2020-2021
Council Guide
Dear Girl Scouts, Welcome to Girl Scouting! Whether you are brand new to Girl Scouts or you are ready to earn your Gold Award, we are so happy you have chosen this leadership journey. Through Girl Scouts, you are connected to a sisterhood of people who have the courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place. We are go-getters, innovators, risk-takers, and leaders! In the year ahead, you will have many opportunities to fully embrace the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Through Girl Scouts, you will: ⏵ Discover more about yourself and what you value—using this knowledge and your unique skills to explore the world ⏵ Connect with other Girl Scouts locally and globally who care as much as you do about making the world a better place ⏵ Take action to help others in your community and beyond Your Girl Scout experience is customized to your interests. This is possible thanks to our amazing, dedicated volunteers who support you every step of the way. Together, we create a safe, inclusive, girl-led and girl-friendly environment so that YOU can thrive. There’s a lot that feels different this year, but one thing is consistently here for you: Girl Scouts. Our motto is, “Be prepared.” This guide will help you be prepared to make the most of this Girl Scout experience. We see your courage, your confidence, and your character. We see you revved up to help others in your community. The Founder of Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low, once said, “The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers.” So get ready, Girl Scout, your journey starts now! How will you make the best of every minute ahead of us? Flip through these pages and design your own history! The staff and volunteers of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida are here to support you and your Girl Scout sisters. We can’t wait to celebrate all the ways you discover, connect, and take action during the year ahead! Happy Girl Scouting,
Mary Pat King, CAE CEO, Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Twitter.com/MaryPatKing Instagram.com/marypatking_gswcf
Contents 3 COVID-19 Update 4–5 Our Council and Our Camps 6 What Girl Scouts Is All About 2020–2021 Membership Year Important Dates 7 Girl Scout Promise and Law Girl Scouting Responsibilities for Leaders, Parents, and Girls 8–9 Frequently Asked Questions 10–11 Council Events How to Register for Programs 2
12–13 Product Programs Pins and Badges Entrepreneurship Progression 14 2020 Fall Product Program 15 2021 Girl Scout Cookie Program 16 Become a Volunteer 17 The Volunteer Toolkit 18–19 gsLearn 20 Let your voice be heard! Opportunities for Girls and Adults 21 Global Girl Scouting and Destinations 23 The Girl Scout Store
The spread of COVID-19 has put an unprecedented strain on our community and the world, and we are all doing our best to navigate this health crisis. There is nothing we take more seriously than the safety and well-being of our girls, volunteers and council staff. This guide typically includes a listing of all upcoming events, but this year, program and event listings will be online only. As guidelines around in-person events are apt to change, we want to you to have the most up-to-date information all in one place.
Questions? We’re here to help. Our Customer Connections Team is available Mon.–Fri., 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. to answer questions and help meet your needs. Contact us via email at CustomerConnections@gswcf.org, or call 813–281–GIRL (4475) or 800–881–GIRL (4475).
Here’s What You Can Expect: Our fantastic program partners, girl awards and teen experience, and outdoor teams are still planning an array of virtual and in-person programs and events throughout the membership year! Programs will be added on a regular basis, so be sure to check in for the latest updates.
▶ Visit gswcf.org/events to search and register for events. Listings will be updated frequently. ▶ Follow us on Facebook for event updates and promotions at Facebook.com/GirlScoutsWCF.
Please visit gswcf.org/covid for all council news and updates on COVID-19. Thank you for investing in
G.I. G. I.R. R.L.s! L.s! 3
Our Council About Us Girl Scouts of West Central Florida serves nearly 28,000 girl and adult members in eight counties. The Girl Scout Leadership Center in Tampa features an expanded Girl Scout Store and the Girl Zones. The Girl Zones were designed with input from girls as a place where they can be themselves in areas themed around key Girl Scout initiatives—healthy living, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), financial literacy, community, and the environment. We also offer a variety of outdoor programs and trainings for girls and adults at our four camp properties.
Resource Center The Leadership Center features a Resource Center dedicated to supporting council volunteers. We loan out resources such as The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting for each grade level, Journeys and other books, CDs, flags, cookie costumes, and ceremony, program, and game equipment. For information and/or assistance with Resource Center items, contact Troop Support at TroopSupport@gswcf.org or 813–281–GIRL (4475) or 800–881–GIRL (4475).
Visit Us Online: At gswcf.org you can find comprehensive information about programs, upcoming events, product program resources, forms and documents, renew your membership, register for events, and log into the Volunteer Toolkit.
The Family Partnership Campaign: Invest in girls. Change the world. Our Family Partnership Campaign is a way for Girl Scout families and members to invest in girls’ futures by financially supporting programs, camp improvements, financial assistance, volunteer support, and other critical services. These funds stay local and support camp property maintenance, volunteer training, and girl leadership development. Most importantly, Family Partnership gifts provide much needed financial assistance that helps thousands of girls participate in Girl Scouting. It’s a great way for Girl Scout families to support all girls, regardless of financial ability, in our membership area.
For more information or to make a donation, visit gswcf.org/family.
Donate $25 per family and receive this Family Partnership patch. 4
Our Camps Palm Harbor Premier marine science and environmental education destination
Hudson Premier introductory camping experience for our younger membership
L P WI D
EST
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Riverview
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SUMMER
CAMP
There’s no place like Girl Scout Summer Camp. Learn about summer camp opportunities and stay up to date on offerings for 2021 at gswcf.org/summercamp
Premier center for outdoor education, adventure activities, and encampment destination
Whether attending in person at one of our properties or virtually with Summer Camp in a Box (or both!), Girl Scout Summer Camp will always be a place where she can:
Wildwood
▶ Explore the great outdoors ▶ Grow by trying new things ▶ Build her problem-solving skills ▶ Make awesome new friends ▶ Be a leader
Premier equestrian and outdoor education camp Our long-term vision for our camp properties includes an investment of $7–12 million that will dramatically impact girls’ camping and outdoor experience with new challenge courses, additional sleeping units, hammock hotels, and renovated dining halls, lodges, and classrooms. Learn more at gswcf.org/future.
Join the Carrot Club! Want to symbolically adopt a horse? You can now adopt your favorite horse at Camp Wildwood through our Carrot Club adoption program. Your symbolic adoption helps to support expert animal care and equestrian programming for other G.I.R.L.s!
For more information, visit gswcf.org/horses. 5
What Girl Scouts Is A Since 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA has given girls the tools to lead, break barriers, and create positive change. Your G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ is part of a legacy of girls and young women who dream big and do bigger. When you take the potential every girl has within her and add our girl-led, skill-building programming, unmatched leadership experiences, and caring adults whose networks can truly open doors, you get the power of Girl Scouting. By Girls. For Girls. Everything your Girl Scout does—whether it’s climbing mountains, making her voice heard, or designing new technology—has been created especially for, and is tested by, girls. Tomorrow’s Leaders Today. Your girl will develop a strong sense of self, demonstrate positive values, seek challenges, solve significant problems in her community, and establish healthy relationships. These aren’t just good qualities—they’re the leadership skills that will last a lifetime. 3-2-1…Action! At Girl Scouts, “Can I?” turns into “I will!” as your girl transforms her ideas into action, turns her questions into adventures, and grows her confidence through practice. And when she’s part of the largest network of girls and women in the world, there’s no limit to what she can accomplish.
2020–2021 Membership Year Important Dates September
February
Sept. 18–20: GS Fest 2020 (details on pg. 10)
Feb. 12: First day of Girl Scout Cookie booths Feb. 22: World Thinking Day
October Oct. 5: Girl Scout Sweets & Treats (Fall Product Program) Begins (details on pg. 14) Oct. 25: Last day for Sweets & Treats paper order card sales Oct. 31: Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday
November Nov. 13–16: Sweets & Treats pickup for troops Nov. 16: Last day for Sweets & Treats online sales Nov. 21: Dessert First At Home Edition
December Dec. 21–25: Girl Scouts of West Central Florida offices and camps are closed
January Jan. 2: Girl Scout Cookie Program begins (details on pg. 15) Jan. 9: Thin Mint Sprint & Tagalong Trot (details on pg. 11) Jan. 30: Cookies on the Spot begins
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March Mar. 7: Last day of Girl Scout Cookie booths Mar. 7–13: Girl Scout Week
April Apr. 1–30: Volunteer Appreciation Month Apr. 1: Early Bird membership renewal begins Apr. 22: Leader Appreciation Day April (date TBD): STEMapalooza April (date TBD): Annual Meeting April (date TBD): Adult Awards Ceremony
June June 30: Last day of Early Bird membership renewal June (date TBD): Girl Scout Summer Camp sessions begin June (date TBD): Girl Scout Gold Award Ceremony
All About A Parent’s Responsibility to Their Girl Scout
Girl Scout Law
Girl Scout Promise
olunteer with the troop; troop leaders cannot V do it alone On my honor, I will try: ▶ Make sure your Girl Scout arrives and departs on To serve God and my country, time for all meetings and outings; it is helpful to walk To help people at all times, her in, and sign her out And to live by the ▶ Notify troop volunteers in advance if your Girl Scout Girl Scout Law. will not be able to attend a meeting or an activity ▶H elp your Girl Scout fulfill her troop responsibilities including submitting dues, permission slips, snacks, uniforms, etc. ▶ Help your Girl Scout work on and complete her activities ▶ Check with troop volunteers for any paperwork that needs to be completed ▶ Give feedback to the troop leader and co-leader about your experiences in a positive manner ▶ If issues arise, discuss them privately with the appropriate troop volunteer, not in front of the girls ▶ Attend council events, parent meetings, group activities, and special ceremonies ▶
I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.
A Girl’s Responsibility to Her Troop Follow the Girl Scout Promise & Law Be willing to take risks and be confident and supportive toward her Girl Scout sisters ▶ Attend and participate in meetings and events ▶ Listen to others in her troop and show respect for what they are saying ▶ Be prepared and conduct herself in a safe manner ▶ Respect her troop leaders and other volunteers ▶ ▶
A Leader’s Responsibility to Their Troop Follow the Girl Scout Promise & Law Let girls lead—ensure that girls of every age take an active and age-appropriate role in deciding the what, where, when, why, and how of what they do ▶ Create an inclusive environment where girls and families feel welcome and connected to the troop ▶ Provide a well-rounded and safe program following Girl Scout guidelines ▶ Listen to and respect every participant and serve as a role model ▶U tilize volunteer resources such as the Volunteer Toolkit and contact your service unit or GSWCF when you need support ▶ Be trained by the GSWCF volunteer team in order to have the best experiences ▶ ▶
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Frequently Asked Que What is leadership the Girl Scout way? When we refer to leadership, we’re talking about four key G.I.R.L. leadership skills—goal-setting, innovating, risk-taking and leading. These are the key skills that ensure every girl can reach her full potential.
How does Girl Scouts prepare girls to lead? We prepare girls to lead by offering them opportunities they may not already have access to so they can develop important skills—grit and goal-setting, real-world problemsolving, risk-taking, and leading others with empathy. Data shows that exposure to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience through a variety of activities, with support from volunteers and parents, is the key to girls reaching their full potential. By engaging with Girl Scouts during their developmental years (and even into adulthood with expanded skill-building opportunities), the skills and leadership practices girls develop will benefit them their entire lives.
How much does it cost? ▶
our girl’s membership is $25 and all adults who join as Y volunteers or members must also pay the annual $25 fee (all council volunteers are required to undergo a background screening process at no charge to them). Memberships are valid in any region of the USA and expire on Sept. 30 of the following year.
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nce she gets started, she’ll need a uniform which consists O of a vest, sash, or tunic along with some key essentials (troop numbers, council ID, official insignia, etc.). These items range from $45 and up.
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E ach troop chooses if they charge additional dues to cover supplies and/or have parents bring in different materials.
A Girl Scout troop is designed to be financially self-sustaining by the end of the first year. Once the girls participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program or fall’s Sweets & Treats (pgs. 14–15), the troop is encouraged to budget for covering supplies and
membership fees from the funds earned. We offer financial aid for the girl membership fee, uniforms, books, and all of our programs including Summer Camp for those in need.
How often do the troops meet? Each troop sets their own meeting schedule for days, times, and frequency. Most commonly, troops will meet twice a month, for about 1.5 hours each meeting, though many troops opt to gather weekly or some just assemble once a month.
How do I know my daughter will be safe? Verified Volunteers, our background check vendor, not only looks at criminal records nationally, but they also look directly at records in the individual’s state and county in real time— meaning they are updated on a continual basis. We require that any adult working with girls have a background screening.
What do the girls do at a troop meeting? There is no one way to conduct a troop meeting, and the program is volunteer-run and girl-led so the girls are the ones really deciding what they want to work on. Troops sometimes have weekend activities such as a service project, camping, or participating in a Girl Scout program with one of our local partners. For most troops the general outline of a meeting includes: ▶ An opening ceremony with the Girl Scout Promise and Law ▶ Working on a badge, patch, or other activity to completion or a stopping point ▶ Snack ▶ Closing circle/song
Do girls have to attend events as a troop? No, all Girl Scouts can attend any program or event on their own to explore their own interests. Girls do not have to attend together as a troop. This is a great opportunity to make new friends with similar interests. Some events may require an adult chaperone to attend and others may further require that the adult is a registered and background screened member.
What if we don’t want to be/don’t have time to be in a troop? Today’s girls may sometimes find it hard to fit all their desired activities into their busy schedule. If you are a Girl Scout who does not wish to join a troop, or are unable to find a troop that meets at a convenient time or place, you can still be a Girl Scout! A Juliette (named in honor of the founder of Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low) is a girl who participates as an individual member.
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As a Juliette, you can participate in special events, earn awards, camp, and even sell Girl Scout Cookies! You can select as many or as few activities that interest you and fit your schedule and earn patches at home with a parent or mentor. Grab a copy of the Juliette Guidebook at the Leadership Center or download it at gswcf.org.
estions What are some of the activities that Girl Scouts do? Girl Scouts still enjoy troop and camp activities, but today they are doing so much more! Girl Scouting strives to offer the best personal leadership program for girls. Girl Scouts are earning badges in computer literacy, financial planning, automobile maintenance, fitness and nutrition, and environmental stewardship. In the Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls learn about goal setting, customer service, money management, marketing, and teamwork. Girl Scouts explore a wide range of experiences in a girl-led environment where they can be themselves.
Growing Up Girl Scout Keep track as your girl levels up through the years. Cadettes Grades 6–8
Daisies Grades K–1
What do the girls do at the different levels of Girl Scouts? ▶
irl Scout Daisies (Grades K–1) are just beginning to explore G their world and are making new friends. They earn their Daisy petals to learn about the Girl Scout Promise and Law, as they learn to take the lead and explore different topics.
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irl Scout Brownies (Grades 2–3) learn new skills working on G badges and providing service to their community. They want to do something BIG that makes them feel GREAT!
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irl Scout Juniors (Grades 4–5) are ready to take on the G world! They’ll earn badges and Journeys doing anything from making a movie, to cooking food from different countries, or running a business! The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest award a Junior can earn for doing a project that she cares passionately about.
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irl Scout Cadettes (Grades 6–8) are blazing new trails every G day! They use their curiosity and imagination to try all kinds of new experiences! They are not only starring in roles, they are creating and directing the entire cast! Cadettes learn new skills that help them direct their future. The Girl Scout Silver Award, the highest award a Cadette can earn, gives them the chance make a difference in their community.
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Brownies Grades 2–3
Seniors Grades 9–10
Juniors Grades 4–5
irl Scout Seniors (Grades 9–10) and G Girl Scout Ambassadors (Grades 11–12) are taking the world by storm! Exploring careers, taking on big projects, and spreading their wings. The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award earned by Girl Scouts, indicates an exceptional level of accomplishment.
Do they have to sell cookies? No, girls are not required to sell cookies, however it is encouraged. Beyond earning funds that the troop can use toward awesome activities and adventures, selling cookies is a great way to build confidence and gain important financial literacy skills. Check out pgs. 12–15 for more information on our Product Programs and how girls can progress as entrepreneurs.
Ambassadors Grades 11–12
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Council Events Sept. 18, 19 & 20 Join us to kick off the Girl Scout year! Together with some of our many terrific program partners, you’ll have the chance to take part in live video and self-directed activities that span our four program pillars—entrepreneurship, life skills, outdoor, and STEM. Plus there will be special activities just for older girls (grades 6–12). The first 1,000 girls to complete our post-event survey will get a GS Fest 2020 patch!
Visit gswcf.org/gsfest for more details and to register.
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t 5K t Sprin in M t Thin ng Tro Tagalo
1-mile
The Career Cafe The Career Cafe empowers women to be strong, bold, and successful. Started in 2017 as a Girl Scout Gold Award Project, the Career Cafe is a job hunting skills workshop for all young women in high school or college featuring resume writing, personal branding, networking, interview preparation, and more.
Presented by
Jan. 9, 2021 Register by Nov. 15 for the virtual or live race to receive a medal!
You’ll hear from some of Tampa Bay’s most successful women as they share their stories of overcoming obstacles in their lives and careers to get where they wanted to be. Partake in mock interviews, make connections, and establish relationships, and more.
Join us for our eighth annual Thin Mint Sprint, Tagalong Trot, or Samoa Challenge, now in January! Choose to run a virtual race at your convenience. Or, join us in person on Jan. 9 at the Safety Harbor Marina* to run our chip-timed loop course. All virtual and in-person registrants will receive a T-shirt and race bib. All registered Girl Scouts grades K–12 will receive a free patch.
Visit ThinMintSprint.org for details and to register! * Please see COVID-19 contingency planning details at ThinMintSprint.org.
Coming April 2021! Join us for our ninth annual STEMapalooza, an interactive showcase of innovation and creativity for Girl Scouts, friends, and families. Learn about the world of technology, design, coding, robotics, cybersecurity, creative media, nature, and animals. Work toward STEM badges through fun, hands-on activities. There will be unique opportunities for older Girl Scouts.
Visit gswcf.org/stemapalooza for updates and details.
Visit gswcf.org/careercafe for updates and details.
Girl Scout Gold Award Ceremony June 2021 2020–2021 Gold Award Girl Scouts will be recognized and celebrated for making meaningful, sustainable change in their communities and around the world.
This guide typically includes a listing of all upcoming events. This year, program and event listings will be online only. As guidelines around in-person events are apt to change, we want to you to have the most up-to-date information all in one place. ▶ Visit gswcf.org/events to search and register for events. Listings will be updated frequently. ▶ F ollow us on Facebook for event updates and promotions at Facebook.com/GirlScoutsWCF ▶ Visit gswcf.org/covid for all council news and updates on COVID-19.
How to Register for Programs and Events • Go to gswcf.org/events • Click on the event from the listing or calendar view • Find the “Register Now” link
• Log into your account • Follow the prompts to select the number of registrants and payment options
Questions? Our Customer Connections Team is available Mon.–Fri., 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. to answer questions and help meet your needs. Contact us via email at CustomerConnections@gswcf.org, or call 813–281–GIRL (4475) or 800–881–GIRL (4475). 11
Product Programs When girls participate in Sweets & Treats and the Girl Scout Cookie Program, they learn the 5 Skills—goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics.
Pins and Badges Girls can earn Cookie Business and Financial Literacy badges and Cookie Entrepreneur Family pins for every year they participate in the cookie program. Did you know girls can earn these badges and pins at home? Check out the Girls Guide to Girl Scouts for more information on Cookie Business and Financial Literacy Badges.
Daisies
1. Goal Setting: Girls set sales goals and, with their team, create a plan to reach them.
Brownies
2. Decision Making: Girls decide where and when to sell their products, how to market their sale, and what to do with their earnings. 3. Money Management: Girls develop a budget, take orders, and handle customers’ money. 4. People Skills: Girls learn how to talk (and listen!) to their customers, as well as how to work as a team with other girls. 5. Business Ethics: Girls act honestly and responsibly during every step of the product sale.
i s s e r g o r P hip
s r u e n e r p e r t En Decision Maker Money Manager Learn money basics. Talk with your fellow troop members about different forms of money—coins, paper bills, checks, and credit—and practice counting it. Learn how much Girl Scout Cookies cost in your area.
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Make plans for the coming Girl Scout year and set a budget. Talk about wants versus needs. Talk about how the troop can earn money through cookie program participation. Look into your troop’s proceeds from previous years to help you budget.
Goal Setter Set sales goals as a troop and individually. Talk with troop members about how you can work together to reach your troop’s goal. Discuss different ways to sell cookies and set a goal for which ones you’ll try. Brainstorm how you could use your cookie earnings to help others in your community.
Consumer Expert Think “cookie customers.” Talk with troop members about why people may or may not choose to buy Girl Scout Cookies, and brainstorm ways to engage them. Come up with ideas for the perfect customer pitch. Practice explaining how your cookie earnings will be spent. Brainstorm ways to thank your customers.
Juniors
Cadettes
Seniors
Ambassadors
urial ntreprene e n a p lo e able , and dev n five valu r onfidence a c le ir e ls ir th g skill d , uil nd beyond ledge their a w skills, b w e o m n n a k r in c g a a o g , r irls to ready to cookie p with girls n allows g they’ll be age in the you work , y g s ll n A a e . y s tu e e n Progressio v e th li Ev tever path ir As et to wha s further. s ver time. e rest of the d o lv e t e in e th s s m r m l d e fo ia in m them llenge th preneur will serve em to cha g an entre in th r e b g r a o r skills that u ip nco neursh ent and e e entrepre u tr developm to in their skills translate Entrepreneur se. o o h c y e th Innovator Take your business idea to the next level. Networker Take it beyond Girl Scout Cookies. Create and document a Build your social Cookie Techie mission statement and support system. On your own or with your business plan for your troop, think about a product Use technology to grow product or service idea. Connect with local business or service you’d like to the business. leaders for ideas about improve and brainstorm Identify your customer base, how to grow your Girl Scout Set a specific goal for your ways to make it happen. competition, and potential Cookie business. digital sales. obstacles. Come up with several ideas, Talk to friends and family Make a video for your then narrow to the best! Practice sharing your about how they can help friends and family network business idea with you expand your network. Be prepared to go back to promoting online cookie your troop. the drawing board—maybe sales using your sales pitch; Ask your customers to more than once! encourage the gifting of Research how businesses safely refer you to new cookies to boost sales. are financed and think customers. Get feedback from potential about how you could consumers and improve Use your support network finance yours. Follow up with past your idea based on what of friends and family customers and tell them they say. to safely promote your Feel confident about your how you plan to use this digital storefront. business idea’s potential? year’s cookie earnings, to Research social Take action! inspire them to increase entrepreneurs in your their purchase. community and beyond.
ion
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2020 Fall Product Program t u o c irl S
G
s t s t a e & e r T e Sw
The Fall Product Program takes place between October and November. It is a “friends and family” sale through which girls can sell Sweets & Treats including nuts, chocolate, and magazines. The average troop earns nearly $180 in funds early in the program year. The Fall Product Program is a great jumping-off point before the Girl Scout Cookie Program. It gives new troops the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of product programs before the cookie program begins in the spring. The theme of this year’s program is Bravely be You...Trust Your Strengths.
Important Dates Oct. 5: Order taking begins Oct. 25: Paper order card sales end Nov. 13-16: Troops pick up nuts and chocolate Nov. 16: Last day for online sales
There are several ways to participate in Girl Scout Sweets & Treats and the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Troops, Juliettes, and individual girls can participate: • In person • Online • At cookie booths (cookie program, troops only) • Any combination of the above options
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S’mores Club is Back! Girls and adult volunteers who participate in BOTH the 2020 Fall Product Program and the 2021 Cookie Program and hit key benchmark goals can earn the exclusive S’mores Club charm bracelet! Learn more about S’mores Club requirements at gswcf.org/smoresclub.
Meet Mamoni and Lunita! These adorable three-toed pygmy sloths are our mascots for the 2020 Fall Product Program. They live in Isla Escudo de Veraguas, off the coast of Panama. There are less than 100 three-toed pygmy sloths left in the world! Learn more about these amazing animals at gswcf.org/fpp.
Not in a troop or your troop is not participating? Juliettes (girls not affiliated with a troop) and individual girls (girls whose troop is not participating) can still participate in product programs. They will earn council credits that can be used to purchase membership and pay for camp, events, Destinations (see pg. 21), or items in the Girl Scout Store.
For more information or to participate in either one of our product programs, visit gswcf.org or email ProductSales@gswcf.org.
2021 Girl Scout Cookie Program In 2020, girl cookie CEO’s sold a total of 2,034,710 boxes of cookies, bringing in over $1.7 million in proceeds going directly to girls in our council. Whether it’s a trip she’ll never forget, a service project that will change her community forever, or the opportunity to build a lifetime of memories at camp, Girl Scout Cookies help make it all happen!
Important Dates Jan. 2–Mar. 7: Digital cookie sales Jan. 30–Mar. 7: Cookies on the Spot Feb. 12–Mar. 7: Cookie booths
Order Online! Online orders allow girls to offer cookies to anyone, anywhere through their own personal, secure website. Having your correct information in the online system is very important. Be sure that your troop and girl information is correct by signing into your Member Profile at gswcf.org, or contact CustomerConnections@gswcf.org.
Rally Time! Girl Scout Cookie rallies help prepare girls, parents, and leaders. They’re a fun way to get an introduction to the program, sample cookies, develop sales strategies, do customer role-playing, and more. Be sure to ask your troop leader about when there will be a rally in your area. Check out our virtual cookie rally coming in January 2021.
Troop leaders are encouraged to find a parent and/or other volunteer to take on the role of troop cookie chair.
get more + give back
4more! for
get more + give back! For every four boxes a customer buys, they’ll have the chance to enter into a drawing to win three cases of their favorite Girl Scout Cookies AND send an additional three cases to our Gift of Caring or Hometown Heroes program.
Meet Hope the Horse, our 2021 cookie program mascot! Did you know a young female horse is called a filly? At Girl Scouts of West Central Florida’s very own Camp Wildwood, we have dozens of horses in our herd.
To learn more and register for our equestrian programs visit gswcf.org/events. To learn more, visit GirlScoutCookieTime.com.
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Become a Volunteer Girl Scouts is a volunteer-run organization and it is our volunteers who make life-changing experiences for girls possible. A troop requires at least two unrelated adult volunteers to run. Below are frequently asked questions for potential volunteers.
How do I get started? What is required to be a leader? You will first need to become a registered member of Girl Scouts, which includes a $25 membership fee. To ensure the safety of our girls and adults we require troop leaders to have a background check (which we provide free to you).
What is the time requirement of a troop leader? The time requirement of a troop leader varies from troop to troop. Some leaders spend several hours a week planning meetings, creating projects, researching opportunities in the area, leading meetings, and coordinating event attendance. Others spend just a couple of hours each month and are able to have the girls and parents help accomplish these tasks. Girl Scouts understands that the lives of volunteers are busy, which is why we’ve created the Volunteer Toolkit. The Volunteer Toolkit assists leaders in planning their meetings, by providing essentially a recipe book to save time!
Do I run the troop on my own? No, there is always support for you. Furthermore, a troop cannot be started until there are two registered volunteers, both with completed background checks. The more volunteers (usually parents) involved, we find, the better!
What do I do if I get a difficult question or I don’t know an answer? It’s okay if you don’t know everything about Girl Scouts. Simply collect the person’s information with a phone or email. Write the question down and assure the parent or guardian that a Girl Scout representative or volunteer can call or email with a detailed answer. You can also make notes on your sign in sheet or simply touch base with the person supporting your recruitment.
Council Directory for Volunteers • For more information on volunteering, visit gswcf.org/volunteer. • For recruitment questions, email join@gswcf.org. • For member issues, email customerconnections@gswcf.org. • To speak with our Customer Connections team, call (813) 281-4475.
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The Volunteer Toolkit: V
y l i m a f &
A digital tool that helps parents and leaders make the most of their Girl Scout year! The Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) is not only a great resource for all troop leaders and parents, now it’s for our Juliette Girl Scout families too! It contains program and meeting plans for Daisies through Ambassadors as well as multi-level troops! It takes the guesswork out of planning and prepping for your troop meetings, making communication and staying organized seamless. Plus, it keeps all families in the know. You can access this online tool through computers, smart phones and tablets at gswcf.org/vtk. There you can get to know the VTK with tutorials and other helpful info. Just login through your MyGS link and use the ‘Explore’ tab to get started with a create-your-own year plan or choose from pre-selected tracks.
For Troops (leaders and parents) With the VTK, you can: • Access step-by-step activity guides for each troop meeting—so you’ll know exactly what to say and do • Make a plan for the entire year to see when and where troop events are scheduled ▶
E asily share troop meeting activities and updates with parents/caregivers for each meeting so they can view the precise activities and program content the troop is engaged in
▶
Log girls’ program achievements and milestones
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Customize your year plan by adding events and your own troop activities
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Track troop finances and meeting attendance
. . . and so much more!
For Juliette Families The VTK isn’t just for troops anymore! Juliette Girl Scouts now have online access as well. You’ll be able to: ▶
E xplore prebuilt tracks of the most popular badges and Journeys or build your own!
▶
A ccess step-by-step instructions for activities to work towards badges, Journeys, and other awards.
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E asily share activities with others who might help you earn a badge.
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Find resources tailored to each program level.
▶
Log program achievements and milestones
. . . and so much more!
Want to learn more about the volunteer toolkit? Just visit gswcf.org/vtk, or sign in directly through the “MyGS” link and check it out! 17
Adult Training gsLearn is the new learning management system for Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. gsLearn is located within the MyGS tab on gswcf.org. It is the new location to register for all webinars and in-person trainings our council offers. It gives you the ability to view webinars and print out certificates of training completion. All historical data on record will be included for current active members by Dec. 31, 2020 (date subject to change).
Step 1 Go to gswcf.org and click the MyGS tab.
Step 2 Enter your username and password. Check out a list of all required trainings suggested for your role at gswcf.org/en/volunteers/adult-training.html Register for them in gsLearn.
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Step 3 Click on the gsLearn button to enter gsLearn.
A Look Inside gsLearn
Look at courses and learning paths.
Check out completed courses and print out certificates
See all courses assigned to you.
See all courses you have completed.
See all courses assigned to you that are in progress.
See all courses assigned to you that you have not started.
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Let your voice be heard! We encourage girls and adults to take an active role in shaping Girl Scouts of West Central Florida together.
FOR ADULTS
CEO Volunteer Roundtable Join this group of up to 20 innovative thinkers and help set the bar in developing life-changing activities that inspire girls and adults to carry out the Girl Scout mission.
As a member of the roundtable you will: dvise staff leadership on issues A impacting membership ▶ Play an important liaison role with the operational volunteer community ▶ Utilize research, staff, and volunteer feedback to tackle council issues ▶ Bring diverse viewpoints and perspectives to the group ▶
To apply, complete the application at gswcf.org/roundtable.
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FOR GIRLS • CEO
Girl Advisory Board
The CEO Girl Advisory Board exists to make sure that your voices are heard! A vibrant group of 20 Girl Scout Cadettes through Ambassadors from across the council make up the advisory board and come together throughout the year to provide ideas, guidance, and girl-driven recommendations to the chief executive officer and staff of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida.
As a member of the advisory board, you will: L earn to share your Girl Scout story with your greater community Provide feedback on programs offered by the council ▶ Discuss how to attract more members and increase awareness of Girl Scouting ▶ Work toward increasing the impact of Girl Scouts on the world around us ▶ ▶
To apply, complete the application at gswcf.org/GAB.
FOR GIRLS • Board
of Directors – Girl Members
Each year, two girl members are elected to the Board of Directors.
As a member on the board you will: P articipate in council policy-making and strategic planning Assist in overseeing fund development ▶ Advocate for GSWCF within the community ▶ ▶
Girl members serve a one-year term and must be 14 or older at the time of election in April.
To apply, download an application at gswcf.org/girlboard. Applications will be accepted until Dec. 31.
Global
Girl Scouting It’s a big world... what better way to experience it than on a global scale? Global Girl Scout activities help boost girls’ awareness of the world through cross-cultural learning opportunities—and help them better understand important global issues, giving them the power, inspiration, and resources to make the world a better place. Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low once famously said, “Girl Scouting and Girl Guiding can be the magic thread which links the youth of the world together.”
Destinations Girl Scout Destinations are the ultimate adventure for individual girls ages 11 and older. Explore national parks or tour international treasures! Focus on culture, careers, STEM, the outdoors, and more! There’s a destination for everyone. Prepare for life-changing experiences and make friends from all over the country as you travel with Girl Scouts from different councils. Getting started is easy! Visit girlscouts.org/destinations to search this year’s trips by location or activity.
Scholarships are available for Girl Scout Destinations. Girls can also use council credits, Council Dough, or community achievement awards towards a Girl Scout Destination.
Visit gswcf.org/globalgirlscouting for upcoming events and information on earning the Global Action Award 2021 and World Thinking Day Award 2021. 21
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The Girl Scout Store The Girl Scout Store is your location for all of your Girl Scout gear, in-store and online. Visit our Girl Scout stores located in Tampa at the Leadership Center and Camp Wildwood in Sumter County. We also have Trading Posts at Camp Dorothy Thomas and Camp Wai Lani that offer Saturday hours* through the school year. We can bring ANYTHING from the Tampa store to these Saturday Shops if you order it by Friday. We have currently suspended Saturday hours until we can safely reopen these stores but will be offering pick-up opportunities on select dates.
Visit gswcf.org/shop for details. Tampa Leadership Center 4610 Eisenhower Blvd., Tampa, FL 33634 813-262-1793 or gsstore@gswcf.org
Just Joined? Get Started with your Girl Scout Kit. Girl Scout Kits contain everything you need for a great year ahead. Girl Scout Kit Option #1:
For new or Bridging Girl Scouts, Girl Scout Kit Option #1 includes:
1. Your choice of a Girl’s Guide, Journey book, badge requirement pamphlet or Memory Book 2. Your choice of a tunic, or vest or sash (depending on grade level) 3. Troop numerals, Council ID set, and American flag patch 4. Insignia tab, world trefoil pin, and membership pin 5. Your choice of official Girl Scout apparel (polo, activity T-shirt) 6. Free bag (choose from two options)!**
Wildwood Store 9583 CR 223, Wildwood, FL 34785 813-262-1790 or wildwoodstore@gswcf.org Saturday Shop at Camp Dorothy Thomas* 16119 Boyette Rd., Riverview, FL 33569 Saturday Shop at Camp Wai Lani* 500 Wai Lani Rd., Palm Harbor, FL 34683 *For the time being, we have paused our regular Saturday Shops hours, but will offer merchandise pick-up opportunities at our camps to service members until we can go back to our regular schedule. Visit gswcf.org/store for the latest info.
For promotions and current store hours, visit gswcf.org/store. Follow us on Facebook for special shop discounts and promotion postings, including Official offers for adult vest, FREE SHIPPING! only $30
Girl Scout Kit Option #2:
For Girl Scouts of any grade level who want to select what they need for the year, Girl Scout Kit Option #2 includes:
1. Your choice of a program item (Girl’s Guide, Journey, or Memory Book) 2. Your choice of a badge requirement pamphlet 3. Insignia as needed 4. Your choice of official Girl Scout apparel or accessories 5. Your choice of council’s own merchandise or Badge Magic— never iron or sew patches again! 6. Free bag (choose from two options)!** ** Get a free bag when you spend $60 or more on a Girl Scout Kit.
All in-store and online purchases support Girl Scouts of West Central Florida programs! 23
4610 Eisenhower Blvd. Tampa, FL 33634
gswcf.org
Stay connected! Social media is your real-time source for new programs and trainings and council news. Stay connected for event promotions, contests, and so much more. It’s the best way for you to see what other Girl Scouts are up to, view pictures from events, and share what’s going on in your Girl Scout journey. We love to see your photos and videos, and hear your stories.
Facebook.com/GirlScoutsWCF Instagram.com/gswcf YouTube.com/gswcf Twitter.com/gswcf Pinterest.com/gswcf