Girl Scouts of Nassau County Girlfriends August 2023

Girlfriends

Girlfriends is a publication of Girl Scouts of Nassau County

Great Things Are Happening at Girl Scouts of Nassau County!

elcome to the 2023-2024 Girl Scout year. We are excited about the upcoming year and beyond. This year will be our 105th year in Nassau County, and we are looking forward to letting everyone know that Girl Scouts of Nassau County is where girls build courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place.

We do this through all our activities, whether it is an individual girl completing one of our highest awards, a troop doing a community service project, or a service unit hosting an event. The countless hours that service units, troops, and girls with their families contribute to Girl Scouts and Nassau County make a tremendous difference in our county’s overall quality of life. Council programs like camp and Possibilities offerings, along with the work of our staff and board, and our thousands of volunteers, make us the preeminent organization for girls.

This year we will build a long-term strategic plan in cooperation with an external consulting group and GSUSA. We hope to find additional program space for girls so we can expand activities and opportunities. We will also boost our alum engagement and leverage our elite grant status to secure the council’s future. We will continue to bring the Traveling Trefoil mobile van out to communities and expand access so that all girls can participate in Girl Scouts. My team and I look forward to seeing more of you and having more opportunities to “make the world a better place.” —RMB

The 2023 National Girl Scout Convention

Every three years, Girl Scouts from across the country, convene for business and to connect with old friends and make new ones. This past July, nine national delegates, two alternates, and a leadership cohort of eight Girl Scouts traveled to Orlando, Florida to represent Nassau County at the National Council Session (NCS).

Our delegates, with your input, had the opportunity to review seven proposed amendments to the national bylaws and elect t he new national board, including the new national board president Noorain Khan (https://bit.ly/gsusa-board-president).

The proposals included subjects that would significantly impact the Girl Scout Movement: The 2023 proposals included:

l Amend the Girl Scout Promise and Law to use more potent, actionable language

l Formula for Delegates

l Council Representation on the National Board

l Allowing the possibility of virtual NCS attendance and for Special Sessions of the National Council

l Timing of Delegate Allotment

l Adding anti-racist to our preamble following diversity and pluralism

l Establishing a Girl Scouts Gold Award Scholarship Fund

To learn more about these proposals and the outcomes from National Council Session, visit girlscouts.org

Our delegates, along with 24 other Nassau County members, had the opportunity to participate in the girl-focused Phenom by Girl Scouts experience. During Phenom, Girl Scouts were able to explore hands-on activities, contribute to a collaborative art project, discuss ideas, and inform the future of Girl Scouts. With over 9,000 participants, there was always someone new to meet and a new Girl Scout story to tell! Even with all that going on, Girl Scouts of Nassau County (GSNC) had just enough time to visit Magic Kingdom and enjoy the wonder of Walt Disney World®.

This year’s GSNC delegates will be hosting a meet and greet later this year to share their personal experiences and let you know how you can become a national delegate for GSNC for the 2026 National Girl Scout Convention. Stay tuned...

See highlights from convention on page 19.

It’s

time

to get your troop ready for the 2023-2024 Girl Scout year. The new Girl Scout year begins October 1, 2023. Our Customer Care and Community Impact teams are here to help you start the new year on the right foot. We can help:

q renew yourself and/or your daughter

q renew the whole troop

q register a new girl to the troop

q form new troops

q transfer girls to or from other Girl Scout councils

q make updates to your account

q review day trip and overnight trip applications

q open/close/track troop bank accounts

Contact us at customercare@gsnc.org and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

New Leader Welcome

The Girl Scouts of Nassau County staff were honored to host over 50 new leaders on June 1, 2023 at our New Leader Welcome. There were staff from all departments on site to share how we support our leaders as well as answer questions. We can’t wait to host our next one in November. We are so thankful for those of you who volunteer!

Get To Know The Volunteer Training and Resource Team:

Hello! We are Cathy Ciccone and Krista McCain, the GSNC team that educates and supports Girl Scout adults on topics such as troop activities, badges, awards, and ceremonies!

We offer dedicated appointments to meet with volunteers, parents, and guardians to answer their questions, walk them through the Volunteer Toolkit, discuss program opportunities, and share tips to keep planning girl-led.

Resources and Trainings for Girl Scout Adults!

Krista McCain Volunteer Training and Resource Manager

Schedule an appointment with us when you’re ready to start preparing for the upcoming year. We look forward to meeting you!

Sign up here: https://bit.ly/gsncvol-resourceappointment

Volunteer Connections:

Volunteer Connections encompasses a ton of resources for all Girl Scout adults at all levels of experience. Listen to our podcast*, read the blog, and check your inbox for our monthly e-newsletter to discover Girl Scout planning resources, special Council opportunities, and the latest tips and trends that will strengthen your personal and professional development! *New podcast episodes are released on the last Thursday of each month.

Learn more about Volunteer Connections: https://bit.ly/gsnc-volresources

Girl Scout volunteers, parents, and guardians have access to a variety of resources and trainings that will empower and motivate them on their Girl Scout journey. These can be accessed anytime, anywhere when it fits your schedule. Learn what’s available!

Explore gsLearn:

gsLearn is the online training forum for Girl Scout volunteers. Explore training videos to expand your knowledge of Girl Scout traditions, ceremonies, the highest awards, troop management, and more!

Log in to get started: https://mygs.girl scouts.org/

Troop Year Planner:

Check out the new level-appropriate troop year plans! Use these guides to help map out an entire year of badges and activities for your Girl Scouts, then access meeting overviews, material lists, and more on the Volunteer Toolkit!

Learn more about what each Girl Scout level can do: https://bit.ly/gsncvol-troop-year-planner

Photo left, volunteer, Charlene P., Troop 2338.

Photo right, staff members Amy and Judy.

Catherine Ciccone Volunteer Training and Resource Manager 4

Borrow Badge Kits and Materials:

We have materials available for loan that will support volunteer planning, keep Girl Scouts engaged, and help host special Girl Scout ceremonies and events.

To request materials or to see what is available, email customercare@gsnc.org.

New Girl Scout Badges and Patch Programs:

New Girl Scout badges and patch programs are available for the 2023-2024 Girl Scout year. Take a look and consider adding these activities to your Girl Scout year plan! You can find the requirements in the Volunteer Toolkit.

New Badges:

l Art and Design (Daisy, Brownie, Junior)

l Craft and Tinker (Daisy, Brownie, Junior)

l Create and Innovate (Daisy, Brownie, Junior)

l Animal Observer (Daisy)

l Animal Habitats (Junior)*

l Animal Helpers (Cadette)*

*Updated for 2023-204 Girl Scout year

New Mental Wellness Patch Programs:

l Knowing My Emotions (Junior)

l Finding My Voice (Cadette)

l Showing Up for Me & You (Senior, Ambassador)

The following Girl Scout badges will be retired:

l Potter (Brownie)

l Painting (Brownie)

l Inventor (Brownie)

l Jeweler (Junior)

l Drawing (Junior)

l Product Designer (Junior)

l Entrepreneur (Cadette)

Social Innovator (Senior)

Resources and Support Available to Troop Leaders: Peer-to-Peer Feedback

What resources have been helpful to you as a troop leader?

We asked Diana R., a troop leader from the East Meadow Service Unit who has a first grade Daisy troop and a multi-level troop that includes second, third, and fourth graders. She shared the following:

l Possibilities program and event guide

l Volunteer Connections monthly Zoom meetings and podcast

l East Meadow Service Unit Volunteer Manager

l Experienced East Meadow volunteers

l Girl Scout Facebook groups

She explained that all of these resources combined helped her to plan her troop meetings and trips! Especially with being new to Long Island, she said that “understanding how to navigate through everything was difficult,” but having the support from GSNC staff, connecting with other troops in her Service Unit, and connecting with her Service Unit Volunteer Manger made all the difference.

Her advice to new troop leaders is to “think outside of the box and to reach out to other troop leaders for help!” She has gained a lot of inspiration from hearing how other volunteers in her service unit ran events and connected with other troop leaders to offer Girl Scouts fun and engaging opportunities, and wants to continue that moving forward.

To find resources, stay connected with GSNC by visiting gsnc.org, follow GSNC’s social media channels, keep a lookout for our email newsletters, and stay in touch with your service unit! Email customercare@gsnc.org for any additional support.

Stay in the Know with GSNC’s Online Community (OLC)

The OLC is a member-only, private communication platform for GSNC troop leaders, parents, and service unit volunteers. Log in for news, events, and files relevant to your service unit, as well as council updates and program information. Sounds great, right? Do you know how to log in? If not, we’re here to help. Contact customercare@ gsnc.org to get started.

New troop leaders and volunteers

Please check your email inbox! You should have received your invitation to join. Follow the instructions and the link provided in the email.

IMPORTANT:

The invitation will be from the sender no-reply@forumbee.com.

If you’re unable to find the invitation email, check your spam folder. Your username is the email address you used for your daughter’s registration.

Established troop leaders and volunteers

Look for your email invite from no-reply@forumbee.com. Can’t find it? Email customercare@gsnc.org and we’ll re-send it to you!

Banking Info for Leaders

New troops will need to set up a bank account for their troop. Credit unions are recommended as they generally do not charge fees. However, it is best to check with the bank first as all rates differ. If deemed necessary, seek advice from your Service Unit Treasurer for a desired bank. Please follow the steps below to open a troop account:

1. Request a bank letter from Council PRIOR to your visit to the bank. Allow Council 3-5 business days to prepare the bank letter.

There is a form on the GSNC website. You can use the link below or visit our “Forms” section. https://gsnc.wufoo.com/forms/bank-account-request/

2. All leaders have to complete the required background check and complete their required volunteer training PRIOR to initiating the process to establish a troop bank account.

3. All bank accounts require three signers:

a) Troop accounts must have the two leaders and the Service Unit Treasurer or Service Unit member.

b) Service unit accounts are required to have two Service unit members and the Council’s CFO as the third signer.

4. Schedule an appointment with the preferred bank to have ALL three signers go to set up the bank account.

5. Once the bank account is set up, please make sure the Service Unit Treasurer has all of your bank account information.

Please make sure that the address on file with the bank is for the person you wish to receive the statements. Also, make sure the Council is not the preferred mailing address and if necessary, request a debit card on the bank form. Troop money is troop money. Handling of money should be transparent at all times. Troop members and their families can request to review bank statements and transactions. At the end of each year, leaders are required to submit troop financials and the June bank statement, itemizing all transactions, to the Council.

If a troop disbands, they must follow the Disbanding Guidelines listed here:

https://www.gsnc.org/content/dam/gsnc-redesign/documents/GSNC_Disbanding-Troops-Instructions.pdf

The GSNC Shop webpage has a new look!

Looking for information on shop hours? Want to know what you need for bridging? Not sure where to place an insignia? Look no further, we have put all these resources and more in one place for you. There is even a list of all badges for each level.

https://bit.ly/gsnc-shop

FREE PATCH PROGRAMS

GSNC has 11 FREE patch programs for your Girl Scout. Topics include brownfields, stroke awareness, self awareness, self esteem, wellness, food allergy, clean energy and sustainability, environmental justice and social equity, neighborhood development and community engagement, and workforce development, and emergency preparedness. Requirements can be found on the GSNC Shop pages under the patches and badges section.

Shop Hours for Fall:

Monday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Tuesday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Wednesday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Thursday 9:00 AM-7:00 PM

Friday 9:00 AM-1:00 PM

Saturday 10:00 AM-2:00 PM

Check October Girlfriends for our winter hours.

What is the I.D.E.A. Lab?

Innovation, Diversity, Equity, and Access

Lab, is a new division of the GSNC team dedicated to the improvement of services and increased accessibility to Girl Scouts for girls and families. Over the course of the next three years, the I.D.E.A. Lab will create new programmatic opportunities for Girl Scouts, establish a girl space in the community, encourage access for new communities, improve cultural competency, and give GSNC the opportunity to “color outside the lines” to meet the needs of today’s girls.

I.D.E.A. Lab Program Divisions:

l Traveling Trefoil

l STEM

l Art

l Sports

l Girl Leadership Committee

l Community Engagement

How can the I.D.E.A Lab support your Girl Scout troop or family? Contact us at customercare@gsnc.org to learn more.

It’s a Sporty Girl Summer

Since 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) founder Juliette Gordon Low believed that health, nutrition, and fitness were essential to the Girl Scout experience. Sports build girls’ self-confidence, and promote physical and mental wellness. I.D.E.A. Lab’s Sports Division aims to incorporate these values into programming that increases representation and accessibility for girls in sports.

Girl Scout families kicked off the summer cheering on the Long Island Rough Riders, a semiprofessional women’s soccer team, in their 2-1 victory over New Jersey’s Morris Elite. After three weeks on the diamond, summer teammates grew into lifelong friends during GSNC’s Kickball League. Thank you for being a good sport this summer with Girl Scouts!

Still looking for ways to be active this summer? Complete GSNC’s Virtual Marathon before September 30! Run, walk, or ride your bike on your own time, at your own pace. Learn more by visiting the OLC or scan the QR code.

https://bit.ly/GSNCvirtual-marathon-patch

No worries! Let the GSNC Shop take care of that for you. We’ll add your items, via a super secure heat press process. Check out the OLC or email shop@gsnc.org for pricing and restrictions.

Behind on putting those patches and badges on your uniform?

Own Your Magic this Mags&Munchies

Season!

What is Mags&Munchies and Why Should I Participate?

Mags&Munchies is a financial literacy program that allows girls to be entrepreneurs, offering family and friends the opportunity to purchase delicious nuts, snacks, chocolates, and magazines—right in time for the holiday season! This skill-building program supports our community’s youngest female entrepreneurs as they continue to make meaningful contributions to their communities, and develop the tools to become leaders.

Girls get to practice the five key entrepreneurial leadership skills—Goal Setting, Decision Making, People Skills, Money Management, and Business Ethics—before the Girl Scout Cookie season begins.

l Girls earn unique patches and rewards, and troops earn funds early in the Girl Scout year for Take Action projects, activities, supplies, events, and more!

l All funds stay local with some distributed as troop proceeds for troop activities and some to council to be used for programs, trainings, and financial assistance.

l It’s easy and fun! Items can all be ordered online. Girls can build a customizable avatar of themselves through the Mags&Munchies website and earn a patch that is unique just to them!

l Ready to add to your Collectible Girl Scouts Tin Series? Add the new PEACE OUT Memory Box Tin that comes with an all-time favorite, Mint Treasures!

Great Gifts that Support a Great Cause!

l Looking for something new and different that will make the perfect snack? Thai Chili Mix and Cheddar Caramel Crunch are now available in the 2023 product lineup!

Care to Share

l Our Girls Scouts have constantly proven that giving back to the community is extremely important to them. Within the Mags&Munchies program, customers can donate to Care to Share and donations of nuts and snack items will go to local food pantries.

l Just three $7 donations earn a patch! If girls collect 20 $7 donations, they will earn the opportunity to “adopt an Ocelot” and support World Wildlife Fund’s global conservation efforts to help save endangered wildlife!

Patches and Rewards

Bring home the ocelot and other cool rewards this season!

l Own Your Magic Necklace: when you sell 25 Nut/Snack items

l Small Ocelot Plush: when you sell 35 Nut/Snack items

l Bluetooth Speakers: $600 in Total Orders

Don’t forget to check out the rewards panel on the nut order card to learn how to earn two personalized patches (created by you!) and these three awesome fit-together patches!

See What Goal Getter Charlotte P. Has to Say About Mags&Munchies:

What did you learn by participating in the Mags&Munchies program?

Everyone loves chocolate! (Hahaha!) Honestly, people are surprised that we offer more products other than our famous cookies. The five skills we learn and use for Girl Scout Cookies apply for Mags&Munchies, too. I learned more about Goal Setting, Decision Making, Money Management, People Skills, and Business Ethics and it made me feel very confident in myself. Those five skills made it so much easier for me to talk to adults and explain myself while I was preparing my Take Action and Silver Award projects.

How did your troop use the proceeds earned?

This year the girls in my troop are working on their Silver Award projects. We voted to use some of the proceeds for our Silver Award projects. Since the proceeds we earned from Mags&Munchies were available early in the Girl Scout year, it really helped us begin right away. We shared some, by making purchases to donate to a local food pantry. We also saved some for a weekend camping trip to Camp Blue Bay in the spring.

What was your overall experience?

My experience was very positive. It motivated me to realistically pursue my goals and focus on the future.

What is your favorite part about the Mags&Munchies program?

My favorite part of the Mags&Munchies program is when people ask me for Girl Scout Cookies. (lol) I know then they will be a loyal customer. I also enjoy hearing how delicious all the Munchies are and that my customers were happy with the products.

Any tips for having a successful season?

My best marketing strategy is to promote the items for seasonal gifts. Mags&Munchies make great sharable gifts for family, friends, teachers, coaches, and anyone else you would normally give a gift. The decorative tins are cute and collectable too. The magazines make nice gifts as well since the subscriptions continue over the rest of the year.

More about me!

KEY DATES

l September 29: Online and in-person ordering starts

l November 5: In-person and online orders taking ends

l Early December: Mags&Munchies product distribution

l January: Rewards and patches scheduled to arrive

I was excited to be attend the 2023 Girl Scout Convention in Orlando, FL this summer as part of the GSNC Girl Leadership cohort. It was my first airplane ride and visit to Walt Disney World®. My troop bridged to Seniors with Girl Scouts from around the world there. I’m also looking forward to attending Holy Trinity High School in the fall and joining their swim team.

Learn more about Mags&Munchies rewards.

Welcome to all of our new and returning board and board development committee members who were elected at our annual meeting on May 17 at the Ruth S. Harley University Center at Adelphi University. We are very excited to have you join us in your volunteer position. Your commitment to our organization will help us reach more girls across Nassau County through our amazing leadership experience pathways. We look forward to showing you the power and impact of Girl Scouts across Nassau County.

We would also like to thank our current board and board development committee members for their service to the council. Your continued commitment to our council and the Girl Scout Movement is both valued and appreciated.

To read more about our board and board development committee members, please visit our website https://www.gsnc.org/governance

Girl Leadership Committee

The Girl Leadership Committee (GLC) is a select group of girls that works as a board committee, partnering with the CEO and staff members on projects ranging from program development to research and marketing. The girls’ involvement in various projects allows them to make their voices heard by using their passion for Girl Scouts to ensure that Girl Scout programs and events are what girls want and need.

In the 2021-2022 year, the Girl Leadership Committee hosted the Unapologetically Fearless Since 1912 program—Girl Scouts from Cadette through Ambassador level connected with women in non-traditional careers and trades.

Ways to Volunteer

Whether you can give a few hours, a few weeks, or a few months, volunteering with Girl Scouts is rewarding!

Be the troop leader that supports her every week—the one that watches her smile get bigger as she grows more confident. Mentor a Girl Scout Cookie professional during cookie season so she can earn enough to reach the goals she and her troop set. Or work with other adults to provide the kind of behind-the-scenes support that makes it possible for her to make amazing new memories at Girl Scouts.

There are so many ways to get involved with Girl Scouts!

l Living History Committee volunteer

l Ceremonial Unit volunteer

l Troop leader

l Troop Mags&Munchies manager

l Troop cookie manager

l Service unit volunteer

l Troop outdoor trained adult

l Council camp program volunteer

l Gold Award mentor

Scan the QR code, or visit gsnc.org/ volunteer to learn how.

l Robotics coach or mentor (background in robotics or engineering recommended)

l Program/event volunteer

l Program/event emcee or speaker

l Program/event photographer

For Fall 2023, the Girl Leadership Committee is working on a program centered around civic and financial literacy. The GLC members wanted to focus on civic and financial literacy, where topics such as the voting process and basic banking skills will be explored. Focusing on such vital abilities can enable Girl Scouts to acquire skills that will be beneficial as they progress on to different stages of their lives. Check the OLC and social media for details. We hope to see you there.

Imagine your Possibilities

Join us on Saturday, November 4, 2023 for our annual Imagine Your Possibilities STEM Conference. This one-day conference will give Girl Scouts in grades 5 through 8 an opportunity to learn and interact with STEM professionals. With the support of our conference partner and host, Hofstra University, Girl Scouts will participate in hands-on workshops led by women working in the STEM field. This conference allows our Girl Scouts to Discover, Connect, and Take Action through STEM. At Girls Scouts of Nassau County, we strive to create opportunities for STEM programming for Girl Scouts to take on some of the planet’s biggest challenges and problems—and help solve them. Registration opens September 2023.

GSNC and Hofstra’s 8th Annual STEM Conference

Going for Gold

By Faith S.

Thousands of Girl Scouts here in Nassau County—and out of those thousands, 55 of them earned their Gold Award this year. This group of girls who achieved the highest award in Girl Scouts are incredibly important for our future. They will reach soaring heights—the sky’s the limit! I was so inspired by all of the girls as I watched the Gold Award ceremony.

Before the ceremony, I had the opportunity to interview three Gold Award Girl Scouts—Shannen F., Samantha V., and Nicole N. All three girls demonstrated incredible innovation, leadership, and confidence through their projects.

As I interviewed Shannen, I could see that her project really meant something to her, and there was a lot of emotion behind it. Shannen’s project addressed the issue of loneliness in the senior population and bridged the generational gap by interviewing residents from a senior housing community about their favorite recipes. She compiled these family recipes and reflections on food, culture, and family into a personalized cookbook to empower seniors and to allow family and community members to learn about them.

Samantha’s project addressed burnout in teenagers and young adults. Not many people previously knew about burnout and what it was, so Samantha raised awareness through social media and presentations. She discussed symptoms and prevention methods with students and Girl Scout troops. She was able to make it a more approachable topic and easier to talk about.

The last girl I had interviewed was Nicole. For her Gold Award, Nicole focused on promoting female athletes by providing a way for young girls to learn the sport of basketball without pressures from others. Nicole was not only a Gold Award Girl Scout that night, but she was also the recipient of the Virginia A. Wills Gold Award Scholarship. The scholarship focuses on the true meaning of being a Girl Scout and her journey through the years. When hearing about her different accomplishments, I was in awe. Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards, 30 badges, three Journeys, one Service to Girl Scouts bar, three community service bars, three leadership torches, two cookie pins, and four religious awards. Elana Wills described her as “a true Girl Scout,” as she also contributes toward her community.

The 55 young women who earned their Gold Award should be beyond proud of themselves. Where they will go in their future—We will just have to wait and watch them soar!

GSNC Congratulates our 2023 Gold Award Girl Scouts!

A Gold Award Girl Scout learns to channel her unique talents and abilities into action to make a difference in a cause that she is passionate about. She takes the lead in designing and implementing a plan for change and makes a positive impact in her community and beyond.

To the 55 GSNC Gold Award Girl Scouts—Congratulations!

You earned the highest award in Girl Scouting—and you’ve also changed the world and changed your life. You have learned that by taking action, you can make a difference. As a council, we are extremely proud of your achievement, and look forward to what you will do in the future.

To honor the 2023 Gold Award class, we held a Gold Award ceremony at the Ruth S. Harley Center on the Adelphi University campus. Families and friends enjoyed being together to celebrate their momentous accomplishments!

You changed the world!

Virginia A. Wills Gold Award Scholarship

Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors who earn the Gold Award tackle issues that are important to them and drive lasting change in their communities and beyond. Think of the Gold Award as a key that can open doors to scholarships, preferred admission tracks for college, and amazing career opportunities.

Elana Wills has generously donated $1,000 in her mother Virginia A. Wills’s name to be awarded to one Gold Award Girl Scout per year. This year, Nicole N. is the fifth Girl Scout of Nassau County to receive the Virginia A. Wills Gold Award scholarship. Congratulations!

Nicole’s Gold Award project highlighted the issue that there is a difference between the way boys and girls are treated in the world of sports. Her project provides a way for girls to learn the sport of basketball. She created a website that provides basic training and warm-up drills, and she shared this website with elementary school gym teachers to ensure her teachings would continue to make an ongoing difference with girls!

Nicole joined Girl Scouts as her mom was a troop leader and her sister was a Girl Scout. She wanted to follow in her sister’s footsteps as they are very close. Being a Girl Scout has helped Nicole become more independent by learning to manage the whole cookie process from sales to money management. She enjoyed the community service projects at the Ronald McDonald House and collecting blankets for local animal shelters. She believes that Girl Scouts helped her learn to advocate for herself. Her advice to younger Girl Scouts is “Go for it! Time goes by way too fast, so you should take in all the Girl Scout events while you can.”

GSNC is excited to congratulate this year’s GSUSA Gold Award scholarship winner Anna N.! This $10,000 scholarship recognizes one Gold Award Girl Scout per council. Through her Gold Award project “Live Without Limits,” Anna improved mental health literacy and promoted well-being by having beach access mats placed at the high-tide line at Town of Hempstead (TOH) beaches for beachgoers to use for relaxation. To learn more about Anna, visit https://bit.ly/gsnc-blog.

Gold Award Mentors

old Award mentors play a key role in the lives of our Gold Award Girl Scouts. This year, they coached our 55 Gold Award Girl Scouts to complete projects in public safety, sports, animal health, mental health, and physical well-being. They positively influence and provide direction for the young women as they tackle issues within their community and strive to improve the lives of others!

Pat Hickey has been a Gold Award mentor for three years. She was the ELLM (East Rockaway, Lakeview, Lynbrook, and Malverne Service Unit) older girl consultant working on the highest awards with girls for 19 years. We asked her to share some thoughts.

Thoughts on this year’s Gold Award girls:

This year’s Gold Award girls, as well as their predecessors, offer us wonderful, inspiring examples of leadership, perseverance, and the ability to turn dreams into reality.

Thoughts on this year’s ceremony:

This year, as in past years, the GSNC Gold Award ceremony gave girls, their families, project advisors, mentors, and GSNC staff the opportunity to celebrate the great accomplishments of our Gold Award Girl Scouts.

Why is the Gold Award important to Girl Scouts?

When a girl has earned her Gold Award, she has proven that she can set a goal that involves educating and inspiring others in a way that is sustainable, measurable, and has a global impact. It gives a girl skills that will last a lifetime and inspire other Girl Scouts to follow in her path.

Thoughts on being a GSNC mentor:

As a GSNC mentor, I have the opportunity to constantly learn from my mentees and sister Gold Award mentors.

Are you interested in becoming a Girl Scout Gold Award mentor?

A mentor is…

l A positive role model

l Good listener

l Caring person

l Good communicator

l Patient

l Attentive

l Committed

Gold Award Committee members:

l Review Gold Award proposals

l Counsel girls who need help developing their projects. You need to be a mentor first for this role.

l Gold Award counselors work with girls in their local service units.

You have the opportunity to make a significant difference in young women’s lives!

To learn more, please email: customercare@gsnc.org with “Interest in Gold Award Committee” in the subject line or call 516-741-2550.

Summer Camp

The Counselors-inTraining (CIT) program is a longstanding tradition at Camp Blue Bay for Girl Scout Ambassadors. Our CITs participate in a two-week outdoor leadership course, while observing and assisting counselors at camp. While CITs provide a great service to Camp Blue Bay, the program is less about the physical work and more about what CITs learn. They work effectively as a team, show up every day, and set goals and see them through. The responsibilities our CITs take on at Camp Blue Bay—in a safe, supported environment—help boost their self-esteem and build their independence.

Showtime!

The show must go on! This summer Camp Blue Bay hosted a specialized week of camp for campers interested in using their creativity to produce their very own mini production called Showtime. This year’s show was titled Blue Bay on Broadway. The campers “traveled” to different Broadway shows including Legally Blonde, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and Matilda. They spent the week working on choreographing dances, preparing sets, and singing their favorite show tunes.

“Being a CIT gives you a whole different perspective on camping. Although you are having fun, you help younger campers around you to succeed in their dream and encourage them along the way. Helping and teaching campers just like the way the CITs and counselors did when I was a camper makes me feel happy and proud of myself. It gives a sense of nostalgia while watching them grow, and who knows? We might encourage them to be a CIT one day!” —Lilly S.

Girl Scouts Love State Parks Day

Let’s celebrate our shared love of the outdoors! Join us for Girl Scouts Love State Parks day on September 9, 2023. Every year, Girl Scouts explore the natural wonders found across our country during the Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend. Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors, grab your backpack and head out to Jones Beach State Park Nature and Energy Center. Learn about what makes Jones Beach unique, explore the dunes and see what plants, animal tracks, and other features of the landscape there are to be seen on a given day. After your tour, join Girl Scouts of Nassau County for a light snack, activity on the beach, and take part in an end of summer beach cleanup!

After the interactive program is complete, bring a picnic, enjoy the beach and visit inside the Jones Beach State Park Nature and Energy Center. Registered participants will enjoy free entry into Jones Beach State Park.

Fall Council Camp Programs

Fall Family Overnight:

October 21-22, 2023

Celebrate Fall with the family at Camp Blue Bay. On Saturday morning take part in a series of messy fun fall activities. After that it’s time to spend some time in the great outdoors, enjoy a packed lunch on the sports field, hike to the beach, or visit a local attraction on your own. After dinner, join us for a costume dance party and s’mores around the campfire. Who: All registered GSNC girls with a parent/guardian.

Cost: $45 per person (Includes program supplies, Saturday dinner and Sunday breakfast)

Novice Camper Weekend*:

October 13-15, 2023

Are you looking to experience troop camping, but haven’t had the opportunity to participate in the required outdoor training? We have an opportunity just for you: Troops can enjoy a trip to Camp Blue Bay, and leaders can participate in the training while at camp. Over the weekend, Girl Scouts will participate in a variety of activities led by volunteers and staff as they learn all about the traditions of Girl Scout camping. Meanwhile, outdoor training adults will spend the day learning everything they need to know about troop camping from our outdoor trainers.

Who: Open to all GSNC Brownie, Junior, and Cadette troops with appropriate adult coverage (adults participating in training will not count toward adult coverage).

Cost: $60 per person (Includes Saturday breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack and Sunday Breakfast)

What is a Girl Scout trip, and how do you get ready for it?

The Trip Training course will prepare leaders and trip coordinators to bring their troops/groups on any Girl Scout trip or activity. Participants will become familiar with GSUSA Safety Activity Checkpoints, GSNC Policies, Standards and Guidelines, budgeting, timing, transportation and other topics, so that the event is fun and safe for all.

Step 1 Trip Training

Please Note: Step 1 Trip Training is a pre-requisite for Outdoor Camp Training

l Monday, March 4, 2024

l Wednesday, April 3, 2024

l Tuesday, May 7, 2024

Outdoor Camp Training

GSNC provides Outdoor Training courses to help Girl Scout volunteers prepare themselves and the girls they work with to enjoy outdoor experiences together. Training will introduce progression in the outdoors, review camp facilities, and provide basic skills for outdoor programs. Under the guidance of trained and enthusiastic adults, girls may take their first hike, build their first campfire, and sleep under the stars for the first time.

Step 2 Overnight Pre-plan Training

l Wednesday, March 27, 2024

2023-2024 Outdoor Training Schedule at a Glance Trip Training

l Thursday, April 11, 2024

l Monday, April 15, 2024

Step 3 Mandatory Overnight

Cost per child will be $20, and includes lunch and program fees. Registration for children must be done separately by mail. Space is limited and will be assigned on a first come, first served basis as the registration arrives with payment.

Camp Update

Saturday, May 4-Sunday, May 5, 2024

8:00 AM Sat–1:00 PM Sun

Cost: Mandatory Overnight Training fee to cover cost of food and program supplies is $30 per adult

l Wednesday, September 20, 2023

l Thursday, October 19, 2023

l Tuesday, November 7, 2023

l Monday, January 8, 2024

l Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Daycare for your school-age children will be available during the Mandatory Overnight. All children attending will take part in a specially designed camp program during the day, while the adults participate in training. Parents and children will enjoy dinner, evening program, and overnight accommodations together.

Camp guidelines, procedures, and program changes. Your camping skills must be updated every three years to enable you to take girls camping. The Camp Update course will review skills, provide up-to-date information on camp materials used, ecology, and environmental guidelines. (Required every three years)

l Monday, October 2, 2023

l Wednesday, December 6, 2023

l Tuesday, January 30, 2024

l Thursday, March 7, 2024

l Tuesday, May 14, 2024

*Please note, adults taking the training will be required to attend virtual trip training and attend a pre-plan meeting prior to the weekend.

GIVE THE GIFT OF GIRL SCOUTS

Girl Scouts of Nassau County would like to extend a special thank you to all families who kindly contributed to Family Partnership during the time your daughter(s) have been participating in Girl Scouts. Your contribution helps to champion the changemakers of today and tomorrow, and helps to ensure all girls can participate in Girl Scouting—regardless of background, location, or financial situation.

For those families who may consider donating, Family Partnership is an opportunity to invest in a girl’s future by directly providing financial assistance for membership fees, uniform components, books, badges, and supplies for any girl in need to ensure all girls throughout our local communities can participate and thrive in Girl Scouts.

In membership year (MY) 2018-2019, GSNC created a trefoil plaque donor wall for those families who went above and beyond by generously donating $100 or more to Family Partnership giving.

For MY 2022-2023, the following families will each receive their own trefoil in their honor for display at Council:

l Bay SU ......................................... Weatherhead-Shenoy Family

l Garden City SU ........................................... Tusiani-Eng Family

l Hicksville SU Aulman-Viola Family

l Park SU Poole-Reed Family

l Port Washington SU .......Darsie and Gardberg-Franchitti Families

l Valley Stream/Five Towns SU .............. Gomez-Vicente Family

With the upcoming 2023-2024 MY beginning October 1, we ask for your support once more. For any donation of $10 or more, your daughter(s) will receive a Family Partnership participant patch. If your donation is $35 or more, she receives a second patch for “Going the Extra Mile,” and her troop receives a 15% rebate credit for GSNC Shop use.

To donate to Family Partnership:

l Scan the following QR code http://bit.ly/gsnc-family-partnership

l Visit gsnc.org/donate

l During your online renewal, make any contribution at the final payment screen.

Thank you again for supporting every girl’s power to become a Girl Scout.

Juliette Gordon Low Society Planned Giving Tea

Sunday, October 15, 2023

Blast from the Past

GSNC’s spirit of philanthropy has been around since its inception. Raising funds in the community to support exciting, cutting-edge Girl Scout programs that help prepare girls for a lifetime of leadership, success, and adventure.

Our earliest fundraiser was a formal ball and an opportunity to honor prominent council volunteers. It immediately became known as the “Daisy Ball” in commemoration of Juliette “Daisy” Low, the founder of Girl Scouts. Images above right are from our historical archives. Keep a look out for more memorabilia in upcoming issues of Girlfriends

The Legacy Award recognizes changemakers in Nassau County who give back to the community, elevate and support the Girl Scout mission throughout their lives or volunteer work. The Legacy Award is presented to an individual (or business) in Nassau County who has been a true leader working to pave the way for a positive future for girls and their families in Nassau County.

Girl Scouts of Nassau County Legacy Awards Learn

The Impact Award recognizes emerging leaders under 40 in Nassau County who are currently giving back and making contributions to the Girl Scout mission and Nassau County. The Impact Award is given to individuals that are recognized as an up-and-coming change-maker in Nassau County.

Nominations accepted from August 1–October 31, 2023.

Girl Scouts of Nassau County Legacy Awards Committee will review all nominations received.

Award Criteria

Legacy Award Criteria

l Long-time supporter or volunteer with Girl Scouts of Nassau County

l Works in the Nassau County community

l Sets an example of paving the way for girls

Impact Award Criteria

l Under the age of 40

l Provide an example of supporting the Girl Scout mission

bit.ly/gsnc-adult-awards-recognitions

Honorees will be announced at the fall fundraiser on November 16, 2023.

Honorees will be recognized at the 2024 Girl Scouts of Nassau County Legacy event on March 15,2024.

Your Year in

Check out important dates, then fill in with your troop meetings,

Have you renewed for this GS year?

10/15 Juliette Gordon Low Society Tea

10/15 GS Day at NY Jets game (vs. Philadelphia Eagles)

10/31 Founder’s Day

January 2024

February 2024

Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthday 1/15 Martin Luther King Day

Beginning of February Camp registration opens

Beginning of February Cookie booth sales start

2/22 World Thinking Day

2/16-2/18 National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend

May 2024

June 2024

Girl Scouts

and council events that you can attend with your troop or family.

March 2024

Women’s History Month

3/10-3/16 Girl Scout Week

3/12 Girl Scouts’ birthday (112 years old!)

3/15 Legacy Brunch Spring Fundraiser 3/21 Adult Recognitions Event

April 2024

National Volunteer Appreciation Month

July 2024

July Camp Blue Bay Summer Camp Begins

7/4 Independence Day

August 2024

August Camp Blue Bay Summer Camp Ends

8/10

S’mores Day!

What other days are important to your family? Make this calendar your own by adding dates that you celebrate together every year!

What do Girl Scouts do?

Make Friends

It’s easy to make new friends as a Girl Scout.

From joining a troop to spending a week at summer camp, Girl Scouts have the chance to meet others from their neighborhood, community, and nearby schools. They may even meet local leaders during a service project!

Lead Your Way

Girl Scouts have endless opportunities to lead. Anyone can tell others what to do. A true leader can make smart decisions, act fairly and responsibly, and let others on the team shine as they work together—whether it’s running their cookie business or directing a team of volunteers for a Gold Award project.

Earn Badges & Awards

Learn new skills.

Then take those badge skills further with a Journey award or a highest award. A Journey award allows Girl Scouts to show they know how to take action and make a difference in their community. A highest award shows they know how to solve a problem, permanently.

Every Girl Scout has their own curiosity, dreams, and talents—so when they come together to decide which of the thousands of Girl Scout activities to try, the sky’s the limit. Whether visiting an animal shelter, camping, hosting a dance-off, or filming a movie—they’re learning to take risks, trust their gut, and team up with others for good.

Find Adventure

No adventure is too big for a Girl Scout.

From discovering new museums to camping at a state park all weekend, there are as many ways to discover adventure as there are Girl Scouts. Go with a buddy or your entire troop and try something new.

Give Back

Make an impact on your community.

Restock the local food pantry. Beautify your school’s playground. Lobby for change at a city council meeting. Making the world a better place is all in a day’s work for a Girl Scout. Take it to the next level when you earn the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, or Gold Awards— our highest awards—to make a sustainable impact.

Grade Levels

Each level of Girl Scouts is unique with a wide variety of activities to try. Girl Scouts can begin in kindergarten and join all the way through twelfth grade. As a Girl Scout progresses, every level builds upon the last, and allows them to explore their interests in a way that is meaningful— and age-appropriate—to them.

Highlights from Convention

Being a delegate has been one of the best experiences of my life. Not only did I learn so much in the months leading up to National Council Session, I learned even more in the three days of session. It was incredible meeting people from all over the country, and hearing their thoughts and opinions about all seven proposals. Speaking of proposals, Girl Scouts has made history by adding the word “anti-racism” into the preamble of the GSUSA constitution. I had the opportunity to be on the resource team for this proposal, which was one of the most eye-opening moments of my life. I learned so much, and the feeling of pride and success after hearing the proposal was passed was unexplainable. It’s hard to imagine that I helped make history happen, and I’m so proud of the entire team for working so hard. NCS has been such a great experience, and I hope to be a delegate in the future!

—Allie M., Girl Delegate

I enjoyed going to Phenom and going to all the different exhibits that were available. They all showed me that I had so many amazing qualities especially at the CISA station. I even got to see cool things from space at the NASA stations. Watching the debates at National Council Session was such an interesting experience. I thought it was really fun and can’t wait to do it again maybe even as a delegate!

—Mia S., Girl Cohort Member

See more highlights from convention.

Getting the chance to participate at NCS as a delegate was a life changing opportunity for me for so many reasons. Even as a girl delegate, there was never a moment throughout the conference where I felt my voice wasn’t being heard. Our thoughts and feelings about the important issues for the future of Girl Scouts were prioritized and vocalized by everyone at NCS. I was constantly encouraged and inspired to share my thoughts and experiences on topics.

As someone who grew up in a multicultural space, the sentiment of “being seen” as yourself with the many identities and characteristics you bear that was shared by one of the key speakers at NCS really resonated with me. We live in a world that is filled with diversity, so the idea of allowing everyone to express themselves has become more important than ever before.

It was an absolute honor to have this opportunity. I’m proud to call myself a Girl Scout and I hope the future young generations of Girl Scouts can experience the same wonder at NCS as I did.

—Katherine

S., Girl Delegate

Our girl delegates Katherine left, and Allie right, with our national CEO Bonnie Barczykowski center.

Girl Leadership Cohort: from left Alicia T., Caralinn B., Katherine G., Taylor B., Gianna W., Brooke B., Charlotte P., Mia S.

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.

TRIBUTE FUND

In memory of:

Alyce Beth Vaccaro

—Donna Olivero, Suraj Sharma

Roberta (Bonnie) Hiller (35-year Bellmore leader, Troop 952, Girl Scout trainer, and creator of the first “Our Nation’s Capital” Junior Badge)

Girlfriends

Volunteers who participate, encourage, and support the Girl Scout Movement are the foundation of our organization. Girl Scouts of Nassau County greatly values the thousands of volunteers who make Girl Scouting a reality. It is important to recognize those that demonstrate the greatest passion and commitment toward promoting the importance of supporting Girl Scouts.

Help us recognize volunteers that go above and beyond by nominating a leader, service team manager, troop cookie manager, or

other worthy volunteer for an Adult Recognitions Award.

To nominate a volunteer, visit gsnc.org/ adult-recognitions. The Adult Recognitions nominations form will open on September 1, 2023. The submission deadline for awards, with the exception of Volunteer of Excellence award is December 22, 2023.

If the committee approves the award, the volunteer will be invited to the GSNC Annual Adult Recognitions Award Ceremony on March 21, 2024.

—Naomi Abramovitz, Karyn and Joe Barer, Michelle Berger, Bonnie Berry, Kenneth Bonamo, Laurie Conlon, Norman Elias, Michael Hiller, Frances and Leonard Himelfarb, Cindy and Andrew Janower, Pamela Krafchik, Mickey and Rick Krisburg, Ileana Kutler, Kim and Seth Lehrman, Rich Lester, Margot Luftig and Carl Lebowitz, Kristyn Mastridge/ New York Therapy Placement Services, Lynne Mudloff, Suzie Payson, Ruth Peck, Karen Post and Jon Nevett, Stacy and Marilyn Plotz, Deborah and Paul Richman, Gina Sands, Lauren Schoenfeld, Aryn Sobo, Gail Teicher, Melissa Wilson