Girl Scout Connections Winter 2021

Connections Girl Scout

Winter 2021

Cookie Season is Almost Here!

Historic $2 Million Grant Through My Lens: How Girl Scouts Integrates Latino Values

On page 17

“I am so proud of all the youth I work with. Each moment spent helping them succeed and growing their confidence inspires me. I always tell girls the famous phrase, ‘Once a Girl Scout, always a Girl Scout!’” — Pamela Meade, Troop Leader

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Connections Highlights

In This Issue

Girl Scout

Winter 2021

3 Board Chair Letter 4 For Our Girl Scout Families 4 Save the Date: Annual Meeting 4 $2 Million “Now is the Moment” Grant

Cookie Season is Almost Here! $2 Million Now is the Moment Grant

5 Girl Scouts in Action

Through My Lens: How Girl Scouts Integrates Latino Values

8 My Story

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

Managing Editor/Writer

Heather Thornton Writers

Vianca Pallanes Zuri Torres

Guest Writers

Autumn Jarrett Jenny Sharbaugh

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Girl Scouts: Who We Are, Not What We Do

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

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Recharging Your Compassion Battery 2022 Cookie Line-Up

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Council Highlights Ariella Hirsch Earns Inaugural GSUSA Gold Award Scholarship History Corner Social Shout Out Volunteer Recognition & Awards

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Leading the Way Through My Lens: How Girl Scouts Integrates Latino Values Recharging Your Compassion Battery Troop Leader Spotlight Why the Cookie Program is Important for Girls Conducting a Family Cookie Meeting Checklist Cookie Tips for Girls & Families How Cookies Make Community Impact Aspire Academy

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Around the Bend 2022 Girl Scout Cookie Program Score More in Cookie Contests Your Cookie Business On the Go 2022 Girl Scout Cookie Lineup Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge Council Travel Destinations Bring Home the Cookies 5K New Climbing Tour, Bouldering Wall, and Zipline at Parsons

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Champions for Girls Mountain Biking Program STEM Activity Center GSACPC’s Regional Supporters

38 Awards and Recognitions

Letter from the Board Chair

Dear Girl Scout Families, It has been quite a while since things were “normal.” Everything we do now is different from what we were used to, and the uncertainty of what will happen next can be overwhelming.

These are unusual times because the world is experiencing it together.

Unlike past crises, where we can lean on neighbors, friends, and family, this pandemic has strained everyone.

It has created new challenges, exacerbated many existing ones, and placed a renewed and necessary focus on mental health and well-being.

Our council staff and board have adapted to address each “new normal” as it emerges. I suspect we will be meeting “new normals” for some time. To navigate this, we’re focused on caring for our GSACPC families, volunteers, and community as the key to rebuilding and recovery.

I’ve heard some discussion of waiting to see “what Girl Scouts will be” or waiting for “Girl Scouts to come back.” That is the great thing about Girl Scouts; we never left, and we are here to stay. In some ways, we are the experts at embracing “new normals” as we have continually evolved with the times. While we know how to carry traditions forward, Girl Scouting today is not the same as my daughter’s experience when I was her Troop Leader, which is a good thing.

We want Girl Scouts to meet the everchanging needs of today’s girls and for the girls of tomorrow.

As I look back on the last few months, I see how our continued pandemic response not only kept girls and families safe but kept them engaged

Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council

in healthy relationships and enriching activities. From family and troop camps and the heart-pumping Aspire Academy with local police and fire professionals to the Girl Scouting for Shoes Donation Drive with Goodwill.

Girls are happy to be meeting safely in person again. Our properties are awesome and offer many opportunities to tap into the healing power of the outdoors. And looking ahead, we are dedicated to helping every Girl Scout have a great 2022 cookie season. The program has been designed to offer additional layers of support for entrepreneurs to connect customers to Digital Cookie and inperson booth opportunities. Exciting things to come!

Being active in Girl Scouts responds to the critical concerns on everyone’s mind. Girl Scouts can help mitigate learning loss. Girl Scouts supports girls’ mental health. Girl Scouts promotes equity and civic education.

Across Arizona, thousands of girls could benefit from new relationships or opportunities to realize their potential. Girl Scouts offers those openings.

Our Council’s Co-CEOs, Mary Mitchell and Christina Spicer, are innovating in both small and big ways to increase access and the realized impact of our powerful program and experiences in our state. They have a strong vision and plans to continue ongoing learning for staff and volunteers, improve and develop volunteer experience, build consistent awareness around our refreshed brand identity, and connect with the community in new and sustainable ways. That’s why the board voted in October to invest additional resources in expanding the Council’s capacity.

And we were able to do this because generous supporters and organizations –like Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust that surprised us with a $2 million grant in September (see page 4)– stand behind us and the inimitable difference Girl Scouting can make in the lives of all girls and their families.

We know girls need Girl Scouts more than ever before, and the world needs Girl Scouts more than ever now. We must continue and expand our ability to deliver on our promise to all girls.

Every girl deserves to reach her full potential and build the confidence to take risks and persist in doing hard things.

We are on a bright path to pandemic recovery and many “new normal’s.”

I’m ready. I hope you are too. Thank you for all that you do for Girl Scouts and our communities.

In Girl Scouting,

Lupe Camargo GSACPC Board Chair

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For Our Girl Scout Families

Save the Date: Annual Meeting is April 23, 2022 Did you know you don’t have to be a Voting Member (a.k.a Delegate) to attend Annual Meeting? Everyone’s welcome to learn and observe the governance of our organization in action. Due to the ongoing uncertainties of the pandemic, we are once again planning for a virtual meeting with online voting for the Council’s Voting Members. Stay tuned to council emails for more details in February and March.

In the meantime: Service Units have until mid-February to complete Council Delegate and Alternate elections for their areas. Please reach out to your MSE or mhall@girlscoutsaz.org if your service team needs assistance with this process.

$2 Million Now is the Moment Grant from Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust Our Council is a recipient of Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust’s historic Now is the Moment Grants Commemoration and was awarded a surprise grant for two million dollars on Sept. 24. It is an unrestricted gift toward general operations – our Council’s secondlargest single gift ever and our most significant single gift from the Trust.

It was a remarkable decision and investment in our whole community – Trustees of Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust awarded a total of $123 million in surprise grants to 71 worthy organizations on the same day – the largest single grant initiative in Arizona’s history.

CEO Emeritus Tamara Woodbury was floored when she met with the

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Trustees and was handed the check.

She reported, “they expressed deep gratitude for all that Girl Scouts has done for this community for the last 20-plus years and our resilience through this pandemic.”

This incredible gift provides additional resources to invest strategically in rebuilding our membership. By reengaging partnerships and adaptive delivery models, we hope to better reach underrepresented communities in our membership, particularly marginalized communities.

This is a moment for our entire community to celebrate! We are proud of what has been accomplished together, though we are still in a time of uncertainty and need to remain

resilient and focused on our mission.

This gift, beyond monetary value, shows confidence in our efforts and is uplifting beyond words.

Editor’s Note Happy New Year, Girl Scouts! We’re in full cookie season-prep-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 cookie boss life! 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

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Winter 2021-22

Girl Scouts in Action

Adventures, Innovations, Pushing Boundaries, Setting Examples, Taking Charge, Accomplishing Goals, Making a Difference – Girl Scouts in Action.

1 Cadette Troop 88 created their own “Twilight Camp” at our Parsons Leadership Center in South Phoenix!

They started their afternoon by hiking, sketching, and taking photos to earn their Outdoor Art Badge. After dinner, Juniors from Troop 3835 joined the fun for their Night Owl Badge activities. The girls learned about moon phases, found constellations in the sky, hunted scorpions with black lights, and sang Girl Scout songs while enjoying s’mores and banana boats!

2 Troop 7302 earned their Bronze Award by redecorating a girl’s restroom at EDUPRIZE in Gilbert.

The girls installed inspirational quotes around the walls to give it an uplifting new look. With girls constantly being faced with beauty standards, they hope their work will boost girls’ daily encouragement for years to come.

3 Troop 872 donated more than 100 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies to the Phoenix Interagency Fire Center at MesaGateway Airport. While they thought they were making a simple cookie drop-off, they were surprised with a tour!

The girls learned how fire retardant is made, how it gets on the planes, and when to pull the trigger to release the retardant. They also saw inside the tanker’s cockpit and watched them load up and take off to help contain a fire near the Grand Canyon. What a memorable experience!

4 Three cheers for Troop 2894! They worked hard this year to serve local animals and educate members of their community about animals and self-care. As a part of their Take Action Project, the girls delivered hundreds of pounds of donations to B.A.R.K. (Buckeye Animal Rescue and Kennel). These donations included handmade blankets, dog and cat food, towels, and other pet supplies! To share animal care awareness, they made bookmarks with pet care tips for the patrons of the Goodyear Library.

Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council

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Girl Scouts in Action

5 During a troop camping trip, Troop 3186 learned about fire safety from none other than Smokey The Bear!

Especially in Arizona’s dry climate, wildfire prevention is essential. Thank you for helping our Girl Scouts stay safe and educated in fire prevention.

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Camping is a wonderful way to explore nature but comes with many responsibilities, especially when building a campfire. Our Council’s Wild Wonders self-guided patch & charms program is one great way to learn about campfire safety and other ways to prevent wildfires. Visit girlscoutsaz.org/wild-wonders.

6 Meet Girl Scout Cadette Estella of Troop 1593. She and her family had a fun weekend exploring during the Desert Botanical Garden Flashlight Tour. They completed a scavenger hunt and were able to identify different plants and see various desert animals.

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7 Troops 2256, 4727, and 2010 practiced safety protocols during their summer day camp. The girls participated in various science, art, dance, robotics, and sports activities.

However, the highlight was meeting animal friends, including a chinchilla, tortoise, and hedgehog!

8 Troops 2256 and 4727 earned their robotics badge and shared the experience with other troops in their neighborhood. Although this was initially planned as an in-person badge workshop, the troops adjusted to accommodate the safety measures needed due to the pandemic. They partnered with the ASU Herberger Young Scholars Academy Howlers First Robotics team to attend on-demand Zoom sessions for troops throughout the year. Pictured is Maya from Troop 2256 constructing a robot as a part of the program!

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Winter 2021-22

Girl Scouts in Action

9 Girl Scout Senior Isabella and her mother attended our handgun basics program in partnership with C2 Tactical. During the course, Isabella learned valuable information including handgun safety and identifying and naming the different parts of a handgun. She also applied some skills on the range. Learning these new skills from trained professionals in a safe environment left Isabella feeling confident in herself.

10 Meet Girl Scout Daisy Maya, who participated in the Girl Scouts Love State Parks program by visiting Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction. She learned to identify desert plants along the Native Plant Trail and hiked to a sundial on the Discover Trail! Exploring the outdoors, being curious, seeking adventures, and appreciating the beauty in nature are a huge part of Girl Scouting. Great job, Maya!

11 Brownies in Troop 3589 combined earning their pet badge with a service-learning project.

The girls upcycled old fabric and created pet beds! They donated the beds to the new piglets at the Better Piggies Pig Rescue in Cave Creek, along with some fruits and vegetables. They brainstormed fun names for the newborn piglets and learned that pigs could also be resourceful.

For example, did you know that pigs use mud to protect their skin and even eat the peel on the banana? How neat!

12 Girl Scout Ashlyn (pictured with her mom, Autumn) and her Sister Girl Scouts worked hard to donate to an organization near and dear to her heart. Ashlyn lost her father last year, so she donated 600 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies to the Ronald McDonald House Charity (RMHC) in his honor. Her father had been through RMHC as a teenager and she wanted to show appreciation to a place that held a special place in their family’s heart. We are grateful that Ashlyn had her Girl Scout family for support, and extend love and compassion to her and her family.

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Share Your Girl Scout Memories, Milestones, Moments What Girl Scout memories do you have? We want to hear about them! Your voice is unique and can encourage other girls in their Girl Scout journey. Visit girlscoutsaz.org/stories to submit stories and photos.

Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council

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My Story: Leader / Innovator

Girl Scouts: Not What We Do But Who We Are By: Charlie Unsworth Edited by: Autumn Jarrett Charlie Unsworth is a senior at Ironwood High School in Glendale and a Peoria resident. A member of Troop 60, she has been a Girl Scout for 13 years, as was her mother and grandmother. She is currently applying to colleges and hopes to attend her top choice of Northern Arizona University to double major in History and English.

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or 108 years, Girl Scouts has equipped girls like me for a lifetime of leadership. I’ve learned preparedness, adaptability, and skills I never imagined I would have, including first aid and survival camping in the wilderness!

As a third-generation Girl Scout and second-generation Gold Award Girl Scout, I can genuinely say that Girl Scouting is not something you do, but something you are. It is where my troop, as well as countless other girls, are free to try new things, develop a range of skills, take on leadership roles, and feel comfortable failing, dusting ourselves off, and trying again!

excelled in their careers. They also became empowered and confident women, encouraging me to have dreams and aspirations, teaching me the importance of having a plan, learning from failure, and standing up for what’s right even when it’s difficult.

There aren’t many programs that allow girls to participate and take the lead in various activities. And I am not just talking about those you’ve heard of before. But about everything Girl Scouts offers, from kayaking, archery, and camping to coding, robotics, and financial literacy.

There’s also Girl Scouts High Awards. My mother earned her Gold Award like me. Her award focused on helping preschoolaged children learn safety preparedness, including teaching them who to find to help during an emergency. Like my own Gold Award Three generations of Girl Scouts – dedicated to creating gardens at my Charlie poses with her mom and grandma When I asked my grandmother, who school to support healthier lifestyles, my first got involved in Girl Scouts in the mid-1950s, and mother identified a need for members of our local area my mother, who joined as a girl and is now a lifetime and made a sustainable, impactful change. member, they echoed my emphasis that Girl Scouts I can’t think of another place that allows young women not only allowed them to have fun but taught them to tackle issues that we are passionate about. We learn to necessary life skills and lessons. They spoke of applying invest in ourselves and our communities, and grow our these as they entered adulthood, began families, and

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Winter 2021-22

Alum Spotlight

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he Girl Scout Alum network is strong, with over 50 million women who were Girl Scouts at some point in their lives. Whether a Girl Scout for one year or ten, the friendships and adventures stay with you for a lifetime.

confidence to rise to unexpected challenges and create solutions.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit our community, my Girl Scout Sisters rose to the challenge.

They reworked their service projects to be relevant to emerging needs, including: sewing masks, collecting food, building hand washing stations, and donating thank-you gifts and treats to Arizona’s essential workers. Once again proving why Girl Scouts continue to be known for resiliency and impacting the community for more than a century.

Girl Scouts has been around for a long time. Although the organization is constantly evolving, the symbols that have come to represent it have not. People still associate Girl Scouts with cookies, sashes, badges, and friendship bracelets, but the truth is, Girl Scouts are groundbreakers, future leaders, and innovators. Through Girl Scouts, I am part of something bigger than just me, my family, and my school. I am a Girl Scout, and I am changing the world for the better because of it.

Fun fact: Alums say Girl Scouts laid the foundation for their success! In a recent study, 64% of alums said that Girl Scouts encouraged them to set high goals for their lives, and 54% said that Girl Scouts contributed to their overall success in life.

Phoebe recently earned her master’s degree in Education from ASU.

Here to testify is ACPC Alum, Phoebe Glawe – who was a Girl Scout for seven years, and is now an account manager at a local media company. She shares how Girl Scouts has shaped her career and the positive impact it continues to have on girls.

Stay in the loop! Connect with other GSACPC Alum and supporters by following us on LinkedIn.

Phoebe (second from left) with her troop.

Q: How has Girl Scouts played a role in your professional life?

A: “Girl Scouts opened up an amazing network of empowering women and opportunities that have inspired and motivated me. Girl Scouts has also taught me the value of hard work and the importance of advocating for yourself and self-worth.”

Q: What do you most admire about the Girl Scout Movement?

A: “The thing I admire most about Girl Scouts is the fact that it is working to empower women everywhere to step outside of their comfort zone and tap into their full potential. Girl Scouts is so incredibly powerful because it allows young women to learn about themselves and introduces them to experiences that will accelerate them on a path of success.”

Source: The Girl Scout Alum Difference. 2021 Report by the Girl Scout Research Institute

Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council

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Council Highlights

Ariella Hirsch Earns Inaugural GSUSA Gold Award Scholarship

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he Gold Award is Girl Scouts’ highest achievement, available to girls in high school who initiate sustainable change upon identifying issues in their communities and beyond. As they take action to transform their world, Gold Award Girl Scouts gain skills and prove they're the leaders our world needs.

Girls who earn their Gold Award prove to their peers, community, future employers, and academic institutions they are leaders, problem solvers, and able to implement plans and actions to make an impact. They’re eligible for scholarships and often list their achievement on resumes and college applications. They are now eligible to be nominated for GSUSA’s new Gold Award Scholarship. The scholarship recognizes one outstanding Gold Award Girl Scout from each of the 109 councils across the country. For the inaugural celebration, awardees were recognized during the Girl Scouts Change the World national virtual event for International Day of the Girl.

We’d like to congratulate ACPC Girl Scout Ariella Hirsch, our Council’s first recipient of the GSUSA Gold Award Scholarships!

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Ariella earned her award after identifying an issue among veterans while selling Girl Scout Cookies. She saw a veteran in a wheelchair carrying a gallon of milk in a bag using his mouth. "I would not want to have to resort to using my mouth to carry groceries, especially something as heavy as milk,” Ariella shared and added, “So, I started to think, there has to be a better way to do this."

She designed a "Helping Hand" device made of PVC pipe that easily connects to wheelchairs and allows users to hang bags or items on the side in a much more accessible way. She intentionally created a simple design that would be easy to replicate from materials available from hardware or home improvement stores at an affordable price point.

To get a copy of the design, people can visit helpinghand4vets.com and download the free PDF. We congratulate Ariella on her outstanding work and recognition.

She is concurrently enrolled in high school and at Arizona State University with plans to study engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Helping Hands device developed by Gold Award Girl Scout, Ariella Hirsch to help veterans shop and carry items with ease.

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Council Highlights

History Corner The Girl Scout Cookie Program in the 1940’s GSACPC’s History Committee invites you to take a quick trip down memory lane! Did you know that for more than 100 years, Girl Scouts and their enthusiastic supporters have helped ensure the success of the iconic annual cookie program? It all dates to the 1910s – where Girl Scouts had already turned to baking to finance troop activities. As the organization began to grow and troops formed, Girl Scouts were given an exclusive cookie recipe that would inspire what is today the largest girlled entrepreneurial program in the world!

Social Shout Out! Check out the most liked post from our Instagram page @GSACPC June 1 - Sept. 30, 2021.

Head to Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter and make sure we’re connected!

It is estimated that each batch created six to seven dozen cookies, costing around 26 to 36 cents to produce. The girls then sold the boxes for about 20 to 30 cents per dozen cookies! Our history team reports that the Maricopa Girl Scout Council’s (GSACPC’s first name) first cookie program happened in 1940, and girls sold cookies for 20 cents per box.

They sold 414 boxes, and by 1942 they increased sales to over 10,000 boxes of cookies!

Fun Fact: In the 1940’s Girl Scouts who sold more than 20 boxes earned the title Cookie Princess! And those who sold over 60 boxes earned the title Cookie Queen!

With World War II in full swing in the early 40s, rationing of flour, sugar, and shortening made it impossible for cookie sales to continue.

The Council quickly shifted and designed a product program where girls would sell wall calendars instead. It was a great success to help supplement troop cookie proceeds, and thus, selling calendars was incorporated into the product programs until 2005. Our Council sold these for 25 cents at the time, and now with little demand for print calendars, the Girl Scout Cookie remains the Council’s primary product program.

Did you learn something new? Let us know if there is a topic you’d like to see in the next issue by emailing stories@ girlscoutsaz.org.

Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council

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Council Highlights

2021 Volunteer Recognition & Award Ceremony The Annual Volunteer Recognition & Award Ceremony, held on Oct. 23, was a virtual celebration of service and the passionate individuals contributing to the Girl Scout Movement every day. Hosted by two of our Council Board Members, Miguel Acero and Jenny Holsman Tetreault, it included in-person award deliveries and drawings for door prizes. We enjoyed recognizing the many passionate and inspiring volunteers in our Council. Thank you for your continuous support and dedication.

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 submitted by their peers to select the recipients.

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

Catherine Bell

Martha Jo Billy

Vanessa Clifton

Savannah Dalton

Kathi Goldberg

Ashlye Kennedy

Monique Lange

Melaine Marinzulich

Deb McNelly

Jannis Mossman

Sandie Patchett

Kathy Roat

Tiffany Schuttler

Kristin Van Ark

Volunteer of Excellence Awarded for providing outstanding service delivering the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls.

Recipients are selected and awarded by their Service Unit.

Carole Albin Lizbeth Arreaza Kristal Blundell Becky Bohnker Amanda Bowers Jessica Bozik Melissa Caramucci Dawna Erickson Kiri (Kathi) Goldberg Amanda Halamka Melissa Harvey Kelley Hurley Alissa Letendre Melaine Marinzulich Melissa McKee Lavonne McKibben

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Lara Motter Renee Nelson Kristal Nimmons Sarah O’Connell Penelope Plache Michelle Planek Melissa Radcliff Roberta Rice Kathy Roat Jessica Russo Elizabeth Sandell Cynthia Savage Serena Schein Elizabeth Sinkwitz Melinda Stephan Kathy Synder

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Council Highlights

Honor Pin

Thanks Badge II

This award honors an adult member who has delivered outstanding service in two or more geographic areas of service.

This award honors a Girl Scout Volunteer who continually provides outstanding support and whose ongoing commitment, leadership, and service have had an exceptional impact on the entire Council or Girl Scout Movement and has previously received the Thanks Badge.

Lee Kline

Deb Jeskewitz

Jana Miranda

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

40 Years

50 Years

Shelly Lear

June Marvel Marie Edwards Sue Mitchell Julian Turner Ellen Harris Hoff

45 Years

Karen Allen Elizabeth Anderson Georgeanne Hanna Linda Rork Susanne Wells Jaime Snethen

65 Years

55 Years

Laree Castorena Barbara Claflin Bonnie McCulley

20 Years

25 Years

Nancy LaValley Jan Mossman Mary Muesegades Sherrie Noll Cinda Willittes

Juanita Blose Marion Ritchotte 30 Years

Shelly Lear

Polly Thomas

Council Level Awards The following awards celebrate volunteers who serve in various roles, including Troop Leaders, Service Unit members, and Council level volunteers.

Recipients of the Council Star and Council Trainer Award have been nominated by a fellow staff member for their exceptional commitment to GSACPC.

The Council Trainer Award, new this year, recognizes a volunteer trainer for service that went beyond the expectations in a position that assisted our Council.

Donna Pocano

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

Julie Degraffenreid

The Years of Service Pin is given in 5-year increments, this award indicates the total number of years as a Girl Scout Volunteer.

Kimberly Goldberg

Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council

Rebel Rice

Priscilla Sanders

Andrew Jazwa

Jack Kelly

Trent Sanders

Sandy Stratton

The Council Star Award recognizes a volunteer for performing a specific task that significantly benefits Council.

Kate Allen

Sandie Patchett

Gabi Reil

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Leading the Way

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 Kate Allen Dolores Bartlett Joan Beckner Annette Benn Martha Jo Billy Tammie Bohnker Pat Boykin Paulette Brown Nancy Buell Julie Buelt Rohnda Clauss Ann Colvin-Smith Cheryl Courtois Dolores DaSilva Donna Dotzler Marie Edwards Yolanda Evans Jennifer Farner Tabb Forster Briana Germundson Mara Gerst Kate Gookin Yolanda Edwards-Guerra Sarah Hall Natalie Hall-Waters Robin Haney Marsha Harmon Shirley Hawkins Alanna Iannone Brianna Iannone David Inserra Kaitlyn Janssen Stephanie Jarnagan Andrew Jazwa Laura Keith Andrea Keller Jack Kelly Jeryse Kelly Lee Kline Julie Kodicek Monique Lange Diana Laulainen-Schein Nancy LaValley Susan Law Shelly Lear Jakenna Lebsock Bobbie Legg

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Angela Lian Maria Lira Rose Lopez Oona Mada Julia McKee-Ostos Deb McNelly Jana Miranda Mary Muesegades Natasha Neal Sally Nelsen Jo Norris Becky Oakes Maria Ort Bobbi Page Emma Parry Sandie Patchett Breona Peralta Mary Peralta Leslie Perez-Whitehead Cami Pocano Donna Pocano Gabriele “Gabi” Reil Sherry Reyes Susan Russell Priscilla Sanders Trent Sanders Jo Schrepfer Stevi Lynn Shearer Gail Smith Samantha Smith Jaime Snethen Karen Stevenson Sandy Stratton Polly Thomas JoDee Turner Joscelyn Werhan Robyn Werhan

Through My Lens: How Girl Scouts Integrates Latino Values By: Zuri Torres

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iguel Acero is a proud Latino, GSACPC board member, and Director of Sales for Spark Advisors. But first and foremost, he is a devoted husband and father to two children, one of whom is a beautiful and vibrant Girl Scout Daisy, Adeline. As a member of the Latino and Girl Scouts communities, Miguel has personally witnessed how Girl Scouts has enhanced some of his cultural values. He shared how this has come together in his household as his daughter embarks on her Girl Scout journey.

The son of Mexican immigrants, Miguel shared he grew up in a home shaped by the traditional values of a family, with women being the heart of the home, and education in pursuit of the American Dream. As the oldest child, Miguel would translate important documents for his Spanish-speaking parents, and played a significant role in looking after his younger sisters while his parents worked. Although he held a lot of responsibility within his household, he recognized that there were more external development and leadership opportunities accessible for young men like himself than for his sisters. He gained confidence and teamwork skills from sports and other activities that were not considered appropriate for his sisters. Although this might ring as strange now, it was not uncommon in the Mexican American community during that time, and some would argue even now.

The word “machismo” often describes a strong sense of masculine

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Leading the Way

pride and has held a lingering presence in Mexican culture.

“It’s the traditional idea of needing to protect our women, that no harm can come to them,” shares Miguel. Those traditional attitudes engendered obstacles for girls wanting to venture into the same opportunities as their male counterparts: “It’s not a rule of oppression but rather an unspoken sense of caution that is engraved into traditional, cultural values.

However, times are different, and women, who have always been self-sufficient, are now being recognized as so. There is a paradigm shift underway.” After hearing and seeing the positive impact of Girl Scouts as an adult, Miguel realized that this was the movement he wished his sisters could have been a part of and decided to make it possible for his daughter.

they want to be. And the way in which women in the Latino culture open their hearts and home to others is mirrored in how Girl Scout volunteers dedicate so much of themselves to the girls in our communities. These parallels have become apparent in Miguel’s life as he watches his daughter begin her Girl Scout journey.

Described as an “explorer of knowledge,” Miguel’s daughter is already adapting to the Girl Scouts way of venturing out of her comfort zone, making friends, and learning about becoming a leader. When asked what he hopes she gains from Girl Scouting, Miguel replied, “confidence of courage.”

He went on to explain his belief that everything in life takes courage. From getting up in the morning to directing a meeting, these moments, big and small, require courage, which ultimately build confidence.

“With Girl Scouts, girls are presented with the opportunity to be courageous in every interaction.” From courageous girls, confident women are created.

Miguel emphasized what was most galvanizing for him, is how Girl Scout values and programs harmonize with the Latino/Mexican culture so that what seemed like two disparate worlds are actually interconnected: “One example “Pitching a cookie sale turns into pitching is how entrepreneurial spirit is a start-up to venture capitalists. Although alive in both of these worlds.” this may seem intimidating, it doesn’t Miguel shared, “In my personal seem so scary to girls who have been experience, entrepreneurship consistently exposed to these concepts in the Mexican culture is in an empowering environment. The often innovative and tied to way in which society or individuals survival; trying to provide for may underestimate them because they your family. That same kind of are women does not phase them. The spirit and development of selfprograms and experiences they have grown sufficiency is present in Girl Scouts. up in have led them to become confident and Girls can practice this skill in a stable, Miguel Acero with his daughter. secure in who they are. I am proud to be part of structured, and safe environment without this organization on a professional and personal a heavyweight on their shoulders.” Girl Scouts allow girls to level.” Miguel and his spouse have raised their children in a form and master various life skills in an environment where household that embraces Mexican culture and have created learning is the goal. new traditions of their own. One of which will now include In many ways, the foundational pieces of Girl Scouts align supporting their daughter’s entrepreneurial efforts during with the Latino values that Miguel grew up with. The cookie season. sisterhood that embraces girls, even after they graduate from Miguel’s perspective is representative of how other members Girl Scouts, mirrors the family values that is prominent in of the Latino community may initially approach Girl Scouts many Latino households. The programs, Gold Awards for – viewing it as a foreign world whose concepts and approach example, that encourage girls to prioritize their education are outside the familiar. However, by becoming more involved and skills to create a brighter future for themselves and and looking closer, what always was becomes clear – we are their community is very much in line with the American all Girl Scouts. dream that so many first-generation families pursue –parents making sacrifices so that their children can invest in who

Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council

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Leading the Way

Recharging Your Compassion Battery By: Jenny Sharbaugh

Y

ou know it when you feel it. The world seems to be resting on your shoulders, and you are stretched so thin that you seem as sturdy as the tattered pages of your jampacked planner. Throughout the day, you’ll continue to give and give to those you care about, but it may feel less fulfilling. This is known as compassion fatigue.

Think about it; a cord plugged into an outlet can still light the lamp to which it’s connected, even if it’s a bit ragged with wires poking through the plastic covering. Would we consider this lamp cord to be efficient? What if the cord was not plugged into a lamp but instead into rows of hospital beds to provide power for heart monitors and lifesaving equipment?

When serving others, there are profound effects that can present themselves as burnout over time. Burnout typically occurs from continuously being overwhelmed by responsibilities and the amount of them. Compassion fatigue can be seen as a type of burnout; it’s the feeling that you have no more empathy to give. When individuals witness trauma or learn of suffering, the emotions that follow can build over long periods. If left unattended, they can increase and ultimately separate individuals from their ability to care for themselves and others.

Compassion fatigue builds slowly and is influenced by what we observe, read, and the duties we perform. It can progress until an individual is exhausted of energy and needs a lifestyle or career change in extreme cases.

• A decreased sense of personal and professional accomplishment Taking time out of your day to practice self-care can make all this difference. This could be taking planned breaks from work, exercising regularly, being present in your emotions, taking a step back when feeling overwhelmed, or seeking professional help. Here are some additional ways to maintain wellness and improve self-care: • Follow healthy routines, such as reserving time for sleep and rest, enjoying nutritious meals, being active, and connecting more with friends. Activities should replenish and rejuvenate you.

• Avoid “information overload.” Pay attention to how stressful or traumatic information affects you.

• Be in the present moment and practice gratitude towards positive things, relationships, and opportunities.

Feelings associated with compassion fatigue: • Exhausted psychologically and physically • Feeling helpless, hopeless, or powerless • Irritable, sadness, or numbness • Detachment or decreased pleasure in activities • Connecting to the suffering of others and feeling anger towards events or people causing it • Blame towards yourself and having thoughts of not having done enough to help people

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Winter 2021-22

Leading the Way

Troop Leader Spotlight: Pamela Meade

• Focus on what’s in your control and build awareness of unrealistic expectations about changing something beyond your control.

Becoming aware of the signs and symptoms associated with compassion fatigue, getting support, and taking action to inform others can improve the wellness of our communities.

We are all working towards a common goal, but to move forward efficiently, we must prioritize self-preservation.

GSACPC’s Authentic Leadership Community (ALC) appreciates the compassion that resonates throughout our Girl Scout network and always provides support and resources. We invite you to learn more and be part of this group at girlscoutsaz.org/alc.

We hope these tips help you become aware of compassion fatigue and help you rejuvenate yourself or anyone in your care. This article is not intended as medical advice. For professional support and help, please reach out to your doctor.

Source: Thurrott, Stephanie. 2021.

Watch for These Key Warning Signs of Compassion Fatigue. Banner Health Teach Me. https://www.bannerhealth. com/healthcareblog/teach-me/watch-forthese-key-warning-signs-of-compassionfatigue

Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council

Each month we spotlight one of the many inspiring volunteers from our Council and ask them for their leadership advice, best tips, and favorite memories as a Girl Scout. We invite you to read more about Pamela and all the amazing leaders who have been featured at girlscoutsaz.org/news.

Meet Pamela Meade. Pamela has been a Troop Leader for nine years and currently leads multi-level Troop 1430 in the Navajo Nation Service Unit. Enjoy the Q & A interview we had with her on her Girl Scout journey thus far.

What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?

I feel strongly about the role we, as trusted adults, play in girls' lives, helping create a safe and fun place for them to support each other. When my daughter entered kindergarten, her teacher started a Girl Scouts troop. I immediately got involved and volunteered as a cookie mom and led activities. When her teacher left the district, I decided to take over as their Troop Leader! I thought that if I was starting a troop for one grade, I might as well expand to all grades! I received a grant and partnered with the local school district to offer Girl Scouts to all elementary grades, and over the years, we went from six to over a hundred girls!

What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do? Our troop loves earning badges and planning group trips. Our goal is to have weekly meetings as part of the after-school program and participate in summer trips together. Recently, however, our school has been entirely virtual since March of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We decided to keep running our program weekly on Zoom. While it has been a challenge, we still could earn badges and connect with other Girl Scout troops across the country! We like using Google JamBoard and having fun online to stay connected. It's pushed us to be creative in this new space – for example, we had a Zoom sleepover where we watched a movie together and shared fun TikTok videos!

What kind of service projects have you done with your troop? We've supported local community efforts with coat drives, community clean-ups and worked with our elders. During the pandemic, Troop 1430 collected and distributed pet food, PPE, and cleaning products. We gave a mini-PPE kit with gloves and masks to our community's 1,400 post office box holders!

What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a Troop Leader? I am so proud of all the youth I work with. Each moment spent helping them succeed, witnessing them achieve their goals, and growing their confidence is what inspires me. I always tell girls the famous phrase, "Once a Girl Scout, always a Girl Scout!" Even if a girl takes time off and is not active, she still thinks of me as her Troop Leader, and I think of her as one of my girls. Even if I only have a hundred active Girl Scouts, there are many more girls I have worked with over the last ten years, and they are all special and forever part of our sisterhood.

Leading the Way

Every Cookie Counts: Why the Cookie Program is Important for Girls When cookie fans buy delicious Girl Scout Cookies, they’re helping fund life-changing programs and experiences for girls all year long. These experiences broaden girls’ worlds, teach them essential skills, and launch them into a lifetime of success—whatever that means for them.

And there’s still more to cookies. For example, cookies are a product program that evolves with the times (hello, Digital Cookie!) and is designed for girls to develop real-life outcomes such as an entrepreneurial mindset. Here are some program facts you may not have known or simply forgot!

1 Every package benefits a girl’s learning experience.

Through the decades, more than anything else, this has gone unchanged. From a small troop-led bake sale-fundraiser (check out the History Corner feature on page 11) to the nationwide phenomenon it is today, one thing has not changed – it's all about the girl. When you support the program, you're supporting her.

The cookies are just a delicious side benefit. Which is why...

2 No Girl Scout? No cookies.

This is non-negotiable. Each cookie package transaction must, in some way, tie back to a girl. Whether she showed up at your door, sent you an email to order online, or greeted you at a storefront, every purchase allows girls to receive financial and educational benefits. Sure, it would be easy for Girl Scouts to offer cookies year-round in stores or online, but that would not be a feasible way for girls to participate, and without that, well, they’re just yummy cookies.

3 The money stays local and benefits girls.

People often wonder, “where does the cookie money go?” And it’s an important question we love to talk about. One hundred percent of the proceeds from cookie purchases in our Council stay with our Council, and a portion goes directly to the troops and girls. “But they don’t get THAT much,” some might say. There are some business realities to consider. This includes production costs – Councils must pay for the cookies, the packaging, the shipping, the warehousing, etc. And program costs – order cards, rewards/incentives, training materials, and so on. But it’s important to know that everything else benefits local Girl Scouts both directly and indirectly.

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4 There are educational benefits.

While the goals and rewards are a tangible result, we carry out the program for girls to experience progressive skill-building through their involvement as CEOs. It boils down to what's called the 5 Essential Skills. These skills developed through participation in the program include goal setting, decisionmaking, money management, people skills, and business ethics. Within these focused outcomes are elements like digital marketing through the Digital Cookie program. It’s all an experiential learning, 12-year training ground for future executives.

5 How online cookie sales work.

Over recent years, there have been some reports that Girl Scout Cookies will be “available online,” leading to some confusion. First and foremost, it’s important to remember “No Girl Scout, no cookies.” There isn’t an official site to place orders and receive cookies without connecting with a girl or troop. Only the girl, with parental oversight, can send you an email inviting you to her secure, personalized website. Troop order links have also been recently added to the Cookie Finder for virtual booth sales giving customers the option to purchase cookies from a troop. From both girl DOC sites and troop order links, you can order cookies to be shipped or delivered in-person (should she provide delivery to close family and friends). Starting Jan. 7, cookie entrepreneurs will begin taking preorders on Digital Cookie.

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Leading the Way

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:

6 There are gluten-free and vegan-friendly cookies!

Knowing how important these options are for so many people, our bakery is proud to offer Girl Scout Cookies sans gluten, Girl Scout Toffee-tastics (available for $6/package), and one made with vegan-friendly ingredients, Girl Scout Thin Mints (available for $5/package).

7 Your smartphone can help cookie cravings.

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

Yep, there’s an app for that! Download the GS Cookie Finder App available on iOS and Android. It will load the time, date, and location of nearby cookie booths and online order sites offered by troops, based on the zip code entered or current location. No smartphone, no problem! Simply visit gscookiefinder.com and enter your zip code.

8 You can buy cookies to donate.

We know not everyone likes cookies (seriously, it’s true).

Or there may be dietary restrictions that prevent one from enjoying them. BUT that doesn’t mean customers can’t still support the program. Customers can support a girl’s goal and donate cookie to her cause. She may be collecting cookies to donate to a local cause she’s passionate about, send cookies to servicemen and women overseas, or even work with Council to donate cookies to local food banks. It’s like the gift that keeps on giving. And if you didn’t know, cookies can be donated both in-person at booths and via Digital Cookie online.

So, how’d you do? Did you know all these amazing facts about the cookie program? Be sure to share with friends, family, customers, and cookie fans!

Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council

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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Leading the Way

Checklist: Conducting a Family Cookie Meeting

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our first cookie season is a big deal and can cause feelings of both excitement and nervousness. Don't worry - you got this, and we're here to help. As you begin prepping for the start of the program, engaging parents/guardians and having their support will make your team stronger and make it fun for all of you.

Here are some tips and things to make sure you've discussed with families.

• Review program basics. Key dates, program benefits, rewards, how to enroll, cookie orders and goals, are just a few of the basics you’ll want to cover. Ensure that families have received a copy of the 2022 Cookie Program Family Guide (mailed to members in November 2021) and take some time to review it together and answer questions.

• Establish goals. Together with the girls, agree on troop and individual girl goals. Make sure everyone feels confident and comfortable, and brainstorm some ways you'll help reach them. Set both small and big plans so girls can see progress throughout the season.

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• Discuss money and product management. Ensure families are aware of costs and responsibilities, including: • Discuss how you will distribute the cookies to each family and keep cookies stored in a safe place.

• Go over in detail how funds raised belong to the troop and rewards are for the individual girl.

• Review the payment options accepted and when money is due to the troop.

• Review safe and strategic cookie-selling tactics.

• Ensure everyone has read the latest COVID-19 protocols and guidelines and is participating in the most comfortable way for their family.

• Review how to take preorders and brainstorm some ideas with the girls.

• Review how to sign up for Digital Cookie and the benefits it provides for girls. Girls can opt for selling cookies in-person, online-only, or both!

• Create a plan, schedule, and assign roles for conducting booths and Walkabouts.

• Establish open communication. Create a group text chat, email thread, or a type of communication that works for the group. Create a schedule for when troops will meet during and after the program. Be sure to set up a time to celebrate all you accomplish together!

Winter 2021-22

Leading the Way

Bite Size Cookie Tips for Girls & Families Take a sec’ to review these bite size cookie tips that you may or may not have on your radar! We want to make sure you have a fun, safe, and successful cookie season!

Safety reminder for all: As we continue to navigate a pandemic, it’s essential to put safety first. Find guidelines and safety tips at girlscoutsaz.org/covid-19.

Tips for Girls: • Create a unique video(s) to upload to your Digital Cookie site and share on your private social media accounts with your parent/guardian’s consent. Enter videos into the Cookie Commercial contest at girlscoutsaz.org/cookie-contests for a chance to win one of five prizes!

• Make booth decorations and signs ahead of the season! Stand out by creating a theme, large signage, and posters about your goal, how you accept payments, and how to donate cookies. Blinging out your booth or wagon? Enter your booth design into our Cookie Flair contest at girlscoutsaz.org/cookie-contests for a chance to win one of five additional prizes!

• Prepare a variety of greetings and sales pitches before the start of the program!

Practice them with girls in your troop and with a family member. You’ll want to know the basics of the cookie program, the cost of cookies, your goal, and what you and your troop plan to do with the proceeds.

• Know your cookies! Study the flavor profiles so you can help suggest cookies to customers and tell them about the deliciousness of the new Adventurefuls cookies.

• Leverage the new cookie, Adventurefuls, for a way to draw customers into your booth, onto your Digital Cookie site, or while on Walkabouts! Add this news to posters you create or create a price cheat sheet on a lanyard that younger girls can wear and quickly reference.

Tips for Families: • Pre-plan Walkabout dates and locations and enter them in your phone and calendar for reminders.

• Create a safety and sanitizing kit with backup face coverings, hand sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer, and any other items you’d like to add to this kit.

• Help your girl contact previous customers and let them know cookies are coming.

You can leave door-hangers (available to download at girlscoutsaz.org/cookieresources) around your neighborhood, send emails, or call customers, especially family and friends.

• Help your girl set realistic goals both big and small, short- and long-term!

Goals look different for every goal and setting multiple will help your girl feel more accomplished throughout the season. Take her lead but work together to accommodate your family’s schedule/level of commitment.

• Visit the For Cookie Parents/Guardians tab at girlscoutsaz.org/cookies and find resources including a guide to Program Credits, Cookies for the Community, IGM resources, boothing resources, and more!

Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council

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Past Adventures

Aspire Academy – Developing Community Heroes Glendale Fire and Police hosted the 6th Annual Aspire Academy Oct. 14-17, 2021. Girls in grades 9-12 geared up with some of Arizona's bravest women and learned how to rappel down buildings, climb fire ladders, investigate a mock crime scene, handle firearms, and get civilians to safety.

It was an intense and adrenaline-pumping experience. And when the participants weren't busy learning how to fight crime and fires, they got the chance to be mentored by a female officer or firewoman they were paired with. They learned more about the career fields, how they got started, and how these women make a difference every day.

Participants train with police on handgun fundamentals and self-defense.

Congratulations to the class of 2021, and thank you to the women in uniform from across the state, volunteers, Glendale Fire and Police, and the Glendale Regional Public Safety Training Center for helping make this possible.

How Cookies Make Community Impact Sharing YOUR stories spreads awareness Committed to giving back to our community, Girl Scouts are always looking for ways to create positive change and recognize local heroes and organizations. We're proud to share with the greater community and world all that ACPC Girl Scouts do with their cookie proceeds and cookies collected for donation. From expressing a thank-you to healthcare, law enforcement, and essential workers to donating boxes to troops overseas and local family shelters, cookies keep on giving.

Girl Scouts, we're so impressed by how you use your proceeds to earn badges, go on camping trips, complete a service project, and even pursue a High Award. We're also inspired by the big hearts you have – identifying communities to gift cookies to, often along with a kind and thoughtful note. We’ve seen proceeds fund new ideas and causes important to girls. And lastly, we live vicariously through you being fearless, going on adventures, learning, and becoming your brightest self!

Stories show us how powerful the Girl Scout Cookie program is, and we want to make sure the world knows. Continue to share your stories with us online at girlscoutsaz.org/stories, especially the ones that the Girl Scout Cookie program has helped fuel.

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Troop 2030’s donation to Heber-Overgaard Fire Department.

Troop 2674’s donation to Sunshine Acres Children’s Home.

In 2021, 80,602 packages were donated to Cookies for the Community!

Troop 6591’s donation to Phoenix Rescue Mission.

Winter 2021-22

Around the Bend

Hello, 2022 Girl Scout Cookie Program!

I

t’s a new year, we have a scrumptious new cookie, and cookie bosses have set new cookie goals to work toward.

We’re feeling more ready than ever, and are excited to apply learnings from last year as we get back to the action under our newest normal.

Go

ou!

Girl Scouts will again embrace their entrepreneurial spirit byyselling cookies through online platforms and offer socially distant or contactless sales in-person and offer delivery options.

This year’s theme is Climb with Courage and we invite you to think about what this means to you. Reflect on the past year and think about all the amazing things you’ve accomplished, conversations you’ve had, and challenges you have overcome.

You are capable of anything you set your heart and mind to! As you reflect on these things, use that sense of pride, confidence, and courage to climb on!

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

Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council

2022 Key Dates Jan. 7 Preorders on Digital Cookie Jan. 7-14 Extended Area Delivery Jan. 15-16 Metro Phoenix Delivery Jan. 17 – Feb. 27 Cookie Program Jan. 17 Girl Delivery of Preorders Public-facing Program Begins Feb. 1-28 Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge Feb. 18-20 National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend Feb. 27 DOC Girl Delivery Ends May – Sept. Cookie Rewards Arrive & Super Seller Events

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Around the Bend

Score More in Cookie Contests You’re already blingin’ your booth or wagon, creating marketing videos, and going on Walkabouts, so why not enter in one or more of these contests? Girls can be entered to win prizes throughout and at the end of the season. Visit girlscoutsaz.org/cookiecontests for full details and to submit an entry!

Walkabout GSACPC

Create a Cookie Commercial Video

Walkabout is what we call going door-to-door selling cookies!

If you’re heading out in your neighborhood after school or on the weekend, there are two ways you can enter this contest!

Make your own Cookie Commercial and show your audience why they should buy cookies! For the contest, girls can create a topic or use sample topics like “Why I love Girl Scouts,” “What makes Girl Scout Cookies so delicious,” your best elevator pitch, or even video edited of your cookie program experience! Plus, you can use this video on your Digital Cookie site!

• Submit a Photo Entry: Snap a pic and submit it into our weekly drawing. The winner’s photo (selected at random) is shared on Council’s social media channels each Saturday during the cookie program for a total of six winners!

• Walkabout Step-tracker: Track your steps while on your Walkabouts on a digital device like a smartphone, smartwatch, FitBit, or manually and earn points (tokens)! Girls can earn prizes and will also be eligible to earn a healthy living inspired badge!

Cookie Flair Time to get creative and level up your booth, wagon, or lemonade-style cookie stand! Show us your creativity to win in this contest!

Take Your Cookie Business On the Go and Online with Digital Cookie Your Digital Cookie site and mobile app can bring you closer to your goals and connect you to more customers by allowing you to make virtual sales on the go! With online and mobile channels, girls can personalize their sites and access videos, activities, fun games, and quizzes that will help them conquer the upcoming cookie season.

If you haven’t already, be sure to set up Digital Cookie and download the Mobile App to supercharge your cookie business. With the Digital Cookie platforms you can: • • • • •

Take orders on your website or in-person with the app.

Get important safety advice and cool cookie-selling tips.

Accept credit card payments. It's so easy!

Check your progress and keep track of your sales Share your site URL via email

Earn your 2022 Digital Cookie fun patch this upcoming season when you create your personalized site!

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

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Winter 2021-22

Around the Bend

2022 Girl Scout Cookie Lineup

adventurefuls® Indulgent brownie-inspired cookies with caramel flavored crème and a hint of sea salt.

lemon-ups® Test Your Knowledge!

Are you as excited for the upcoming Girl Scout Cookie season as we are? Test your cookie knowledge by matching the iconic cookies with their correct scrumptious descriptions! Check your answers at girlscoutsaz.org/meet-the-cookies and use the list to designate which cookies are on your “2022 musthaves” list.

Crispy lemon cookies baked with inspiring messages to lift your spirits.

samoas® Crisp cookies coated in caramel, sprinkled with toasted coconut and striped with dark chocolaty coating.

tagalongs® Crispy cookies layered with peanut butter and covered with a chocolaty coating.

do-si-dos® Crunchy oatmeal sandwich cookies with creamy peanut butter filling.

trefoils® Delicate-tasting shortbread that is delightfully simple and satisfying.

thin mints® Crisp wafers covered in chocolaty coating made with natural oil of peppermint.

girl scout s’mores® Crunchy graham sandwich cookies with creamy chocolate and marshmallowy filling.

toffee-tastic® Crunchy oatmeal sandwich cookies with creamy peanut butter filling.

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New! Adventurefuls® Brownie-inspired + caramel crème + sea salt = New Fan Favorite!

adventurefuls® adventurefuls® Brownie-inspired + caramel crème + sea salt = New Fan Favorite!

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Around the Bend

The Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge is BACK and BETTER Than Ever!

A

fter taking a break in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re pleased to present the return of the Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge, February 1-28.

In this friendly competition among esteemed Arizona chefs, venues throughout central and northern Arizona go headto-head to create a winning dessert with one of these Girl Scout Cookie flavors: Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, DoSi-Dos, Trefoils, or Lemon-Ups. The participating chefs use their culinary prowess to reimagine these classic Girl Scout Cookies into a delicious dessert and feature it on their menu throughout the entire month of February. Best of all – a portion of the proceeds supports Girl Scouting in Arizona!

Vote for the winner! Girl Scout Cookie fans and restaurant patrons will vote for their favorite dessert, helping us crown a champion in the central and northern regions of Arizona! The 2022 Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge Champions will be announced once the votes are tallied in early March.

Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council

Metro Phoenix Restaurants

aioliburger.com

bluehoundkitchen.com

churnaz.com

wrigleymansion.com

lovecraftphx.com

nookkitchen.com

oakoncamelback.com

proofcanteen.com

rusconiskitchen.com

serranosaz.com

tacoguild.com

tarbells.com

theitaliandaughter.com

themickaz.com

thethumb.com

Vote for the winner and learn more at girlscoutsaz.org/dessertchallenge hotelvalleyho.com

Northern Arizona Restaurants

beaverstreet brewery.com

countyseataz.com

grandcanyon brewery.com

lumberyardbrewing company.com

shiftflg.com

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Around Bend

Adventure Awaits: 2024 Council Travel Destinations Girl Scouts programs encourage exploration and tapping into curiosity. Our Council’s new travel destinations, Belize and Greece, are full of new adventures that will create lasting memories and enriching experiences for Girl Scout Cadettes through Ambassadors. Keep a close eye on our online Council’s Activities Calendar to find information sessions for families to learn more about each program’s itinerary, travel safety, costs, and financial assistance.

Feb. 26

at ASU Sun Devil Stadium Join our Council, State Forty Eight and their Foundation in supporting Girl Scouts as they sell cookies along the trail to reach their sales goals during this last weekend of the cookie program!

We welcome community runners and cookie fans to register for the race by Feb. 19 – visit girlscoutsaz.org/5k to learn more!

Registration includes a limited-edition State Forty Eight t-shirt, a package of Girl Scout Cookies, and more!

Girl Scouts, and their accompanying family members are invited to join in on the fun and participate in the race (untimed) with complimentary entry. Visit the Activities Calendar to reserve your slot.

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Belize

Greece

Bursting with diverse wildlife, Belize is a tropical paradise with miles of shimmering blue Caribbean coastline.

Girls will have the opportunity to identify animals native to Belize’s jungle on nature hikes, soar through the treetops on a zipline, snorkel in clear waters, and more.

Dive into Greek culture with a walking tour of Athens and its incredible ruins. Girls will learn traditional Greek culinary techniques at a group cooking class, set sail on a Grecian voyage where turquoise waters and traditional villages await them.

Coming Soon: New Climbing Tour, Bouldering Wall, and Zipline at Parsons Leadership Center Exciting new outdoor opportunities abound at The Bob & Renee Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp South Mountain. With grants from the Arizona Sports & Tourism Authority and the Margaret T. Morris Foundation, GSACPC added a new climbing tower, bouldering wall, and zipline to the property.

Now girls can learn climbing skills and experience the thrill of zipping from the Lookout on South Mountain to the playfield! The new tower at our Phoenix camp will help us extend climbing opportunities, especially during the winter months, and serve as an additional location for adult volunteer certification.

Girl Scouts, stay tuned for more information on programs available throughout the year and 2022 summer camp!

We broke ground and are busy building the new amenities at Parsons! Stay tuned for more progress photos!

Winter 2021-22

Champions for Girls

Enjoy The Ride With GSACPC’s Mountain Biking Program!

Girl Scouts are hitting the trails through GSACPC’s new Mountain Biking programming, thanks to a $100,000 grant from Fiesta Bowl Charities. The grant allowed Council to purchase 25 mountain bikes, necessary safety equipment, and a trailer to take programming on the road across Arizona.

We Appreciate GSACPC’s Regional Supporters

Girl Scouts at Willow Springs get ready to hit the trails on our new bikes!

We piloted programs last summer and began rolling out ongoing weekend programs in the fall.

Girls can challenge themselves as they progress through several levels, including basic skills, riding in parks, single-track mountain biking on trails – and earn the new Mountain Biking Patch. Check girlscoutsaz.org/activities for upcoming programs.

Thank you to Fiesta Bowl Charities for helping provide opportunities for girls to get outside, test their skills, and build grit through mountain biking.

STEM Activity Center Many thanks to the Rob and Melani Walton Foundation for their continued support of Girl Scout STEM programming and the STEM Activity Center at Parsons Leadership Center. The Foundation has been an ongoing supporter of programs that help girls build their problem-solving and critical thinking skills while exploring robotics and coding, solar observation and astronomy, engineering design, and more.

Girl Scouts gathered ‘round while working together on STEM activities at Parsons Leadership Center.

Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council

GSACPC is excited and honored to be a part of Valley of the Sun United Way’s (VSUW) Mighty Change 2026 Initiative.

VSUW envisions a community where every child has every opportunity to succeed in school, life, and work. Funding from VSUW supports GSACPC as we seek to be a part of this Mighty Change by helping girls in Maricopa County discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges as they work together to build a better world.

Shout out to United Way Northern Arizona (UWNA) for their continued support for Girl Scouting in the Flagstaff area as part of their Step Up for Youth campaign. From volunteer recruitment and training to program support, funding helps GSACPC reach more girls in northern Arizona so they can embrace adventure and discover their talents and passions.

We appreciate the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County for their continued funding. Their support enables GSACPC to bring Girl Scouting to hundreds of girls in Yavapai County so they can build leadership skills that will last a lifetime.

Girl Scout

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Award Recognition

T

Memorials Reflects gifts made Jan. 1 – May 31, 2021.

In Memory of Kathryn Cromley JP Morgan Chase Paul Cromley United Way of Central New Mexico

Tomas Guerra Julia & Samuel Leung

Mary Talley American Express Foundation Paulette Brown

Tributes Reflects gifts made June 1 - Sept. 20, 2021.

In Honor of Renee Parsons Marti DeBenedetti

Melanie Pierson Patricia Burg

Holly Snopko Avent

Eileen Nelson Ward Jerry Ward

June 1-Sept. 30, 2021: There were 50 different Silver Award Take Action project reports submitted for the following 82 Silver Award Recipients.

IGM Lillian Carrillo Madeline Terry

Zoie Kau Lauryn Pallas Camille Tantengco

Troop 1265 Olivia Rubin Courtney Snopko

Troop 13 Mia Bracamonte Laurel Brown Molly Fincher Sophia Flores Alyssa Hernandez April Spagnola

Troop 761 Isabella Davis Gwen Robinson Anna Santiago Laylin Ziegler

Troop 1347 Rosalyn Kellogg

Troop 212 Carmen Odegaard Troop 371 Haley Lynch Amy Fleming Tessa Langbecker Caitlin Ulreich-Power Troop 480 Delia Delaney Kirsten Wilcox

Religious Recognitions June 1 - Sept. 20, 2021

Troop 510 Allyson Knight Troop 553 Caelyn Colburn Ciera Colburn Madison Perry

Protestant God & Church

Troop 558 Aurora Arnett

Komrey Bucich

Troop 733 Katherine Carson Kylie Gomez Juliet Kangethe

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he highest award a Girl Scout Cadette (grades 6-8) can earn, the Silver Award helps girls become organized, determined, and dedicated to improving the community.

After completing a Cadette Journey, girls find a way to create positive change. In a small team, they 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 sustainable change, connect with others outside their immediate neighborhood, learn how others have solved similar problems, determine how others can help, and share what they learned.

Troop 780 Delaney Lawson Troop 949 Rachel Ingram Troop 1000 Destiny Acevedo Isabel Bobis Lanaya Gillette Maddie Klei Hannah Mack Nadia Wondrash Troop 1044 Abigail Schroff Laney Thompson Troop 1220 Mya Delgado Neesa Jhaveri Kayla Rodriguez Reagan Schapiro Troop 1264 Saesha Dubey Cadence Marinzulich Lauren Rygiel

Troop 1451 Madeleine Ostos Troop 1577 Madeline Ragatz Troop 1624 Taylyn Hirsch Troop 1873 Ryanne Schrepfer Troop 2018 London Kai Shaylin Ligon Evalynne Peebler Kyla Quinn Troop 2019 Kiley Frey Kayla Lark Ella Southworth

Taylor MacDonald Kylie Tokeshi Troop 2714 Tyler Listar-Guest Troop 2751 Abigail Gilbert Sullivan Gillis Bailey Norwood Katherine Wazny Troop 2769 Carmen Casillas Brooke Iguaran Nadia Kharoufeh Ansley Rublw Troop 3145 Lila Hoffa Eva Pagliasotti Troop 3999 Lillian King Olivia Ransom Troop 4458 Haylee Reed

Troop 2232 Larkin Lopez Jane Shroyer Kaitlyn Van Der Werf Troop 2561 Aria Robison Troop 2654 Addison Hardy

Winter 2021-22

Award Recognition

T June 1-Sept. 30, 2021: There were 37 different Bronze Award Take Action project reports submitted for the following 133 Bronze Award Recipients.

he Girl Scout Bronze Award is a leadership adventure, and the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior (grades 4-5) can achieve. After completing a Journey program, girls work together to find and research a problem in their community. They plan and complete a “Take Action Project” to address the root cause of the problem, learn how others have solved similar issues, develop more confidence, meet new people, and discover the rewards of working cooperatively to make a difference in their community.

IGM Raivyn Davis Heidi Gonzalez Troop 13 Nora Fincher Victoria Flores Gissele Qiroz Troop 36 Kayla Fouty Troop 128 Lila Lame Troop 194 Aubree Murabito Daniella Wilde Nichole Wilde Troop 343 Ahnali Ahumada Vanessa Csanyi Maggie Hughes Sara Jaramilla Zarae Lewis Ellen O’Hara Thea Powers Troop 468 Brianna Angstead Brenna Wakefield Troop 527 Layla Garcia Anastasia Grass Quinn Madill Troop 558 Mona Wilson Troop 761 Kailani Santiago

Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council

Troop 783 Kinsley Clifton Bianca Cordova Brooklynn Hiner Keira McLaughlin Troop 1044 Kelsey Thompson Kourtney Thompson Troop 1213 Reagan Chisam Anevay Kosierowski Ella May Elizabeth Radcliff Kylie Renfro Troop 2425 Morgan Beadle Bailey Goad Ellora Mahajan Madeleine Touchet Troop 2561 Brooklyn Aston Addison Hosfeldt Cyndee Mcdaniel Izzabella Ramirez Troop 2790 Eden Nakata Troop 3004 Violet Cortes Addisen Duncan Brooklyn Jensen Troop 3145 Madison Ballou Caitlin Claussen Khyla Cosgrove Tatum Doren

Abbey Flood Mila Krupke Emma Withey Troop 3462 Alycia Criger Sunny Ditter Greta Kasselman Hannah Kuzmic Shelby Shearer Lanie Troxel Troop 3503 Charlie Honea Troop 3626 Emerie Compiseno Paige Konyn Amelia Robbins Natalie Sievers Addison Troth Troop 3814 Dolcé Contreras Azarie Edwards Lilianah Estrada Caroline King Harper Knudsen Gabby Saldana Troop 3835 Amelia Burt Gloria Chair Amber Chen Kennedy DeBeau Avery Gattuso Mia Gonzalez Brookelynn Griffin Natalie Kelley Rylie Pacheco Katarina Plank

Troop 4202 Amelia Curren Genevieve De Souza Marissa Graham Sutton Hartman Hazel Hutchison Ashi Karthik Eleanor Lam Zoe Mellas Rysa Patel Breea Sidhu Troop 4290 Rocio Avilez Loera Jasmine Ceballos Reyna Gong LeeAnn Moore Liliana Verdugo Troop 4599 Desiree Erland Troop 6503 Amelia Bauman Troop 6544 Ruby Blaker Lucy Lees Chloe Rice Myla Sapien Ella Stansel Hadley Winter Jessica Young Troop 7286 Emma Bornost Vesper Holgate Troop 7290 Zoe Anderson Lenna Bushell Sophia Conchuratt Ansley Hendricsen Chloe Hendricsen Eden Nakata Violet Shinyeda Adalyn Sitzler Penelope Sitzler Victoria Standke Troop 7302 Teagan Carlott Kinley Gates Sadie Louviaux Kennedy Robinson Ava Wilson Liberty Wyatt Troop 7489 Scarlett Jennett Violet Kerr Caroline Latham Laurel Moore Emma Tucker

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119 E Coronado Road Phoenix, AZ 85004 602.452.7000 / 800.352.6133 girlscoutsaz.org @GSACPC

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

Council Shop

Key Dates

The Council Shop is currently open for in-store visits and is offering curbside pick-up! This is your resource for all things Girl Scout-related – find program supplies, branded merchandise, uniform kits, and more! Masks required for in-store shopping.

Your Council Shop is located at:

NEW! Business Hours:

Parsons Leadership Center 1611 E. Dobbins Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85042 602.452.7137 | shop@girlscoutsaz.org

Tue, Wed, Fri 9am-5pm Sat 9am-1pm The online shop never closes! girlscoutshop.com

Get Ready for Girl Scouts Summer Camp 2022!

How’s your appetite for adventure!? We’re getting ready for camp – stargazing, singing songs, hiking, hatchet throwing, swimming, and more! With a new mini-resident camp option and new installations at Parsons Leadership Center, and the classic programs you know and love, we know this year will be great!

Be sure to review the handout in this issue for dates, how to register, and more!

A new year brings more exciting Girl Scout adventures! Mark your calendar with the key dates below.

1/7 Preorders on Digital Cookie

1/7-14 Cookie Delivery (Extended) 1/15-16 Cookie Delivery (Metro Phx)

1/17 Martin Luther King Jr. Day 1/17-2/27 Girl Scout Cookie Program 1/30 Girl Scout Cookie Night

with Phoenix Suns

February 2/18-20

2/26 3/1-31

3/12

3/15

Black History Month

National GS Cookie Weekend Bring Home the Cookies 5K Women’s History Month Girl Scouts’ Birthday Summer Camp Registration Opens

4/23 GSACPC Annual Meeting

Appetite for Adventure Girl Scouts Summer Camp 2022

Feed Your Appetite for Adventure Craving the outdoors, night skies filled with stars, and a space to connect with fellow campers? How about hiking, rock climbing, and getting hands-on cooking, crafting, and building? Join us at GSACPC Summer Camp in 2022!

After a safe and successful camp season last year, the GSACPC Camp team is thrilled to invite girls back for another summer packed with more of what you love. We are looking forward to troop, day, resident, and mini-resident camp options! We’re also excited to offer beloved programs in aviation, STEM, equestrian, and the new installations of rock climbing, bouldering, and ziplining at Parsons Leadership Center!

Returning campers, good news: We’ve said goodbye to multi-tier pricing. Hello to an affordable and competitive rate!

About Our Camps Home to four beautiful camp properties, each focusing on unique program topics and boasting different property features, we know you’ll have a hard time picking a fave!

Learn more about each camp by watching short videos on each property at girlscoutsaz.org/camp or scanning the QR code!

• Parsons Leadership Center – Day & Mini-Resident Camp, Phoenix • Camp Maripai – Resident Camp, Prescott • Willow Springs Program Center – Resident Camp, Prescott • Shadow Rim Ranch – Resident Camp, Payson

Use your cookie rewards to fuel your way through camp!

A Camp Experience for All Experience the best of camp during any program and at every camp! Regardless of the camp property you attend or the session you enroll in, you can expect a core Girl Scout Camp experience – hiking, team building, archery, outdoor cooking, arts & crafts, hiking, singing camp songs, and making friends for a lifetime! Check out the website for more details on session types and unique offerings at each property.

Registration Opens for All March 15

First Week of Camp June 5

Last Week of Camp July 24

Resident Camp – Campers will spend multiple days residing in cabins and exploring the outdoors. This type of camp is great for girls who are more comfortable spending longer periods away from home and want to experience advanced outdoor adventures! Options include 3-6-day and 13-day overnight. Some of these programs include overnight out-of-camp and/or trip and travel.

New! Mini-Resident Camp – Campers will experience staying overnight in the comfort of our urban camp at Parsons Leadership Center. The program is 3-days, 2-nights starting Wednesday, ending Friday.

Day Camp – Available only at Parsons Leadership Center in Phoenix, this is an excellent option for girls who want the camp experience during the day and then head home at sunset.

Troop Camp – Enjoy camp as a troop, typically 3-days, 2-nights. Participate in various programs and activities, and work on grade-specific programming.

Invite a friend or family member! They don’t have to be a current Girl Scout to attend camp!

How to Register Review the steps below and head to girlscoutsaz.org/camp to create an account or sign in to UltraCamp. Need help registering? No problem! Give us a call at 602.452.7030.

1

Choose the camp session(s) you’d like to attend.

2

Choose additional purchase options.

3

Pay a non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot.

• Transportation • Pre-ordered items • Trading Post (camp shop) account

All deposits go towards the total cost of camp, are non-refundable, non-transferable, and must be made using a credit card.

• 10% deposit per camper for each 3-day+ session • $10 deposit per person for Family and Troop Camps

4

Decide how to make payments.

• Pay by credit card online or by phone with the GSACPC Customer Care team.

• Apply Program Credits and/or Camp Vouchers to camp sessions or bus transportation. Review guidelines before redeeming credits at girlscoutsaz.org/program-credits.

• We want to ensure that everyone who wants to attend camp can do so. If you need financial support, apply for a Campership at girlscoutsaz.org/camperships.

Keep this handy to reference general info, and visit girlscoutsaz.org/camp for all up-to-date program information and registration. Our website will also have information on: camp session descriptions and included badges/patches, ordering your camp kit, refunds, cancellations and changes, transportation, COVID-19 guidelines and protocols, and FAQs.

119 E Coronado Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85004 602.452.7000 | girlscoutsaz.org