Girlfriends
Girlfriends is a publication of Girl Scouts of Nassau County
Changemakers Since Day One
irl Scouts have been changemakers since the organization’s inception. In 1912, when Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts, women did not have the right to vote or own property. Women did not have the same economic and employment rights or personal and social rights as men. Juliette was a trailblazer who changed the way the world viewed girls and women. She empowered girls before women even had the right to vote.
Why is that relevant now? Today’s Girl Scouts are not just following in Juliette’s footsteps; they are sprinting ahead. Girl Scouting is more relevant than ever. With over 50,000 service hours and approximately 600 Highest Awards earned, our Girl Scouts are making a difference and redefining what it means to be a changemaker. They are the current and future leaders who strive to make the world a better place.
Still not convinced of our relevancy? The impact of Girl Scouts extends far beyond their time in the organization. Once Girl Scouts become adults, they are more likely to volunteer, vote, and donate. They report having a stronger sense of self and higher confidence. They achieve higher levels of education and income. They are more likely to hold leadership positions in their careers and communities. Girl Scouts is not just a
short-term investment; it’s a lifelong journey of growth and empowerment.
Supporting Girl Scouts is about both individual growth and collective progress. It’s about creating a better future for everyone. So, when you support a Girl Scout, you’re helping her while also helping to build a better society for us all. —RMB
The most challenging part of our work is helping others see that Girl Scouting is essential to our girls and society. What can you do today to not only help the Girl Scout Movement in Nassau County survive, but thrive?
l Become a member. As a member, you can volunteer, support events, and serve on committees.
a. bit.ly/gsnc-member-fall-2025
l Become an individual donor through our new Be the Change campaign.
b. bit.ly/gsnc-be-the-change-2025
l Become a sustaining member through our Juliette Circle.
c. bit.ly/gsnc-juliette-circle-2025
l Become a planned giver by joining the Juliette Low Society.
d. bit.ly/gsnc-planned-giving-2025
l Honor a friend or family member with a tribute, friendship tree leaf, or centennial garden trefoil on display at the GSNC Service Center.
e. bit.ly/gsnc-ways-to-give-2025
l Open doors for our Girl Scouts, whether it is for troop meetings, Take Action projects, or Highest Award projects.
l Share your Girl Scout story or share ours.
l Share resources, invite us, partner with us, join us—be the change. We cannot do this alone; we are better together.
OCTOBER
Dear Juliette,
Do I need to do anything if my troop or service unit is planning a trip outside of our typical meeting space?
Dear Member,
We love that you and your troop are exploring your community! If your troop or service unit is planning a trip or attending an event outside of your typical meeting space, please notify council by submitting a Local Day Trip Request or Overnight Trip Application, depending on the duration of the trip. Be sure to check out the Safety Activity Checkpoints, which can be found on our website, and the applications for standard safety guidelines for all participating members.
Who submits a Local Day Trip or Overnight Trip Application?
l Troop Trips/Events: Girl Scout troop leader or co-leader.
l Service Unit Trips/Events: The service unit volunteer manager or service unit event chair.
What are the requirements to submit Local Day Trip and Overnight Trip Applications?
l Troop Requirements:
1. Your troop’s Tagalong Insurance must be paid for the current membership year.
2. Your troop’s End-of-Year Finance Report for 2025 must be submitted.
l Service Unit Requirements:
1. Your service unit’s End-of-Year Finance Report for 2025 must be submitted.
Find these applications on our Forms and Documents page under the Members tab on our website at gsnc.org
Sincerely, Membership Experience
The New 2025/2026 Girl Scout Year has Begun. Renew Now!
l Click on Save Details
l Visit myGS at mygs.girlscouts.org
l 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.
l From your account, click on Manage My Household.
l Click on members to renew. Remember to click on the troop and any roles you may have.
l Click on Add Renewal.
l Click on the 2025 Renewal Year.
l Choose Payment Type.
l Click on Review Cart
l Click on Agree to the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
l Click on Add Payment Details and insert the requested information.
l You will receive a receipt to the email address on record.
Just a reminder—if you are a lifetime member, you must renew every year, but 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 here to help!
“Scouting rises within you and inspires you to put forth your best.”
–Juliette Gordon Low
GSNC is pleased to introduce our new individual giving campaign, “Be the Change,” created in honor of our founder, Juliette Gordon Low.
The campaign will officially launch on October 31st—Juliette’s birthday—and will run through Spring 2026. Stay tuned for details on how you can participate and receive GS-branded items, including Juliette’s Commemorative Quarter and the Be the Change patch.
FREE Birthday Patch with $15 Purchase at the GSNC Shop!
Valid for any Nassau County Girl Scout with a birthday 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, 2025.
Embrace Your Girl Scout Spirit by Carrying on Special Girl Scout Traditions
Carrying on Girl Scout traditions is a great way to remember the history of Girl Scouting, celebrate and honor the Girl Scouts who came before us, and remind us to be the best we can be throughout our Girl Scout journey and beyond! Here are some special Girl Scout traditions to learn and pass along to other Girl Scouts:
Girl Scout Handshake:
Did you know there’s a special way Girl Scouts can greet each other? This handshake can be used at troop meetings, ceremonies, other special Girl Scout events, or when meeting your sister Girl Scouts from around the world! You can do the Girl Scout handshake by shaking hands with the left hand and making the Girl Scout sign with the right hand. Give it a try at your next troop meeting!
squeeze are reminders of the sisterhood and bond between us and our fellow Girl Scouts!
At the end of your next troop meeting, gather your troop in a circle and cross your right arm over your left arm, holding hands with your friends on both sides of you. Each Girl Scout makes a silent wish as the “friendship squeeze” is passed hand to hand around the circle.
Girl
Scout
Scout Promise and Law, and returning members will renew their commitment to them.
SWAPS: SWAPS, or Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately
Pinned Somewhere, are little handmade tokens of Girl Scout tradition! They serve as a symbol of friendship and physical memories of our adventures in Girl Scouting.
Ceremonies and Celebrations:
Girl Scout ceremonies are an opportunity to honor and celebrate our journey in Girl Scouting thus far, reflect on all we have accomplished, appreciate the sisterhood of Girl Scouting, and look forward to the future!
Girl Scout Quiet Sign:
If you’re a troop leader, there are always moments when you need the girls’ attention or quiet in the room. This is the perfect chance to 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. Abiding by the quiet sign is a way for Girl Scouts to practice being responsible for what they say and do, respect themselves and others, and respect authority.
Friendship Circle and Friendship Squeeze:
Juliette Gordon Low once said, “Ours is a circle of friendships united by ideals.” Part of Juliette’s legacy and the continuing legacy of Girl Scouting is embracing sisterhood and shared values. The friendship circle and friendship
Girl Scout ceremonies are not one-size-fitsall; they are unique to every troop’s size, needs, and interests! We always want to keep Girl Scout activities girl-led, and this is the perfect opportunity; get together with your troop and plan your ceremonies together! Keep it simple or make it a bigger celebration by inviting families with handmade invitations, decorating your space, or sharing special treats.
If your troop has not held a ceremony yet, this is the perfect time of year to get started! Investiture and rededication ceremonies are held at the beginning of the Girl Scout year to welcome new members and celebrate those who are continuing their Girl Scout experience! Get together with your troop and plan an investiture or rededication ceremony—where new Girl Scouts learn the importance of the Girl
You can make SWAPS at troop meetings, ceremonies, or other special Girl Scout events, and then trade them with other Girl Scouts. Next time you make a SWAP, try customizing it by reflecting your country, community, council, or troop!
Happy Birthday, Juliette Gordon Low!
On October 31st, we celebrate the birthday of Girl Scout founder, Juliette Gordon Low! On this day, also known as Founder’s Day, Girl Scouts worldwide honor Juliette, her legacy, and her continuing impact. Girl Scouts of all levels are encouraged to celebrate Juliette throughout the month of October. Here are just a few ways to celebrate:
● Plan and host a birthday party for Juliette with games, decorations, snacks, and Girl Scout songs.
● Learn fun facts about Juliette Gordon Low and Girl Scouting by playing a Girl Scout trivia game.
● Make and trade themed SWAPS with your Girl Scout sisters.
● Carry on Juliette’s mission of making the world a better place by completing a service project in your community.
“The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers.”
—Juliette Gordon Low
We asked...
They answered!
“I want to continue with Girl Scouting all the way through. I also want to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award and do something helpful for my community. I enjoy supporting younger troops.”
Lilianna G.
Meet the 2025–26 Girl Leadership Committee—
GSNC’s emerging leaders ready to make an impact!
“Being a Girl Scout becomes increasingly unique and special as you grow older, which is why I stay in Girl Scouting. It makes me feel good about myself because I’m helping my community. I’ve also made and maintained many friends because of Girl Scouts; and of course, the activities are super fun!” —Kaitlyn C.
GSNC’s Girl Leadership Committee (GLC) is one of the most exciting opportunities for Girl Scouts to lead, inspire, and make a difference. It’s where bold visions meet real action, and where every voice has the power to create change. We extend our gratitude to the 2024–25 members for their dedication and contributions throughout the year. We’re looking forward to an inspiring and remarkable new year with our 2025–26 committee!
We love SWAPS!
“Girl Scouting has provided me with so many opportunities and experiences that I feel I wouldn’t be able to have anywhere else. I love helping younger girls through the many volunteer opportunities that Girl Scouting provides. Additionally, I have connected with so many different people and made lots of new friends. Of course, we can’t forget how delicious Girl Scout Cookies are!” —Madison B.
This year’s GLC members are: Madison B. (Chair), Bryanna R., Charlotte P., Dahlia C., Daniella S., Isabelle D., Kaitlyn C., Lilianna G., Lily N., Shivani P., Sofia O., and Taylor B. Check out future issues to see the exciting projects and initiatives our GLC will bring to life this year! Got big ideas? We’re listening.
SWAPS is an acronym for Special Whatchamacallits
Affectionately Pinned Somewhere. When my daughter Charlotte first joined Girl Scouts, I read everything I could about the organization and its traditions. I loved the idea of trading these small crafted trinkets at events. I thought it was a great ice breaker for Charlotte, especially since she’s an only child like myself. It was fun for me because I used to collect miniatures at her age and enjoy crafting. It was a great way for us to bond as mother and daughter as well.
With each new event, we would challenge ourselves to create a SWAP to match the theme. Sometimes we would upcycle an item like a bottle cap or a pull tab. It’s also a nice way to use scraps of yarn, fabric, or other craft materials. You don’t need anything fancy or expensive to create SWAPS. They could be as simple as a few strung pony beads, or as elaborate as a clay item that takes time to dry and paint. It’s all about the fun and joy of creating and exchanging them.
One of the best experiences is being recognized at events and seeing a SWAP you made pinned on the vest of another Girl Scout. It’s become a nice way to have conversations and meet people in other parts of the country or the world. We even have SWAPS from Asia!
The most fun we had was trading SWAPS at the 2023 National Convention in Walt Disney World. We made little dancing flowers, like the ones from the movie Fantasia. We can’t wait to do it again at the 2026 National Convention in Washington, D.C.—can you guess what that SWAP might be? —Debbie P., Girl Scout Troop Leader
Highest Awards Corner
We asked two of our alum, who are Gold Award Girl Scouts, what they gained from having “gone Gold.” Here’s what they said...
I am a proud earner of the three Highest Awards in Girl Scouting. Each award teaches a Girl Scout an age-appropriate lesson on the value of giving back, what it takes to be a leader, and how to effectively plan a project. I credit these experiences for instilling the values of structure and time management; both of which I went on to use in my many years of schooling, and my entry into the workforce.
—Melanie Sinesi, Board Chair
Melanie’s Gold Award bio, 2008
Upcoming Council-Led Programs
Earning my Girl Scout Gold Award has been a transformative experience, shaping both my personal growth and professional journey. For my Gold Award, I focused on nutrition education, sparking a deep passion for the field. This initial interest laid the foundation for my college studies, where I went on to become a registered dietitian. Through my Gold Award, I gained invaluable insights into the importance of cultivating personal passions and using them to positively impact others. The project also honed my leadership and communication skills, preparing me for future challenges and opportunities.
Reflecting on this journey, I realize that without the Gold Award experience, I wouldn’t have been as equipped for the rigors of college or the leadership roles I now embrace in my career. The Gold Award teaches vital life skills, such as the ability to nurture and support a team—an essential quality of any strong leader.
I am incredibly grateful for the lessons I’ve learned along the way, and the Gold Award continues to inspire me every day as I strive to make a meaningful difference in the world.
Gina Somalita, Girl Scout Alum, Gold Award Girl Scout, and current Gold Award Mentor
Join
Us at Our New Leader Welcome Tuesday, November 18, 2025
The following programs have been organized by GSNC staff and are offered on specific dates. For more information, or to register, visit gsnc.org/programs.
Outdoor Artmaker at Wheatley Farms
Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 10:00 AM–11:00 AM
Exploring with Your Senses at Wheatley Farms
Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 11:30 AM–12:30 PM
Gold Award Training
Thursday, October 23, 2025 | 6:30 PM–7:30 PM Seniors and Ambassadors
Soar with American Airlines
Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 7:00 AM–3:00 PM Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors (5TH GRADE AND UP)
Silver Award Training
Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 6:30 PM–7:30 PM d
Power of Me Wellness Fair Presented by Northwell Health
Saturday, November 1, 2025 | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
dfc Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors
Imagine Your Possibilities: GSNC and Hofstra’s 10th Annual STEM Conference
Saturday, November 8, 2025 | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
dfc Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors
DNA Detectives: STEM Adventures
Saturday, November 15, 2025 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
bQ Brownies and Juniors
Calling all new troop leaders! Join us for an opportunity to meet other new leaders, share ideas, and get to know your council. Meet representatives from Membership Experience, Camp Blue Bay, Product Programs, I.D.E.A. Lab, and Volunteer Resource teams. Sample Mags&Munchies products, win prizes, and participate in fun Girl Scout activities!
There will be two sessions: 11:00 AM–1:00 PM or 6:00 PM–8:00 PM Register here: bit.ly/gsnc-new-leader-2025-2026
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 bimonthly.
Girl Scouts of Nassau County, Inc. 110 Ring Road West, Garden City, NY 11530 Periodicals Postage Paid at Garden City, NY 11530.
Melanie Sinesi
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. and The Community Chest of Port Washington.
Dates to Remember
Oct 31 Founder’s Day Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthday Nov 2 Mags&Munchies program ends
Nov 8 Imagine Your Possibilities STEM Conference
Nov 11 Veterans Day
Nov 20 Raise a Glass to Girl Scouts of Nassau County Fall Fundraiser
Nov 27–28 Council closed for Thanksgiving
Girlfriends
October 2025 l Issue 5
TRIBUTE FUND
In honor of:
Elizabeth Flores-Amaya (Member of Girl Scouts of Nassau County’s Board Development Committee) Fidelity Charitable Donor-Advised Fund
Girl Scouts— there’s still time to participate in the Mags&Munchies program and earn funds for your troop and rewards and patches for yourself. Don’t miss out! The last day for online and in-person orders is November 2.
If you have any questions, contact your troop leader directly or email us at customercare@gsnc.org.