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 Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.
October 2007, Issue No. 9

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

Yard signs available: 'Join Today'
'Join Today,' double-sided yard signs are available for you to display in your yard or community. Help us get the word out! We want everyone to know that it's time to register! Yard signs are available for check-out at the Girl Scout Program Center or through your membership staff person.

All Council Fall Association Meeting
The association system is part of the democratic process in Girl Scouting. This is a primary communication link between the operational volunteers and the board. Through these meetings, membership can give input to decisions and activities in matters of policy as well as have access to those responsible for decision-making. Our bylaws state that associations need to meet at least once a year. Don't miss this opportunity to be heard.

An important part of this meeting is election of delegates. It is also an opportunity for members to connect with their board of directors. You will have the privilege to bring forward items of interest related to council policies or governance in the open forum portion of the meeting. Refreshments will be served.

- Our council shop will stay open late on this night for your shopping convenience!

- We will also be holding Daisy, Brownie and Junior Age Level Trainings at the Girl Scout Program Center at the same time as this Association Meeting. This is an excellent opportunity for experienced volunteers attending the Association meeting to offer to drive or ride with newer volunteers who may need an age level training.

AGENDA
Come Meet Our Sister Girl Scout Councils: Your Association Chairs and Board President have created posters and displays to introduce the six councils with which we are merging. These will be available for viewing at the Fall Association Meeting.

Fall Association Business Meeting Agenda
- Welcome & Introductions
- Introduction of new Board President, Sharon Pickering
- Council Realignment Update
- Girl Scout Leadership Development Program (LDP)
- 2008 National Council Session
- Delegate Election
- Focus Groups
- Open Forum

Reminder: If you have a specific operational suggestion or concern that would be most appropriately addressed to a particular staff member, we invite you to call the Girl Scout Program Center anytime. Appropriate use of this Open Forum is to give input specifically to the board of directors regarding governance and policy concerns. Your positive suggestions for improvement of our council are welcome.

Local Council Delegates needed
We will be electing local council delegates for the 2007-2008 year at the Oct. 23 All Council Fall Association Meeting. As a local council delegate, you will represent your association in council elections and other governance matters. If you are interested in serving as a delegate or alternate for this exciting year of changes, contact your Association Chair or Barbara Chambers at 920-734-7069, ext. 14 or bchambers@gsfra.org

Customer Service Center / Council Shop seek part-time / seasonal help
Girl Scout experience preferred, excellent math and money handling skills, must enjoy working with people, and proficient with a computerized Point of Sale cash register system (or have excellent computer skills). 8-15 hours a week, primarily afternoons, early evenings and some Saturdays. Contact Linda Werner at 920-734-7069, ext. 35 or lwerner@gsfra.org by Nov. 9.

Congratulations to Service Unit 661 from Clintonville
The Clintonville Service Unit won the drawing for an overnight at the Girl Scout Program Center when attending the recent Power Up! training event. Twenty-six service team members and volunteers attend the training on adult and girl recruitment, setting SMART goals, parent meetings, recruitment events, and service unit volunteer roles.

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TROOP NEWS

Juliette Low World Friendship Fund recognizes local contributors
Juliette Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), was a prolific traveler who had friends around the globe. To honor Juliette's love of traveling, experiencing new cultures, and making new friends, GSUSA created the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund (JLWFF) in 1927. Congratulations to the following Girl Scout Troops and Service Units for supporting and donating approximately $300 to the fund in 2007.

Girl Scout Troop 136, Dawn Messer, Leader
Girl Scout Troop 419, Caitlin Dugan, Facilitator
Girl Scout Troop 440, Charlotte Stich, Leader
Service Unit 632, Leslie Sedlacek, Manager

The purpose of the fund is to extend Girl Scouting and Girl Guiding to girls around the world, as well as to support international friendship through service projects, training events, and exchange visits. Specifically, the fund subsidizes girl travel to World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) endorsed events through the Girl Scout destinations program. The fund also provides financial support to the movement in developing countries.

The fund attracts voluntary donations from troops and groups, individual girls and adults, Girl Scout councils, and other friends of global Girl Scouting.

Honor Troop achievements
This voluntary program was created to motivate all troops to strive for excellence during their Girl Scout troop year and recognizes outstanding achievement and management within a troop. Each troop has the opportunity to nominate itself (see page 78 of the Volunteer Enrichment Guide). 12 of the 16 requirements must be completed. Congratulations to the following Honor Troop achievers.

-Brownie Troop 415 from the Greenville/Hortonville/Shiocton Service Unit with trained leader Chris Goulet.
-Junior Troop 174 from the Greenville/Hortonville/Shiocton Service Unit with trained leader Chris Goulet.
-STUDIO 2B/Cadette/Senior Girl Scout Troop 327 from the Appleton 606 Service Unit with trained leader Patti Denton.
-Senior Girl Scout Troop 498 from the Manawa Service Unit with trained leaders Mary Jean Smith and Grace Riedinger.
-Brownie Troop 90 from the Appleton 603 Service Unit with trained leaders Wendy Junemann and Meg Casey.

Council insurance offered
The council offers a variety of insurance plans for your troop. Listed are some insurance basics and information on plans we offer to help you determine what is needed. All purchased insurance needs a signature from the Girl Scout Program Center and should be turned in 2 weeks prior to activity. Contact Angela Oehler at 920-734-7069, ext. 61 or aoehler@gsfra.org

Plan 1
Covers all registered Girl Scouts
Paid for by the council-do not need to purchase
Good for any Girl Scout approved activity that lasts 2 nights or less (3 nights if one night is an official federal holiday)
Only covers accidents, not sickness

Plan 2
Covers all registered Girl Scouts and non-members
Purchased through the council ($.11 per person/per day)
Good for any Girl Scout approved activity that lasts more than 2 nights (3 nights if one night is an official federal holiday)
Only covers accidents, not sickness

Plan 3E
Covers all registered Girl Scouts and non-members
Purchased through the council ($.29 per person/per day)
Mostly used for resident camping, Wider Opps and other trips lasting more than 2 nights (3 nights with holiday)
Covers accidents AND sickness
Policy has a non-duplication provision

Plan 3P
Covers all registered Girl Scouts and non-members
Purchased through the council ($.67 per person/per day)
Mostly used for resident camping, Wider Opportunities and other trips lasting more than 2 nights (3 nights with holiday)
Covers accidents AND sickness
Policy does not have a non-duplication provision

Plan 3PI
Covers all registered Girl Scouts and non-members
Purchased through the council ($1.17 per person/per day)
Used for international trips lasting more than 2 nights (3 nights with holiday)-strongly encouraged if less than 2 nights
Covers accidents AND sickness
Policy does not have a non-duplication provision

Insignia worksheets now available on website
The popular insignia worksheets which were previously only available in our Volunteer Resource Room are now available at http://www.gsfra.org/Forms/forms.shtml (under Troop). These worksheets will help girls track their progress on Brownie Try-Its, Junior Badges, and insignia girls age 11-17 can earn.

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GIRL SCOUT PROGRAM OPPS

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

Be A Reader Program, Oct. 20-Nov. 4, 2007
The Be A Reader Candy and Magazine Program is a great way to support your Girl Scout's council and troop. The QSP Friends and Family Subscription Program has helped Girl Scouts for over 30 years to raise funds for programs, projects and activities that benefit our girls. Additionally, we offer Trophy Nut Company nut and candy items. Visit http://www.gsfra.org/stuff/girls/magazines/index.shtml

Treasure Hunt
Oct. 25, 2007, 9-11a.m. / Sacred Heart Gymnasium, Oshkosh
What does healthy mean to you? Learn exercise and dance steps. Exercise your brain and test your memory. Grade K-3 / $4/girl

Mind and Body Challenge
Oct. 25, 2007, 1-3 p.m., Sacred Heart Gymnasium, Oshkosh
Test your food knowledge! What is important to eat? Read food labels with ease. Work as a team to answer questions about our national treasures. Grade 4-6 Cost is $4/girl

Better You Blast!
Oct. 27, 2007, 10 a.m.-noon / Girl Scout Program Center, Appleton
Challenge your body while hustling through our obstacle course. Challenge your mind while collecting clues for a final prize. Challenge yourself while learning healthy habits for your every day life. Also, be the first t check out our new Saturday Suitcases! Wear or bring clothing and shoes you don't mind getting messy. Sponsored in part by Kimberly-Clark. All ages / $2/person OR bring a non-Girl Scout friend and both are free with her $10 national dues / Deadline one week prior

Council's Disney's High School Musical tickets sold out
If you were unable to get tickets through the council but would still like to attend the show, contact the Performing Arts Center at 920-730-3786. Groups of 15 or more may receive discounted prices for certain shows. If you don't have 15 girls, group together with another troop.

Saturday Suitcases available for troop check out
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 habits for a healthy life. Learn about healthy habits through hygiene, nutrition, exercise, and self-esteem. Kits available for each age level. Leader's Guides, participation patches and certificates included. Available for troop check out from the Girl Scout Program Center starting October 27. Reservations now being taken. Sponsored in part by Kimberly-Clark. No charge. Contact Liz Brobst at 920-734-7069, ext. 20 or lbrobst@sgfra.org

November programs

uME! Follow the Leader
Nov. 3, 2007, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. / Camp Winnecomac, Kaukauna
Conquer the ropes course and try other challenging activities. Learn what it takes to be a leader and make your own pizza! Grade 7-12 / $2/person

uME! Eats & Treats
Nov. 13, 2007, 6-8p.m. / UW-Oshkosh, Oshkosh
Fondue is fun! Make and eat your own fondue with your friends and prepare to make healthy food choices this holiday season. Grade 4-6 / $2/person

Maxin' and Relaxin'
Nov. 17 (10 a.m.)-18 (10 a.m.), 2007 / Girl Scout Program Center, Appleton
Reduce stress with karate, skin care, massage, journals, music, and more! Enjoy an overnight with your friends and see Pink Confusion - an all-girl band from Green Bay - play, live! Sponsored in part by Kimberly-Clark. Grade 6-12 / $20/girl OR bring a non-Girl Scout friend and pay only $10 each with her $10 national dues

December Programs


uME! Perfect Match
Dec. 11, 2007, 6-8 p.m., Girl Scout Program Center, Appleton
Ever wonder how nail polish is made? Design and develop your own nail color as your explore careers in engineering and science. Grades 4-12 / $2/person

uME! Green with Envy
Dec. 15, 2007, 2-3:30 p.m., Player's Choice, Appleton
Pick up tips in money and sports. Learn how to earn, save and expand your money. You'll also get the chance to improve your golf and soccer skills at an indoor facility! Grades 4-6 / $2/person

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OTHER PROGRAM OPPS

Youth Go's 20th Annual Haunted House announced
Oct. 24 and 25, 2007, 6:30-10:30 p.m. / Old Neenah City Garage (333 W. Cecil St.)
"Neenah's Most Haunted" is offering special discounts for groups from local agencies for $5/person. Contact Kelly Hicks at 920-722-1435 or kellyhicks-youthgo@new.rr.com. Visit http://www.youthgo.org/HauntedHouse.htm

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.

Hearthstone Historic House Museum offers badge earning activities
Troops can participate in a 2.5 hour session and complete one of nine different Brownie Try-Its and choose out of ten Junior Badges opportunities to earn. All materials, professional instruction and tour of the award winning museum are included. Girls will complete ALL requirements to gain their new badge. Cost varies based on the try-it or badge. Contact Patty Lipka at 920-730-8204.

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).

Little Women the Musical
Nov. 4, 1 p.m. or Nov. 10, 2007, 1 p.m. / Kimberly High School
The Kimberly High School theatre department presents this Broadway musical based on Louisa May Alcott's timeless novel Little Women. Group matinee princes are $6/student (groups of 5-9), $5/student (groups of 10-19) or $4/student (groups of 20 or more). Advance purchased is required. One free adult for every five students. Contact Todd Wegner at 920-687-3024, ext. 6052.

Math & Science Rock!
Nov. 10, 2007, noon-4 p.m. / Shattuck Middle School, Neenah
The American Association of University Women (AAUW) and Girl Scouts of the Fox River Area, Inc. are co-sponsoring this event for girls in grades 6-8 that includes a presentation by Professor Gizmo and three hands-on workshops that cover a variety of topics in math and science, many of which will meet requirements for badges or interest projects. Girls may attend as a troop or individually. For a registration form, visit the Girl Scout Program Center. For information, contact Judy Goodnight at 920-729-9553 / judy@gwd.org or Barbara Meier at 920-739-7660 / jmeier@new.rr.com

Badge-Earning Clinic: "Making Hobbies"
Nov.10, 2007, 1-3 p.m. / Gardens of the Fox Cities, located within Appleton Memorial Park
Girl Scouts will earn their Making Hobbies Badge after they make scented bath salt, a recycled craft, their own gift wrap, and a harvest wreath. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. $5/Girl Scout, $5/siblings age 6+. Contact 920-993-1900.

Milwaukee Bucks salute to Girl Scouts
Nov. 17, 2007, 7:30 p.m. / Bradley Center, Milwaukee (against Atlanta Hawks)
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

Girl Scout tours at Appleton Police Department (APD)
Dec. 1, 2007, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. / Appleton Police Department
APD is not generally conducive to tours for children, but this special session will offer a 30-minute tour and talk with an officer to accommodate badge requirements. A squad car will also be available. To register, contact 920-832-5865 or anne.strauch@appleton.org

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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

'Christmas for Soldiers' seeks baseball hats, card, letters
'Christmas of Soldiers' is looking to collect baseball hats, handmade cards and letters of support and appreciation for approximately 300 Wisconsin soldiers who will be spending Christmas overseas. For some soldiers, this may be the only Holiday wishes they receive. Hats, cards and letters will be collected Oct. 15-Nov. 12. Contact Christmas for Soldiers Coordinator Tricia Propson at 920-687-1674 or cstone@netnet.net

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.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts can learn about Breast Cancer and earn the "In the Pink" interest project badge or charm by completing the requirements found online at http://www.studio2b.org/lounge/gs_stuff/ip_pink.asp. Patches are available for purchase in the Council Shop for any age Girl Scout who participates in related activities.

Juliette Gordon Low birthday celebration, karaoke style
Nov. 3, 2007, 8 a.m.-noon / Girl Scout Program Center
Sing along with the karaoke machine, play party games and enjoy birthday cake and punch in honor of Juliette Gordon Low's birthday. Karaoke starts at 10 a.m. Girls will receive a free patch with any purchase. Don't miss out on the clearance and bargain priced merchandise.

National Book Month recognizes resources for girls and leaders
October is National Book Month and the following Girl Scout resources have been recognized with national awards. They are available for check out from the Volunteer Resource Room or for purchase in the Council Shop (along with the corresponding patches for girls).

Uniquely Me! The Way to Be
Recognized with the Academy of Educational Publishers Award
This English/Spanish book was written for Junior Girl Scouts and all girls' age 8-10 to help them discover the importance of challenging themselves; healthy coping skills; what to look for in a friend; how to evaluate media influences; and ways to make a difference in the lives of others. The accompanying bilingual adult guide provides tips for helping girls build self-esteem.

In the Zone: Living Drug Free
Recognized with three awards in the special purpose publications category (this included two awards from the Silver Inkwell Society of America and the Thoth Award from Public Relation Society of America)
Booklets are available for Daisy and Brownie Girl Scouts, Junior Girl Scouts, Girl Scouts age 11-14 and Girl Scouts age 14-7 to encourage girls to find their "zone" by living a positive, healthy and drug free life. The accompanying adult guide provides leaders and parents with tools to help young people stay drug free. Funded in part by the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

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COUNCIL CALENDAR

October calendar of events
November 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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Girl Scouts of the Fox River Area, Inc.
4693 N. Lynndale Drive
Appleton, WI 54913-9614
920-734-4559 or 800-924-1211

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