Girl Scout Connections Winter 2020-21

WINTER 2020-21

On page 12

The cookie program enables girls to make a difference in their community. I have seen my girls learn that life isn't just about them and what they want, it is about what they can do to help others, and it shows the community that someone is there willing to help.

— Stephanie Melvin, Troop 2356

Winter 2 0 2 0 | VOL U M E 4 | N O. 2

Highlights

In Every Issue

WINTER 2020-21

3 CEO & Board Chair Letter 4 Girls are Having a Mental Health Crisis–Some Solutions, Though, are Simple 6 Powered by G.I.R.L.s 10 Fall Product Program Recap

11 My Story: Leader 12 Leading the Way

¿Prefieres esta información en español? ¡Contáctenos! preguntas@girlscoutsaz.org o 602-452-7011

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Managing Editor/Writer Susan de Queljoe

16 Council Highlights

Copy Editor/Writer Heather Thornton

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Writer Vianca Navarete Guest Writers Lauren Hyland

Design Nicole Shores

Contact Us info@girlscoutsaz.org stories@girlscoutsaz.org council@girlscoutsaz.org 119 E. Coronado Road Phoenix, AZ 85004 602.452.7000 602.452.7030 call reghelp 844.317.9041 text reghelp 800.352.6133 girlscoutsaz.org

Follow Us @GSACPC

Cookie Tips from Your Peers The Girl Scout Cookie Program Help Your Troop Navigate More Online Cookie Marketing & Sales Get the Facts About Rumors Troop Leader Blueprint

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Cookie Season Readiness

First-Ever Virtual Volunteer Recognition & Award Ceremony

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Summer Camp Update

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Our Council’s Reopening Plan First Ever Virtual Volunteer Recognition & Award Ceremony The Power of a Cookie History Corner

21 Around the Bend 21 Hey 2021, GSACPC Cookie Bosses are Ready for You! 21 Cookie LineUp & Baker Clarification 22 Girls Learn Essential Skills 23 Cookie Selling Tips 23 Cookie Contests 24 Earn Pins & Badges 24 How Cookies Help the Community 24 Cookie Fast Pitch 25 Horseshoe Goal Hanger

26 Around the Bend 26 Update on Summer Camp 2021

28 Champion for Girls 28 28

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Toyota Financial Services Like a Good Partner, State Farm is there Many Thanks ACF Badge Bash @Home

30 Awards and Recognitions

LETTER from the CEO and BOARD CHAIR

Leaning Into Our Resilience

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ho could have imagined we’d still be in a world disrupted by a pandemic after so many months? Yet here we are, and it’s likely we’ll be dealing with the impact of COVID-19 and the uncertainty it brings for many more months to come.

We all grieve for the life and routines we once had and the losses we suffered in 2020.

Girl Scouts remains a place for girls to connect and feel the support of their sister Girl Scouts, their leaders, and other adult volunteers. We’ve heard from many parents and our volunteers that this emotional and social support and connection has never been more critical.

Understandably, every family has different levels of comfort in their social interactions, which we respect.

As we embark on the cookie program, we have created different ways for girls and their families to be involved, depending on their comfort level.

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We are thankful for our volunteers' cando attitude, who are finding ways to connect virtually or socially distanced in other spaces, like parks. As many volunteers have affirmed, Girl Scouts are resourceful and flexible.

Because of our resilience, we’ll get through this. Our life patterns may change, but hopefully, we will emerge with a greater appreciation of our connections with others and the world around us. And see the new opportunities in our future.

None of this is easy – for anyone. Please know we’re here to support you in the warm circle that is the Girl Scout sisterhood.

With love,

We've done our best to ensure this issue contains current information.

Given the rapidly changing environment, additional decisions and updates may have been made after publication.

Please refer to girlscoutsaz.org/covid-19 for the most up-to-date guidance.

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Editor’s

NOTE

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appy New Year, Girl Scouts! We’re in full cookie seasonprep-mode.

We’ve packed this issue with cookie program information as well as important Council news.

Please keep sending us your girl and troop stories – including sharing with us what cookie boss life looks like! All experiences are new and unique as we navigate our most extensive program in an unprecedented time. Send photos with details to stories@ girlscoutsaz.org or use the hashtag #GSACPC when posting on social media.

As always, please email suggestions for our magazine, or comments about this issue’s content, to marcom@ girlscoutsaz.org. We'd love to hear from you!

—Your Editorial Team

Prefer digital copies of GS Connections? If you would prefer not to receive a print copy of this magazine, please scan the QR Code and complete the form to have your address removed from the GS Connections mailing list. You’ll receive a digital copy of future issues via email.

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Girls are Having a Mental Health Crisis–Some Solutions, Though, are Simple

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hen pop stars sing about abandonment and hopelessness, girls get it. When their favorite artists sing about holding their breath and feeling stressed, girls relate. Even animated shows targeting younger girls focus on issues of isolation, misunderstandings, and feeling left out. While we’d like to think of girlhood as a time for carefree fun, friendship, and adventure, the numbers show it’s currently anything but.

Two years ago, girls in a national survey reported the highest rates of loneliness on record. Then in 2019—months before COVID-19 was even a blip on most people’s radar—more than one in three girls in the U.S. said they felt extremely anxious on a daily basis. Most tragic of all, suicide rates in girls ages 10–14 tripled between 1999 and 2007 and have risen by 13 percent since then.

Add a global pandemic, widespread lockdowns, separation from their friends, social unrest, and a long-term pause on many social activities and routines, and girls are truly in crisis.

“Girls were definitely experiencing loneliness and isolation, even when they were able to be with their peers,” says Amy Kaufman, a

WINTER 2020-21

ABOUT GIRLS

The bottom line? Girls need to feel a sense of belonging—now more than ever—and you can help.

clinical therapist in Southern California who specializes in teen and tween girls.

“It can be hard to feel like you really fit in or are wanted when most interactions outside class are taking place over social media or online. Plus, virtual communication is actually exhausting.

Part of your brain might acknowledge that your friend texted or liked your post, but you’re not going to have the same biological brain reaction to that attention as you would if they were there in person.

When people show up for you physically, there’s a different level of effort put in than just clicking on a photo or replying with emojis—and kids respond to that.”

Now, with many schools needing to be online for safety reasons, Ms. Kaufman says girls are facing even more isolation.

“It can be hard to make friends in school in the best of times, but it’s nearly impossible to make actual friends in an online classroom with 30 other faces on the screen.” Your girl can see she’s part of a large group in a way, but there’s no opportunity for her to make a real connection. Even if her school is meeting in person, she can’t just lean over to a friend and share a joke or ask for help with a math problem, because people need to remain at a social distance. Beyond that, younger girls who are just starting to form social skills are missing out on formative experiences with sharing, playing together, and working as a team.

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Having the camaraderie and friendships that come from being in some kind of local group or club can help show your girl that others are having similar issues to hers and that she’s not alone. “Community makes people feel safer. And girls desperately need that right now,” says Ms. Kaufman.

Sadly, no side ponytail, cool sunglasses, or randomly inserted slang can make your girl see you or other caring adults as a replacement for friends her own age (honestly, she might think you look silly and roll her eyes), but you can help bridge that gap in a meaningful way.

“If she doesn’t have one already, help her start a social group with other girls her age,” Ms. Kaufman suggests. “This might be a film club where the girls watch movies at the same time and talk about them, a book club, or some other kind of structured time she knows she can count on.” She recommends socially distanced in-person meetings if they can be done safely, because people bond differently and more easily when they’re physically together but says even regular virtual meetings can make a big difference.

“Having a space she can depend on, even online, that’s dedicated to her having a social outlet and being a social support to others in her community—a space where making friends and having fun is the priority—can combat feelings of alienation,” says Ms. Kaufman, who recommends finding ways to do activities together, even if girls can’t be in the same space.

Girl Scouts, whether in person or virtual, has been a key support for many girls right now, both younger and older. “I’ve felt

the stress of uncertainty most days this year, but I’m also more thankful than ever for Girl Scouts,” says 15-year-old Lizzie.

“Having a sisterhood I can depend on to share serious thoughts and silly photos with and a community that nurtures my confidence has made such a difference.

When one door closes, I know I can find and open another. When plans get canceled, I know I have the power to make new ones.”

Parents of younger girls say the structure and community of Girl Scouts has made a difference in their families as well.

“When the pandemic began, our Girl Scout troop leaders did not think twice about continuing and immediately set up online meetings that continued through the summer,” says Stephanie SamperiGonzalez, mom to a nine-year-old girl. “It made a dreary time in quarantine more bearable, because my daughter knew she would ‘see’ friends, even without seeing them in person. The troop leaders even talked to the girls about the reality of the pandemic and other issues in a way they could understand and be a part of the conversation. In that way, by discussing, never ignoring very important current events, I feel Girl Scouts hasn't only supported our daughter but also her parents.”

Coordinating social meetups for girls might not seem like the most important thing right now, but it’s actually more vital than ever. “It’s so important for girls to see that parents and other adults care,” says Ms. Kaufman. Even if they don’t tell you how much it means, or if they act like it’s not a big deal, you’re giving them a sense of safety and love—something that, in these times, could truly make a meaningful difference in her life.

Source: GSUSA Raising Awesome Girls (girlscoutsaz.org/raising-girls)

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Every day Go-getters, Innovators, Risk-takers and Leaders

1 Evalynn proudly shows off her framed Girl Scout Promise! This craft activity was one of the many included in the Petal Power kits for new Girl Scout Daisies! Over the summer, many new Daisies got to participate in this program. Participants received monthly packages with different crafts, activities, and supplies to learn about Girl Scouting and embark on their new journey! We welcome Evalynn and all the new Girl Scouts who joined through Petal Power!

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2 Once they were cleared, Troop 2430 donated their cookie boxes to the Scott Foundation in Cave Creek. This local Arizona Foster Youth program provides hands-on learning and programming in culinary arts, wellness, arts, communication, and more! The Scott Foundation reported that their participants were so happy to receive delicious cookie treats and enjoyed them during a painting project. In the photo, representing the troop and helping donate the cookies is Osiana! Shout out to Troop 2430 for spreading some kindness.

3 Junior troop, Troop 1213 has been unstoppable! Over the summer, they have been meeting virtually every week for at least 40 minutes to stay connected, play games, and complete badge work. In just a few weeks, they earned their Drawing and Space Investigator badges, celebrated Earth Day, and hosted a spa party, all via Zoom! It seems like there is nothing that can keep them apart or slow them down, and we look forward to learning about what other badges they earn!

Space Badge activity ideas inspired by Troop 1213: Watch informational space videos from YouTube, learn about astronauts and space missions, learn about the different planets, orbits, and stars, recreate the solar system with art supplies, and learn about constellations through a star scavenger hunt! Bonus: Watch a Star Wars movie and make a DIY lightsaber.

4 During the pandemic, girls in Troop 7143 teamed up with Halo Animal Rescue to donate pet supplies and toys. The girls used their 2020 Girl Scout Cookie proceeds to purchase and donate 16 large boxes of Cheerios, 36 jars of peanut butter, 25 dog toys, a dog bed, six blankets, eight towels, and onehundred dollars! Plus, the girls also worked with Halo Animal Rescue and made dog pull ropes from old t-shirts. The Halo staff were very thankful for the donation, and the girls were thrilled to support Halo and the work they do to help rescued pets. Purrr-fect example of a job well done!

GSACPC tries to feature all girls’ story submissions, and therefore, some photos might show groups that contradict COVID-19 safety and social distancing guidelines. Please note some pictures were taken prior to the pandemic and when the Council entered Phase One. Some have been included to support the girl and the intended outcomes of her service. We stand behind previous guidance of following proper health and safety measures. Please reference girlscoutsaz.org/COVID-19 to verify which reopening phase our Council is in and how this impacts troop meetings and related activities.

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WINTER 2020-21

POWERED BY G.I.R.L.s

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5 Kylee, an IGM on the Navajo Nation, wanted to thank the local Kayenta fire department and EMS by making thank-you signs and giving them Girl Scout Cookies donated by her customers. Some of these cookies were given to the firefighters fighting the Wood Springs Fire in Sawmill, Arizona. She knows how essential firefighters are to our communities and was thrilled to see a thank-you message on the Facebook page of the Kayenta EMA, Navajo Nation page saying, “We very much appreciate the support and this donation will help us continue our job to treat and transport patients.”

6 Multi-level troop, Troop 3505 shared all the fun they had last summer! The pandemic has made the troop, like many others, shift to a virtual environment, and they’re making the best of it! Since March, the girls have participated in online badge workshops, earned their Get Outdoors Challenge patch, and even invited other troops to attend their virtual meetings! The troop has also made sure to give back to the community. They participated in a donation drive for Phoenix Police working during various protests, painted and distributed “kindness rocks,” and started a care package drive for Phoenix Indian Medical Center. In between the badges and service projects, the troop also hosted a virtual bridging ceremony and bridged to Brownies and Juniors! Congratulations, Troop 3505!

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7 Earlier this year, girls and moms of Troop 2791 decided to do a service project together!

They held a blanket drive and donated them to the residents at Central Arizona Shelter Services in Phoenix. The troop also participated in the #SackLunch event. There, the girls and moms prepared sack lunches for the residents and helped assemble hygiene kits. We are so proud to see everyone get involved! Excellent job, Troop 2791!

8 Juniors in Troop 1108 worked diligently and are on the path to become Bronze Award Girl Scouts! They set out to reduce single-use plastics through their Take Action Project and partnered with a local Harkins Theatre. The troop hosted a showing and asked guests to bring a reusable water bottle to donate. Guests were also presented with information on 8 single-use plastics and the impact they make on the environment. Through donations, the Fall Product Program, and Girl Scout Cookie Program proceeds, the girls purchased a water bottle refilling station and 200 reusable water bottles. They also secured a 400-water bottle donation from Walmart! We are happy to share that the troop completed their project this past July by delivering the water bottle refilling station and 640 reusable water bottles to Sahuaro Elementary School, a Title 1 school in the Washington Elementary School District. Congratulations on this project, and a shout out to all your supporters!

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Every day Go-getters, Innovators, Risk-takers and Leaders 9 Cadette Troop 3632 met virtually to plan how they can give back to healthcare providers and essential works during the pandemic.

They each made posters with sayings like “Respiratory Therapist, we appreciate you,” and “Lab staff, we thank you” and made sure to write one for every department possible! The girls also put together candy bags for the healthcare providers and hospital staff treating Covid-19 patients and donated them to those at Mountain Vista Medical Center.

So kind, Troop 3632. ♥ 10 Girl Scouts and twins Ally and Lizzy from Troop 3632 volunteered over 25 hours of service to the Villages at Ocotillo Retirement Community this summer. Due to COVID-19, visitors or volunteers aren’t allowed inside, so the girls “sent sunshine” to over 100 residents who have not been able to see their families or partake in regular activities at the center. The girls got creative and hand-made posters, cards, and painted rocks to be placed on the lunch or dinner trays of each resident to spread cheer. The girls enjoyed making all the crafts, knowing they could continue to impact their community while staying at home.

11 Meet Mara, a Daisy from Troop 4366. Like Mara, we know COVID-19 has impacted many people in different ways. Mara realized the pandemic might affect students' and families’ ability to purchase new clothes. She had an idea of allowing people to network and exchange or share clothes with others in need. “My goal is that people can help each other, so nobody is without the right size clothes when it's back to school time,” shares Mara. Mara and her mom set up a private Facebook group page called “Free: Clothes and Stuff Swap Scottsdale,” where people can offer items or search for something they need. We are sure the group has helped families through stressful times and are impressed with Mara’s big thinking and caring spirit.

12 Nicole, Isabelle, and Bayless from Troop 7121 completed their Junior Agent Change Journey by donating travel-sized toiletries to St. Vincent de Paul. Their project consisted of creating a PowerPoint presentation about homelessness in Arizona, which they presented via Zoom to the rest of their troop. To collect items to donate, the girls called hotels and asked for donations, resulting in 1,400 toiletries! Using some of their Girl Scout Cookie proceeds, the girls also contributed 250 “top needed” items to the Sojourner Center, a domestic violence shelter in Phoenix. For this donation, the girls shopped for the things themselves and made cost-conscious decisions to buy the most items possible within their budgeted amount.

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POWERED BY G.I.R.L.s

13 Troop 866 knew the triple digit temperatures would put many in need of water during the summer. To help supply waters to those in need, Ambassador Girl Scouts from Troop 866 spearheaded a water bottle drive to donate to St. Vincent de Paul. The girls reached out to those in the Oasis Service Unit, located between Glendale Ave. and Bell Road, between 51 Ave. and the I-17, and many were quick to help. With the help of many supporters and troops, including Troops 308, 7073, 7121, 998, and 7073, they collected 6,000 bottles of water and 1,400 travelsized personal care items. Wow! With the help of friends, family, and other Girl Scout volunteers, they delivered the donation, moving some St. Vincent de Paul volunteers to tears! We hope you know how much you made an impact on many lives. We recognize your caring hearts!

14 Troop 623 has been meeting virtually and working on their Think Like a Scientist badge! Over a couple of weeks, they got together virtually and made paper mache volcanoes. They broke out the process each week, starting with crafting the volcano using newspaper, flour, and water, then they made a “lava” explosion using dish soap, baking soda, and vinegar.

Boom! Throughout the process, the girls learned about volcanoes and chemical reactions. Their Troop Leader, Laura, said that even though the troop hasn’t been meeting in-person, they have “come closer together just by doing virtual badges and activities together, thus making us Troop 623 Strong.”

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15 Troop 3282 had their first troop meeting in August, and it was virtual! To keep it light and engaging, the girls met up to do yoga. They worked on their balance, new poses, and relaxing. To keep the fun going, the girls continued to meet online and worked on earning different badges. One of their favorites was the Painter and Potter badges hosted by As You Wish Pottery!

We give kudos to Troop Leader Irene and the girls in Troop 3282 to shift in these circumstances and stay connected! Namaste!

16 Juniors in Troop 4996, are happy to share that they have become Bronze Award Girl Scouts! The troop knew they wanted to support a local animal shelter and connected with a local foster care organization, Chance Shelter, providing emergency services for animals in crises. To help sustain the programs Chance Shelter provides, Troop 4996 created game sets to be used at the annual Chance Shelter Spring Picnic fundraiser in November. The girls got hands-on experience building cornhole boards, sewing bean bags, and creating lifesize Jenga games. Chance Shelter was thankful for their support and plan to reuse these in future events!

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Every day Go-getters, Innovators, Risk-takers and Leaders

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17 Second-year Cadettes recently completed a service project that supported Park Senior Villas senior facility in Goodyear. During quarantine, girls in Troop 2732 thought some residents in senior facilities might feel lonely since visitors and volunteers were limited at many centers. The girls made sixteen fleece and flannel blankets, decorated gift bags, and wrote cards with kind messages to lift the residents’ spirits.

Two troop representatives, Meagan and Nicole, then dropped the donation off during the facility’s “senior appreciation week.” How sweet!

18 Pictured left to right, sisters Raquel, Natalia, and Araceli, along with several other girls in the West Chandler Service Unit, created hundreds of holiday cards for veterans for American Legion Post 35. What a sweet and safe way to send our veterans some love – nice work!

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Fall Product Program – A Sweet Success!

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e are thrilled to share the news of a successful 2020 Fall Product Program!

Combining educational activities with money-earning opportunities, this program, like the Girl Scout Cookie Program, enables troops to earn startup money by selling magazine subscriptions as well as nuts and candy. This year, girls charged through the program, excelling in digital orders, and learning about e-commerce and digital marketing.

Over 2,100 ACPC girls and over 480 troops sold more than $680,000 in fall product, and over 100 troops sold $2,000 or more, exceeding the goals!

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Many troops plan to use their proceeds on service projects, use them as program credits, and even put towards EFTours travel trips in the next couple of years! Most importantly, girls practiced skills like those they need while participating in the Girl Scout Cookie Program: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics.

Congratulations, Girl Scouts!

BONUS: Girls who participated in the 2020 Girl Scout Cookie Program and enrolled in the 2020 Fall Product Program will earn a combo patch of the two mascots – the butterfly and sloth, yay!

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MY STORY: LEADER

MAKING MUSIC PROGRAMMING ACCESSIBLE FOR ALL STUDENTS

By Lauren Hyland Lauren is a 2020 Gold Award Girl Scout. She has been a Girl Scout with Arizona Cactus-Pine Council for ten years and plans to attend Northern Arizona University to study business management.

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ne moment I will never forget is holding my very own bass guitar for the first time. This moment is important to me because music has always been a passion of mine. Thinking back to my first bass instrument, acquired at a yard sale, is how I identified an issue in my community and in the arts community.

Understanding the cost for quality instruments made me aware that not all students who would like to pursue music can due to cost. If schools cannot provide instruments, the financial burden is often put on the student to rent or purchase an instrument. This inequity is what inspired my Gold Award. I wanted to earn my Gold Award to make a sustainable difference in my community and showcase my leadership ability.

In achieving the highest honor in Girl Scouting, I would help students and families gain equal access to quality instruments and music lessons.

Through my Gold Award, I taught guitar and bass lessons, and provided students with the chance to have a quality instrument. I even brought many of my instruments for the

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kids to try out and learn about them.

Then I created a website with resources so students could continue to learn on their own. I also held a raffle for these students to have the opportunity to win a guitar or bass.

The last part of my project, which ended up being the most fun, was hosting two community talents shows at Mesa Community College. This aspect of the project was very gratifying; the community came together through music, and everyone seemed happy.

Altogether, I coordinated 25 talent acts, hosted 73 audience members, and gifted instruments to two very delighted students.

I hope that my project's impact will last a lifetime in the hearts and minds of those involved. Earning my Gold Award taught me more than I could have imagined!

I learned to stay focused even if things got messy and be patient because things usually work out in the end. I also learned a lot about coordinating large groups of people, and more importantly, Girl Scouting has taught me leadership skills, developed my confidence, and has shown me how to step out of my comfort zone.

Overall, I am incredibly grateful for everything Girl Scouting has taught me, and as I prepare for the future, I do so as a proud lifetime member.

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LEADING the WAY

COOKIE TIPS

FROM YOUR PEERS What Leaders Say About the Cookie Program Cookie season is a BIG deal! It takes a team effort and truly goes beyond cookie sales. Don’t just take it from us – volunteers who work tirelessly on the program provide insight into how to be successful, what it’s all about, and the impact they’ve seen the Girl Scout Cookie Program have on their troops.

• It takes a team! Ask for help from parents. Don’t try to be the Cookie Manager and Troop Leader.

Hold a parent cookie meeting, explain why it’s important to participate, share the troop’s goals, and ask for their help. Parents can help with booths, run to the cupboard, and help with Girl Program.

• Take the training. Take advantage of the training offered in your Service Units as well as many online resources at girlscoutsaz.org/cookies.

“The program highlights the need for community service, allowing girls to use their proceeds to make a difference in their community. I have seen my girls learn that life isn't just about them and what they want, it is about what they can do to help the community, and it shows the community that someone is there willing to help.”

–Stephanie Melvin, Troop 2356

“We have always felt that to run your business, you need to look like you own the business. So we inspire girls to dress in a full uniform. They love every cookie season when they receive compliments from customers on how professional they look.”

–Tonya Zavala, Troop 2174

“It’s important to participate in cookie selling because it teaches the girls how to independently reach their goals.”

–Lizbeth Arreaza, Troop 7073

• Help girls set goals. Be sure to explain how the cookie program supports all Girl Scouts in our Council.

• Earn a cookie badge! Ask the girls which badge they want to earn during the cookie season.

• Manage your cookie inventory. Ask for weekly inventory status and money from girls. No girl should have more than 120 unpaid packages of cookies at a time. Troops are responsible for any outstanding balances over that amount from a girl.

• Be kind and considerate to fellow Troop Leaders and cookie volunteers. We all are working towards the same goal – a safe, fun, and successful program that helps girls learn and grow.

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“It’s important to participate in the cookie program because it’s a great way to raise troop funds. Not only does the sale help our troop buy badges and patches, troop supplies, and fund travel, the cookie program keeps our camps running. We love all the GSACPC camp properties and always have the best experience at Council events. We are so lucky to have four beautiful camps.”

–Joanne Duncan. Troop 3050

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LEADING the WAY

The Girl Scout Cookie Program: a legacy of self-sufficiency, financial literacy, entrepreneurship

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irl Scouts has a long tradition of self-sufficiency.

For more than 100 years, Girl Scouts have used cookie earnings to build leadership skills and make positive changes in our world. It all started in 1917 when Girl Scouts in Oklahoma came up with the idea to fund their projects by selling cookies they made at home. They were successful, and other troops took note, and the idea of Girl Scouts selling cookies took off.

They created an independence that allowed them to choose the activities that they wanted to do. They played basketball, flew planes, and adventured in the outdoors when society viewed these as inappropriate pursuits for young women. The cookie program helped them redefine what was possible for girls everywhere.

By the 1930s, the national Girl Scout organization licensed the first commercial bakers, and girls across the country began selling commercially-produced cookies.

Fast-forward to today, more than a million girls sell hundreds of millions of boxes of Girl Scout Cookies each year. And as a result, Girl Scouts continue to have access to the world's best entrepreneurship and financial literacy program. Locally, about 11,000 girls sold nearly three million boxes of cookies last year!

Financial literacy is vital in today’s world but often misunderstood. It’s the ability to understand how to make sound financial choices to confidently manage and grow your money – something that, in 2021, affects every aspect of life. The Girl Scout Cookie Program is unique in that it empowers girls to make financial decisions.

It’s designed to help girls become self-reliant, financially informed, and capable of leveraging their talent and business values to make the world a better place. And it leads to real outcomes because it gives girls hands-on experiences to practice.

Girl Scouts learn to invest in themselves, their troop, and their community. They earn money for all their activities, programs, and trips. In addition to funding their own Girl Scout experiences, they discover their power to create change and have the financial resources to lean into their community’s challenges.

Leaders and parents make it all possible. By supporting girls through the cookie program, you are not only helping them learn critical business and life skills but empowering them to take charge of their financial futures!

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Help Your Troop Navigate More Online Cookie Marketing & Sales

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his cookie season, encourage all sellers to expand their efforts to the web safely. Adding online and mobile channels can help them reach more cookie fans and might be the safest way to conduct business depending on the state of pandemic impact at the time.

Marketing Online

Digital Cookie DOC – Sales Digital Cookie is an online selling platform that allows girls to personalize a private website. From this site, they can send emails inviting friends and family to buy cookies online, with the option of having cookies delivered in-person or directly shipped to their home.

All parents/caregivers received an invitation to set up their girl’s Digital Cookie account on Dec. 14. Once her Digital Cookie site is set up, she can download the Digital Cookie App using her Digital Cookie log-in information to sell cookies on the go. She can even use the app to take credit card payments on Walkabouts or from friends and family.

For Girl Scout entrepreneurs 13 and older, social media is a great way to spread the word and market their cookies to friends and family (not sell them). Girls must have parental permission, post promotions only on private personal accounts (not take orders), and follow all online safety guidelines. Girls cannot sell or market cookies on any public-facing social media or websites (including but not limited to Next Door, Craigslist, etc.).

When engaging in online marketing and sales efforts beyond friends and family: • Review Girl Scouts’ Safety Activity Checkpoints on page 65 for Computer and Internet Use and Cookie and Product Sales at girlscoutsaz.org/sac.

• To protect your personal identity, NEVER direct message with people you do not know online or on social media platforms.

• Always use your Girl Scout online sales link for customer orders.

• Parents or guardians must approve all girls’ delivered online orders and supervise all communications and product delivery logistics with any customers girls don’t personally know. As a reminder, girls should never deliver cookies alone.

• If your Girl Scout sales link is posted on a public-facing site, be aware the link is now searchable by anyone and could potentially appear anywhere on the internet.

• Never share your personal information (e.g., last name, phone number, email, or street address).

• Never share your personal location information, including your booth location.

Sell on the go with the Digital Cookie Mobile App! Download is FREE.

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LEADING the WAY

Get the Facts About Rumors That Surface During Cookie Season There are incorrect rumors about Girl Scouts that tend to resurface during cookie season, when we are most visible to the public. The most common misperceptions are about Girl Scouts’ [nonexistent] relationship to Planned Parenthood and ‘the political left.’ Why do some people voice concern about Girl Scout Cookies? In short, it’s because they’ve been fed false information about Girl Scouts and the cookie program. As a large and visible organization, Girl Scouts is occasionally a target for outside groups with clear agendas. Although Girl Scouts is non-partisan and non-political, over the past several years it’s become increasingly difficult to appear so in our divided political environment. Please review the facts and our official statements at girlscoutsaz.org/fortherecord.

These are not the topics we want to focus on during cookie season as it takes away from the girls and their positive learning experience.

However, it’s important volunteers and parents/caregivers are informed so no one feels caught off guard if a misinformed customer approaches them.

If approached by a misinformed customer: • Please refer them to girlscoutsaz.org/fortherecord or our Council Communications Team at marcom@girlscoutsaz.org.

• Remind them our priority is to let the girls learn and have fun. Ask that adults keep adult conversations to themselves. However, we don’t want members putting themselves in an untenable situation. This is especially true if a person becomes agitated in conversation - please remove yourself and girls from the setting.

• It is increasingly common for the media to approach Girl Scout members, whether at a booth or through social media. If you are approached by the media and being asked for your Girl Scout opinion on potentially controversial topics, please do not respond.

Instead, contact the Council Communications Team at marcom@girlscoutsaz.org, 602.430.8852, or 602.531.5935 (Council Emergency Phone).

Social Shout Out! Check out the most liked post from our Instagram page, June 1 – Sept. 30, 2020. Stay up to date and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter!

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Check Out the Troop Leader Blueprint: One Hub for All Your Resources!

Stay focused on what matters most: your girls. With our newly updated hub of resources, Troop Leader Blueprint, you'll find everything you need for safe in-person and virtual meetings, including training as well as badges, Journeys, and activities for every grade level.

Best of all, everything has been adapted for today’s constantly changing world to help you and your troop thrive. It's what you need to be the support your girls need, no matter where or how your troop meets this year! Check it out at girlscoutsaz.org/blueprint.

GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE

As an anti-racist organization, Girl Scouts stands firmly against the racism and violence that continues to silently seep into every part of our society. We recognize and claim this as a moment for us all to stand up and speak out against racism and violence. And to speak up for justice for all humankind. We must not be silent. We choose to amplify our mission of building leaders who make the world a better place.

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COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

An Update on Our Council’s Reopening Plan We continue to evaluate and adapt our reopening plans based on current information available. We're following the CDC COVID-19 Task Force's guidelines to mitigate the risk of resurgence and protect the most vulnerable.

Although as we go to press our Council remains in Phase One, we’re closely watching the rising cases in our state and across the nation.

Please remain vigilant and take a moment to ensure you are up to date with the detailed safety guidelines we have outlined on our website for all members engaging in Girl Scout activities.

The matrix below summarizes our guidelines for each phase of reopening and includes an overview for participating in the cookie program at each phase.

Find all detailed guidance for our volunteers, parents, and girls at girlscoutsaz.org/COVID-19.

Phase ZERO

Phase ONE

Phase TWO

Phase THREE

DESCRIPTION

ONLY VIRTUAL Gatherings, Meetings, and Programs

VERY SMALL Gatherings and Programs

SMALL groups

ALL Gatherings Permitted

MAX. IN-PERSON PARTICIPANTS

0

up to 10

up to 50

no limits

MEETING SPACE

only virtual meetings

outdoor spaces

TBD

MEETINGS IN HOMES

only virtual meetings

not recommended

TBD

VIRTUAL MEETINGS

only virtual meetings

maintain virtual to in-person meeting ratio of 20/80

TRANSPORTATION

not permitted

DAY TRIPS/ ACTIVITIES

not permitted

TRAVEL/ OVERNIGHTS

parent drop-off/pick-up only

carpooling permitted follow Safety Activity Checkpoints

not permitted

permitted

COOKIE BOOTH

virtual booths only (Digital Cookie Website, DOC)

virtual, in-person booth with restrictions, drive-thru, walkabouts and standabouts

virtual, in-person booth, drive-thru, walkabouts and standabouts

CUSTOMER COOKIE DELIVERY

contactless drive-thru pick-up

contactless drop-off / drive-thru pick up

all delivery methods

TROOP COOKIE DELIVERY

contactless curbside pick-up

contactless drive-thru pick-up

per Cookie Manager / Troop Leader requirements

COOKIE CUPBOARDS

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by appointment thru eBudde

WINTER 2020-21

COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

Our First-Ever

Virtual Volunteer Recognition & Award Ceremony On Nov. 7, we held our annual volunteer appreciation event – this year all online! We couldn’t miss honoring outstanding volunteers for their service during the 2019-20 membership year. We tried to send the fun to awardees by providing swag boxes to accompany the festivities. It was a unique and entertaining celebration that volunteers, staff, and their families enjoyed while reflecting on all the time, effort, and love poured into ACPC Girl Scouts. Some of our awardees even received a live, contactless award delivery at their homes thanks to our volunteer “Award Handlers!” GSACPC board member Jenny Holsman Tetreault served as our emcee extraordinaire for the second year, and CEO Tamara Woodbury opened and closed the celebrations with a toast!

Girl Scouts National High Achievement Awards The highest awards an adult Girl Scout member can receive, High Achievement Awards are nationally recognized and established by Girl Scouts of the USA. They are presented to volunteers who have gone above and beyond in advancing the Girl Scout mission. Our council’s Recognition Committee reviewed all nominations and letters of endorsements to select the recipients.

Appreciation Pin Given to volunteers who have delivered outstanding service for their position in at least one Service Unit and who continues to go above and beyond to contribute to the Council’s goals and objectives.

Stephanie Canez

Michele Denham

Jocelyn DeShon

Vicki Donnelly

Kathy Geib

Mara Gerst

Kim Hart

Laura Keith

Jakenna Lebsock

Maria Lira

Katherine Millett

Amy Morhet

Heather Moses

Bobbi Jo Reischmann

Buffy Roberts

Jennifer Smith-Izzo

Teliza Washington

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COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

Tammie Bohnker

Thanks Badge

Volunteer of Excellence

The highest honor in Girl Scouts for adult members. It honors a Girl Scout Volunteer who continually provides outstanding support and whose ongoing commitment, leadership, and service have had an exceptional impact on the goals and mission of the entire Council or entire Girl Scout movement.

The recipients of this award provide outstanding service delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls.

Recipients are selected and awarded by their Service Unit leadership teams.

Cactus Bloom Sara Ditwiler Angela Kelley Sheri Morgan Amber Touchet

Honor Pin This award recognizes adult members who deliver outstanding service in two or more geographic areas of service. They too, go above and beyond to contribute to the Council’s goals and objectives.

Kate Allen

Phyllis Gay

Cave Creek Vanessa Clifton Ann Marie Hawryluk Sigrid Wilcox Desert Mountain Mary Killebrew

Becky Oakes

Mary Louise Spickerman

Laura Scofield

JoDee Turner

Paradise Hills Kim McKee Pima Andrea Augustine Renee Burke Emily Sullivan Prescott Shauna Manning Lynda Morrow Hilary Parker

Desert Valley Glenna Hudson

Sunny Peaks Darlene Blink Terri Hirning

La Promesa Laura Keith Katherine Millett

West Chandler Summer Christiansen Lindsay Gomez

Council Level Awards Volunteers are truly the heart of our Council and play a key role in growing leaders of tomorrow. The following awards celebrate volunteers who serve in various roles, including Troop Leaders, Service Unit members, and Council level volunteers.

Commitment to Excellence Honors volunteers who received the national Appreciation Pin at least three years ago and continue to be engaged at the Service Unit level.

Connie Higgins

Scholly Ketcher

Katherine Nelson

Global Voices Award

Impact Award

Recognizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion through significantly increasing the diversity of a troop, service unit, outreach program, or camp over a significant period of time.

Recognizes a volunteer whose leadership and enthusiasm for Girl Scouts have ignited a flame of excellence passed to all Council members and the community outside of Girl Scouts. This flame sustains the passion for Girl Scouts among girls, volunteers and staff, community members, and preserves Girl Scouting for years to come.

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Angie Geist

Jennifer Roman

Denise Blommel

WINTER 2020-21

COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The Numeral Guard indicates the total number of years of being a registered member of Girl Scouts, including girl and adult years.

75 Years Suzanne Douglas 70 Years Dolores Grotts Judi Melott

Pat Fugate Irene Gramza Barbara Hackett Joan Wann 55 Years Elisa Chandler Catherine Kury Patricia McFarlen

60 Years Terry Anderson Sylvia De Freitas

50 Years Sandra Streech Marjorie Sturm 45 Years Maureen Douglas Carol Gorslin Carolyn Hawkins Lietta Scott

40 Years Kate Gookin Constance Higgins Talli Ruksas

The Years of Service Pin indicates the total number of years as a Girl Scout Volunteer. The pin comes in 5-year increments from 5-35 years, and ten-year increments from 40-60 years.

20 Years Dolores Bartlett Courtney Drollinger Jan Mossman Susan Vargas

40 Years Scholly Ketcher

The Pearl Award is presented to Girl Scout Volunteers whose actions directly support the Council’s wide range of efforts to serve girls and adults across our jurisdiction. Recipients are nominated by Council Staff members.

Joanie Allen Karen Allen Kate Allen Linda Arneson Dolores Bartlett Laura Baughman Joanne Becker Catherine Bell Annette Benn Keri Bigelow Martha Jo Billy Lindsey Blasius Kerry Blume Becky Bohnker Tammie Bohnker Julie Bordelon Patricia Boykin Kati Brocker Paulette Brown Nancy Buell Julie Buelt Lindy Buffett Gillian Burns Maria Carpenter Ort Stephanie Carriere Ana Colombo Cheryl Courtois Chelle Daly

Dolores DaSilva Abbigayle Davis Carissa Decicco Eunice DeDios Donna Dotzler Gretchen Dumas Joanne Duncan Kristina Easley Marie Edwards Yolanda Edwards-Guerra Janet Ellison Yolanda Evans Jessica Gattuso Phyllis Gay Kim Goldberg Cynthia Gonzales Jasmine Goode Kate Gookin Angela Gray Diane Gruener Greg Hale Natalie Hall Sarah Hall Robin Haney Sondra Harmelink Marsha Harmon Joanne Hartley Shirley Hawkins

Rebbekka Hirsch Jen Hoffman Rene Hollingsworth Pam Honor Alissa Hoppis Brooke Howard Kate Howard Ashley Hufford Alanna Iannone Brianna Iannone David Inserra Kaitlyn Janssen Stephanie Jarnagan Andrew Jazwa Deb Jeskewitz Desiree Johnson Marsha Johnson Angela Kelley Jack Kelly Jeryse Kelly Nita Kerl Cathy Kerr Jessica Kjellstrom Lee Kline Julie Kodicek Laura Laizure Tanner Laizure Monique Lange

Save the Date!

Christine Lardy Vikki Lasee Katie LaTouf Diana Laulainen-Schein Nancy LaValley Susan Law Shelly Lear Jakenna Lebsock Bobbie Legg Angela Lian Susan Liming Maria Lira Nikki Lober Andrea Lopez Enid Lopez Rose Lopez Oona Mada Joyce Maienschein Stephanie Maloney Regina Matos Shannon McBreen Julia McKee-Ostos Deb McNelly Pamela Meade Karen Meinerz Stephanie Melvin Jan Mossman

Paula Murillo Sally Nelsen Renee Nelson Joan Norris Emma Norton Becky Oakes Tonya Odov Bobbi Page Lydia Page Stephanie Page Emma Parry Sandie Patchett Mary Peralta Leslie Perez-Whitehead Melissa Perguson Buzz Philliber Donna Pocano Amber Powell Camille Poznecki Emma Prejs Gabi Reil Bobbi Jo Reischmann Laura Rennie Rebel Rice Talli Ruksas Susan Russell Priscilla Sanders Trent Sanders

Maria Savarese Kelly schawb Lori Scheeler Serena Schein Gail Smith Samantha Smith Jaime Snethen Miki Spellman Mary Louise Spickerman Karen Stevenson Sandy Stratton Margarita Streicher Jamie Summers Burgandy Tapley Polly Thomas Kim Thursby Kathy Thurston Jodee Turner Ashley Vazquez Brenda Wardon Kendra Wardon Becky Weinberg Linda Weiss Cari Weitrick Joscelyn Werhan Robyn Werhan Theresa Zaun

Sept. 1, 2021 Awards Ceremony Nov. 2021

Nominations Due

Submit a peer recognition or nominate a peer for an award at girlscoutsaz.org/adult-awards GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE

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COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS

The Power of a Cookie Story Submission Highlights from the 2020 Girl Scout Cookie Program We received 47 cookie-related story submissions from troops who participated in the Girl Scout Cookie Program last year. Check out what they accomplished: • Together they donated over 5,440 packages of cookies! Imagine all the other great causes and communities receiving delicious cookies from Girl Scouts!

• Troops used their 2020 cookie proceeds towards programs or supplies throughout the year, summer programming, and were used in girl-lead service projects that gave back to the community.

• Given COVID-19, many girls could not redeem their program rewards, meet in person to celebrate or execute their original service project ideas. Many troops postponed their plans, shifted to virtual meetings, and reworked their service projects to be relevant and help those impacted by the pandemic.

• Twelve of the troops that shared their stories donated or spent over $4,200 to give back to the community. Wow! • Girl Scouts all over our jurisdiction donated cookies or impacted their local communities, including the Metro Phoenix area, Pinon, Overgaard, Prescott Valley, Lake Havasu City, Chino Valley, Fort Mohave. Kingman, and Rock Point!

Share with us your story to add to these numbers that YOU make possible! #GSProud

Sharing the Cookie Spirit through Storytelling!

Know how we can make cookies even sweeter? By sharing all the ways cookies fuel your Girl Scouting experience! We want to share all your experiences with the world - programs and events, outdoor adventures, troop meetings, service projects, and High Awards that benefit the community! Help us tell the WHOLE story by sharing YOURS – send us an email at stories@girlscoutsaz.org or complete the submission form at girlscoutsaz.org/stories.

HISTORY CORNER: GSACPC Cookies – How It Started, How it’s Going For more than 80 years, Girl Scouts in Arizona have sold cookies–and had fun, developed valuable life skills, and made their communities a better place every step of the way. Around 1940, GSACPC had their first cookie sale, which featured a trefoil shaped shortbread cookie wrapped in a branded box with a green and white Girl Scout ribbon. We love seeing how this iconic program has grown to a delicious lineup of cookies and has offered more girls the opportunity to fund their adventures and help give back to the community. Learn more about the history of Girl Scout Cookies in our Council at girlscoutsaz.org/how-it-started.

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WINTER 2020-21

Hey 2021,

GSACPC COOKIE BOSSES ARE READY FOR YOU!

T

he 2020 Girl Scout Cookie season was challenging in so many ways for Council’s across the country because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet Girl Scouts across the country stood tall and created countless moments of joy by donating cookies to thank frontline healthcare workers and first responders—and used the cookie earnings to give back and support their communities.

In the 2021 season, Girl Scouts will again embrace their entrepreneurial spirit by selling cookies through online platforms as many girls plan to offer socially distant or contactless sales and delivery options. If local guidelines allow and it’s safe to do so, in-person sales may also be available in certain areas.

We look forward to our girls' success and stories as they participate in this iconic and largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR Jan. 4-17 Preorders on Digital Cookie (DOC) Jan. 8-15 Cookie Delivery, Extended Area Jan. 16-17 Cookie Delivery, Metro Phoenix Jan. 18- Girl Scout Cookie Program Feb. 28 In-Hand Sale Dates Feb. 19-21 National GS Cookie Weekend –

Cookie Finder will Display Troop’s Digital Order Links to Customers in their zip codes

Feb. 21 DOC for Girl Delivery Ends

ay-Sept. Cookie Rewards Arrive & M Superseller Events

Cookie LineUp & Baker Clarification Did you know that there are two commercial bakers licensed by Girl Scouts of the USA to produce Girl Scout Cookies? Therefore, some councils offer different cookies or have slightly differently named cookies. Our Council’s bakery is Little Brownie Bakers. Check out the line up above! Councils whose bakery is ABC Bakers will be selling a new cookie this year, “Toast Yay,” which will not be available in Arizona.

GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE

GIRL SCOUT

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AROUND THE BEND

The Power of a Cookie All proceeds from Girl Scout Cookies® stay local. Period.

When you purchase Girl Scout Cookies from a young, budding entrepreneur, you’re supporting her success today and tomorrow.

Girl Scout Cookies’ proceeds stay local to:

Girls Learn Essential Skills She’s one smart cookie! Girls participating in the Girl Scout Cookie Program learn five essential skills to leadership, success, and life. While doing so, they're also earning revenue to fund even more leadership experiences, like camp and STEM programs, Girl Scout travel, High Awards, and Take-Action service projects.

skill

1 2 3 4 5 skill

skill

Cover the costs of running the Girl Scout Cookie Program, including the costs of cookies, materials, and logistics.

skill

skill

Goal Setting Girls set cookie sales goals individually and with a team, create a plan to reach them.

Decision Making Girls decided where and when to sell cookies, market their business, and what to do with the earnings.

Money Management Girls develop budgets, take cookie orders, and handle customers’ money.

People Skills Girl learn how to talk (and listen) to their customers and work with other girls.

Business Ethics Girls act honestly and responsible during every step of the cookie program.

LEARNING A 6th SKILL IN THE 2021 COOKIE SEASON Fund Take Action projects for the community and amazing girl-led adventures for troops.

Help our Council provide Girl Scout programs in STEM, the outdoors, life skills, and entrepreneurship, as well as camps, leadership training, and more!

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world!

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As we go to press, no one really knows how the coronavirus will be impacting Arizona in January and February – and what it might mean for our cookie program. The GSACPC Product Program Team has spent the last several months developing different scenarios and ways to sell cookies depending on the phase we’re in towards reopening fully.

Yes, this year’s cookie program may look different. We’re opening the Digital Cookies app early so you can take online pre-orders beginning on Jan. 4.

Cookie delivery will be different and there may not be as many boothing locations. But we’re exploring other options, like drive through booths located in large parking lots and having a few storefronts. By the time you read this, more information will be available.

One thing is for certain, this year the girls and adults involved in the cookie program will be practicing another skill besides the five skills shown above.

As you’ve probably guessed that skill is managing in uncertainty, something we’ve been practicing since March! Here’s to a safe and fun cookie season.

WINTER 2020-21

AROUND THE BEND

Cookie Selling Tips for Cookie Bosses

level up your cookie experience:

We want your Girl Scout Cookie experience to be fun and successful. We know this upcoming sale might be intimidating, having to adjust your selling tactics and strategies, change the way you communicate with your customers, and ensure you, your troop, and your customers all have a safe experience. But don’t fret, you’ve got this! Use these tips to fine-tune your plan and remember, we believe in YOU!

Earn big while selling cookies in one of these cookie contests!

Each contest is a drawing and based on submissions. Lucky winners from each contest will be randomly selected to win.

Head to girlscoutsaz.org/cookie-contests to learn more about each contest's rules, details, prizes, and to enter! All entries are due March 11, 2021.

• Safety first – Be sure to follow all CDC and GSACPC recommended guidelines to stay safe and healthy, and so your customers do, too.

Wear a mask and pack the necessary items you’ll need to keep germ-free.

• Set up your account in Digital Cookie (DOC) ASAP – Make sure your online storefront is set up to receive customers’ orders digitally by setting up your e-commerce site on DOC. • Share your goals with your customers – Both online and in-person, customers want to know about the things you’re learning, what your goals are, and what you and your troop plan to do with your proceeds.

• Offer up donations – Handle a “no thank you” like a boss by talking to your customers about Cookies for the Community. Encourage them to donate their purchase and tell them what organization(s) will receive their donations.

• Make yourself seen – Spruce up your marketing online, in Walkabouts, or at booths. Channel your customers to your online store by making business cards. Decorate your wagon or booth, communicate to your customers what you’re selling and the ways your accepting payment.

• Create a customer spreadsheet – If you haven’t already, create a customer tracking sheet so you can return to the customers who supported you each season! Save your order cards or their emails and add it to your future planning.

GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE

Enter the Contests!

Cookie Flair Girls love to sell cookies with different types of flair. You can “Bling your Booth,” dress up your wagon or create a lemonadestyle cookie stand. Make sure to take a picture and enter!

Cookie Commercial Video Are you a savvy cookie seller or entertaining entrepreneur?

Make your own Cookie Commercial and show your audience why they should buy your cookies! For this contest, girls can create a topic or use sample topics like “Girl Scout Cookies are delicious,” “Why I love Girl Scouts,” your best-selling technique, Digital Cookie, Boothing, Walkabouts, a creative sales pitch or sales strategy to create a video. Plus, it can be uploaded to your Digital Cookie website!

Cookie Scavenger Hunt Want to go out exploring? Ready to get up and moving? Try the new Cookie Scavenger Hunt! Take a picture of each item listed, earn points, and get creative to win prizes!

Walkabout GSACPC Girls are encouraged to go on Walkabouts, conducting doorto-door sales in their neighborhoods! For each Walkabout after school or on the weekend, submit a photo entry! Prizes include gift cards and Girl Scout swag!

This contest is being hosted only through social media. One winner will be selected at random each week of cookie season and announced on Saturday (Jan. 23, 30, Feb 6, 13, 20, and 27) for a total of six winners! Girls may participate each week with unique Walkabouts entries. Duplicate entries will not be entered into drawings. Winners will be announced with their photo submission via GSACPC’s social media channels. Girls may only win once during the contest.

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AROUND THE BEND

Earn Pins & Badges Girls can earn Cookie Business, Financial Literacy, Entrepreneurship badges, and Cookie Entrepreneur Family pins for every year they participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Download detailed and level-specific ideas for completing badges through your cookie sale at girlscoutsaz.org/cookies.

BE A COOKIE ENTREPRENEUR™ When girls participate in the cookie sale, they may also earn the new Girl Scout Entrepreneur Badge. One badge per level for Daisy–Ambassador.

By earning the Entrepreneur badge, girls learn to think like entrepreneurs as they come up with their own solutions to everyday problems. They learn how to create a prototype or model for their idea, how to ask for and take feedback from others, how to use feedback to improve their idea, and how to pitch their product to an audience. Along the way, girls are introduced to inspiring female entrepreneurs who share advice and tips. Get started at girlscouts.org/badgeexplorer.

Toy Business Designer

Budding Entrepreneur

Business Jumpstart

Business Creator

Business Startup

Entrepreneur Accelerator

COOKIE SEASON IS MORE FUN WITH FAMILY The Cookie Entrepreneur Family pin collection helps girls learn essential skills and how to think like entrepreneurs with support from their families. Each Girl Scout level has its own set of requirements to help families guide their Girl Scout as she runs her own cookie business year after year. Girls can earn all 13 pins in the collection—one unique pin for every year they participate! Learn more about the pin collection at girlscouts.org/entrepreneurfamily.

How Cookies Help the Community The Cookies for the Community Program is a cookie donation opportunity. Some customers would rather donate a box of cookies than eat them – and the Cookies for the Community option is the way they can. All donated cookies will be distributed at partner organizations serving people in need. This program helps girls learn about the importance of community service and giving back to the community.

Cookies for the Community purchases are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

There are two Cookies for the Community options: The Troop option or the Council option. Troops can promote one or both programs AND earn troop proceeds and girl rewards at the same time! Either way is fantastic for our Girl Scouts to reach out to the community with cookies. More detail at girlscoutsaz.org/cookies-for-community.

Sharpen Your Sales Pitch at Cookie Fast Pitch Sign up to participate in a virtual version of Cookie Fast Pitch happening on Jan. 23 via Zoom. Girls are invited to meet with local CEOs and business executives as they mentor them in mini-sessions and get help fine-tuning their cookie sales pitches. Once girls have perfected their pitch, they’ll convince the execs to buy! This event is a great way to get ideas, ask questions from pros, and build confidence just in time for the Girl Scout Cookie program. To sign up, visit girlscoutsaz.org/fast-pitch.

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Girl Scout Amarissa in 2020 met with local CEO Jackie Norton to get sales pointers!

WINTER 2020-21

Horseshoe Goal Hanger Girl Scout Cookie™ Activity

Skills girls build with this activity:

Goal Setting

Eyes on the prize.

Girls will keep their eyes on the prize after making this goal-setting craft. Decorate a horseshoe with package goals and inspirational messages, then hang it somewhere to be reminded that you’ve got this!

Supplies: Printed horseshoe goal hanger template One wooden horseshoe Paint String or ribbon Markers or pens Scissors Tape or glue

Steps 1

Using the horseshoe goal hanger template (page 27), fill in the blanks with your cookie season goals. Fill in the banner with your name!

2

Cut out the cookie shapes, banner shape, circle goal sticker, and the big goal piece for the inside of the horseshoe.

3

Paint the wooden or paper horseshoe. Let dry.

If using paper template cut out.

4

Glue or tape the goal piece on the back of the horseshoe shape. Make sure your goal can be seen in the open space of the horseshoe shape.

5

Glue or tape the cookie shapes and banner shape on the front of the horseshoe.

6

Glue or tape a piece of ribbon or string on the back and hang it somewhere to remind you of your cookie season goals.

Stand out and deliver a superior customer experience by utilizing high-quality marketing tools – from package tags and door hangers to table tents, Cookies for the Community package wrap, and thank you cards! Download more printables at girlscoutsaz.org/cookie-resources.

The GIRL SCOUTS® name and mark, and all associated trademarks and logotypes, are owned by Girl Scouts of the USA. The LITTLE BROWNIE BAKERS® name and mark, Int’l, S.A. ®, ™ & © 2020 Ferequity Inc. WGT_072420

AN UPDATE ON SUMMER CAMP 2021!

The most common response to this year’s camper survey has been, “make camp happen!” We couldn’t agree more and are very excited to meet the needs of our Girl Scout troops, families, and campers this summer.

Canceled gatherings have taken a toll on all of us. It has also motivated us to develop multiple models of summer camp so we can be ready for any scenario. We know camp provides a community of peers where girls connect, explore and have fun together. This community is supported by caring adults who facilitate experiences resulting in the four "C's" of the camp community: compassion, contribution, commitment, and character! For years, campers' parents have reported that when returning from GS Camp, they are more caring, understand the importance of giving, are more equipped to stand up for what they know is right, and are willing to be more responsible. And during a global pandemic, the most valuable benefit of camp may very simply be, the fun of making new friends, going for a hike and singing songs by the campfire.

2021 Summer Camp dates are May 31 - July 30. We expect to open registration in mid-March.

We’ve learned a lot since this pandemic started and are preparing for a variety of scenarios with a range of camp options. We’ll be ready for whatever situation arises. Here are some types of programs we are exploring: • • • • • • •

Residential Overnight Camp Day Camp Family and Troop Experiences Specialty Outdoor Skills and High Adventure Counselor in Training Virtual Experiences Camp in a Box

Because this is a flexible design, be on the lookout for updates via email and visit girlscoutsaz.org/summer-camp for up-todate info about registration, sessions, and employment.

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Managing Risk The American Camp Association (ACA), with whom we are accredited, has taken the growing scientific data, in combination with what was learned by the few camps who were able to run last summer to create a field guide of COVID-19 best practices. Using this guide, we are confident we will be able to offer experiences, across a range of circumstances, that minimize health risks while maximizing the fun and enjoyment by all.

Don’t Forget! Cookies » Camp You can earn camp vouchers to attend any camp session next summer through your cookie sales. And cookie sellers will have access to early bird registration!

I Camped All Four Patch Available Year-Round By visiting any of our properties for any program, you can earn a patch. Attend each camp at least once to complete the entire “I Camped All Four” patch! Available at the Council Shop and all Trading Posts.

WINTER 2020-21

CHAMPIONS FOR GIRLS

Toyota Financial Services – Helping Girls Take Charge of Their Financial Future Many thanks to Toyota Financial Services for helping girls of all ages explore the importance of financial literacy and money management.

Their long-time commitment to GSUSA and GSACPC has helped ensure our young women will have the tools they need to manage money wisely now and well into the future. GSACPC was proud to be one of many councils to receive funding to support one of the Financial Empowerment Virtual Events being offered through the end of January in partnership with Toyota Financial Services and GSUSA.

Like a Good Partner, State Farm is there.

Shout-out to State Farm for their continued support of our STEM programming for girls! Over the years their support has provided access to a variety of unique STEM opportunities across our jurisdiction. Our research shows when girls are given opportunities to actively engage in STEM activities early on, their confidence and enthusiasm for STEM grows. In partnership with State Farm, we inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers!

Many Thanks to the Rosenbluth Family Charitable Foundation and the Arizona Community Foundation Girl Scouting would not be possible without the commitment and dedication of our donors. GSACPC would like to offer our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Rosenbluth Family Charitable Foundation (RFCF) for the incredibly generous $100,000 gift they made to support our 2020 summer programming. The foundation provided much-needed resources and helped to ensure Girl Scouts could continue to a positive presence in the lives of girls and a supportive community during a difficult time for our membership. We are grateful to RFCF and the Arizona Community Foundation for their continued partnership and commitment to girls and women in Arizona!

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WINTER 2020-21

CHAMPIONS FOR GIRLS

accomplishment Girl Scouts feel each time they earn a badge, finish a project with their troop, or reach a cookie goal.

Badge Bash @Home Was a Hit! This year, we re-imagined our beloved fundraising event as Badge Bash @Home! A one-of-a-kind experience where participants took the fun home and unboxed the spirit of Girl Scouting. Although we couldn’t gather our friends at Parsons Leadership Center for a night of Girl Scout fun and dinner under the stars, in true Girl Scout spirit, we pressed on with the help of the Host Committee and the first-ever Badge Bash Girl Design Committee to create an exciting twist on our signature event.

Badge Bash @Home was a way for our community to safely experience and support the power of Girl Scouting with their family or small group of friends. More than 180 Badge Bash @ Home boxes went out to Girl Scout supporters across Arizona and beyond. Guests enjoyed activities themed around the four pillars of Girl Scouts, as they tested their knot-tying skills, built mini-robots, challenged each other with Girl Scout trivia, and more. Each activity was designed to create the sense of

GSACPC was thrilled to honor PetSmart Charities as our 2020 Promise Awardee, in gratitude for their partnership and support. The Girl Scout Promise Award honors an organization that has demonstrated the values of the Girl Scout Promise and Law, as well as a strong commitment to the community through their actions. PetSmart Charities was recognized not only for its outstanding support of girls and women throughout Arizona but for their tireless dedication to pets everywhere. In 2017, they helped us launch the PetSmart Charities Paw Patch Program, which encourages girls to learn about the responsibilities of owning and caring for a pet, as well as careers involving animal science and advocacy. More than 10,000 Girl Scouts have earned the patch since its launch.

Thank you, PetSmart Charities!

Badge Bash @Home was a success raising more than $135,000 to support the leadership growth of girls in Arizona.

A very special thank you to our generous sponsors for their continued support and investment in our work! Without them, this event would not have been possible. We are grateful to: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, PetSmart Charities, Arizona Community Foundation, American Technology Specialists, Helios Education Foundation, Medieval Times, Morgan Stanley, Salt River Project, University of Phoenix, Enterprise Foundation, Hp2 Promo, Lovitt & Touche ,Ě and Toyota Financial Services.

Thank You to All Our Supporters Despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Girl Scouts continues to prepare girls to take the lead, explore their passions, and make the world a better place for generations to come. We are so grateful to our countless volunteers and dedicated community partners. They help ensure that girls do not miss out on these formative experiences in this time of significant loss.

We want to acknowledge the local corporations, foundations, small businesses, organizations, and individuals that have supported us during the last year as we worked to keep girls connected and engaged through Girl Scouts. We received an outpouring of community support as our corporate and foundation partners stepped up to support Girl Scouts and the broader community in extraordinary ways. They have extended funding, allowed us to redirect funds to virtual programming, offered special COVID-19 relief grants, and partnered with us to provide high-quality virtual programming while in-person programs were paused.

Award

RECOGNITION High Awards

Saying Farewell We are very sad to report the recent loss of two women who dedicated so much time and energy to the Girl Scout Movement and truly lived our values. We wish to honor them, their leadership, and their passing.

Mary Thomas Mary Shivvers Thomas joined Girl Scouts at age 10. She joined Troop 1 in Phoenix, when her family moved to Arizona from California in the 1930s. She received the Golden Eaglet award in 1936. The Golden Eaglet was the highest award in Girl Scouts from 1916 to 1939, and the predecessor of today’s Gold Award. Mary was only one of seven troop members to earn the Golden Eaglet in Arizona.

One of Mary’s fondest memories of her Girl Scout experience was attending the Silver Jubilee in Massachusetts in 1937. Girl Scouts from every state and Girl Guides for other countries gathered and shared their experiences. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt visited the Silver Jubilee camp and met with the attendees. Later when Mrs. Roosevelt visited Phoenix in the 1940s, Mary greeted her at the train in her Girl Scout uniform with a dozen roses. Mrs. Roosevelt said, “I remember you, you are Mary Shivvers!” Fifty years later, Mary was able to attend the Silver Jubilee anniversary in Savannah, Georgia.

As an adult, Mary served as a troop leader, including starting a troop in Iran in the 1960s, when she and her Air Force husband were stationed there. Upon their return to Phoenix, Mary was active with GSACPC including serving as a neighborhood leader at GSACPC. Mary celebrated her 100th birthday in March.

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Girl Scout Bronze Award

he Girl Scout Bronze Award is a leadership adventure and the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior can achieve. After completing a Journey, a girl and her team find and research a problem in their community. They plan and complete a “Take Action Project” that will address the root cause of the problem, look to see how others have solved similar problems, develop more confidence, meet new people, and have the kind of fun that happens when working with other Girl Scouts to make a difference in their community.

June 1- Sept. 30 2020: There were 20 different Bronze Award Take Action project reports submitted for the following 81 Bronze Award Recipients.

Troop 36 Guinevere Brown Sydney LaBelle Troop 152 Peyton Berry Angelina Favela Olivia Leonardi Diella Miller Sophie Weissberg Nina Zygowucz Troop 203 Isabella Beeswy Amariah Brown Hart Sadie Captain Makayla Feinman Isabella Kyrsich Makenzie Reischmann Olivia Wagner Troop 312 Charlotte Beabeau Rowynn Brown Amber Engel Vivienne Green Reese O'Malley Gigi Sanborn Ryleigh Schroeder Erin Seoane Reese Terveen

Troop 981 Catherine Bass Madison Gilbert Sophia Plache Olivia Spini Troop 1044 Kaylee Pownall Troop 1108 Shannon Artac Maya Bixby Nina Carl Gwendolyn Everett Audrey Kuykendall Samantha Storey Emma Tat Troop 1468 Alannah Camps Grace Johnson Ellie Reinfried Margaret Roberts Kaylee Smith Morgan Wisniewski Troop 1956 Emery Rawlings Kinley Rawlings Matilda Romanelli Troop 3004 Ella Meaker

Troop 3198 Kimber Harding Troop 3721 Quet'zali Castillo Abigail Cooper Troop 4307 Ella Bloxdorf Hadley Locke Troop 4344 Teagan Chantler Madison Clark Molly McCusker Ainsley Ray Layla Richter Ariella Rosacci Shay Spoor Serafina Summers Sophia Wright Troop 4996 Kaely Bethards Olivia Brainard Kate Donick Taylor Ford Avery Keith Mackenzie Miller Bianca Morgan Emily Ocenas Olivia Vuong

Troop 6389 Amelia Doolittle Chloe Reed Troop 6545 Cayla Cushing Kayla Cushing Alexis Klein Alyssa Suguitan Troop 7073 Alexa Marquez Olivia Palma Isabella Wisner Kylie Wisner Troop 7387 Sedona Peacock Troop 7393 NovaLee Wayerski

High Awards Girl Scout Silver Award

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he highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn, the Silver Award, allows a girl to show she is a leader who is organized, determined, and dedicated to improving her community. After completing a Cadette Journey, girls look around their community and discover something they can change for the better. In a small team, girls working on their Silver Award make a plan to “Take Action” on the root cause of the problem they discovered and researched. They put their plan into motion, demonstrate an understanding of sustainability in the project plan, connect with others outside their immediate neighborhood, learn how others have solved similar problems and determine if the ideas of others can help with their plan. They share what they have learned with others.

June 1- Sept. 30 2020: There were 37 different Silver Award Take Action project reports submitted for the following 38 Silver Award Recipients.

IGM Eden Arbaugh Troop 36 Gillian Glithero Troop 79 Ainsley Willison Troop 118 Klarissa Stiff Troop 436 Breanna Barnes Taiyana Mack Anaya Shivers Arionna Smith

Troop 527 Amber Swindler Kiarra Whitehead Troop 532 Hazel Vynalek Troop 791 Haley Helman Troop 810 Sophie Byrd Julia Kim Cameron Shinyeda Isabella Small Troop 1013 Melody Clauss

Troop 1204 Lauren Blacker Jessica Burke Megan Burke Maria Gonzalez Chaeyun “Haley” Lee Kaiya Lu Emily Peloquin Gabby Platte Nora Pond Troop 1221 Elizabeth Hale Troop 1430 Ellaree Meade

Troop 1827 Devan Kramer Kelsey Kurtz Troop 2195 Hannah Ampha Katelynn Downin Morgan Fishel Sarah Simpson Troop 2373 Piper Adamo Troop 2402 Isabella Gonzalez Troop 2412 Jenny Marcy Lily Sheehan

Tributes & Memorials

Religious Recognitions

Reflects gifts made Aug. 1 – Sept. 30, 2020.

Religious Awards earned in Sept. 2020

In Memory of

In Honor of

Concepcion Canas Tomas Guerra

Barbara Strachan Donna Horn

Lou Creber Janet Kington

Rae Classen Alyssa Amodei

God & Me Hannah Finney Nasaya Keeler Faith Orser Amara Plache Jackie Rennnie

Ruth Anne Myers Gari Dillon Marshall Sack

GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE

God & Family Morgan Foster Kennedy Gard Kylee Henry Priscilla Kalec Jenevieve Lopez Joy Skinner

Joyce Maienschein When Joyce Maienschein became a Girl Scout at age 10, she had no idea it would lead to a lifetime of Girl Scouting.

In 2018, she received her Girl Scout 75year membership pin for the Arizona Cactus-Pine Council. Over the years, Joyce’s visionary leadership made an impact on the community of Oak Ridge, Tennessee as well as the Arizona CactusPine Council.

As a Girl Scout Troop Leader in the 1960s, her troop established a Braille program for Girl Scouts to teach the blind and related activities; organized the first Oak Ridge recycling program; and established the Awareness House to combat drug abuse among high school students. In 1965 her troop became the first racially integrated senior high Girl Scout troop in Tennessee. The Children's Museum of Oak Ridge was started as a project by her troop in the 1970s and today is one of the leading US children’s museums.

Her troop was also the only American troop to ever receive the International Walter Donald Ross Award, given to “the most outstanding troop in the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.”

After moving to Tempe in 2009, Joyce became active with the Arizona Cactus-Pine Girl Scout Council's History Committee. She helped organize their historical collection, implement the GSUSA inventory accession process and transformed their work into a semi-professional Girl Scout collection GIRL SCOUT and Museum. Connections

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119 E. Coronado Road Phoenix, AZ 85004 Ph: 602-452-7000 / 800-352-6133 girlscoutsaz.org @GSACPC

Girl Scout Camp Update Inside!

We’re working to provide multiple ways for girls to safely enjoy our camps this year and planning for multiple scenarios. Get the latest in this issue!

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