Girl Scouts of Nassau County Girlfriends December 2024
Girlfriends is a publication of Girl Scouts of Nassau County
Courageous and Confident
We know that Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The “make the world a better place” part has been my favorite, but the courage, confidence, and character are necessary, too!
The Girl Scout Leadership Experience is our vehicle for creating a positive impact. It ensures that all Girl Scouts have access to not only building strong leadership skills, but also determination, resilience, and compassion.
At every stage of the Girl Scout journey, our Girl Scouts are fueled a little more by these ‘characters.’ So, a Girl Scout Daisy shares their ideas and feelings but might not be making the decisions that a Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador are—yet. These are characteristics we all need throughout our careers and in our relationships. As we approach the end of another year, let’s boost how we use these characteristics to ensure that the Girl Scouts in Nassau County are courageous and confident.
Carol Dweck, a psychologist, developed the Growth Mindset Theory almost 20 years ago. In simplest terms, a growth mindset is believing “you can do better and grow” over time. As adults, we can support our Girl Scouts by:
l Letting our Girl Scouts enjoy the process and not focus on the outcome.
l Showing our Girl Scouts that challenges may open doors to new opportunities.
l Planning activities with our Girl Scouts that spotlight different learning styles.
l Celebrating the little things. —RMB
Hear more about Growth Mindset Theory from Dr. Carol Dweck herself: 3bit.ly/gsnc-growth-mindset bit.ly/the-power-of-yet 4
Cookie Dates
January 3, 2025: Girl Scout Cookie Program begins (both online and in-person)
January 11, 2025: Cookie Rally
February 10, 2025: Initial Orders due February 22, 2025: Booth sales begin March 27, 2025: Girl Scout Cookie Program ends (both online and in-person)
Add a Friend Patch 2025
Please watch for posts on the OLC (member.gsnc.org) and the GSNC website (gsnc.org) for the most up-to-date cookie program activities and information.
2 1/2” wide x 1 5/8” tall embroidered with merrowed border
Invite a friend to register and become a part of your troop’s adventure. The new member and each Girl Scout in your troop will get a new patch for their uniforms!
Add one or more new girls to your existing troop between December 16, 2024 and March 31, 2025 and each girl in your troop will receive the Add a Friend patch.
For more information, contact us at customercare@gsnc.org.
Get Ready—Girl Scout Cookie Season Begins on January 3, 2025!
The largest girl-led entrepreneurial program is filled with possibility! We’re offering Girl Scouts more options than ever to build the foundation for entrepreneurship and success. Girl Scout Cookie® entrepreneurs are forces of nature. They are bold, curious, and bring go-getter spirit to every challenge, no matter how big or small. A Girl Scout’s potential to succeed is limitless—especially if they’re among the six in ten Girl Scouts who have entrepreneurial mindsets. Research has shown that these Girl Scouts:
l Want to change the world and are confident in their abilities to make their mark
l Embrace challenges, take risks, and see failing as an opportunity to learn and grow
l Are curious and innovative self-starters
l Excel as team players who are open to new ideas and suggestions Embrace Possibility, Girl Scout!
There are so Many Ways to Participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program
Ready to help your Girl Scout get the most out of cookie season? No matter how they take part in the Girl Scout Cookie Program, they’ll grow their people skills, learn to set goals, make smart decisions, and so much more. Talk with them about which options they’re excited to explore this year!
l Text or Call Friends and Family
l Digital Cookie
l Door-to-Door Deliveries
l Family Cookie Stands
l Connect With Your Community
l Cookie Booths
To learn more about the Girl Scout Cookie Program, visit the Cookie Dashboard on the OLC at bit.ly/gsnc-cookiedashboard
Questions: email customercare @gsnc.org
Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Operation Cookie and our Hometown Heroes!
Thanks to our Girl Scouts, who in 2024 secured over 85,000 packages of cookies for donation to our Hometown Heroes, and military serving locally and overseas. Additionally, thank you to DHL, our loyal partner in Operation Cookie. DHL has helped us deliver more than one million cookie packages to our military for the past 20 years.
This year, help bring a taste of home to our servicemen and women and earn this exclusive 20th Anniversary Operation Cookie/Hometown Heroes pin with 50+ donated cookie packages.
ANNI V ERSARY
Embrace Possibility and get Inspired at the Cookie Rally on January 11, 2025!
Be on the lookout for information to register and bring home a Cookie Rally patch and gift.
Become a Cookie Boss
2025 Virtual Cookie Boss Trainings—
January 15, January
30, or February 12.
Girl Scouts learn everything they need to know about cookies! Become a Cookie Boss and receive the Cookie Tech Charm when they attend one of the three sessions.
Support for Girl Scout Volunteers
Volunteer Resource Center Office Hours: Schedule an in-person appointment with GSNC’s Volunteer Training and Resource Associate for guidance on a wide variety of Girl Scout topics, such as troop activities, badges, awards, and ceremonies!
Materials for Loan: GSNC’s Volunteer Resource Center has an entire lending library to support volunteer planning. We offer ceremonial materials, teaching aids, badge kits, and Journey in a Weekend kits to help volunteers host special Girl Scout events and keep Girl Scouts engaged!
Volunteer Toolkit (VTK): The Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) gives volunteers access to comprehensive meeting plans for badges and Journeys, along with their respective meeting aids and materials lists. Volunteers also have access to the Troop Year Planner to assist you in mapping out your entire year of badges, awards, and activities for your Girl Scout troop!
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!
Volunteer Connections: Volunteer Connections encompasses a ton of resources for all Girl Scout adults at all levels of experience! Read the blog or 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!
These resources and more can be found on the Volunteer Training and Resources page on GSNC’s website! Visit bit.ly/gsnc-vol-resources-2024 or scan the QR code.
Join theMentorship in TrainingProgram
Are you looking to remain involved with Girl Scouts of Nassau County, even from a distance? Consider joining the Mentorship in Training program, which allows you to stay connected to the organization you love with the time commitment that works best for your life. Here are some things you can participate in after “graduating” from the Mentorship in Training program:
l Share your experiences and knowledge with younger Girl Scouts at Highest Awards workshops.
l Be a Gold Award Proposal Reader (read proposals and determine if the submission requires a 30-day revision or meets the criteria to go on to the interview round).
l Be a Gold Award Counselor (meet once with Girl Scouts who need to modify their proposals so they fulfill the requirements to be interview ready).
l Be a Gold Award Mentor (meet 1:1 with Girl Scouts monthly, via zoom or in-person, to make sure their project is on target for completion).
l Develop Highest Awards resources, trainings, and promotional materials.
l Create videos for Highest Award workshops.
l Grow our Mentorship in Training database and connect to new Gold Award Girl Scouts.
l Be a Special Needs Project Mentor (provide guidance for those who may require additional support—IEP, 504, or other—during the planning and execution of their Gold Award project).
l Be a Community Champion (support the pursuit of the Girl Scout Gold Award, particularly in underrepresented communities and help create equitable Gold Award experiences for all).
If you are interested in joining, or have questions about the program, please send an email to customercare@gsnc.org with “Mentorship in Training program” in the subject line.
Girl Scouts of Nassau County 4th
AwardLegacy Brunch
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
The Heritage Club at Bethpage 10:00 AM-12:30 PM
Girl Scouts of Nassau County is proud to recognize those champions in our community who best embody the Girl Scout mission in their careers and through their volunteerism to support girls throughout our region.
This year’s Legacy Award will be bestowed to an individual who embodies what it means to be a true community leader—a visionary who works to pave the way for a positive future for girls and their families in Nassau County. This year’s Impact Award recipients are three emerging leaders under 40 who consistently make contributions to the Girl Scout mission and their local communities to become future GSNC legacies.
To learn more visit: bit.ly/gsnc-legacy-brunch-2025
We are pleased to announce the following 2025 award recipients:
LEGACY AWARDEE
Stacey I. Sikes, Long Island Association
IMPACT AWARDEES
Erica Gibson, Adelphi University
Amanda Ieraci, Northwell Health
Rebecca Martinez, Molloy University
COMMUNITY CHAMPION
DHL
To purchase tickets or sponsorships, scan the QR code.
GIRL LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE (GLC)
GSNC’s Girl Leadership Committee (GLC) is one of the many leadership opportunities for Girl Scouts at GSNC. Thank you to the 2023-2024 members for all their hard work and contributions throughout the year. We are excited for the 2024-2025 year as the committee has expanded to better amplify girl voices.
This year’s GLC members are Caralinn B., Asha G., Bianca W., Bryanna R., Carly S., Charlotte P., Dahlia C., Daniella S., Emma K., Gianna W., Isabelle D., Kaitlyn C., Lilianna G., Lily N., Madison B., Mira K., Shivani P., Sofia O., and Taylor B.
Outdoor Training Information
Under the guidance of trained and enthusiastic adults, Girl Scouts may take their first hike, build their first campfire, and sleep under the stars for the first time— so cool! Ready to take your troop on their first camp adventure?
Stay tuned to read about the fantastic things we come up with this year in upcoming issues. As this year’s Girl Leadership Committee, it’s our job to ask Girl Scouts like YOU about your Girl Scouting experience so we can work to make it even better. We want to know about programs you loved, ideas you have for new ones, and ways that Girl Scouts can help you grow, learn, and lead.
Please respond to our survey and ensure your voice is heard! Visit: bit.ly/gsnc-glc-survey or scan the QR Code
Fall Sports
This past fall, Girl Scouts played hockey with the New York Islanders, practiced tennis with the Women’s Sports Foundation & USTA Eastern, trained with Adelphi University Women’s Volleyball Team, scored touchdowns with the Strong Island Angels Flag Football coaches, and learned how to bowl like a collegiate athlete with Adelphi University.
SAVE THE DATE:
Visit bit.ly/gsncoutdoor-training “My favorite thing about Camp Blue Bay is making new friends!”
Summer 2025
Camp Brochure coming in January 2025. Summer Camp registration opens February 12, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Teresa McCarthy has the unique experience of working with Girl Scouts as a program partner at Maple Lanes in Rockville Center, and as an inspiring troop leader to her Senior Girl Scout troop. Teresa, along with the Adelphi University Women’s Bowling Team, shared their expertise with Girl Scout Juniors to take their bowling skills to the next level. Teresa’s knowledge of the Practice with Purpose badge emphasized how growing confidence in a new skill can be challenging, exciting, and rewarding.
What is your favorite part of being a troop leader?
My favorite part of being a troop leader is getting to witness young girls growing and maturing into active community leaders. Our girls start out as itty-bitty Girl Scout Daisies and almost in a blink they transform into role models that younger Girl Scouts look up to. I’m honored to be a part of that journey. Of course, I also love being a leader for both of my daughters. There are very few activities that you get to experience as a family, and Girl Scouts has been a huge part of our lives for the past 14 years with so many memories, including white water rafting, camping, and celebrating Girl Scout traditions together.
How was the Practice with Purpose badge incorporated into this bowling clinic?
One of the steps of the Practice with Purpose badge is to set a goal. We encourage Girl Scout Juniors to set their goal to bowl without bumpers. By removing bumpers (the gutter guard rails), the game of bowling changes from a casual activity to a sport with skill. It is harder to hit pins without bumpers, however, it also introduces a higher level of technique to be able to score. Bowling without bumpers is much more satisfying, even if it’s frustrating or hard in the beginning.
Thank you for your incredible insight, Teresa!
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
December 1 National Women Supporting Women Day
December 19-20 GSNC Shop closed for inventory
December 23- GSNC Service Center and Shop
January 1 closed for holidays
January 15 Referrals for Board Development Committee and Board of Directors due
January 20 Martin Luther King Jr. Day
March 12 Legacy Brunch
Girlfriends
December 2024 l Issue 6
GSNC launched its new VIP program
(Volunteers in gsPrograms) in October 2024 with a room of about 30 volunteers! With current and former troop leaders, Girl Scout alums, Girl Scout parents, and seasoned volunteers across our dedicated activities like chorus and Media Girls, we’ve embarked on a yearlong journey to provide support at nearly 100 GSNC programs from October to June. The group shared what inspires them about working with girls, and the space was filled with excitement and energy for this new initiative. Congratulations to our inaugural cohort!
Interested in becoming a Spring 2025 VIP?
Visit bit.ly/gsnc-vip-application
In memory of:
Frank Ieraci (husband of former Board member and current Fund Development Committee member Debra Ieraci; father of Ceremonial Unit volunteer Amanda Ieraci) Laura Bissett-Carr, Rande Bynum, and Donna Rivera-Downey
Barbara Palermo (former GSNC Board member and Cookie Cupboard staff)
Laura Bissett-Carr, Rande Bynum, Barbara Minutello, and Rita Scott
Raise a Glass
to Girl Scouts of Nassau County Fall Fundraiser
Thank you to all our community partners, guests, and sponsors!
A lovely time was had by all at our “INN-ternational” evening of food, wine, and music on November 21. We are very appreciative of everyone who supported GSNC.
Specials thanks to:
Photography Sponsor
Allison Bishop White
Daisy Sponsors Hofstra University, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, Mutual of America, PSEG Long Island, Solarus Technologies
