Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska Individual Girl Member (IGM) Guide

Individual Girl Member (IGM) Guide

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In Girl Scouts,

we build girls who are not only dreamers, but also doers.

We believe all girls should be go-getters, innovators, risk-takers, and leaders who make the world better.

Because, if we’re going to change the world, it’s up to us to take the lead!

I have the grit of a

I have the curiosity of an

GO-GETTER.

INNOVATOR.

I don’t just dream. I do. I know what is required to achieve my goals. And nothing will stop me from getting right back up – again and again.

I don’t just share ideas, I solve problems. I find connections and look for opportunities to make my world, your world, and our world better.

I have the courage of a

I have the heart of a

RISK-TAKER.

LEADER.

I’m not fearless. I’m just confident that I can handle whatever comes my way. Every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow.

I’m not a great leader because I have power over others. What makes me a great leader is my power to inspire others’ greatness.

WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF THE

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About the Individual Girl Member (IGM) Program An Individual Girl Member or IGM is any girl who signs up to be a Girl Scout without the commitment of joining a troop. It’s a Girl Scouting experience that’s custom made just for you! It’s a great way to mix and match your unique interests with group participation – events, programs or camps, leadership development, travel opportunities, and more that teach you new skills and spark your interests.

IGMs are busy, independent, self-confident girls and young women who want to be a part of something larger – Girl Scouts! Meeting in troops is one way to be a part of the Girl Scout experience, but when there aren’t available troops in your area, your troop no longer meets, or you become too busy with extracurricular activities or sports, becoming an IGM will allow you to continue your Girl Scout experience on an individual basis.

The IGM program is available to all girls in Kindergarten through 12th grade. It is especially popular for girls ages 11–17 who love the Girl Scout program but are very busy with other activities. It’s a way to stay connected and fulfill your Girl Scout dreams without making a long-term commitment to a troop.

As an IGM, you may participate in everything that is open to your grade level. You may attend all councilsponsored programs such as events, year-round camp experiences, and travel opportunities. You can also take part in council-sponsored, money-earning activities to help pay for Girl Scout events and activities.

As an IGM, you won’t attend troop meetings; instead, you will work on Girl Scout programs with a parent or another adult mentor. You decide what activities to participate in and which earned recognitions/awards you wish to complete. IGMs can earn the Journey awards and badges as well as the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.

Becoming an IGM will help you continue your own personal leadership adventure!

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About Girl Scouts Girl Scouts prepares girls for life and has been doing so for over 100 years! When you participate in Girl Scouts, you join a fellowship of more than 3.2 million girls and adults in the United States (and more than 10 million worldwide).

Girl Scouts helps girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together.

Founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, Georgia, Girl Scouts is a non-profit organization chartered by the United States Congress. Based on sound ethical values, Girl Scouting is a movement that provides opportunities for girls to learn and work in partnership with adult volunteers. The Girl Scout Promise and the Girl Scout Law are the guiding principles upon which Girl Scouts is founded. These principals are stated in the opening passages of the Girl Scout organizational constitution.

We are a girl-led, girl-only organization helping girls focus on three keys to leadership (discover, connect, take action). Through those “keys,” you will:

Discover your special skills and

talents, find the confidence to set challenging goals for yourself, and strive to live by your values. This includes being proud of where you came from as well as where you’re going.

Connect with others, which means

you’ll learn how to team up, solve conflicts, and have healthy relationships. These skills help you in school right now and will prepare you for any career you choose in the future.

Take Action

to make the world a better place, and learn a lot about your community and the world along the way.

Juliette Gordon Low

Consider This...

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Our goal is to create a society in which every girl has the opportunity to achieve her leadership potential. Our distinguished alums are proof of our leadership development program!

69%

of female U.S. Senators and 67% of U.S. Representatives were Girl Scouts.

80%

of female business owners in the U.S. were Girl Scouts.

90%

of all female U.S. astronauts who've flown in outer space were Girl Scouts.

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Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) The National Leadership Journeys and The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting (see page 10) are two components that make up the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) and the National Program Portfolio. Combined with the Cookie Program, travel experiences, and Girl Scout awards, the GSLE is designed to help girls everywhere develop as leaders and build confidence by learning new skills. It also ensures that Girl Scouts at every level are sharing a powerful, national experience – girls together changing the world!

Four Pillars of the GSLE

GSLE

1. STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) – Girl Scouts who participate in girl-focused STEM programs get better grades, earn scholarships, and pursue more lucrative career paths.

2. Outdoors – As a Girl Scout, she will create her own outdoor adventures and develop a lifelong appreciation for nature.

3. Life Skills – Whether it’s by staying healthy, developing strong relationships, or advocating for others, Girl Scouts gain the inspiration and skills needed to accept challenges, overcome obstacles, and take the lead.

4. entrepreneurship – The Girl Scout Cookie Program is an important (and exciting) part of the Girl Scout experience – providing tons of learning opportunities for girls.

Five Outcomes of the GSLE When girls participate in Girl Scouts, they benefit in five important ways: 1. SENSE OF SELF – Girls have confidence in themselves and their abilities, and form positive identities.

2. POSITIVE VALUES – Girls act ethically, honestly, and responsibly, and show concern for others.

3. CHALLENGE SEEKING – Girls learn to take appropriate risks, try new things, and learn from mistakes.

4. COMMUNITY PROBLEM SOLVING – Girls desire to contribute to the world in purposeful and meaningful ways, learn how to identify problems in the community, and create “action plans” to solve them.

5. HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS – Girls develop and maintain healthy relationships by resolving conflicts constructively and communicating their feelings directly.

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What is the Impact of Girl Scouts?

Research demonstrates that Girl Scouts is linked to success! According to The Girl Scout Impact Study, Girl Scouts shine above their peers in leadership, academics, career aspirations, and hope for the future.

When it comes to benefiting girls, Girl Scouts delivers.

4 IN 5 Girl Scouts are leaders compared to 2 in 5 non-Girl Scouts

SUPPORTIVE ADULT RELATIONSHIPS Girl Scouts are more likely than non-Girl Scouts to have an adult in their lives who:

ACTIVITY PARTICIPATION Girl Scouts are more likely than non-Girl Scouts to participate in: •• Healthy activities, like exercise and eating right

•• Makes her feel important

•• Leadership activities when working in a group

•• Makes her feel she can do anything

•• Community service activities, like volunteering

•• Helps her pursue goals and plan for the future

•• Outdoor activities, like hiking or camping

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT Girl Scouts are more likely than non-Girl Scouts to: •• Earn excellent grades

•• Money management activities, like how to spend and save •• STEM activities, like science experiments and building robots

•• Expect to graduate high school

ACTIVE LEARNING

•• Expect to graduate college

Girl Scouts are more likely than non-Girl Scouts to:

HOPE FOR SUCCESS Girl Scouts are more likely than non-Girl Scouts to: •• Expect to have a great future

•• Work collaboratively with others on group projects •• Engage in hands-on activities and reflect on what worked/didn’t work •• Take an active role in decision making

METHODOLOGY: An online survey was conducted by the research firm Decision Analyst and consisted of 3,014 girls (1,507 Girl Scouts, 1,507 non-Girl Scouts) aged 5–18. Quotas were set by age, race/ethnicity, region, and family income to achieve a nationally representative sample. For more information, contact gsresearch@girlscouts.org.

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Membership Dues Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), our national organization, requires a $25 nonrefundable annual fee to register as a girl or adult member. This payment goes directly to GSUSA headquarters in New York to provide program development and council support services.

Registered members are covered by GSUSA’s accident insurance when participating in Girl Scout activities (other than extended trips lasting two nights or longer, when additional insurance is required).

Parents, guardians, and other adults are also invited to become members of the Girl Scout movement.

Girl Scout Mission Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

Girl Scout Promise On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

Girl Scout Law I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

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Financial Aid Financial aid is available to cover membership dues for girls who are unable to pay. In this way, we are committed to providing all girls the opportunity to participate in Girl Scouts. Financial Aid is also available to girls for handbooks, program fees, travel opportunities, and summer camp.

Uniforms and Insignia Girl Scouts of all ages and levels are encouraged to wear uniforms.

Wearing a uniform is a century-old tradition and makes Girl Scouts easily identifiable in public, reinforces a sense of belonging, and creates a feeling of unity among members.

The formal uniform includes a white shirt, khaki pants, and either a tunic, sash, or vest. It is required when representing Girl Scouts or the Girl Scout Movement. A tunic, sash, or vest over regular clothing is acceptable for most occasions, such as troop meetings or at cookie booths. The tunic, sash, or vest also serves as a place for displaying badges and patches (see next page) and may be purchased at any Juliette's Boutique or online.

What Program Level is for Me? To ensure the best experience for each Girl Scout, programming is divided by grade level. GIrl Scouts available to all girls in Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Daisy................................ Grades K-1 Brownie.......................... Grades 2-3 Junior.............................. Grades 4-5 Cadette........................... Grades 6-8 Senior.............................. Grades 9-10 Ambassador................. Grades 11-12

Ambassadors SENIORs CADETTEs JUNIORs Brownies DaisIES Learn they can care for animals and themselves, and protect Earth’s treasures.

Go on a quest to find the three keys to leadership.

They explore their place in the wide world of girls.

Learn that leaders need power – their own, their team’s and their community’s.

Juniors are encouraged to earn their Bronze Award.

Develop relationship skills needed to be leaders in their life and their world.

Cadettes are encouraged to earn their Silver Award.

Have a vision and lead the world closer to it.

Girls use their sisterhood to better themselves and the world.

Seniors are encouraged to earn their Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting.

Raise their voices to advocate for issues they care about.

They actively move their dreams forward and learn that leaders aim for justice They are encouraged to earn their Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting.

The Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting (GGGS) is a colorful, easy-to-use binder that is specially designed for Girl Scouts at each grade level. It holds a handbook, information on bridging, the Bronze/Silver/Gold awards, Girl Scout history, traditions, and much more! It also helps girls tie their badges and Journeys together to create an amazing experience! This is a great tool for Individual Girl Members to use as they accomplish all of their Girl Scouting goals!

Girls can go through any of the age-appropriate Journeys in any order that they choose. Each amazing book has its own set of awards and a corresponding adult guide. Girl Scouts of the USA designed the Journeys books after extensive research into what girls want – making these books customizable, flexible, and tailored to girls' interests. Girls may work with an adult to determine the format for their Journey.

As an IGM, decide how long you'd like the Journey to last, what you’d like the Journey to be about, what type of field trips to take, and which experts to add. In this way, each Journey can be personal, intriguing, and educational.

Badge vs. Patch: What’s the Difference?

Badges

Patches

Official recognitions that indicate an increase in knowledge or skill in a particular subject. Badges can be earned at every age level, and should be placed on the front of the tunic, sash, or vest.

Emblems signifying participation in a Girl Scout program, event, or activity.

Patches are placed on the back of the tunic, sash, or vest. Think of it as a scrapbook of Girl Scout experiences.

Council-Sponsored Programs There are so many ways to be involved in Girl Scouting!

Each year, we publish the Annual Program Book and the Girl’s Guide to Summer Fun – two publications full of events, travel, and camp opportunities. Council-sponsored programs are designed to enhance the Girl Scouting experience and developed for specific grade-levels.

We have six camp properties located across the state and offer a variety of camp programs that include swimming, archery, challenge courses, horseback riding, and much more! We have camps to fit every girl’s level of experience: week-long day camps for camp beginners, 2-3 day mini-resident camps for girls who are ready for a short getaway, and week-long resident camps for girls who want a camp adventure!

Register for these programs and activities on our website at GirlScoutsNebraska.org. Whatever your interests are, you’ll find something to explore and discover!

Participating in Girl Scout Product Programs as an IGM Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska offers two annual product programs – the Fall Product Program and the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Girl Scout Product Programs teach girls about goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. Girl Scout IGMs can participate in both programs. Proceeds earned through the product programs can offset most or all of the cost of Girl Scout activities!

Girls earn recognitions based on the total items sold during the program.

IGMs also earn funds as Cookie Dough or Nut Bucks, which can be redeemed for any statewide council-sponsored program or camp; Travel Bucks or GSUSA Destinations (excluding required cash deposits); or for purchases in any Juliette’s Boutique or Camp Trading Post.

Product Program funds also help support the overall operation of the Spirit of Nebraska council. Properties, equipment, adult training, program activities, insurance, and administrative support to volunteers are all important parts of the Girl Scout program and are funded in part by the product programs.

Girls must adhere to Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska policies and procedures during the programs. As a Girl Scout Individual Girl Member, you will receive information inviting you to participate in product programs directly from the council.

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YWE Programs The Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska YWE programs were specifically designed for high school Girl Scouts. Our YWE programs focus on helping high-school girls develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills while in an all-female environment.

YWEAchieve Young Women Entrepreneurs achieve During this three-day camp, Girl Scouts from across the state come together to learn how to see the world through the lens of a business owner and awaken their inner entrepreneur.

Girls will take leadership, college prep, finance, and non-profit management classes from UNO faculty. They will also have the opportunity to meet with local business owners and employees of one of Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska's corporate sponsors!

Girls will end the camp by putting their newfound knowledge and skills to the test in a business challenge.

YWECamp Young Women executives camp S'mores, zipline rides, and dance parties are all part of the fun of YWECamp! Apply for camp to have all of those experiences AND to hang out with your very own mentor. Throughout the week, girls and their mentors will bond over physical challenges, stories, and shared experiences. And the best part? It's all the fun of camping without the tents or sleeping on the ground. YWECamp is the best place to discover yourself and others!

YWE3Lead Young Women Engage, Empower, Educate and Lead At this program, high school girls from across the state will come together to network with one another, learn from and interact with female leaders from various industries, and participate in a community service project.

The highlight of the day is a keynote speech delivered to the whole group by a woman who has known great success in her field, while the rest of the day is composed of smaller group activities. Throughout the day, girls will learn to harness their inner-awesome to achieve great things and make their dreams come true!

GSAG (Girl Scout Advisory Group) The Girl Scout Advisory Group (GSAG) is a statewide group of Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scouts who serve as the voice for all girls in our council. These girls have their fingers on the pulse of today’s teen community, they are passionate about raising their voices, and they are activists who want to shape the council with their feedback. They are eager to enhance their own leadership skills while promoting Girl Scouting and its mission. GSAG girls help design and facilitate Girl Scouts Programs, act as role models to younger girls, and volunteer at special events like Girl Awards and artVenture. The work girls do with GSAG make an impact on their community – both inside and outside of Girl Scouts – and help set them apart on scholarships and job applications. GSAG meets once a month in each service center area. For more information about the opportunity to join, please contact MemberSupport@girlscoutsnebraska.org.

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Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards In 1980, Girl Scouts introduced the Girl Scout Gold and Silver Awards as its highest honors for specific grade levels. To earn these awards, girls must prepare for and complete a special project benefiting their communities. Based on requests from Juniors, the Girl Scout Bronze Award was introduced in 2001. Today, these awards are a highlight of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, and we honor the recipients every spring at Girl Awards ceremonies across the state.

The Bronze Award recognizes that a Girl Scout Junior has gained the

leadership and planning skills required to complete a project that makes a positive difference in her community. Girls earn the award by completing a Journey and creating a Take Action project based on their observations of a local issue. As the girl pursues her project, she learns about sustainability, gains a deeper perspective of the wider world, and discusses how others may experience the same problem that her project helped resolve. A Girl Scout commits to spending about 20 hours to build her team; explore her community; choose and plan her project; put her plan in motion; and spread the word to educate and inspire others.

The Silver Award

symbolizes a Cadette’s accomplishments in Girl Scouting and community activities as she matures and works to better her life and the lives of others.

To earn this award, a Girl Scout completes a Journey and creates a Take Action project that improves her neighborhood or local community. Girls invest a minimum of 50 hours in their project. She focuses on an issue she cares about; builds a team; explores her community; picks, plans, and puts her Take Action project into action; demonstrates an understanding of sustainability and the wider world; and shares what she has learned with others.

The Gold Award

, the highest award in Girl Scouts, focuses on Seniors’ and Ambassadors’ interests through leadership skills and service. Fulfilling the requirements starts with completing two Senior or Ambassador Journeys, or having earned the Silver Award and completing one Senior or Ambassador Journey. Each Journey gives a girl the skills needed to plan and implement her Take Action project. After fulfilling the Journey requirements, 80 hours are invested to complete the project. Find an online training video about the Gold Award process on our website. The council also conducts Journey/Gold Award Workshops through the state, which are listed in the Annual Program Book.

Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska supports the efforts of girls pursuing their Gold Award to secure funding via online avenues. The council will co-sponsor Facebook events for girls working on their Gold Award and will promote a Gold Award applicant’s GoFundMe page, or similar effort, with one post on the council’s primary social media platforms. To arrange a social media promotion, please contact Member Support at MemberSupport@girlscoutsnebraska.org.

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Program Aide (PA) and Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Older Girl Scouts have the opportunity to expand their leadership and mentoring skills by working with younger Girl Scouts as a Program Aide or as a Counselor-in-Training.

Program Aide (PA) Program Aides are Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador girls who have a desire to help and empower Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors at a day camp, a councilsponsored program, or with a troop.

In order to become a Program Aide, girls will attend a learning session to prepare them to lead songs, games, ceremonies, and more! To earn the PA certificate and pin, girls must help as a PA in six experiences.

Counselor-inTraining (CIT) Counselors-in-Training are Senior and Ambassador girls who have a passion for the outdoors and want to develop their leadership skills in a camp setting.

Girls will attend a learning session where they learn how to work with younger Girl Scouts at camp. In order to earn the CIT pin, girls must help at two camp experiences, consisting of at least two days and one overnight. This is a great experience for any girl who aspires to be a future Camp Counselor at any one of our amazing camps!

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Parent Information As a Girl Scout, your girl will...

•• Experience a sense of belonging by being a member of the world’s largest voluntary organization for girls.

•• Have fun with a purpose.

•• Prepare for her future through career explorations, community service, and skill building.

•• Develop leadership skills and self-awareness while building confidence and self-esteem.

•• Participate in educationally sound and challenging projects.

•• Voice what’s important to her.

•• Gain an understanding and appreciation of many people and cultures.

•• Strengthen her understanding of herself and the world around her through the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

Your Role You and your girl can become partners in the fun challenges of the Girl Scout program! Your involvement will help shape your Girl Scout’s experience. She’ll see your commitment to her growth and before you know it, you’ll be growing, too.

As a parent/guardian, you...

•• Must register your Girl Scout and pay the annual $25 national membership dues. This membership fee provides insurance coverage when she is involved in Girl Scout activities (other than extended trips lasting two nights or longer, when additional insurance is required).

No girl is denied membership because of an inability to pay.

•• Must sign parent/guardian permission slips for events, and make sure any necessary forms (health history, etc.) are turned in.

•• Must see that your girl arrives and is picked up on time for Girl Scout activities.

•• Should provide funds for special events and activities or request financial aid from the council.

•• Should purchase or obtain handbooks and materials.

•• Should help your girl carry through with her commitment to the Girl Scout IGM program.

•• Should help your girl participate in Girl Scout Product Programs by following safety guidelines and helping her check over her orders.

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Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

GirlScoutsNebraska.org PUBLISHED SUMMER 2018