February 2025
Girlfriends
Girlfriends is a publication of Girl Scouts of Nassau County
Building a Foundation
Girl Scouts of Nassau County announced at our fall fundraiser that we are spreading our footprint in Nassau County with a new GSNC Promise Center in Roosevelt, New York.
The Promise Center will open in late 2026 and will be a beacon for the Girl Scout community.
The new program center will be a youth-centric, community hub, providing a space for everyone to learn and grow. The project is partially funded by the generous gift we received from McKenzie Scott in 2022 and supported through funds put aside in 2007 after the sale of our Camp Tekakwitha in Hampton Bays. A capital campaign, “Building a Foundation,” was launched in November to raise the additional funds needed to execute the project.
Our Girl Scout Promise is at the center of everything we do. It is also something you stand by or stand for. In Girl Scouting, our promise binds us so that we can make the world a better place together. And our new program center will do just that. Working with BBS Architect firm, GSNC will create a space where we can advance our strategic goals and become a community hub for all families. The center will expand the high-quality programmatic offerings for Girl Scouts and youth in Nassau County, while improving community relations and offering other intergenerational services.
GSNC is not embarking on this journey alone. In addition to our collaboration with BBS Architect, we have also engaged the creative minds of architectural students at Farmingdale College to explore and envision all possibilities for the center. We value the input of our girls, families, and volunteers, and there will be ample opportunities for you all to contribute throughout the process. We are committed to working closely with the community to ensure that the GSNC Promise Center is a place that everyone can be proud of. We will provide progress updates in Girlfriends throughout the year, keeping you informed every step of the way.
As we kick off 2025, we invite you to consider what your promise to the legacy of Girl Scouts of Nassau County is. Your support and commitment are crucial as we embark on this exciting journey. Visit bit.ly/gsnc-promise-center or scan the QR code to learn more about the Promise Center. —RMB
Think Big and Celebrate World Thinking Day!
Did you know Girl Scouts of the USA is part of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS)? WAGGGS is the largest voluntary movement dedicated to empowering girls and young women around the world!
Every year on February 22, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides across 150 countries celebrate World Thinking Day. This celebration is an opportunity to learn about girls around the world and the issues that impact them, and to explore ways to make a difference in your own community and beyond!
The theme of World Thinking Day 2025 is “Our Story: Reflecting the symbolism and values of our Movement.” Check out the World Thinking Day activity guides to learn more about this year’s theme and follow the steps to earn the 2025 World Thinking Day Award! This award can be earned by all levels.
Visit bit.ly/worldthinking-day-2025 or scan the QR code.
Lessons for the New Year
In December, I had the opportunity to spend some special time with two troops, Girl Scout Junior Troop 208 from Locust Valley and Girl Scout Brownie Troop 1551 from West Hempstead. It reminded me of what we are in the business of doing and made me think of how we want to move forward in 2025.
Junior Troop 208 invited me to work on Girl Scouts of Nation’s Capital’s Raise Your Hand campaign. Sparked by a book written by Girl Scout Alice Paul Tapper, it encourages girls to raise their hands in class. As a student, Alice noticed that girls were not participating as much as boys. Her book encourages girls to be bold and brave, and to raise their hands. With Troop 208, we discussed ideas that could boost your confidence, like listening to your favorite song, positive self-talk, and the famous superhero pose.
Hey, Girl Scout Volunteers!
Have you visited GSNC’s Volunteer Resource Center (VRC) yet?
The VRC is the place where you can find inspiration for troop activities, learn how to navigate the Volunteer Toolkit, seek guidance on planning your Girl Scout year or individual troop meetings, and borrow materials from our ever-expanding lending library!
If you haven’t visited yet, now is your chance to stop by, check out our resources, AND receive a FREE fun patch to add to your troop leader vest!
Brownie Troop 1551, a group of young leaders in the making, successfully completed GSNC’s Changemaker Bucket List program. This program, aimed at instilling a sense of responsibility and initiative, taught the Brownies how to contribute to making the world a better place. We discussed various ways—no matter how small—that they could make a difference in their communities, schools, and families. The troop explored further through a leadership pizza activity, where we discussed the qualities it takes to be a leader.
Finally, in December, I also had the opportunity to meet with over a hundred Girl Scouts who “Embraced Possibilities” at the Mags&Munchies top sellers’ lunch at Dave and Busters. It was great being in a room of undoubtedly future CEOs and leaders. Special shout out to Girl Scout Sara K., Troop 3041, for her excellent thank you note!
All of these experiences confirmed that our future is indeed in great hands. Let’s all raise our hands, be changemakers, and embrace possibilities in 2025! —RMB
Both programs are available at:
l GSCNC’s Raise Your Hand Program: bit.ly/gsnc-raise-your-hand
l GSNC’S Changemaker Bucket List Program: bit.ly/gsnc-change-maker
Volunteers can drop in or schedule an appointment with our Volunteer Training & Resource Associate during Office Hours: bit.ly/gsnc-vrc-office-hours Request to borrow Volunteer Resource Materials: bit.ly/vrc-borrow-materials
Look Ahead: April is Volunteer Appreciation Month! It’s not too early to start planning ways to celebrate the special Girl Scout volunteers in your life!
Each March we celebrate Girl Scout Week! This is a week dedicated to celebrating and honoring the Girl Scout Movement. This year, Girl Scout Week is March 10 through March 16—starting with Girl Scout Sunday and ending with Girl Scout Sabbath.
Girl Scouts’ birthday is March 12, commemorating the day founder Juliette Gordon Low established the first Girl Scout troop of 18 members in Savannah, Georgia. To this day, her mission lives on, as we continue to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place!
The theme of Girl Scout Week 2025 is Girl Scout Spirit! Check out our Girl Scout Week BINGO activity sheet and complete BINGO to earn your Girl Scout Week patch at bit.ly/gs-week-activity! Patches can be purchased at the GSNC Shop.
4th
Girl Scouts of Nassau County
AwardLegacy Brunch
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
The Heritage Club at Bethpage 10:00 AM-12:30 PM
To purchase tickets, sponsorships, and/or journal ads, scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/gsnc-legacy-2025
Girl Scouts of Nassau County is proud to recognize champions in our community who best embody the Girl Scout mission in their careers and through their volunteerism to support our girls locally.
We are pleased to announce the following 2025 award recipients:
LEGACY AWARD
Stacey I. Sikes Long Island Association
Visit gsnc.org/camp to learn more.
IMPACT AWARD
Gibson Adelphi University
COMMUNITY CHAMPION
Summer Camp Registration is Open!
Meet the Summer Camp Directors! Enjoy a drive with your family to East Hampton and visit our beautiful Camp Blue Bay. Learn more about our facility and summer camp programs. Our Summer Camp Directors and volunteers will be available to answer any questions you may have. Finally, take a self-guided tour of our campgrounds.
Camp Blue Bay Open House Saturday, May 3 or Sunday May 4, 2025
10:00 AM–3:00 PM Register at gsnc.org/programs
Camp Blue Bay Camp
Information Nights will give you the opportunity to meet with representatives from Camp Blue Bay in person at the Girl Scout Service Center to learn more about our summer camp programs. Parents, join us with your camper to learn about a typical day at camp and get answers to any questions you may have.
Monday, March 3 or Tuesday, March 25, 2025
7:30 PM–8:30 PM GSNC Service Center Register at gsnc.org/programs
Ultimate Slumber Party (Individual Girl Scout Overnight)
Join us for our
Ultimate Slumber Party for Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts only on April 5-6, 2025. Register at gsnc.org/programs
Check out our camp video bit.ly/ gsnc-campvideo-2025
Erica
Amanda Ieraci Northwell Health
Rebecca Martinez Molloy University
DHL Express
The CEO lunch was
spectacular!
On Sunday, December 8, Girl Scouts who sold $750+ worth of Mags&Munchies products were invited to Dave & Buster’s, where we were honored for reaching and surpassing that goal. When we arrived, we received beautiful bracelets with an elephant charm on it. Before we had the ceremony we ate lunch. For the ceremony all of our names were announced and we stood up. Then each level of Girl Scouts went up to take group pictures with Rande. It was so much fun!
After the ceremony and pictures, we had dessert. Then we were off! We were able to go into the arcade and play any games we wanted, courtesy of GSNC. My personal favorites were the basketball and motorcycle games. I also tried the claw machine and scored three stuffies! Thank you and congratulations to all the Girl Scouts who earned the prize of going to the CEO lunch!
—Zoe F., Girl Scout Cadette
Cookie Booth Tips and Tricks
We asked older Girl Scout troops what made their cookie booths successful (and fun)! Ambassador Troop 3305 and Cadette/Senior Troop 2324 shared their best tips that have worked through the years.
Troop 3305 made a Cookie Walk About Box so the Girl Scouts could walk away from the booth table with an adult and sell cookies a few feet away from the table. They loved it because it broke up the shift.
Troop 3305 also designed thank you cards that they gave to every customer!
One of the best things Troop 2324 made for their booths is the display for cookie boxes using cookie cases. All you need is colored duct tape and a box cutter! Not only do they look great, but they keep the cookies organized and it is a great way to transport them! They even have a sign to donate cookies!
Troop Click
Troop 2324 love being part of the cookie rally each year! This year, they wanted to host a table about money management. They taught younger Girl Scouts the Do’s and Don’ts of managing money when selling cookies. They educated them on how to make change and then had them practice receiving and giving the proper change.
With $15 Purchase!
Valid for any Nassau County Girl Scout with a birthday in February, March, or April.
Physical coupon must be submitted at the time of purchase; this offer is valid only at the GSNC Shop and expires April 15, 2025.
From the Girl Leadership Committee— Girls have
a
lot to taco-bout!
On November 25, Girl Scouts in grades 9-12 from across Nassau County gathered for a taco-filled night of brainstorming and collaboration!
The girls, who are in leadership positions such as delegates, alternate delegates, and committee members, had the chance to introduce themselves to their fellow sisters with fun icebreaker questions. Later on in the event, there was discussion on possible program ideas for the community. Many girls chimed in on issues they felt passionately about, such as the science behind cosmetics, mental health, and women empowerment. The girls left with an appreciation for each other, and it was inspiring to hear many unique voices contributing to making the world a better place! By
Asha G.
Moving Through the Winter!
Finding motivation to exercise in the winter
can be challenging. Although it may require a few extra steps, staying active in the winter reduces stress and improves our mood, quality of sleep, and overall health. Embrace these winter months by following the tips below to find your next favorite winter activity!
1. Take advantage of the weather. On sunny winter days, play outside at the park or on the playground. On days when it’s too cold to exercise outside, practice yoga, dance around the house, or build an obstacle course!
2. Be mindful of fueling your body and staying hydrated. When exercising in the cold we typically don’t feel as thirsty, but no matter the season, try to always drink at least 16 ounces of water for every hour of physical activity. Your body also uses more energy when exercising in colder temperatures so it’s important to fuel your body with food before and after exercising.
3. Dress for the weather. Layer up and keep a pair of gloves, hat, scarf, and heavy socks in your sports bag to help you keep warm. Staying warm will allow for better blood circulation to your muscles, enabling you to play longer and stronger.
4. Find spaces in your community where you can have fun indoors. Bowling, rock climbing, roller skating, or walking around the mall allows your Girl Scout troop, family, and friends to have a place to stay active. Check out your local public library for fitness programs or attend a GSNC sports program.
5. Download free apps. Nike Training Club, Pokemon Go, NFL Play 60, or Sworkit are all fitness-inspired apps that motivate you to keep moving. Find one that works for you to help plan your next winter workout.
We asked Girl Scouts what their favorite winter sports are. Here’s what they shared…
Annmarie: Girl Scout Cadette, Flag Football League Champion
Kendall: Girl Scout Brownie, Cheer Day and NY Islanders Hockey Clinic Superstar
What are your favorite sports to play in the winter?
Annmarie: “In the winter I like to play volleyball and basketball.”
Kendall: “My favorite winter sport is ice hockey. I play on the Islanders girls elite 8u travel team. It’s girl power!”
Do you have a tip for staying active in the winter?
Annmarie: “Ice skating is a good and fun way to stay active in the winter. Having a set day to exercise is a good way to exercise more.”
Kendall: “Ice hockey is a good sport to play in the winter because it’s already cold on the ice. You can stay warm by skating really fast. I like to race my teammates during warm up. My team started not knowing each other but now we are all one hockey family. Some of my teammates are Girl Scouts too! Ice hockey is fun to play but you can also go ice skating with friends. Everyone can try ice skating, even if you never tried before.”
Awesome advice, Annmarie and Kendall!
Here’s one last tip from I.D.E.A. Lab: Visit bit.ly/gsnc-fitness-game to play the Fitness Dice Game.
Stay warm and keep moving through these winter months!
110 Ring Road West
Garden City, NY 11530
POSTMASTER:
Send address changes to Girlfriends, 110 Ring Road West, Garden City, NY 11530
Girlfriends (USPS 135-280), is published quarterly with a special issue in August.
Girl Scouts of Nassau County, Inc.
110 Ring Road West, Garden City, NY 11530
Periodicals Postage Paid at Garden City, NY 11530.
Andrea Elder-Howell, Esq.
President and Chief Volunteer Officer
Randell Marie Bynum
Chief Executive Officer
Cassie Colgan
Senior Director, Marketing and Communications
Anna Lenz
Senior Creative Manager
Designed by Anna Lenz
Girl Scouts of Nassau County, Inc., an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Agency, is a member of Long Island’s United Way, Inc. Village of Hempstead CDA, United Community Fund of Great Neck, and The Community Chest of Port Washington.
Dates to Remember
February 12
February 21-23
February 22
March 12
March 12
March 27
April 22
In honor of:
President Jimmy Carter
Dorothy Rule
Shirley Flores
Allison Flores Taylor
Omer Neutra
Eileen Wright
Camp Registration opens!
National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend World Thinking Day
Happy Birthday Girl Scouts!
Legacy Brunch Heritage Club at Bethpage Girl Scout Cookie Program ends Girl Scout Leader’s Day
Girlfriends
Highest Awards Virtual Office Hours
Calling all Girl Scout volunteers, parents, and Girl Scouts! Meet with the GSNC staff virtually to discuss your questions about the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards. Sessions will be 10-15 minutes.
Participants must register at: bit.ly/highest-awards-virtual-office-hours
Gold Award final reports are due by March 31 to be included in the 2025 Gold Award Ceremony, which will take place on June 18 at The Royal Palm in Farmingdale.
Susan Ganz
Rachel Kravitz
In memory of:
Therese (Terri)
DellaVecchia (longstanding Glen Cove Volunteer and benefactor of the Young Alumnae Lifetime Membership Scholarship) Dana Epifan
Frank Ieraci (husband of former Board Member and current FD Committee member Debra Ieraci; father of 2025 GSNC Impact Award Honoree Amanda Ieraci)
Barbara Betkowski
Kathleen Murphy Massapequa Gold Award Recipient, longtime Volunteer, Alum, National Delegate, and Gold Award Mentor)
Laura Bissett-Carr, Rande Bynum, the Massapequa Service Unit, Deborah Meehan, Cindy Summer
Barbara Palermo (former GSNC Board Member and Cookie Cupboard staff)
Marie Rauch
Lydia Slatic (former GSNC Staff Member)
Laura Bissett-Carr, Lucy Effron
Judith Sullivan (GSNC (Mid-Island) Leader and Oktoberfest Coordinator)
Ann Betkowski, Barbara Betkowski