GSSEF Brownie Parent Orientation Guide 2015

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Hello Parents!

My name is Denise Valz and I am the CEO of the Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. Before I was a Council Field Director, COO – or even CEO – I was a mom registering her two daughters in Girl Scouting for the first time. I can certainly understand your curiosity and excitement.

The world of Girl Scouting has continued to evolve and transform, just as girls have, since 1912. The traditional badges of the 1920s made way for the Science, Technology, Equestrian, Art and Business badges we have today. However, the heart of Girl Scouting has remained true to its heritage. We offer girls the opportunity to learn valued life skills such as active citizenship, money management, career exploration and an appreciation for nature. These were the elements that attracted me as a parent; and I believe you value these ideals too.

As their mom, I’ve watched as my own daughters applied what they learned through Girl Scouting into their lives and careers. As the CEO, I have the privilege of seeing thousands of girls try things they had not dreamed of before! Here, girls can learn a skill that makes them feel more confident; help others and feel both valuable and proud of their personal contributions. In Girl Scouting, girls go outdoors to take on adventures like canoeing and archery or learn about local plants and animals in a new way. There are limitless things to try as she gains self-sufficiency, builds character and makes lifelong friends.

You will have a front row seat as your new Girl Scout gets the courage to try something brand new in a safe, nurturing atmosphere designed for girls her age. The Girl Scout program is progressive and will grow with her. That means when her interests change and her abilities grow – we will always have that next big thing for her to try, learn, explore and master. I am as excited for her as I am for you!

National research has shown that Girl Scouts achieve higher grades, have twice as many leadership opportunities – and are more likely to make sound moral decisions and have stronger relationships with their parents than their non-Girl Scout peers. Girl Scouts is one of the best investments you have ever made for your daughter. We are thrilled to welcome your family!

Sincerely,

Denise W. Valz CEO

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Who Girl Scouts ARE As the preeminent leadership development organization for girls, Girl Scouts help build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.

Girl Scouts is a volunteer-led organization where adults volunteer their time to guide girls through a cooperative learning experience with handson, girl-led activities.

As a girl in 2nd or 3rd grade, your daughter is a Brownie Girl Scout. We’re so excited you’ve registered her. Let’s get started!

What Girl Scouts DO As a Brownie Girl Scout, your daughter will have the opportunity to have fun, make new friends, learn new things and life skills, participate in local council programs, experience outdoor activities, and yes, sell those fabulous Girl Scout Cookies as part of the world’s premier financial literacy program for girls.

The opportunities for her are endless! Girls earn badges and awards as they learn and live by the Girl Scout Promise and Law which are shared by every member of Girl Scouting.

The Girl Scout Law

The Girl Scout Promise

On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

Your daughter will have the opportunity to learn leadership skills and experience what it means to have the confidence in herself and her abilities to provide community service to others in need. She will learn the value of giving back and paying it forward in programs like our Annual Feeding Florida Together Food Drive and Baby Basics Infant Supply Drive.

Girl Scout volunteers use a three-part approach in building leadership skills in girls. This approach is called the “Three Keys of Leadership.”

• First, girls DISCOVER their special skills, talents and interests.

• Second, girls CONNECT with others, learning how to team up, solve conflicts and have healthy relationships.

• Finally, girls TAKE ACTION to make the world a better place.

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do some ay m er ht ug da ur yo t, ou Sc l ir G As a Brownie of the following with her troop: • Sing new songs, play new games and make new friends • Take a day hike or a bike trio with your troop • Learn life skills selling Girl Scout cookies; goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics • Learn about the stars, the moon and outer space • Visit your local zoo • Exchange SWAPS with sister Girl Scouts • Go on an overnight camping trip • Be a helper and a friend • Visit a Girl Scout Junior Troop

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Anticipated Costs to Participate The general costs to be involved in Girl Scouting are listed below.

Each girl, family and troop will decide which additional activities to participate in throughout the year. These additional costs vary by activity and may include events, travel and camping. The councilsponsored product sales are designed to minimize troop dues and costs to parents and offer girls the opportunity to participate in financial literacy programs including the Fall Product Sale (nuts, candy, magazines, and coupon books in October and November) and the Girl Scout Cookie Sale (January and February).

• Annual Girl Scout Membership Fee: $30 for girls and $15 for adults.

• Troop Dues: Troop dues are determined based on the needs of the girls in the troop and the activities they decide to participate in throughout the year. The average troop dues are $2-$5 per meeting.

• Uniforms: Each Girl Scout grade level has a uniform, however, uniforms are not required. We recommend that parents purchase a Brownie vest or sash for your daughter’s earned awards and pins. The complete uniform and accessories are optional. Most troops also make a troop t-shirt for events and field trips. These uniform details and expectations will be discussed at your Troop/Parent meeting. If you are joining an already established troop, please check with your troop leader.

• Handbooks, Badges and Awards: Girls are usually expected to purchase their own Girls Guide to Girl Scouting and/or Journey Books, badges, pins and awards. You may visit our online store here for more information and pricing.

• Financial Assistance: Financial assistance is available. The application and guidelines are available here or by contacting the Troop Development Coordinator at ldinson@gssef.org.

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What Next?

-t ou Sc l ir G ed er st gi Re a s e’ Sh You’ve received this information because your daughter’s registration has been received and processed by GSSEF. She may begin participating as a Girl Scout Brownie today!

The troop experience is the most popular way for girls in 2nd and 3rd grade to participate in Girl Scouting. It offers an opportunity for her to meet new friends, learn new things, and develop life skills that will help her at home and at school.

A team of GSSEF staff and volunteers are working to match her with a troop and will contact you when one is identified. Once a troop for your daughter has been identified, you will be contacted with the troop information including meeting dates, time and location.

After learning your daughter’s newly assigned troop, plan to attend the next troop meeting. The troop leader will have additional information to share with you regarding how the troop will function, including but not limited to:

• Troop Dues: The amount of money collected from each girl at each meeting, monthly, or

annually to support the activities of the troop.

• Parent Participation Expectations: The troop leader will share her expectations for your

participation with the troop including bringing of snacks, craft supplies, chaperoning field trips

or other travel, etc. This is the time to share your expectations too.

• Uniform: Find out which uniform components are to be worn at troop meetings, field trips, or for program

participation.

• Journeys and Girls Guide to Girl Scouting: The troop leader will inform you which of the

leadership Journeys the troop has decided to complete, and the activities within the Girls Guide to Girl Scouting.

After meeting with the troop leader and attending the first meeting, your daughter is on her way to experiencing the next big adventure with her troop!

rticipation Pa p oo Tr r fo n io pt O l na io it dd A Starting a NEW Troop!

As a volunteer-led organization, troop availability is dependent on adults volunteering to start and lead new troops.

Being a registered Girl Scout does not guarantee placement into an existing troop. At GSSEF, we have LOTS of events and activities for your daughter to be involved in while she awaits placement into a troop. A complete listing of our programs is available to view here.

New troops often need to be formed so that girls may participate in the troop experience. To ensure a troop for your daughter, you can volunteer and start a new troop for her, her friends and her new friends!

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Basics of Starting a Troop Starting a new troop begins with YOU. Your desire to make a difference in the life of your daughter and other girls her age is all you need to get started. We’ll help you with the rest.

Each troop requires two, unrelated, adult volunteers to serve as leaders, and a minimum of five girls. No prior Girl Scout experience is necessary to become a troop leader. GSSEF offers a variety of training offerings to help get you started and to continue your learning experience as you go. Virtual and in-person training is available to meet your schedule and personal learning style. To view a listing of available trainings, click here.

GSSEF has teams of local Girl Scout volunteers and staff ready to help you organize a new troop. There are most likely other girls near you who also need a troop and are ready to get started with you and your daughter! You may also talk to your friends, neighbors and parents of your daughter’s classmates about partnering with you to lead a new Girl Scout troop. Ask them if their daughters, nieces or granddaughters are interested in joining. GSSEF has materials available for you to use to spread the word that your new troop is starting and girls are welcome to join.

Click here to view a “Join our Troop” invitation template.

If becoming a Girl Scout volunteer and starting a new troop for your daughter is right for you, the information below will describe the steps you’ll need to follow.

• Complete and submit the adult membership registration, volunteer application and background form.

Adult registration is $15 annually. The membership year is October 1 through September 30.

• Receive confirmation of your membership registration and appointment as a troop leader.

• Receive required training information from the GSSEF volunteer intake coordinator.

• Determine the following:

o Second (or third) adult to lead the troop with you (co-leader)

o Troop meeting location, date(s) and time

HINT: As the troop leader, schedule your troop meetings around your availability. As much as possible, you should consider your family needs, scheduled events, religious holidays, and the availability of your identified meeting place. Troops meet at many locations including schools, places of worship, libraries and local community centers.

• Ensure five girls are ready to be in the troop. GSSEF staff and volunteer teams can help you identify girls needing a troop in your community.

• Receive and review the GSSEF Troop Leader Guide. This guide is developed to be your step-by-step guide to leading a Girl Scout troop.

Questions? Please contact our Troop Development Coordinator at 954-739-7660 or ldinson@gssef.org.

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