Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas Special Section

I can’t wait to Teach her something new Show her what’s possible Be her role model Help her shine Be a volunteer

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Growing the Sisterhood: Gamma Sigma Pearls and Girls® From a very young age, Irene S. and her family struggled to stay in one place. Irene attended seven different elementary schools and never stayed at one school for more than a year until the ninth grade. It was at Thomas Jefferson High School that she was elected the 2010-2011 president of the inaugural chapter of Gamma Sigma Girls®, a leadership organization championed by Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas.

“Being a part of Gamma Sigma Girls® helped me start finding who I was and helped me make strong friendships in a matter of weeks,” Irene said. “At the end of the year, I was sad to say goodbye, but a new chapter of my life was starting—I was going to college.”

Irene graduated in 2011 with a 3.7 GPA. She now attends Texas State University, where she is studying social work.

Gamma Sigma Girls®, a unique leadership development series for high school-aged girls, began as a pilot program in 2010 through a partnership with San Antonio ISD. It has since expanded from 250 girls on 10 campuses to more than 1,650 girls across 36 campuses in five area school districts, including Edgewood ISD, Harlandale ISD, San Antonio ISD, Southwest ISD and Uvalde Consolidated ISD. Gamma Sigma Pearls, the “younger sister” focus of Gamma Sigma Girls®, serves middle school girls in the targeted school districts to retain the interest of at-risk students in academic and leadership excel-

lence. These chapters serve as a feeder program into Gamma Sigma Girls® to provide a continuum of services throughout a girl’s high school years.

Currently, there is an evident gap in distressed neighborhoods in the availability of all-girl programs that equip girls with the knowledge and self-confidence to make sound decisions, act with integrity and inspire others. These areas demonstrate significantly high rates of teen pregnancy, school dropouts and youth substance abuse, which can be primarily attributed to unsupervised time before and after school.

Bianca R., a Gamma Sigma Girl® at Young Women’s Leadership Academy, shared her concerns over the dwindling numbers of classmates who began school with her freshman year. “I am now going to be a senior and almost all of the girls in the senior class are in my Gamma Sigma Girls® chapter,” Bianca said. “We are on track to graduate this year.”

The Gamma Sigma program is a leadership development opportunity that combines the proven outcomes of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience with a college sorority-type setting, targeting girls who have a limited history of Girl Scouting in their families. The program brings girls together through the bond of sisterhood and allows them to explore common interests in a safe space while focusing on advocacy, taking action and being college-bound.

“Gamma Sigma Girls® meant being a leader for the first time, or at least having a leadership title— something that told others I was a leader rather than them having to figure it out on their own,” Irene said. “It meant having friends that had similar values and goals. Having a team, that was like a family.”

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An important component in the Gamma Sigma project is that of Take Action service projects.

Through these projects, girls learn leadership skills by planning and facilitating service learning activities to benefit others.

Bianca’s chapter produced a gala to raise funds for a battered women’s shelter. In 2012, they raised nearly $2,000 for the cause.

Bianca’s role as gala coordinator inspired her to pursue a college degree in hotel management and hospitality.

Gamma Sigma participants serve as ambassadors and role models on their respective campuses and throughout their school districts.

Through program activities, Gamma Sigma Pearls and Girls® are rising as leaders throughout the community.

WIDENING OUR REACH: West Side Girl Scout Leadership Center

In partnership with the city of San Antonio, Edgewood ISD and the Westside Development Corporation, Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas expanded its footprint on San Antonio’s west side in October 2012 by signing a three-year lease to use 39,000 square feet of the former Coronado-Escobar Elementary School, including the gym, cafeteria, green space and playground.

The organization’s vision was to establish a West Side Girl Scout Leadership Center that would provide an array of holistic services and programs for girls and their families. The center contributes to the economic development of the West side of San Antonio while delivering Girl Scout programs to girls and adult leadership development opportunities for their families.

The West Side Girl Scout Leadership Center represents a major expansion and a $2 million investment over 3 years in the West side community.

The center now hosts troop meetings and houses a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and robotics lab, MacBook Learning Lab, Girl Genius tutoring lab, a volunteer resource center and rooms for each membership level from Girl Scout Daisies to Gamma Sigma Pearls and Girls®.

Last summer, Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas hosted the

The West Side Girl Scout Leadership Center is unique in its focus on comprehensive family services, strengthening parents and guardians so they can support their daughters’ leadership development, largely through partnerships with area agencies.

first-ever Camp Metro at the center. These eight weeks of day camps give girls the opportunity to spend time bonding with

Parents and guardians also benefit from a wide array of adult de-

others in their age bracket while focusing on the arts, healthy

velopment courses in financial literacy, parenting styles, com-

eating, positive self-esteem and being active.

munication, computer skills and adult GED preparation.

WITH YOUR HELP: Volunteers Needed We all have a role to play in helping girls obtain a successful future.

What is yours?

As a Girl Scout volunteer, you belong to a network of nearly one million adults who share an important commitment: preparing girls to lead successful lives. You'll serve as a partner and role model to girls, discover your own skills and abilities, meet new people and "learn by doing" alongside girls at every step.

Girl Scout troops have always been a special part of girls' lives in kindergarten and elementary school. Troops offer girls the power and joy of teaming up, trying new things and creating their own adventures—all while making the world a better place.

OTHER WOMEN WHO MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

Trefoil Honorees For more than 25 years, Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas has selected an outstanding woman and dedicated community leader who embodies the beliefs and principles of the Girl Scout Movement.

This exceptional woman is presented with the celebrated Trefoil Award.

Though a girl can certainly participate in Girl Scouting without following the troop pathway, the traditional troop atmosphere cannot occur without the required number of volunteers to lead it. Will you answer this call?

Cyndi Taylor Krier-1988 Irene S. Wischer-1989 Edith S. McAllister-1990 Mary Nan West-1991 Elizabeth H. Maddux-1992

As a volunteer, you'll introduce girls to new experiences that show them they're capable of more than they ever imagined.

You'll be their cheerleader, guide and mentor, helping them develop the skills and confidence that will last long after the meeting is over. Imagine the smiles, the excitement, the memories made—those are the moments you'll share at Girl Scouts.

The Girl Scout program—what girls do in Girl Scouting—is based on the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, a national model that helps girls become leaders in their own lives and as they grow. No matter where girls live or what their age or background, as Girl Scouts they are part of a powerful national experience. As they build leadership skills, they also develop lifelong friendships and earn meaningful awards, two of many treasured traditions in the sisterhood of Girl Scouting. But they can’t do it without your help.

Josephine Musselman-1993 Sally Cheever-1994 Aaronetta H. Pierce-1995 Amy Freeman Lee-1996 Suzy Finesilver-1997 Janey Briscoe-1998 Charline McCombs-1999 Veronica Salazar Escobedo-2000 Jocelyn L. Straus-2001 Vikki Carr-2002 Rosemary Kowalski-2003 Lila Cockrell-2004 Nancy Zachry-2005

More than 95 percent of adult members in the local council are unpaid volunteers who do everything from navigating the state-of-the-art Mobile Leadership Center, to conducting troop meetings and managing administrative work. Whether you have one weekend a year or several nights per week to contribute to the cause of furthering girl leadership, Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas has a place for you.

There is no Girl Scouting without Girl Scout volunteers. Be the role model she'll always remember. Volunteer today! For more information and to register as an adult member, visit girlscouts.org/volunteer.

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Nancy Loeffler-2006 Jimmie Ruth Evans-2007 Dela W. White-2008 Linda Whitacre-2009 Harriet Marmon Helmle-2010 Suzanne C. Goudge-2011 Esperanza “Hope” Andrade-2012 Carri Baker Wells-2013

We Celebrate Volunteers Thank you for leading with courage, confidence and character.

Thank you for committing yourself, every day, to being the leader girls aspire to be and the leader that girls need you to be.

Thank you for proudly embracing your role as a leader of the Girl Scout Movement. Thank you for being the leader behind the leaders.

Girl Scout Leader's Day on April 22 honors all volunteers who work in partnership with girls to make the world a better place. Without a paycheck or fanfare, Girl Scout volunteers devote themselves to girl leadership.

They put in long hours, stay patient as girls lead their own activities and bring fun and spirit to everything girls do.

Girl Scout volunteers are making a difference today, one girl at a time.

CALLING ALL COOKIE LOVERS! Did you grab last year’s first-ever Girl Scout cookie Fiesta® medal?

Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas invites you to Fiesta® with this year’s cookie—the Trefoil!

The second in this five-cookie series, the Trefoil is a delicate-tasting shortbread depicting the traditional Girl Scout profiles. Which cookie will next year’s medal depict?

Celebrate the Girl Scout Cookie Program, a $790 million girl-led business, by collecting them all!

Girl Scout cookie Fiesta® medals are available at the Fiesta® Store and the Girl Scout Shop at the Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center (811 N. Coker Loop, San Antonio, Texas 78216).

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Going for Gold:

Achieving Girl Scouting’s Highest Award The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest and most prestigious award that a Girl Scout can receive. When a girl chooses to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, she begins developing herself as a leader and making a mark that leaves a lasting impact on the lives of others through a minimum of 80 hours dedicated to community service.

Girl Scout Gold Award recipients are part of an elite group of women who embody leadership and leave behind a sustainable legacy. Since 1916, the best and brightest have embarked on projects that improve their communities— and the world.

Gold Award Recipient: Kate Goudge,

special education teacher, Teach for America Corps (Brooklyn, NY) Kate developed a passion for specialneeds children after working for Children’s Association for Maximum Potential (CAMP), a camp for children and adults with disabilities and special health care needs in Center Point. She raised $500 to purchase new craft supplies and transform the art room into a clean, organized and functioning space for the children.

“I really learned how to be a leader while completing my Gold Award,” Kate said. “For the first time I had to come up with a budget, fundraise, organize volunteers and oversee a task list all on my own.”

During her first year attending Vanderbilt University, Kate found the project management experience gained through her Gold Award project gave her a sense of confidence managing group projects.

“As I entered Teach For America in New York, there was a high need for special education teachers,” she said. “While many of my peers felt uncomfortable with these roles, CAMP had instilled a passion in serving in this community. In many of my interviews I was able to talk about CAMP and my work there, which helped me land my job as a special educator.”

Kate said the Gold Award process is an invaluable experience for a girl to have. The project management and people skills gained may lead to discovering one’s passion in life.

“It is something that can really increase your confidence and knowledge of the world.”

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STEPS TO COMPLETING YOUR GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD PROJECT

1. CHOOSE AN ISSUE

Use your values and skills to choose a community issue that you care about.

2. INVESTIGATE

Use your sleuthing skills to learn everything you can about the issue you’ve identified.

3. GET HELP

Invite other people to join your team to support your efforts and help you take action.

4. CREATE A PLAN

Create a plan that outlines the best use of your time, talent and resources, making the most with what you have.

THE PLAN 5. PRESENT AND GET FEEDBACK Girl Scout council approval is required before you can continue working on your project.

Gold Award Recipient: Clarisa Medina,

global studies student, St. Mary’s College (Notre Dame, IN) For her Gold Award project, Clarisa designed a camp for girls in middle school called “Run the World.” The camp aimed to inspire students to seek careers in leadership positions, protect themselves in situations of danger, pique their interest in math and science and educate them on world issues to be empowered to effect change.

“I believe that I was able to make a difference in young girls’ lives,” Clarisa said. “I taught all the young women at the camp all I know about being a good person and being a Girl Scout.”

When applying to college, Clarisa’s Girl Scout Gold Award was one of the factors in her receipt of the Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholarship, a 10-year, all-expenses-paid scholarship to any college in the United States.

TAKE ACTION

6.

Lead your team, carry out your plan. If you hit a speed bump along the way, learn from it and find ways to adjust.

EDUCATE AND INSPIRE

7.

Tell your story and share your results. You can inspire someone who has never before considered taking action to do something!

Girl Scout Gold Award projects are not “one shot”—they create lasting change. You can ensure a lasting project by setting clear timelines, collaborating with community organizations, building alliances with adults and mentors and keeping good records. Sustainability often involves influencing others to pitch in!

GOLD AWARD FACTS & FIGURES

“When I attended a conference for scholarship recipients, I found out that scholarship programs focused greatly on selflessness and giving back to the community, which was something I learned a very long time ago from my family and through my Girl Scouting career,” she said. “Receiving my Gold Award has impacted my life personally by making me feel like I can accomplish anything I put my mind to.”

Girl Scout Going for Gold: Olivia Martin,

Girl Scout Ambassador and homeschooled student (San Antonio) Inspired by her personal experience while her mother was diagnosed with Stage III breast cancer, Olivia wrote a booklet and conducted workshops for children facing the same obstacles.

“C is for Cancer: A Guide for Children Whose Family Members Have Cancer” provides a means to comfort and inform children during a cancer patient’s treatment and recovery.

“I learned how to identify a problem in the community and take action to solve it by writing ‘C is for Cancer,’ conducting workshops, gathering a team and directing them,” Olivia said.

“I also learned how to communicate with my team members to ensure they understood our issue, the project and their roles.”

Because she worked closely with several doctors and adults in the medical arena, Olivia made sure to meet deadlines and give clear instruction to avoid confusion and revisions.

“By earning the Gold Award, Girl Scouts are able to make a large difference in their community by advocating whatever issue concerns them the most and by completing a sustainable project to solve it,” she said. “The Gold Award gives girls a sense of leadership, accomplishment and personal improvement.”

“C is for Cancer” has been featured in the San Antonio Express-News and the website of the University of Texas Health Science Center Cancer Therapy Research Center.

Gold Award recipients spend between one and two years on their projects.

In nearly 100 years, one million girls have earned the Gold Award or its equivalent.

Gold Award recipients who join the armed services enter at one rank higher than other recruits.

University research indicates that adding Gold Award to a college application is a critical element in the admissions-decision process.

Making all the Difference: 5 Business Patch Partners What could the future workforce accomplish if all businesses—large and small—took a vested interest in advancing female leadership today? By investing in a girl’s success at an early age, each of us plays a vital role in ensuring the future of the community and the country is in good hands.

With a combined contribution of $150,000 to Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas, CPS Energy, H-E-B, SWBC, Valero Energy Corporation and Wells Fargo have all taken the lead in supporting innovative patch programs for each company’s area of expertise.

CPS Energy and Environmental Awareness

SWBC and Envision Your Future Building Leaders “At SWBC, we are proud that seven out of 19 company divisions are led by women,” said Susan Stewart, president and CEO of SWBC Mortgage. “We want to encourage all young ladies to dream big and pursue their dreams.”

By participating in hands-on activities through SWBC’s Envision Your Future Building Leaders Initiative, girls see that being leaders in their community is possible when they already possess the skills necessary to be entrepreneurs.

Valero Energy Corporation and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)

Through CPS Energy’s Environmental Awareness Initiative, girls learn that reversing environmental threats and improving quality of life is the work of their generation.

When today’s girls graduate from college, America will need 3 million more scientists and engineers. Yet, girls tend to leave science to boys as early as the fifth grade.

“All young leaders, particularly young women, need to know how important it is to the economy and the environment to use energy wisely,” said Carolyn Shellman, executive vice president and general counsel at CPS Energy. “We’re excited that Girl Scouts has developed a curriculum to let girls take a leadership role in this area.”

Women continue to have a greater impact in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math than ever before. Whether they’re building robots, learning the mechanics of a car’s engine or creating a chemical reaction, girls are unlocking unexpected talents through Valero Energy Corporation’s STEM Initiative.

H-E-B and Healthy Living According to “Beauty Redefined,” a 2009 study by the Girl Scout Research Institute, 31 percent of girls ages 13-17 admit to starving themselves or refusing to eat as a strategy to lose weight, yet the percentage of overweight girls has more than doubled in the past 25 years.

Girl Scouts recognizes that physical health, emotional health and self-esteem are connected. H-E-B’s Healthy Living Initiative educates girls about keeping bodies healthy, minds engaged and spirits alive.

Wells Fargo and Financial Literacy Wells Fargo’s Financial Literacy Initiative provides girls the resources and knowledge to set fiscal goals and become financially accountable when earning and managing money.

“Our Women’s Team Member Network is really the group of volunteers that has taken this on for Wells Fargo,” said Jennifer Moriarty, vice president of community development for Wells Fargo Bank. “They’ve provided hundreds of hours delivering the financial literacy program to Girl Scouts.”

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Who We Are

Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is dedicated solely to girls between the ages of 5 and 17. For 100 years we have enabled girls to build character and skills for success.

Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas (GSSWT) is chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA to provide programs in 21 counties. We are headquartered at the Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center in north central San Antonio. The leadership center includes a Girl Scout Shop, Resource Center, a large multi-purpose room for programs and overnights, and plenty of meeting rooms.

TO VISIT OR CONTACT GSSWT

• Founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low • More than 3.2 million members throughout the United States* (*including U.S. territories, and in more than 90 countries through USA Girl Scouts Overseas)

Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center 811 N Coker Loop | San Antonio, TX 78216 Phone 210-349-2404 | 1-800-580-7247 Fax 210-349-2666

• GSUSA is a member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS)

West Side Girl Scout Leadership Center 5622 W. César E. Chávez Blvd. | San Antonio, TX 78237 Phone 210-319-5775 | 1-800-580-7247 Fax 210-349-2666

• WAGGGS is a family of 10 million girls and adults in 145 countries

HOW TO BECOME A GIRL SCOUT Call 210-349-2404/1-800-580-7247 or visit girlscouts-swtx.org to find out about Girl Scouts in your neighborhood!

Q: What happens after a girl becomes a Girl Scout?

A: When a girl joins the organization, she becomes a Girl Scout member. All members may choose any one, all, or some of the flexible pathways to participate in during a single year.

• Be a girl in grades K-12 • Accept the Girl Scout Promise and Law • Pay national membership dues of $15 (financial assistance is available)

Q: How can I support my daughter’s Girl Scout journey?

PARTICIPATE IN GIRL SCOUTS THROUGH ONE OR MORE PATHWAYS: CAMP. By day or overnight, she can explore nature on two wheels, by the light of the moon or through the lens of a camera.

EVENTS. Most girls have more than one passion—maybe storytelling and acting or dancing. Choose events centered on your daughter’s favorites.

SERIES. Everything’s more fun when you’re sharing it with others who love the same things. Our series let girls explore interests together in a way that fits their schedules.

TRAVEL. Want your daughter to go places? Girl Scouts do.

When they see and experience new things, it’s always an adventure they’ll never forget.

TROOP. Meeting regularly, girls can share amazing experiences, learn to make a difference in their community and have lots of fun!

GIRL SCOUT GRADE LEVELS: GSUSA program at all levels emphasizes development of personal values, appreciation of others, decision-making, leadership and service. Program is adapted for each grade level and for the needs and interests of individual girls.

• • • • • •

Frequently Asked Questions

Girl Scout Daisy—grades Kindergarten-1 Girl Scout Brownie—grades 2-3 Girl Scout Junior—grades 4-5 Girl Scout Cadette—grades 6-8 Girl Scout Senior—grades 9-10 Girl Scout Ambassador—grades 11-12

GIRL SCOUTS OFFERS MORE CHOICES AND MORE REASONS THAN EVER TO JOIN. GET STARTED TODAY!

A: Parents/guardians should be familiar with the flexible pathways your daughter can experience. Help her identify her interests and encourage her to participate in various activities. All of the information a parent needs to support their daughter’s Girl Scout journey may be found at girlscouts-swtx.org.

Q: Where do funds come from to pay for books, pins and awards?

A: Through participation in product sales, such as the annual Girl Scout Cookie Program, which provides troops or individual girls with proceeds to help pay for books, earned awards, or uniform pieces. Proceeds may also be used to pay for attendance at camp or to travel, as well as various activities offered by the council. Parents/guardians of girls will often pay some of the costs. If a troop is newly formed, a troop leader may request a small amount from the parents to begin the program year. Limited financial assistance for books, membership pins and uniform components is available.

Q: Are uniforms required in Girl Scouting?

A: Uniforms are not required, but are encouraged for visibility and Girl Scout spirit. A girl is always welcome to participate in Girl Scouting whether or not she chooses to have a uniform. The Girl Scout Membership Pin can be worn with or without the uniform. Girls are encouraged to purchase a sash or vest on which to display earned awards and other official insignia. Limited financial assistance is available.

Q: Is financial assistance available?

A: Yes. GSSWT believes no girl should ever be denied the opportunity to participate in Girl Scouts because of financial need. Funds are available to assist girls with council activities, membership dues, books, etc.

Q: Who can be a Girl Scout volunteer?

A: Anyone over the age of 18 and willing to accept the Girl Scout Promise and Law is welcome to volunteer for the organization. Adults go through the following steps when applying to become Girl Scout volunteers: application with criminal background check, appointment for one year, placement and required training. GSSWT offers adult learning opportunities online and in a live class format to provide volunteers with a solid foundation for guiding the leadership development of girls.

Q: Whom do I contact for information or help?

A: Much information may be found online at girlscouts-swtx.org, or call your Girl Scout staff liaison at 210-349-2404/1-800-580-7247.

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