Listening Post Spring 2015

SPRING 2015

THE LISTENING POST

the

SUMMER CAMP issue

GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL

FROM THE CEO AND BOARD CHAIR

Margaret Serrano-Foster, Board Chair and Tamara Woodbury, CEO

Dear Friends, We certainly had a lot going on during cookie season -- the Guinness World Record attempt, Club 49, the weekend pilot at Bashas’ supermarkets and the Dessert Challenge. Then there were the walkabouts, boothing and contests.

GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL

THE LISTENING POST SPRING 2015

EDITORIAL

Here’s the good news: We topped last year’s sales record with sales of 3.25 million packages of cookies! This means the girls raised enough money for two more cabins. Well done!!

managing & copy editor Susan de Queljoe

AND we just received the official word – we set a new Guinness World Record for the most money raised in a 24-hour period by the sale of cookies! A total of $377,869 was raised by the 385 troops who participated. Wow!

ART DEPARTMENT

Our thanks to all troop leaders, troop cookie managers, service unit members, parents and family members who supported the girls in many ways during cookie season. We couldn’t do this without you!

And more good news: Fundraising for The Campaign for Girls in Arizona has reached $6.4 million. And on March 12, Girl Scouts’ 103rd birthday, we held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp Sombrero. There’s a great deal of excitement and momentum as we enter the public phase of our campaign.

Did you know that girls who regularly spend time outdoors more readily seek challenges and are better problem-solvers than their peers? That’s what the new GSRI study, “More than S’mores,” concluded. You can read a summary of the research results in this issue.

Summer camp is just around the corner. Our camp sessions are filling up, so if you’re thinking about sending your daughter to camp this summer, you can view the brochure on our website. And if your daughter’s best friend isn’t a Girl Scout, she can still go along. It’s just an extra $15 to register.

We are very proud of the 25 girls who have earned the prestigious Gold Award and were honored for their achievements at the Gold Award Ceremony. This year, we also honored the 133 Girl Scout Cadettes who have earned their Silver Awards, and the 374 Girl Scout Juniors who have earned their Bronze Award. Congratulations to all of you.

writer Leandra Huffer writer Jeanie Pham

art direction/layout Nicole Andersen

CONTACT US info@girlscoutsaz.org stories@girlscoutsaz.org reghelp@girlscoutsaz.org 119 E Coronado Road Phoenix, AZ 85004 P | 602.452.7000 or 800.352.6133 F | 602.452.7100 girlscoutsaz.org

FOLLOW US GSACPC

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@GSACPC

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Si desea esta información en español, por favor llama a 602-452-7072 o vreyes@girlscoutsaz.org.

With love,

Tamara Woodbury, CEO

Margaret Serrano-Foster, Board Chair

GET EMAIL UPDATES Get email updates about special events, programs, volunteer opportunities and council news by visiting girlscoutsaz.org/email-signup!

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THE LISTENING POST // SPRING 2015

FEATURED

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FROM THE CEO AND BOARD CHAIR

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MORE THAN S’MORES

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Summer Camp Issue

7 EASY STEPS

to get your first-time camper ready!

WHICH CAMP IS RIGHT FOR YOU? Take this quiz to find out!

WHAT’S GOOD?

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ANOTHER GREAT COOKIE SALE

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COOKIE CONTEST RESULTS

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SWEET TREATS

Congratulations Girl Scouts!

Bling Your Booth and Cookies-on-the-Go Winners Dessert Challenge a huge success!

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WORLD THINKING DAY RECAP

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A PASSION FOR PREVENTION

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SEEN & HEARD

Donor spotlight on John Whiteman troop notes and event highlights

JUST FOR YOU

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SISTER TO SISTER with Michaelina Miller

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GIRL SCOUT DESTINATIONS

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PEEK AT THE PAST

3 reasons to go

Sisterhood of the travelling Girl Scout Blanket

EVERYTHING ELSE

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GOING FOR THE GOLD!

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AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

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ATTA GIRL!

Silver/Bronze and Religious Recognitions a shout out to Karen Meinerz

LOOKING FORWARD

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GROUNDBREAKING @ CAMP SOMBRERO A new milestone in the Campaign for Girls

MORE THAN S’MORES

Girl Scouts has always placed a high value on getting girls outdoors. Yet, in today’s world girls are spending less and less time outdoors due to increased use of technology devices, the many structured activities competing for children’s time and parental protectiveness.

Last year, the Girl Scout Research Institute published More than S’mores: Successes and Surprises in Girl Scouts Outdoor Experiences that explored two questions: Are Girl Scouts still getting outside? What difference does it make if they do? Based on a survey of nearly 3,000 girls, from 8 to 14 years old, here are some of the highlights:

GIRL SCOUTS HELPS GIRLS GET OUTDOORS. More than 70% of girls said they had their first outdoor experience through Girl Scouts. These outdoor experiences provide them with unique opportunities to try new things, improve skills, overcome fears and help other girls.

GIRLS REALLY ENJOY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN GIRL SCOUTS. Among girls’ favorite activities are camping, swimming, horseback riding and archery. When girls say camping is fun, there are several aspects to it: People fun – building new friendships, team work, and hanging out with friends.

Hard fun – having the opportunity for challenge, mastery and feelings of accomplishment. Nature fun – being out in nature, exploring the natural world.

Girls also appreciate being independent and away from home.

REPEATED CAMP ATTENDANCE, HIGH ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES AND MONTHLY EXPOSURE ARE KEY DRIVERS OF GIRLS’ LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT AND SATISFACTION. Seeking challenges and problem-solving are two outcomes linked to academic success and leadership. These outcomes were more prevalent when girls attended resident camp more than once, took part in high-adventures like canoeing, backpacking, climbing, or the challenge/ropes course and had regular exposure to casual outdoor activities.

GIRL SCOUTS HELPS GIRLS CONNECT WITH AND CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT. Girl Scouts report levels of environmental stewardship at rates almost double the national average for girls their age. Girls are concerned about, connected to, and committed to conserving the environment and they are making a difference.

CAMPING CREATES MEMORIES AND BUILDS LEADERSHIP.

This study confirms the value of outdoor activities for girls. Girl Scouts provides girls with numerous impactful and memorable outdoor experiences that are so much more than just s’mores.

THE LISTENING POST // SPRING 2015

FEATURED

Camping was girls’ number one most memorable outdoor activity. Memories often form the basis of personal narratives about power, potential and meaning. About two-thirds of girls said that Girl Scouts helped them recognize their strengths and learn to do things they thought they couldn’t do.

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ANOTHER GREAT COOKIE SALE CONGRATULATIONS GIRL SCOUTS!

Once again, Girl Scouts and volunteers worked hard, had fun, learned at lot and sold more packages of cookies than ever before. As we go to press, the number of packages sold is 3.25 million and counting. And it looks like two more cabins at Camp Sombrero were funded.

Our sincere thanks go to our partners at Fry’s, Safeway, Wal-Mart and Bashas’ for allowing boothing and supporting our girls. We are also grateful to the many other companies that allowed troops to host booths at their locations. Be sure to spread the thanks wherever you can!

A GREAT START TO THE COOKIE SEASON! More than 1,000 amazing Girl Scouts, families, volunteers and staff gathered at Grand Canyon University for a basketball game to kick off the 2015 Cookie Season in style! Go Lopes!

A NEW WORLD RECORD SET! Girls were certainly busy over the Super Bowl weekend. Many girls joined Club 49, agreeing to sell 49 boxes of cookies that weekend. Other Girl Scouts set up special booth locations and had walkabouts in an effort to set a new Guinness World Record for the most money raised in 24 hours for a charity through the sale of cookies.

The result? Girls sold $377,869 worth of cookies, far surpassing the $75,000 baseline needed. We applaud the efforts of the girls, volunteers and Girl Scout supporters who helped reach this big goal.

WHAT’S GOOD

SHOUT OUT TO GSACPC MEDIA GIRLS!

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More than 50 girls and their parents generously volunteered their time to share their Girl Scout enthusiasm with TV reporters and viewers.

This often meant waking up long before dawn, then spending lots of time waiting for just a few minutes of camera time. Thank you for representing our council!

THE LISTENING POST // SPRING 2015

COOKIE CONTESTS BLING YOUR BOOTH

When it comes to Girl Scout cookie booths, plain is BORING! Girls customized their booth to showcase their creativity and troop spirit. The winners are Troop 1016, Troop 1304 and Troop 383! Great job, girls!

COOKIES ON THE GO Girls showcased their sophistication and flair by decking out a wagon, scooter, stroller, or anything else without a motor. The winners are Loren of Troop 515, Troop 1477, and Kaelin of Troop 1686! Great job, girls!

1st PLACE

1st PLACE

Troop 1016: Allison, Megan, Destinee, Melody, Hailey, Clara, Katie, Bronny

Loren of Troop 515

2nd PLACE

2nd PLACE Troop 1304: Madilyn, Emma, Kyrah, Brynn, Aubrey, Elle A., Elle T., Evahlynn, Athena, Sara

Troop 1477: Kaida, Sabrina, Dana, Sammie, Sophia

3rd PLACE

Troop 383: Kira, Brooke, Claire, Sofia L., Emma, Sofia R., Carly, Gabby

Kaelin of Troop 1686

THE LISTENING POST // SPRING 2015

WHAT’S GOOD

3rd PLACE

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STARS – THEY’RE JUST LIKE US FAMOUS PEOPLE SUPPORTING GIRL SCOUTS

THEY ♥ THIN MINTS!

Did you know KATY PERRY LOVES Thin Mint cookies?

That’s what she said during preparation for her Super Bowl halftime show. It all started with a tweet…and just after her press conference at the Phoenix Convention Center, she got the best Thin Mint surprise of her life!

THE CHAMPIONS buy Thin Mints! Former Super Bowl champion of the Oakland Raiders, Lincoln Kennedy, visited a Girl Scout booth during Super Bowl XLIX.

PLAN YOUR GIRL SCOUT SUMMER IN

3 EASY STEPS!

Thank you, JIMMY FALLON for supporting Girl Scouts!

Jimmy bought 50 boxes of Girl Scout cookies in Phoenix during Super Bowl XLIX!

The school year is coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean Girl Scout fun has to stop! Girls can attend council programs as an individual, or as part of a troop. All you have to do is register and show up!

Go to girlscoutsaz.org/events

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Browse the event calendar, or use “advanced search” to find activities by grade level, date and more.

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Learn more about a program by clicking on it.

WHAT’S GOOD

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THE LISTENING POST // SPRING 2015

Set to the tune of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space,” sisters LEXI (left) and KAYLEE took their advertising game to the next level. Their video was featured on BuzzFeed, Elle Magazine, Cosmopolitan and has been viewed almost 300,000 times! Ad–maze–ing!

SWEET TREATS!

DESSERT CHALLENGE A HUGE SUCCESS!

CHoP

Tagalong Shortbread

DIFFERENT

KELLY’S

OLIVE + IVY

AT SOUTHBRIDGE Tagalong Chocolate Donut Holes

POINTE OF VIEW Respect the Legacy

#TEAMTAGALONGS

Chocolate Peanut Butter Gelato with Girl Scout Tagalongs

Samoas Cheesecake

BINK’S RESTAUARANTS Banana Trefoil Puddin’

RUSCONI’S

CRILLO

Citrus Trefoil Trifle

LUMBERYARD BREWING CO.

Do-Si-Do Peanut Butter Gooey Cake

OVER EASY Chocolate Do-Si-Dos Muffins

#TEAMDOSIDOS

GRIMALDI’S

#TEAMTREFOILS

SECOND STORY Brûléed Salted Chocolate Tart

The Tom-oa

MELTING POT Dark Chocolate Mojito Fondue

BLUE WASABI

GRIMALDI’S

SUSHI ROKU

THE HENRY

Tempura Thin Mint Ice Cream

Thin Mint Chocolate Mousse Dome

Thin Mint Cheesecake

Thin Mint Doughnuts

5TH & WINE Rah-Rah Raisin Cookie Mud Pie

DEL FRISCO’S Rum Raisin Ice Cream Sandwich

most money raised THE LISTENING POST // SPRING 2015

WHAT’S GOOD

TOM’S THUMB

32 SHEA

Double Chocolate Thin Mint Mousse

#TEAMRAISINS

Samoa Decadence

#TEAMTHINMINTS

most desserts served

Samoa Cookie Gelato

#TEAMSAMOAS

GELATO SPOT

The Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge was a huge success! The competition helped keep cookies top of mind and encouraged customers to try them in new ways. Twenty restaurants created delicious Girl Scout cookie desserts, sold over 4,000 treats and donated a portion of their proceeds to Camp Sombrero! They truly showed what it means to support girls in Arizona. Find the recipes at girlscoutsaz.org/cookie-fun.

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GROUNDBREAKING @ CAMP SOMBRERO A NEW MILESTONE IN THE CAMPAIGN FOR GIRLS IN ARIZONA What a great way to celebrate the 103rd birthday of Girl Scouts! On March 12, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp Sombrero was held – heralding a new era for girls in Arizona. More than 150 people gathered for the occasion.

The program began with the flag ceremony led by members of Girl Scout Troops 2188 and 1395. They were then seated on stage with members of our Elder Circle and other Girl Scouts from the Cholla neighborhood.

Tamara Woodbury, CEO, welcomed everyone and talked about the campaign goals to serve more girls with more adult volunteers and to build the Leadership Center for Girls and Women. Margaret Serrano-

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THE LISTENING POST // SPRING 2015

Foster, Chair of the Board of Directors, recognized the contributions of the Elders Circle, the campaign chairs, board members, foundations and individuals whose generous gifts to the Campaign for Girls in Arizona had brought us to this point.

Jordan Williams, a Girl Scout Ambassador, talked about how girls will donate one million dollars from the 2014 and 2015 cookie sale proceeds, making them one of the largest campaign donors. She said, “We’re not just waiting for things to happen. We’re showing leadership and making things happen.”

Kaylin Smith, a Girl Scout Senior, spoke about her experience in Girl Scouting and what girls gain through the program. She said, “I’m so excited about Camp Sombrero because I want all girls to have the opportunities I have through Girl Scouts.”

Jordan and Kaylin then led the audience in singing Make New Friends. There were more than a few tears of nostalgia on the faces of alumnae as they sang this Girl Scout favorite.

We were honored to have a number of political leaders join us. Governor Doug Ducey acknowledged that all of Arizona’s female governors were Girl Scouts and thanked the adult volunteers for their commitment to girls. The Honorable Ed Pastor talked about the challenges and barriers that girls and women still face today, and how Girl Scouts continues to blaze a path for girls.

U.S. Representative Ruben Gallego stressed the need for more women leaders and used his wife, Kate Gallego, as an example. Kate Gallego, a Phoenix City Council member, talked about her Girl Scout experience and how it shaped her life, not only in her interest in the environment, but also how learning to sell Girl Scout cookies door-to-door helped her win the recent election. State Senator Reginald Bolding also attended.

LOOKING FORWARD

A traditional blessing of the grounds was performed by Debra Thomas and the O’odham drummers from the Tohono O’odham Nation. Then Girl Scouts Jordan, Kaylin and Alison put the shovel in the ground, surrounded by our CEO, Board members, and politicians.

It was a very fitting start on our vision to transform Camp Sombrero into the Leadership Center for Girls and Women.

THE LISTENING POST // SPRING 2015

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sister 2

with SISTER

DEAR GIRL SCOUT SISTERS, When I was in 6th grade, my troop had shrunk to three girls. This was not enough girls to sustain a troop, yet none of us were willing to stand by as the troop withered away. So, my fellow Girl Scouts and I decided to take action.

We went to our principal and asked her if we could organize presentations for all the girls from kindergarten to 8th grade. When the girls came in, we showed them all the exciting things we had done as Girl Scouts. We told them how Girl Scouts had a profound positive effect on our lives over the years.

Then we gave them basic information about Girl Scouts and all of the necessary paperwork to join.

In 2011 Michaelina, Lily and Casey (from left to right), put together a plan to save their Girl Scout Troop.

When we started, we were just hoping to get enough girls to have a troop. I guess we were convincing, because we ended up growing from three girls to 30! This just shows how Girl Scouts can do anything.

The power we have is beyond anything anyone could imagine.

Today, Troop 1593 is 22 girls strong. Recruiting more troop members is something that we will always remember and cherish. The experience gave us insight on what it truly means to lead like a girl.

JUST FOR YOU

JUST FOR YOU

Remember—always take lead and do your best to make a change in the world around you!

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Best Wishes,

Troop 1593 is currently 22 members strong thanks to Michaelina!

Michaelina Miller

ANNUAL MEETING!

April 25, 2015 | Leadership Session 9-11:30am | Business Session 12-1pm | Sheraton Downtown Phoenix Everyone’s Invited! Annual Meeting is a great opportunity to learn more about what’s available through our Council for both girls and adults, as well as gain perspective on where our Council is headed. You will have the opportunity to connect with GS sisters and share your own experience. Plus, it’s 100 percent girl-led and girl-designed. And when girls lead, great things are accomplished! No reregistration required! To learn more visit girlscoutsaz.org/annual-meeting

THE LISTENING POST // SPRING 2015

WORLD THINKING DAY Did you know Girl Scouts are part of a global sisterhood? That’s right! More than 150 countries have Girl Scouts or Girl Guides! And in February, more than 1,000 people gathered at Margaret T. Hance Park to celebrate these international friendships on World Thinking Day! This year, the theme was “Creating Peace through Partnership,” and highlighted diversity in a multicultural world.

A shout out to all the Girl Scouts and volunteers who hosted a booth and taught festival attendees about countries, cultures and religions from around the world. You made this day extra special!

(Photo courtesy of Megan, Brownie, Troop 1213)

The day kicked off with a very special flag ceremony. Every country represented at World Thinking Day had it’s flag included in the procession.

Girl Scouts got a dance lesson from the KawambeOmawale African Drum and Dance Theatre Troupe!

Troops taught visitors about their country by dressing in traditional clothing, playing games and sampling regional cuisine.

Throughout the day, girls captured the spirit of world peace and unity by creating art. Their artwork will be displayed at the Phoenix Art Museum in the Children’s Gallery during June.

Are you part of, or do you know a women’s group that would benefit from learning about Girl Scouts? Athena Salman, Member Engagement Executive, GSACPC, is available to talk about Girl Scouting today, its impact on girls and their communities and how volunteers can make a positive impact in a girl’s life. For more info or to request Athena to speak, contact her at asalman@girlscoutsaz.org or 928-699-9618.

THE LISTENING POST // SPRING 2015

WHAT’S GOOD

SHARE THE GIRL SCOUT STORY

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COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS IN SOUTH PHOENIX

The Roosevelt Elementary School District Wellness Center was the site of a gathering of more than 70 south Phoenix community stakeholders and GSACPC staff on March 11. This half-day meeting explored some of the issues and possible solutions for girls in this community. Findings from GSRI’s

report The State of Girls: Unfinished Business was presented by Leanne Murphy, Coordinator of GSACPC Social Justice Programs, along with data related to the local community.

A panel of community thought-leaders, including Dr. Sharese Terrell Willis, multi-level troop leader in South Phoenix, Dr. Raquel Gutierrez, Director of Strategic Learning & Practice, St. Luke’s Health Initiatives, January Contreras, CEO, ALWAYS - Arizona Legal Women and Youth Services, and Brad Snyder, E.D., The Dion Initiative for Child Well-Being and Bullying Prevention, ASU, provided additional insights and sparked a lively discussion among those attending.

The feedback from the event will help to build more collaboration and partnership in south Phoenix, increase volunteerism and encourage more girls to become Girl Scouts.

Raquel Gutierrez (R) makes a point as Sharese Willis (C) and January Contreras (L) look on.

A PASSION FOR PREVENTION

Donor spotlight on John Whiteman “You can either plug the hole or bail the water,” said John Whiteman recently. He strongly believes that plugging the hole, or better yet, avoiding the rocks that created the hole, is the better approach.

WHAT’S GOOD

John has a passion for children and early childhood education. He says that education should be seen as an investment, not an expense. Education is an investment that pays dividends in the future health of the community.

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“I want to invest in prevention by supporting Girl Scouts.”

He sees the Campaign for Girls in Arizona as another important investment in the future of girls and Arizona. “If only more people recognized the true THE LISTENING POST // SPRING 2015

impact that women make in the world,” he said. “It was women who tamed the West, not the Colt 45.”

He is excited that The Leadership Center for Girls at Camp Sombrero is becoming a reality. “I want to invest in prevention by supporting Girl Scouts,” he said. His support for the Campaign includes a personal gift of $100,000 and a gift of $25,000 from the Whiteman Foundation, where John serves as president. John hopes these gifts will inspire others to support the Campaign for Girls.

John is a man of action, who has been making a difference in the lives of children for decades. He founded the Arizona Museum for Youth, now called i.d.e.a., in Mesa, and Educare Arizona, an educational childcare center in Phoenix. John retired from Empire Southwest in Arizona as CEO in 2003.

INVOLVE YOUR DAUGHTER.

Review the camp brochure, website and online videos together with your daughter. Let her be involved in selecting possible camp sessions to attend. When she’s part of the decision, she’ll feel more at ease when she arrives.

PRACTICE.

Let your daughter sleep over at a friend’s house, if she hasn’t done so before. That way, she’ll know what it feels like to be away from home!

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CALM PRE-CAMP JITTERS.

If your daughter is nervous, tell her it’s natural to have worries when you go somewhere new. Then, focus on the positive by telling her how proud you are that she is brave, confident and courageous!

TO GET YOUR FIRST-TIME CAMPER READY! MEET THE CAMP STAFF.

Join us for an open house at Camp Maripai, Willow Springs or Shadow Rim Ranch. Seeing the camp and meeting the camp counselors will help alleviate the fear of the unknown for both of you. See Open House schedule on back cover.

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SEND HER ON THE CAMP BUS.

Although you might want to drive her to camp, consider the bus instead. By the time your daughter reaches camp, she’ll already have made new friends.

PRACTICE MORE!

Do a packing trial run and then practice living out of that suitcase for a couple days.

It’s a great way to build excitement and flag any important items you forgot to pack.

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BE HONEST!

Afraid of the dark? Wet the bed? Let your camp counselor know before your daughter arrives at camp. The more the camp staff knows about your daughter, the more equipped they are to help her settle in.

There’s a Camp for That?!

Whether your Girl Scout wants to plan a road trip through the southwest, learn to ride horses bare-back, or hone in on her Jedi skills— there’s a camp for that. Here are just a few of our newest and most unique camp sessions! Register for one of these camp sessions, or find one that’s perfect for your daughter at girlscoutsaz.org/summer-camp.

For the budding scientist...

For the green thumb girl…

For the flourishing fashionista…

Camp Chemist @ Camp Maripai

Urban Farmer @ Willow Springs

Project Runway @ Shadow Rim

Discover how science is hiding all around you, even at camp! Campers build mini rockets, concoct their own salad dressing and enjoy traditional camp activities like horseback riding, campfires and crafts.

Dig into the world of farming by taking field trips to meet real-life farmers and help harvest, can, dehydrate and cook food in sustainable ways. Plus, girls will investigate environmental systems and learn how agriculture can change the world.

From shirts and jewelry, to hair accessories and more, we’re taking camp fashion to the next level! When you’re not busy designing the next big trend, explore the outdoors, sing songs around the campfire and scale the climbing wall!

GRADES 2-3 | 6 DAYS | $310

GRADES 9-12 | 13 DAYS | $675

GRADES 4-5 | 6 DAYS | $300

THE LISTENING POST // SPRING 2015

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SEEN & HEARD

Girl Scouts had a tech-tastic time learning about computer hardware technology at AZ STRUT COMPUTER TECHIE CAMP.

Girl Scouts cheered on the PHOENIX SUNS as they took on the San Antonio Spurs in February. After the game, girls took turns cutting down the net!

Girl Scouts, their families and volunteers attended the SUNSET TOUR to celebrate Camp Sombrero one last time before construction begins on the Leadership Center for Girls and Women.

WHAT’S GOOD

Robotic team GOT COOKIES competed in the First Lego League for the second year in a row!

This year, they advanced to the Arizona State Championships, congrats girls. A shout out to APS, who funded the Girl Scout robotics teams!

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<< Women serving in legislature shared their lessons in courage, confidence and character with Girl Scouts at the RUNNING TO CHANGE THE WORLD event! Thanks to Betsey Bayless, Deb Gullett, Leah Landrum Taylor and Stephanie Parra for providing your insights into leadership in government!

THE LISTENING POST // SPRING 2015

SEEN & HEARD

TROOP 998 earned their Brownie First Aid Badge while

touring Glendale Fire Station 157. The girls learned what to do in an emergency, from calling 911 to using first aid to handle minor injuries. When the unexpected happens, these Brownies will be prepared!

Brownies in TROOP 1000 collected and donated 90 hygiene bags to the Homeless Youth Connection, 30 boxes of toys to Phoenix Children’s Hospital, 48 holiday cards to disabled veterans, and much more! They may be small, but they sure have big hearts and love for helping others.

SHARE YOUR STORY! Email troop notes to stories@girlscoutsaz.org or submit online at girlscoutsaz.org/stories to be featured in the next issue! ■

Girls and Troop Leaders of the OASIS NEIGHBORHOOD assembled bedtime bags for a local domestic violence shelter. Each bag had a book, blanket and stuffed animal.

For nearly 10 years, they have donated 100 bags each year!

<< TROOP 567 put a smile on everyone’s face at the Flagstaff Light Parade. To help spread the holiday spirit, they dressed up as Olaf from the movie “Frozen,” while visiting the Flagstaff Medical Center’s Pediatric Unit.

THE LISTENING POST // SPRING 2015

WHAT’S GOOD

Daisy TROOP 308 marched in the Glendale Hometown Christmas Parade as their first outing together. They were super excited to meet Howler from the Coyotes!

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EVERYTHING ELSE

GOING FOR GOLD!

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The Gold Award is the highest, most demanding award a Girl Scout can obtain. This year, 25 girls have earned this prestigious award. To earn the Gold Award, a girl must stretch her skills and step forward as a leader to meet a local or global need, and create sustainable change through a time-intensive service project of her choosing. Through this process the girl develops and enhances her own leadership, determination, creativity and confidence.

This year, the girls devoted 2,360 volunteer hours to complete their Gold Award projects.

Their work has a profound and positive impact in the community. Everyone â&#x20AC;&#x201C; parents, mentors and council staff â&#x20AC;&#x201C; is immensely proud of these exceptional young women and their achievements. They are leaders among their peers, and the future leaders of our community.

Thinking of going for the Gold? Get project ideas at www.pinterest.com/gsacpc!

THE LISTENING POST // SPRING 2015

MADDIE ALLEN Rio Salado Habitat Restoration

JAMIE BEHYMER

Interested in child development, Sierra focused her Gold Award on minimizing the reading achievement gap caused by a lack of resources for students.

She arranged for community organizations to donate books and created a lending library at the preschool she attended as a child.

Jamie’s mission was to foster respect and kindness among students. To do this, she encouraged all students to take a “Falcon Oath,” which promotes treating others with respect and striving for excellence. More than 90 percent of students took the oath and the school administration plans to make this a campus tradition.

Falcon Awesome

THE LISTENING POST // SPRING 2015

EVERYTHING ELSE

Maddie’s Gold Award focuses on restoring the wildlife habitat along the Salt River near Seventh Street and Rio Salado. She planted eight mesquite trees and installed irrigation. To pass on what she learned, she created an information board containing facts about the health and environmental benefits of the mesquite tree.

SIERRA ARANDA

Family School Library

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EMILY BOWEN Arizona Nature Discover Garden

Emily wanted to give back to the school where her troop held their meeting. So she decided to beautify a 20’ by 20’ empty space on campus. She planted vegetation and installed an irrigation system and benches.

Today, the garden provides a beautiful setting where students and staff can read, relax and rejuvenate.

HANNAH COLLINS

Show You Care Packages After learning there was an unusually large population of homeless students at Mountain Pointe, Hannah wanted to help these students. So she created Show You Care Packages, which include toiletries, clothing and snacks. By the end of the year, Hannah had assembled and delivered 120 care packages.

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THE LISTENING POST // SPRING 2015

LISA BOWMAN

ARIEL CARR

Lisa noticed that many students lack a clear understanding of how colleges evaluate potential students. To help students put their best foot forward when applying to college, Lisa created an 8-part video series that reviews the dos and don’ts of preparing for and applying to college.

Ariel Carr noticed that people often get so busy they forget to take time to do something kind for someone else. So she created a pay-it-forward kindness initiative that challenges recipients of an act of kindness to pass it on by performing a kind act for someone else. So far, Ariel has recorded more than 500 random acts of kindness done because of her project.

SARA FRANCO

SIERRA FULLMER

Sara wanted to play a role in instilling leadership skills in future leaders. So she started The Spark Council at ASU Preparatory Academy Middle School. She worked with students and teachers to create the student government council, helped students elect members, and taught the students how to advocate for themselves.

Sierra focused her Gold Award on helping the Rio Salado Restoration Project in south Phoenix become a more welcoming and relaxing environment. To do this, she led a group of students to weld and install a trio of benches that were made from donated recycled scrap metal.

Let’s Go to College

The Spark Council

Keep it Kind

Southern Phoenix Nature Awareness

PATRICIA GRAHMANN

MICHELLE GREENFIELD

Patricia’s Gold Award aims teach children about the joy of giving through a program she created called Celebrate with Banner. The program encourages children to collect donations for their birthday, rather than presents.

Since the launch of her project, 700 items have been donated to Banner Desert Cardon Children’s Center.

Michelle’s Gold Award focused on documenting the stories of Holocaust survivors and their families. After interviewing 12 survivors and their relatives about how these experiences influenced their lives, Michelle created a website where she published their stories, preserving them for visitors, now and in the future.

SARAH JONES

LAUREN KOLTES

Kids Helping In-Need Patients

B.R.I.D.G.E. – Being Reminded to Involve Different Groups (Encouragement) Sarah’s Gold Award fosters understanding and compassion toward classmates with learning disabilities. To accomplish this, she created an educational film – she wrote the script, recruited actors, and worked with a production company to edit the film. Then she promoted the film to fellow students and school clubs.

Never Forget - Never Again

House of Refuge/ House of Hope Mural Lauren’s Gold Award focused on beautifying the campus garden at House of Refuge, a faith-based organization that helps families in crisis. To do this, she painted a huge mural of a cross in a desert landscape. Nearly all the supplies for the project were donated and the mural took five days to complete.

OLIVIA GUERRA

Water Harvesting in the Navajo Nation Olivia developed a reliable, clean water source in Bonaventure, a community in the Navajo Nation in New Mexico. The purification system, called a “slow sand water filter,” is sustainable and built from mostly recycled materials. After installing the filter, Olivia created a video demonstrating how to replicate the system.

RACHEL LA MASCUS Project C.U.R.E.

Rachel created a database of surgical centers in Phoenix to help garner donations for Project C.U.R.E., an organization that sends medical equipment to developing countries. She also helped develop donor communication tools for Project C.U.R.E., including a script to use when telephoning the facilities, an email template and an informational brochure.

THE LISTENING POST // SPRING 2015

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TAYLOR LAMBRIGGER Digging into Our Past

Taylor helped The Church of Latter Day Saints in Gilbert refurbish their Family History Center by collecting donations for important items like computers and chairs. Once the center was updated, she organized an event inviting the community to come and learn about different aspects of Family History work.

Project Friendship

Mallory tackled an issue close to her heart—bullying. She built a “friendship” bench at her former elementary school. This bench is a safe place for kids to go when they feel excluded or in need of a friend. After planning, advocating for funding, and a long workday, the bench was installed.

CAITLYNN PULLEY

Donate Life Campaign Caitlynn raised community awareness about how to become an organ donor. To spread the word, she created flyers and posters and hosted information booths during school lunch and in front of the local DMV. Overall, Caitlynn influenced 30 people to become donors and provided information to hundreds of people about how to become a donor.

ALISON ROMERO

ARIANA SCHNEIDER The Dirt Factory

Trees for Reading Garden

Alison created a holiday angel tree in her school, decorated with gift ideas on angel tags. She collected more than $4,000 worth of gifts which benefited more than a dozen of her fellow students in need. Alison’s project has been implemented at two other local high schools.

Ariana designed and installed a composting and rain catchment system in a community garden at her church. She then used the garden to teach several other organizations how to reduce solid waste through composting. As a result of her outreach, multiple Flagstaff organizations have begun implementing their own composting systems.

Emily’s Gold Award enhanced the newly created reading garden at the school where her troop held meetings. She built a natural barrier between the garden and the school parking lot using honeysuckle, smoke tree shrub, Arizona cypress and Navajo glance willow, all of which were donated by local businesses.

Holiday Help for the Less Fortunate

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MALLORY MCMURRAY

THE LISTENING POST // SPRING 2015

EMILY STOLZ

8 REASONS

TO GO FOR THE GOLD! LAUREN VARANESE Young Adult Cancer Awareness

Lauren’s goal was to raise awareness about young adult cancer. So she held a walkathon in Fountain Hills attended by almost 100 people. With the money raised by the walkathon, Lauren hosted a meet-up for young adults with cancer, where they could share their experiences and hope with one another.

VALARIE VARANESE Cool Crazy Science

Valerie increased interest in science among younger students by planning and coordinating a mini science fair. More than 20 fourth and fifth graders attended the fair and had the opportunity to try fun and exciting science experiments.

You’ll enter one rank higher than other recruits, if you’re joining the armed services.

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You’re eligible to be nominated as a National Young Woman of Distinction.

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You’re eligible for special college scholarships.

You’ll stand out on college applications and job resumes.

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JOSCELYN WERHAN Food for Thought

To share her love of gardening with children in her community, Joscelyn built a garden at Ponderosa Head Start, a child care center where she regularly volunteers. She advocated for donations, recruited volunteers and built the garden. Joscelyn planted more than 100 plants and holds gardening classes with the preschool students.

Kelsey focused her Gold Award on educating children about the causes and effects of animal overpopulation. She made presentations about the issue to various children’s organizations and organized a donation drive to help the shelter meet current needs, collecting 171 blankets, 315 kitten sweaters and 260 toys.

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You’ll feel great giving back to the community.

You can apply your service hours to the President’s Volunteer Service Awards.

KELSEY YUREK

The Tails of Adopting: Human Education and Service

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You’ll be a shining example of leadership to your sister Girl Scouts, and the community as a whole.

You’ll amaze yourself with what you can accomplish!

THE LISTENING POST // SPRING 2015

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3 REASONS TO GO ON A

GIRL SCOUT DESTINATION To explore our 2015 Destinations, visit http://forgirls.girlscouts.org/travel. You don’t have to be a Girl Scout to take part in Destinations – you can join when you apply!

2.

1. DEVELOP SKILLS you didn’t know you had.

Imagine the satisfaction you get when paddle boarding off the beaches of San Clemente, scuba-diving in the tropical waters of Panama or visiting the giant pandas of China. There are so many different destinations to explore – all you need to do is choose one!

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2. EMBRACE A NEW CULTURE. Experience the world in a different way. Girl Scouts really ARE global. Connect with people from exotic cultures, try new food, and even learn a language! The 3. people, the colors, the scent and the architecture are enough to refresh your soul and redefine your boundaries.

3. MAKE NEW FRIENDS from near and far! Destination trips are unique because you travel with Girl Scouts from all over the US, and sometimes with Girl Scouts overseas. You’ll come back home knowing you have Girl Scout sisters from all over the world! So next time you go to Florida or Sweden, you’ll not only have a place to stay, but a friend to show you all the local hot spots.

JUST FOR YOU

PEEK at the PAST

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SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING GIRL SCOUT BLANKET Margaret Fanning grew up green, and although she had plenty of uniforms, pins and badges, one of her most treasured items was a Girl Scout blanket. The blanket was originally given to her mother in the 1930s and weathered picnics, camping trips and countless couch snuggle sessions. When Margaret became a Girl Scout camp counselor during the 1960s in Briarcliff, New York, she brought along her treasured Girl Scout blanket.

Over the years, the nearly 90-year old blanket has experienced some wear and tear. After learning that the Arizona Cactus-Pine Council History Committee restores and displays vintage Girl Scout memorabilia, Margaret shipped the blanket from her home in Hartland, Vermont to Arizona.

Margaret visited her blanket at the Barbara Anderson Girl Scout Museum in February. From left to right: Margaret Fanning and History Committee volunteers Nancy Buell and Joyce Maienshein.

THE LISTENING POST // SPRING 2015

Today, the blanket has a special spot in The Outdoor Girl Scout exhibit at the Barbara Anderson Girl Scout Museum. “The blanket has so many happy memories attached to it. I am delighted it’s somewhere where someone cares about it,” Margaret says.

RECOGNITIONS girl scout

BRONZE award

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior can achieve. A girl and her troop find and research a problem in their community. They plan a Take Action Project that addresses the root cause of the problem, and ultimately make a positive difference in the community. In the process, girls develop confidence, meet new people and build relationships with their Girl Scout sisters.

October 16 – December 31, 2014 There were six Bronze Award Take Action project reports submitted. The projects completed by troops included educating the community about water conservation, helping fire victims, helping bring hope to cancer patients, and working with animal shelters.

Troop 294

Sierra Smith

Ella Werre Natalie Stevens Tatum Biddle Autumn McCoy Grace Phillips

Troop 567

Madison Perrine Troop 613

Jenna McAnerney Madasyn Villalobos Dru Smart

Julianne Cupone Emily Cockerham Alyssa Myer Troop 825

Allaska Vazquez

Morgan Zugaj

Hailee Riddering Olivia McDowell Michelle Valenzuela Troop 2405

Kendahl Patti

DO YOU KNOW A GIRL WHO’S COMPLETED HER BRONZE OR SILVER AWARD? To purchase award pins and to have her name included in these lists, submit a Bronze/Silver Award Take Action Project form, available at www.girlscoutsaz.org/awards. Volunteers guiding girls through Bronze/Silver Award Take Action Projects can get all the info they need online at www.girlscoutsaz.org/awards.

Looking for project ideas? Check our board on Pinterest! http://pinterest.com/gsacpc

girl scout

SILVER

award

The highest award a Girl Scout Cadette can earn, the Silver Award, gives a girl the chance to show that she is a leader who is organized, determined, and dedicated to improving her community. Girls work together in small groups, and each girl is responsible for a part of the project.

October 16 – December 31, 2014 The following Silver Award recipients addressed problems in their communities, including collecting school supplies, raising awareness about the harmful effects of bullying, creating a community garden, and helping a horse rescue organization.

Troop 19

Sara Curry

Troop 902

Saydee Lane

Troop 1456

Natalie Faron

Troop 1715

Claudia Clayton

Gabriela Mendoza Madison Miller

Hailey Forbis Lindsey Foster

Emily Van Camp

Troop 1191

Alexis Motko

Megan Downey

Troop 490

Aurora Ream

Troop 1600

Troop 1219

Troop 1654

Alyssa Houle

Sabrina Dickinson Hannah Hutchinson Cheyenne Nogradi Julianna Peters Troop 856

Coral Milliard Mauren Tagg

Amaya Burkhart

Savannah Hale Kenslee Jory Annie Plogman Emily Stutesman

Alyssa Barney Lindsey Barney Lizzy Dsylin Emma Frisbee Hannah Hilton Grayce Selover

Troop 1900 Troop 2112

Brianna Persiani Bella Schattenberg Troop 2790

Anjelyna Davis

Zoe Walker

Troop 2225

Lindsay Armstrong

Delilah Hurd Maggie Messmer Ella Stevenson Emily Zbick

THE LISTENING POST // SPRING 2015

EVERYTHING ELSE

Alexandra Gibson Cara Redding Hannah Shackleford

Troop 2781

Lizzie LaBate

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RECOGNITIONS girl scout

TRIBUTES & memorials

Want to honor a friend or family member for a birthday or other special occasion, or make a gift in memory of a loved one? Your gift to Girl Scouts may be designated as a tribute or memory of someone special.

Tributes and Memorials from August 1 – October 19, 2014.

In Honor of Cathy McKee Olesen

In Honor of Angie Delgadillo

Rowland Carmichael Advisors, Inc.

Lynn R. Hoffman

In Honor of the San Diego Imperial Co.

In Honor Of Susan Wickes

Marsi Keith

In Memory of Barbara Anderson

Sallie McCutcheon

In Memory of Ruth Catalano

Racheal Wilson

In Memory of Janice Gemmell

Bonnie Walsh

Barbara Prior

In Memory of my sister Joanne Safarian

In Memory of Leslie E. & Bella M. Seager

Mary L. Thomas

Frederick & Genevieve Witteborg Trust

EARN BADGES AND COMPLETE JOURNEYS WITH PROGRAM-IN-A-BOX! Each box comes with the materials to do exciting, hands-on activities based on badges and journeys. All materials incorporate the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and links to Common Core Standards. Before you check out a program box, you must complete a mandatory training. For more info about training, fees and forms, email programinabox@girlscoutsaz.org.

ATTA GIRL! KAREN MEINERZ, a leader of two troops, embraces and encourages

EVERYTHING ELSE

girl leadership among Girl Scouts and volunteers. With Karen’s guidance and mentorship, her troops have earned the Bronze award, various activity badges and completed Leadership Journeys. She serves on the Ahwatukee Neighborhood Service Unit and is an advisor to the Girl Advisory Board. Recently, some of her troop members took part in the flag ceremony at the groundbreaking at Camp Sombrero.

Thank you, Karen, for your outstanding service in helping to build girls of courage, confidence and character!

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Are you or someone you know doing something good? Send your submissions (photos welcome) with the subject “Atta Girl!” to stories@girlscoutsaz.org.

THE LISTENING POST // SPRING 2015

KAREN

WHICH GIRL SCOUT CAMP IS RIGHT FOR YOU? Take this quiz to find out!

ARE YOU READY TO HAVE THE BEST SUMMER EVER? Yes!

Double yes!

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN TO CAMP? Yes!

Not yet!

MY FAVORITE SUBJECT IS... science

drama

history

DO YOU LIKE TO HIKE? Yes!

Not so much.

WHAT’S YOUR CAMP NAME? an animal

something I just made up

a place

WHICH DO YOU PREFER? getting crafty!

I LIKE TO BE...

DO YOU WANT TO TRAVEL? Yes!

No, I want to stay at camp.

climbing

on stage

with horses

on the water

WILLOW SPRING PROGRAM CENTER

SHADOW RIM RANCH

CAMP MARIPAI

Sing on stage, zipline through the trees, throw clay, and if you’re lucky, meet Willowmina! Willow Springs Program Center in Prescott, AZ is the camp for you!

Climb up the climbing tower, canoe on the pake, or take a trip to somewhere new! Shadow Rim Ranch in Payson, AZ is the camp for you!

Hop on a horse, hike around, cook outdoors, and try your archery skills!

Camp Maripai in Prescott, AZ is the camp for you!

LIFE IS GREAT AT GIRL SCOUT SUMMER CAMP!

girlscoutsaz.org/summer-camp

5/2

RELIGIOUS AWARDS CELEBRATION

5/3, 6/6 OPEN HOUSE @ MARIPAI

5/31

OPEN HOUSE @ SHADOW RIM

6/7 - 7/31

6/6

OPEN HOUSE @ WILLOW SPRINGS

7/18

PHOENIX MERCURY LOCK-IN

Watch the WNBA champs on the court and then sleepover!

10/17

SUMMER CAMP

Visit girlscoutsaz.org/camp for more info or to register.

6/6

GS NIGHT @ DBACKS

Watch the Diamondbacks take on the Mets and get a special patch!

WOMEN & YOUNG WOMEN OF DISTINCTION

Call for nominations! Do you know a woman or young woman who should be recognized at our luncheon? We honor three former and three current Girl Scouts who have demonstrated courage, vision and leadership in making our world a better place. Deadline to nominate is May 8. For nomination form, visit girlscoutsaz.org/wywd.

make your summer

MEMORABLE SUMMER CAMP 2015

sign up today!

GIRLSCOUTSAZ.ORG/SUMMER-CAMP

602.452.7000