs of socks were collected! They gave away prizes and served refreshments at the dance. Leader is Jenifer Jensen.

Girl Scout Troop 681 from Oshkosh created flyers to promote a book drive and collected over 50 new and gently used books for the Head Start Program at UW-Oshkosh. The girls learned that some children have very few books at home and were glad they could promote reading. Leader is Jenifer Jensen.

Junior Girl Scout Troop 681 from Oshkosh participated in wrapping and delivering gifts for children through the Gifts From the Heart Program in Oshkosh. They also sponsored an eight-year-old child with gifts and items provided by the troop's family members. The girls found the project exciting and felt fortunate they could help others. Leader is Jenifer Jensen.

Three girls from Junior Girl Scout Troop 555 in Oshkosh made six no-sew blankets for the Gifts From the Heart Program through the police department. The girls chose the fabric designs, cut the fabric and tied the pieces together. A police officer picked up the blankets and answered questions from the girls. Leader is Patricia Roberts.

Girl Scout Troop 330 from Menasha purchased fleece for two twin-sized blankets and cut and tied them for the Harbor House. The girls said that doing things for others is fun. Leader is Linda Joosten.

Girl Scout Troop 258 from Clintonville collected over 11 bags of canned goods, toiletries and other basic necessities for the Safe Haven Domestic Abuse Support Center in Shawano. The girls also designed and colored a large card for the center. Helping others made the girls feel good and they realized that a lot can be accomplished when working as a team. Leader is Carrie Oreskovich.

Girl Scout Troop 195 from Freedom made 40 fleece hats and holiday cards and collected children's books for the Neenah Children's Hospital. Supplies were purchased with the money earned through the Be A Reader Fall Product Program. They also made cookies for a local bake sale.

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GIRL SCOUT PROGRAM OPPS

Visit here for a complete list of council programs. Visit here to register online.

Camp 2008 programs announced
Camp Birch Trails and Camp Winnecomac summer opportunities are now posted on our website. Register online or download a printable form. Watch for a camp brochure in the mail later this month featuring our camps, as well as all camps that will be in Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes council.

Upcoming programs
There is still time to register for these Jan. and Feb. programs:
CBT Winter Jamboree / Jan. 26 (1 p.m.)-Jan. 27 (noon) / Camp Birch Trails, Irma
Belly Dancing / Feb. 9, 10 a.m.-noon / Girl Scout Program Center
Arts Alive Overnight / Feb. 23 (10 a.m.)-24 (10 a.m.) / Girl Scout Program Center
Brownie Try-It Day / Feb. 9, 9 a.m.-noon / UW-Oshkosh, Oshkosh

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

Scotland Girl Guides seek pen pals
A group of Girl Guides in Scotland (ages 10-14) would like to link with a Girl Scout troop in Wisconsin and become international pen pals. Contact Liz Brobst at 920-734-7069, ext. 20 or lbrobst@gsfra.org

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OTHER PROGRAM OPPS

Ongoing opps
Troops can earn Try-Its and Badges at The Building for Kids™
The Building for Kids™ is the ideal choice when planning an outing for your Girl Scout troop. From exploring hands-on exhibits to participating in guided Try-It and Badge workshops, The Building for Kids™ invites girls to build their imagination, creativity and confidence! Watch for a brochure in the mail later this month. Contact Betsie Haan at 920-734-3226 or bhaan@tds.net

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 and earn components of various badge work. Contact Carrie Schneider at 920-832-2225 or Schneider.carrie@mail.da.state.wi.us

Cold Stone Creamery offers group tours
Learn some of the basics of the ice cream business! Bring your troop to learn their customer service philosophy and share in the ice cream production process. Participants will be allowed to make their own 'creation.' Call 920-730-9065 (Fox River Mall location) or 920-954-9865 (Hwy KK at 441 location).

Dated opps
Women Soar - You Soar
Held during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the World's Greatest Aviation Celebration, Women Soar - You Soar held on July 28 and 29 will introduce girls in grades 9-12 to exciting career opportunities in aviation. The event also highlights educational resources and inspires girls to explore their potential. Registration for this two-day event is $50 (scholarships are available) and includes meals and student lodging at the nearby University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Contact 800-236-1025 or visit the website above.

Hearthstone Historic House Museum presents SPRING FLING 2008
April 26, AM Session: 9:30 a.m.-noon, PM Session: 12:30-3:30 p.m.
Girls will be offered over 10 hands-on activities and will jump start over 15 badges! Solar/renewable energy, bird house gourds, Victorian Arts and more will be offered to everyone, complete with goodie bags and refreshments. Come as a troop or family. Registration begins Feb. 12 and space is limited. Cost $10/girl, $5/adults. Contact Patty Lipka at 920-730-8204 or Heartheducator@att.net

Milwaukee Bucks salute to Girl Scouts
March 15, 2007, 7:30 p.m. / Bradley Center, Milwaukee (against Boston Celtics)
Girl Scouts and their friends and families are invited to cheer on the Milwaukee Bucks! Arrive early to watch both teams warm up and receive a special welcome from a Bucks player or coach. Stay afterward and shoot one free throw on the court. $16 or $13 depending on seats you choose. Contact Tom Demeter at 414-227-0584 or tdemeter@bucks.com

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VOLUNTEER OPPS FOR GIRLS / TROOPS

Children's Hospital in need of blankets
The Children's Hospital of Wisconsin is in need of blankets of all sizes (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.

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COUNCIL SHOP

Visit the Council Shop for the latest shop hours and new items.

World Thinking Day, Feb. 22
On World Thinking Day, girls are encouraged to take time to think about our sister Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS). This worldwide organization has over ten million Girl Guides/Girl Scouts living in 144 countries around the world! The Volunteer Resource Room can assist in your celebration with the following items available for check out: international uniform posters, Girl Guide/International books, The 4 World Centres, and information about the World Association. We also have World Thinking Day ideas that are available for duplication. Call ahead for World Thinking Day 2008 patches. Cost $1.

Cookie Program items available
Cookie Program patches, scrap booking paper, stickers, and much more are available for purchase at the Council Shop. The 2008 cookie pin is available for $1.15. Special pricing on select cookie items will run through the end of Jan. These make great gifts for special cookie moms, dads or any Girl Scout.

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

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COUNCIL CALENDAR

January calendar of events
February 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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