Linking Leaders February 2018

FEBRUARY 2018

We’d love to hear what you’re doing with your girls!

Send us an email or post on Facebook! Feel free to contact marcomm@gssef.org with comments, pictures or ideas. All of the Linking Leaders issues are archived on the Training page for easy reference.

IN THIS ISSUE SPOTLIGHT

MEMBERSHIP

Cookies Power Amazing Experiences for Girls ...........................................2 Win a Cookie Trunk Organizer ..................................................................2

Two Council Scholarships Available .............................................................6 GSSEF Annual Meeting and New Administrative Headquarters......................6 Grand Opening Grand Opening of the NEW Palm Beach Retail Store...................................6 -7 World Thinking Day & Global Action Awards .................................................8 Happy Valentine’s Day.................................................................................8

PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE What is “NU2U” Camping?........................................................................3 Thin Mint Sprint 2018...........................................................................3-4

CALENDAR

ADULT & LEADER HIGHLIGHTS

February/March .........................................................................................9

2018

♥ 14% OFF

CALENDAR

Mark your Calendars!

MEMBERSHIP

ADULT & LEADER HIGHLIGHTS

SPOTLIGHT

PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE

Honor A Volunteer ...................................................................................5 Volunteer Essentials Classes ....................................................................5

Submit Troop or Volunteer News here!

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SPOTLIGHTS COOKIES POWER AMAZING EXPERIENCES FOR GIRLS When girls participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program, they get more than life-changing experiences and adventure. They also develop essential life skills—goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics—all while soaring in confidence and practicing leadership the Girl Scout way to lift one another up and change the world, together.

When girls sell Girl Scout Cookies, they’re doing more than just helping customers stock up on delicious treats (and having lots of fun). They’re doing it with a goal in mind.

Whether that goal is a pizza party, a community service project, or a first overnight troop camping trip, they know how many boxes they need to sell to make it happen. Make sure you talk to your girls about the goals they’ve set and encourage them to work creatively to reach them.

They are all part of a huge business, one that’s run by girls all over the country. In fact, the Girl Scout Cookie Sale Program is part of the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program for girls in the world. Being a Girl Scout Cookie professional gives them skills essential for success both now and later.

It’s week two of the sale and we’re hearing that girls are everywhere making sure our cookie customers are stocked with all their favorite varieties. We are well on our way of selling 1.6 million boxes of cookies and breaking even more records. Here’s to a turtle-y awesome, record setting, fun-filled Girl Scout Cookie Sale Program.

WIN A COOKIE TRUNK ORGANIZER Here’s your chance to win a cookie-themed Trunk Organizer – perfect for carrying boxes of cookies, camping supplies or anything else you need for an upcoming troop event.

HERE’S HOW TO WIN: On 2/6, 2/8, 2/9 and 2/10, the troop with the largest pending warehouse cookie order (First Class and U & Me warehouses only) on each of the days listed will win one of the Cookie Trunk Organizers.

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PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE WHAT IS “NU2U” CAMPING? NU2U is a brand new outdoor program and your chance to go troop camping with our volunteer pros. This is the perfect program for those interested in taking your troop camping, but don’t know where to start. NU2U is designed for Troops and Leaders who are ready to take the first “steps” into the amazing world of camp, yet have little or no camping experience.

Register now for an expertly guided one-night troop camping event at Camp Welaka with your Junior and Cadette Troops.

Leaders get to see the basic how-to’s of troop camping while girls hike, cook outdoors, canoe and try archery.

March 3-4, 2018 is NU2U for for Junior and Cadette Troops. The troop camp trained volunteers (TCT), First Aid certified adult, lifeguard and canoe and archery instructors are provided for you.

Lunch, snacks and dinner (Saturday) and breakfast and lunch (Sunday) are all included. Accommodations are in cabin units. Packing list and confirmation packets will be sent via email a week prior to the program. NU2U requires female chaperones only. Troop Leaders are expected to provide adult to girl ratio. Refer to Volunteer Essentials Manual for information about ratios.

Space is limited for this program! Adults will be limited to satisfy ratios so we can serve as many girls as possible.

Cost is $30.00 p/girl and $20.00 p/adult. Register today!

THIN MINT SPRINT 2018 We know you know all about Thin Mints. However, do you know about the Thin Mint Sprint?

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Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida hosts an annual 5K event in three communities within our jurisdiction every April. Our three Thin Mint Sprints attract runners, walkers and athletes of all skill-levels and ages – and are a part of our Council’s portfolio of popular fund raisers too!

So, here’s the really big question for you…Have you ever considered participating with your Girl Scout Troop? Here’s why we think you’d all have a great time!

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PROGRAMS AT A GLANCE Our Thin Mint Sprints are a great activity for all your troop families to do together! We welcome parents, siblings and friends who all enjoy a great event outside in the sunshine – with prizes, medals and even a “Tag-Along Trot” race for kids 8 and younger. Because our Thin Mint Sprints are hosted in parks, you can even pack up a picnic and host a family social after the race.

Getting outside is important for everyone! We all know that in today’s fast-paced world, everyone is exposed to too much screen time and not enough fresh air and physical activity. Our Thin Mint Sprints were developed in recognition of our National Program Initiatives for girls, which include outdoor education and environmental sustainability. Participation in our event makes a great first step!

Finally, in order support your ongoing troop activities; we’ve created a handy outline to show you exactly which components your girls can earn among our National Badges. With this, you readily can build additional activities to meet all the requirements and participate in a Thin Mint Sprint as a way to culminate and complete the Badge work.

Here are the links to get more information and register for any of our three upcoming Thin Mint Sprints.

Registration price for registered Girl Scouts (9 and older) is only $20.00. Registration price for all kids (8 and younger) is just $15.00. Both include a fabulous t-shirt, age-level race contests with winner medals and a box of Thin Mint cookies for all finishers.

• S aturday, April 7, 2018 - Topeekeegee Yugnee Park, Hollywood • S unday, April 8, 2018 - Okeeheelee Park, West Palm Beach • S aturday, April 14, 2018 - Halpatiokee Regional Park, Stuart For Brownies: “Fair Play” Athlete Badge Earn these two Badge components: #2. Include everyone #3. Be part of a team For Juniors: “Practice with Purpose” Athlete Badge Earn these three Badge components: #1. Decide on your goal #2. Increase endurance #3. Build up strength For Juniors: “Staying Fit” Healthy Living Badge Earn these two Badge components: #1. Start moving #5. Help your family stay fit

For Cadettes: “Good Sportsmanship” Athlete Badge Earn ALL the components for this Badge: #1. Create your definition of sportsmanship #2. Be a good competitor #3. Be a good teammate #4. Psych yourself up #5. Put your definition of good sportsmanship into action For Seniors: “Cross-Training” Athlete Badge Earn these four components for this Badge: #1. Set a cross training goal #3. Add cardio #4. Add a toning or strengthening element #5. Stay motivated to reach you goal Register yourself, your troop, or your team today!

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ADULT & LEADER HIGHLIGHTS

HONOR A VOLUNTEER

adline: Submission De 18 March 15, 20

Volunteers do not give of themselves and their time just to receive recognition. They come to Girl Scouts to work with girls, learn and grow, make friends and give to the wider community.

Girl Scout volunteers and adult members guide, mentor and help girls develop skills and confidence that will last a lifetime. Their dedication, effort and passion make the world a better place. Girl Scouting would not be possible without them, and that is why it is so important to say THANK YOU.

The adult recognition awards honor volunteers’ contributions to Girl Scouting. Awards show recipients they are noticed and appreciated. You can participate, too! Help us thank and recognize those adults who make a difference in the lives of girls.

Nominate someone YOU know for an award. Guidelines and nomination link can be found in the Adult Recognition page. For questions or assistance with the nomination form, please contact our Adult Recognition Committee via email at: adultrecognition@gssef.org.

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. This class covers key policies and procedures and accountabilities, provides information on setting up your bank account and connects you with resources available to you as a new leader. Any adult member or volunteer is invited to attend; however, this orientation training is required for all new troop leaders and must be taken within 60 days of appointment. Classes are FREE, but pre-registration is required.

Wednesday, February 7th Register now: Monday, February 19th Register now:

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MEMBERSHIP

Two Council Scholarships Available In 2006, the Barbara Ann Turner ‘Service from the Heart’ Scholarship was created in memory of dedicated volunteer Barbara Ann Turner. This $1,000 scholarship is awarded annually to an 11th or 12th grader who has given exceptional take action and service in her community. The deadline to submit your application is Monday, April 2, 2018. Click here for the full requirements.

In 2016, Kathryn C. Vecellio endowed a Girl Scout Scholarship Fund that provides an annual scholarship to a Gold Award Girl Scout to help further her educational endeavors. This $1,200 scholarship is intended to offset costs associated with undergraduate studies and is paid directly to the educational institution. Applicants must be either high school 12th graders who have already accepted admission to a college or university beginning in Fall 2018 or be a current undergraduate college student in 2018. The deadline to submit your application is Friday, April 20, 2018. Click here for the full requirements.

GSSEF Annual Meeting and New Administrative Headquarters Grand Opening On Saturday, February 17, GSSEF will host our Annual Meeting at 9:00 a.m. at the new Administrative Headquarters. Immediately following the meeting, join us for a fun, all-ages Grand Opening celebration featuring Girl Scout traditions, building tours and activities for girls (and boys!) from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Service Unit Delegates for the GSSEF Annual Meeting and interested guests should confirm attendance with Suzanne Canter no later than 2/8/18 at scanter@gssef.org.

Everyone is invited to the Grand Opening beginning with an official ribbon cutting at 10:00 a.m. Bring your troops and your families for the celebration of this wonderful new headquarters located at 6944 Lake Worth Road, Lake Worth , FL 33467. This is a FREE event! No registration required.

You’re invited! Grand Opening of the NEW Palm Beach Retail Store Join the celebration on Saturday, February 10 at the new Retail Store located at 1232 West Indiantown Road, Suite 105 in Jupiter. The festivities and specials start at 10:00 a.m. It’s the same plaza as our former Service Center, but this store is bigger, brighter and waiting for shoppers like you! Amazing instore specials plus ribbon cutting, photos and complimentary snacks and beverages. Check out these incredible Grand Opening Day Deals!

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MEMBERSHIP

Sale Specials from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., while supplies last:

• F REE Girl Scout Emoticon Draw String Backpack to the first 50 registered girl members • B uy 4 Troop Number (patches), Get 1 FREE • B uy a Girl Scout Tunic (Daisy only), Vest or Sash (All Grade Levels) and Get the matching Grade Level Council ID Patch Set FREE

• B uy 3 Fun Patches, Get 1 Fun Patch FREE • B uy 1 Journey Book (Any series, All Grade Levels), Get 1 Journey Book FREE • A ll customers (10 a.m. -12 p.m.) are entered into a drawing for TWO Cookie Carts! Drawing held at 12:00 p.m.!

Sale Specials from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m., while supplies last:

• B uy 1 Journey Badge Requirements or Badge Activity Set, Get 1 FREE • B uy 1 Journey Book (any series, All Grade Levels), Get 1 Journey Book for 50% OFF • B uy 1 T-shirt (any t-shirt in stock, sale price or regular price), Get 1 for 50% OFF • A ll customers (12- 3 p.m.) are entered into a drawing for one of TEN $10.00 Retail Store Gift Cards! Drawing held at 3:00 pm and cards mailed to winners!

There’s even more in store for you!

• B uy a “Girls Guide to Girl Scouting” Handbook, Get 50% OFF any Official GSUSA Girl’s Grade Level Polo Shirt or Official GSUSA Volunteer Polo Shirt (for men or women)

• B uy a Starter Kit, Get an Official GSUSA Girl’s Grade Level Polo Shirt FREE (Starter Kit includes 12 total items: 1 “Girls Guide to Girl Scouting” or 1 Journey Book, 1 Tunic, Vest or Sash, 1 Council ID Patch Set, 1 American Flag Patch, 5 Troop Number patches, 1 Insignia Tab, 1 Membership Pin and 1 WAGGGS Pin.)

• A ll jewelry is 25% OFF (This excludes Official Award Components) • B uy the Official Girl Scout Cookie Oven (toy) for ONLY $15.00 each

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MEMBERSHIP

WORLD THINKING DAY & GLOBAL ACTION AWARDS Each year on February 22, Girl Scouts participate in activities and projects with global themes to honor their sister Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in other countries.

It is a special day in the Girl Scout year when we remember we are part of a worldwide movement.

The 2018 World Thinking Day Theme is Impact! This year, we’ll celebrate the Impact that the movement brings in the lives of our members and their communities. Let’s celebrate, learn about and participate in all of the amazing ways our global movement has impacted each of us in our communities.

Each year, Girl Scouts of all grade levels can earn the Global Action award. This award emphasizes the WAGGGS sisterhood (146 countries strong) by encouraging girls to work together to make a difference as they support an issue that affects girls and women around the world.

In 2015, the U.N. community came together to form the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—a set of 17 ambitious goals aimed at ending extreme poverty, fighting inequality and injustice, and curbing climate change by 2030. Starting this year, as they work to earn their Global Action award, girls will learn about the SDGs and related challenges locally and globally. They’ll join their sisters worldwide to take action in support of this important global agenda.

Both the World Thinking Day and Global Action awards are Official Awards and therefore may be worn on the front of the Official Uniform sash or vest and placed where other earned badges are worn.

♥ 14% F

HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY We have a sweetheart of a deal. Come shop at the Retail Stores on February 14 and receive 14% off your entire purchase. *Some exclusions apply. See store for details.

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FEBRUARY JANUARY

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Give a Box Get a Box at Duffy’s

Retail Store Grand Opening

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Girl Scouts 11 Cookie Sale Program Ends

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GSSEF 17 Annual Meeting Grand OpeningGSSEF Administrative Headquarters

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Emerald 24 Awards Gala

World Thinking Day

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Girl Scout 3 Anniversary event at the Retail Stores 3-4 NU2U Troop Camping

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10-18 Spring 10 Break – St. Lucie County

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12-16 Spring Break – Martin County

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19-23 Spring 19 Break – Palm Beach County

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26-30 Spring 26 Break – Broward, Indian River and Okeechobee Counties

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