AVE THE JERSEY SHORE
Honored Guests
Vanessa and Angela Simmons make Girl Scout Days special Overnight Adventure
Girls explore Franklin Institute after hours Girl to Girl
Girl Scout roots strong for Jersey’s Secretary of State
SPRING 2008 Volume 1 • Issue 3
Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore
Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore (800) 785-2090 www.girlscoutsjs.org Board of Directors JoAnn McCann President Dr. Grace Hickey First Vice President Judy Hart Second Vice President Diane Friel-Padlo Third Vice President Bonnie Chankalian Secretary Jerry Cevetello Treasurer Ex-Officio Officers Barbara Birdsall, Esq. Deborah Palmer Members at Large Geraldine Bownik Gary Casperson Julian Castellanos Toni Clay-Hall Carolyn Coates Dolores Coulter Debra Dobies Barbara Dunzelman Wendy Galloway Mary Anne Gearing Barry W. Johnson Frances Keane Roger Keil Craig Lynch Bill MacDonald Harriet Primack Charles Richter Penny Rone Shrabanee Shah Roberta Sheridan Karen Souffrant Ben Waldron April Yezzi Girl Representatives Brooke Jacob Kaitlin Kraft Taylor Krenza Alexandra Murdocca Theresa Neidermeyer Marissa Regad Kristine Rosko Rebecca Cora Van Ness Executive Staff Susan H. McClure Chief Executive Officer Richard Renzulli Chief Operating Officer Bahiyyah Abdullah Senior Director, Membership and Marketing Jenny Cody Senior Director, Program Services Patricia J. Kurz Senior Director, Facilities and Camping Services Ronni Neiverth Chief Financial Officer Pat Walsh Senior Director, Fund Development and Public Relations
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Message from the President and Chief Executive Officer Girls want to change the world—by helping someone in need, cleaning up a park or providing pajamas for homeless children. The commitment of girls is a testament to how they view themselves as vehicles for positive change in the world.
McClure
Girl Scouts are empowered to travel down this path by adults who encourage them and teach them how to make a difference in their communities. We’re having an effect. A groundbreaking study released by the Girl Scout Research Institute reports more than half of American girls say they don’t aspire to be leaders, but that number is significantly lower among girls involved with Girl Scouting.
Among those interested in stepping up and changing their world are the more than 1,357 Daisy, Brownie, Cadet and Teen troops throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties. These girls embody the McCann courage, confidence and character necessary to change the world for the better by organizing food drives, developing educational programs for girls, collecting “goodies” for our soldiers serving overseas or visiting the elderly in nursing homes. And, a new report from the Girl Scout Research Institute shows 60 percent of current Girl Scouts report leaders like you are the driving force behind their interest in becoming involved. You’re the reason girls accept the challenges associated with their Gold, Silver and Bronze Award projects. As you read this, hundreds of girls are working on, or have completed, their projects – applying what they learned from you and giving it back to their communities. They receive the award when the project is complete, but the work began many years earlier when you first prepared her for that responsibility. We thank you and each of those girls thanks you too.
Susan H. McClure Chief Executive Officer
JoAnn McCann President
Table of Contents Maintaining Nature...3
Franklin.........................7
Girl to Girl................... 4
Alumni..........................8
Five Minutes................5
Thinking Day............ 11
Parent Involvement....6
Troop News.........12-15
Girl Scout Ambassadors Vanessa and Angela Simmons visited Girl Scout Days at Great Adventure, encouraging girls to seek out success.
Maintaining Nature Working at camp, so you can have fun
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isitors to Camp Amity Acres and Camp Sacajawea always comment about the clean and inviting look of each facility. While the land may look untouched, it takes a lot of effort and hard work behind the scenes to make nature look that natural. The unsung heroes of these many projects are the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore maintenance staff led by Bryan Ehret, director of property. plant growth by clearing dead trees and plants from the ground.
Improvements are ongoing from fall to spring, Bryan Ehret builds one of ensuring both camps six new shelters at Camp are in tip-top shape for Amity Acres. their first encampments, activities and campers every spring.
There is another benefit: wildlife, such as deer and other small mammals, return. The camp also boasts a family of wild turkeys. “They’re back there pecking in the burned leaves,” said Ehret.
Caring for Camp
Zipping Along
Assisting the maintenance staff are a group of dedicated Girl Scout volunteers who participate in the Caring for Camp program. This spring, more than 260 girls, their families and community members pitched in by raking leaves, planting flowers, building birdhouses and erecting tents. “Helping care for camp helps families feel ownership in each facility,” said Joan Basilotto, outdoor program manager. “This active participation gives them a greater sense of responsibility when they are here with their group because they have worked to make the camp as great as it is.”
At Camp Amity Acres in Waretown, overnight guests will appreciate the six new permanent shelters, which replace canvas tents. The new shelters have wooden sides and canvas doorways in front and back.
Fanning the Flame of Improvements Visitors to Camp Sacajawea this year will enjoy the new deck at Lakeside and its new lighting. When they’re hungry, guests will be able to eat at new picnic shelters in the Eagle’s Nest and Brown Owl areas. Another major project was a controlled burn of 55 acres on the 140 acre-campground.
“The tents were replaced to make them consistent with the other three campsites on the property,” said Betty Lou Cox, director of camping services. In addition, visitors to both facitilities will soon be able to tour camp from the air – zip lines will be available at both camps beginning this summer.” A zip line is an element in a ropes course that helps develop self esteem by accomplishing a task that might have made you nervous,” said Cox. “You are attached by a harness to a wire suspended in the air and zip down to the ground below; it’s the ride of your life!”
A controlled burn is essential for the property because it reduces the chance of fire in the summer by accident or lightening strike. The fire stimulates new The Adelphia Volunteer Fire Department assisted the New Jersey Forest Fire Service with a control burn at Camp Sacajawea. Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore • www.girlscoutsjs.org
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The public first met Vanessa and Angela Simmons on their father’s MTV reality show Run’s House. Now, they’re on their own – owners of Pastry, a shoe, handbag and clothing company. The sisters are also Girl Scout ambassadors, working as GSUSA’s national spokeswomen for entrepreneurship and financial literacy.
Victoria Schwarz interviewed Vanessa and Angela Simmons during Girl Scout Days at Six Flags’ Great Adventure.
As ambassadors, they visited the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore’s annual Girl Scout Days at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson. Victoria Schwarz, from Howell/ Farmingdale Service Unit Troop 38 spoke with Vanessa and Angela about their business, living far from their New Jersey home and their Girl Scout partnership.
Girl To Girl Vanessa and Angela Simmons’ tips for success
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How did you launch Pastry? Vanessa: My father has a company called Run
Athletics, which is mainly men’s footwear and active wear, and we were thinking there is no girls’ stuff and there is no sneaker company that caters to girls.
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Did you learn business skills from your dad? Vanessa: I learned my business skills from several
things. Number one, just experience and luck. Number two, I was a business communications major at St. John’s University; I learned a lot about myself and I learned a lot of skills I have applied to our business.
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What kind of tips can you offer girls to help them with sales and advertising? Angela: Look at different businesses, it doesn’t have
to be cookie businesses, to see how they market their stuff and how they get their stuff sold. Ask advice from your parents and teachers. Get advice from friends. Vanessa: Spin it all together to make up your own marketing plan. Anything that’s
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different will stick out. If you’re like the rest, what makes you special? You need to make yourself special and unique.
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What have you learned from your partnership with Girl Scouts? Vanessa: It’s taught us to inspire and encourage;
we come from a household where my dad taught us that it’s far better to give than receive. My dad instilled all these principals in us, but to actually go out on our own and be a part of the Girl Scouts and be able encourage young women to believe in themselves and to have the courage and confidence to attack whatever they want has been so amazing. Angela: It makes me feel that I want to be a better person and do even more because I’m seeing who I am inspiring and I’m like, ‘Wow, if I can inspire girls to start their own businesses, what else can I inspire them to do?’
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With peers, like Britney and Paris making headlines for the wrong reasons, what influenced you to make better choices? Vanessa: Living in Hollywood can definitely get you messed up, I know people that have come and gotten so involved in the party scene and stuff. I go out, I’m 24 years old, I hang out with my friends and I have a good time, but I know when to bring it back home and focus on what’s important and what I came here to do. if you know your goals, you won’t get deterred by anything around you. Always stay positive and around positive people. Angela: Know your path and don’t get derailed or change your mind about what you want to do. Know what you are supposed to do.
Five Minutes New Jersey government’s top woman credits Girl Scouts for success
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lifetime Girl Scout, Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells believes that everyone should volunteer. As head of the Governor’s Office of Volunteerism, part of her job is to encourage unpaid involvement in activities that improve Nina Mitchell Wells Alexandra Murdocca local communities. Growing up in Washington D.C., Wells was a Girl Scout through elementary school and worked with her daughter’s troops. Alexandra Murdocca, a girl representative to the council Board of Directors, spoke with Wells about how Girl Scouts developed her self-confidence and leadership skills.
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What is your favorite Girl Scout memory? One summer we went off to camp. I thought it was the most wonderful experience of my whole life, sitting around the campfire, singing songs, making s’mores. I fell in love with the graham cracker and the marshmallow and the chocolate. It was so much fun, just being around all these wonderful girls who I had so much in common with.
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What do you think are the benefits of the Girl Scout program? The camaraderie and the way you are involved in teamwork and the great team spirit, and the value system is really excellent. No matter what you were interested in, you were very well rounded. Girl Scouts touched a lot of values you didn’t even realize you were being exposed to, it’s done in such a seamless way. You’re having a good time doing all these great activities and then you look up and think, ‘I’ve earned all these badges and what have I learned as a result of it?’
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How has Girl Scouts prepared you for your career? The leadership development is so important, so when you graduate from high school and go onto college you have an inner sense of yourself and what it is you want to accomplish. The empowerment part for me was huge, in terms of my own career; I’m sure it all started with the leadership piece and how your self-confidence and self-esteem are
developed. You weren’t successful in every area, but where you weren’t there were people who would provide a lot of guidance and support; I’m sure I’m here and feeling as comfortable as I do because of the start I had with Girl Scouts.
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Why is volunteerism so important? The best volunteers are cultivated at a young age. I think if you start to do volunteer initiatives with your school or family or neighborhood, it instills in you a sense of responsibility, but more importantly, it can really get you excited about how good you feel as a volunteer. It’s not so much people on the receiving end, as much on the giving end. What you don’t realize at first is you’re not necessarily doing something wonderful for someone else, you’re doing something great for yourself. It’s a great feeling when you know you’ve accomplished something on behalf of somebody else. When I exposed my children to volunteerism, particularly as it related to other children, they had a real sense that they were lucky in their lives and many kids don’t have the same family situation. As a result, I think they developed a lot of compassion and empathy, and had a sense that the world is not fair and they could play a role in somehow eradicating those disparities. To read more of Alexendra Murdocca’s interview with Nina Mitchell Wells, visit www.girlscoutsjs.org
Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore • www.girlscoutsjs.org
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Giving girls the greatest Girl Scout experience
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he most successful troops all have two things in common – a dedicated troop leader and parents who are actively involved. By working together, they create a team that provides a quality Girl Scout experience for girls and strengthens the family bond.
parents asking if they have skills they’re willing to share with girls. “When they come to the meeting, they see the enthusiasm of their daughter with their presence,” said Stacy. “At the end of the meeting, the parents ask if they can come back or help in additional ways. Once they get to a meeting, they love it and walk away with a smile on their face.” Fitzgerald emphasizes the importance of providing information about all events in the area, as well as opportunities at council. She also makes sure parents know they can escort their daughters to council events without a leader.
“When parents know what is happening and become involved in the process, the girls are more likely to stay involved,” said Phyllis Fitzgerald, Manalapan/ Englishtown Service Unit Manager. “The girls realize it is important because the parents show it is. We encourage leaders to make the troop a girl/ parent involvement – not just a drop off baby sitting service.” Keeping parents involved requires some preplanning, added Robin Stacy of the Shore Service Unit, who assigns each parent a meeting to attend at the beginning of the year. Letting parents know in advance allows them to plan around the meeting, rather than trying to find the time to fit it in. “If you wait around for them to sign up, it’s not going to happen.” In the Bayberry Service Unit, Roxann Callahan surveys her troop’s
It’s not just moms getting involved, either, fathers of girls looking for ways to connect with daughters are also welcomed. “My husband got involved because he wanted to be more fully involved in his daughters’ lives,” said Fitzgerald. “He is currently our service unit web designer/webmaster and has been sewing all their patches for 12 years.” As far as overcoming the time crunch, balancing Girl Scouts, sports and other commitments, “the important thing is to tell parents HOW it is manageable,” said Fitzgerald. “Girls or parents that are over loaded have the option of going Juliette – making their own program on their own schedule!”
Get Away...
...but not too far away
Reconnect with your family at Camp Sacajawea and Camp Amity Acres for a weekend. Meals and activities are included. Sacajawea: July 18-20 and August 15-17 Amity Acres: August 9-10
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To receive additional information, including pricing, visit www.campsacajwaea.com or call Barbara at (800) 785-2090, ext. 156.
Exploring the heart of Franklin Institute
Girls investigate museum during exciting overnight adventure
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he one word used by almost all 400 girls to describe their spy-themed camp-in at the Franklin Institute is “Awesome.” Sleeping within the life-size exhibits and participating in the forensics-themed activities were the highlights of the annual trip for many of the attendees.
“It was really cool to sleep with my troop in the air show room,” said 9-year-old Emily of Juniper Troop 214. “The best part about spending the night in a museum was solving the double-agent mystery and going to each lab to help solve the crime.” Stations with hands-on activities and experiments like fingerprinting, comparing DNA samples and a live show about fireworks were scattered throughout the museum. The evening also included
Alexis Tushmann from Sassafrass Troop 590 climbs through an exhibit demonstrate the workings of the human heart.
an IMAX movie about dinosaurs. “The experiments were really great especially the separation of color within the black markers by chromatography,” said Kate, a 10-year-old member of Middletown Trails Troop 1895. “The giant heart was the coolest thing in the museum, because you could walk through it and hear the heart beat.” “In my opinion, everything was great,” said Sarah, age 10 from Brick Troop 1734. “I would tell anyone who didn't go is that they missed out on a lot of fun and there were a lot of amazing experiences.” The best part of the trip for Little Silver/Shrewsbury Troop 1650 was being able to stay up late, explore the different exhibits and sleep by the big heart, said Susan Svikhart, troop co-leader. “The handson exhibits made them want to explore more and spend more time there and learn more.”
Girls from Point Pleasant Troop 1703 loved the interactive displays throughout the museum.
"I hadn't been there before and I love science!" added Carlie, age 10, Juniper Troop 214. “There are sooooo many things to do!” She offers one tip for the next night at the museum – "take a nap before you get there, you don't get much sleep, but it's worth it!!" Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore • www.girlscoutsjs.org
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Former Monmouth executive director remembered
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he Jersey Shore Girl Scout family Other achievements during Curley’s mourns the loss of Elizabeth tenure include the installation of Curley. The former executive the pool at Camp Sacajawea in director of the Monmouth Council 1969 and the first Gold Awards presented by the council. They were of Girl Scouts died in December. awarded to Senior Girl Scouts from As a child, Freehold and Pt. Pleasant in 1983. Curley became a Girl Scout in St. Paul, Minnesota, earning the highest Girl he Monmouth chapter of Scout award the Girl Scout Alumnae at the time, Elizabeth Curley Association recognized its the Golden 15th anniversary with a Eaglet. She served as celebration in February at the the first executive director of Monmouth County Vocational the Monmouth Council of Girl School Culinary Education Scouts beginning with its creation Center in Asbury Park. following the 1962 merger of the Freehold Court House, Shore and Northern Monmouth councils. The alumni group held its first meeting, a tea, at Lakeside in Including her time as executive Camp Sacajawea in May 1993. director of the Northern MonIt was formed to strengthen mouth council, she served girls in the bond between alumni and Monmouth County for 26 years. current Girl Scouts.
“I knew Elizabeth when I was the neighborhood chairperson for Freehold,” added Sweetnam, a lifetime Girl Scout. “She was always ready and willing to help in any situation. She took a special interest in the volunteers.”
Alumni involve adult Girl Scouts
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Under Curley’s direction, the council saw great success. She raised funds for what is now known as the Monmouth Service Center, which is named in her honor. She also expanded many of the services and programs available to girls. “She had the vision and was instrumental in raising funds to have the 10-acre, man-made Brindle Lake developed on the property as well as building the Lakeside Activity Center building,” said Mabel Sweetnam, a member of the Monmouth Chapter of the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore Alumni Association. 8
Gail Grob and Mabel Sweetnam began forming the alumni association the previous year at the encouragement of the executive director and the Board of Directors. Bev Sirianni designed a pin especially for the Alumni Club, which developed a Recognition Award in 2000. Its first recipient was Lois Kurz, the group’s first staff advisor. After her retirement, Kurz was influential in instituting the alumnai Scholarship Fund. Among the alumnai’s activities are trips, socials and fundraising
events. The alumnae also contribute to the council scholarship fund. TheGirlScoutAlumnaeAssociation offers current and former adult Girl Scouts the opportunity to participate as supporters of the Girl Scout Movement. The Monmouth Chapter boasts 63 members who range in age from 30 to 80 years old. In addition to local members, the chapter has members in South Carolina, Missouri, Florida, North Carolina, Vermont and California. The Ocean chapter, named the Order of the Evergreen was founded in 1991 and has 57 members. Their most recent event, the Food Frolic, was attended by both alumni clubs. The cost to join either Alumnae Association is $7. Adults not currently registered with a troop will pay an additional $10 for Girl Scout membership registration dues. Lifetime members only pay the $7 Alumni Club fee. For more information, call (800) 785-2090, ext. 228.
‘Achievers’ success celebrated Southern Ocean County’s Women of Acheivement were honored in March at Sea Oaks Country Club.
Thank you The Faith and James Knight Foundation supported the council capital campaign with a gift to underwrite the athletic complex at the Program Activity Center in Farmingdale. Unveiling the complex’s sign were Susan H. McClure, chief executive officer, Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, and Dr. Lisa Knight and Fran Lobl, Faith and James Knight Foundation.
The dinner ceremony honoring Pat Muszynski, Barbara Lanuto, and Alice Miller, pictured left to right, raised more than $33,000, which will be used to support programs offered by the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore. “Girls in southern Ocean County can look to these outstanding women as role models as they grow into the Women of Achievment of tomorrow,” said Karen Palamara, fund development specialist.
Public role models honored for their ‘distinction’ The Women of Distinction were celebrated in April at Jumping Brook Country Club. The honorees at the 21st annual event were: Barbara Birdall, Robin Fitzmaurice, Jill Hewitt, JoAnn McCann, Rosalind Seawright and Maureen Stankowitz. “The more than $60,000 raised at this event will go directly to our almost 16,500 girl members by underwriting the cost of our programs,
camp experiences and additional financial aid so we can accomplish our goal of serving every girl everywhere,” said Pat Walsh, senior director of fund development and public relations for the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore. “Money raised from events like this gives us the opportunity to help girls grow into confident leaders and the Women of Distinction of tomorrow.” Emma Moran, a 13-year-old member of Troop 817 sang a beautiful rendition of “America
the Beautiful,” and Amanda Pell, from Troop 220 in Point Pleasant, played piano during the cocktail hour in additon to presenting one of the honorees. Pictured below are the honrees and thier girl presenters. Maureen Stankowitz; Alexandra Murdocca, Juliette; JoAnn McCann; Rebecca Van Ness, Troop 83; Robin Fitzmaurice; Kristine Rosko, Juliette; Amanda Pell, Troop 220; Barbara Birdsall, Emma Moran, Troop 817; Jill Hewitt; Kerryn Hughley, Troop 1757 and Rosalind Seawright.
Girl Scout horse programs are available all-year round. In addition to summer day camp opportunities at Camp Amity Acres and Camp Sacajawea, girls spend school breaks at horse camp during School’s Out Day Camp in Farmingdale..
Horse program expands to third location
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ue to an overwhelming demand, the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore are adding a second horse camp opportunity in Ocean County. The new offering at Chariot Riders’ Manchester facility complements the horse programs already offered through Camp Amity Acres, Waretown, and Camp Sacajawea, Farmingdale.
“We help ground youth by providing reinforcement for a long-term job done well. – Linda Fazio
Riding teaches skills such as perseverance and emotional sensitivity through interaction with the animals. “Children who love animals often lack assertiveness. Horseback riding teaches a balance of being firm, Horse programs at Camp Amity consistancy and rewarding correct Acres are managed by Argos behavior,” said Linda Fazio, Chariot Farms and Equestrian Center, Riders executive director. “We Forked River. Chariot Riders help ground youth by providing coordinates horse programs at reinforcement for a long-term Camp Sacajawea in a new facility job done well. It brings balance, built by the council three years courage and effectiveness to an ago. otherwise shy child.” 10
In addition to the developmental benefits, horseback riding also naturally promotes physical fitness. “The horse program reflects our mission,” said Susan H. McClure, chief executive officer. “Courage to try something new and confidence to learn new skills. Through the process they build character.” In addition to horse camp, the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore would like to start an Intramural Equestrian Club and host a Horse Expo this summer. Anyone interested in the club or Expo can call Michelle Mazarik, outdoor program specialist, at (800) 785-2090, ext. 181.
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Thinking Day
n World Thinking Day girls are encouraged to participate in activities to increase cultural awareness and the connections between themselves and sister Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world. This year’s theme was water and focusing on its importance to health and the issues of access to clean water and water conservation. World Thinking Day not only gives Girl Guides and Girl Scouts a chance to celebrate international friendships, but is also a reminder that Girl Scouts are part of a global community—one of 144 countries in the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).
Troops from Hartshorne Service Unit represented states for Thinking Day. Brownie Troop 1936 chose Hawaii and performed a traditional Hawaiian dance.
skits; cooked local cuisine, and shared crafts. Among those in costume were cowgirls, cheeseheads, movie stars, a chorus line and even pilgrims and Indians. One of the many highlights of the evening More than 250 girls part- was the “Parade of State icipated in Manalapan’s Flags.” Thinking Day, which had a “Wacky Holidays” Thirty Marlboro Girl theme. The girls also Scout troops celebrated collected donations for World Thinking Day with a personal hygiene Hope For Animals. themed “International Holly Service Unit held Night.” The Service National Night in honor Unit contacted Dove, generously of Thinking Day. Several which troops created displays; donated more than 350 performed songs and “Uniquely Me” books
The Freehold Service Unit embraced the theme of water, with all activites focsuing on it. Here a teen from Troop 1941 helps a Daisy make a simple water filter from a piece of netting.
and pins which were given to each Girl Scout who attended the event. All girls who attended donated itmes to Open Door Food Pantry in Freehold. Sugarberry Troops 503, 193 and 43 attended a presentation given by Karen Walzer, the Barnagat Bay Estuary Program ambassador. Troop 1126 from New Monmouth celebrated World Thinking Day
by earning its Global Awareness badges. Each girl created a poster about a different WAGGGS country. Sweetbay Service Unit’s Thinking Day celebration took place at Ridgeway Elementary School. Each girl represented a different country. Teens created the displays and incorporated a water theme into the information they provided to the younger girls.
Laurel Troop 324 represented Egypt during Nibblefest. The Brownies made headpieces and collars as well as date candy and flat bread to share with the other travelers. Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore • www.girlscoutsjs.org
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Troop News Laurel Teen Troop 37 enjoyed rooting for their favorite knight during a council trip to Medieval Times. Sugarberry Troop 43 took a tour of the Jersey Shore Animal Shelter and donated needed items from the shelter wish list. Dogwood Junior Troop 86 volunteered at the Multiple Sclerosis Walk in Freehold. The girls decorated a rest stop and cheered the walkers. Sugarberry Troop 144 conducted a pajama drive to benefit the Pajama Project, collecting 500 pairs of new pajamas. The troop received the “Community Spirit Honorable Mention Award” from the Monmouth Ocean Foundation for Children for their efforts. Also collecting PJ’s were twelve girls from Middletown Daisy Troop 1619. The town’s mayor recognized them for collecting 416 pairs of pajamas. Sugarberry Troop 193 bridged to Juniors this spring. Saturn of Eatontown showed their support to Red Cedar Brownie Troop 252 by purchasing 100 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies for the “Gift of Caring” program. Laurel Junior Troop 258’s service unit project, a dedication to Ocean’s Harbor House, was a big success. With the help of parents, Troop 312, students 12
Teens participated the Nursing Interest Project at Riverview Medical Center where they got tour pre- and post- operating rooms and operating rooms and learned about medical equipment. Here girls from Troop 38 learn about stethoscopes.
and residents of Barnegat Township, the girls were able to collect many necessary items to help the residents of the shelter. The celebration was a tribute to Juliette Low as well as a dedication ceremony. The girls sang happy birthday to Girl Scouts and enjoyed refreshments. Harmony/Beacon Hill Junior Troops 324 and 1126 traveled to Garden State Rocks. They learned knots, bouldering, traversing and got to complete a cool obstacle course. The girls earned their Adventure Sports Badge after completing a poster about what they learned. Sugarberry Troop 401 focused on community service over the past few months. They earned their Junior Aide by organizing and running the “Follow the Rainbow” program for Brownie girls. They also volunteered at
the State Tree Nursery in Jackson where they sorted, counted and bundled trees for the 3rd grade tree program. In a few short hours, the girls prepared over 6,000 trees! Dogwood Troop 409 organized a book drive at Holy Family School and Church. The girls delivered the collected books to the Chambers Bridge Residence in Brick. Marlboro Troop 420 attended an overnight safari at the Museum of Science in Philadelphia and sleeping at the animal display. The girls had a great time learning about animals, rocks and fossils. For the third year in a row, February meant winter camping in Massachusetts for the Sugarberry Troop 610 in. The girls attend “Operation
Troop 1126 traveled to Poricy Park to work on their Finding Your Way badge and prepare for a camping trip. The girls worked with a compass, learned how to read a map and even learned how to make a message with rocks or sticks.
Difference Maker Moira Krier from Bayberry Troop 607 assisted Karen Palamara, fund raising specialist, in accepting a $500 donation in honor of the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore’s Women of Achievement. William Airey, director general of Moose International and David Long, governor of Beach Haven Moose Lodge 1575 presented the check.
Snowflake,” an all-Girl Scout Camporee near Dartmouth. This year the girls took advantage of a long weekend by also visiting historic Salem and having dinner at the bustling Quincy Market in Boston. Eatontown/Ft. Monmouth Junior Troop 691 planned the Service Unit’s annual Sweetheart Dance for their Bronze Award. The 17 girls created a Disney Princessthemed party for 105 girls. Troop 734 toured Pizza Hut in Freehold for their Food Power badge. Harmony/Beacon
Hill
Junior
Howell Troop 1180 invited Juliette Brownie Erin Drake from Sassafras to the “Who Stole Mr. Bear” program for her birthday. The troop even sang her “Happy Birthday.” Neptune/Asbury Park Troops 1858 and 989 hosted the Feline Forum Cat Show at Convention Hall in Asbury Park along with SNAPS– a non-profit agency that rescues, spays, neuters, and sets up adoptions of stray animals in Monmouth and Ocean counties. One girl promoted the cat show as part of her Bronze Award project to improve the living conditions of cats and dogs in Monmouth County. Troop 1935 invited all Marlboro Girl Scouts and their families to attend a special Girl Scout Sunday Service at St. Gabriel Church in Marlboro. After the service, an annual tradition, the troop hosted a coffee and cake gathering for the entire congregation. Each Girl Scout who attended was asked to bake or donate a treat.
Fore! Hit the links for a relaxing day of golf August 4 at Jumping Brook Country Club in Neptune Continental breakfast at 7 a.m. Scramble start at 8 a.m. Luncheon following golf with awards and silent auction. Cost: $250 per golfer, includes fees and cart. For more information call Karen Palamara, fund development specialist at (800) 785-2090, ext. 223, or kpalamara@ girlscoutsjs.org.
Girls from the Colts Neck Service Unit had some fun on a rainy February day when they were invited to swim in two indoor 13
Troop News Hartshorne Troops 1173, 1219 and 1876, volunteered at the Sandy Hook Multiple Sclerosis walk. As the cheering committee, they used bubbles, pop poms, visors, whistles and cowbells. After the walk, the girls were chosen to give out the medals to all the walkers for their dedication. Hartshorne Service Unit enjoyed an ice skating day in April at the Red Bank Armory.
Colts Neck Troop 1128 kicked off the 325th Birthday Celebration of Monmouth County at the Hall of Records by leading the pledge of allegiance. The girls were chosen by Lillian Burry, center, director of Monmouth County Freeholders for this honor.
pools at the Atlantic Club in Manasquan. Along with snacks and some beach-themed goodies, the girls enjoyed socializing, swimming, diving and playing water games. Dogwood Brownie Troops 21, 54 and 63 and Junior Troop 409 celebrated the beginning of Girl Scout Week with family Mass at Holy Family Church, Lakewood.
The girls received a special blessing from the parish’s guest missionary priest. Afterwards, some of the families met for breakfast at Friendly’s in Brick. The troops also had special permission from the principal of Holy Family School to decorate the cafeteria walls with projects; banners, and the Girl Scout Law, Promise and Motto.
Nineteen Howell Girl Scouts spent a weekend at Kateri Environmental Center learning about aerospace and astronomy for the Aerospace and Sky Search badges. As part of their weekend, they learned about the effects of light pollution. They also took part in an international citizen science study called ‘Globe at Night’ in which they used a Sky Quality Meter to measure the darkness of the sky. They recorded their observations and sent them to an international database. In honor of the Girl Scouts ‘birthday, girls belonging to Lakehurst troops wore their uniforms to school.
Fun in the summer sun! Employment Opportunities available Summer employment and volunteer opportunities are available at Camp Amity Acres and Camp Sacajawea. If you or someone you know is interested in applying, download an application from www.girlscoutsjs.org or call (800) 785-2920. 14
The Manalapan-Englishtown Service Unit held a “Hip-Hop Cookies Rock” dance as a reward for the more than 150 girls who sold more than 100 boxes of cookies. Cold temperatures were no match for the warm spirits of the Red Cedar girls who attended the Winter Camporee at Amity Acres. For two nights in January the girls set up base camp in Friendship Lodge. Activities included a seven-mile hike with temperatures in the 20s, discussions of dressing for the weather, outdoor skills and Leave No Trace principles. They also learned how to make their own healthy trail mix. Duing an excursion to Wells Mills County Park, the girls
enjoyed displays at the wildlife center and listened to a park naturalist talk about the park’s inhabitants. The naturlist also discussed career opportunities in the fields of environmental science and outdoor recreation. The camporee ended with an evening of music and dancing at the “Red Cedar Disco.” There was even time for skits in front of the fireplace! Every February more than 200 Sassafras Girl Scouts and their dads attend the annual Father and Daughter Sweetheart Dance in Jackson. It is the largest event the Sassafras Service Unit holds and one of the most popular. The girls enjoy and evening of dancing, games, snacks and a special keepsake photo with their dad.
Early Bird registration taking place With another exciting Girl Scout year wrapping up, now is the perfect time to make a commitment to your troop and Girl Scouts for another funfilled year. When you register for the 2008-2009 Girl Scout year as an Early Bird beginning May 1, not only do you and your girls receive extra benefits and save money, you eliminate the additional stress that often comes with having to register in September. “It becomes one less thing the troop or the family has to think about in September when everything is on fast forward,” says Julie Brady, membership team director. “Registration done early is less stress on the leader—they are ready to go in the fall and the paperwork is done,” adds Dena Mayo, membership director. Registration becomes effective on October 1, 2008 for the 2008-2009 program year. Early Bird registrations are due by July 18, 2008. With Early Bird registration, girls are eligible for a 50 percent discount on one of several fall programs.
Freehold Brownie Troop 1939 explored the undersea world with their sleepover at the Camden Aquarium.
Every girl registered will also receive a special patch. Girls may designate some of their troop funds to cover their $10 annual registration dues. Once paid, dues are non-refundable.
Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore • www.girlscoutsjs.org
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From one troop to another – Girl Scouts help soldiers
F
rom cookies to toiletries, troops have found a way to help different kinds of troops–those stationed far from home in the military–by sending care packages, Valentines or holiday stockings. “Our favorite project was volunteering time with an organization that ships care packages to our deployed military,” said Jackie Garbe, leader of Junior Troop 401 in Toms River. “The troop spent a day packing up personal care and food items into individual boxes for our service men and women. Everyone felt really good, yet a bit sad about this project and can’t wait to help out again soon.”
packages for the past two years. “These pint-sized girls have a lot of muscle,” said Lauren Grogan, media coordinator for Adopt-A-Platoon. “These girls, and their leader Alice Tice, have filled stockings, made handmade cards for every occasion, wrote Valentines–they have given money for shipping and cases of cookies.” Even the youngest Girl Scouts are supporting the military. Daisy Troop 1563 at St. Veronica’s School in Howell collected food and snacks for the soldiers said troop leader Dorothy Podsvirow.
“We explained that the military was there to get freedom for those people and help change the government. The girls started to Troop 497 in Manahawkin sent grasp the idea at that moment 148 boxes of cookies to Iraq. Lt. Dorothy Pdosvirow helps her Daisy because they said things like, Platoon Leader Michael C. De Felice troop pack care packages for soliders ‘Wow that would be so bad if we read their letter to a group of overseas. couldn’t go out to play because soldiers during an ‘open mic’ night it was against the rules.’” said on base in Iraq. “I had some soldiers bring the boxes Podsvirow. “I feel that being a Girl Scout is a way around to the ‘audience’ while I read it. Every one to teach girls about the community and how we flipped out! There were like ten people from the can help others. The war may not affect each girl Jersey Shore, cookie boxes flying every where, it was personally but those men and women are without like they had Christmas again!” their families and I wanted to show the girls how we can make someone who is away from home Shore Brownie Troop 1143 has been sending smile and be happy.” Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore 242 Adelphia Road Farmingdale, NJ 07727
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Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore
Council-branded clothing makes a great gift for girls and adults. Remember your troop leader. New styles available at both locations.