Back to School Magazine 2021 by Girl Scouts of Central Indiana

Back to School Back to

GIRL SCOUTS

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Check out pg. 10 for a special article on financial literacy for youth.

FALL 2021 girlscoutsindiana.org

317.924.6800

2021-2022 Troop Calendar It’s time to plan the best year ever for your troop! Use this troop calendar to plan the monthly activities you may want to complete throughout the year. Key Girl Scout events and themes are included to give you an idea of the activities and opportunities available during a typical troop year. More ideas plus special dates and information can be found on our website at www.girlscoutsindiana.org/calendar.

MONTH

THEME

August

Make New Friends But Keep the Old

GIRLS WILL... Work together to plan meetings for the year, including goal setting and activities. This is a great time to add new friends to your troop!

ALIGNED BADGES D - Sunny Petal B - Making Friends J - Social Butterfly C - Netiquette S - Business Etiquette

Engineering: Think like an Engineer Learn how to think with a Computer Science: Think like a scientific mind and explore Programmer opportunities to have handsOutdoor STEM: Think like a Citizen on STEM experiences. Scientist

FUN PATCHES Girl Scout Proud to Belong

September

SepSTEMber

October

Leadership

Identify ways to showcase leadership within their local communities.

It’s Your World, Change It!

November

Gratitude

Work on gratitude within their lives and their Girl Scout experience. Who can you send a thank you note to?

Take action projects to go with previous months Journeys.

Do a Good Turn Daily

December

Philanthropy and Community Service

Develop a community service project that makes the world a better place.

D - Good Neighbor B - Celebrating Community J - Inside Government C - Finding Common Ground S - Behind the Ballot A - Public Policy

Girl Scouts Give Back

January

More than Cookies

Learn the five skills of the cookie program.

Any of the cookie business or financial literacy badges for each level.

February

Girl Scouts Go Global

Research Girl Scouts and Girl Guides across the globe. World Thinking Day badges for each Participate in your local level. World Thinking Day!

March

Women’s History Month, including Girl Scout Week

Increase ability to form positive gender, social, and cultural identities, while celebrating the Girl Scout sisterhood.

Girl Scout Way badges. Also: D - Gloria petal, B - My Best Self J - Staying Fit, C - Eating for You S - Women’s Health, and Mission: Sisterhood Journey

April

Love Your Planet

Explore ways to respect, protect, and take action for the planet they call home!

D - Eco Learner, B - Eco Friend J - Eco Camper, C - Eco Trekker S - Eco Explorer A - Eco Advocate

Earth Day fun patch

Tell My Story

Celebrate your Girl Scout year while looking forward to your continued Girl Scout journey

Story telling badges: D - Vi petal, B - My Family Story, J - Scribe, C - Screenwriter, S - Novelist

Girl Scouts uniform patch

No Girl Left Inside

Heighten exposure to nature and ignite interest in outdoor skills. Check out our great camps and all they have to offer!

All level Journeys of the “It’s your Planet - Love it!” as well as any of the camping badges, outdoor art badges, trail adventure badges, the naturalist badges such as B - Bugs, J - Flowers (or Gardener), C - Trees, S - Sky, A - Water

Get outdoors

May

June-July

STEM fun patch

Happy Birthday, Juliette Gordon Low

Cookie fun patch

Make the World a Better Place

Celebrate Girl Scout Week

Welcome back, Girl Scouts! Never before has “WELCOME BACK” felt so good or so meaningful! This fall “WELCOME BACK” is not only a sign of new beginnings, like a new school year, new crayons, and new teachers, but also it somehow feels bigger and better and full of promise. As I reflect on the last 18 months, I think the reason I feel so full of promise is a silver lining of what we all just experienced in the COVID-19 journey. I feel like this new beginning comes with the opportunity to be very intentional about what my family and I choose to spend our time doing. Instead of a return to everything, it’s a return to what matters most. For me, the COVID-19 months spent quarantining were a reminder that what matters most is health, family, loved ones, friends, traditions, and meaningful connections. Given that you are reading this magazine I hope that means you already know the meaningful experience that can be found in Girl Scouts. That’s why I’m asking you to join me in spreading the word to one girl, one adult, and one family in your circle of influence. Share with them the world of opportunities and meaningful connections that can be found in a Girl Scout experience. That way when they’re making intentional decisions for how to spend time this school year, they’ll consider making Girl Scouts that option for the girl in their life. Yours in Girl Scouting,

Danielle Shockey CEO, Girl Scouts of Central Indiana

Girl Scout Shop

GIRL SCOU

T SHOP

The Girl Scout shop has what you need to start or continue your Girl Scout adventure! Whether it’s the uniform pieces girls wear to proudly show off their Girl Scout spirit or the badges and patches on the vests, sashes, and tunics proclaiming how much a Girl Scout has done – we’ve got you covered. You’ll find uniforms, badges, fun patches, handbooks, activity kits, and lots of fun gear and accessories at the shop, along with knowledgeable staff to help you get what you need for a dynamic Girl Scout year. Our flagship store is located at the Leadership and Learning Center in Indianapolis. Leaders – new girls in particular love showing off their Girl Scout gear. Why not designate one day a month as Girl Scout spirit day where girls wear their uniforms to school. Uniforms are always in style at all Girl Scout events and activities, and they’re a great way to show the community Girl Scouts are present and thriving. Families – A great way to start your Girl Scout year is to purchase a My Girl Scout Kit. Select from age-level handbooks, Girl Scouting insignia, uniform items, badge requirements, Journey books, and much more. Purchase $65 or more from one grade level and receive a FREE drawstring bag! Shopping has never been easier with in-person shopping at the Leadership and Learning Center or online shopping at girlscoutsindiana.org.

Financial Assistance At Girl Scouts of Central Indiana, we believe every girl has an important role to play. Together, we are able to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Financial assistance is available for girls and adults and can be requested for membership fees, camping, programs, and adult training. For more information, please visit our website at girlscoutsindiana.org.

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@girlscoutsIN

Program Events Below you’ll find just a sampling of our many council events available to troops this fall. Please visit www.girlscoutsindiana.org/calendar for a more extensive list of activities. Check back often as it is updated regularly.

August – Hey Brownies, join engineers from Rolls-Royce to learn about flight in this virtual workshop to earn your Fling Flyer badge. Brownies can also earn the Outdoor Adventure badge at Prophetstown State Park.

September – Before the cold weather truly sets in, let’s hold on to summer just a little longer. Daisies and Brownies, join us for Bubble Fest, where we’ll learn the science behind bubbles. Juniors and Cadettes, join us for Tie Dye Science, where we’ll discover some secrets behind this craft while also creating beautiful art.

October – Are you a mystery lover? Do you like looking for clues to solve puzzles? Join us for one of the various forensic science workshops we’ll be offering this month. And don’t forget Fall Fest at Camp Dellwood!

November – We’ll venture out of this world for Night with the Stars, where we’ll host workshops for various age-levels to mix a little star gazing with elements of the Space Science badges.

Check the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana website beginning in August for more information on these events and others.

It’s time to press play. Fun with friends. New adventures. Making a difference. You’re ready to go and Girl Scouts is ready for you.

Renew today at girlscoutsindiana.org.

Girls said in the last year...

79% 78%

“Girl Scouts helped me feel less isolated and lonely.”

68%

“Girl Scouts helped me feel more connected to other girls and my community.”

“Girl Scouts was one of the few places I could hang out with my friends.”

*from the 2021 GSUSA Girl Scout Voices Count survey

Camp Facility Reservations

Birthday Parties at Camp Dellwood

Girl Scouts of Central Indiana offers five properties: Indianapolis, Poland, Lafayette, New Castle and Brown County for camping and outdoor activity options for troops and families. Camp facilities are available to reserve up to 12.5 months out from your event. This will be for both entire camp and individual unit requests. Our system will automatically open so check back often to see if your date is available!

Spread the word…Girl Scouts of Central Indiana is the perfect place for an amazing birthday party. We welcome Girl Scouts and non-Girl Scouts, boys and girls, young and old.

Service units wanting to reserve an entire camp for a service unit camporee: We’ll be able to reserve a camp up to 13 months prior to the date(s) they would like to request. If you have any questions, please contact Sabrina Greene at sgreene@girlscoutsindiana.org.

Located just minutes away from the noise of the city, Camp Dellwood will make you feel miles away from everywhere! With more than 100 acres of woods you’ll have plenty of room to explore and have outdoor fun. Parties incorporate hands-on-experiences and programs and serve as an excellent source of entertainment in a dynamic and enriching way. Your very own party host will do all the games and activities while you sit back and enjoy the party! Birthday parties can be scheduled on Sundays only in 2-hour increments (either 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. or 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.).

Visit our website under ‘Camp Facility Reservations’ for additional information.

Private Rentals You don’t have to be a Girl Scout to rent our facilities. Our camps are perfect for a corporate retreat, family gathering, wedding reception, or other event. Contact Sabrina Greene at sgreene@girlscoutsindiana.org today to learn more.

To schedule a birthday party, use our online request form at girlscoutsindiana.org. Scheduling as far in advance as possible is highly recommended. Questions? Contact Lauri Randolph at lrandolph@girlscoutsindiana.org. She is excited to work with you to plan the perfect day for your group.

School Field Trips Please share with your child’s teacher and school. Field trips at Camp Dellwood in Indianapolis is a hidden gem in the city. We offer field trip packages in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) or outdoor education. Camp field trips offer plenty of room to explore and have outdoor fun all while meeting Indiana’s academic standards. Please contact our school program specialist Lauri Randolph at lrandolph@girlscoutsindiana.org or call 317.924.6871 for information and additional specifics about these exciting programs.

/GirlScoutsofCentralIndiana

@girlscoutsIN

Cookie Program 2022!

5 Skills

Through the Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls learn five skills they will use for a lifetime:

goal setting decision making money management people skills business ethics

Girls will implement these skills by: • Being a part of the largest girl-led business in the world. • Setting goals for themselves and with a group. • Managing money and practicing important math and budgeting skills. • Working with others and gaining people skills through interactions with the community. • Making decisions about things that count and putting their ideas into action. • Applying the Girl Scout Promise and Law to business ethics.

Mark your calendars! The Girl Scout Cookie Program runs from early January through mid-March, 2022! Girls who sell Girl Scout Cookies can earn fun rewards for themselves and their troop! Check out the troop t-shirt and Kiana the Koala! Any girl who sells 225+ packages of cookies can earn this adorable stuffed koala bear, Kiana.

Troops who sell an average of 230 packages per selling girl will earn a “Climb with Courage” t-shirt for each selling girl and two adults.

Digital Cookie is an easy-to-use program for Girl Scouts to sell Girl Scout Cookies online! On Digital Cookie, girls create goals, track their progress, reach out to customers, and more. Customers have the option to get their cookies shipped, delivered by the Girl Scout, or donated. Watch for more information in early January to get your Girl Scout set up on the Digital Cookie platform.

Fall Product Program Participating in the Fall Product Program is a positive learning experience that allows girls to utilize and learn goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. The product program is also a great financial tool allowing troops to fund activities throughout the year. To give you a little more information we talked to a Girl Scout Junior in the field! Q: What items do you sell during the fall sale? A: We sell nuts, candy, and magazines to our friends and family. Q: What is the 2021 animal mascot? A: A penguin! Did you know a group of penguins in the water is called a raft but on land they’re called a waddle! Q: Do you earn fun rewards for selling Fall Product? What has you most excited? A: Yes! I am most excited about the reusable penguin straw, the tie-dye kit, and the Indianapolis Zoo animal meet and greet! Q: We heard about a program called ZOOanthropy. What is ZOOanthropy? A: ZOOanthropy is where you can donate to the Indianapolis Zoo to help them purchase supplies and food for animals like the penguins, elephants, and many more! If you sell fall product and opt-in to ZOOanthropy you can help the Indianapolis Zoo AND earn the cute penguin-themed ZOOanthropy patch. Q: If I want to participate, when does the Fall Product Program begin? A: It starts on September 15 so be sure your membership is renewed. Do you want to participate in the Fall Product Program? It’s easy to get started! Have a trusted caregiver help you set up your online portal at gsnutsandmags.com/GSCI.

Would you like to do even more to support Girl Scouts of Central Indiana? Here are three easy ways: Amazon Wish List

Amazon Smile

It takes a lot for Girl Scouts of Central Indiana to accomplish our mission each and every day: a lot of time, hard work, love, and a LOT of stuff! Girl Scouts relies on community members to help us run programs and camp properties all around our 45 counties through donations of materials and supplies.

Want an even easier way to help Girl Scouts every day? Set up Amazon Smile with Girl Scouts of Central Indiana as your nonprofit, and help Girl Scouts every time you buy something on Amazon, at no cost to you!

Interested in this easy way to support girls in your community? Simply visit our Amazon Wish list page to see what items Girl Scouts needs in your area today to build girls of courage, confidence, and character. Questions about our wish lists? We want to talk more! Please contact Rose Johnson, manager of corporate & foundation relations, at 317.924.6816 for additional information.

Kroger Community Rewards Giving back through shopping couldn’t be easier! Go ahead and pick up that extra gallon of milk, knowing that a portion of the sale supports building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Simply shop using your Kroger Plus Card, and they’ll do the rest! Visit kroger.com to sign up to support Girl Scouts of Central Indiana.

/GirlScoutsofCentralIndiana

@girlscoutsIN

What to Expect in Girl Scouts This Year COVID-19 Please refer to the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana website for our current COVID-19 guidance. Girl Scouts of Central Indiana consults with local, state, and CDC guidelines, as well as GSUSA guidelines, to make sure girls, volunteers, and staff are protected and have every opportunity to participate in Girl Scouts. We will continue to provide both in-person and virtual activities following our most up-to-date guidelines outlined on our website. All girls, volunteers, and staff should adhere to the Girl Scout Activities and Meetings – COVID-19 Agreement unless otherwise instructed as per the guidelines on our website.

Girl Scout Activities and Meetings – COVID-19 Agreement If girls are engaging in a Girl Scout activity or meeting, we expect Girl Scout individuals and troops to adhere to the following: • Have NO symptoms of COVID-19. • Have NOT been exposed to anyone known to have COVID-19 or anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms within the past 14 days. • Agree to wash and or disinfect hands regularly. • Check GSCI guidelines on the website regularly; always check Girl Scouts of Central Indiana guidelines on the website and Safety Activity checkpoints prior to any activity away from the troop meeting location. We ask that you share this Girl Scout Activities and Meetings – COVID-19 Agreement with your troop parents.

Help your kids get financially fit 5 WAYS TO TEACH KIDS MONEY BASICS To create this account, we spoke to a lot of parents, children and experts about how we can help start healthy money conversations with kids and here are five tips to help you get started: 1. Encourage them to save: When your child gets their allowance or receives birthday money, talk to them about the importance of setting some money aside for savings. The more you help them do it, the more you reinforce it as a habit that will help them develop a savers mentality. 2. Involve your children on important family money decisions: When you are considering an important family purchase, engage your children and help them understand what goes into the decision. Be it a new house, or even a couch, refrigerator or car, what are important factors to consider? Your child can benefit from knowing how much you are comfortable spending, why you choose to shop at certain merchants, and how you compare prices and options.

Multiple studies have shown that the earlier kids develop healthy money habits, the better our prospects of having strong financial health into adulthood. According to research, we start grasping money basics when we are three. This gives us a great opportunity to introduce conversations about ways to save, think about spending, and the value of money early in our kids’ lives. It used to be that children learned about money when shopping out with parents, but as more transactions happen digitally, they can lose touch and important learning moments may be harder to find. But the good news is that parents can now use a mobile phone to have conversations with their kids about the best ways to earn, save and spend money and encourage good habits. Our team at Chase is focused on creating tools and resources that support financial health. To help kids practice and learn how to earn, spend and save, we created Chase First BankingSM — an account that can help make financial education easy, fun and immersive. It helps parents to have real-time conversations around how much can kids get for allowances or chores, where they are approved to spend and how much, and how to set up savings goals right from the Chase Mobile app, and kids have access to their own debit card.