Listening Post Winter 2014-2015

WINTER 2014

THE LISTENING POST

the

COOKIE KICK OFF issue

GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL

FROM THE CEO AND BOARD CHAIR Dear Friends, Margaret Serrano-Foster, Board Chair and Tamara Woodbury, CEO

It’s been a busy time at the Council! It was marvelous to travel to Salt Lake City in October with 14 delegates and 65 visitors for the Girl Scout’s 53rd National Convention. The energy of thousands of Girl Scouts of all ages filled the convention center.

Among the topics discussed were the importance of outdoor experiences for girls and how the new volunteer toolkit will support the work of our volunteers.

There’s lots of excitement building for the 2015 Cookie Program. We have a new delicious cookie “Rah-Rah Raisins.” The kick-off on January 10 will be held at Grand Canyon University. Then there’s the anticipation of the 49th Super Bowl Game in Glendale. Our cookie team has some special things planned for that weekend. Be sure to join Club 49 and help us set a new Guinness World Record for the most cookies sold in a 24 hour period.

The cookie program is the largest girl-led enterprise in the world! Not only do girls learn valuable business skills, but our communities benefit from the service projects girls complete using the funds they’ve earned. Our overall goal for cookies is to sell 3.4 million packages. Again in 2015, funds from traditional sales over 3 million packages will be set aside to build more cabins at Camp Sombrero. When we reach that, it will mean that girls, supported by families and volunteers, will have contributed more than a million dollars to the campaign.

In other good news, we are receiving new gifts from local foundations to support our Campaign for Girls in Arizona. And based on volunteer feedback, the board has agreed to add three more cabins to the Camp Sombrero plans. This means more troops will be able enjoy encampments closer to home. With construction beginning in early 2015, those new cabins should be ready to use by mid-2016!

GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL

THE LISTENING POST WINTER 2014-2015

EDITORIAL Susan de Queljoe Heather Thornton Leandra Huffer

managing editor copy editor writer

ART DEPARTMENT 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

Wishing all of you holidays filled with laughter and joy.

GSACPC

GSACPC

Love,

@GSACPC

GSACPC

GSACPC

GSACPC

Tamara Woodbury, CEO

Margaret Serrano-Foster, Board Chair

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

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

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THE LISTENING POST // WINTER 2014-2015

FEATURED

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02

FROM THE CEO AND BOARD CHAIR

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LET’S GET STARTED

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THIS IS WHAT A GIRL CAN DO

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2015 COOKIE PROGRAM

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COOKIE CONTESTS

Cookie Kick-off Issue

Support for Camp Sombrero

WHAT’S GOOD?

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WOMEN & YOUNG WOMEN OF DISTINCTION AWARDS LUNCHEON

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ALUMNA SPOTLIGHT

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SEEN & HEARD

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Teresa Miller

troop notes and event highlights

2014 NATIONAL CONVENTION Girls Change the World

JUST FOR YOU

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06 10

10

FINANCIAL LITERACY

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SISTER TO SISTER

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ASK A COOKIE EXPERT

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ARE YOU A SMART COOKIE

The Gift That Keeps Giving

with Ellie Fessler & Kendra Wardon

Cookie Activities for Girls

EVERYTHING ELSE

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AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

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WAYS CAN YOU STAY CONNECTED

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ATTA GIRL!

Silver/Bronze and Religious Recognitions

a shout out to Kelly Ramella

LOOKING FORWARD

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12

WHAT’S NEXT

The Campaign for Girls in Arizona

LET’S GET STARTED!

COOKIE PROGRAM KICK-OFF ISSUE

THE 2015 COOKIE PROGRAM IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER. Be sure to complete membership registration so your daughter is eligible to participate! Like last year, cookies will be available at the start of the Cookie Program.

So girls can sell to neighbors, friends and families with cookies in hand.

What’s new this year? A new cookie line-up!

Say hello to Rah-Rah Raisins! These sweet treats are made with whole grain oats, plump juicy raisins and Greek yogurt chunks. It will join the “Super Six” in place of Savannah Smiles (lemon powder cookie).

Introducing Toffee-tastic! Gluten free and delicious, Toffee-tastics are buttery cookies packed with golden toffee bits bursting with flavor. Toffee-tastic will sell for $5 a box. This year, we are testing the demand for this cookie so it will be available only in limited quantities.

What’s Our Goal this Year? To sell 3,400,000 packages of cookies! »» Proceeds for the first 3 million packages help sustain Girl Scouting in our community! »» Council proceeds over 3 million packages will help transform Camp Sombrero into the

Leadership Center for Girls and Women. By reaching our goal, we will raise enough funds to build two additional cabins at Camp Sombrero.

Why is the Girl Scout Cookie Program Important?

It’s more than money. It’s the lifelong skills that girls learn by doing and the confidence they build doing it. The Cookie Program helps girls develop skills in five areas: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics. These are essential skills needed to successfully navigate life – whether working on a high-school science project team, running a household, being a project manager or a company CEO. Not many organizations offer these key business skills to girls. Girl Scouting does, with the largest girl-led business in the world!

What are your goals? Great incentives are waiting!

Samoas Spirit Hat & Charm Dangler or $6 Cookie Dough 250+ packages

Participation Patch 12+ packages

Journal or $5 Cookie Dough 135+ packages

Telescope or Headphones or $30 Cookie Dough 800+ packages

Disneyland Trip or $150 Cookie Dough 1,500+ packages

DATES TO REMEMBER »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

January 6 – Cookie booth selection rounds begin. Troop initial inventory order due in eBudde.

January 10 – Cookie Kick-off at Grand Canyon University Men’s Basketball Game.

January 24-25 – Delivery weekend.

January 26 – March 8 – Girl Scout Cookie Program, walkabouts start, self-scheduled booths start and Cookie Cupboards are open!

January 30-31 – Guinness World Record attempt.

January 30 – February 1 – Super Bowl Weekend. Join Club 49 and sell 49 packages of cookies over the weekend to celebrate the 49th Super Bowl coming to Arizona!

February 1 -28 – Girl Scout Cookie Dessert Challenge.

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THIS IS WHAT A GIRL CAN DO. Every year, thousands of Arizona girls take part in the largest girl-led business in the world—the Girl Scout Cookie Program! We know girls will learn skills like decision making, money management, business ethics, goal setting and people skills. What we don’t know is what they’ll do with these skills. But, based on what we’ve seen from the past, we’re confident that they’ll do something great.

REACH BIG GOALS In June, Girl Scout Abby Prosnier and her family took a special bike ride together. After leisurely cruising around Chaparral Park, they rode to their favorite breakfast restaurant. Although this sounds like a typical weekend morning, the path that led them to this point is a heartwarming tale of determination, hard work, and sisterly love.

Abby, an Ambassador in Troop 653, was born with Down syndrome, but she’s never let anything keep her from reaching her goals. When she began selling cookies as a Brownie, Abby used sign language to communicate with customers. During the following three cookie sales, she used a computer that would speak to customers for her. In the 2011 cookie sale, Abby became the top cookie seller in the council, selling 4,442 boxes of cookies.

Last spring was Abby’s tenth cookie sale. Her goal was to sell 2,000 boxes of cookies and earn the ultimate prize: a new beach cruiser. But Abby didn’t want the cruiser for herself—she wanted to give the bike to her older sister, Elise, who is now a Girl Scout alumna. Elise started at Arizona State University in the fall and needed the bike for transportation around the sprawling campus.

With a spirit of determination and generosity, Abby surpassed her goal, selling 3,754 packages of cookies.

“I have two very happy daughters, one who wants nothing more than to make her sister happy, and the other who wants pretty much the same thing, but she gets a beautiful new pink bike, too.”

–Alison Colvin-Prosnier, the girls’ mother

Sisters Elise and Abby pick up the bike Abby earned during last year’s cookie sale.

It’s clear her years of selling cookies has helped Abby build her confidence and communications skills, and just as importantly, allowed her to express her generous spirit.

PASS ON THEIR VALUES

FEATURED

Throughout high school, Troop 881 diligently saved their cookie proceeds. They planned to have one last Girl Scout “hurrah” before their paths took them to different colleges across the country.

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The girls researched places they wanted to visit and began planning the logistics, but each year the challenge of juggling internships, extra-curricular activities and academics became more difficult.

THE LISTENING POST // WINTER 2014-2015

“Things started falling apart.

It was really sad,” said Susan Greenfield, who served as one of the troop leaders for the girls during high school. Ultimately, the girls decided to cancel the trip all together.

Once they had made that decision, they had another one to make: what to do with the funds they had saved? After much consideration, the girls decided to

donate their savings of $2,800 to organizations close to their heart— and Girl Scouts was at the top of the list.

They had all enjoyed Girl Scout camp, making new friends and the outdoors, and felt it had deeply impacted them. The girls decided they wanted other girls, whose families couldn’t afford camp, to have that same experience.

They donated $1,250 toward

camperships, which will allow four girls to attend residential Girl Scout Camp.

“I learned how to be independent, away from my family, in a safe environment.”

–Morgan Shwartz, Troop 881

Morgan has high hopes for the girls who attend camp because of her troop’s donation. “I hope that they will sing the silly campfire songs that I remember (and still sing). I hope that they will try new things, experience success, and laugh when they don’t. I hope that they will make friendships that will last beyond the whirlwind of camp.”

The rest of the troop’s funds were donated to organizations reflecting the girls’ individual passions, including The Wyland Foundation, The Epilepsy

From left to right (back row), Kate Werth, Mira Bansal, Michelle Greenfield, Morgan Schwartz, (front row) Sierra Lee and Sydnee Schwartz.

Foundation, Hope for Paws and Workshops for Youth and Families.

Based on Troop 881’s history of service and giving, Susan was not surprised by the girls’ generosity.

“They are very passionate and caring—especially about Girl Scouts,” she says.

While the girls couldn’t take the senior-year trip they had worked so hard for, they did the next best thing – sending four of their Girl Scouts sisters to a place that had meant so much to them. What a beautiful example of the Girl Scouts’ selfless spirit of giving.

FIND THEIR DREAM CAREER “It’s been a long journey to get to where I am today – and I still look back on my experience as a Girl Scout as a factor of my success,” says Araceli de Leon.

Building her career in broadcast news, Araceli focused only on gathering and producing the

news. Soon, she was promoted to Assistant News Director.

“I realized that I wouldn’t be able to move to the next level – general manager – without working on the advertising and sales side of the TV news business.”

When she interviewed for a sales position, her future boss asked, “Why do you think you can sell advertising?”

Araceli landed the job and got the experience she needed to become a general manager.

“I still think about how Girl Scouts provides girls with lessons in overcoming obstacles, building confidence and the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of real business. That’s a powerful experience, and learning those skills at a young age is priceless.”

–Araceli de Leon,

President & Regional General Manager of Telemundo

THE LISTENING POST // WINTER 2014-2015

FEATURED

“The first thing that came to mind was my experience as a Brownie. “ Araceli shared about her valuable experience selling cookies – learning how to approach potential customers and dealing with people who said “no.” Then there were the responsibilities of

delivery, deadlines and collecting money – all to learn key business skills and part of the selling cycle.

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2015 COOKIE PROGRAM

SUPPORTS CAMP SOMBRERO & THE CAMPAIGN FOR GIRLS! Once again, GSACPC Girl Scouts are working toward a special, council-wide goal this year… raise funds to build two additional cabins at Camp Sombrero as part of the Campaign for Girls in Arizona. All Council proceeds from traditional cookie sales over 3 million packages will go toward funding the cabins.

This is an initiative for girls, by girls. At the 2013 Annual Meeting, our Girl Scout sisters decided to help with this campaign and came up with the idea to donate cookie proceeds in 2014 AND 2015. Hear more from those girls directly by viewing the ‘Cookies for Camp Sombrero’ video at youtube.com/gsacpc.

This goal truly fueled our fire! 2014 was the biggest cookie sale in our council’s history - girls sold more than 3.2 million packages. They raised $555,000 for our first new cabins at the new Leadership Center and officially became the largest donors to the Campaign for Girls at the time! SO, with our 2015 cookie sales goal to sell 3.4 million packages of cookies, we can build two MORE cabins at Camp Sombrero.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE DESSERT CHALLENGE BACK IN 2015: FEBRUARY 1-28

A buzz-building success last year, this friendly competition kept cookies top of mind for the public and encouraged customers to try cookies in new ways. We’re ready to do it again to support our special goal in 2015!

Participating chefs from top restaurants in Phoenix and Flagstaff will go head-to-head to create a unique, custom dessert using one of our six Girl Scout Cookie flavors. The new creations will be sold in their restaurants in February. A portion of the proceeds from each dessert sold will go toward rebuilding Camp Sombrero!

The community is encouraged to ‘vote with their mouth’ by visiting participating restaurants to taste the new creations. The winning dessert – A.K.A Challenge Champions – will be determined based on the number of desserts sold and money raised at each location.

2015 CONTENDERS –

32 Shea

The Henry

Blue Wasabi

Melting Pot

Grimaldi’s

Sushi Roku

20 RESTAURANTS, 34 LOCATIONS!

Scottsdale

Mark your calendars, and check your email! Be on the lookout for more information, including the new recipes to offer your customers.

Gilbert

Gelato Spot

Second Story Liquor Bar

Grimaldi’s

Tom’s Thumb

Arcadia/Phoenix/Scottsdale 6 locations Valleywide

Scottsdale

Rusconi’s

Scottsdale/Phoenix/Glendale

6 locations Valleywide

Scottsdale

CHoP

Different Pointe of View

Olive + Ivy

Kelly’s @ Southbridge

Chandler

Scottsdale

Phoenix

Scottsdale

Phoenix

Scottsdale

FEATURED

Phoenix

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Lumberyard Brewing Co.

Criollo

5th and Wine

Over Easy

Binkley Restaurants

Del Frisco’s Grille

Flagstaff

Gilbert/Mesa/Arcadia/Scottsdale

THE LISTENING POST // WINTER 2014-2015

Flagstaff

Scottsdale/Midtown/Carefree

Scottsdale Phoenix

CAMPAIGN UPDATE CAMPAIGN FOR GIRLS IN ARIZONA We’re moving ahead on Camp Sombrero! That’s right! The Board of Directors agreed to move forward with a two-phase construction plan. The first phase includes the necessary infrastructure, renovating the existing small lodge and pool center, constructing cabins and three activity centers. Originally, only 12 cabins were planned, but after listening to our volunteers and girl members, the Board agreed to increase the number to 15. Construction will begin in early 2015 and will likely take a year to complete. Plans for groundbreaking celebrations with our Girl Scout family and friends are underway.

More good news! In November, we received three significant campaign gifts: the Gila River Indian Community made a $500,000 gift; the Kemper and Ethel Marley Foundation gave a $1,000,000 gift; and the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust granted us a $400,000 gift. Support for the Campaign for Girls continues to gain momentum!

To date, we have funds of $6.1 million for the campaign. This included the $555,800 our Girl Scouts raised through the 2014 cookie program. During the 2015 cookie sale, girls will have another opportunity to raise a similar amount to be used to build cabins. It’s truly inspiring to see what girls can accomplish with the help of their families and our volunteers.

LOOKING FORWARD THE LISTENING POST // SPRING 2014

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FINANCIAL LITERACY THE GIFT THAT KEEPS GIVING

JUST FOR YOU

Girl Scouts stays on the cutting edge of financial literacy education, working with community partners to develop programs that promote life-long financial health.

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Girls today are extremely optimistic about their futures, but they admit to lacking the financial knowledge and confidence to achieve their dreams. They also reflect how the world has changed, as many distrust large financial institutions and think debt is a normal part of life.

A 2013 study conducted by Girl Scout Research Institute found that girls say they primarily learn about money and finances from their moms (85%) and dads (61%).

THE LISTENING POST // WINTER 2014-2015

This study also showed girls clearly see the need and want financial literacy skills to help achieve their dreams. While 90% said it was important for them to learn how to manage money, just 12% of girls surveyed feel very confident about making financial decisions.

GSACPC has partnered with leading community organizations to create the Financial Literacy Innovation Circle to enhance the council’s financial literacy programs.

“We have a shared vision of how we can help provide education, and engage and empower girls,” says Jennifer Koeller, a member of the innovation circle and the financial education coordinator at Arizona YWCA. A result of this collaboration is a new program,

Mom & Me, tackling the issue of financial literacy and parental influence.

Mom & Me is a four week program that teaches mothers and daughters how to navigate through today’s financial environment by setting goals, understanding the banking system, understanding the difference between needs and wants, and much more. The moms and daughters break off in separate groups for interactive activities about goals, dreams, and finances. Afterward, everyone reconvenes to share and reflect.

Jennifer has been running a similar program at the YWCA involving only women. Six to nine months after the program, participants take a survey to gauge whether the women incorporate the lessons learned into their lives. “We found that 75% of participants

who graduated reported they were able to establish a budget, save and reduce debt, which is amazing,” Jennifer said. She hopes to see the same results for the mothers and girls in the Girl Scout program.

The Mom & Me program will be held on four Saturdays in March.

PARTICIPATE IN A FINANCIAL LITERACY PROGRAM! SYNCHRONY TEACH KIDS TO SAVE April 25, August 22 or October 24 | $3 per girl | grades 4-5 (Registration fills quickly and opens February 2.)

Girls will learn about saving money, inflation and needs vs. wants. Visit girlscoutsaz.org/events to register.

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Hundreds of GSACPC community supporters gathered at the Arizona Biltmore to celebrate current and emerging leaders at the 2014 Women and Young Women of Distinction luncheon. The distinguished honorees set a powerful example of “what could be” and gave an inspirational glimpse into a future led by our most valuable asset— our girls.

The event was a result of enormous effort and generosity by many people and organizations. Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, for their continued support and belief in the Girl Scout mission. We also thank Carstens Family Funds, Arizona Lottery, L. Roy Papp & Associates, Wells Fargo and Arizona State University, Entrepreneurship & Innovation.

WHAT’S GOOD

Girls who receive the Young Woman of Distinction honor stand out on college and scholarship applications, have the opportunity to network with prominent community leaders, and are featured in the media. Nominate a Woman or Young Woman of Distinction for 2015 by contacting Leslie at lfriedman@girlscoutsaz.org.

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THE GIRL SCOUT PROMISE On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

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Girl Scout CEO Tamara Woodbury and Promise Awardees Judy Mohraz, Harry Papp and Amy Shapira recite the Girl Scout Promise. Although not former Girl Scouts, Promise Awardees reflect Girl Scout values in their life and work.

Courage honorees Brittanee Hustad (left) and Kate Gallego (right) with Margaret Serrano-Foster, the Board Chair for GSACPC.

Deborah Bateman (left) and Janet Elsea.

Kim Paltzik and her Girl Scout daughters bid on a silent auction item.

From left to right: JoEllen Lynn, Tracy Lathion and Mikayla Houck.

From left to right: Shea Mitchell, Kathye Stribrny, Virginia Hoaglan

Elva Coor (left) and Susan Brooks.

Barbara Ralston, Sue Glawe and Rich Boals attended the lunch on behalf of presenting sponsor, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.

Emcee Carey Peña shared highlights from the ceremony throughout the day on social media!

Leadership honorees Hannah Stevenson (left) and Kaily Toney. Kaily accepted the award on behalf of SRPMIC President Diane Enos.

Jennifer Hinkel, Virginia Hinkel and Melissa Sanderson

From left to right: Tamara Woodbury, Maria Ort, and Kay Utke

Debbie, Mckenna and Devin Douglas are a family who all #grewupgreen!

Martha Ryan encourages attendees to “Invest in girls and change the world.”

WHAT’S GOOD

From left to right: GSACPC Board Members, Liz Archuleta, Margaret Serrano-Foster and Janey Starks

Visionary honorees Ariel Carr (left) and Mitzi Montoya.

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sister 2

with SISTER

DEAR GIRL SCOUT SISTERS, Who wouldn’t want to go to England and France for two weeks?

Last summer, we traveled across the world for two weeks and met up with 20 other U.S. Girl Scouts for the Oxford Youth Leadership Destination Program. Four girls from Arizona Cactus-Pine went on the trip: Kendra, Ellie, Stephanie and Bella. We wanted to go because it’s an exciting way to meet new people, make friends from all over the world, and an opportunity to improve our leadership skills.

JUST FOR YOU

JUST FOR YOU

Although the Destinations are the financial responsibility of the Girl Scout families, we worked hard to raise money as a group. By selling cookies, holding fundraisers, asking for donations, and applying for financial aid through GSUSA.

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We had a BLAST! We immediately bonded with all the girls we met and had a fantastic time exploring new cities and cultures. Through the leadership program, we learned a

ELLIE FESSLER & KENDRA WARDON lot about ourselves and how to make ourselves stronger, more effective leaders. The Destination Program is definitely something we would recommend to everyone. As an older scout, there are so many cool travel opportunities. To anyone considering participating in a destination program, we say, “Go for it and be ready for an unforgettable experience!”

Best Wishes,

Ellie Fessler and Kendra Wardon

For more information about travel opportunities with Girl Scouts, visit http://girlscoutsaz.org/travel.

SAVE THE DATE – ANNUAL MEETING! Saturday, April 25, 2015 | 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! To learn more about attending, contact Amanda at amartin@girlscoutsaz.org.

THE LISTENING POST // WINTER 2014-2015

to Paris and got to We took a day trip was really fun to visit Notre Dame. It es in person! see such iconic plac

A self ie from Piccadilly Cir cus, another iconic sight! It’s on the same str eet as M&M World, Harrods, and has lots of cool street performers!

, but to a gondola ride r la mi si is g in the river punting! Punt g the bottom of on al lf se ur yo you push Harry and he was as w me na ’s er nt erica. to move. Our pu life is like in Am t ha w in ed st re really inte

Audra and Valerie en joying Stonehenge. Th is is a perfect example of ho w close we all got du ring the trip. Val treated Audra like her little sister.

THE LISTENING POST // WINTER 2014-2015

JUST FOR YOU

ter the Eiffel Tower. Af of t on fr in s rl gi All 24 from a cute d delicious crepes ye jo en we o, ot ph this t of the tower. little stand in fron

Ellie, Karyn, Stephanie, Audra, Valerie, Nicole, Bryanna, and Morgan in front of Buckingham Palace before the changing of the guards.

It was Prince George’s birthday!

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ALUMNA SPOTLIGHT TERESA MILLER

Grew up green and living her dreams.

Teresa Miller, Girl Scout alumna and Director of Planning and Financial Analysis for the Arizona Cardinals, sat down with GSACPC staff to reminisce growing up green and how it impacted her life.

A

How did she get here? She can’t help but credit her Girl Scout experience.

Born and raised in Minnesota, Teresa joined Troop 919 as a Brownie and continued through high school.

She went on to obtain a degree in accounting from St. Mary’s University.

“Girl Scouting was really a foundation for learning – learning about myself, my interests and about others around me. I learned how to be a leader AND when to follow. It pushed me to be involved, because without it I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to serve my community the way I did.”

fter chatting with Teresa Miller for just a few minutes, it’s clear - she’s smart, caring, patriotic, and responsible – no wonder she’s a Girl Scout sister!

Following her final tour of Kuwait and Iraq as part of the U.S. Army Reserves, she moved to Arizona to be near friends and grandparents.

Teresa was hired by the Arizona Cardinals in 2006, when their new stadium was underway. They were expanding the finance department and she came on board as an accountant.

WHAT’S GOOD

The Super Bowl is coming to Arizona for the second time since Teresa has been part of the organization.

She confirmed it’s just as exciting to be a Cardinal as it sounds. “It’s so much fun to work for the Arizona Cardinals. I never imagined I could marry my skillset and interests in this way – I’m a die-hard fan!”

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April 1993 (Silver Award ceremony) From left: Teresa Miller, Suzette Fleck, Julie Feist, Jenny Hreha, Lisa Neu THE LISTENING POST // WINTER 2014-2015

The cookie sale, in particular, taught Teresa a lot about her interests. “The cookie sale is where I learned I was never going to be a salesperson,” she says. Besides discovering what she didn’t want, she found managing the money, counting and making change for customers was a better fit for her interests, and ultimately led to a career in finance.

“It was so good for me to sell cookies and I definitely learned a lot, because it wasn’t easy. It taught me to summon all my perseverance and embrace challenges, because that’s when you grow the most.”

Since joining the Cardinals she’s been promoted to finance director, responsible for overall accounting department operations, and then to her current role as director of financial planning and analysis, responsible for modeling and forecasting business operations eight years in advance. Sound complicated? In true Girl Scout fashion she says, “I have much to learn, but it’s so nice being challenged.

I am now realizing the vast growth opportunities on this career path.”

Teresa has endless Girl Scout stories and memories – each one sounds more enriching than the last. From

All the things girls learn and do in G irl Scouts are a launching pad fo r positive outcom es in adulthood.

Let’s take a look!

BUSINESS SKILLS

Fall 1986 (our leader’s house in Minnesota) From bottom left: Jenny Hreha, Lea Miller, Teresa Miller 2nd row: Jessie Atzmiller, Julie Feist, Anne Weigel 3rd row: Jolene Rieger, Rayna Golon, Kit Megahan, Christie Bachelor Top: Suzette Fleck

GIRL SCOUT RES

“We were fortunate to have had a great group of parents and volunteers supporting us. And we were building friendships, where we learned how to not just get along, but also work with one another. Being a Girl Scout was an invaluable opportunity that will stay with me forever, in everything I do.”

teresa miller

searching for pine cones to make wreaths, volunteering at the local cultural fair, to learning how to snow shoe – it’s only upon reflection years later, she understands the competency and confidence she built through those experiences.

UME

“It was so good for me to sell cookies and I definitely learned a lot, because it wasn’t easy.

AND PROJECT M

ANAGEMENT

Member of larges t girl-led busine ss in the world: Sold cook ies and raised fund s for activities and trips. Learne d sales techniqu es, money management, pe ople skills, teamw ork and ethics.

Launched and m anaged town cr aft fair: Learned teamwork, how to multi-task and m anage logistics (from making the food and handlin g registration to set up, renting a sp ace and advertis ing).

ENVIRONMENTA

L LEADERSHIP &

OUTDOOR SKIL

LS

Wilderness Trips: Planned excursio ns to Yellowstone Natio nal Park, WY and Mackinac Island, MI. Learned abou t public camping , animal safety, survival skills and teamwork.

Summer Camp and Troop Cam ping: Relationshi building, gained in p dependence, an d experience canoeing, backpa cking, hiking, cros s country skiing and snow shoein g.

SERVICE LEADER

SHIP

Service: Voluntee red at nursing ho mes and community fair, ho sted program for Brownie troops, documen ted Girl Scout co mmunity projects.

Silver Award proj ect: Filmed vario us community Girl Scout events and produced a show on local cable station. Lear ned TV productio n skills, teamwork and ho w to make connec tio ns in the community.

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ASK A COOKIE EXPERT The GSACPC Product Program Team answers your burning questions about the 2015 Cookie Program.

When is the Cookie Program?

The Cookie Program begins January 26 at 9:00 am. Distribution of cookies takes place during the weekend prior. Although you may have cookies before this date, wait until January 26 to begin selling. “Selling” includes direct selling and taking orders. Selling cookies early is unethical and violates the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Please model ethical business practices to our girls.

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How many cookies will my Girl Scout sell?

Consider how many cookies your daughter sold last year, her 2015 goal, and how many boxes you want to be responsible for at one time. Cookies may not be returned to the troop or council.

Work with your troop leader to determine how many packages of each variety to start with. Remember to turn money in before picking up more cookies.

JUST FOR YOU

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How frequently should I turn cookie money in to my troop leader?

At least once a week. And, let the troop leader know how many cookies you have sold, and how many cookies are still in your inventory every week. This gives the troop leader the information needed to help your daughter be successful throughout the Cookie Program. The Girl Cookie Counter worksheet, available on our website, is a fun way for girls to track household inventory and money.

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How can I fully support my Girl Scout during the Cookie Program? Stay informed!

1. Attend your troop’s parent cookie meeting to learn the basics and the troop’s goals.

2. Download the Family Guide to Cookies online.

3. Attend the Family Cookie Program Training webinar on January 20 from 5:30-6:00 p.m. Register at http://bit.ly/1uhY32h. It will also be recorded and posted on our website.

4. Arrange for your daughter to attend a Cookie Rally so she can learn about Cookie Program basics.

5. Connect with GSACPC via email and social media.

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Why should my daughter participate in the Cookie Program?

It’s FUN! Girls who sell cookies are part of the largest girl-led business in the world and get to put their leadership skills into action! They raise funds for their troop, decide how to spend those funds, and learn skills in five key areas: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics. Participating in the Cookie Program also helps the council by providing financial support for councilwide troop activities, camp properties, volunteer support, membership support and girl programs.

Can my daughter market or sell her cookies online?

Girls and their parents can’t make financial transactions online

with Girl Scout product. However, all girls can use Cookie Club to send emails to friends and family to garner Cookie ‘Promises’. Safety is our primary concern when girls are using the internet. Girls 13 or older may use social networking sites to market product, but must follow council and GSUSA guidelines. Personal emails, full names, or street addresses of girls should never be used. Consider using one of the following alternatives: Cookie Club, a group account monitored by an adult or an adult email account supervised by an adult. Note: Some councils are

piloting digital cookie sales. However GSACPC is not participating.

THE LISTENING POST // WINTER 2014-2015

For more information and tips visit: www.girlscouts.org/cookies

SEEN & HEARD

Girl Scouts take the lead at the MUSICAL INSTRUMENT MUSEUM! Cadettes gave Daisies and Brownies a tour of the latest MIM exhibit, showcasing their leadership skills and knowledge.

Lights, camera, action! Girls from TROOPS 163, 1775 and 746 toured the 3TV studios last September and got a behind-the-scenes look at news production. The best part according to the girls? Getting to see the anchors’ live reports and pushing buttons in the control room!

Spotted! Last September, 120 SERVICE UNIT VOLUNTEERS escaped to Willow Springs camp to pretend they were Girl Scouts for the weekend! Just kidding – these volunteers gathered to share ideas, participate in workshops, and have some good ol’ fashioned Girl Scout fun!

Cadettes and Ambassadors from TROOP 1156 helped prepare and serve the daily meal for those coming to Paz de Cristo Community Center for assistance.

for their float in the local London Bridge Parade on October 25! To match the “Fantastic Adventures” theme, their float was all about camping—complete with trees, a campfire, and pink tents!

THE LISTENING POST // WINTER 2014-2015

WHAT’S GOOD

Congrats to the LAKE HAVASU CITY GIRL SCOUTS who took first place

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SEEN & HEARD

Ambassadors from TROOP 82 made a royal appearance dressed as everyone’s favorite princess characters!

They spent the day at the park reading to Daisies and Brownies, signing autographs and taking photos. It’s the third year of thei “Princess in the Park” event, which is part of their literacy Take Action Project.

In honor of Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday on October 31, TROOP 825 made cards to brighten the day of breast cancer patients at the Cancer Treatment Center of America.

Thirty-one girls were welcomed into the Girl Scout family at HOPI DAY SCHOOL in Kykoksmovi, Arizona. Along with receiving their Girl Scout pins, these girls became part of a global sisterhood!

Girl Scouts invaded the annual PUMPKIN & CHILI PARTY AT SCHNEPF FARMS! They enjoyed the corn maze, spooky train rides and camping.

SHARE YOUR STORY! WHAT’S GOOD

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

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Lyn, Rose and Erin of TROOP 1594 taught their sister Girl Scouts how to sew bags, which they donated to foster children and veterans.

THE LISTENING POST // WINTER 2014-2015

SEEN & HEARD

Girls from TROOP 2295 “joined the fight” with Fry’s in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in October. “The girls and I wanted to show our support for friends and family who are battling cancer, and for those we have lost,” says Troop Leader Frances Banuelos.

Huge thanks to TROOP 301 and the OASIS neighborhood for kicking off the holiday season by packing food boxes at St. Mary’s Food Bank!

More than 1,300 Girl Scouts, their families and volunteers had a blast at the FALL PRODUCT KICK-OFF at Enchanted Island! Attendees participated in girl-led activities, enjoyed park amenities, and learned about Fall Product.

The MEDICAL MYSTERY TOUR program at Carrington

MIRANDA, a Brownie in

Troop 2495, cheered on her basketball ‘sheroes’ at a Phoenix Mercury playoff game September 2. That night, the Mercury defeated the Chicago Sky, and went on to win their third WNBA championship!

The reigning MISS NAVAJO NATION, Natasha Hardy, taught Girl Scouts about their Navajo heritage at a recent event at the Office of Diné Youth. Girls learned traditional Navajo songs, made traditional hair ties and Girl Scout bracelets.

THE LISTENING POST // WINTER 2014-2015

WHAT’S GOOD

College helped Girl Scouts learn about career opportunities in the medical field. They got handson experience in dental hygiene, physical therapy and medical assisting. This was made possible in part

by APS.

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SEEN & HEARD CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF GIRL SCOUTS BEYOND BARS Girl Scouts Beyond Bars (GSBB) enables girls to stay connected with their imprisoned mothers, and helps break the generational cycle of incarceration.

Families assisted by this program over the past two decades came together, shared memories, and enjoyed a fun-filled carnival at Camp Sombrero in October. There was also a special bridging ceremony for Girl Scouts currently in the program.

GSBB is generously funded by The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation, who donated nearly $300,000 to expand and sustain the program through 2015.

See a special recap video at youtube.com/gsacpc.

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EASY WAYS TO SUPPORT GIRL SCOUTS (YOU HAVEN’T HEARD OF UNTIL NOW)!

Shop on AmazonSmile and 0.5% of your purchases will be donated to the charity of your choice. (We hope it’s GSACPC!) AmazonSmile has the same products, same prices and same service! It’s super easy and takes less than 30 seconds to set up, just visit smile.amazon.com.

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Order your Girl Scouts license plate from http://servicearizona.com. Like other novelty plates, they cost $25.

However, $17 goes directly back to our council to support more of the Girl Scout programs and activities you love.

Does your employer participate in a United Way Workforce Campaign? If so, you can direct your giving to Girl Scouts! All you need to do is request an employee giving pledge from your Human Resources Department and write in our full council name, Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council, to ensure your donation is directed to us.

GSACPC HAS AN ‘OUSTANDING CFO’!

WHAT’S GOOD

Our council’s very own Carol Ackerson was honored as one of the Phoenix Business Journal’s “Outstanding CFOs” for 2014. Carol was one of ten CFOs recognized for having compiled a track record of financial success in their organizations.

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With nearly 40 years of nonprofit management under her belt, Carol has served GSACPC as Chief Financial and Operational Officer – or, C-FOO as she dubs it – for nearly ten years. In this time, she has guided our board and staff in making sound decisions, and ultimately maintains a financially healthy environment – all with our mission of serving girls and the community at the forefront.

We’re so proud to have an officially outstanding financial role model in our family – go Carol!!!

THE LISTENING POST // WINTER 2014-2015

COOKIE KICKOFF & CONTESTS MORE WAYS THAN EVER TO WIN RECOGNITION January 10, 2015 | 6:00-9:00pm Grand Canyon University Arena Are you ready for the 2015 Cookie Season?! Join us for an amazing Girl Scout night with GCU’s Men’s Basketball Team, coached by Dan Majerle. Food and Drinks available for purchase in the food court! ($1 pizza slices and $.50 hamburgers for Girl Scouts!)

For more information and to register, visit girlscoutsaz.org/gcu!

BREAK A GUINNESS WORLD RECORD! We’re competing in the category of: Most Money Raised for a Charity through the Sale of Cookies in 24 Hours.

WE’RE IN! HOW CAN WE PARTICIPATE? »» Troops pledge only to enter cookies sold from January 30 at 3:00 pm to Saturday, January 31 at 3:00 pm. »» You must opt-in by January 25 at girlscoutsaz.org/club49 »» Detailed instructions and logistics will be emailed to you.

JOIN CLUB 49!

In honor of the 49th Super Bowl, Girl Scouts who sell at least 49 boxes of cookies during Super Bowl Weekend (Friday, January 30 – Sunday, February 1) will earn an EXCLUSIVE Club 49 Patch! Troop leaders must record sales in eBudde.

BLING YOUR BOOTH Customize your cookie booth or standabout to showcase Girl Scout spirit and creativity! Rah-Rah Raisins, the Super Bowl, Cookies for Camp Sombrero, a Samoas Birthday party…the theme is up to you! Winners will receive gift certificates to the Council Shop for $75, $50 and $25.

HOW TO ENTER Email your photo to cookiecontest@girlscoutsaz.org with Cookie Booth as the subject line.

BONUS! Post a photo of your submission on Facebook or Twitter using ‘#blingyourbooth’ to enter the National Bling Your Booth Contest! At the end of the season, GSUSA will select four winning troops who get $500 each!

COOKIES ON THE GO Roll door-to-door in style! Girls can use their imagination to deck out a wagon, scooter, stroller, or anything without a motor. Winners will receive gift certificates to the Council Shop for $75, $50 and $25.

HOW TO ENTER Email your photo to cookiecontest@girlscoutsaz.org with Cookies on the Go as the subject line. Girls may enter individually or as a troop.

ENTRY DEADLINE FOR BOTH CONTESTS IS MARCH 16, 2015!

Incomplete or late submissions will not be considered. Photos may be featured on the GSACPC website and/or Facebook.

THE LISTENING POST // WINTER 2014-2015

FEATURED

Submissions for both contests must include: name of all girls entering and Girl Scouts level, troop number and neighborhood, leader’s name, phone number and email address.

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2014 NATIONAL CONVENTION: Girls Change the World.

Every three years, Girl Scouts gather at the National Council Session and Convention to reinvigorate our Movement, celebrate our accomplishments, and chart our future. Girl Scouts of Utah hosted the 2014 festivities in Salt Lake City October 16-19, attracting more than 6,000 Girl Scout members from around the globe.

The time was filled with business meetings, workshops, meeting sister scouts, swapping and networking! Here’s a snapshot of the many things that happened during the event: 24

THE LISTENING POST // WINTER 2014-2015

HISTORY CONFERENCE Girl Scout history enthusiasts gathered before the start of convention to learn about our rich ties to U.S. and world history. The conference focused on leveraging Girl Scout history to advance our mission and engage with new customers and communities.

Nancy Buell of the GSACPC History Committee said, “The History Conference was one of the best ever – I made connections that will help us improve our preservation efforts at Arizona Cactus-Pine.”

OPENING CEREMONY Convention officially opened with a procession of flags from all 146 countries and states where Girl Scouts or Girl Guides are represented.

Everyone was welcomed by GSUSA CEO Anna Maria Chávez, the mayor of Salt Lake City, and even a video message from First Lady Michelle Obama to kick of the festivities.

»» Proposal 1: Change the wording around

membership dues to, "Every person accepting the principles of the Girl Scout Movement and desiring to be a member of the Girl Scout Movement in the U.S. shall pay applicable membership dues..." »» Proposal 2: The national CFO reports to the national CEO, rather than to the National Board of Directors. »» Proposal 3: Past Presidents of the national Board of Directors no longer hold ex-officio member status to the Board of Directors.

Delegates took part in a rich discussion around the importance of the outdoors in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. They debated the value of an outdoor journey series and how to enrich a girl’s experience in nature. National Past President, Connie Lindsey, summed up outdoor experiences saying, “Girls and volunteers become leaders outside their comfort zones.”

The keynote speaker was Alison Levine, a mountaineer who has climbed the highest peak on all seven continents. She gave an inspiring talk about her Mt. Everest climb with an all-female team and the challenges she overcame along the way, including extreme weather conditions that forced her to make tough decisions about continuing their journey.

“You can’t control an environment,” she said.

“You can only control the way you react to it.”

She underlined the need to take risks despite the potential for failure, and to never let fear turn into complacency. In her experience, overcoming difficult challenges – such as climbing the world’s highest peak – is only possible with a strong team, “No one makes it to the top alone.”

NATIONAL COUNCIL SESSION

WHAT’S GOOD

The National Council Session is Girl Scouts’ major governance meeting. Selected delegates from all councils have the ability to amend GSUSA’s Constitution, discuss and vote on proposals, and influence the strategic direction of the Movement by providing guidance to the National Board.

The National Board of Directors placed three proposals to amend the Constitution of GSUSA on the agenda. All were approved:

THE LISTENING POST // WINTER 2014-2015

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A fun and practical new resource from GSUSA– VENTURE OUT! — was shared. Explore this new offering at http://gsuniversity.girlscouts.org/resource/ venture-out/.

The delegates also voted in the new National Board of Directors.

This included appointing Kathy Hopinkah Hannan to serve as National Board President. Hannan is the first woman of Native American ancestry to serve in this role. A member of the Ho-Chunk Nation Tribe of Wisconsin, Hannan is a Girl Scout alumna and is the National Managing Partner of Diversity and Corporate Social Responsibility at KPMG Global. She is optimistic about the future of the Girl Scouts, and the future of corporate America for women.

via Skype and conference calls with GSUSA staff and other team members from around the country.

“The best part of my experience was bonding, and getting to know the girls who participated in GSLI. It was the best week of my life. I learned that if things don't go as planned, you just need to improvise on the spot.” -Kaylin Smith, GSLI Design Team

GS LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE GSUSA hosted the Girl Scout Leadership Institute (GSLI) for girls age 14 and older. Girls attended workshops with special guest speakers to help identify root causes for issues in their communities and discussed possible solutions. Then, alongside their GSLI chaperones, they designed Take Action projects to implement upon their return home.

“One of the best parts of my experience was the opportunity to facilitate part of the Oxford Leadership program for 148 girls at GSLI. I was honored to encourage girls to lead from within. I felt our future through their interaction and excitement.”

-Mary Peralta, GSACPC Volunteer

WHAT’S GOOD

After experiencing our council’s girl-led approach to Annual Meeting, GSUSA assembled a girl design team to plan activities and workshops at GSLI. Six Girl Scouts from our council were part of this team! For months leading up to the Convention, these girls met

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GIRL SCOUT UNIVERSITY It’s not all business at convention! Girl Scout University (GSU) offered many interactive, thoughtprovoking workshops for adult attendees.

“My wow moment was taking the Cultivating a Growth Mindset class. One of the main points was how to encourage girls (and probably volunteers, too) to learn new things and persevere through feelings of limitation or fear. We can foster an environment of ‘I can't draw YET,’ instead of ‘I can't draw.’” -Rebbekka Hirsch, GSACPC Volunteer

CLOSING CEREMONY The convention came to a close giving attendees more energy and inspiration to take back to their communities!

The National Young Women of Distinction, including GSACPC’s own Morgan Serventi, were honored and surprised with $5,000 scholarships. They received award pins and shared synopses of their Take Action projects with the audience. Morgan made us all proud when she said, “I’m not part of Girl Scouts, Girl Scouts is part of me.”

It ended on an upbeat note of the perfect sentiment.

Everyone danced to “This Girl is on Fire” by Alicia Keys, performed by the very young and wildly talented, Vivian from Utah.

THE LISTENING POST // WINTER 2014-2015

GSACPC ATTENDEES Alumnae

Dolores Bartlett

GSLI Design Team

Maria Bartlett*

Cuyler Boughner Judith Brengi Nancy Buell Juanita Coghill Stephanie Deskins Yolanda Edwards-Guerra Talli Ruksas Kay Sampson

Kalella Gamble Brittlyn Hofmeister Amanda Martin* Samantha Mitchell Alyssa Rodriguez Kaylin Smith Margaret Spicer* Justice Williams

Delegates

GSLI Visitors

Lisa Bowman Melody Charlton Vicki Caltabiano Ann Colvin-Smith Eleanor Fessler Haley Gillian Shirley Hawkins Brittanee Hustad Roxana Orozco Kristyn Piper Natalia Ramos Grace Ricca Margaret Serrano-Foster Cynthia Staley Jordan Williams Tamara Woodbury Kendra Wardon Laura Vargas

Rene Cornelius *

Cassidy Blomberg Jenae Hirsch Michaelina Miller Juliette Mitchell Natalie Payan Valerie Payan Susan Russell * Avery Thorpe Alison Walker * Visitors

Nicole Andersen

Dodie Blomberg Nancy Bowman Alison Colvin-Prosnier Susan de Queljoe Janita Gordon

Irene Gramza Carolyn Hawkins Rebbekka Hirsch Lynelle Holmgren Audrey Holmgren Natalie Holmgren Pamilla Honor Mary Killebrew Shelly Lear Janet Miller Mary Mitchell Sheri Mitchell Leanne Murphy Bessie Payan Virginia Payan Mary Peralta Celeste Plumlee Abby Prosnier Elise Prosnier Viviana Reyes Amber Rickeberg Athena Salman Rebecca Smith Lisa Stratton Heather Thornton Jackie Violette Susanne Wells *chaperone

“It’s OK to be afraid, just don’t let it dictate your life.”

– Elizabeth Smart

“Women aren’t new to leadership.

We’re just claiming our leadership.”

– Bonnie St. John, Paralympic Athlete

“If someone says you throw like a girl, say thank you.

Reclaim the language.”

– Michelle Norris, NPR

“We need to understand and believe in girls. We are going to be better than fine, we are going to be Outstanding! Begin Now!” – Anna Maria Chavez, GSUSA CEO

“Girls should have no barriers, no boundaries.”

– Ann Romney

“Support one another, validate each other, stand next to one another.

Don’t compete with anyone except yourself.”

GSACPC CEO, Tamara Woodbury, and her granddaughter, Aimee, ready in uniform for another day of learning!

A ‘WOW!’ moment for Mary Peralta, who was meeting Anna Maria Chavez and receiving her patch.

– Marita Cheng, Robogals Global

“We learn more from failure than success. Help bring your sisters up.”

Fourth from the left, Morgan Serventi of GSACPC was honored as a National Young Woman of Distinction.

–Kathy Hopinkah Hannan, National Board President

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RECOGNITIONS girl scout

BRONZE award

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior can achieve. A girl and her team 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.

June 15 – October 15, 2014 there were 21 Bronze Award Take Action project reports submitted.The projects included increasing awareness about animal shelter needs, collecting items for women’s shelters and the homeless, repairing a playhouse at a preschool, raising awareness about brain tumors, helping children in the ER and teaching Glendale businesses how to increase recycling efforts.

IGMs

Abby Reardon

Emma Reardon Troop 413

Molly Barker

Jade Cartwright Alyxis Cruz Kylee Dalrymple Maci Dugan Angelica Lavin Elizabeth Martinez Jenna Mason-Wright Skylar Rick Kayli Roland Victoria Sutton Abbigail Torres Ailsa Watt Troop 425

Kacie Brooks Isabella Hutchinson Semera Kimbel-Sannit Troop 485

Anoushka Kathiravan

Anushka Mandalapu Kayla Pechulis

Troop 773

Renee Charlton

Rhyanne Fowler Elizabeth Fragala Lauren Gamber Grace Hunter Jade Kelley Karina Kimery Kylie Klein Caitlin Lesher-Brock Grace Pelletier Samantha Wareing Kelli Watkins

Troop 841

Krystina Jastrzebski Troop 959

Erin Mahoney

Jillian Miller Natalia Namvari Taylor Seeley Gabby Spargo Zoe Sugidono Sabrina Wetzler Alexei Winkel Troop 966

Jenna Baus

EVERYTHING ELSE

Crystal Bond

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Austin Borgstadt Cori Borgstadt Makayla Celaya Christina Parrish Kaitlyn Swanson Daphne Weber Troop 1023

McKenna Barkman

Laycee Cardinale Lisa Gass Jordan Gold Tessa Jiminez Morgan Kerrigan Calista Krause Amber Krause Chloe McDonald Arianna Tapia Naomi Wheadon Troop 1321

Kaleigh Taylor Natalie Vert Troop 1482

Shealyn Odem

Paige Watkins

Troop 1594

Erin Cosby

Aislyn Schanafelt Sarai Schanafelt Troop 1814

Emily Clayden

Brooke Ruiz Meghan Zbick Troop 1832

Adrienne Perez

Camryn Perez Sydney Roquemore

Troop 2139

Karrina Heinstein Adriana Rivera Mirielle Viquesney

Sarah Ensminger

Troop 1345

Alyssa Bradley

Rachel Baker

Kaiana Nerona Jessica Potter Sydney Stubberfield

Troop 2178

Ellie Nilsson Emma Rankin

Troop 2200

Breanna Brewer

Sabrina Hernandez Aleena Jenkins Iran Lopez Emily Miller

Troop 2253

Olivia Cassidy Katelyn Collie Lizzy Little Sarah Martin Grace Patten Autumn Tourjee Troop 2259

Kathleen Geary Madison Hunter Camille Kerber Linnea Kerber Kathryn Ramella Sophia Scaccia Ashley Vandersee Troop 3491

Anneliese Tupa

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

THE LISTENING POST // WINTER 2014-2015

RECOGNITIONS 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.

girl scout

SILVER

award

June 15 - October 15, 2014 The following Silver Award recipients addressed 22 problems in their communities. The projects included raising awareness about the needs of animal shelters, collecting educational materials for a domestic violence shelter, collecting resources for a public library and educating students about agression and bullying through the use of games.

Troop 1126

IGMs

Amanda Bertsch

Alyssa Connolly

Kate Connolly

Troop 683

Emily P Dolejs

Troop 1149

Rayeana FgarangVardugo Vanessa Groulx Sara Schuldt

Kamie Fernandez Emilee Thompson

Troop 943

Sophia Diaz

Lauren Smith Troop 1107

Kayleigh Rose

von der Wense

Troop 1265

Troop 1593

Mia Mendoza Ericka Snopko

Troop 1594

Tia Kelly

Sarah Core

Laura Klein Dana Miller Phoebe Vaught

Michaelina Miller

Troop 1393

Taylor Gibson

Abbey Carpenter Alexis Royter Erica Wannagot

Julia Ruiz

Troop 1417

Troop 1652

Abbey Jasones

Troop 1943 Troop 1966

Troop 1191

Tanner Laizure

Cassidy Fredette-

Olivia Marcon Sophia Schwab

Troop 1457

Troop 1838

Kathryn Smith

Taylor Goodyear Morgan Goodyear Emily Irick

Troop 1218

Natalia Ramos

girl scout

TRIBUTES & memorials

In Memory Of Kathryn Cromley

Jan Roberts

Chris Roberts Kenneth Cromley Patricia Holt Zoe A. Taylor

grow a

recognitions

Seylah Cislo Jennifer Dowd Nellie Happ

Rachelle Root

Troop 2735

Lexie Smith

Tessa Spangler Abigail Stockwell

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 Memory Of Carlyle Miller

Dorlores Miller Charitable Endowment

In Memory Of Marywin Gwinner

Suzanne Fitzpatrick

In Honor Of Bonnie Wacknov

Lisa Bells

Grow a Garden encourages current volunteers to help expand Girl Scouts’ volunteer base. Depending on the number of troop or co-troop leaders a volunteer recruits, he/she is honored with a corresponding pin. Congratulations to our first four honorees! If you would like info about Grow a Garden, contact Shannon McDonald at shannonmcdonald@girlscoutsaz.org.

Angela Barton Carissa DeCicco

Amy Montgomery Melissa Siaotong

THE LISTENING POST // WINTER 2014-2015

EVERYTHING ELSE

GARDEN

Roman

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HOW MANY WAYS CAN YOU STAY CONNECTED? In our Girl Scout community, there are so many ways to share the experience together! You choose how to connect based on your preferences:

EMAIL UPDATES

Subscribe to get news and opportunities at girlscoutsaz.org/email-updates.

TAKE A TOUR

Stop by for a visit or browse the Council Shop and Barbara Anderson History Museum!

ONLINE REGISTRATION

Sign up for most programs through our website. Search by topic, age level or location, at girlscoutsaz.org/events.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Join the conversation and share the Girl Scout life online! Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram @GSACPC.

SHARE YOUR STORY

Did you do something cool? Tell us at girlscoutsaz.org/stories. You just might get featured in the Listening Post or on GSACPC social media!

ATTA GIRL! Shout out to super-star troop leader, KELLY RAMELLA! Kelly, an instructor at ASU, teaches troop 2259 that anything is possible with hard work and dedication. She emphasizes increasing competence, building confidence and holding a positive self-image. Her troop had an exciting year filled with earning a healthy living badge, completing their Bronze Award and getting to camp through cookie proceeds. Thank you, Kelly, for being a role model and supportive force in your Girl Scouts’ lives. It’s you and your fellow troop leaders and volunteers who make Girl Scouting possible for the 25,000 girls of GSACPC! ■ Are you or someone you know doing something good? Send your submissions (photos welcome) with the subject “Atta Girl!” to stories@girlscoutsaz.org.

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THE LISTENING POST // WINTER 2014-2015

KELLY

ARE YOU A SMART COOKIE? COOKIE ACTIVIES FOR GIRLS.

Read each question and circle the best answer.

Your cookie sale is going great!

And oh my goodness, you’ve made soooooo much money. What have you done with it? a

b

I spent it all on garbage that rots my teeth and my mind!

I keep it in a drawer. I know I need to turn it in, but I keep forgetting.

I’ve turned in my money every week and use The Cookie Counter to help me track inventory. c

A potential customer tells you that he doesn’t like sweets and doesn’t want to purchase any cookies. What do you do? a

a

Stick out your tongue and run away.

Who doesn’t like sweets?! He must be crazy! Ask him to buy cookies anyway and tell him it’s for a really good cause b

c

Your cookies arrived early but the sale doesn’t start until January 26.

What do you do?

Tell him all about the wonderful Gift of Caring program.

A woman wants to buy a box of cookies and hands you a 50 dollar bill. What do you do?

Take it! A fifty dollar bill?! Do you know how much a money that is? b I take her fifty dollar bill and count out the correct amount of change. What’s the big deal? c I politely tell the woman that I cannot accept bills larger than twenty and ask if she has any smaller bills. I don’t want to be responsible for accepting counterfeit money!

Immediately sell them door to door. So what if it’s cheating!

Ask friends and family to buy cookies a few days before the sale begins. b

I’m not going to begin selling cookies until the sale officially begins. c

RESULTS a – You’re a Cookie Rookie! Talk to your troop leader about Mostly A’s appropriate conduct and keep the Girl Scout Promise and Law in mind. b – You’re a Cookie Whiz! You’re on your way to cookie Mostly B’s success. Review cookie guidelines and talk to your sister Girl Scouts if you have questions. c – You’re a Cookie Master! You’re wise in the way of the cookie Mostly C’s sale. Good luck this season, you’re going to do great!

ACROSS

1. I’m EVERYONE’S favorite. Even Vegans love me!

4. I’m a peanut butter dream. You can take me anywhere.

6. I’m new this year and I’m juicy and sweet! I’m the best cookie and I can’t be beat!

7. I’m your partner, swing me ‘round.

HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR COOKIES?

Eat me up and you won’t frown.

DOWN

2. I’m new this year too! And I’m very

3. Did you know it’s my birthday?

40 and fabulous!

5. I’m a classic cookie. Girl Scouts ACROSS: 1. Thin Mints; 4. Tagalongs; 6. Rah Rah Raisins; 7. Do Si Dos DOWN: 2. Toffeetastic; 3. Samoas; 5. Trefoils

love their logo so much, they named me after it.

THE LISTENING POST // WINTER 2014-2015

JUST FOR YOU

special. I feed people with sensitve tummies and food intolerances.

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12/30

SUMMER CAMP BROCHURE

While setting your cookie goals, plan out all the summer camps you want to attend with your earnings!

1/24-25 COOKIE DELIVERY 2/3

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION

3/28

GOLD & SILVER AWARDS

Celebrate exceptional young women and their value to the community for completing a sustainable service project.

4/25

1/6

INITIAL COOKIE ORDER DUE

1/10

COOKIE KICK-OFF @ GCU

1/26 - 3/8 COOKIE PROGRAM 2/21

WORLD THINKING DAY

Host a booth to educate fellow Girl Scouts about different countries or just attend to learn! Booth registration closes December 18. 2015 theme: Create Peace through Partnerships.

GSACPC ANNUAL MEETING

Volunteers and Girl Scouts are invited to the Sheraton in downtown Phoenix to celebrate the year’s accomplishments, learn about council opportunities, and engage in dialogue about where the Girl Scout Movement is heading!

GIRL SCOUT SUMMER CAMP IS… Becoming Katniss Everdeen for a week.

Make it to camp through your cookie sales! It takes about 400 packages worth of earnings to earn a week at summer camp. You can do it!

Registration opens February 3, 2015. Look for your very own camp brochure in the mail in January and begin choosing your sessions!