February 2016
Volunteer Spotlight ................1
Programs at a Glance Mall Madness Registration is OPEN.......................................2
Volunteer Spotlight
Adult & Leader Highlights Green Grapevine-Troop Travel..........................................3
Calendar............................11 Submit Troop or Volunteer News here!
Diane Diamantis Sue Hand Andrea Levenson Lois Margolin Rebecca Ott
Irma Parone Beverly Provost Judy Rubin Rhonda Sternberg
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Membership Update............8 GSSEF’s Achieves December 75% Membership ..................8 2017 Early Bird Registration Dates................ .............................8 Bling Your Booth....................8 How the Cookie Crumbles..9 Cookie Money in Action.....10 Retail Store Clearance.......10
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On January 9th, nine volunteers from the Coral Springs Chapter of the American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) headed north to Boynton Beach to present three dynamic Badge sessions for our Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors at Cookie Entrepreneur. Only two were former Troop Leaders for their own daughters. These female business leaders jumped into the GSUSA Badge requirements to pull out an incredibly interactive day for 34 girls, that taught them life skills, and will take their cookie businesses to new heights. Session work included job (or college) interview skills, resume writing, customer relations, portfolio building and effective and proactive communication skills. Thank you to these hands-on volunteers who made GSSEF older girl program amazing!
Adult & Leader Highlights
Adult Learning.........................4 Volunteer Essentials.............4 Troop Essentials.....................4 Troop Camp Training............5 CPR/First Aid............................6 Songs and Ceremonies........6 Bronze Award..........................6 Flag Etiquette..........................6 Troop Travel.............................7 Save the Date: Volunteer Weekend.........................................7 2016 Adult Recognition Nominations............................7
Every month, we showcase a volunteer who exemplifies the Girl Scout mission and serves as a role model for other leaders.
Programs at a Glance
Journey In A Day - Save the Date.............................................2
We’d love to hear what you’re doing with your girls! Send us an email or post on Facebook! Feel free to contact Rachel Goossens with comments, pictures or ideas at rgoossens@gssef.org. All of the Linking Leaders issues are archived in the Volunteer Vault here for easy reference.
Spotlights
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Mall Madness Registration is OPEN!
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Calling all night owls!! Registration for Mall Madness 2016 is now open. Come out and party all night with your Girl Scout sisters as we take over Coral Square Mall in Coral Springs! Our night of madness includes stores for shopping, a food court for fuel and a DJ with dancing tunes, just to name a few. Click here for all the details. Registration closes February 10th so reserve your spot now!
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When: Saturday, February 27 at 10 p.m. to Sunday, February 28, 2016 at 5 a.m. Where: Coral Square Mall, located at 9469 W. Atlantic Blvd., Coral Springs, FL 33071. Cost: $30 per person for General Admission which
Questions? Contact Meredith Slaymaker mslaymaker@gssef.org or Catalina Cano ccano@gssef.org.
Journey In A Day—SAVE THE DATE! Mark your calendars! Your favorite Journey program is back for the third year! Daisies through Ambassadors will have the opportunity to explore Camp Nocatee while they work on their ‘It’s Your World, Change It!’ Journey. New to Girl Scouts? Visit the Journey Page to learn more.
Program Team Contacts
Lammy Askar, Director of Program, aaskar@gssef.org Meredith Slaymaker, Regional Program Manager, mslaymaker@gssef.org Catalina Cano, Regional Program Manager, ccano@gssef.org Diana Mills, Program Registrar, dmills@gssef.org
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Volunteers are needed, email Catalina Cano ccano@gssef.org no later than March 31, 2016 if you are interested in helping out.
Membership
Who: Daisies through Ambassadors will complete the “It’s Your World, Change It” Journey series When: Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 10 am to 4pm Where: Camp Nocatee, 6009 Flaghole Road Clewiston, FL 33440 Cost: $30/girl (includes participation patch, supplies and a snack) Girls will need to bring a sack lunch and their age level Journey book with them to the program. RSVP: Registration deadline is March 31, 2016 or immediately upon specific age level session reaching capacity. Questions? Contact Meredith Slaymaker at mslaymaker@gssef.org or Catalina Cano at ccano@gssef.org
Adult & Leader Highlights
includes a patch. Who can party: Registered Girl Scouts of all age levels and their registered female Troop Leader or parent/guardian. All participants, including female adults, MUST hold a current GSSEF membership. No Tagalongs Register Here!
Programs at a Glance
GIVE ME THE DETAILS!
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Green Grapevine - TROOP TRAVEL Dear Green GrapevineWe are planning a trip this spring. We think it will be least expensive to rent a large van and drive the group. Is that ok? ThanksMiss Daisy Thanks for your question, Daisy! We’re glad you asked, since this is a topic that involves the safety of the girls (and the adults) participating in the trip. In fact, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind when planning your transportation for any trip. Guidelines can be found in both the Council Volunteer Policies and Procedures and the Volunteer Essentials Manual and both of these documents can be found in the Volunteer Vault here: http://www.gssef.org/volunteer-vault/#essentials. We suggest reviewing the pertinent sections in both of these documents. As always, the rule established in the Council’s Volunteer Policies and Procedures sets the standard for our Council. Often these standards are more restrictive than the national baseline set forth in the Volunteer Essentials manual.
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If you’ve any questions about troop travel, we’re here to help. Email volunteer@gssef.org for more information or assistance.
Membership
Please also keep in mind that all troop travel must be approved. You must have a parent/guardian permission slip for each girl, each time an activity takes place outside of your troop’s usual meeting time and location. Additionally, you’ll need to secure proper Council permission for your trip in order for it to be considered an approved Girl Scout activity. Funds from the troop treasury, and access to the Girl Scout supplemental accident insurance, are only available for approved Girl Scout activities. For more information on obtaining Council permission for troop travel, see pages 16-17 of the Council Volunteer Policies and Procedures.
Adult & Leader Highlights
While you must be familiar with and follow all transportation policies, some key transportation guidelines are: • Drivers must be age twenty-five or older. (Council Volunteer Policies and Procedures, p. 17) • Drivers must be registered volunteers, i.e. a registered member who has submitted a volunteer application and successfully passed a background check. (Council Volunteer Policies and Procedures, p. 17-18) • Anyone who is driving a vehicle with 12 or more passengers must be a professional driver who possesses a commercial driver’s license (CDL). (Volunteer Essentials, p. 63) *GSSEF will not approve travel in 15 passenger vans. • Drivers are not permitted to use a hand-held cellular device while transporting girls, per FL State Statute, 316.305, Wireless communications devices; prohibition. (Council Volunteer Policies and Procedures, p. 17) • Safety belts (i.e. seat belts) must be used and worn properly, at all times, by both the driver and all occupants of the vehicle. (Council Volunteer Policies and Procedures, p. 17)
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Adult Learning Highlights The Spring Adult training calendar was uploaded to eCouncil on January 1st. Be sure to take a look for a listing of classes available.
Volunteer Essentials Take the first step in your leadership experience by getting informed of the policies and procedures of Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida. Know the do’s and don’ts of being a Girl Scout volunteer! Volunteer Essentials - Orientation training is a required for all new leaders and must be taken within 60 days. Class Location: Online. An email with login information will be sent prior to the class. Cost: FREE, but pre-registration is required Volunteer Essentials (Online) February 1 at 7:00 p.m. Register here!
Troop Essentials Troop Essentials Grade Level 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. Cost: $3.00
Troop Essentials (West Palm Beach) February 16 at 7:00 p.m. Register here!
Membership
Troop Essentials - Daisy - Brownie - Junior (South Broward) February 9 at 6:30 p.m. Register here!
Adult & Leader Highlights
Volunteer Essentials (Online) February 17 at 7:00 p.m. Register here!
Troop Essentials- Daisy- Brownie- Junior (Oakland Park Service Center) February 17 at 6:30 p.m. Register here! Calendar
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Register for Troop Camp Training! Love camping? Want to go 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.
TCT - Basic
Basic Training will certify you to camp with your girls at any GSSEF camp property or similar facility. Fire building, basic cooking, safety issues and other necessary outdoor skills will be the focus. Lunch and supplies are included. Information on what to wear, bring and know before you come will be sent to you prior to the event. Cost:$30 per adult TCT Basic (Camp Nocatee - Clewiston) February 20 at 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Register here! In case you can’t make it in February, TCT Basic will also be offered on April 2, 2016 at Camp Telogia in Parkland.
Intermediate Training will introduce tent camping, knife skills and knots and advanced cooking techniques. Completion of BTC Basic or an approval from Council is a prerequisite. Food and supplies are included. Information on what to wear, bring and know before you come will be sent to you prior to the event. Cost:$35 per adult TCT Intermediate (Camp Nocatee - Clewiston) February 20-21 Check In: 9:00 a.m. on Saturday. Check-out: 11:00am on Sunday Register here!
Adult & Leader Highlights
TCT - Intermediate
Questions about adult learning? Email volunteer@gssef.org. Membership Calendar
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CPR/First Aid Make sure your troop is ready for their next outing by getting First Aid/CPR Certified. Cost: $40 per adult volunteer. CPR and First Aid (Palm City) February 6 at 9:30 a.m. Register here!
Songs and Ceremonies Ceremonies and songs can commemorate accomplishments or simply make the beginning or end of a group meeting special. Girls can plan a ceremony around a theme, such as friendship or nature, and express themselves in thought, words or song. In this workshop, learn popular and meaningful songs and ceremonies you can share with your girls. Cost: $3.00
Bronze Award All about the Bronze Award!! Help the girls achieve the first of the highest Girl Scout Awards they can earn on their way to the Gold! This in an ONLINE class. Cost: $3.00 Bronze Award (Online) February 24 at 7:00 p.m. Register here!
Flag ceremonies are a long standing Girl Scout tradition. Learn how your troop can present a proper flag ceremony. Cost: $3.00
Membership
Flag Etiquette
Adult & Leader Highlights
Songs and Ceremonies (Oakland Park Service Center) February 20 at 10:30 a.m. Register here!
Flag Etiquette (Stuart) February 10 at 6:00 p.m. Register here! Calendar
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Troop Travel Learn all there is to know about that trip to Savannah! Girl involvement, budgeting, travel ideas, tips and tricks. Share your research, find out more from experienced leaders who have done this inspirational journey before you. Cost: $3.00 Troop Travel - Savannah-bound (Oakland Park Service Center) February 24 at 6:30p.m. Register here!
Save the Date for Volunteer Weekend Join us for a weekend of GLAMPING at Volunteer Weekend March 11-13, 2016! Let us pamper you Friday night and all day Saturday so that on Sunday, after breakfast, you will leave refreshed, relaxed, cheered and... Ready for more troop activities!
Registration is already open. Click here to reserve your spot! $50 includes your food, T-shirt, lodging, materials, crafts and all the fun you will have! (Price increases to $55 on February 15th and registration closes March 1st)
Make new friends! Get ideas for your next troop event! Be inspired! Join us at Volunteer Weekend for some roaring fun!
Membership
Because we LOVE our volunteers, we’re offering a $5 discount to those registering by February 14th! Register NOW!
Adult & Leader Highlights
The weekend is open to all registered volunteers so: bring your cookie mom, your nut mom, your co-leaders and all your parent volunteers -- come one, come all to this glamorous event!! Enjoy the camp and have some fun in a girl-free environment. No children or tagalongs are permitted.
Nominate a Deserving Volunteer for an Adult Recognition Award
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Girl Scout volunteers are valuable assets and deserve to have their time and talents recognized! The Adult Recognition Award Nominations are designed to recognize outstanding accomplishments that go above and beyond what is expected of our volunteers. The significance and impact they make cannot simply be measured in years of service, but in the impact on the young women whose lives are enriched by the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Click here to submit your nominations. All nominations and letters of recommendations are due March 15, 2016.
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Membership Update GSSEF’s girl membership goal for 2016 is 12,500, and the adult membership goal is 5,800. Over 9,487 girls and 4,560 adults have already registered for the 2016 Girl Scout year.
12,000 5,000 10,000
6,000 76% of 4,000
GSSEF Achieves December 75% Girl Registration Benchmark
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3,000 84% of
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Goal 12,500
Thank you to each and every Service Unit Recruitment Girl Team for your continued efforts to collaborate Membership with the membership team to recruit new girls and families, form new troops, and help new leaders get started. These efforts have resulted in a growing GSSEF membership.
Goal 5,800
Adult Membership
For the first time, GSSEF achieved the benchmark to register 75% of the annual girl membership by December 31! And, we are continuing to grow. As of January 12, there are 9,487 girls registered representing 76% of the annual girl registration goal of 12,500. This is a 10% increase of registered girls compared to the same time last year. In addition, there are 4,560 registered adults, representing 84% of the annual adult registration goal of 5,400. To continue our recruitment efforts, easy to distribute information cards will be provided for all troops to have on hand at booths during the upcoming 2016 Girl Scout Cookie Sale Program. Service Unit and Troop Leaders may contact your membership recruitment manager for additional materials.
Early Bird registration is that time of year when currently registered girls and adults are able to re-register for the upcoming 2017 Girl Scout Membership Year and earn some awesome incentives…and a patch for all participants!
Membership
2017 Early Bird Registration Dates
To be an Early Bird, troops must re-register for the 2017 membership year between April 1 through May 15, 2016. Check back next month for more Early Bird information. Calendar
Contact Rhonda Netzel, director of membership, with any Early Bird questions at rnetzel@gssef.org.
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Product Sales Plain is Boring. Bling. Your. Booth.
Want the busiest booth on the block? Wouldn’t that be A-M-A-Z-I-N-G? All you have to do is grab that big imagination, get creative and enter the GSSEF Bling Your Booth contest. The winners gets a pizza party for the whole troop. Photos can be submitted starting on January 21st through our GSSEF app. Click here for all the details on what you need to do and how to enter. Questions? Contact Melinda Glasco at mglasco@gssef.org.
How the Cookie Crumbles
Other than the cost of the cookies, what percent of funds raised through the sale stay here in GSSEF to support Girl Scouting in our local community? How much from each box of cookies goes directly to the girls? All great questions. Other than the cost of cookies, 100% percent of all funds raised through the Girl Scout Cookie Sale stay right here to support Girl Scouting in our local community. See the complete breakdown of how the cookie crumbles.
So how much from each box of cookies goes directly to the girls? $0.70 Troop proceeds $0.09 Girl rewards $1.81 Delivery of Girl Scout program $2.60
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Of the $2.99 in revenue generated from each box of cookies sold, $2.60 goes directly to the girls, in the form of troop proceeds, girl rewards, and the delivery of Girl Scout programs.
Membership
$4.00 The sales price of a box of cookies -$1.01 The cost of a box of cookies $2.99 Profit on each box of cookies -$0.70 Average troop proceed on each box of cookies -$0.09 Average cost of girl rewards per box of cookies $2.20 Council revenue after troop proceeds and girl rewards per box of cookies -$0.03 Average cost of promotion and advertising per box of cookies (yard signs, collateral, advertising) $2.17 Council net revenue per box of cookies According to our 2013-2014 year-end audited financial statements, 83.6% of all Council expenses were program expenses, and only 16.4% were management and fundraising. -$1.81 Spent on Girl Scout program -$0.36 Spent on management and fundraising expenses $0.00
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Cookie Money in Action Each year, girls do amazing things with the money they earn from the Cookie Sale Program. For example, they’ve purchased police badges for the canine officers, taken cruises and trips to Savannah, purchased supplies for children’s hospitals and donated to animal welfare agencies. We want people to know that the simple purchase of a box of cookies makes a difference to their community. We want them to know that through Girl Scouts, girls learn how to make the world a better place – one girl, one dollar and one cookie at a time. We want to hear about your cookie money in action. We will use the stories we collect in our marketing and public relations efforts throughout and after the Cookie Sale Program. Please send your stories to Melinda Glasco, Director of Marketing Communications at mglasco@gssef.org
Retail Stores More Time to Save!
It’s Clearance Sale time at the GSSEF Retail Stores. The sale has been extended until February 18th. See what treasures and bargains you might find. While you’re shopping, check out the super cute cookie merchandise aka the COOKIE NINJA t-shirt!!
Time to Use Your Coupon
For those of you that earned the $10 off a $25 purchase coupon during the January Winter Bounce Back promotion – now is the time to shop. Coupons can be redeemed in store and online* starting on February 1. See store or website for any exclusions or restrictions. Membership
*NOTE: The $10 coupons given out at stores can only be used at the store that issues the coupon. $10 coupon codes that were sent to customers who shopped online can only be redeemed online at www.girlscoutshop. com. Customers cannot use in-store coupons online and online coupon codes cannot be used at the GSSEF council stores. Redemption of $10 coupon online will be February 1-15, but the instore coupon redemption will be extended to February 20.
shop anytime at www.girlscoutshop.com
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