Girl Scouts of Nassau County Girlfriends October 2024
Girlfriends is a publication of Girl Scouts of Nassau County
“Together, we can make the world a better place.”
–Zoe M., Girl Scout Cadette
This summer, Girl Scouts of Nassau County hosted a community gallery at the Long Island Children’s Museum. Girl Scouts were asked to interpret the Girl Scout Promise and Law through artwork. Zoe M., a Girl Scout Cadette, depicted a beach clean-up, sharing that she has done several beach clean-ups as a Girl Scout and is always amazed by the impact they make. Her art, which illustrates a Girl Scout working to transform a littered beach into a pristine one, inspires us all to do our part. She said, “Together, we can make the world a better place.”
Her quote echoes the core of our Girl Scout Law—make the world a better place. I see the Girl Scout Promise and Law as a challenge from our founder, Juliette Gordon Low. It is an ideal that we have continually strived for since 1912. It is a goal that not one Girl Scout can do alone, but as Zoe mentioned, we must do it together. Our unity is our strength. Our collective efforts through Take Action projects, leadership hours, Highest Awards, and community partnerships get us closer to the ideal. Girl Scouts are change makers, problem solvers, and solution makers.
Our promise to Girl Scouts, Juliette Gordon Low, and the world is always to do our best to change for the better. At the reception for the community gallery, I reconfirmed my dedication to the Girl Scout Movement and shared how personal our promise is to me. A promise can be as simple as linking pinkies with a friend or a commitment to our loved ones. A promise is reassuring a community that we have not forgotten about it or supporting a Girl Scout on their journey to college. A promise is 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.
I look forward to seeing our access, impact, and commitment grow exponentially this coming Girl Scout year.
You can see the community gallery artwork at the Girl Scout Service Center.
It’s
Not Too Late to Renew Your Membership for Girl Scout Year 24/25!
Visit myGS at mygs.girlscouts.org
Username is the email address you opened the account with. If you have forgotten your password, please select Reset Password and a new one will be sent to you.
From your account, click on Manage My Household.
Click on the Members to renew. Remember to click on the troop and any roles you may have.
Click on Add Renewal.
Click on the 2025 Renewal Year.
Choose Payment Type.
Click on Save Details.
Click on Review Cart.
Click on Agree to the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
Click on Add Payment Details and insert the requested information.
You will receive a receipt to the email on record.
Just a reminder—if you are a lifetime member, you must renew every year, however, there is no fee.
If you need assistance, please contact our council office at 516-741-2550 or by email at customercare@gsnc.org. We are happy to help.
Join Us for Our New Leader Welcome and Volunteer Resource Center Relaunch Party!
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
New Leader Welcome
Calling all new troop leaders! Join us for an opportunity to meet other new leaders, share ideas, and get to know your council. Team members from Customer Care, Camp Blue Bay, Product Programs, I.D.E.A. Lab, and Volunteer Resources will be present. Sample Mags&Munchies products, win prizes, and participate in some fun Girl Scout activities!
The Volunteer Resource Center (VRC) helps guide our Girl Scout volunteers along your Girl Scout journey! Together, we’ll plan amazing troop meetings that will show girls that they can have fun and do amazing things that change the world, all at the same time. Come check out our updated/new materials, seek advice from our staff, and get recommendations for earning that next badge!
Come see what the VRC has to offer: bit.ly/VRC-Relaunch-Party-2024
Happy Birthday Juliette Gordon Low!
October 31st is Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday! On this day, Girl Scouts around the world celebrate and honor Juliette and her world-changing impact. Her birthday is also called Founder’s Day. Girl Scout troops at all levels are encouraged to celebrate Juliette and her legacy throughout the month of October, and there are many great ways to do so!
● Throw Juliette Gordon Low a birthday party with games, decorations, Girl Scout songs, and sweet treats.
● Make and trade SWAPS with your fellow Girl Scouts.
● Research fun facts about Juliette Gordon Low and the history of Girl Scouting.
● Make the world a better place by completing a service project.
Show Off Your Girl Scout Spirit with Special Traditions
Traditions are a great way for Girl Scouts to carry a piece of history with them throughout their Girl Scout journey, honor the Girl Scouts who came before them, and remind them to be the best they can be. Here are some special Girl Scout traditions to introduce to your troop:
Girl Scout Greeting: Did you know Girl Scouts have a special handshake as a way of greeting one another? The handshake is made by shaking hands with the left hand and making the Girl Scout sign with the right hand (see image left for reference). This handshake can be incorporated into the beginning of your troop meetings, at your next ceremony, and when meeting fellow Girl Scouts from around the world!
Girl Scout Quiet Sign: When troop leaders need their troop’s attention or quiet in the room, they use the Girl Scout quiet sign. To make the quiet sign, raise a hand and five fingers high. When Girl Scouts see this sign, they are to stop talking and raise their hand until the whole group is quiet. The five fingers raised is a reminder of the fifth line of the Girl Scout Law, “responsible for what I say and do.”
SWAPS: SWAPS (Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere) is a handmade Girl Scout tradition and a symbol of friendship that Girl Scouts make and trade with each other. SWAPS can be made at troop meetings, special events, and ceremonies, and often reflect the givers’ country, community, Girl Scout council, or troop!
Friendship Circle and Friendship Squeeze: An integral part of Girl Scouting is sisterhood, and the friendship circle and friendship squeeze are reminders of that! At the end of troop meetings, invite Girl Scouts to stand in a circle, and cross their right arm over their left, and clasp hands with their friends on both sides. Each girl will make a silent wish as a friendship squeeze is passed hand to hand around the circle. This is a great representation of the unbroken chain of friendship!
Girl Scout Ceremonies and Celebrations: Girl Scout ceremonies honor different life experiences, give Girl Scouts the space to reflect on their accomplishments, look forward to the future, and appreciate the sisterhood of Girl Scouting. Ceremonies are unique to each troop; there’s not a one-size-fits-all formula. Each ceremony should be special and tailored to the individual troop. Consider the troop’s size, needs, and unique interests—encourage girls to participate in the planning of their ceremonies! Ceremonies can be kept simple or can be more elaborate with handmade invitations for guests, decorations, and special treats.
Looking for a ceremony to kick off the new Girl Scout membership year? Investiture and re-dedication ceremonies are a great way to welcome new troop members to Girl Scouts and celebrate returning Girl Scouts! New Girl Scouts will learn the importance of the Girl Scout Promise and Law, while returning Girl Scouts will renew their commitment to the Promise and Law. Whether girls are just starting their Girl Scout journey or continuing their journey, these ceremonies are a great way to celebrate the upcoming year and what lies ahead!
We asked the Girl Leadership Commmittee (GLC) what some of their favorite traditons are..
From Asha G.—
One of the most memorable traditions in our troop is creating SWAPS, which are little homemade pins made from an assortment of arts and crafts that we exchange at our annual opening ceremony in September. SWAPS are a fun twist on the Girl Scout Law, and it is fun exploring the symbolism and creativity behind each design!
Another tradition that I am very fond of are the annual holiday parties, which include gingerbread house making, hot cocoa, and roasting marshmallows. It is an amazing way to celebrate the different types of holidays while also bonding with my fellow Girl Scouts through games of charades and “guess the movie!”
From Shivani P.—
One of my favorite Girl Scout traditions is the bridging ceremony, where you experience a sense of community. We joined with other Girl Scout troops to celebrate our awards and accomplishments. I look forward to the ceremonies to cheer on my Girl Scout sisters!
Another favorite Girl Scout tradition is the time of year when we sell Girl Scout Cookies. During this time, I purchase cookies for my family, friends, and classmates. It brings me happiness to hear them say how awesome Girl Scouts are, especially the cookies!
From
Sofia O.—
One of my favorite Girl Scout traditions is when the older troops mentor and work with the younger girls. My troop has mentored a younger troop a few times over the years, and each time it has been very rewarding. It is wonderful to be able to share what we have learned, spend time with the younger girls, and help them achieve badges that we earned at their age. I hope this tradition continues in the GSNC community!
Because of You, Girl Scouts of Nassau County’s Inaugural Thin Mint Sprint Was a Huge Success!
Thank you to all those who joined us for our inaugural Thin Mint Sprint 5k Run and Family Fun Walk on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at Jones Beach State Park. The event raised funds for the GSNC Family Partnership giving campaign which ensures that all girls can participate in Girl Scouting, regardless of background or economic status. Proceeds will go toward providing financial assistance of membership fees, uniform components, books, badges, and supplies for girls in need.
Over 500 runners and walkers of all ages, both Girl Scouts and non-Girl Scouts alike, participated in the event and enjoyed a lively activity fair. And of course, each participant received a box of Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies as they crossed the finish line.
We look forward to meeting you at the starting line next year! Thank you to our sponsors and all who purchased mile marker signs!
Girl Scouts are in a League of Their Own!
Flag Football is on the rise in the New York State Public High School Athletic Association and will officially be an Olympic Sport in the LA 2028 Summer Games. Girl Scout Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, and Seniors fearlessly took to the field this summer to play in GSNC’s inaugural Flag Football League. Two teams from each age group competed to settle the age-old rivalry: Thin Mints vs. Samoas. Coached by the Strong Island Angels, teams practiced their footwork, learned how to throw and receive a pass, and sharpened their defensive skills. On game days, Girl Scouts ran plays, scored touchdowns, intercepted passes, and cheered on their teammates in 5v5 league play.
Congratulations to our winning teams, and thank you to all our participants, coaches, referees, parents, and sideline supporters this summer!
To learn more about Girl Scout ceremonies, including investiture, re-dedication, bridging, and flag ceremonies, check out the Ceremonies Training Tidbit on gsLearn! If girls are interested in becoming members of our ceremonial unit, reach out to customercare@gsnc.org.
Girl Scout Brownies: Team Samoas
Girl Scout Juniors: Team Samoas
Girl Scout Cadettes and Seniors: Team Thin Mints
Is the Girl Scout Gold Award
Intimidating? Don’t let it be!
Here is a Quick Guide to Beginning Your Road to Gold:
Sixth Grade Cadettes
● Select Cadette Journey and complete required programming and Take Action project.
Seventh Grade Cadettes
● Complete Journey Take Action project.
● Watch GSNC Silver Award Training Video and complete Take Action Quiz.
● Develop Silver Award project and receive council approval for Silver Award.
Eigth Grade Cadettes
● Complete Silver Award—leader approval form should be filed no later than September 30 of ninth grade school year.
Ninth Grade Seniors
● If Silver Award has been earned, select one Senior Journey and complete required programming and Take Action project.
Tenth Grade Seniors
● Complete Journey Take Action project.
● Attend GSNC’s Gold Award Workshop in the fall.
● Begin online Proposal for Gold Award— Gold Award Proposal must be submitted by October 1 of twelfth grade.
● If Silver Award has not been earned, select a second Senior OR Ambassador Journey and complete programming and Take Action project.
Eleventh and Twelfth Grade Ambassadors
● Complete Journey Take Action project.
● Complete Gold Award—Gold Award must be completed, including Final Report, by September 30 of the year of high school graduation.
If you need assistance with Journeys, Take Action projects, or have questions about the Road to Gold, email customercare@gsnc.org
AWARDS CORNER
Silver Award Girl Scouts
Siya and Saharra noticed that there were not enough places for kids who are neurodiverse to learn sports. More importantly, kids who are neurodiverse often don’t have the opportunity to learn what it is like to be part of a team community. They don’t have coaches and teammates who can support them and don’t have enough resources to learn the basic skills it takes to learn a sport like softball. Girl Scouts Siya and Saharra decided for their Silver Award project to make a clinic for kids who are neurodiverse to learn some basic skills and meet new people.
First, Siya and Saharra researched and met up to discuss how they wanted to make a clinic. They reached out to numerous people, like their school coach and principal, so that they could connect with Syosset Little League and a professional who works with the population they hoped to serve. They arranged meetings and even found sponsors! Syosset Little League advertised their clinic on social media, and they went to a meeting for kids who are neurodiverse to speak about the clinic. They even arranged for their own softball team to volunteer at the clinic. Siya and Saharra led a warmup, taught new skills, and gave out completion awards. It was a very successful clinic.
Program E-Newsletter: Sent on the first of the month to parents according to Girl Scout level. Volunteer Connections E-Newsletter: Sent on the last Thursday of the month to all volunteers.
GSNC Publications:
Girlfriends: August, October, December, February, April, and June issues.
Possibilities: Spring/Summer issue and Fall/Winter issue
Online Community (OLC): The OLC has the latest and greatest offerings for our Girl Scouts, including in-person and virtual programs, patch challenges, community service, and more.
Social Media: Follow us to stay in the know: Facebook: @GirlScoutsofNassauCounty
Instagram: @GirlScoutsNassauCounty
X (formerly Twitter): @GSNC
LinkedIn: @GirlScoutsofNassauCounty
Girl Scouts can learn what their faith and Girl Scouting have in common through earning faith-based awards including the My Promise, My Faith pin and Religious Recognitions. Created by national religious organizations to encourage the spiritual growth of youth members, religious recognition programs reinforce many of the values integral to Girl Scouting, and help Girl Scouts grow stronger in their chosen faith. Visit bit.ly/gsnc-religiousawards to learn more.
Valid for any Nassau County Girl Scout with birthdays in October, November, or December Physical coupon must be submitted at the time of purchase; this offer is valid only at the GSNC Shop and expires December 15, 2024.
Raise a Glass
to Girl Scouts of Nassau County Fall Fundraiser
To register or learn more visit: bit.ly/gsnc-raise-aglass-fall-2024
Thank you Don Clavin, Our Community Champion.
Thursday, November 21, 2024
6:00 PM-9:00 PM
The Inn at New Hyde Park Tuscany Room
214 Jericho Turnpike New Hyde Park
Please join us for our Raise a Glass to GSNC Fall fundraiser, where friends of Girl Scouts come together for a night of food and wine to help support Girl Scouting and ensure a girl-led future. We will be proudly honoring the three recipients listed below with our inaugural 2024 GSNC Community Champion Award for their outstanding support and dedication.
Allison Bishop White
Michael Halperin—Chief Operating Officer at Solarus Technologies
Connoisseur Media LLC
Town of Hempstead (TOH)
Supervisor, Donald X. Clavin, Jr., is the first recipient of Girl Scouts of Nassau County’s inaugural Community Champion award in recognition of his outstanding support to GSNC. Supervisor Clavin’s pivotal role in acquiring our Traveling Trefoil van has proven to be instrumental in allowing us to expand our reach and impact, and provide greater access to programming for girls residing throughout Nassau County.
Supervisor Clavin received his award at our spring 2024 Community Summit event where elected officials, Board of Education, and School Administrators came together to discuss and collaborate on initiatives that positively impact local residents.
Thank you again Supervisor Clavin for helping us build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place!
4th
Girl Scouts of Nassau County Spring Fundraiser
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
The Heritage Club at Bethpage 10:00 AM-12:30 PM Save the Date for Our
To learn more visit: bit.ly/gsnc-legacy-brunch-2025
Above: This year’s TOH Award Ceremony with GSNC CEO Rande Bynum and GSNC Gold Award Girl Scout
Caralinn B.
Right: With CEO Rande Bynum, Girl Scout Zoe M., and GSNC Board President Andrea Elder-Howell
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
Marketing and Communications Director
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
Oct 31 Founder’s Day
Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthday
Nov 2 STEM Imagine Your Possibilities Conference
Nov 3 Mags&Munchies program ends
Nov 11 Veterans Day
Nov 21 Raise a Glass to Girl Scouts of Nassau County Fall Fundraiser
Nov 28-29 Council closed for Thanksgiving
Girlfriends
October 2024 Issue 5
TRIBUTE FUND
In memory of:
Mary Thompson (Cookie mom and proud supporter of daughter Kate) ELLM Service Unit and Troop 2580
Antonio Rocha (Girl Scout supporter of WARM Troop 1848) —Fatima De Vasconcelos
Girl Scouts— there’s still time to participate in the Mags&Munchies program and earn some funds for your troop and rewards and patches for you. Don’t miss out! The last day for online and in-person order taking is November 3.
If you have any questions, contact your troop leader directly or email us at customercare@gsnc.org.
Girl Scouts of Nassau County Wants You...
GSUSA’s 58th National Council Session (NCS) will take place in Washington, D.C. in July 2026. GSNC is currently recruiting nominees, both adults and girls (14+), to serve as the national delegates who will represent our council at this triennial business meeting. National delegates serve a three-year term and will be elected at our 60th GSNC Annual Meeting in May 2025. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a national delegate, please review our National Delegate Prospectus for further details and how to apply: bit.ly/gsnc-national-delegate-prospectus-2025-2027
You are also invited to join us at our National Delegate Open House at GSNC on Wednesday, October 23 at 7:00 PM. Register Here: bit.ly/gsnc-national-delegate-open-house-2024
