September 2007, Issue No. 8

In this issue:

ANNOUNCEMENTS
TROOP NEWS
GIRL SCOUT PROGRAM OPPS
OTHER PROGRAM OPPS
VOLUNTEER OPPS FOR GIRLS / TROOPS
TRAINING OPPS
COUNCIL SHOP

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

All Council Fall Association Meeting, save the date
Oct. 23, 2007, 6-8 p.m. / Girl Scout Program Center
Once again association delegates/alternates and other interested members are invited to attend an all-council fall association meeting. All registered adults and girls 14 years and older are encouraged to participate. The Council Realignment Committee (CRC) will be meeting again the week before, so this association meeting will be an ideal opportunity for all members to hear the latest on our realignment progress.

All Council Fall Association Meeting, save the date
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 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 service 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 at 920-734-7069, ext. 14 or bchambers@gsfra.org

National Council Delegates sought for Indianapolis, 2008
GSFRA sends delegates to the National Council Session, which is held every three years. The next session will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana, Oct. 30-Nov. 2, 2008. National delegate responsibilities include:

• Term of office May 2008-April 2011
• Attend training for the position prior to the National Council Session
• Attend the National Council Session, Oct. 30-Nov. 2, 2008, in Indianapolis, Indiana, (expenses will be paid by GSFRA), and vote on strategic and policy-related issues that will affect Girl Scouting nationwide
• Share with council membership the results of the National Council Session via association and service unit meetings
• Keep membership updated and informed of national developments during your three year term

National delegates must be registered with GSFRA as an adult or girl member age 14+. This is an elected position. The nominating committee will review all forms and select the delegates for the slate which will be voted on and approved by the council membership at a 2008 spring council delegate meeting.

Fill out this Official Council Delegate form and return to Girl Scouts of the Fox River Area, Inc. Attn: Fran Raley, CEO.

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.

GROG to host five year reunion
Calling all staff members from Chalk Hills Camp (CHC) or Camp Birch Trails (CBT)! GROG (Gathering of the Royal Order of Greens) VII is scheduled for July 17-July 20, 2008, at Camp Birch Trails. Any staff who worked at CHC or CBT is invited.

Activities include an auction, trading post, a canoe/kayak day trip, horseback riding, lots of singing and all the usual "camp" stuff. An initial mailing will be going out soon. If you or someone you know has an address change, or has over the past few years, please send those to Shadow. Looking for a volunteer with expertise and equipment to make a recording of the singing at GROG and stories of camp. Contact Ann Sager at 920-734-7069, ext. 26, asager@gsfra.org or Shadow (Sherry Jasper) jaspersm@chipfalls.k12.wi.us. Visit http://grogchc.homestead.com/. (Save the date: GROG Ski Weekend at CBT, Feb. 15-Feb. 17, 2008.)

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TROOP NEWS

Insignia worksheets now available on website
The popular insignia worksheets which were previously only available in our Volunteer Resource Center 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.

Honor Troop Patch Program announces recipients
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 75 of the Volunteer Enrichment Guide). 12 of the 16 requirements must be completed. Congratulations to the following Honor Troop achievers: Brownie Troop 296 from the Neenah Service Unit with trained leader Dana Kohlmeyer; Junior Troop 169 from the Neenah Service Unit with trained leader Dana Kohlmeyer; and Daisy Troop 457 from the Neenah Service Unit with trained leader Dana Kohlmeyer.

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GIRL SCOUT PROGRAM OPPS

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

Successful Sitter
Oct. 25 2007, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. / Girl Scout Program Center
Learn communication, child development, injury prevention, and safety skills in a fun and interactive way to become a successful babysitter. Receive a Caring for Children Badge and a certificate of completion from Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. Age 11-15 / $25/girl / Event 6219 / Deadline 2 weeks prior

Sitter CPR
Oct. 26, 2007, 9 a.m.-noon / Girl Scout Program Center
Learn how to perform CPR and respond to a choking infant or child. Must have completed the Successful Sitter training. Age 11-15 / Free / Deadline 2 weeks prior

Better You Blast
Oct. 27, 2007, 10 a.m.-noon / Girl Scout Program Center
Explore cool facts about the human body and staying healthy in a fun and exciting obstacle course. Test your healthy habits as you race to find the clues to a secret prize. Sponsored in part by Kimberly-Clark. All ages and families / $2 per person OR bring a non-Girl Scout friend and both are free with her $10 national dues / Deadline 1 week prior

Disney's High School Musical
Dec. 1, 2007, 2 p.m. / Fox Cities Performing Arts Center
You've seen it on the Disney Channel and now you have the opportunity to see it live! Tickets are $52/person, and they are going fast! Don't wait to order tickets!

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OTHER PROGRAM OPPS

Visit here for details on the below programs.

10th Annual Foods of All Nations
Sept. 22, 2007, 2-6 p.m. / corner of Oneida and Washington streets, downtown Appleton

Secret Keeper Girl, The Bod Squad Tour featuring Christian Music Recording Artist Stephanie Smith
Oct. 1, 2007, 6:30-8:30 p.m. / Kimberly High School

2007 Fall Harvest Festival Scarecrow Contest
Oct. 12, 2007 (deadline) / Gardens of the Fox Cities, located within Appleton Memorial Park

Jamboree on the Air (JOTA)
Oct. 20 and 21, 2007 / over the airwaves

Nominations sought for 2008 Prudential Spirit of Community Award
Oct. 31, 2007 (deadline)

Little Women the Musical LM
Nov. 4, 1 p.m. or Nov. 10, 2007, 1 p.m. / Kimberly High School

Badge-Earning Clinic: "Making Hobbies"
Nov.10, 2007, 1-3 p.m. / Gardens of the Fox Cities, located within Appleton Memorial Park

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)

10th Annual Foods of All Nations
Sept. 22, 2007, 2-6 p.m. / corner of Oneida and Washington streets, downtown Appleton
This cultural celebration and learning event showcases the wonderful array of diversity present in the Fox Cities through a bountiful buffet of local ethnic foods and three hours of music, dance and other presentations by area cultural groups. Children's art activities and multicultural arts and crafts fair add to the fun and learning. $8/advance, $10/gate, $5/ages 6-12, and age 5 and under are free. Contact the Fox Cities Rotary Multicultural Center at 920-882-4056.

Secret Keeper Girl, The Bod Squad Tour featuring Christian Music Recording Artist Stephanie Smith
Oct. 1, 2007, 6:30-8:30 p.m. / Kimberly High School
Stephanie and The Bod Squad detectives will reveal media lies and take you and your 8-12 year old daughter on Mission Possible to prove that modesty can be achieved. They'll use pop-music, confetti cannons, giant tea cups and fashion on the runway to show just how possible true beauty really is. 2nd National Tour with all new fashion and true beauty secrets! A special mother /daughter event. A faith-based event. Free. Contact Julie Nygaard at 920-832-8913 or julie.nygaard@sbcglobal.net

2007 Fall Harvest Festival Scarecrow Contest
Oct. 12, 2007 (deadline) / Gardens of the Fox Cities, located within Appleton Memorial Park
Entries are sought from children age 5-adult (including group and family entries). Cash prizes will be awarded in each category. All scarecrow entries will be on display during the Gardens' Fall Harvest Festival on Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact 920-993-1900 or visit www.gardensfoxcities.org for rules and entry form.

Jamboree on the Air (JOTA)
Oct. 20 and 21, 2007 / over the airwaves
Modern technology offers Girl Scouts the opportunity to make friends in other countries without leaving home! Girl Scouts and Girl Guides will "get together" over the airwaves through JOTA, an annual event in which girls from all over the world speak to each other by means of Amateur (ham) Radio. Girls exchange experiences and ideas. Many contacts made during JOTA have resulted in pen pals and links between troops that have lasted many years. With no restrictions on age or on the number of participants, and at little or no expense, JOTA allows Girl Scout and Girl Guides to contact each other by ham radio. Contact Brian J. Long KB9LRD of The Fox Cities Amateur Radio Club, Inc. of Appleton at 920-277-0696 or kb9lrd@kb9lrd.com or kb9lrd@new.rr.com

Nominations sought for 2008 Prudential Spirit of Community Award
Oct. 31, 2007 (deadline)
Nominations are being sought for this award, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The council will nominate girls in two categories: grades 5-8 and grades 9-12. Girl Scout Silver and Gold recipients would be great candidates! Girl Scouts can apply online at www.prudential.com/spirit or www.principals.org/prudential. Applications must be printed out, signed and submitted to the Girl Scout Program Center, Attn: Janet White, jwhite@gsfra.org, by Oct. 31, 2007.

Little Women the Musical LM
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 with every 5 students. Contact Todd Wegner at 920-687-3024, ext. 6052.

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

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VOLUNTEER OPPS FOR GIRLS / TROOPS

Girl Scout booth at Fox Cities Youth Expo
Oct. 6, 2007, 11a.m.-4 p.m. / Player's Choice Sports Facility (one mile East of Appleton North HS)
An adult and girls are needed to 'meet and greet' girls and families that stop by the Girl Scout booth during the expo. Hand out Girl Scout information, share your photos and experiences with other girls, and tell girls why THEY should join. Spend time enjoying the expo, as well. There will be booths, entertainment, games, prizes, inflatables, and more! Contact Jennifer at 920-734-7069, ext. 29 or jkaminski@gsfra.org

Light the Night Walk
Sept. 21, 2007 / Lambeau Field, Green Bay
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society are looking for volunteers to help with the Light the Night Walk. Volunteers are needed: 1) at rest stop areas from 6:45-8 p.m. to cheer participants on as they walk by. Great for younger girls! 2) to help with registration (4:45-7 p.m.), filling up balloons (3:30-7 p.m.), set up (2 p.m.) and clean up (7 p.m.). Contact Michelle Hale at 920-968-1340, ext. 3 or Michelle.Hale@lls.org

Fall Harvest Festival
Oct.13, 2007, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. / Gardens of the Fox Cities, located within Appleton Memorial Park
Girl Scout troops needed to run a booth at the festival and provide a Girl Scout or fall activity that is interactive, such as an art activity or carnival game. Contact Ann Hiltunen at 920-993-1900 or ahiltunen@gardensfoxcities.org

Every Girl's A Princess
Oct. 20 and 21, 2007
The Harbor House Every Girl's A Princess event seeks "Royal Dressers" age 14+ to help a princess pick out a dress, make a wand and a crown, have her photo taken and then design a scrap book page with that photo. The event encourages both the princesses and the Royal Dressers to feel good about being a girl! All volunteers are required to attend a training before the event. Donations of formal dresses and costume jewelry are also needed. Drop off between 9 a.m.-6 p.m. WEEKDAYS. Contact Carla Hales at 920-832-1667.

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. Consider holding a donation drive this year with your troop. Contact leaven@new.rr.com

Tech savvy Senior Girl Scout needed
A tech savvy Senior Girl Scout is needed to help with PowerPoint presentations. This is a great opportunity for girls working on their Gold and Silver Awards! Contact Fran at 920-734-7069, ext. 22 or fraley@gsfra.org

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TRAINING OPPS

Visit here for all training opps.

Service team training: 'Power Up!'
Sept. 22, 2007, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. / Girl Scout Program Center
Learn about service teams, what they do, and how to become part of one. You will share recruitment ideas for girls and adults; discuss service unit events; learn how to set SMART goals for your service unit, school and troop; participate in team building; learn about volunteer positions and duties; and brainstorm and network. Door prizes, lunch, goody bags, and more! $5/person. Contact Crystal at 920-734-7069, ext. 17 or cmatuszewski@gsfra.org

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COUNCIL SHOP

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

Fall Fashion Show
Sept. 23, 2007, 11 a.m. / Girl Scout Program Center
Enjoy a fall fashion show featuring girls from our council modeling the new fall fashions. The Council Shop will be open from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Take 10 percent off all regularly priced clothing, gifts and accessories during these special hours (10 percent does not apply to vests, sashes and clearance merchandise).

Save the Date: Nov. 3, 2007
Juliette Gordon Low Birthday Celebration at the Council Shop. Details in October Council Connection!

Resources for girls and leaders: Take the Challenge
The Girl Scout Challenge is a set of awards for Brownie Girl Scouts, Junior Girl Scouts, and Girl Scouts in middle school and high school (ages 11-17). These awards are part of a national effort to create a consistent, national Girl Scout experience. The awards unite girls across the country by age level, engaging them in similar learning experiences. When girls 'Take The Challenge,' they explore some of the values and leadership skills that are at the very heart of Girl Scouting: courage, confidence and character, and the ability and desire to make the world a better place. Visit http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/challenge/

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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