August 2015
-Volunteer Spotlight ...............................1 -Remembering Pam Metzger ...........................................................................................1
Programs at a Glance
Membership
-Membership Update ................ 8
Calendar....................................... 9 Submit Troop or Volunteer News here.
Remembering Pam Metzger It is with great sadness that we share the passing of longtime Girl Scout volunteer, Pamela Joy Metzger on July 1, 2015. Pam was a resident of Lake Worth and a dedicated member of the Tri-Star Service Unit leadership team. She served as the Service Unit Volunteer Manager until recently when illness prevented her. We will remember Pam as an engaged, enthusiastic and dedicated volunteer who gave more than 25 years of volunteer service to Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida and Girl Scouts of Palm Glades council. She had a deep and true affection for Girl Scouting, and we feel very lucky that she was able to influence the lives of thousands of Girl Scouts in her lifetime, here in our communities. (Continue page 7)
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-Calling All Service Unit Recruitment Teams! ...................... 8 -Complimentary Troop Leader and Co-Leader Registrations From Early Bird..................................... 8 -Back to School is Back to Girl Scouts! .................................................8
Debbie Perez explains that, “Girl Scouts teaches core skills that shape us as people.” She is a member of the new Gemini Service Unit in St. Lucie County and this is her 20th year involved in Girl Scouts. Debbie became a Troop Leader many years ago when her daughter, Rebecca, became a Brownie. Fast forward and Rebecca is in college where she excelled in campus activities and made friends easily by bonding with other Girl Scouts. And she is still actively involved in Girl Scouts! In May 2015, Rebecca graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in anthropology and ancient studies. Debbie says her daughter’s success is a direct affect from being a Girl Scout. She says, “As girls succeed in the world they know and believe they are truly a part of something bigger.” Gemini is thrilled to have such a steadfast volunteer as Debbie Perez!
Membership
-Green Grapevine - Required Trainings .......................................................... 4 -Volunteer Essentials, Council Volunteer Policies and Procedures and Other Important Documents ........ 4-5 -New Legislation to Require Level 2 Background Screening for all Volunteers ....................................................................................... 5 -Adult Learning ............................... 5-7 -Save The Date - Volunteer Weekend ..................................................... 7 -Remembering Pam Metzger Continued .................................................... 7
Every month, we showcase a volunteer who exemplifies the Girl Scout mission and serves as a role model for other leaders.
Adult & Leader Highlights
Adult & Leader Highlights
Volunteer Spotlight
Programs at a Glance
-Spooky Safari at Lion Country Safari ......................................................................... 2 -NEW! GSUSA Outdoor Badges .................................................................. 2 -Educators Appreciation Day ................................................................................................ 2 -Summer Funshine Time is Almost Over! .................................. 2-3 -Gold or Silver Award Project Deadline is Approaching ... 3 -GSSEF Program Calender ........................................................................................ 3 -Product Sale ........................................... 3
We’d love to hear what you’re doing with your girls! Send us an email or post on Facebook! Feel free to contact Melinda Glasco with comments, pictures or ideas at mglasco@gssef.org. All of the Linking Leaders issues are archived in the Volunteer Vault here for easy reference.
Spotlights
Spotlights
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Spooky Safari at Lion Country Safari FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! Join us on October 17 for a Spook-Tacular fun-filled day with thrills and chills at Lion Country Safari. Be on the lookout for zebras, monkeys and lions as you drive through the safari. Then chill out at the splash park pad or take a thrill ride down the slides if you dare … and are tall enough! An exclusive Girl Scout program with a spooky twist will be offered for each grade level that will fulfill several badge requirements. End your day with a quick change into your Halloween costume (something appropriate for all ages) and enjoy a Spooky Safari Costume Party complete with games, DJ and cool prizes!
NEW! GSUSA Outdoor Badges
Here are the new badges and FREE digital downloads of the requirements*: Brownie: Outdoor Adventurer (a choice of outdoor activities), click here Junior: Horseback Riding, click here Cadette: Archery, click here Senior: Paddling (canoeing, kayaking or paddle boarding), click here Ambassador: Ultimate Recreation Challenge (a choice five outdoor challenges), click here *Downloads available for a limited time only.
Adult & Leader Highlights
After voting on new badges and selecting the badge designs, girls can now work toward the five new Girls' Choice Outdoor badges! In keeping with the century-old tradition of encouraging girls to be active outdoors, Girl Scouts is rolling out the new Girls' Choice Outdoor badges this year, and the new badge materials and guidelines are now available online for the first time ever. Throughout the summer, girls can participate in activities to earn these exciting new badges, which were voted on and designed by girls.
Programs at a Glance
The cost is only $15 per person, and it includes FREE parking. All ages welcome! Register today by clicking here. Bring along a one-piece swim suit, a towel, tote bag and a hat or visor. Highly recommended to wear and bring sun screen, too.
Educators Appreciation Day Membership
Flamingo Gardens in Davie wants to thank you, our Troop Leaders and Co-Leaders, for your dedication and thoughtfulness in guiding the children of our community by inviting you to their Educators Appreciation Day on August 13. Pre-registration is required and the deadline to register is August 7. For more information and to register for the event, please download and complete this form found here. Flamingo Gardens can also be reached at education@FlamingoGardens.org or (954) 473-2955.
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Summer Funshine Time is Almost Over!
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2014 August is the last month for Summer Funshine activities! Troops can still continue their Girl Scout activities throughout the summer, even if it’s just once a month. 2015 Summer Funshine provides an opportunity to do some things your troop didn’t 2016 have time or resources to do during the school year and is an excellent opportunity to introduce bridging Girl Scouts to the rest of the girls in the troop. In addition, the program encourages retention of our girl members.
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Summer Funshine Time is Almost Over! Continued
Gold or Silver Award Project Deadline is Approaching
GSSEF Program Calendar Do you have girls interested in engineering? Maybe you have a future nurse or health conscious pioneer in your troop. The GSSEF Program Calendar offers tons of opportunities for you girls to shine bright. Check out more programs by visiting our online Program Calendar here.
Adult & Leader Highlights
This is a reminder if you have already graduated 8th or are a 12th grader working on an approved Gold or Silver Award project, the deadline to complete them is fast approaching. Completed project submissions (reports and scrap books) are due Wednesday, September 30 by 6 p.m. at either the Jupiter or Oakland Park Service Centers. Please address to the attention of Lammy Askar, Director of Program. Questions? Contact Lammy at aaskar@gssef.org.
Programs at a Glance
To earn the Summer Funshine patch or bar, troops must complete the following requirements: 1. Participate in three activities (one per month) during June, July and August. Your activities must include: a) A community service project (i.e. food drive, recycling project, beach clean-up) b) A family activity (i.e. year-end picnic) c) A troop choice activity (i.e. a fun day, attend a summer program as a troop, work on a badge or interest project) 2. It is not necessary for every girl to attend each activity, but each girl must participate in at least one activity to be eligible for the patch/bar. Patches and year bars can be purchased at the GSSEF Retail Store. Please keep an eye out for notification of when the patches are available. A patch and year bar will be available for first time participants. Girls who have already earned the patch will only need the year bar. All applications, click here, are due to your Regional Program Manager by September 30.
Product Sales Membership
Our 2015 Fall Product Program runs from October 1 through November 15. It is intended to reach family, friends, teachers and neighbors and will help troops earn money for programs and activities throughout the year. Girls can also earn rewards. The Fall Product Sale Program helps girls develop five key leadership skills: goal-setting, decision making, people skills, money management and business ethics. Nuts and Candy: There are lots of tasty treats to choose from this year. Girls can sell nuts and candy to anyone – friends, family, neighbors, teachers etc. They can sell in-person using their nut/candy order card or sell online using her own, personalized page.
Enjoy the City Coupon Books: Customers spoke and we listened. “Enjoy the City” coupon books have returned to our Fall Product line-up.
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Magazine Subscription: Customers can renew subscriptions, order new ones or send as gifts, all while supporting Girl Scouts. Girls can sell in-person using their magazine catalog and magazine order forms, or she can sell online using her own, personalized page.
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Green Grapevine - Required Trainings Dear Green Grapevine I have recruited a friend to become a Daisy Troop Leader at our school. What are the required trainings that she should take to start the year out on the right foot? Thanks - Brandi Neu That’s great news, Brandi! The first step to becoming a new Troop Leader is to get registered as an Adult Member, then complete a Volunteer Application and Background Check. Once those steps are completed, there are three classes that will guide you in your Girl Scouting journey: Girl Scouting 101, Volunteer Essentials and Troop Essentials. Girl Scouting 101 is a 45-minute, self-paced online orientation to Girl Scouting that will give you an overview of being a Girl Scout Volunteer. Volunteer Essentials is set up as an interactive webinar that goes over our council’s Policies and Procedures and must be taken within 60 days of your appointment as a volunteer. Since this is a REQUIRED class for every newly appointed volunteer, it is offered online for your convenience. The class format allows for your questions and participation. Troop Essentials covers all of the basic elements of running a Girl Scout troop, from deciding when, where and how often to meet, managing troop finances, to working with parents and planning engaging troop activities.
Click here to access more information on becoming a volunteer.
Volunteer Essentials, Council Volunteer Policies and Procedures and Other Important Documents
Adult & Leader Highlights
These classes are listed on the Adult Learning Calendar that can also be found on our website in the Volunteer Vault along with many other courses that will enhance your Girl Scout experience. If you have more questions about trainings, please email volunteer@gssef.org.
Volunteer Essentials is your encyclopedia for Girl Scouting. This document is produced by GSUSA with general information that covers a range of topics. It offers information about Girl Scouts as a movement and a tradition, asks volunteers to assess their skills and competencies, discusses the GSLE and Journeys, highlights other program offerings, shares information about healthy development in girls, instructs volunteers in how to keep girls safe, gives information on taking trips and hosting events and tells volunteers how to help girls manage group finances, including general details on Girl Scout Cookie sales. The manual is a reference tool. While you may not read it cover to cover, it can answer several questions you may encounter. You should save it to your computer or bookmark the page for quick and easy reference in the future.
Membership
As part of our responsibility, our council implements and manages the GSSEF Volunteer Policies and Procedures. Teams of staff and volunteers regularly review the Volunteer Policies and Procedures in order to reflect changes in the State and Federal laws, adapt to the needs of volunteers, mitigate risk and be proactive in our effort to keep members safe. The policies in this document appear in numbered sections 1.0 through 6.0. Many sections have subsections that provide additional, comprehensive information on more complex issues.
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Volunteer Essentials, Council Volunteer Policies and Procedures and Other Important Documents Continued Procedures appear immediately following the policy to which it pertains. The procedure offers the guidance about "how to" adhere to or execute a policy. Finally, "notes" are provided in order to clarify a policy or a procedure. It is the responsibility of each volunteer to read and understand the GSSEF Volunteer Policies and Procedures. Volunteers are held responsible for compliance with the policies and procedures so understanding this document is very important.
Other Important Documents The Safety Activity Checkpoints provide detailed safety information for a variety of activities. They provide specific information regarding extra chaperones and required certifications as well as general safety information to keep in mind. You should review these to ensure your girls are kept safe at all times.
The most recent versions of all of these important documents can be found here. We will announce when important changes are made, but you should bookmark this page or download the documents for quick reference. If you have questions about the documents or how they work together, please email volunteer@gssef.org.
Adult Learning Additional fall classes will be added throughout the month of August. Check out our Adult Learning Calendar here for a complete listing of classes or email volunteer@gssef.org.
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Governor Scott recently signed into legislation Senate Bill No. 7078, which creates a new screening requirement for all staff and volunteers in membership organizations throughout Florida. This law went into effect on July 1 and requires that ALL volunteers complete a Level 2 Background Screening. We are working closely with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and other Florida Girl Scout councils to develop policies and processes that ensure compliance with the legislation and are consistent across the state. We are also exploring options for legislative relief to help minimize the financial impact on our Girl Scout families. We will provide more information as it becomes available and as the policies and processes are developed. In the meantime, should you have questions, please contact Heather Hileman, director of volunteerism at hhileman@gssef.org of at (561) 427-0189.
Membership
New Legislation to Require Level 2 Background Screening for all Volunteers
Adult & Leader Highlights
The Blue Book of Basic Documents is produced by GSUSA and contains the Constitution, Bylaws and Policies of Girl Scouts of the United States of America. This document also includes Credentials, Criteria and Standards for an Effective Girl Scout Council, and the Congressional Charter of Girl Scouts of the United States of America.
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Adult Learning Continued Volunteer Essentials Classes Take the first step in your leadership experience by getting informed of the policies and procedures of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. Get in the know of the do's and don'ts! Volunteer Essentials - Orientation training is a required for all new Troop Leaders and must be taken within 60 days. Once you register through the links on the Adult Learning Calendar, you will receive an email with the link to access our webinar. Click on this link prior to class time in order to allow for the set-up of the program in your computer. Your mandatory attendance is noted in your eCouncil record.
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Tuesday, August 4 at 7 p.m. – Free but pre-registration is required – Register here Location: Online Thursday, August 20 at 7 p.m. – Free but pre-registration is required – Register here
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Troop Essentials training offers grade-level specific information on how to set-up your troop, from deciding when, where and how often to meet and how to’s on managing troop finances, to working with parents and planning engaging troop activities. This class will inform and inspire you in your new role as a Troop Leader. Classes are offered in person and at different locations throughout our council's jurisdiction. Wednesday, August 5 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. – Cost: $3 – Register here Location: Harmonia Masonic Lodge, 1896 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. #200, West Palm Beach, FL 33409
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Adult & Leader Highlights
Troop Essentials Classes
Canoe Training at Camp Elmore
Friday, August 7 at 6 - 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, August 8 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Cost: $35 – Register here Location: Boy Scout Camp Elmore, 3301 SW 142 Ave., Davie, FL 33450
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The classroom session will be held on Friday, and the skills session will be held at the Boy Scout Camp Elmore on Saturday. Participants must complete both portions and must pass the swim test for certification. Please bring a bagged lunch.
Membership
Interested in taking your troop on local quiet water trips? This course is designed to give you the skills to deal with various flat water boating situations. Focused on safety for canoe leaders and methods of basic water rescue, we will practice a variety of rescue situations as well as demonstrate the equipment necessary to provide a positive and safe experience. Class is open only to GSSEF registered adult volunteers. Completion of this class will certify you to canoe on council camp properties and approved flat water canoe trips.
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Adult Learning Continued Fall Troop Camp Training Registration is Open! Love camping? Want to go camping with your troop? Then Troop Camp Training (TCT) is for you! Completion of TCT is required by one adult volunteer in your troop in order for your girls to go camping. Fire building, basic cooking, simple knot tying, safety issues and other necessary outdoor skills will be the focus. The Basic level training will prepare you to camp with your girls at any GSSEF camp property, or similar facility. TCT – Basic is a full-day experience. Food (lunch) and supplies are included in the registration cost. This class will be offered in October and November this fall. Information on what to wear, bring and know before you come will be sent to you prior to the event.
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Saturday, October 3 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Cost: $30 – Register here Camp Telogia, 6501 Holmberg Rd., Parkland, FL 33067 Saturday, November 14 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Cost: $30 – Register here
14 Camp Welaka, 10205 Girl Scout Way Tequesta, FL 33469
Adult & Leader Highlights
TCT - Registration Now Open! Love tent camping? Ready to take your troop’s camping to the next level? The TCT – Intermediate level training prepares you for tent camping and includes outdoor cooking, knot tying and knife skills. It is a full-day and one overnight experience. Food (lunch, dinner and breakfast) and supplies are included in the registration cost. Completion of TCT – Basic or test-out approval from the council is a pre-requisite. Information on what to wear, bring and know before you come will be sent to you prior to the event. Saturday, November 14 at 9 a.m. – Sunday, November 15 at 11 p.m. - Cost: $35
14 Register here - Camp Welaka, 10205 Girl Scout Way Tequesta, FL 33469
Save The Date - Volunteer Weekend
Volunteer Weekend March 11-13, 2016
. Camp Nocatee
6009 F laghole Road, Clewiston, FL 33440
Save the Date!
Mark your calendar and plan to join us for Volunteer Weekend as we go “glamping” at Camp Nocatee. The fun-filled glamour camping (glamping) weekend will allow you to explore Camp Nocatee, meet and share experiences with other volunteers and learn new skills to share with your girls. $55 per person. Registration will be open soon! Open to registered adult volunteers only. No tagalongs. Questions? Contact volunteer@gssef.org
Membership
Join us at beautiful Camp Nocatee on March 11-13, 2016 for a weekend of sharing, songs, sisterhood and s’mores! We’ll be GLAMPING in style at this special weekend designed just for you, our adult volunteers! More information will be shared as the event nears.
Remembering Pam Metzger Continued from Page 1 Calendar
In 2012, Pam was the recipient of the Girl Scout Appreciation Pin. And in May 2015, Pam received the Girl Scout Honor Pin which recognizes an outstanding volunteer who, “goes above and beyond expectations for the good of the Girl Scout mission.” Pam was always just a phone call away and ever-willing to step in to help whenever and wherever needed. We ask you to keep Pam’s husband Tom, their daughter January, and all of her Tri-Star Service Unit family in your thoughts at this time. A memorial service is currently being planned and we will share details as soon as they become available. We are proud to have known Pam and to have been a beneficiary of her many talents, gifts and unyielding commitment to our mission.
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Membership Update
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GSSEF’s girl membership goal for the 2015 is 13,120, and the adult 10,000 membership goal is 5,800. Over 10,109 girls and 4,883 adults have already registered for the 2015 Girl Scout year. 8,000 77% of Goal
Calling All Service Unit Recruitment Teams!
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It's time to grab your CAPE and LEAP into action to recruit new girls and volunteers into Girl Scouts and make the world a better place!
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5,000
84% of 4,000 Goal 3,000
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Goal Service Unit Recruitment Teams (SUVMs, Assistant SUVMs, Registrars 13,120 and Recruiters) are invited to join forces with GSSEF staff to become Super RecruitHERS and launch our fall back-to-school recruitment events. Girl This fall recruitment kick-off will include breakfast snacks, coffee and Membership juice, the sharing of best practices, new materials, fun and prizes! All materials, including backpack flyers, will be distributed at this event.‟
Goal 5,800 Adult Membership
Saturday, August 15 from 9 - 11 a.m.
15 Oakland Park Service Center, 4701 NW 33rd Ave., Oakland Park, FL 33309 Please RSVP to Rhonda Netzel at rnetzel@gssef.org by August 5.
Complimentary Troop Leader and Co-Leader Registrations From Early Bird Confirmation emails have been sent to all Troop Leaders who participated in Early Bird registration with 80 percent girl membership retention. If you participated in Early Bird and have not received your email confirmation, please contact Rhonda Netzel at rnetzel@gssef.org to request the link to confirm your troop’s complimentary registrations.
Back to School is Back to Girl Scouts!
Retail Stores Stop by either of our Retail Stores and see the awesome new Outdoor Badges now available.
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Troop Leaders interested in participating in fall recruitment events should contact your Service Unit Volunteer Manager or Membership Recruitment Manager for more information here. AND, be sure to check the September issue of Linking Leaders for a preview of this year’s recruitment tools and resources.
Membership
With the beginning of the new school year just around the corner, GSSEF is also preparing for our back-to-school fall recruitment events. Recruitment events for each service unit are being scheduled beginning the week of August 24 through September 30. New recruitment materials will be distributed to Service Unit Recruitment teams at the Super RecruitHER Membership Kick-Off event on August 15.
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First Day of School – Palm Beach, St. Lucie and Okeechobee Counties First Day of School Broward, Martin and Indian River Counties Fall Recruitment Events Start
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GSSEF Closed For Labor Day
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Summer Funshine Applications Due