Volunteer 411-Spring/Summer 2022

Volunteer 411

Spring/Summer 2022

Spring into Events!

Check out all of our upcoming programs on pages 16-23!

Celebrate Girl Scout Week with us On pages 26-27!

7 Ways Summer Camp Brings out Their Best Check out pages 34-35!

Check out Page# spring/summer 2022 • volunteer 411

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VOLUNTEER 411

spring/summer 2022

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland serves girls and adults across 67 counties in southern and central Missouri, southeast Kansas, and northeast Oklahoma.

The Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland offers the premier leadership development experience for girls helping them to discover their own sense of self, connect with others in an increasingly diverse world, and take action to make the world a better place.

The Girl Scout Mission Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

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.

The Girl Scout Law I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

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volunteer 411 • spring/summer 2022

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland PO Box 10747 Springfield, MO 65808

Volunteer 411 The Volunteer 411 is a publication by Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland and is published biannually. This is your guide and first step when planning your troop adventures. Within these pages, you’ll find what’s new at Girl Scouts, tips and tricks to create wow-worthy moments, and more! You’re there for your troop and the Volunteer 411 is here for you!

We are always providing new experiences and resources to make sure Girl Scouts can experience new adventures. From upcoming opportunities to new systems, we’ll make sure you are up to date. Catch up on all things new at Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland online and follow us on social media.

Contact Us info@girlscoutsmoheartland.org 877-312-4764 www.girlscoutsmoheartland.org Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland

@girlscouts_mh

@girlscouts_mh

Contents 6 Spring Renewal

Get ready for the next Girl Scout year with all that early renewal has to offer.

12 Volunteer Trainings

Check out all of the upcoming volunteer trainings for 2022!

16 Spring into Girl Events

Check out all of the upcoming girl program experiences for 2022!

22 Outdoor Experiences

Discover the great outdoors with these upcoming outdoor experiences.

26 Girl Scout Week Celebrate Girl Scout Week 2022!

36 Troop Camping Learn more about troop camping and our program centers. .

40 Highest Awards How do your girls earn the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards?

44 Bridging Ceremonies We are here to help you plan your upcoming bridging ceremony. spring/summer 2022 • volunteer 411

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To our hard working, devoted, and passionate volunteers— First, thank you. You have all overcome challenges over the past few years in so many aspects of life, not just Girl Scouts. Not only have you taken care of careers and families, but you have kept a place in your heart for your Girl Scouts, their families, and fellow volunteers. We have seen so much growth in you, so much creativity, and so much willingness to learn over the past two years. We have enjoyed seeing the creative and safe ways you’ve made for your girls to be together and the connections you’ve strengthened over this time.

You have adapted to change and chosen to thrive. You have shown girls what it means to be helpers who take action in their communities. You have demonstrated patience, understanding, and flexibility—showing girls that kindness and respect are at the center of what Girl Scouts do. Your courage and strength has not gone unnoticed by us, your families, or your Girl Scouts. You are truly an amazing example of what it means to be a Girl Scout volunteer.

From your Volunteer Support team, we send our highest appreciation. Thank you for walking with us through another year. Thank you for showing your troops what it means to live by the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Thank you for helping build girls of courage, confidence, and character.

We appreciate you! Your Volunteer Support Team, Allison, Bre, Carrie, Emilie, Heather, Katie, Kay, Kendra, Leigh, Mikael, and Sara

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volunteer 411 • spring/summer 2022

Recognize Your Service Unit Volunteers We’re excited to announce this year we will offer a combined Girl Scout Gold Award and Volunteer Award! Keep an eye out for more information on this exciting ceremony to honor our great Gold Award Girl Scouts and Volunteer Award earners! Connect with us online for more information.

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland values you—our adult members and volunteers—who work every day to champion girl ambition! Girl Scout Adult Recognitions are awards for adult members who exceed expectations, resulting in changing our organization, and even the world as we know it. A big part of recognizing local volunteers is a Service Unit Adult Recognition Ceremony. Each service unit is encouraged to hold a local recognition ceremony! Check out how you can lead a successful ceremony below.

How to Plan an Adult Recognition Ceremony Your adult recognition event can be customized to fit your service unit’s needs. While some include celebrating their volunteers to their bridging ceremonies, others plan a fun service unit event to all get together and catch up. The only requirement for your event is to make your volunteers feel appreciated, everything else is up to you! Make sure to start with the basics below.

Who is attending?

Your audience should include everyone who would like to join and honor the volunteers in your area! This can mean girls and adults, or even just adults. Also consider inviting local community members and community partners who have had a great impact on your service unit.

What will you do?

Whether you’d like to have a more formal recognition night or do a simple activity as a group, the possibilities are endless! For example, one large service unit may host a formal recognition night to honor all their local volunteers. Their neighbor, who is a little smaller service unit, may do a bowling night each year to honor their volunteers. Others may tie their adult recognition into their May Service Unit Meeting. In short, do what works best for you and your service unit.

When will it be held?

Most service units honor local volunteers for their contributions for the year in late April, May, or early June. Remember the summer is often busy, so later than June isn’t ideal, but you could also honor volunteers from the previous year at the start of the next one!

Nothing like a little gratitude to start the year off right!

Where will it be?

While your regular meeting space may be the best option, look for other options as well. Would it be fun to have a dinner at a leader’s home or local restaurant? Perhaps a BBQ at a local park for volunteers, their families, and entire troops? You can choose!

What are our goals?

To hold a successful Service Unit Adult Recognition Ceremony, you’ll want to be clear on your goal. Is it to honor the volunteers who worked hard the previous year or to have a little fun together? Or both?!

Whatever your goal, make sure it’s clear in the recognition process. This will help guide your service unit to success.

Make it Your Own with Custom Awards Creating custom awards can be a fun experience for your whole service unit! Each service unit is unique and has their own traditions and values—and now you can create an award to match them. These awards can honor an entire troop’s volunteers or individuals. Keep an eye out for great champions each year in your service unit! These people and their successes can be the beginning of a great award for your area.

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Spring Renewal Spring into a new Girl Scout year early! When you participate in Spring Renewal, you, your troop, and service unit can earn exclusive perks. Renew between April 1 through June 1 to get a head start on your next Girl Scout year.

Spring Renewal Perks for Everyone Every member that renews for Spring Renewal between April 1 and June 1 will receive this year’s exclusive Spring Renewal patch and the option to purchase this year’s exclusive Spring Renewal T-shirt!

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volunteer 411 • spring/summer 2022

Spring Renewal Perks for Girls The earlier she renews, the bigger the perks. This year, all girls who renew day one of Spring Renewal, April 1, will receive the Spring Renewal t-shirt for free!

This year’s patch and T-Shirt design!

Spring Renewal Perks for Troops Make renewal a troop effort! If your troop renews within the qualified dates, you can receive all the perks below: • Week 1 Perks (April 1–7). Every legal* troop with 100% girl renewal in the first week will receive a Girl Scouts Delivered experience for their troop! This will be sent directly to the Troop Leader to facilitate with their girls, including all the supplies and curriculum included. An estimated value of $25 per girl! Troops who qualify for this incentive will be contacted for additional information and receive their Girl Scouts Delivered troop experience by August 1, 2022.

• Duration of Spring Renewal (April 1–June 1) Perks. We will be hosting two drawings for 100% renewed, legal* troops.

What could you win? A free outdoor experience for the whole troop! Two troops will have the opportunity to choose between an Adventure Activity or an Outdoor Skills Activity.

Our staff will travel to the troop to provide an experience based on the age-level of the troop, where they are located, and what is available in the area.

Spring Renewal Perks for Service Units All service units who renew 90% or more of their members—girls and adults—during Spring Renewal will receive a pizza dinner for a service unit meeting of your choice during the 2022-2023 membership year or by September 30, 2022. *For complete details and information on the Spring Renewal t-shirt ordering, Lifetime Member incentives, legal troop incentive, troop drawings, and the service unit dinner—please refer to the Spring Renewal Booklet coming soon. spring/summer 2022 • volunteer 411

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Cookie Volunteer Tips and Tricks It’s the time of year Girl Scouts put on their vests, set their goals, and fund some of their favorite Girl Scout memories! And we’re here to help! Your GSMH staff, Troop Cookie Chairs, and Service Unit Cookie Chairs are ready to help your girls through reaching their goals and creating lifelong memories in the process!

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volunteer 411 • spring/summer 2022

Follow these tips to make sure your cookie season is successful from start to finish!

• Get the scoop. When we say scoop—we mean the Cookie Scoop! The Cookie Scoop is your guide to all things cookies.

What’s new for the cookie program this year? What’s Smart Cookies? We’ve got all the answers and more in our 2022 Cookie Scoop!

• Engage girls in digital sales. From online sales to phone calls, girls have everything they need right at their fingertips.

If you don’t feel comfortable going door-to-door right now—no worries! The digital world is her oyster when it comes to the Cookie Program.

• Get creative! Allow your girls to dream up new ideas for selling cookies. Does she want to do a socially distant drivethru cookie booth or think of a way to do contact-less selling?

This year may look different—that just means she is able to create something new!

• Get familiar with the cookies. Make sure your girls know their stuff! Knowing what the cookies taste like and even pair well with will help her better understand her customer’s needs.

• Sit down and help set goals. If you haven’t already, sit down with your whole troop and allow girls to start thinking about what they want to do with their cookie funds. Girl-led planning is a great way for your girls to not only get excited about cookies—but the year ahead!

• Practice, practice, practice! Deadlines are coming up! Be sure to go into Smart Cookies and make sure you know everything you have to do. This way when the deadline hits, you will already be a Smart Cookie pro!

• Mark your calendar! There’s some key dates before, during, and after the Cookie Program, like the ones on page 14-15 of The Cookie Scoop. Make sure you set up reminders for dates that you need to remember!

• Participate in National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend! Make sure your girls are taking advantage of all the cookie fun—and benefits—that come from participating in the National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend! Check out ways to celebrate National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend on page 19.

• Use your resources wisely. The Cookie Scoop isn’t your only resource—there is help around every corner! If you’re having any issues or have any questions, contact your Service Unit Cookie Chair or Volunteer Support team member. Make sure to utilize the valuable resources that GSMH staff, Troop Cookie Chairs, and Service Unit Chairs have to offer.

• Join the community! Make sure to join the Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland Volunteer group for all up-to-date information.

You can even ask your fellow Girl Scout volunteers for more tips, tricks, and best practices!

Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out for a helping hand—you’re not alone in this adventure so reach out to parents, other troop leaders, and anyone else at your Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland. Looking for more resources? Scan this QR Code to visit our online cookie resources! spring/summer 2022 • volunteer 411

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Why Girl Scout Cookies Are you a cookie rookie learning the ropes or a cookie veteran ready for another sweet cookie season? Whether it’s your first year or tenth—cookies are here!

Girl Scouts change the world one box of cookies at a time! There is a lot more packed into a box of cookies than sweet treats—girls get a taste of what it takes to be successful and channel their entrepreneurial skills. When girls sell Girl Scout Cookies, they’re doing more than just helping customers stock up on delicious treats (and having lots of fun). Girls are doing it with a goal in mind.

Whether that goal is going to on a summer trip, helping their community with a community project, or anything else they can dream up—girls know how many packages they need to sell to make it happen.

Having the opportunity to run their very own cookie business gives them skills essential for success today and in the future.

Top Four Reasons your troop should participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program 1. Life Skills. The Cookie Program helps girls—and you—develop leadership skills for life, including goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics.

2. Girls earn exciting recognitions. From more wearable recognitions in earlier levels to a new Virtual Disney experience—girls can show off their entrepreneurial accomplishments in new and exciting ways.

3. Financial benefits. Your troop will earn money to help offset the cost of activities, outings, program supplies, and so much more! And in the process, girls gain skills to be financially independent.

4. Your girls will thank you. Many successful business women say they got their start selling Girl Scout Cookie.

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volunteer 411 • spring/summer 2022

National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend Join Girl Scouts across the county as we celebrate the past, present, and future of the Girl Scout Cookie Program. For over a century, Girl Scouts have gone into their communities to provide delicious cookies, all to fund their dreams, goals, and adventures.

This year, we are coming together to host a special cookie and coffee-centric event! The Mudhouse—a coffee shop in Springfield, Missouri—is creating special Girl Scout Cookie-inspired drinks to offer to the community. And there’s more! The Mudhouse is inviting girls to participate in cookie booths at their location! Booths will be available during the Cookie Booth Lottery held in January via Smart Cookies.

Coffee and Girl Scout Cookies with Mudhouse Coffee Shop February 19 & 20 10 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

Mudhouse Coffee Shop | Springfield, MO Plus join Girl Scouts across the council to celebrate the weekend from anywhere! Back this year— our National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend Patch. How do you earn the patch? It’s simple! Complete activities like hosting a cookie booth, sharing your favorite cookie recipe, and more! All activities can be found on our website. Fill out the National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend Submission Form and share a picture or video. Earn your patch and celebrate 100 plus years of Girl Scout entrepreneurship.

Girls and volunteers can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the opportunity to win a patch and enter our giveaways! spring/summer 2022 • volunteer 411

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Train Like a Girl Scout Volunteer

Even superheroes need support. We are proud to offer training that empower volunteers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead meaningful Girl Scout experiences. Check out the updated training information!

Red Cross Updates and Trainings at GSMH The American Red Cross is a proud partner with GSUSA and GSMH. One of the benefits of this partnership is that GSMH can offer quality, life-saving training to our membership at a reduced rate.

First Aid and CPR Training is strongly recommended for at least one adult volunteer in every troop.

The Safety Activity Checkpoints for certain Girl Scout activities require that an adult be certified in First Aid and CPR and act as primary first aid provider.

There are a couple of ways you can get training—including an updated gsLearn course! Check out how to get certified below: • In-person First Aid and CPR trainings. Check out the activities page of the GSMH website to see if there are trainings already scheduled in your area.

• The blended learning option on gsLearn. You can now access the online portion of the Red Cross training on the course in gsLearn. Once you complete the online portion, we can work to schedule the in-person skills session in your area.

• Requesting a training. Visit the Volunteer Resources > Volunteer Training page of the website and fill out the Volunteer Training and Support Request Form and we will be in touch to schedule your training.

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volunteer 411 • spring/summer 2022

$85 • ADULT

$40 • ADULT

Wilderness First Aid

First Aid and CPR MIN/MAX: 5/10

MIN/MAX: 5/10

First Aid and CPR Training is strongly recommended for at least one adult volunteer in every troop. The Safety Activity Checkpoints for certain Girl Scout activities require that an adult be certified in First Aid and CPR and act as primary first aid provider. New and experienced leaders, assistant leaders, and other registered adults are encouraged to attend this course!

Successful completion results in a 2-year certification in Adult and Child First Aid and CPR. Digital certificate will be available upon successful completion.

Get ready to lead in the wilderness! This fast paced, hands-on training is designed to prepare troop leaders, ropes course facilitators, camp staff, outdoor enthusiasts, and volunteers whose activities take them and their girls 30 minutes or more from nearby medical centers. We will teach you how to care for ill or injured individuals that are too far from medical intervention. Successful completion results in a 2-year certification in Wilderness First Aid. Digital certificate available upon successful completion of course. Pre-requisites: Minimum age of 16 years and current American Red Cross CPR certification. This is a two-day course and is only available inperson.

Blended Learning! Don’t have time to meet with us for the whole class? You can complete a portion online. Any of the below trainings that are labeled as blended learning can be done partially via gsLearn.

Latonka Program Center March 20 | 12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: March 7

Girl Scout House • Columbus, KS May 14 | 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: May 2

Leaders Weekend April 30 | 3:05 - 5:25 p.m.

Registration Deadline: March 21

Springfield Service Center August 28 | 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: August 15

Jefferson City Service Center April 2 | 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: March 21

Dexter Service Center September 10 | 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: August 29

$40 • ADULT

Friendship Fields Program Center March 5&6 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: February 18

Outdoor Level 2 & 3 MIN/MAX: 5/20 Outdoor Level 2 & 3 training prepares you to teach girls how to plan and lead a successful camping trip at a simple location, GSMH program center, or established campsite. This training prepares you to teach girls the skills involved with planning and experiencing a multi-day trip—learn how to keep girls safe, inclusiveness, skill progression, girl leadership, and girl-led planning. We will teach tent use and care, campsite selection, outdoor cooking with a skillet and fuel stove, knot-tying, and the Leave No Trace principles. This is an overnight training; participants sleep in tents.

Silver Meadows Program Center Outdoor Level 2 & 3 May 19-20 | 12:30 p.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Registration Deadline: March 6

Finbrooke Program Center Outdoor Level 2 & 3 August 20-21 | 12:30 p.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Registration Deadline: August 5

Join us at Leaders Weekend for Outdoor Level 2!. Learn how to plan and lead a successful overnight camping trip in a simple location, how to keep girls safe, inclusiveness, skill progression, girl leadership, and girlled planning. Additional topics include knot-tying, cooking over a fire, dressing for the weather, packing, and programming. More on Leaders Weekend on Page 15!

Leaders Weekend | Outdoor Level 2 Only April 30 | 10:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline: March 21

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FREE • ADULT

Virtual Trainings MIN/MAX: 5/30 Growing your Girl Scout knowledge can be done anywhere—even from home! Join us for some virtual trainings that will help you become a confident leader. All virtual trainings will include interactive discussions and live demos. Check out the upcoming trainings that will be held via Zoom!

Using gsLearn February 2 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline: January 26

On-Request Trainings March 2 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline: February 23

Using the Volunteer Toolkit April 6 | 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline: March 31

Whether you are looking for information about safety, outdoors, troop finances, badge guides, or more—gsLearn probably has it.

Join us for a live demo of the online training platform!

GSMH has a variety of ways to offer trainings to our volunteers. If you are looking to schedule a training in your area, whether in-person or virtual, join us for a review of the steps you need to take to help us bring the training to you!

The Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) is your resource to plan meetings, research badges, and more! Dive into the VTK with us and learn how it can help you lead your troop in a successful year.

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Leaders Weekend Let your training and volunteering adventure continue with Leaders Weekend 2022. Held at Finbrooke Program Center on April 29–May 1, this event is a great way to experience the wonders of the outdoors and learn new skills to take back to your troop. You can even customize your experience and choose from a variety of workshops and activities to create your own adventure.

Workshops include outdoor cooking, team building, outdoor skills, First Aid and CPR, crafts, badgefocused classes, and camp tours. You can even choose to participate in some high adventure activities like the climbing tower, archery, and the zipline. You choose how long you stay—come for the whole weekend or just stay the day on Saturday. Lodging is available, but space is limited. $15 • ADULT

Leaders Weekend 2022 MIN/MAX: 80/125 Cost includes lodging, lunch, Saturday snacks, and administrative costs.

Cost may increase depending on your workshop and meal selections.

Event details, pre-order merchandise, and the registration packet are available on our website. For questions about Leaders Weekend, contact us at info@girlscoutsmoheartland.org or 877-312-4764.

Finbrooke Program Center April 29 - May 1 | 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Register by March 21, 2022.

Merchandise is back this year! Be sure to pre-order your official Leaders Weekend merchandise. Deadline to pre-order is March 7.

We will also have a pop-up shop on location with lots of fun, new items for your troop! spring/summer 2022 • volunteer 411

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Spring into Events At Girl Scouts—there’s no telling what she can do. Check out the upcoming events below and ask your Girl Scouts what they want to attend this year! Events can also be found on our Activities Calendar on our website.

The Gathering Kick-Off Meeting FREE • GIRL

FREE • ADULT

Calling all Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors! We are looking to gather a committee of Girl Scouts who want to help create the ultimate older girl event. Blossoming from past programs like The Gathering, this event will be made for girls, by girls. Led by Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland’s Program Experience Team, girls involved will be guided through the event planning process and decide what this one-of-a-kind program looks like.

Interested in being on the committee? Eager to share your ideas? Join us virtually for a kickoff meeting where we will discuss the framework of this event—including deciding if it will be held in Fall 2022 or Spring 2023.

Registration is free but required to receive the Zoom link and password to the meeting.

Virtual Zoom Meeting Registration Deadline: February 7 February 8 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

MIN/MAX: 1/30

Jump into Cookies Jump into a sweet Cookie Season! “Bounce” ideas off your fellow Girl Scouts and enjoy an evening of fun! Don’t forget to bring your family along for an ultimate good time! All participants will receive the appropriate jump socks required at check-in and an exclusive 2022 cookie-themed patch. Parents and siblings must register if they wish to participate or may observe for free.

Ultimate Air • Cape Girardeau, MO February 10 | 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: February 3 MIN/MAX: 10/125 | $20 girl & $17 adult

Sky Zone • Columbia, MO February 10 | 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: February 3 MIN/MAX: 20/100 | $16 girl & $16 adult

Jetz • Osage Beach, MO February 11 | 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: February 3 MIN/MAX: 20/100 | $15 girl & $15 adult

Big Air • Branson, MO February 13 | 10:00 – 12:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: February 3 MIN/MAX: 15/100 | $23 girl & $21 adult

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Roll into Cookies

volunteer 411 • spring/summer 2022

$7 • GIRL

$7 • ADULT

Roll into a sweet Cookie Season!

Lace up your skates and join your fellow Girl Scouts as we kick off and celebrate the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Don’t forget to bring your family along to get them in the “zone” for Cookie Season. Parents and siblings can register to participate or observe for free. Price includes rental skates and a fun patch!

Sk8 Zone • Jefferson City, MO February 12 | 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: February 7 MIN/MAX: 8/100

Come Clay with Us

$23 • GIRL

FREE • ADULT

Create it, glaze it, and fire it up! Sounds like fun, right? Bring your imagination to life, sculpting a clump of clay into a piece of art. Playing with clay promotes hand eye coordination, builds hand strength, and creates opportunity for independent problem solving. Join your friends—don’t miss clay time!

Art Zone • Nixa, MO April 1 | 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: March 17 MIN/MAX: 8/50

Drawn into Art $18 • GIRL

FREE • ADULT

Paint in the Zone $25 • GIRL

FREE • ADULT

The world is your canvas, oh artist!

Art is an expression of emotions and can be intense, rich, vivid, and strong. Use your paint and brush to communicate in a whole new language. Painting is a colorful way to connect with others. Bring your Girl Scout friends and to color, connect, and communicate!

Come all, near and far! Bring art to life by creating an illusion. Drawing lines on paper is more than a simple sketch. Creating a drawing that is like reality can create the perspective that things are near or far away. Join your friends—and make new ones—at Art Zone!

Art Zone • Nixa, MO April 3 | 10:00 – 12:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: March 17 MIN/MAX: 8/50

Art Zone • Nixa, MO April 2 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Alpaca’d with Fun

Registration Deadline: March 17 MIN/MAX: 8/50

Zombie Survival Declassified $25 • GIRL

$22 • GIRL

$10 • ADULT

Head out to Zena Suri Alpaca Farm for an exciting adventure guaranteed to be Alpaca’d with fun! Learn all about alpacas, what makes them special—hint: it’s their fleece!—and how it is used. Girls will even get to be creative and make something out of alpaca fleece! Registration includes materials for alpaca creation and a fun patch.

The undead have arrived—can you survive to save the world? Join us for an unforgettable adventure to learn and challenge yourself in outdoor survival skills, all while earning an exclusive Zombie Survival fun patch! Girls will need to bring a sack lunch and water bottle.

American Legion Post 202 Joplin, MO April 2 | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: March 18 MIN/MAX: 12/50

Biology on the Prairie $8 • GIRL

FREE • ADULT

Join our friends at Missouri Prairie Foundation to explore prairies and prairie conservation. While out on the prairie, girls will work towards earning their nature badges. Learn about maps, practice nature journaling, create prairie artwork, identify plants and animals, and more at this one-of-a-kind event.

Please bring a full water bottle. Girls are welcome to arrive early and bring a sack lunch for a picnic on the prairie at noon! A fun patch is included with registration.

Carver Prairie • Diamond, MO April 9 | 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Prairie Bio Blitz

FREE • ADULT

Zena Suri Alpaca Farm • Jay, OK April 2 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: March 17 MIN/MAX: 13/70

Registration Deadline: March 24 MIN/MAX: 5/20 $8 • GIRL

FREE • ADULT

Join us and our friends at the Missouri Prairie Foundation to get hands-on knowledge of prairies and their conservation. This “Bio Blitz” day includes learning about maps, practicing nature journaling, creating prairie artwork, identifying plants and animals, and more! Girls will even have the option to pack a sack lunch and participate in a picnic on the prairie following the program. Girls will receive a fun patch.

Carver Prairie • Diamond, MO April 9 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: March 24 MIN/MAX: 5/20

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A is for Alpaca

Paint Night Pals $15 • GIRL

$8 • GIRL

$2 • ADULT

Did you know alpacas hum? Do you know why? Discover this answer and more fun alpaca facts at Morning Moon Alpaca Farm. Girls will go on an adventurous tour and get to see alpacas up close and personal at this event. Girls will receive a fun patch.

Morning Moon Alpaca Farm Rogersville, MO April 16 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: March 31 MIN/MAX: 14/100

Amazing Alpacas $7 • GIRL

FREE • ADULT

Fabulous, fleece-covered alpacas are waiting to be discovered. Make a new friend with a fancy alpaca, while learning all about the animals.

Girls will enjoy a tour of Curly Eye Farm and meet the alpacas up close and personal. Girls will receive a fun patch.

Curly Eye Farm • Columbia, MO April 23 | 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Registration Deadline: April 7 MIN/MAX: 7/30

All About Alpacas $17 • GIRL

Girls will create a memory of a lifetime at Creative Ewe, while learning about the processes involved in creating ceramics and pottery! Choose your own piece, and then paint your masterpiece—girls will paint 1 item using up to 4 colors. Adults are welcome to paint if they have registered to do so, but feel free to just sit back and watch the fun for free. All registrants will receive a fun patch.

Creative Ewe • Cape Girardeau, MO April 8 | 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: March 25 MIN/MAX: 5/30

Skies, Space, and Science—Oh my! $15 • GIRL

$8 • ADULT

Stars! Stars! Stars! Missouri State University will host a private observation session for Girl Scouts at the Baker Observatory in Fair Grove, Missouri. Get an up-close look at the night sky through the lens of a telescope and get inspired by real-life astronomers! Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors will work towards their Space Science badge, Seniors will work towards the Sky badge.

All girls will receive a fun patch.

Baker Observatory • Fair Grove, MO April 8 | 8:00 – 11:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: March 25 MIN/MAX: 12/400

Making Space for Girls $19 • GIRL

$9 • ADULT

Our friends at Central Methodist University are ready for launch in 3, 2, 1..!

Transform into space scientists and get the chance to learn about the moon, planets, and stars as you work towards earning your Space Science badge!

Girls will have access to the historic Morrison Observatory to participate in hands-on activities, interact with astronomy professionals, and even observe with the telescope (weather permitting). Registration includes dinner and a fun patch.

Central Methodist University April 9 | 3:00 – 9:00 p.m.

FREE • ADULT

Learn about fabulous alpacas and feel their amazing fleece! Enjoy a tour of Curly Eye Farm to meet the alpacas up close and personal! Then, an instructor will guide participants through a felt workshop where they will end the day taking home their own creations! Girls will receive a fun patch.

Curly Eye Farm • Columbia, MO April 23 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: April 7 MIN/MAX: 10/20

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$10 • ADULT

volunteer 411 • spring/summer 2022

Registration Deadline: March 24 MIN/MAX: 15/40

Zombie Survival with SU 762 $25 • GIRL

Trefoil Creations

$10 • ADULT

The undead have arrived—can you survive or even to save the world? Join us and Service Unit 762 for an unforgettable adventure to learn and challenge yourself in outdoor survival skills, all while earning an exclusive Zombie Survival fun patch! Girls will need to bring a sack lunch and water bottle.

SU 762 Barn • Poplar Bluff, MO April 23 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: April 8 MIN/MAX: 12/50

Girl Scouts on the Prairie $8 • GIRL

FREE • ADULT

Join our friends at the Missouri Prairie Foundation for an afternoon of outdoor exploration and artistic expression! Learn about Missouri’s unique prairie ecosystems, threats to these rare grasslands, and how to appreciate them through nature journaling and sketching. We’ll take a look at the plant and animal life on the prairies and document our findings for citizen science research. Girls will receive a fun patch.

Denison Prairie | Sheldon, MO April 30 | 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: April 14 MIN/MAX: 5/20

Learn the basics of fashion design with this masterclass at Stephens College. Learn fashion illustration, design, and basic sewing in a full day of fun, creation, and mentoring by industry professionals and Fashion Design students. By the end of the class, walk away with your own fashion illustration and a tote bag—both created by you! Seniors will work towards their Science of Style badge. Registration includes supplies, lunch, and a fun patch.

Registration Deadline: April 14 MIN/MAX: 10/20

Girls will create a memory of a lifetime at Creative Ewe, while learning about the processes involved in creating ceramics and pottery!

Be prepared to create a Trefoil masterpiece—girls will paint 1 item using up to 4 colors. All pieces will be similar in design but the colors are up to the girl. Adults are welcome to paint if they have registered to do so, but feel free to just sit back and watch the fun for free. All registrants will receive a fun patch.

Creative Ewe • Cape Girardeau, MO May 6 | 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: April 22 MIN/MAX: 5/30

$18 • GIRL

FREE • ADULT

Stephens College • Columbia, MO April 30 | 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

$10 • ADULT

Glow ‘n Bowl!

Fashioning the Future $19 • GIRL

$15 • GIRL

$18 • ADULT

Glow ‘em up and knock ‘em down!

Bowl a strike with fellow Girl Scout families at Century Lanes Bowling Alley for a glowing good time!

Registration includes unlimited bowling, shoe rental and a fun patch for girls.

Century Lanes • Nixa, MO May 6 | 8:30 – 11:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline: April 21 MIN/MAX: 35/100

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overnight

STEM & Sweets $33 • GIRL

$10 • ADULT

What does STEM have to do with sweets? Find out with us at this overnight event! Learn the sweet science behind candies that pop, fizz, crackle, and melt. Then turn sweets into stained glass, see what happens when candy meets ice, and even send your taste buds around the world and see what candies other countries have to offer. One girl will even win at Life Sized Candy Land. Discover that candy sweetness can be turned into art, experiments and so much more! Girls will need to bring a sack lunch and a water bottle with their name on it. Dinner, breakfast, and candy will be provided.

Chamber of Commerce Mountain View, MO May 14-15 | 6:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: April 22 MIN/MAX: 15/50

Biology Out on the Prairie $8 • GIRL

FREE • ADULT

We’re taking the lab out to the prairie! Get outdoors, connect with other Girl Scouts, and explore a Pettis County prairie during spring’s bird migration!

Participate in a Take Action project as you survey the prairie for plant and animal life, leaving a lasting impact as your findings will be submitted to citizen science databases. Also get hands-on with nature and complete an art project. They will have the option to pack a sack lunch and participate in a picnic on the prairie following the program. Girls will receive a fun patch.

Drovers Prairie Conservation Area Ionia, MO May 7 | 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: April 21 MIN/MAX: 5/20

Prairie Biologists $8 • GIRL

FREE • ADULT

Experience first-hand the spring’s great bird migration at a Pettis County Prairie! As you connect with other Girl Scouts, explore the prairie and assist fellow citizen scientists through collecting information on prairie animal and plant life, then submit your data! Then journal yourself and complete an art project. Girls are welcome to arrive early and bring a sack lunch and water bottle for a picnic on the prairie at noon! A fun patch is included with registration.

Drovers Prairie Conservation Area Ionia, MO May 7 | 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline: April 21 MIN/MAX: 5/20

Wonders of Woodworking $12 • GIRL

FREE • ADULT

The Lake Area Woodworkers Guild invites Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors to explore the wonders of woodworking! In this workshop learn basic woodworking skills and build something of their own. All necessary supplies, equipment, and safety gear will be provided. Cadettes will work towards earning their Woodworker badge. Registration includes supplies and a fun patch.

Lake Career & Technical Center • Camdenton, MO May 14 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: April 28 MIN/MAX: 5/10

Paint Your Own Business $30 • GIRL

FREE • ADULT

Join fellow Girl Scout and face painting entrepreneur, Sheena Phillips in this one-of-a-kind program. Hear first-hand what it means to start your own business with only an idea and interest. Discuss stereotypes in businesses and overcoming obstacles to growing your own business. Sheena will share tips, tricks, and various techniques for face painting—even allowing girls to try it out themselves—as we discuss the best products to use and how to care for the skin we are painting.

Silver Creek Community Center Joplin, MO May 27 | 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

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Registration Deadline: May 13 MIN/MAX: 5/25

Lights, Camera, Action! $22 • GIRL

Art Outside the Box

FREE • ADULT $27 • GIRL

Step into the world of acting as you learn the basics of the stage. Through games and hands-on activities, learn stage directions, tools actors use to perfect their roles, how to create stage pictures, and what it’s like to work with a director. Theatre is learning through play—come play with us at Springfield Little Theatre.

Springfield Little Theatre Registration Deadline: May 5 Springfield, MO MIN/MAX: 8/60 May 21 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Kick-off your summer in color at Access Arts! In this workshop, girls will get inspired by the outdoors, explore different mediums, and work towards earning art badges fit for their grade level. Led by an experienced artist—join in on the fun and create your very own masterpiece! Price includes all the supplies, and a fun patch.

Girl Scouts Set the Stage $22 • GIRL

FREE • ADULT

Access Arts • Columbia, MO May 28 | 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: May 12 MIN/MAX: 8/20

Step into the role of an actress and learn what it takes to be a star! Learn stage directions, tools actors use to perfect their roles, how to create stage pictures, and what it’s like to work with a director. Theatre is learning through play—so join in the fun and spend the day on the Springfield Little Theatre Stage.

Springfield Little Theater Registration Deadline: May 5 Springfield, MO MIN/MAX: 8/60 May 21 | 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.

Color Outside the Lines $27 • GIRL

Girl Scouts in the Spotlight $17 • GIRL

FREE • ADULT

Join our friends from TRYPS Children’s Theater who believe that Girl Scouts are showstoppers. Experience the magic of theater in this workshop filled with dancing, singing, and theater games for everyone. Gain hands-on experience in acting and performing, all while working towards earning performing arts badges. Participants will need to bring a sack lunch, full water bottle, and enough snacks for two snack breaks. Price includes the workshop and a fun patch.

Silver Meadows Program Center June 11 | 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: May 26 MIN/MAX: 12/12

Silver Meadows Program Center June 11 | 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: May 26 MIN/MAX: 12/12

FREE • ADULT

FREE • ADULT

Kick-off your summer in color at Access Arts! In this workshop, girls will get inspired by the outdoors, explore different mediums, and work towards earning art badges fit for their grade level. Led by an experienced artist—join in on the fun and create your very own masterpiece! Price includes all supplies, and a fun patch.

Access Arts • Columbia, MO May 28 | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: May 12 MIN/MAX: 8/20

overnight

She n’ Me: Reaching for the Stars $60 • GIRL

$30 • ADULT

Engineering takes flight with this one-of-a-kind overnight event for you and your favorite girl! Camp under the stars at the Joplin Regional Airport field and watch aircrafts fly, take-off, and land. During this overnight event, girls will learn about the history of aviation, the mechanics of flight, and get a behind-the scenes-look at how airports operate. During the day, learn to build a hover craft and a fling flyer. Tour the airport to learn about rules, regulations, and laws that keep us safe while traveling.

Price includes materials for all activities, access to exclusive areas of the airport, dinner, lunch, breakfast, and a fun patch.

Joplin Regional Airport Joplin, MO June 3-4 | 6:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: May 20 MIN/MAX: 16/40 spring/summer 2022 • volunteer 411

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Outdoor Experiences We hope that every girl will find adventures that are as awesome as she is—whatever her interests, age, or level of experience.

Check out these additional outdoor events to get started planning that summer adventure for your troop and girl.

You N’ Me Fishing $15 • GIRL

$5 • ADULT

Hook, line, sinker—spend the day with your favorite adult family member fishing at one of our beautiful program centers. Take some much needed family time, drop a line in the lake, and see who can catch the biggest fish!

Don’t have fishing gear? No problem! We will have some available to borrow.

Please note: this is a catch and release event. Both girls and adults will receive a participation patch. Please bring a chair, sack lunch, water bottle, and whatever other equipment you need. Dress for the weather, including closed toed shoes.

Friendship Fields Program Center April 9 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: March 25 MIN/MAX: 20/100

Silver Meadows Program Center April 23 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: April 8 MIN/MAX: 20/100

FREE • ADULT

Grab your friend and show them the ropes! Discover the excitement of our low and high ropes courses at our beautiful program centers. Girls will traverse elements such as the TP shuffle, Spider’s Web, or the All Aboard on our low ropes course. Then be tested on our high ropes course through elements such as the Postman’s Walk, Pirate’s Crossing, or the Zip Line (each course has different elements). Girls will be put through challenges while on the course. Participants should bring a sack lunch, water bottle, and dress for the weather, including closed toed shoes.

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$5 • ADULT

Make exploring the great outdoors a family affair! Grab your favorite adult family member to day pack and blaze the trail together!

Families will learn how to hike like a professional while enjoying some quality time together outdoors. Girl Scouts will complete portions of the Trail Adventure badge and receive a participation patch! Participants will need to bring a sack lunch, water bottle, and dress for the weather— including closed toed shoes.

Wildcat Glades Conservation Area Joplin, MO April 2 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: March 18 MIN/MAX: 10/20

$20 • GIRL

TEAM Challenge

Latonka Program Center May 7 | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: April 22 MIN/MAX: 10/40

$15 • GIRL

Challenge Games

Latonka Program Center August 20 | 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: July 29 MIN/MAX: 20/100

$40 • GIRL

You N’ Me Hike

Finbrooke Program Center May 21 | 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: May 6 MIN/MAX: 10/40

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FREE• ADULT

Are you ready for a challenge? Grab a friend and test your boundaries by going through multiple games.

You will have to work as a team through problem-solving and creative thinking to succeed. You are required to bring a water bottle and dress for the weather, including closed toed shoes.

Latonka Program Center May 7 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: April 22 MIN/MAX: 10/20 Finbrooke Program Center May 21 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: May 6 MIN/MAX: 10/20

overnight

Backpacking Basics $15 • GIRL

Caving Excursion

FREE • ADULT

Lace up your shoes and grab your pack—we’re hitting the trails to learn the basics of backpacking! Girl Scouts will learn about the backpacking equipment and menu planning needed to go hiking. Girls will even brave the trails and go on a practice hike. If you want to join us on our Backpacking Excursion program, you will need to complete this program. Cost includes packs, tents, and food. All participants should be at least 100 pounds.

Trail of Tears State Park Cape Girardeau, MO May 21 | 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: May 6 MIN/MAX: 7/12

overnight

Backpacking Excursion $25 • GIRL

$25 • ADULT

Hike through beautiful Hawn State Park, camp out underneath the stars, and finish their trek through beautiful forests and streams the next day. Cadettes will have the opportunity to earn their Trailblazing badge, Seniors will practice skills in preparation for the Trail Adventure badge, and Ambassadors will complete the ultimate camping trip and complete select steps towards the Ultimate Recreation Challenge. Prerequisite: Backpacking Basics.

Hawn State Park • St. Genevieve, MO June 3-5 | 5:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: May 6 MIN/MAX: 7/12

Canoeing Basics $20 • GIRL

FREE • ADULT

Paddle along with us and fine tune your canoeing skills! Wade the waters and learn the basic information on boat control, paddling, waterfront safety, and how to prepare for an emergency. The fun doesn’t stop there—this is the first step you will need to complete to come with us on our Canoeing Excursion program. Seniors will complete select steps towards their Paddling badge. This will prepare Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors for the Canoeing Excursion program..

Friendship Fields June 25, 2022 | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: Jun. 10, 2022 MIN/MAX: 8/16

Friendship Fields June 25, 2022 | 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Registration Deadline: Jun. 10, 2022 MIN/MAX: 8/16

overnight

Canoeing Excursion $60 • GIRL

$60 • ADULT

Join us on a canoeing adventure! Cool off and have fun while paddling an 8 mile section of the Elk River! After practicing the skills learned during the Canoeing Basics program, hone your outdoor camping skills with an overnight campout under the stars. Cadettes will complete select steps towards earning their Night Owl badge, Seniors will complete the necessary steps to earn their Paddling badge, and Ambassadors will complete select steps towards earning their Water badge. Prerequisite: Canoeing Basics or council approval.

Two Sons Campground • Noel, MO August 6-7 | 10:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Registration Deadline: July 22 MIN/MAX: 10/20

$50 • GIRL

$50 • ADULT

Take a guided tour of Jacob’s cave and learn how to identify ancient cave formations. Then have the opportunity to get muddy by exploring an untouched part of the cave during the wild cave crawl. The cave tours will be followed by an overnight campout where girls can play games and practice their outdoor cooking skills. Seniors will have the opportunity to earn the Outdoor Adventure Camper badge. Juniors and Cadettes can complete steps towards their Camper and Night Owl badge. Ambassadors will take a step towards their Ultimate Recreation Challenge by completing a challenge unique to the area: exploring one of Missouri’s thousands of caves. Troop camping is available. Arrive before 4:30 p.m. on Friday. You will be responsible for meals and activities from Friday to Saturday at 10:00 a.m.

Jacob’s Cave • Versailles, MO June 18-19 | 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.

Registration Deadline: June 3 MIN/MAX: 8/40

Sundown Sing-Along $10 • GIRL

$10 • ADULT

End the Girl Scout year singing songs around a campfire with fellow Girl Scouts! Since the days of Juliette “Daisy” Low, Girl Scouts have been writing, singing, and playing songs that celebrate the sisterhood and Girl Scout values. Join in on the tradition and sing to your heart’s content while enjoying a classic Girl Scout snack—s’mores. All will receive a participation patch.

Latonka Program Center September 17 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline: September 2 MIN/MAX: 10/100 Finbrooke Program Center September 24 | 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Registration Deadline: September 9 MIN/MAX: 10/100

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Family Camp Girl Scouts and their families are invited to a two-day, one night family camping adventure! Spend some quality time and enjoy general camp activities like canoeing, art projects, archery, fishing, cooking over a fire, and more! We will even have time for some friendly competition among families.

These family opportunities have family-style pricing! The $95 registration fee includes facilitated activities, supplies, and food for a family of up to 4 members. Additional family members can be added for $10 per member. Registration opens Feb. 22!

For each session, check in will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday and check out will be at 11 a.m. on Sunday. Dinner will be provided Saturday and breakfast will be provided on Sunday. Participants will need to bring a sack lunch for Saturday. Please note—activities will be best suited for ages 5 and up but children as young as 3 are welcome to attend.

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Finbrooke May 7-8 | $95 | Ages 3 and up

Families can request to stay in a cabin, hut, or a tent.

Latonka May 14-15 | $95 | Ages 3 and up

Families can request to stay in a cabin, lodge, or tree house.

Friendship Fields May 21-22 | $95 | Ages 3 and up

Families can request to stay in a tent or bring their own.

Silver Meadows August 13-14 | $95 | Ages 3 and up

Families can request to stay in a tent or bring their own.

Our Heroes Wear Badges, Not Capes We need your help to support all girls. When we say all girls, we mean the girls that you see at your troop meetings, running around at summer camp, and even the girls in your communities who haven’t discovered Girl Scouts yet! Introducing—our new monthly giving opportunity! This giving opportunity is an easy way to not only connect with the Girl Scout community but create long-lasting change to the Girl Scout experience.

What is monthly giving? It’s exactly what it sounds like! Once you sign up, a set amount of funds can be auto-donated to GSMH each month to make sure Girl Scouts have the resources they need to make the world a better place. It allows you the opportunity to not just impact the Girl Scouts in your troop, but help girls across Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland.

Ready to be her champion?

•

$5 per month provides a girl from a low income family with a Girl Scout uniform, so she can show the world what she has accomplished.

•

$10 per month pays for food for a week of resident camp because exploring nature can’t be done on an empty stomach!

•

$25 per month provides a Girl Scout membership for one girl each month, allowing girls to incorporate our four program pillars into their everyday life: STEM, outdoor skills, entrepreneurship, and life skills.

•

$50 per month supplies high quality, intensive outdoor safety training to 5 volunteers each year.

•

$100 per month funds an improvement project at one of our four program properties, making camp a safe and an enjoyable space for both girls and volunteers.

When you give monthly, you prove that she’s not the only one making the world a better place—it means you already did.

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Celebrate Girl Scout Week!

Girl Scout Week is all about celebrating the past, present, and future of Girl Scouts. From where it all began in Savannah, Georgia to your local communities—Girl Scouts show up for what they believe in, show off their Girl Scout pride, and reflect on our historic past. Starting on March 6 and ending with celebrating Girl Scouts turning 110—check out all the activities you and your troop can participate in below.

Sunday, March 6 Girl Scout Sunday Girl Scout Sunday is a day for Girl Scouts to think about and celebrate their beliefs. You can also take the day to discover new cultures within your community!

Monday, March 7 Sisterhood Day Girl Scouts is a lifelong sisterhood. Whether we live 2 miles from one another or 200, we are all sisters! Inspired by Vi’s story, wear purple to school today! Make sure to say hi to your fellow sisters wearing purple as well!

Tuesday, March 8 Troop Tuesday Since we formed in 1912, Girl Scouts have come together as troops. Show off your troop pride by taking a group photo and sharing it with us via email or social media!

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Wednesday, March 9 Camp Day Girl Scout camp allows girls to celebrate time honored traditions, such as s’mores over a campfire or singing camp songs, while paving new trails that lead the way for future generations. Today, wear your favorite camp shirt to school to show off your adventures and share it with us using the hashtag #AdventurefulGirlScouts.

Thursday, March 10 Throwback Thursday We may not look it, but we are turning 110 years today! Today, we are throwing back to those who got us to where we are today. Girl Scouts can recreate a picture of their caregiver’s Girl Scout days, wear an old Girl Scout uniform, recreate an iconic Girl Scout picture with their troop, or throwback in a way that fits you. No matter how you choose to honor those whose shoulders we stand on, make sure to share it with us!

Friday, March 11 Girl Scout Spirit Day Girl Scout pride has no limit. Wear your Girl Scout uniform today. Snap a picture and share it with us social media by using our hashtag #GirlScoutPride.

Saturday, March 12 Celebrate Girl Scouts Turning 110 It’s time to party and celebrate our 110th year of building girls of courage, confidence, and character. Throw a birthday party to celebrate the past, present, and future of Girl Scouts in the community!

Share with us how you celebrated Girl Scout Week! Fill out the Girl Scout Week Form and your Girl Scouts can earn a free patch to add to their vests! Connect with us on social media or on our website for everything you need to celebrate Girl Scout Week. spring/summer 2022 • volunteer 411

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Offering More Experiences In Every Program Pillar and Community

There are amazing experiences everywhere across the Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland—and we are searching for program partners to collaborate with to provide them to our Girl Scouts. If your Girl Scout can dream it, we want to provide it. Whether she wants to step into STEM or the CEO position of her own company, our program partners are here to make her dreams a reality.

What does partnering with us mean? It means a business or organization aligns with our mission and agrees to our: • Safety standards. Our priority is keeping our girls safe. That’s why each partner will be evaluated to make sure they follow our guidelines. High adventure partners will have an on-site visit from Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland staff.

• Program priorities. The Outdoors, STEM, Life Skills, and Entrepreneurship—that’s what Girl Scouts is all about! Partners are provided with information on relevant badgework and will align activities to make sure she’s getting the most out of her time with them.

• Community Centric Service Model. We’re looking for partners that are in it for the long haul. Your girl has made a commitment to Girl Scouts, she deserves program partners who commit to her!

We’re building lasting, sustainable relationships with our partners so troops, girls, and families can benefit from their expertise again and again.

• Girl Scout values. We ask our members to live by the Girl Scout Promise and Law and expect our partners to do the same. That means they’ve agreed to be welcoming to every Girl Scout and her family.

We need you—the community members—to let us know about businesses and organizations in your community that can offer unique experiences (or already have) to our Girl Scouts.

From main street to the back country—our program partners are here to help Scan QR code to visit our your troop experience every adventure that Girl Scouts has to offer. website and become a community partner!

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Program Partner Spotlight: Labspace Robotics Located in Jefferson City, MO, Labspace Robotics is powering every Girl Scout’s curiosity. Labspace has the equipment necessary to build and program robots, providing fun, high energy workshops where your troop can earn their robotics badges.

Labspace Robotics is a trusted program partner—even providing online classes in robotics, game design, coding, and mechanical engineering during a time when COVID-19 would not allow us to come together. These virtual experiences not only connected local Girl Scouts, but Girl Scouts from over 40 states, Puerto Rico, and Peru! We are excited to continue partnering with Labspace Robotics as they offer in-person programs again, offering more options like game design, 3D printing and design, programming, and engineering.

Coming this summer—a specialty day camp in partnership with Labspace Robotics for the Girl Scouts and their troops to dive deep into the world or robotics. More information will be coming soon.

Healthy Blue Patch Program Coming Soon from our partners at Healthy Blue Missouri—a new way to encourage your girls to earn badges that support their health and wellbeing.

How does your troop earn this patch? It’s easy! Complete the two badges from the list on our website that correspond with the age level of your troop and fill out the Healthy Blue Patch Participation form located on our website. We hope to offer badge workshops to assist in earning this patch—more information will be available on our website.

Current Community Partners Our Community Partner Program grows more and more every day. Look out for opportunities with these Community Partners, either in this 411 or through our communications!

Access Arts | Columbia, MO Artzone | Nixa, MO Big Air Trampoline Park Branson, MO Central Methodist University Fayette, MO Century Lanes | Nixa, MO Code Ninjas | Springfield, MO Curly Eye | Columbia, MO Dennis Scivally Park Cape Girardeau, MO Missouri Prairie Foundation Columbia, MO

Jetz Trampoline Park Osage Beach, MO Joplin Regional Airport Joplin, MO Labspace Robotics Jefferson City, MO Lake Area Woodworker’s Guild | Camdenton, MO Lazy L Safari | Jackson, MO Morning Moon Alpaca Farm Rogersville, MO MSU Astronomy Department Springfield, MO

Sky Zone | Columbia, MO Springfield Little Theatre Springfield, MO Stephens College School of Design | Columbia, MO TRYPS Children Theatre Columbia, MO Ultimate Air Trampoline Park Jackson, MO Zena Suri Alpacas | Jay, OK

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Go Anywhere with Girl Scouts Anywhere she wants to go—Girl Scouts can take her there. From field trips as a Brownie to global adventures as a Cadette, Senior, or Ambassador, there’s no telling how far Girl Scouts can take her.

It’s time for our Girl Scouts to get out and explore! Check out the international travel opportunities coming up for older girls!

International Travel with GSMH & EF Tours Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland has continued to partner with EF Tours to provide worldwide adventures to our girls. Although the following trips are currently at capacity, we do have spots available on the wait lists.

Italy & Greece—July 2021 This summer, 30 Girl Scouts will travel to Italy and Greece where they will walk the streets of Rome, Florence, Athens, and more! Girls will discover how the ancient wonders of Athens and Delphi give way to the Renaissance treasures of Florence. It will become clear how one era leads to another, how one ancient civilization sows the seeds for future awakenings. The Parthenon in Athens and the Colosseum in Rome will provide a fascinating framework for the artistic and architectural breakthroughs throughout Florence.

Scan QR code for more information on this trip!

Belize—June 2023 In the summer of 2023, 35 Girl Scouts will discover the world of Belize!

Ancient ruins and amazing reefs blend together in an environmental wonderland of jungles and coastlines. Belize is Central America’s eco-frontier, a young nation with ancient roots that welcomes you with diverse ecosystems and wildlife, as well as different languages and cultures. Discover the mysteries of the Mayan civilization, zipline through lush jungles, and snorkel in the crystal-clear Caribbean.

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Scan QR code for more information on this trip!

Scan QR code to visit the Destinations website.

Girl Scout Destinations Destinations are the ultimate adventure program for girls ages 11 and older. With a variety of different trips to apply for every year— like surfing camp on the east coast, breathtaking hikes out west, and exploring new countries abroad—there’s a dream destination for every Girl Scout.

How Does it Work?

1. Visit girlscouts.org/destinations. Note: It is best to check out the following year’s trips in August or September to apply during the Early Enrollment Period. Girls can enroll at any time throughout the year on a rolling basis with limited spots available.

2. Girls choose up to four trips that spark their “wow!”

3. Girls submit their application.

4. Girls will then receive responses from trip sponsors and can select their Destination!

5. Girls confirm participation and pay the deposit to hold their spot.

6. Leading up to the Destination, girls will gather information from their trip sponsor, and get ready and excited for their trip.

Girls will make friends from all over the country as they travel with Girl Scouts from different states, see and learn new things, and pack their bags full of inspiring, life-changing experiences and memories.

Did you know? Girls can take the Cookie Program Credit earned during the Cookie Program and put it towards their travels. Cookie Program Credit payments can be made toward all GSUSA Destinations and GSMH-Sponsored EF Tours trips. That means that selling cookies could get you to your next adventure! To make a Cookie Program Credit payment for a trip contact us at info@girlscoutsmoheartland.org or 877-312-4764 and include the following information: traveler name, trip title (EF Tour or Destination), month of trip, year of trip, Cookie Program Credit Card Number, and amount to be applied towards trip. spring/summer 2022 • volunteer 411

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More Ways to Get Involved Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors Challenge Summer is the perfect time to explore the outdoors. She can plant a tree, visit a state park, or even hike a trail! Whatever outdoor activity she chooses—she’s invited to take the challenge, the Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors Challenge. It’s simple. All Girl Scouts have to do is complete the number of activities required for their grade level and they can unlock a cool, new patch!

Make sure to connect with us to stay tuned for the new patch design and for more information on how she can take the challenge this summer!

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Girl Scouts Handcrafted Let your voice be heard! Tell us what adventures you want to see in your area. By filling out a brief online form, your dream activity can become a reality!

How it works: You fill out and submit this short online form letting us know what experience you are looking for. You will indicate if you would like to be contacted by a Girl Scout professional to work out the details for this experience, or if you are just sharing ideas.

• If contact is requested, a Program Specialist will reach out to you to collect the information needed to make this request a reality! They will work with you to develop curriculum, a budget and select a date for the experience.

• If you don’t wish to be contacted, your idea will be placed in our experience database to potentially be used for future GSMH experiences.

What do you mean by “experience” and “activity?” GSMH is able to provide an array of ways to bring Girl Scouting to you.

Your request could be for an in-person program, a virtual-only program, or a Girl Scouts Delivered program where the event is held virtually, and supplies are mailed out to participants.

Why should you fill out this form? The information and ideas submitted help us craft programs—programs designed and developed for Girl Scouts in your area!

When should you fill out this form? Anytime! Whenever you or your Girl Scouts express interest or need for a specific topic or experience.

Who should fill out this form? Any Girl Scout! Volunteers, families, older girls—any Girl Scout ideas are welcome!

It’s Back—Project Plant-It Save the galaxy, plant a tree! The entire month of April is dedicated to you—earth’s defenders—who save the world one tree at a time. From Arbor Day to Earth Day, you can celebrate both by planting trees and keeping our planet healthy. Join us in the fight and plant trees for change. Join us for this council-wide service project this April to protect our planet Earth! Girls will earn a custom Project Plant-It patch to show how they changed the world.

How do you earn the patch? It’s simple—plant a tree! While you can participate in this as an individual or as a troop, we recommend at least one tree for every five girls. After planting a tree, submit a photo to the Project Plant-It Report Form and your patch will be sent to the address provided.

Earn this patch!

Project Plant-It will run the whole month of April, kicking off on April 1, 2022 and ending on April 30, 2022. spring/summer 2022 • volunteer 411

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7 Ways Summer Camp Brings Out Their Best The truth is, sending girls off to camp is one of the best gifts you can give them. The fun, outdoor adventure, and friends will enrich their life and— perhaps without them even noticing—give them the courage, people skills, and leadership skills to succeed at whatever they set their mind to.

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Summer is when some of the most fun childhood memories are made, but did you know that it’s also an awesome opportunity for girls to grow, learn, and become her best self? Here are seven amazing benefits they will get from a summer camp experience.

1. Make new friends. There’s nothing quite like giggling over games in the bunk or singing songs with new besties around a campfire.

That’s why it’s actually good to send them to camp where they might not know many (or any) other girls! Having a diverse group of friends, not just kids they know from school, will broaden their horizons and help them see their own worth, too.

2. See all they can be. In an all-girl environment like Girl Scout summer camp, girls are more comfortable trying new outdoor activities, and they get to take the lead every single time—meaning there’s plenty of room at the top for girls to take charge and flex their muscles, both when it comes to outdoor adventure and crucial leadership skills that will last them a lifetime.

3. Tune in to nature. Getting out in nature, soaking up the sun, or dashing inside during a sudden downpour is way more exciting than any app they might have on their phone and is all part of the adventure of camp. Unplugging for a while will keep them more present and truly enjoying every moment instead of simply watching it from a screen.

4. Grow their grit. The truth is, they might scrape a knee or elbow while they’re away—and that’s a good thing! When they learn to get back up after minor setbacks, like scrapes and bumps, they’re building their resilience and learning that they’re a lot tougher than they think.

5. Meet new mentors. Having a variety of awesome role models will help girls see the many ways to be successful and happy in life. And the incredibly supportive staff and counselors at summer camp are ready to step up to the plate and inspire!

6. Gain independence. Being away from home—especially if that’s new for them!—might be a bit intimidating. But having that time away to explore and try activities on their own will make them more self-reliant and able to discover new things to share and teach you when they return home.

7. Tons of time for play. Playtime is anything but a waste of time. In fact, studies show that play allows the neurons in a child’s brain to form new connections—and that this rewiring helps boost emotional intelligence, decision-making skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. spring/summer 2022 • volunteer 411

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Troop Camping Troops can plan their own outdoor getaways for a day, overnight, or weekend at one of our program centers or any approved non-GSMH site. When they go troop camping and decide the trails they want to trek—they take ownership of their outdoor skills!

Note: COVID-19 may impact reservation and activity available.

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Here’s what you need to know before your troop camping adventure: • A camping experience of less than one week in duration that takes place within GSMH boundaries is considered troop camping.

• Overnight camping at a GSMH Program Center requires at least one official adult volunteer per unit that is certified in GSMH outdoor level training. Another adult volunteer must be certified in CPR and First Aid. • Troops must obtain approval from GSMH before camping on non-GSMH sites, except for overnight backyard camping.

Backyard camping does not require approval. Troops can use the Outdoor Experiences on Request to add even more adventure to their camping experience at any of our four program centers.

Reserving Program Centers Girl Scout members are invited to reserve our program centers for free!

To reserve our program centers, visit our website and fill out the Program Center Reservation Form. Reservations are currently available for day and overnight use. Confirmations will be sent to the troop after a reservation is complete.

Outdoor Experiences on Request Outdoor Experiences on Request are outdoor programs that can be customized to meet the needs of your troop or group! Each program includes a basic skill introduction and are facilitated by GSMH-paid Outdoor Experience Facilitators. When you reserve a program center for troop use, let us know what activities you are interested in. We will contact you to plan an outdoor experience on request.

Scan QR code to access the Program Center Reservation Form!

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Shop with Us We’re meeting our Girl Scouts where they are at—their communities, programs, and events to make sure they have all their Girl Scout needs. From uniforms to t-shirts that show their Girl Scout pride, we’ve got her covered. Ready to shop? Join us at any of our shopping opportunities below!

• In-person appointments. Shop with us at our Springfield or Dexter retail locations by setting an appointment via phone at 877-312-4764, or via email at info@girlscoutsmoheartland.org.

• Place an order over email or phone. Contact us at 877-312-4764 or info@girlscoutsmoheartland. org to place your order from your home!

• Join us live! Check out our Facebook group Girl Scouts MO Merch and make sure to turn on notifications for dates and times for our Facebook Live shopping events.

• New! Request a Pop-Up Shop. We’re hitting the road and providing all that your girls need at events, meetings, or anywhere else you feel you need us.

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Shop Saturdays Join us for one of our upcoming Shop Saturdays! You won’t want to miss your chance for special sales and more.

Springfield, Jefferson City, and Dexter Service Centers January 22 | February 19 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

March 19 | April 16 | May 21 Email or call to make an appointment.

Pop-Up Shops Our shops are coming to you! We’re hitting the road and providing all your Girl Scout needs at your local events, meetings, or anywhere you need us. Our shop on wheels will be available soon, but here’s what you need to know right now.

But wait—what is a Pop-Up Shop?

Pop Up Shops are smaller versions of our shop, on wheels! We are hitting the road and traveling where you need us to be. Pop-Up Shops will have core insignia, uniform and casual apparel, fun swag, select badges, fun patches, Girl Scout gear, and more!

Who can request a Pop-Up Shop?

Short answer—anyone! Our shops will be available for all areas to request. Just ask and we will show up to your event, program, or community.

I’m in! How can I request one?

More details will be coming soon on how to request a Pop-Up Shop for your local event and community. Stay connected with us to find out locations, dates, and times for when we will be coming your way.

We cannot wait to see you at your event soon! Make sure to check your email, our social media, and the website for any updates.

Connect with Us on Facebook Our Girl Scouts MO Merch Facebook group is your go-to spot to shop with us online, ask any questions, and get sneak peeks of new merchandise. You can even join us at our Facebook Live shopping events from the comfort of your home! Turn on notifications for the Girl Scouts MO Merch group to make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to shop until you drop!

Scan the QR code to join the group! Did we mention? Shipping is free for any purchases made! spring/summer 2022 • volunteer 411

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What’s the Difference?

Take Action vs. Service Project

Giving back is always in season at Girl Scouts. Encourage your girls to harness that spirit of goodwill and bring their charitable intentions to life!

As they look for meaningful ways to contribute to their community, you can help sharpen their problem-solving skills and expand their definition of philanthropy by discussing community service and Take Action projects. Take Action projects are required to complete the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award. Need help knowing the difference? Here’s a few things to remember!

Service (or Community Service) Projects make the world a better place right now. Whether your girls engage in a short-term community service project, like collecting toys for kids who live in shelters or a long-term project, like weekly volunteer shifts at a soup kitchen, their work fills an immediate need in the community.

Take Action Projects take community service to the next level. Though the girls still identify areas in which they’d like to help their communities, a Take Action project addresses the root of an issue and creates a lasting effect. For Take Action Projects girls educate, publicize, and involve people in the community to come out and support it. Girls can even get community leaders involved.

Unlike community service projects, Take Action projects go a step further than collecting, making, and donating needed items. Community service projects stop when girls stop, but Take Action projects are continual and sustainable.

Whether you and your troop complete a community service project or Take Action project— Girl Scouts can help their community in so many ways!

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Go for the Gold Gold Award Girl Scouts are rock stars, role models, and real-life heroes. How do they do it? By using everything they’ve learned as a Girl Scout to help fix a problem in their community or make a lasting change in their world. Girl Scouts who want to get involved and go for the Gold Award get a team of trusted adults and leaders in their community to guide them through challenges and lead them to success, step-by-step. There’s no other program like it. Here’s how girls can get started: • • • •

Create a GoGold Account at gogold.girlscouts.org.

Be a High School student.

Be a registered Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador.

Complete 2 Senior or Ambassador Journeys OR 1 Journey and the Girl Scout Silver Award.

Before girls submit their project proposal, remind them to do their research! Here’s how you can help her start brainstorming: • Find an issue that speaks to her. The number one reason Girl Scouts do not finish their Gold Award is a lack of passion, so help her find a topic she cares about!

• Encourage her to go into her community and see what troubles the community. Talk to local leaders, teachers, or religious leaders for some insight.

• Build a team. Having a team of people to help her see her vision and make it come true is a vital part and will help her feel supported.

• Help connect her with a project advisor! This person can help guide her along the way. Although we know troop leaders love to take on this role, encourage her to make a community connection and find a project advisor outside of her troop.

Did you know?

Gold Award Girl Scouts can apply to receive a scholarship through GoGold!

What You Need to Know • Gold Award Proposals must be approved before the start of a project. We have a committee that looks over them, think of them as your extra Gold Award Advisors!

• We will communicate directly with girls what follow up or additional details are needed after she submits her project.

• The Gold Award—like all highest awards—needs to be a Take Action project that leaves a lasting impact on the community.

• Girls can raise funds for their project or ask the community for in kind donations! Girls can get materials donated, or raise funds to buy materials. Prior to collecting monetary donations, girls need to fill out a Money Earning Activity Application, which can be found under forms on our website. spring/summer 2022 • volunteer 411

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Go for the Silver When girls team up with a small group of Girl Scout friends to find an issue they care about and then make a difference in their community, they can earn the Girl Scout Silver Award. Here’s how girls can get started: • Be a registered Girl Scout Cadette.

• Complete a Cadette Journey.

Before girls start their project, remind them to do their research!

Here’s how you can help them start brainstorming: • Help them identify a topic they care about. If they earned their Bronze Award, girls can also build upon that same topic!

• Build a team. The Silver Award can be done either as a troop or as an individual, but the girls will still need a project advisor.

• Know the difference between a community service project and a Take Action project. Need help? Check out page 40!

• Reference our Silver Project Guide, found on our website, to help you along the way!

• Raising funds for the project is okay—just help girls complete a Money Earning Activity Application, found under forms on our website.

What You Need to Know • The Silver Award submission process has gone digital! When girls complete their project they will need to submit the online Girl Scout Silver Award Final Report, found on our Silver Award web page.

• Silver Award Projects do not need to be pre-approved.

But make sure your girls are still following guidelines for fundraising, donations, and the Take Action Projects.

• If you don’t know where to get started that is okay! You can reach out to your Volunteer Support Staff for help at any time!

• Once girls have earned the award—celebrate! We encourage you to have a special pinning ceremony to honor the girls’ success.

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Go for the Bronze When Girl Scout Juniors team up to make a difference in their community, they learn important leadership skills, discover new passions, and watch how seemingly small actions make a big difference. It all adds up to the Girl Scout Bronze Award—the highest honor a Junior can achieve.

Here’s how your girls can get started: • Be a registered Girl Scout Junior.

• Complete a Junior Journey.

Before girls start their project, remind them to do their research! Here’s how you can help them start brainstorming: • This is her first Girl Scout Highest Award! Now is the perfect time to sit down and talk about the difference between a service project and a Take Action Project. Need help knowing the difference?

Check out page 40!

• Help your girls explore their community and find an issue that means something to them. This might help the girls decide what issue and Take Action Project they would like to complete.

What You Need to Know • The Bronze Award submission process has gone digital! When girls complete their project they will need help submitting the online Girl Scout Bronze Award Final Report, found on our Bronze Award page.

• Once submitted and approved, we will mail out the certificates! You can then call our shop to purchase pins for your Bronze Award Girl Scouts!

• The Bronze Award can be done as a group or individually. If done as a group, each girl will still get her own certificate from us.

Scan QR code to visit our highest award web pages. spring/summer 2022 • volunteer 411

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Their Next Steps Planning a Bridging Ceremony

When Girl Scouts bridge, they don’t just go from one level to the next. They step into a new Girl Scout year with courage, confidence, and character needed to accomplish their goals. Special bridging ceremonies allow for you and your troop to celebrate the girls and their accomplishments. Whether they are bridging from a Daisy to a Brownie or Ambassador to Adult, they’ve earned a celebration.

Follow the tips and tricks below to plan the best bridging ceremony for your troop.

The Basics: When and Where Each troop is unique. Pick the best location and time for you and your troop. Girl Scouts can bridge anytime from May to September.

Here are a few ideas: • If you are traveling with your troop, you can bridge where you are going and give the girls a unique bridging experience.

• If you have a unique bridge in your town or in a neighboring community, use your resources wisely, and have the girls walk across it.

• Make it a service unit-wide affair. Contact your service unit and set up a service unit-wide bridging event.

Just remember—keep it girl-led and make sure to ask the girls for help. The girls should be actively engaged in designing what their ceremony will look like and the ceremony should reflect their own personalities and interests. It also helps them get excited for their own celebration.

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Sample Schedule for a Bridging Ceremony 1. Opening. Guests are welcomed, and the tone is set.

2. Main section. The ceremony is explained and the girls celebrate moving from one level to the next.

3. Closing. Girls can participate in friendship circles and thank their guests.

Each of the ceremony’s parts offers plenty of room for the girls’ creativity and individuality. The ceremony should always focus on paying tribute to Girl Scouts as they move forward.

General Tips and Tricks •

It doesn’t have to be a bridge! Balloons can be a quick way to create a rainbow arch that girls walk under during the ceremony. Carpet squares, stepping stones or garden pavers, and chalk on a driveway can be used to mark out a path for girls to travel. These also allow girls to design and create the bridge themselves.

• If the girls have speaking parts during the ceremony, it may be helpful to spend one meeting having the girls write or draw pictures on pieces of paper describing what they will share.

Leaders can collect these and hang on to them until the ceremony for the girls to refer to during the presentation.

• Though this event should be girl-led, especially with younger girl troops, leaders may need to provide the audience with a bit of context or additional information during the ceremony. It can also be fun to ask for audience involvement—perhaps with a song with easy actions!

In the end, it’s up to you and your troop how you celebrate moving up levels in Girl Scouts. Do what works best for you and your troop. If you are looking for some inspiration, consider asking your fellow volunteers on our GSMH Volunteer Facebook group or you can reach out to your Volunteer Support Scan QR code to join the Volunteer Specialist at info@girlscoutsmoheartland.org.

Facebook Group! spring/summer 2022 • volunteer 411

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Step Back

and Let Your Girls Take the Lead One helpful Daisy spills handfuls of popcorn while passing a large snack bowl around the room; another excitedly squeals when she hears you might move the meeting outside and sprints toward the door with four other enthusiastic Daisies. At this moment you, as the troop leader, might be wondering, “Girl-led, or girl-led chaos?”

Girl-led activities are the secret sauce of Girl Scouting, and it’s easy to see why. When girls step up and take ownership of their decisions, they grow into confident leaders who can make informed and empowered decisions—a valuable skill they’ll carry throughout their lives.

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For some leaders, however, stepping aside and letting the girls take charge might seem counterintuitive, especially if you lead a troop of energetic Daisies or Brownies. And because girl-led activities start with you, how can you create a space where girls feel empowered to speak their minds and pursue their interests?

Just how active a role a leader takes in troop life will look differently across Girl Scout grade levels, but below are a few ideas to help you get started.

Girl-Led for Younger Girls Whether your girls are selecting a Journey or planning an event, they’ll need your support as they learn to take the reins. Girl-led for your Daisies and Brownies could mean that you consolidate their ideas and offer guided questions to help them reach decisions.

Juniors will have more focused thoughts about what they’d like to do during their troop year but may need some support as they start planning activities.

Girl-led programming means taking a step back as a leader and involving the girls in the decision-making process as early as possible to the extent of their abilities. Understanding what your younger girls want to accomplish makes guiding them easier. When giving girls choices, remember what their goals are to help keep them on track. Younger troops can be a talkative and energetic bunch; sometimes it’s hard for them to stay focused.

In short? Be patient and understand that not everything will be as organized as you intended, and that’s OK! What really matters is that your girls are empowered to make age-appropriate decisions about troop activities.

Girl-Led for Older Girls Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors can take on more responsibilities, but your role as an advisor is still key as your girls hone practical skills that will benefit them throughout their careers.

Understanding your girls’ interests is essential to keeping them engaged, so encourage them to think big and tailor activities as they see fit. Talk to them about what they value and what they want from their Girl Scout experience, which will become even more meaningful as your older girls pursue higher awards. Sure, they’ll be making outreach to local charities and facilitating community workshops—but you’ll be the one they turn to when they need advice or words of encouragement as they encounter roadblocks in their projects.

It might be tempting to step in for girls of any age, but remember that giving them space to make their own decisions—and mistakes—is how they’ll tap into their most confident selves. Girls can feel somewhat uncomfortable—they’re probably not used to being the ones in charge of making decisions very often. But practice, though it might not make perfect, helps, and the sooner your girls get used to the process, the easier it becomes. And letting girls take the lead will often get everyone out of our comfort zones, which is a good thing—for girls and adults.

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Self-Care:

Helping Troop Leaders Be Their Best Self-care is more than just a buzzword associated with spa days or eating an entire sleeve of Thin Mints in one sitting (though we’re not judging). It’s about paying attention to your needs and taking care of yourself mentally, emotionally, and physically. And in stressful times, self-care—whatever it looks like for you right now—has become more important than ever.

It’s easier said than done, of course, but if we don’t take care of ourselves, how can we best care for our families, our troops, and the other people and things we hold close to our hearts? In practicing self-care, you also demonstrate for your girls what it means to listen to your gut and be your best self.

Just remember: you are enough! If your best isn’t what it normally is right now, be forgiving and show yourself a little love.

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Borrow some ideas from volunteers around the country: from what to do at home to what to do with your troop, here are their tips for rolling with the changes like a Girl Scout.

Create Routines

Keep Connections Strong

There’s comfort in the familiar, and if having a regular routine—like enjoying a daily bike ride or phone call with your best friend—feels good to you right now, stick to it! Keeping to a schedule can help you feel organized.

Lean on your social circles—your friends or your fellow troop volunteers, for instance. Sometimes, keeping connections strong—especially when everyone is living in the same space—means carving out time for yourself. “My family is always together, which means that we get on each other’s nerves a bit more,” laughs Chrissy Schaeffer of Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania.

“To combat that, we are taking specific time for ourselves. My daughter spends time riding her bike. I spend time in my office; when the door is closed.”

“Some things I’m doing to practice self-care are getting a full night of sleep, sticking to a wakeup and bedtime schedule, taking a daily walk, and eating healthy foods,” shares Cheryl Lentsch of Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska. “I also try to do something that makes me happy each day, like reading a book or working on a jigsaw puzzle.”

Prioritize Flexibility On the flip side? Embrace the fact that every day may look different; if certain routines don’t work for you right now, consider shedding them until things normalize.

“I have tried to adopt a flexible mindset,” says Denise Montgomery of Girl Scouts of San Diego.

“What this looks like in everyday life is being flexible about our family routine and expectations of each other, making do with materials we have at home, and being open-minded.”

This also means your expectations for your troop’s routine might change too, and that’s OK!

Set Reasonable Expectations Saying no can be difficult for many of us, but if you’re already feeling stressed, trying to do it all can lead to burnout. “It was a hard moment of reflection to realize I just could not do more at this time,” says Bridgette McNeal of Girl Scouts Greater Atlanta. “I had to realize for my own sanity that this is temporary and that there will be a time when things aren’t this way.”

Or, as Denise has found, balancing family time helps everyone feel good. “As a troop leader I have spent so much time with my daughter on troop activities and strive to balance that with special time with my son,” she shares. “We have tried various activities, and my son and I are both enjoying meditating together.”

Stay Grounded Whether that means focusing on the positive, putting time into your hobbies, or letting go of what isn’t getting done, finding ways to stay grounded can help you cope with any stressful situation that comes your way.

“I’ve made sure to continue to take time to do some of the hobbies that allow me to relax,” says Lara Cordeiro of Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, “so that when I am back doing work and chores, I can give it the 100% it deserves.”

“Part of my self-care is being intentional about how much news I am taking in and when I am taking it in,” says Denise. “I am also balancing hard news with news of kindness and generosity during this time.”

Remember: whatever you need to feel balanced right now is the right kind of self-care for you! spring/summer 2022 • volunteer 411

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Wrapping Up Your Year From bonding at troop meetings, completing Take Action projects, earning new badges, and more—Girl Scouts have experienced so many new adventures this year and have made big waves in their communities. When it comes time to wrap it up for the year, we have the resources troop leaders need to succeed.

Not sure what to do after your troop’s bridging ceremony or last meeting? No sweat! Here’s our handy list for how to end the year the Girl Scout way!

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End of Year Checklist

Dates

Participate in Spring Renewal and make sure your troop is renewed for the year! The earlier, the better.

Spring Renewal: April 1 - June 1 On Time: September 30

Complete delivery of any leftover Cookie and Fall Product Recognitions to girls. They’ve earned it!

Now through September 30

Distribute any remaining badges or bridging awards to girls, recap all you’ve done together this year!

Now through September 30

Pull your troop reports from M2 and Smart Cookies! Then, complete a Troop Financial Report and submit to GSMH with requested bank statements.

Due: September 30, 2022

Make sure all adults are renewed and background checked for the year.

Now through September 30

Make sure you take some time to say, “thank you!” to everyone who has helped your troop this year—we couldn’t do it without them!

Anytime!

Complete the Troop Information Update Form.

Now through October 1

Make sure adults in your troop are opted-in to receive emails from GSMH (Troop Leaders especially). We’d love to be able to tell you all the fun coming up!

Now through October 1

Thank you so much for going above and beyond for your Girl Scout troop this year! We see how much energy and kindness you pour into your role, and we appreciate the dedication you show every day to your girls and communities! Thank you for your creativity, your resilience, and your dedication to championing girl ambition. You are truly the best of the best and we can’t wait to start a new year with you on our team!

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Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland PO Box 10747 Springfield, MO 65808

877-312-4764 info@girlscoutsmoheartland.org

Girl Scouts Love State Parks Save the date for September 10-11. Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend is coming back for another year of adventure and discovery! Girl Scouts are invited to explore their state parks and the many resources they offer.

More information will be coming soon on how she can lace up her sneakers and celebrate Girl Scouts Love State Parks with us! Make sure to stay connected with us via email and social to learn more!

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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Columbia, Missouri Permit No. 353