June/July 2016
Volunteer Spotlight ................1
Programs at a Glance
Membership
Membership Update...........14 Early Bird Results..................14 Vote for Cookie Rewards...15 Retail Store Closings............15 Father’s Day T-Shirt.............15 July is Clearance Month.....15
Submit Troop or Volunteer News here!
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Lyn has been a member of the Phoenix Service Unit for more than 14 years. She is an exceptional leader who is knowledgeable, caring and very creative. Lyn and her troop have put on many events like the Girl Scout Skate Party for more than four years. They offer this event to troops in the Phoenix Service Unit as well as other service units. Many of the girls in her troop have earned their Bronze, Silver and Gold awards. Her girls are Ambassadors and many of them will be bridging to adulthood at the end of the year. Realizing that she did her job with her girls and they could run their troop (and isn’t that the goal for Ambassadors?), Lyn came to the service unit team and expressed an interest in helping with registration. Since becoming the Phoenix Service Unit Volunteer Manager, meeting attendance has increased. At the service unit team meetings, only upbeat, positive, creative ideas are entertained. Lyn’s energetic and engaging personality keeps the team lifted UP! She is a recipient of the Thanks I badge this year and we could not be more proud or appreciative of Lyn’s contribution to our girls and our Council.
Membership
Green Grapevine..................9 New GSSEF Website............10 Complete Your Troop End-of-Year Report.............10 Adult Learning .......................12 End-of-Year Troop Reporting Workshops.........12 Adult Recognition.................12 CEI Update..............................13
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
Summer Funshine.................2 Take Me Out To The Ball Game.................................3 Paint ‘N Plaster........................4 Family Bots..............................4 Moonlight Kayaking...............5 Paddle With a Pal..................5 Seafari Night at the Museum............................5 GEMS Club-Under the Sea......................................6 Turtle Talk.................................6 Spa-Tacular Science ............6 Family Movie Morning..........7 Dog Days of Summer...........7 Girls Get Real......................7-8 GEMS Club-Mysteries.........8 Superhero Night at the Musem..............................8
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 on theTraining page for easy reference.
Spotlights
Spotlight
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PROGRAM The Program Team has been busy preparing programs for all age-levels to enjoy throughout the summer months! Check out the following program offerings to meet all your summer needs. Please note that the registration platforms may be different for each program—some will be handled through the Wufoo platform and others through the fillable program registration form that you must submit. Programs at a Glance
To earn the Summer Funshine patch or bar, troops must participate in three activities (one per month) during June, July and August. Your activities must include:
Membership
Girl Scouting does not have to stop when school is out. Troops can continue Girl Scout activities throughout the summer, even if it’s just once a month. Summer Funshine provides an opportunity to do some things your troop didn’t 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. 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.
Adult & Leader Highlights
Summer Funshine
• A community service project (i.e. food drive, recycling project, beach clean-up) • A family activity (i.e. year-end picnic) • A troop choice activity (i.e. a fun day, attend a summer program as a troop, work on a badge or interest project)
For more information on how to order your Summer Funshine patches and year bar, contact Jodi Potter at jpotter@gssef.org
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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.
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Take Me Out To The Ball Game - Port St. Lucie
Take Me Out To The Ball Game - Jupiter
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June 4 at 6:00 p.m. to June 5 at 7:00 a.m. Where: Roger Dean Stadium, 4751 Main St, Jupiter, FL 33458 Cost: $20/person, $6 for game only tickets Register here by May 31
Membership
Join Girl Scouts from all over the Council in cheering on the Palm Beach Cardinals in a great baseball game. You’ll enjoy a light dinner and then once the game ends and the crowd clears, watch a movie on the big screen. Then camp in your own tent on one of the practice fields behind the stadium and in the morning enjoy a continental breakfast! Tents may not use stakes in the ground. All camping equipment and personal belongings for the overnight must be stored in vehicles until after the game. Campsite setup begins once the entire stadium is cleared. Girl Scout Price includes game ticket, hot dog, chips, soda, camping, movie and breakfast. Please note: no tagalongs, males or unregistered adults are permitted to camp, but are welcome to join us at the game for just $6 per person which includes only a game ticket (it does not include food or admission back to the stadium following the game).
Adult & Leader Highlights
June 4 at 6:00 p.m. to June 5 at 7:00 a.m. Where: Tradition Field, 525 NW Peacock Blvd, Port St Lucie, FL 34986 Cost: $20/person, $6 for game only tickets Register here by May 31
Programs at a Glance
Join Girl Scouts from all over the Council in cheering on the St. Lucie Mets in a great baseball game. You’ll enjoy a light dinner and then once the game ends and the crowd clears, watch a movie on the big screen. Then camp in your own tent on one of the practice fields behind the stadium and in the morning enjoy a continental breakfast! Tents may not use stakes in the ground. All camping equipment and personal belongings for the overnight must be stored in vehicles until after the game. Campsite setup begins once the entire stadium is cleared. Girl Scout Price includes game ticket, hot dog, chips, soda, camping, movie and breakfast. Please note: no tagalongs, males or unregistered adults are permitted to camp, but are welcome to join us at the game for just $6 per person which includes only a game ticket (it does not include food or admission back to the stadium following the game).
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Paint ‘N Plaster Put on your aprons and join us at this handson program. You’ll paint and learn how molds are made, pick from the provided selection and create your own masterpieces with friends. Please adhere to adult to girl ratio. No tagalongs permitted in studio during class. This program qualifies as a troop event for Summer Funshine.
Family Bots
Where: Oakland Park Service Center, 4701 NW 33rd Ave., Oakland Park, FL Cost: $15.00 per child / $5.00 per adult Register here!
Membership
June 11 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. June 25 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. July 9 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. July 22 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. August 6 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
Adult & Leader Highlights
Who knew LEGO’s could help change the world? “Bolt” on over and find out why this is way cooler than your science class. This robotics program will give you the chance to build and design your very own fully functioning robot. Work together in teams with the experts from Bright and Smart to build LEGO robots. Learn programming and engineering skills. Don’t short circuit, register today! This program qualifies as a family event for Summer Funshine.
Programs at a Glance
June 7, July 5 and August 9 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. June 21, July 26 and August 23 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Where: Paint ‘N Plaster, 1901 N. Federal Highway, Pompano Beach, FL 33062 Cost: $12.00 per person (adults pay if painting) Register here!
Program Team Contacts
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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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Moonlight Kayaking Join us for a crab’s eye view as you paddle with a pal on a guided tour of the Middle River in the beautiful city of Wilton Manors under the night sky! Meet night critters while earning components of the Cadette Night Owl badge and the Senior Paddling badge. It will be a fun glow in the dark kayaking adventure you don’t want to miss. This program qualifies as a family event for Summer Funshine. Participants must be 10 and older.
Paddle with a Pal
Where: Richardson Historic park and Natural Preserve 1937 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Cost: $15.00 per person June 19 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Register Here! July 10 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Register Here! August 13 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Register Here!
Adult & Leader Highlights
Join us for a crab’s eye view as you paddle with a pal on a guided tour of the Middle River in the beautiful city of Wilton Manors! Get a chance to see Florida native and non-native aquatic birds, raccoons, various species of crabs, manatees and fish. It will be a fun, sunny South Florida adventure you don’t want to miss! This program qualifies as a family event for Summer Funshine.
Programs at a Glance
Where: Richardson Historic park and Natural Preserve 1937 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Cost: $15.00 per person June 17 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Register Here! July 8 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Register Here! August 12 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Register Here!
Seafari Night at the Museum
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Where: South Florida Science Center and Aquarium 4801 Dreher Trail N, West Palm Beach, FL 33405 Cost: $6 per girl (Brownie and Junior), $10 per adult. June 24 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Register Here!
Membership
Make a splash at our Seafari Nights at the Museum! Learn about biodegradables in the ocean, make your own jellyfish, touch live ocean creatures, journey under the sea while watching Kaluoka’hina and experience a skate dissection. Brownies can earn their “It’s Your Story: Pets” badge and Cadettes can earn their “It’s Your Story: Animal Helpers” badge. Each Night at the Museum is a different theme, which includes various interactive science crafts, activities, entertainment, exhibits, planetarium shows and a chance to view the night sky in Palm Beach County’s only public observatory! For more information, please call 561-832-1988. For Brownies and Juniors only.
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GEMS Club - Under the Sea While having tons of fun along the way, our new GEMS (Gils Excelling in Math and Science) club offers the perfect opportunity for young girls to learn and grow as they discover the exciting world of math, science, engineering and technology! Each session of GEMS will feature a female guest speaker who has made a successful career pursuing a scientific or engineering field. GEMS Club takes place on the last Tuesday of every month from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Dinner and refreshments will be provided. This program is for all girls in grades 3-8 and registration is required.
Turtle Talk
Spa-tacular Science
Membership
July 7, 9, 21, 23, 30 from 9:00-11:00 p.m. August 8, 13, 16, 18 from 9:00-11:00 p.m. Where: Nova Southeastern Oceanographic Center 8000 N Ocean Dr., Dania Beach, FL 33004 Cost: $10 per girl Register Here!
Adult & Leader Highlights
Learn about sea turtles in the past, present and future. Girls will be greeted by Nova Southeastern students and staff. Browse through an assortment of sea turtle displays. Participate in an interactive turtle talk along with a 20 minute film presentation, followed by a question and answer period. An exclusive portion of this program will be a turtle hatching release at nearby beach. This will only occur if there are hatchlings available to be released on the program date. Attending adults will need to drive their own vehicles to the beach for this portion of the program. Patches will be distributed to Girl Scouts only after the program. This program qualifies as a troop event for Summer Funshine.
Programs at a Glance
June 28 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Where: South Florida Science Center and Aquarium 4801 Dreher Trail N, West Palm Beach, FL 33405 Cost: $5 per girl (Brownie 3rd Graders, Junior and Cadette) Register here!
Get your Girl Scout Glow on! Make lip gloss, hand scrub, a facial and more during this Spa-Tactular program! For Brownies and Juniors only. Calendar
July 8 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Where: St Andrews Lutheran Church 295 SW Prima Vista Blvd, Port St Lucie, FL 34983 Cost: $7 per girl Register Here!
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Family Movie Morning: The Secret Life of Pets It’s a family movie morning you don’t want to miss. Join us at the premier of this hilarious movie great for all ages! Ticket, junior-sized popcorn, drink and patch included. This program qualifies as a family event for Summer Funshine. July 9 at 10:00 a.m. at TWO LOCATIONS!
Where: Magestic Theater 940 14th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960 Cost: $13 per person (includes ticket, program patch, kids popcorn & drink) Register Here!
Join your Girl Scout friends in a fantastic day dedicated to dogs! We will make dog toys and treats for our local no-kill shelter, learn about the responsibilities of having a pet and “adopt” our own furry friend (don’t worry, it’s not real). Please leave your own pooches at home. Learn about the Izzy the Inchworm program and complete part of the 3 Cheers for Animals badge, the Pets badge for Brownies or part of the Animal Habitats badge for Juniors.
Girls Get Real- Cadettes
Membership
July 9 from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Where: United Methodist Church, 200 NW 2nd St, Okeechobee, FL 34972 Cost: $5 per girl Register Here!
Adult & Leader Highlights
Dog Days of Summer
Programs at a Glance
Where: Paragon Ridge 8 9200 W. State Road 84 Davie, FL 33324 Cost: $13.00 per person (includes ticket, program patch, kids popcorn & drink) Register Here!
Choose your path for this program. Whether you channel your inner artist or want to relax with your downward dog, we’ve got something for you. Spend the night on Friday night, enjoying a campfire or a movie, then after breakfast, choose from several workshop topics Calendar
July 22 at 6:00 pm to July 23 at 4:00 p.m. Where: Palm City Presbyterian Church, 2700 SW Martin Hwy, Palm City, FL 34990 Cost: $15 per girl Register Here!
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Girls Get Real - Seniors and Ambassadors Life is about to change in an awesome way. As you inch closer to leaving the nest and preparing for “real life”, there are tips and tricks to help ensure your success. From understanding the basics of credit cards and checking accounts to decorating and cooking in your dorm room, we’ve got you covered!
GEMS Club - Mysteries of the Night
July 26 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Where: South Florida Science Center and Aquarium 4801 Dreher Trail N, West Palm Beach, FL 33405 Cost: $5 per girl Register Here!
Adult & Leader Highlights
While having tons of fun along the way, our new GEMS (Girls Excelling in Math and Science) club offers the perfect opportunity for young girls to learn and grow as they discover the exciting world of math, science, engineering and technology! Each session of GEMS will feature a female guest speaker who has made a successful career pursuing a scientific or engineering field. GEMS Club takes place on the last Tuesday of every month from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Dinner and refreshments will be provided. This program is for all girls in grades 3-8 and registration is required.
Programs at a Glance
July 23 from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Where Palm City Presbyterian Church, 2700 SW Martin Hwy, Palm City, FL 34990 Cost: $10 per girl Register Here!
Superhero Night at the Museum
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July 29 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Where: South Florida Science Center and Aquarium 4801 Dreher Trail N, West Palm Beach, FL 33405 Cost: $6 per girl / $10 per adult. Register Here!
Membership
Help save the world! Join us for a night of superhero science. Create your own DNA structures, make secret messages with invisible ink and discover exciting electrons! Then sit back and relax in the planetarium while watching Infinity Express. Brownies can earn their “It’s Your World: My Best Self” badge and Juniors can earn their “It’s Your World: Staying Fit” badge. Each Night at the Museum is a different theme, which includes various interactive science crafts, activities, entertainment, exhibits, planetarium shows and a chance to view the night sky in Palm Beach County’s only public observatory! For Brownies and Juniors only.
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Green Grapevine - TRANSPORTATION Dear Green Grapevine, We’re already looking ahead to our trip to Savannah next year. I’m researching transportation options. What criteria should I keep in mind? Yours Truly, Minnie Driver There are so many ways to get where you girls are going! Planes, trains and automobiles are all possibilities. If you choose to drive, guidance on transporting girls safely can be found in both our Council Volunteer Policies and Procedures and the Volunteer Essentials manual. As always, the rule in the Council Volunteer Policies and Procedures applies first, and if the topic is not covered there, then the baseline established in the Volunteer Essentials manual applies. In this case there are few key points to keep in mind:
Remember all trips must be approved by Council by submitting the Travel Application. We will review your individual travel plans and ensure you have all of the required adult volunteers, certifications, insurance, etc., to travel safely with the girls.
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If you have any questions regarding travel requirements, please email volunteer@ gssef.org. We’re happy to help clarify or provide guidance to make your trip as safe (and as fun!) as possible.
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Again, this is only an excerpt. You should review all of the transportation guidelines in the Volunteer Policies and Procedures and Volunteer Essentials manual when planning your trip.
Adult & Leader Highlights
• Drivers must be age twenty-five or older. • No driver will be permitted to operate a motor vehicle when alertness is considered impaired, through such ailments as fatigue, illness, etc. as to make operating a vehicle unsafe for the driver or passengers. • 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. • Drivers are not permitted to use a hand-held cellular device while transporting girls, per FL State Statute, 316.305, Wireless communications devices; prohibition. • Drivers are not permitted to smoke while transporting girls. • Anyone who is driving a vehicle with 12 or more passengers must be a professional driver who possesses a commercial driver’s license (CDL). (VE Manual p. 63) • GSSEF insurance requirements do not allow the use of 15 passenger vans to transport girls; any request to use a 15 passenger van will be denied. • NOTE: All drivers must be background checked, and over the age of 25 in order to transport children. (See “Volunteerism” Section 2.0)
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GSSEF Launch New Website It’s LIVE! GSSEF is thrilled to present our new website! To help you get the most out of it, we would like to highlight the top five things you need to know:
We are so excited to bring the new GSSEF to you. We hope you’ll enjoying seeing lots of familiar faces as you click around and explore! If you have any questions, please email Kate Dillon, Interactive Communications Manager, at kdillon@gssef.org.
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Why do I need to submit an EOY Troop Report? The short answer is... It’s required per Volunteer Policies and Procedures. But, this is why it’s in there: • Doing so allows the organization to reconcile finances in preparation for our annual audit. • We want to know more about what troops are really doing in our communities. • We can use the information we gather to increase girl program offerings that appeal to our members at manageable price points. • The data can be used in grant applications to bring Girl Scouting to more girls.
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Troop Leaders - It’s time to complete your End-of-Year Troop Report!
Adult & Leader Highlights
1. The new website is part of CEI, our Customer Engagement Initiative, which is designed to improve the Girl Scout experience for everyone. CEI is an organizational transformation which will bring together people, processes and technology to strengthen volunteer involvement in the Girl Scout Movement and provide an outstanding leadership experience for girls. 2. The Volunteer Vault is now Forms and Documents. All the same great information can be found there and there’s now a Search function. On the Forms and Documents page, you can enter a search term in the search box there, or search by category by clicking on “options.” 3. We have an Events and Activities calendar! You’ll see a snapshot of some upcoming events right on our home page. To see them all, click on Program/ Events at the top and a complete list will be shown. Want to see it in calendar format? Click the Events Calendar tab on the left. There’s even a search feature that lets you browse by event type, grade level, keyword or county. 4. The Our Council tab is everything GSSEF. This is where you’ll find the staff directory, council map, job opportunities, the news rooms and so much more. 5. The website is still a work in progress – our staff team worked hard to ensure that all of the information and functionality you’re used to was on the site for launch day; however, there are some things we know we’ll need to add and update. Keep checking back as we continue to make enhancements.
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There are consequences for non-compliance that you must be aware of which can include freezing of the Troop bank account until the report is completed and submitted, disbanding of the Troop, dismissal of the Leader, withholding of participation incentives and/or rewards and ineligibility for nomination or receipt of Adult Recognition (page 12, Volunteer Policies and Procedures). But let’s focus on the positive… even though it is required, we’ve made it convenient and easy so you can do it quickly and then get back to the fun stuff this summer! Items you will need to complete the report • A saved bank statement; this can either be downloaded and saved from your bank’s website, or scanned and saved to your computer. You will be asked to upload your troop’s June bank statement to complete the report. • A photo of your troop doing something fun; we want to see you in action! • A calculator; no worries, the math is simple! • About 30 minutes to dedicate to completing the report, maybe less.
You will receive a confirmation message indicating successful completion of the form. Deadline for Troops to complete and submit their EOY troop report form is July 31st annually.
Helpful tip: You may want to print the form, add your answers then go back in and fill in the electronic form. This lessens the time you spend ‘in’ the form online, and leaves you with a paper record of your answers for your file.
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Accessing the form: You can access it 24/7 on our website and view it as many times as you need to before completing it. You can also print it, but remember in order to be compliant with the policy, only electronic copies may be submitted to Council. If you’re all set now or if you just want to take a look, you can access the form directly here.
Membership
One important note: Wufoo doesn’t have the capability to ‘stop and save’ the entries. You must complete the form in one sitting, or risk losing data entered into the form.
Adult & Leader Highlights
Things to keep in mind • The WuFoo online system does require the report be completed in one sitting, and unfortunately does not allow you to save work and finish later. • If there’s anything missing, the form will highlight these fields and prompt you to enter the information. • The form is user friendly and you can’t break it! • When you click submit, your report will be sent via a secure server to Council. • The bank account and routing number is encrypted for your protection. • A copy of your EOY Troop Report will be emailed to the email address entered on the report.
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End-of-Year Troop Reporting Workshops Join us for a workshop designed to familiarize you with the new end-of-year reporting form, review the items you’ll need to complete it, and answer any questions you may have about the process. Attendance is not required, but if you have questions, this a great place to get answers. Cost: FREE, but registration is required. Class length: 1 hour. Location: Online May 25 at 7:00 p.m. Register Here! June 8 at 7:00 p.m. Register Here! July 20 at 7:00 p.m. Register Here! Questions about adult learning? Email volunteer@gssef.org
And the award goes to...(maybe) You!
2015 Totals 2016 Totals Appreciation Pin 45 55 Honor Pin 18 19 Thanks Badge 7 12 Thanks Badge II 5 2 Volunteer of Excellence 114 158 Family Award 3 3 Community Award 56 77 TOTALS 248 326
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Awards will be presented, by and in front of your peers, at your Service Unit recognition event. We will send a complete listing of award recipients over the summer, after all service units have had their events.
Adult & Leader Highlights
We had a banner year for adult recognition nominations, resulting in an impressive 31% increase in National award recipients over last year (please note, Community and Family awards are not considered in this calculation).Well done, Volunteers! While we don’t want to spoil any surprises by naming names, here’s a breakdown by award:
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The Latest on CEI Whether you first heard about the new Customer Engagement Initiative (CEI) at our Annual Meeting in February, read all about it in our e-communications, or heard about it at a training event or meeting… we know there was great excitement about all it had to offer. Want a refresher? Click here! At this time, we are less than nine weeks away from our “Go Live” date for Volunteer Systems and when the Volunteer Tool Kit will be available for use by members of our Council. Our new website has already launched which puts us one step closer. While we are very excited about this pending transition, there is a tremendous amount of activity happening behind the scenes to get us ready. Some of this activity will have a direct impact on our volunteers and our Girl Scout families in the coming weeks and we wanted to outline some of those for you. Important for Troop Leaders and other Volunteer Leadership
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While everyone on the GSSEF staff team is committed to providing the best service and communication to our volunteers and Girl Scout families during this time of transition, we also request your patience and understanding. Learning a completely new system, along with new ways of work, is very exciting, but it does not come without some challenges. We appreciate that the Customer Engagement Initiative—including the Volunteer Tool Kit—will bring with it exciting new ways for all of us to serve girls and bring Girl Scouting to more girls than ever. We will continue to keep you informed as we move forward on this journey. In the meantime, if you have questions about CEI, please reach out to Melinda Glasco, CEI Project Manager, at mglasco@gssef.org or 561-427-0176.
Membership
You may have noticed that you no longer have access to e-Council, our membership database. That’s okay – it’s part of the conversion process as we move our membership data to our new Volunteer Systems technology platform in the coming weeks. If you need membership information, please contact Mileneda Joseph, membership registrar at mjoseph@gssef.org for assistance.
Adult & Leader Highlights
• June 3 – This is the deadline to submit Travel Apps, Insurance Requests, Money Earning Applications or Gold/Silver Project Proposals for any activity that is happening on or before August 5. Because of the limited access to staff during the June 20-July 18 period, we cannot guarantee turnaround of these items in a timely fashion after June 3. • June 20 – Service Centers and Retail Stores will be CLOSED for an All Staff Meeting. • June 21-23 – Every member of our staff team will be in a full day of training one day during this week. As a result, access to staff may be limited and response times may be longer than usual. • June 27-30 –Staff will be participating in trainings and simulation exercises on CEI. As a result, access to staff may be limited and response times may be longer than usual. • July 4-8 – The Council will be closed for the Summer Shutdown. Please note that while the Service Centers will reopen on July 11, the Retail Store will not reopen until July 12. • July 11 – Retail Stores will be closed, as retail staff will be in an all-day training. • July 11-14 – Staff members will be participating in a variety of trainings at different times throughout this week. As a result, staff will be extremely limited in their ability to read, listen and response to all communications. • July 18 – GSSEF will “Go Live” with CEI. At this time, the Volunteer Tool Kit will be open to membership. • July 27-28 – Retail Stores will be closed for inventory. • July 31 – End of Year Troop Reports are due. • August 4 – Service Centers and Retail Stores will be closed for an All Staff Meeting. • August 13 – Membership Year Kick-off and Service Unit Volunteer Leadership training day. More information coming soon. • August/September (dates TBD) – Volunteer Tool Kit workshops planned
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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 10,350 girls and 5,075 adults have already registered for the 2016 Girl Scout year.
12,000 5,000 10,000 4,000
8,000 6,000 83% of 4,000
Goal
Goal
2,000
2,000
Flying into 2017 with Increase in Early Bird Re-registration
3,000 94% of
Goal 12,500
Goal 5,800
Girl
Adult
The 2016-17 Early Bird retention Membership Membership season closed on Sunday, May 15 with 5,302 girls re-registered. This represents a 3% increase from last year. Thank you to all the troops who participated in this year’s Early Bird re-registration. As a reminder, Early Bird patches are available from your membership recruitment manager.
Membership Registration
While the new online registration processes are under development and will be launched with the Customer Engagement Initiative (CEI) in July, girls and adults may continue to become registered Girl Scouts! An online membership registration form is available by clicking the green Join Girl Scouts button on the new GSSEF website.
Questions? Contact Rhonda Lang Netzel, director of membership, at rnetzel@gssef.org
Membership
A troop re-registration link is also available for any troops who are ready to re-register from now through July. If you did not re-register during Early Bird and are ready to reregister now, click here. The form allows troop leaders to re-register 10 girls and 2 adults in each transaction. If your troop has more than 10 girls, please complete an additional form and transaction.
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Product Sales Help Us Pick the Rewards Your opinion matters to us! Please click here to participate in the Cookie Sale reward survey. Your answers will help us in selecting the rewards that will be offered to girls for our 2017 Cookie Sale Program. You can only vote once so check out all the cool items before you cast your vote.
Retail Stores Upcoming Retail Store Closings Closed May 30 – Memorial Day Closed June 20 – All staff meeting Closed July 1 through July 11 – Summer Break Closed July 26 – Closing at 3pm Closed July 27 and 28 – Inventory Missed Us? No worries, visit our online shop where you can shop online 24/7!
Is Your Guy Man Enough to be a Girl Scout?
This Father’s Day, honor the man in your life that’s stepped up the Girl Scout plate with this super Storewide clearance sale on awesome t-shirt. are limited so stop in selectedSupplies in-store merchandise. Valid in store only. Discounts soon. notapplicable to prior purchases.
rance! July Blowout Clea t off 20 percen take an additional d Line! Anything with a Re
July 11 - July 26
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July is Clearance Month
From July 11 through July 26, all red line clearance items are an additional 20% off. Stop by early and often to see what Girl Scout treasures you can find. Calendar
ail Store Oakland Park Ret Jupiter Retail Store d Avenue 33r NW 1 470 Rd. 33309 1224 West Indiantown Oakland Park, FL Jupiter, FL 33458 4) 739-7661 (95 (561) 427-0197 tter@gssef.org Jodi Potter at jpo stio Que ns? Contact
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T 5
T 6
S
F Property 1 Calendar Opens for Troop Camping Reservations
2
8
9
7
GSSEF Offices Closed for Summer Break
12
13
14
15
16
17 Volunteer 18 Systems and
19
20
21
22
23
24
26
27
28
29
30
Volunteer Toolkit are LIVE!
End of Year 31 Troop Report Due
25
Calendar
11