October 2016
Volunteer Spotlight ................1
Programs at a Glance
Adult & Leader Highlights
Membership
Calendar............................12
Madelyn Washington has been the Orange Blossom Service Unit Volunteer Manager for two years and was the Assistant Service Unit Volunteer Manager prior to that. Her troop 10010 is a multilevel troop of 52 girls. Orange Blossom met its recruiting goal in 2015-16 and because of this tremendous accomplishment, Madelyn was invited to speak at our 2016-17 Membership Kick-off event on Saturday, August 13th. The theme of the event was Finding Dory, she wants to be a Girl Scout too! Madelyn gave a passionate, personal testimonial about the importance of including all girls in Girl Scouts. She told the group, “It’s not about how much you know when it comes to the organization of Girl Scouts, but using Girl Scouts as a method and tool to help as many girls you come in contact with to believe in themselves.” Madelyn’s presentation was heartfelt and inspiring and her message resonated with the entire group. She received a well-deserved standing ovation. We are so fortunate to have passionate, inspiring volunteers like Madelyn leading our girls!
Membership
Membership Year Kick Off Event.........................8 Membership Year ‘16-’17 ....8 Service Unit Rewards...........9 My GS and VTK.......................9 Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthday Celebration at the Retail Store.............................9 Earn Your $10 Coupon......10 New Job Roles......................10 Fall Product Sale..................11
Every month, we showcase a volunteer who exemplifies the Girl Scout mission and serves as a role model for other leaders.
Adult & Leader Highlights
Green Grapevine- Startup Funds.........................................4 Volunteer Policies and Procedures...............................5 Early Bird Success..................5 Certificates of Insurance.....5 Accident Reports...................6 Volunteer Essentials.............6 Archery Certification............6 Troop Camp Training............7
Volunteer Spotlight
Programs at a Glance
Baby Basics..............................2 Spooky Movie Mania.............2 Welaka Winter Wonderland.............................3 Cookie Rookie.........................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 Rachel Goossens with comments, pictures or ideas at rgoossens@gssef.org. All of the Linking Leaders issues are archived on the Training page for easy reference.
Spotlights
Spotlight
Calendar
Submit Troop or Volunteer News here!
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Baby Basics 2016 Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida loves to help children in our area who are in need. With almost 14 percent of babies being born into poverty, the local agencies in our Councils’ jurisdiction need help to provide the basics for these babies and their families to get a healthy start in life.
Together, we can help new mothers go home with the things they need so their babies grow strong and healthy!
Spooky Movie Mania
Enjoy music from a great DJ, watch some of your favorite spooky movies (both new releases and great kid-friendly classics) and party the night away! In between the big screen attractions, grab some GHOULISH GOODIES from the concessions (at an additional cost), complete your VILLAIN look and get your face painted, take your picture at the photo BOOOO-th, participate in GORY games, costume contest and more! Are you ready for a WICKED good time? Register today!
For more information contact your favorite VILLAIN Catalina Cano
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Open to all Girl Scouts and registered adult females. $33.00 per person. *No Tagalogs or male chaperones. Event check in time for VIP is 9:00 p.m. Non-VIP participants will check in at 11:00 p.m.
Membership
Magic Mirror on the wall, who’s the most VILLAINOUS Girl Scout of all? It’s you! Come join GSSEF as we convene at this year’s Spooky Movie Mania October 29-30. This up-all-night VILLAIN COSTUME PARTY is sure to bring out your inner movie VILLAIN!
Adult & Leader Highlights
You can place baby collection boxes in your local churches, schools, daycare centers, grocery stores, and get your entire community involved. Then take your donation to one of our pre-selected drop off sites between OCTOBER 1 – OCTOBER 31. See the flyer for details. Girls will receive a special Baby Basics patch.
Programs at a Glance
October is Baby Basics month and you can be part of this community service project too. We are encouraging individuals, families and troops to participate by collecting baby items for local agencies. We will be collecting baby formula (powder preferred), cereal, diapers, diaper wipes, bottles, baby lotion/baby oil/baby wash/shampoo and other baby care items that will be distributed to local agencies that are in need of the supplies. Sorry, we CANNOT accept other donations such as clothing, furniture, toys, strollers or other equipment.
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Save the Date for Welaka Winter Wonderland
Programs at a Glance
Mark your calendar for December 3, 2016 for Welaka Winter Wonderland. The celebrations throughout the Winter season are some of the most exciting times of the year. At Welaka Winter Wonderland, travel throughout our camp to explore Chinese New Year, Christmas, Eid, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. Each stop along the journey will include a several activities to experience the celebration to the fullest. More information coming soon.
Mark Your Calendar for Cookie Rookie
Later that day, ALL Girl Scouts and their families are invited for our Great Cookie Campfire to celebrate our brand new S’MORES cookie for 2017!
Membership
NEW this year! Cookie Rookie is a program specifically for girls participating in their very first (or second) Cookie Sale. Girls will be given the tools to HIT their 2017 cookie sale Out of the Park! In addition, our parents and volunteers will receive their official Coach training! Save the date for Sunday, January 15, 2017. More information will be available soon!
Adult & Leader Highlights
This is a troop program and girl/adult ratio is required. $15.00 per person. Contact Meredith Slaymaker with questions or to volunteer at mslaymaker@gssef.org.
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Green Grapevine - STARTUP FUNDS Dear Green GrapevineMy troop just got started and has no funds in our newly opened troop bank account. The girls are so excited to start planning their year and the activities and trips they want to do, however I am not sure that we will have the money to participate. What can we do as a new troop to generate some startup funds? Sincerely, Mae B. Moola
If your troop wishes to participate in additional fundraisers outside of the GSSEF sponsored product sales, the troop must obtain written approval. The troop money earning application, which can be found here, must be submitted for approval at least six weeks in advance of the project.
The Fall Product Sale begins October 1st. It’s super easy to get involved and managing the sale is simple, even for a new leader. Your Service Unit Fall Product Sale Manager will conduct a training at your Service Unit meeting and be your primary point of contact for support throughout the sale. But there are lots of volunteers in your Service Unit who can also assist in helping you and your girls maximize this money earning opportunity. You can get started even after the sale officially begins by just connecting with your Service Unit Fall Product Sale Manager. The sale runs through November 15th.
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If you have questions about the policy, or appropriate money-earning projects, please email troopsupport@gssef.org. Have FUN raising FUNds for all your troop’s amazing Girl Scout activities!
Membership
It’s also important to note Page 19 of the Volunteer Policies and Procedures states: In order to submit an application for a money-earning project, a troop/group is required to participate in its two most recent, consecutive GSSEF sponsored product sales. Exceptions shall be made if the girl member(s) or troop/group was not registered in GSSEF. So if your troop exists during the Fall Product Sale, you’ll need to participate if you plan on doing additional money earning projects (outside of the cookie sale) in the near future.
Adult & Leader Highlights
Pep up, Mae! Participation in the 2016 Fall Product Sale will help give your bank account a boost. Whether you’re a new troop looking to raise some startup funds, or a troop who needs to replenish funds from last year’s end of year trips and activities, the Fall Product Sale is the way to go. Your troop can earn proceeds and rewards all while they learn five important skills: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics. BONUS! If a troop participates in the 2016 Fall Product Sale, they have the opportunity to earn four additional cents in proceeds for every box of cookies sold during the 2017 Cookie Sale! So, the troop sees short term gains in the form of Fall Product Sale proceeds and individual rewards, and strategically positions themselves to earn even more later.
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Updated Volunteer Policies and Procedures and Safety Activity Checkpoints 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. 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. 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. New GSSEF Volunteer Policies and Procedures became effective August 1st and the Safety Activity Checkpoints, produced by GSUSA, were updated in August as well. The most recent versions of these important documents can be found here.
Early Bird Success! Bird is the Word! GSSEF is thrilled to share the terrific results of our Early Bird re-registration initiative that was held April 1 through May 15. Magnolia Service Unit achieved the highest percentage of eligible girls retained and Pegasus Service Unit achieved the highest percentage increase of girls who registered in the Early Bird period. Two Service Units “tied” for the highest girl participation increase over last year Tri-Star and Phoenix. Way to go!
If you’re having a troop meeting, Service Unit event or cookie booth, chances are the host facility will need a Certificate of Insurance (COI). We have a new Wufoo form for COI requests to ensure we receive all of the necessary information to process the request quickly and efficiently.
This form can be found in the FORMS section of our website at www.gssef.org or accessed directly here.
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Volunteers just need to complete the Troop Certificate of Insurance Request Form and click submit. Please allow 10 business days for processing. A copy of the COI will be sent to you via email.
Membership
Certificates of Insurance
Adult & Leader Highlights
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 troopsupport@gssef.org.
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Accident Reports Girl and Adult accident report forms are now electronic! Converting the forms into Wufoo means we will have an electronic record of each accident reported, and we will be able to review the form more quickly. We understand that many troops have files filled with paper forms. However, all troops are encouraged to begin using the electronic forms as soon as possible. Paper forms are no longer available for download on the website. Although it is our intention to phase out any use of paper forms, for now, paper forms will be accepted and should completed per the instructions on the form. The new accident reports can also be found in the FORMS section of www.gssef.org.
Adult Learning Highlights Volunteer Essentials
Class Location: Online. An email with login information will be sent prior to the class. Cost: FREE, but pre-registration is required October 6 at 7:00 p.m. Register now! October 13 at 7:00 p.m. Register now!
Adult & Leader Highlights
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 GSSEF! Volunteer Essentials - Orientation training is required for all new leaders and must be taken within 60 days. Classes are FREE, but pre-registration is required.
October 18 at 7:00 p.m. Register now!
Archery Certification
Saturday, October 1 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Camp Welaka, 10205 SE Girl Scout Camp Rd, Tequesta, FL, 33469 Cost: $50 Register here!
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An archery certified adult volunteer is required for your girls to experience this fantastic sport. You’ll learn how to set up and operate a safe, short-term archery program, how to teach archery skills, how to maintain program equipment and learn common shooting errors and correction. After taking this class, you can teach your troop (or other troops) archery.
Membership
October 27 at 7:00 p.m. Register now!
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Troop Camp Training Love camping or want to try it for the first time? Want to go camping with your Troop? Then Troop Camp Training is for you! Completion of Girl Scout Troop Camp Training (TCT) it is required by one adult volunteer in your Troop in order for your girls to go camping. This training is designed to help Girl Scout volunteers prepare themselves and the girls they work with to enjoy outdoor experiences together. Training will introduce progression in the out-of-doors, review camp facilities and provide basic skills for outdoor program. Fire building, outdoor cooking techniques, safety issues and camp rules and regulations are reviewed. This skills-focused training involves one overnight on camp property. $35/per volunteer Food (lunch, dinner and breakfast), training supplies and TCT manual are included in the registration cost. Information on what to wear, bring and know before you come will be emailed to registered participants prior to the event.
Registration is open to registered volunteers only; No tagalongs are permitted. The next TCT will be March 4-5, 2017 at Camp Welaka.
Adult & Leader Highlights
Register Here! Saturday, October 15 - Sunday, October 16 Check in between 9:30-10:00 AM. The class concludes after breakfast and clean-up on Sunday morning. Camp Nocatee, 6009 Flaghole Road Clewiston, FL 33440, Clewiston, FL, 33440
Membership Calendar
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Membership Year Kick-Off Event On August 13th, GSSEF hosted the 2nd Annual Service Unit Kick-Off event at the Oakland Park Service Center. Over 100 volunteers met with staff to celebrate the end of a great 2015-16 Girl Scout year and to gear up for an even bigger 2016-2017 membership year. And of course, no GSSEF event would be complete without a theme—Finding Dory! The Oakland Park Service Center was transformed overnight by Dory, Nemo, Hank and of their friends, complete with the East Australian Current and jelly fish yard. Volunteers and staff donned their finest fishy attire to earn awards for best dressed Service Unit and individual, and some even walked away with a real life squishy fish friend that they have called their own. Fish tales and fun aside, the day was jammed packed with presentations and workshops led by staff on various topics such as the new Volunteer Toolkit, programming tips and tricks, recruitment, policies and procedures and camporee information. Volunteers left feeling empowered to take on the new membership year and continue our Girl Scout mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character.
With this new year, comes some new incentives for Service Units diligently working alongside GSSEF to increase membership.
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As we close out an amazing year with 10,344 girls registered with GSSEF, we are ready to take on our new year with a new goal. Our membership goal for the 2016-2017 year is...drumroll, please…11,000! Girl Scouts of Southeast Florida is equipped with some of the finest volunteers in the state and we are confident that, with your help, we will successfully bring Girl Scouting and all the incredible things it has to offer to those that are ready to join the movement.
Membership
Membership Year 2016-2017
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New 16-17 Service Unit Goal Rewards • All SUs achieving 75% of annual Girl Membership Goal by OCTOBER 31, 2016 will receive: > Custom SU Parade Banner OR $100.00 • All SUs achieving 85% of its annual Girl Membership Goal by DECEMBER 15, 2016 will receive: > Custom SU Parade Banner AND $100.00 • All SUs achieving 100% of its annual Girl Membership Goal by MARCH 31, 2017 will receive: > Lunch with the CEO, for up to 6 members of the SU Leadership Team
My GS Community and the Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) Have you logged into your My GS Community or VTK yet? If not, please do so as soon as possible to take advantage of all the benefits our new system has to offer. In your My GS Community, you’ll be able to view and register for upcoming girl programs and adult trainings as well as manage your household information and memberships. The VTK will allow Troop Leaders to view their rosters, plan their Girl Scout year, organize meetings, AND SO MUCH MORE! Membership
Haven’t received your login information yet? Please email Troop Support at troopsupport@gssef.org.
Celebrating the Founder of Girl Scouts
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Stop by either of the Retail Store locations on Thursday, October 27 and help us celebrate Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday. It’s a great time to check out all the awesome new merchandise in the store. Plus get a free tin with a surprise discount inside (up to 30%). In store only, no phone orders and one per customer. See store for details. And of course, cookies will be served!
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Still Time to Earn $10 Coupon There still time to get all of your Girl Scout gear and earn $10 in our Back to Troop promotion. Now through October 15, 2016, spend $75 or more and receive a $10 coupon to spend on a $25 or more purchase from November 1 to November 18*. The $75 purchase can be made in store or online and must be made in one transaction. *NOTE: The $10 coupons given out at stores can only be used at the store that issues the coupon. $10 coupon codes that are sent to customers who shop 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. A great item to add to your shopping list is a Starter Kit or Essentials Kit that has everything you need to get your Girl Scout year started right. And it includes a super cute drawstring bag while supplies last. Missed Us? No worries, you can shop online 24/7! Visit www.gssef.org/shop
Same Friendly Faces, New and Exciting Roles In the last few weeks, GSSEF has undergone a shift in staff to better align with our new Volunteer Systems. In an effort to ensure that you are contacting the appropriate staff person on the New Member Engagement Team, here’s a quick introduction of who’s who and how to contact them:
Membership Calendar
• Lammy Askar, Director of New Member Engagement, laskar@gssef.org, 954-513-3771 • Jennifer Joyce, Recruitment Specialist for Pegasus, Sea Star, Indian Treasure, Gemini and Phoenix, jjoyce@gssef.org, 561-402-4781 • Demi Clemmons, Recruitment Specialist for Tri-Star, Sunchariot, Leo and Jupiter, dclemmons@gssef.org, 561-676-6403 • Lori Grahn, Recruitment Specialist for Luna, Sandy Beaches, Blazing Star and Everglades, lgrahn@gssef.org, 561-284-2570 • Jeanette Reed Jones, Recruitment Specialist for Kowechobe, Orange Blossom, Atikah and Sunny River, jjones@gssef.org, 561-632-8014 • Lisa Wadley, Recruitment Specialist for Royal Palm, Hibiscus, Magnolia and Wildflower, lwadley@gssef.org, 561-531-3404 • Kim Brunelle, Placement Specialist for Pegasus, Sea Star, Indian Treasure and Gemini, kbrunelle@gssef.org, 561-427-0177 • La Swan Dinson, Placement Specialist for Tri-Star, Sunchariot, Jupiter, Leo and Phoenix, ldinson@gssef.org, 954-739-7660 • Diana Mills, Placement Specialist for Kowechobe, Atikah, Orange Blossom, Sunny River, Sandy Beaches, Blazing Star, Everglades, Royal Palm, Magnolia, Wildflower and Hibiscus, dmills@gssef.org, 954-739-7660
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Fall Product Sale Begins October 1 The 2016 Fall Product Program begins October 1. It is intended to reach family, friends, teachers and neighbors, and will help troops earn money to fund troop programs and activities throughout the year. Girls can also earn brilliant rewards. Why should a troop participate? • Troops earn early start-up dollars to help fund their activities throughout the year. • Plus each girl earn individual recognitions. • The funds help our council sustain and expand our programs for girls and volunteers! • Online option makes it so easy for girls to sell. How much a troop could earn? • $1.00 for every Nut/Candy item sold • $7.00 for every “Save Around” coupon book sold • 12% of the Magazine Subscription sale price • $2.00 per completed Address Book If a troop of ten girls participate and each girl sold 5 Magazine Subscriptions, 24 Nut/Candy Items and 2 “Enjoy the City” Coupon Books - the troop would receive $500 in proceeds! And there is more… Troops participating in the 2016 Fall Product Sale will receive $.04 more for EVERY box cookies sold during the 2017 Cookie Sale. Troops participating as defined below will receive a base proceed of $.69 for every box of cookies sold during the 2017 Cookie Sale.
Troops NOT participating in the 2016 Fall Product Sale or not reaching the established level of participation, will receive a base proceed of $.65 for every box of cookies sold during the 2017 Cookie Sale.
Have more questions? Visit www.gssef.org.
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Not Selling as a Troop? Girls may still individually participate in the Fall Product Sale through the Online Store option. Click here to view and print a fun flyer to share with your girls. It’s easy to participate and the troop still earns proceeds!
Membership
Participation requires the following: • 5 or more girls selling • Combined girls in the troop must have sales of at least 100 Nut/Candy Items, 10 Magazine Subscriptions and 5 “Save Around” Coupon Books OR the troop must have total combined sales of any combination of Nut/Candy Items/Magazine Subscriptions/“Save Around” Coupon Books that are at least $1000.00.
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Fall Product Sale Begins 1 Baby Basics Infant Supply Drive Begins
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the 21 On 22 Green for
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Spooky Movie Mania
Drive Begins Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthday (Founder’s Day)
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Training (TCT) at Camp Telogia