JG Summer 2018

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Time to Soar!

The Juliette Gazette for

Stand Strong

Against Bullies Bullies Against Page 16 16 Page

Summer 2018 A Publication of Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska

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Members of Troop 43580 celebrated with the winner of the 2018 Girl Scout Cookie Car in a ceremony at Baxter Toyota La Vista.

Olivia

The Juliette Gazette

The Juliette Gazette is a triannual publication of Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska.

JG Staff: Publisher/Designer Lucia Kroeger Renz Editor/Writer Shannon Peterson Photo Editor Michelle Cleary Writer/Copy Editor Melissa Breazile Copy Editor Jasmine McCain

What’s S’more Fun than

WINNING aC

We are supported in part by:

KIE CAR?

D

id you spy this year’s Girl Scout Cookie Car on the roads? Maybe you even posed for a photo if you were running a cookie booth when it cruised by!

Teresa Sharpnack never dreamed she would drive the sweet #RAVSmore when she bought Girl Scout Cookies from Olivia of Troop 43580. But she was Toyotally thrilled to win the 2018 Girl Scout Cookie Car! Olivia handed the keys over to Teresa during a special ceremony at Baxter Toyota La Vista in March.

Congrats, Teresa! And thank you, Baxter Toyota La Vista for your support and for generously donating the Toyota RAV4.

Cookie C ar winne r

GirlScoutsNebraska.org PUBLICATION OFFICE: 2121 South 44th Street Omaha, NE 68105 Date of Publication, July 2018 Printed by Kingery Printing Effingham, Illinois PRINTED IN U.S.A.

On the Cover: Bryleigh Alder and Josilyn Martin of Laurel Troop 50308 put their bravery to the test on the Soaring Hawk Zip Line Tour at Camp Crossed Arrows.

Please recycle or pass me on to a friend.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorated the opening of the TLC Welcome Center and Marie Museum.

tures fascinating The Marie Museum fea Girl Scout artifacts.

A Welcoming Place, and a Special Tribute T

he beloved Marie Cabin at Camp Maha has undergone extensive renovations and transformed into the beautiful TLC Welcome Center.

The refreshed cabin now houses the Marie Museum for historic Girl Scout memorabilia, office space for summer staff, and the Trading Post.

The Kiewit Corporation donated the original cabin in 1946. In 1975, it was named Marie Cabin as a tribute to Marie Dinkel, a longtime Girl Scout volunteer. A leader for her daughters’ troops in the 1940s, Marie’s love of Girl Scouting has been passed on through three generations.

The TLC Welcome Center is named in memory of a young woman who was OPthe an adventurous Girl Scout, Tyler Lin Cherrington (Hulk). Tyler loved TION 1 (worksisters. s as prin outdoors and was an outstanding role model to her Girl Scout ted p She spent many years camping at Maha and later served asoanly camp due to de atch tail) counselor. She is remembered as a loving person, who always had a smile on her face. The TLC Welcome Center will serve as a testament to Tyler’s welcoming personality as visitors arrive at Camp Maha.

If you have cherished Girl Scout memorabilia you would like to share with Spirit of Nebraska, we would love to hear from you! We gratefully accept historical donations to showcase in our Marie Museum for generations of Girl Scouts to enjoy. Please contact us at 800.695.6690 or MemberSupport@girlscoutsnebraska.org to donate your Girl Scout treasures.

GIRL SCOUTS SPIRIT O NEBRASKFA

RIE M MA SEU MU

Tyler Lin Cherrington

Summer Issue 2018

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What’s big, green, and glows brightly on March 12? The WoodmenLife Tower in Omaha, of course! The landmark building turned green in celebration of Girl Scouts’ birthday.

Celebrating Our

Girl Scout Pride T

he first Girl Scout troop began March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia, when founder Juliette Gordon Low gathered the initial 18 girl members.

We recognize that monumental moment each year during Girl Scout Week.

During this special week, members in your community, around the state and country, and even throughout the world unite to celebrate the sisterhood of Girl Scouting. We belong to an organization rich in tradition and united by our Promise and Law. Together, we discover, connect, and take action to make the world a better place.

This year, Girl Scouts across Nebraska showed courage, confidence, and character by participating in empowering activities throughout Girl Scout Week. Each day featured a special theme, like observing faith, celebrating Girl Scouts’ birthday, taking action, and raising your voice. Many troops also celebrated World Thinking Day. With so many acts of service and leadership, our sisterhood shone brightly from March 11 through March 17!

Troop 20631

Celebrate Girl Scout Sunday Troop 10109

Happy Birthday, Girl Scouts

March 12 became Girl Scouts Day in Nebraska after Gov. Pete Ricketts signed an official proclamation. The proclamation also noted the importance of girls’ leadership development.

Now that’s something to celebrate every day of the year!

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Troop 41908

Take Action Troop 10018

Raise Your Voice ie F. Stacy, Hon. Stephan alum a Girl Scout

Girl Scouts took action during a Legislative Day visit to the Nebraska State Capitol in March.

Every year, G.I.R.L.s interested in government, politics, and advocacy meet with state senators and learn about the Unicameral. The day took on special meaning this year as the girls connected with former Girl Scout and current Nebraska Supreme Court Justice Stephanie F. Stacy and State Sens. Patty Pansing Brooks and Anna Wishart, who are also Girl Scout alums! Let’s hear those courageous and united voices, Girl Scouts!

Courageous Moments Troop 42013

Lead Like A G.I.R.L. Troop 41348

Celebrate Girl Scout Sabbath

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and oh, so amaz ue iq un so s ut co Girl S It’s what makesyou put your skills to the test! . .L .R .I G a of A n N D he We all share theexamples of what you can do w Here are a few

ing.

GO-GETTER Find a problem; solve it! That’s what Girl Scouts do.

So, when Elkhorn Troop 48817 heard about a Diaper Drive for young mothers staying at the Lydia House, they sprang into action. These determined Daisies collected and donated more than 900 diapers for the Channel 94.1 drive. That’s how these motivated go-getters give back!

INNOVATOR Many people donate food to a pantry, but Neligh Troop 50336 wanted to put a special Girl Scout twist on their service project. These big-hearted Brownies challenged themselves to brainstorm a fresh idea.

In honor of Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday, the young innovators decided to bring a bit of birthday cheer to those who may not otherwise have much of a celebration. They created birthday bags filled with baking supplies and decorations for the Antelope County Food Pantry. Juliette would be so proud!

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RISK-TAKER Taking risks means stepping outside your comfort zone and shaking things up. That’s just what Junior Troop 50099 set out to do when they agreed to sing the national anthem before the Arlington High School varsity girls’ and boys’ basketball games. The girls practiced for weeks, learning vocal warm up exercises, proper posture, and etiquette.

Because many children misunderstand the anthem’s words and sing them incorrectly, the girls studied and memorized the song’s lyrics. Their fearlessness and hard work paid off as the crowd absolutely adored the troop’s performance.

In Girl Scouts, everything she does is designed with, by, and for girls!

LEADER The G.I.R.L.s of Gretna Troop 48902 and Bellevue Troop 42526 teamed up to host an uplifting workshop at the Eastern Nebraska Veterans’ Home. A grant from Thrivent allowed girls and veterans to work side-byside painting a patriotic scene, led by Girl Scout mom Angela Mitchell. Sharing hope and happiness across generations – that’s true leadership in action.

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F O L L O R R O N O H

HoTnrooorps

E

Troop 4531 2

Congratulations to the 2016/2017 Honor Troops:

ach year, dedicated groups of can-do, goal-oriented go-getters earn the rank of Spirit of Nebraska Honor Troop. These girls and volunteers are organized, motivated, and tenacious!

West Area

Southeast Area

10081 10235

20044 20058 20215 20372 20606 20667 20705 20712 20724 20730 20749 20754 20777 20811

Central Area

Congratulations to the 35 troops – including 520 girls and 224 adults – that achieved this Girl Scout milestone! You met deadlines, completed forms, attended meetings, and strategically planned your year. You participated in flag and investiture ceremonies, went to council programs, completed at least one Journey, observed Girl Scout holidays, participated in Product Programs, and took action in your communities. Whew!

00036 00128 00610 00670 00699 00856 00873 00887

Every troop has what it takes to become an Honor Troop! Girls receive an Honor Troop patch, and leaders build life skills from the experience. Get started today at GirlScoutsNebraska.org, search: Honor Troop.

Northeast Area 00183

East Central Area

it Spir of Ne

as br

❧ HON TRO OR OP GS

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Troop 2 0730

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2017

41901 42146 42173 42420 42425 42445 42466 42526 42734 43635 44642 45056 45312 45492 45523

Winning

GOLD

by Jadyn PoKorny Girl Scout Brownie

Gets Even

SWEETER Jadyn met John Shuster and other curlers during the Olympic Trials in Omaha. She promised to send Girl Scout Cookies to Team Shuster if they beat Canada in the Olympics. Not only did they beat Canada, they won the gold medal – perhaps inspired by the lure of cookies!

Hi! My name is Jadyn PoKorny. In November, my dad wanted to go to the Olympic Curling Trials here in Omaha. My mom and I weren’t sure about going, but dad thought it would be fun.

We found out he was right! It was awesome that there was so much for kids to do there, including a booth where you could make posters for your favorite team. My favorite was Team Shuster. I like them because they worked hard, got along well, and had fun together.

I had so much fun that first night at the trials, I made my parents take me two more times! I was able to be there when Team Shuster won the trials and qualified for the Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. My favorite memory from that night is getting my picture taken with John Shuster and Matt Hamilton and getting their autographs.

Once the Olympics started, my mom and dad kept me updated on how Team Shuster was doing. I (with my mom’s help) sent a message to Team Shuster on Twitter before their big game against Canada saying that if they won, I would send them delicious Girl Scout Cookies. Not only did they beat Canada, but they beat Sweden to win the gold medal.

Winners get Girl Scout Cookies, and they are definitely winners.

I am so proud of them.

e v i G u o If Y t u o c S l a Gir a B oo k These lucky Girl Scouts got first pick from the book drive donations.

“Give a kid a book, and you change the world. In a way, even the universe.”

Omaha Public Power District took that Neil deGrasse Tyson quote to heart over the holidays. OPPD employees collected nearly 300 children’s books during a drive at their holiday party. Then, they asked United Way of the Midlands (UWM) to help find an organization that could benefit.

Spirit of Nebraska couldn’t have been more tickled to be chosen as the book drive beneficiary. Girl Scouts at Girls Inc. of Omaha South accepted the donation (and gleefully got first choice), but many Omaha girls received new books!

Thank you to OPPD and UWM for sharing the joy of reading with Girl Scouts!

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Lily teamed up with Spirit of Nebraska Graphic Designer Lucia Kroeger Renz to create the official 2018 artVenture patch.

Lily

Patching

Together Success!

T

hirteen uber creative G.I.R.L.s entered this year’s artVenture patch design contest, vying for a chance to work with a graphic designer and create the signature program’s patch. In a new twist, this year’s entries were posted on Facebook, and Girl Scout members and friends selected the winning design.

Art is a recent passion for Lily, thanks to a class at Kloefkorn Elementary School, where she is a fifth-grader. She also loves computers, so learning about graphic design opened her eyes to a world that blends her talents.

Artwork by Lily Ardinger Stibal, a Girl Scout Junior from Lincoln, was the overwhelming favorite among voters.

Lily has a lot of fans, says her mother, Susan Stibal, and she earned those fans by refusing to let adversity hold her back.

Do you want to design next year’s patch? The contest is open to all Girl Scouts who register for artVenture before December 1. So sign up for this amazing program, then watch your email for contest details!

Born with profound hearing loss, Lily now hears with cochlear implants. She received the tiny, life-changing computers when she was just 10 months old.

Annually, Lily travels to the Cochlear Implant Center at Boys Town National Research Hospital in Omaha to have her implants adjusted.

In true Girl Scout fashion, Lily relies on grit and determination to overcome challenges and succeed at whatever she sets her sights on, like winning the artVenture patch design contest!

“Lily started out in life with a bit of a disadvantage,” her mother says. “It has made her very determined.

If she sets her mind to it, she’ll do it.”

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Lily’s Original art work!

IMPACT artVenture is Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska’s signature statewide art program and fundraising event. Focused on innovation and self-expression, artVenture matches girls with professional artists in a collaborative partnership to

learn new ways to create. Their collaborative pieces, in addition to individual works by local artists, are celebrated during special girl receptions and sold during silent auctions, with all proceeds benefiting Nebraska girls.

The Girl Scout Advisory Group (GSAG for short) is an essential group of girls in grades 6-12 who define leadership! They play a vital role in statewide programming, serve as role models for younger girls, and volunteer at special events – all while making new friends and having fun.

p u o r g y r o is v d a t u o c girl s

=

Lifelong Friends and Memories

by Journey Noyes Girl Scout Senior

W

hen I was a little girl, I wanted to be part of something important. I wanted to help and meet people and make a mark on our world. As a seven-year-old, it seemed impossible. This world is so big and as someone so little, how was I supposed to help anyone when I didn’t even know how to tie my own shoes?

Then a few years later I joined GSAG (Girl Scouts Advisory Group) and I was able to do what I wanted and have fun while doing it. I met so many new girls and helped so much. We’ve made tie blankets for a foster home, we bought clothes for others for Christmas, and we’ve done a lot to fix up Camp Cosmo. Plus, we are the girls you see helping with camps… starting the campfires, cooking dinner, and leading activities.

Together, we do so many fun things, too. We go get ice cream on some meeting days, have an end of the year sleepover, have a Christmas Party, and one time we even went to the musical Mamma Mia!, not to mention all of the things a few of us do together outside of GSAG. GSAG has given me friends that I can always count on and trust with anything. Without this amazing opportunity, I would still be the shy, antisocial, awkward human being I was. Doing these things definitely allowed me to step out of my box and grow into the woman I am now. sleepover

One of the best things we do all year is go to the GSAG Retreat. The retreat is a way for our leaders to give back to us GSAG bonds last for everything we a lifetime. do throughout the year. It’s a week in June where GSAG members from across the state get together and do fun stuff, from icebreaker games to swimming to the flying squirrel. My favorite memory from the three GSAG Retreats I’ve been to has to be just sitting in the dorm room with a few of my new friends, playing Skipbo and listening to Hamilton. You make such great friends during those few days, and leaving is so hard. Those memories are the ones you’ll never forget.

And of course, finally, you can’t forget the amazing GSAG leader I have! Alisha [Epp] is one in a million and I’m so grateful that I got to know her. She’s helped in so many ways and is always there if I need her. In fact, all of the GSAG leaders are amazing!

So, if you want to help out the community, have a blast, and make new friends that’ll last a lifetime, consider joining GSAG!

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ow broadway sh

Join and Get In on the Fun

by Madison Eisert Girl Scout Cadette

S

ome people might hear the name “GSAG” and think, what is that? What exactly do they do? What do they learn?

Well then, let me answer those questions! To begin, GSAG is actually an acronym that stands for Girl Scout Advisory Group. And it’s not just an ordinary gathering of girls. It’s an action-packed group of girls in 6th-12th grade who have a real passion for Girl Scouting and want to make a difference, not only in our community and state, but the world, too!

In GSAG, we are given the opportunity to impact the council’s events and programs! Along the way, we are not only allowed but even encouraged to let our leadership skills shine and participate in brainstorming and team-building activities.

GSAG plays an important role in many things that make Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska into the amazing council that it is. We have opportunities to lead and have our voices heard. We serve as role models and present ideas on what girls want. This impacts how council events and programs are planned and organized. As GSAG members, we love volunteering at events and programs, such as the artVenture collaborations and annual reception. We especially enjoy just having fun and hanging out with our peers, as well as new faces within the community! roller skating

Artist Paula Wallace collaborated with GSAG girls on the 2018 signature artVenture piece.

GSAG has taught me many things, and, of course, since I am a Cadette, I am learning more about Girl Scouts every time I get together with my GSAG friends. It has taught me how to plan and organize events, communicate with my peers and adults more effectively, collaborate with others in the community, boost my confidence level, bring out the best in others (and myself), and especially how to just have FUN! GSAG has amazed me at all the events, programs, and especially the community service projects we have done as a team. There is never a dull moment! GSAG hasn’t just helped me with Girl Scouts, but in my whole life, too! Whether it be at home, school, sports, or even clubs such as Student Council, Builders Club, and even the National Honor Society! But the fun doesn’t stop when the school bell rings... GSAG even rocks in the summertime during the annual camp retreat, zip-lining, and field trips. So, if you’re up for unique, challenging, and rewarding adventures, join GSAG and get in on the fun!

phone-a-thon

To find out how to join GSAG, contact Member Support at MemberSupport@girlscoutsnebrsaka.org or 800.695.6690.

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welcome to

k r o Y New

, , it’ s been waitin'’ for you

A major Girl Scout squad – 23 girls and 11 adults – delighted in the bright lights of the Big Apple last October! Wonder what it’s like to take the trip of a lifetime? Three of our fearless G.I.R.L. travelers shared their journal entries to inspire you to embark on your own adventure!

Day 1 October 12, 2017 rokee, e h C , e o l Ch ackenzie and M

Wow! 5:30 a.m. is SOOO early…but, the excitement for the trip wouldn’t let me sleep much anyway. As soon as we landed in NYC, we went straight to Times Square. I can’t think of a better welcome to New York. It was the perfect place to just look around and take in the city. We shopped a bit and headed to Radio City Music Hall. We took an informative behind-thescenes tour and actually met a Rockette! It was a dream come true. I got to see beautiful costumes, private lounges, and the impressive stage the Rockettes perform on. Today was the best start to our NYC adventure!

- Mackenzie Broderick, Girl Scout Ambassador

Day 2 October 13, 2017 stre t shoppineg

We started our day with a bus tour that ended at Central Park. We walked across the bridge from the Maid of Honor movie. So exciting!

We also learned about and took a picture by the “Imagine” mosaic made in honor of John Lennon. That means a lot to me because our class song for graduation is “Imagine.” We ate lunch at Grand Central Station. The name is no joke…it was crazy busy there! The best part of today was seeing the Broadway production of School of Rock. What an energetic, fun show! Day two was awesome.

- Cherokee Purviance, Girl Scout Ambassador

Day 3 October 14, 2017

broad

way

Our third day began with a ferry boat ride to the Statue of Liberty. We took a few photos and headed to Ellis Island. We spent a few hours there, and it felt like the millions of immigrants that came through the island were still among us. We made our way to the National September 11 Memorial & Museum. This experience will stay with me forever. It’s such a somber tribute to all the people we lost that day. The museum is unbelievably beautiful and sad at the same time. We took a picture with a group of NYC policemen. They were all smiles when we asked for a photo! After that, we headed to Little Italy and ate delicious, authentic Italian food. YUM! We shopped in the quaint shops that lined the street. This was one of my favorite moments on the trip! We ended our day with some creamy gelato.

- Chloe Blumanthal, Girl Scout Senior

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NYPD

Day 4 October 15, 2017 We started our final day at the American Museum of Natural History (the museum from The Night at the Museum movie).

It had astonishing exhibits, a maze of rooms on many levels, and kept us busy for hours. We later visited the Guggenheim a modern art museum designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

This was a quirky, cool surprise, and we highly recommend a visit there! The building is white and circular-shaped, which is a really wonderful contrast to all the other sharp, rectangular buildings throughout New York City. We flew back to Omaha later that day and said our good-byes to all our new friends.

- Chloe, Cherokee, and Mackenzie

Museum y American al or of Natur Hist

No Girl Scout trip to NYC would be complete without a stop at the national headquarters!

We’ve found MORE awesome ways for Girl Scouts to have fun!

Community Collaborators provide activities for troops and families looking for interesting things to do.

You choose the place, time, and date that work for you!

GirlScoutsNebraska.org

Check o our neweustt

Community Collaborators

⇨ MedExpress Cen ⇨ Family Fare Supermarkets

ters

Investing in

GIRLWinning SCOUTS Essay Leads to

I

t was mid-November and I had just been assigned a 400- to 900-word InvestWrite essay by my business teacher. The prompt was: “If a nonprofit organization asked you to manage their money, how would you help it grow and protect it from risk?” It also asked what nonprofit organization you would choose to support and why. I immediately decided to use Girl Scouts as my nonprofit organization because I am an active member of Girl Scouts, and I believe it is a good, character-building program. Also, as a member of the Prairie Hills Girl Scout Advisory Group (GSAG) troop, I see how Girl Scout programs can impact the lives of younger girls. The main point of my essay was diversifying investments to ensure the safety of money.

Fast forward to late March and I’m in keyboarding class when my teacher announces that we have a surprise in the exploratory room. When we arrived, we saw the entire eighth-grade class gathered in the room. A newspaper reporter, a stranger, a bunch of cookies, and many eighth-grade teachers were also there. I was very confused.

Then my business teacher went up to the front of the room and started talking about the InvestWrite essay. At this point, I didn’t even remember that I wrote this essay four months prior. The stranger went up and introduced herself as working for the business association that sponsored the essay competition. She said that there had been a statewide winner.

by Gabbi Anzalone Girl Scout Cadette My name was called, and in utter confusion I stumbled up to the front of the room. It was then announced that I had won a check for $50 and the right to go through the cookie line first. I was very excited about this since a bit of extra money is always nice, and cookies are quite the treat.

In April, there was an award luncheon at the Nebraska Champions Club in Lincoln. I got out of school, along with my business teacher and some other students who had won a stock market game, and we were off. The food was great, everyone got a T-shirt, and I got a medal. It was a very great experience.

It really didn’t even hit me while I was writing the essay that it would be entered in a competition. I just did a bit of research and tried my hardest. Business classes are fantastic opportunities, even if you don’t plan to go into something business related, because you will be able to apply everything to your life later on. Girl Scouts also models the standards of teaching things you will be able to use in your life. I believe both are great opportunities that can improve your future.

I would put my money into stock I know the Girl Scouts would support, like Disney and Band-Aids.

These companies are also probably going to be around for a while. I would avoid stocks that the Girl Scouts would not support like tobacco companies. I would make sure that we were invested in several different companies, and that they aren’t all in the same industry.

- From Gabbi’s winning essay

Arlington eighth-grader Gabbi Anzalone won first place in the statewide InvestWrite Stock Market Essay Contest sponsored by the Nebraska Council on Economic Education.

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Creating Comfort for

Children Entering Foster Care

by Soleil Mast Girl Scout Ambassador

T

he Gold Award project is about fixing problems in your community and making connections in new places. It’s about helping people and becoming a better person who is ready to be a leader. It’s a way to find something important to care about and find solutions for.

The idea for my project originally came from my dad. He works in the foster care community, and regularly works with the Department of Health and Human Services office in my hometown of Kearney.

He noticed on more than one occasion that the department didn’t really have a place for children to play in. I decided that I could be the one to fix that.

I worked with my friends and family to ask different businesses to donate to our cause. Those donations allowed us to buy new toys, furniture, and building materials. We were able to provide nap cots, blankets, and a TV for the foster children, as well as a small, closed-off office space where their social workers could make phone calls and supervise the kids. To achieve this, one of my dad’s friends installed a temporary wall with a desk and window.

The project had its hiccups, of course. Due to lack of interest and unknown polices, I was unable to run any fundraisers. We also had some miscommunications that led to a much later start date than we were expecting. However, I was able to complete the project despite these issues, and I am very happy that I was able to help my community on a new scale.

My family has adopted three children and provided respite for others, and I am glad that I could make an impact in the lives of other kids like them.

Soleil organize d volunteers to help her build a comfo rtable space for kids.

A television station interviewed Soleil about her Gold Award project.

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The giant Be a Friend First poster at Waverly Middle School invited all students to stand up against bullies.

TAKE A STAND, LEND A

T

stop

BULLYING

here have always been bullies. But today’s middle school girls face even more challenges thanks to social media and cyberbullying.

Sadly, statistics show that when a girl is bullied, 85 percent of the time, nobody steps in to help her.

Girl Scouts is working to change this statistic with its Be a Friend First (BFF) bully-prevention initiative. BFF teaches middle school girls to build healthy relationships, recognize and intervene in bullying situations, and be champions for positive change. Girls explore thorny issues like peer pressure, stereotyping, gossiping, and cliques through role playing, creative writing, games, and discussion exercises.

After completing BFF, Syracuse Middle School student Emily said the program guides girls “through the rough and terrible times and tells us how to deal with problems with grace and maturity.”

Syracuse school counselor Sallie Agena said the middle school years are undoubtedly some of the most difficult times in a girl’s life, and BFF can help navigate the tough issues.

“It was exciting for me to experience some of the behavior and action changes that took place at the completion of the BFF sessions,” Agena said. She heard the girls discussing bully-prevention topics and saw them applying the skills they learned.

By doing activities together through BFF, the girls at Waverly Middle School grew closer and understood each other better.

At Waverly Middle School, girls said Be a Friend First gave them the confidence to be themselves and take a stand.

Bullying by the Numbers 85%

of middle school students say they’ve been cyberbullied 16

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6 out of 10 teens witness bullying at least once a day

85%

of the time, when a girl is bullied no one intervenes

19%

of students don’t feel safe at school

enter gnet C fortable a M e tridg to be com t Cres ge Girls a the coura ! d gaine hemselves t g in be

BFF gave students at Waverly Middle School a different perspective about what other girls may be going through.

Through BFF, Girls Learn To: ol girls learned to Syracuse Middle Scho d to one another. kin be d an stick together

“First, we learned how to not bully each other and how to stand up against bullies,” said Raegan, a Waverly sixth-grader. “We worked on expressing our feelings. If we’re hurt, we say, ‘This is how I’ve been hurt.’

It helps the situation.”

“The program teaches you how to respect others,” said Waverly sixth-grader Halle. “If you stop one bully, it could stop 20 more. You have to stand up for the victim.”

Build self-confidence Recognize bullying Stand up for themselves and others Deal with cliques

Girls at Omaha’s Crestridge Magnet Center said they had fun while learning how to treat people better.

Be a better friend

“Some people get me, some people don’t,” said Chloie from Crestridge.

“BFF is a place where the other girls make me feel like I belong.”

Resolve conflicts peacefully

West, also a Crestridge student, added, “I like getting to interact with other people, and that I was in a place where people wouldn’t judge me for who I am. These girls make me feel good about who I am!”

Wondering how to bring BFF to your school?

Contact our Member Support team at MemberSupport@girlscoutsnebraska.org.

Every day,

160,000

students miss school out of fear of being bullied

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2018 Girl Scout

Troop 50473

C Program KIE G

irl CEOs across the state made big things happen during this year’s Girl Scout Cookie Program.

How big? Think nearly 2 million packages!

That’s because Girl Scouts tackle challenges with pride and true grit, as our brave entrepreneurs demonstrated even when faced with this year’s brutally cold weather.

Running a business isn’t easy, but Girl Scouts do what it takes to learn financial skills, earn proceeds to support their troops’ goals and service projects, and challenge themselves to reach new heights of success!

Standing Up and Standing Out

as the State’s

Top Seller!

L

eilani Ayala has long known how to run a successful cookie business, and this year, her hard work took her straight to the top! The Cadette from Omaha Troop 44159 sold a whopping 2,366 packages of cookies and earned the distinction of being Spirit of Nebraska’s top cookie seller. It is Leilani’s fourth year in the 1000 Club, proof that persistence pays off!

Leilani

Double Distinction!

B

rownie Alexis Miller of Troop 00879 in Lexington earned not one but two entrepreneurial accolades this year. An unstoppable go-getter, Alexis sold 1,019 packages of Girl Scout Cookies and more than $2,000 worth of items during the Fall Product Program – making her our council’s first-ever “double” 1000 Club member.

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Alexis

Troop 80 799

12 Troop 505

Troop 20821

Troop 20631

Troop 00199 Troop 48902 06 Troop 419

Troop 00012

Troops 4464 5 & 42607

Troop 28859 introduced 14 new members to the power of Girl Scouts!

Troops

Add Girls, Become S’more Amazing

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ew troop members bring fresh ideas and new perspectives, and spark creativity that energizes everyone. Plus, introducing new friends to Girl Scouting gives existing members the chance to flex their leadership skills and build confidence. Everybody wins when more girls join and grow with Girl Scouts!

Many Spirit of Nebraska troops went above and beyond during our January Add a Girl Campaign, welcoming more than 60 new girls! Troops earned special Add a Girl patches, and Elmwood Troop 28859 won a pizza party for starting a troop and adding 14 girls.

Thank you to all the go-getting troops that participated!

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With the snip of a ribbon, the Soaring Hawk opened at Camp Crossed Arrows.

Nebraska’s First

Maggi

Zip Line Tour Officially

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Opens

igh-flying adventurers made it official on April 29: The Soaring Hawk Zip Line Tour at Camp Crossed Arrows opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, preview rides, and a very special guest.

Before the ceremony, Girl Scouts and their supporters got a bird’s-eye view of the Elkhorn River Valley and its breathtaking scenery as they zipped through the thrilling course.

Bold, go-getter Girl Scouts got a sneak peek of the zip line tour this spring.

The day featured an extra element of excitement thanks to a visit from American Ninja Warrior star Maggi Thorne, who tested her own bravery on the course while cheering on first-time zippers!

With five runs, or individual zip lines, Soaring Hawk sends riders careening across prairies, through the woods, and over a ravine.

Runs vary in height and length, building in speed and intensity as the course progresses, and reaching speeds up to 30 mph.

Ready to challenge yourself or your

troop with a new outdoor adventure?

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Make a reservation to ride at www.GirlScoutsNebraska.org/SoaringHawk.

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National

Kadynce Mullins

BIG UPS for Volunteer Work

art of making our communities better is practicing empathy, learning what other people need, and using our leadership skills to take action. Three Girl Scouts who do just that received national recognition for their outstanding community service.

Girl Scout Junior Kadynce Mullins of Nebraska City was named a State Honoree by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring youth for volunteerism that brings meaningful change to their communities. Michaela Lentsch of Ralston and Anna Vaughn of Blair were each named a Distinguished Finalist. Michaela and Anna recently graduated high school.

Michaela Lentsch

Kadynce raised $1,500 for Omaha Children’s Hospital by converting her Radio Flyer wagon into a lollipop stand, and contributed thousands of volunteer hours to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network. Kadynce suffered a seizure when she was 5, and while recovering in the hospital, was struck by the stories of other young patients.

“I wanted to help them,” she said, “because they must have been afraid like me, and I wanted them to feel loved, brave, and be healed.”

Anna’s Girl Scout Gold Award project also helped children with medical needs. After learning that hospitalized premature babies often receive hats that are too big, she designed special looms to make tinier hats.

Then, she trained a team of 120 volunteers who have knitted more than 1,200 hats for premature babies.

Also a Gold Award Girl Scout, Michaela’s project remodeled the Lost and Found Clothing Center in Ralston. She built rolling displays and tiered shelves, sewed valances, made new signs, painted a mural, and much more. Because of Michaela’s hard work, those who shop at the center can easily find fashionable and affordable clothing.

Anna Vaughn

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As a State Honoree, Kadynce received a cash prize, silver medallion, and a trip to Washington, D.C., where she was recognized with other outstanding volunteers from across the country – proof that when Girl Scouts dream big, they go far!

Three Troops equals Three Times the Fun!

PJs, SWAPs, and 126 Girl Scouts made for an exhilarating day during Catholic Schools Week.

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lthough every Girl Scout troop offers a girl-led, girl-friendly environment that creates a space for discovery and adventure, each troop is truly unique!

St. Patrick’s Catholic School in Elkhorn is home to three amazing troops filled with G.I.R.L.s (Go-Getters, Innovators, Risk-takers, and Leaders)™ who cheer each other on.

Troop 48816 is just beginning their Girl Scout journey, learning the Girl Scout Promise, building new friendships, and exploring the outdoors. These Daisies love having Brownie Troop 42734 and Cadette Troop 44642 guide them as they pursue petals and make the world a better place!

And, these fabulous, older troops are a shining example of cooperation – like working together on an all-day Brownie Badge-a-thon at Camp Catron. Over 12 hours, Troop 42734 earned six badges and bridged to Brownies with the help of their big sister Cadette troop.

“Leading three troops is loads of fun, especially when we decided to throw a gingerbread house making party this Christmas,” said co-leader Susie D’Agosto.

“We prepared 40 graham cracker gingerbread houses, 25 pounds of icing, and more candies than you could imagine. It was a sugar wonderland.”

The troops also join forces for a sweet annual SWAPS event. During Catholic Schools Week, they celebrate with a pajama dress down day, split into groups, and trade SWAPS 10 times!

This year, 126 Girl Scouts joined in the exchange.

Supporting each other, sharing experiences, and being a sister to every Girl Scout – now that’s the Girl Scout way!

SWAP After earning six badges in 12 hours, Brownie Troop 42734 celebrated with a dip in the Camp Catron pool.

Troop 48816 worked hard to learn the Girl Scout Promise and earn the center of their Daisy Flowers.

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o

& t about Busy as a Brownie

Swing Your Partner The annual Father-Daughter Hoedown in Hastings is always a big hit, and this year was no exception. Girls need (and want!) their dads and father figures in their lives, so thanks for being Man Enough to be a Girl Scout, hitting the dance floor, and helping your G.I.R.L. be the best she can be!

Happy History Hunting Kearney Troop 00670 road tripped to the Hastings Museum for a fun-filled day of discovery. They learned how Kool-Aid was invented, explored the new Nature Nook, dug into the roots of Nebraska history, and even earned their Special Agent Badges along the way.

Hostesses with the Mostest

Boo at the Zoo Adorned in merry-not-scary costumes, Troop 20496 spent an evening giving back during the Lincoln Children’s Zoo’s annual Boo at the Zoo event. After handing out nearly 3,000 pieces of candy, the girls felt pretty sweet about volunteering.

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The Brownies of Troop 00879 were buzzing last fall as they celebrated several holidays by giving back to their community. They made yummy cornucopia snacks for a local nursing home and created a special Veterans Day mural, which they donated to the Lexington Historical Museum.

They also took the lead like Girl Scouts by marching in the Lexington Veterans Parade.

Trunks Full of Treats In true Girl Scout fashion, Lincoln Troop 20631 chose Cookie Monster as their theme when they participated in the North American Martyrs’ Trunk or Treat.

Although there weren’t any Thin Mints, many “Thanks-A-Lots” were heard from trick-or-treaters!

Halloween was more than trick-ortreating for Adams Troop 20372. The girls hosted a Trunk or Treat at Christ Lutheran Church in Pickrell! The troop also gave out treats at an ambulancethemed booth where they were cleverly costumed as injured patients and medical staff. Special Girl Scout shout out to Thrivent Financial for supporting this spooktacular project!

Investing in Their Future Girl Scouts prepares girls to succeed in ALL parts of life! Norris-area Troop 20642 got first-hand experience opening a checking account during a field trip to First State Bank of Nebraska. These confident Juniors are looking forward to budgeting and managing their finances – absolutely essential life skills!

Hanging with Her Favorite Guy Taking time to learn about her interests helps her know she is special! A group of Lincoln dads, grandpas, and uncles did just that at a Troop 20735 My Guy and I event.

The girls and their guys tackled a craft, snapped photos, and settled in for snacks and a movie.

The Future is G.I.R.L.

Honor and Remember

In Troop 41906, the girls cheer each other on every step of the way. Whether they are earning STEM badges, taking early morning hikes at Camp Catron, seeking new challenges, or hanging with their squad, these girls are taking the lead and building the future!

It was a chilly, misty morning, but girls from Saddlebrook Troops 42146, 48774, and 48780 were on a mission. The resilient go-getters marched in the Defenders of Freedom Veterans Day parade in Bellevue, so they could thank members of the military - past and present - for their selfless service.

Keep Calm and Carry a Wand Every year, Troop 45056 celebrates Juliette Gordon Low’s birthday with a haunting Halloween party. A crazy costume contest is the annual high point. The girls set the judging rules and give out extra points if costumes are accompanied by creative stories.

If you’ve got it, haunt it!

Stay Alert – Don’t Get Hurt What better way to learn about first aid than from those who specialize in safety? Lincoln Troop 20858 visited their local fire station to talk to firefighters about their training, what they did that day, and if they ever get scared. Posing for a photo on the fire truck was a big-time bonus!

A Caroling We Will Go When 32 Girl Scouts from five troops go caroling at Bloomfield Forum Retirement Community, there are smiles everywhere.

Troop 42173, along with their friends from Picotte Elementary and Alice Buffett Middle School, have been spreading holiday cheer with this tradition for eight years!

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Taking Time for Others

Scooping Out Love

You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy ice cream… which is pretty much the same thing! Residents at Good Samaritan Village in Hastings didn’t even have to buy ice cream when Troop 00012 served sundaes last winter. That’s how you make the world a better (and tastier) place!

Raising Up and Giving Back

Troop 10018 loves making a difference in their community. These dynamic Daisies not only raised the flag before a North Platte Community College women’s basketball game, but also collected items to help children staying in a domestic abuse shelter celebrate their birthdays. We can hardly wait to see what these go-getters take on next!

12 Acts of Kindness

To earn a special patch from their Elf on the Shelf, Troop 50509 performed 12 Selfless Acts during the holiday season.

Inspired by their Scout Elf, the Brownie innovators sang Christmas carols at a nursing home, delivered cards to the residents, decorated cookies to give to someone special, donated items to the Humane Society, and more. What a perfect way to focus on the true meaning of the season.

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Sweet Stocking Stuffers

The stockings were hung by the squad car with care… Seward’s finest took a quick break from protecting and serving to thank Troop 20495. The creative Girl Scouts celebrated the season by stuffing and delivering stockings for all the good police officers. There was not a lump of coal to be found!

Scottsbluff/Gering Troop 10024 took a branch from the First State Bank Tree of Love last Christmas. For the second year, the girls used cookie proceeds to buy gifts for two young children. Each Girl Scout received a specific dollar amount to spend and carefully tracked her expenses. The troop, who warmed their co-leaders’ (and our) hearts, is already making plans for next year!

Hope for Happy Holidays

Hope Harbor Service Center helps homeless families and families in need, making it an ideal target for support from Girl Scout Troop 00168! The compassionate Juniors and Cadettes earmarked a portion of their cookie proceeds to adopt a family living at the Grand Island shelter. The girls purchased toys, books, clothes, and cuddly PJs to make sure the family’s three children had a Christmas to remember.

GIRL WRITTEN? We Will Publish!

We LOVE to hear from our girl members.

When we get a story written by a girl author, we will publish it in the JG!

Home Is Where the Heart Is

Brownie Troop 48780 and Daisy Troop 48774 threw an amazing holiday party for the guests staying at the Omaha Ronald McDonald House. The season can be difficult for families with loved ones in the hospital, so fancy decorations, delicious food, and ornament-making stations brought a bit of festive jolliness to this home away from home.

Sharing the Spirit of the Season

Spreading holiday cheer was the goal of a community service project performed

by Lincoln Troops 20331, 20631, and 20787. In true Girl Scout spirit, the girls used their annual Christmas party to collect food, hats, scarves, gloves, and socks for the Matt Talbot Outreach Food Pantry. They also crafted decorative trees out of chocolate candy to brighten the atmosphere for those dining at the pantry on Christmas Day.

Send your girl-written stories to marketing@girlscoutsnebraska.org and be sure to include photos.

Look for Stories Written by Girls.

They’re the BEST!

Dream Big,

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Princesses

es, Girl Scouts love camping, exploring STEM programs, and building strong leadership skills. But that doesn’t mean they can’t also delight in the magical world of princesses!

Girl Scouts and their friends were inspired to use their imaginations and dream big during a Princess Party and Ball in Blair last fall. Girls met, sang songs, and danced the hula with Moana, Belle, and Tiana. Older girls learned ballroom dance moves from a professional instructor and even danced with Flynn Rider from Tangled.

An enchanting time was had by all!

Princesses Belle, Mo ana, and Tiana welcomed new gir ls to Girl Scouts.

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Think it’d be fun to cook food from a different country, go geocaching, invent something new, build a robot, learn about endangered wildlife, design a website, sleep under the stars, plant a garden, build a wooden bench, or go on an amazing trip?

Great news! You can do all these things and earn Girl Scout badges as you go.

Check out the badgework these troops are taking on. They just might inspire your next adventure!

Grab some goggles and smell the sawdust! Troop 00702 tackled their Woodworker Badge this year.

By working through step-by-step stations, these Lincoln Cadettes crafted sturdy bird feeders in just two evenings.

What better way to earn the Simple Meals Badge than by inviting a local chef to your troop meeting?

The chef discussed her culinary career and training, food safety, and taught Troop 43012 kitchen tips and techniques. The Omaha Juniors then whipped up a delicious fruit salad to share.

No Fitbit needed! Troop 42668 earned their Staying Fit Badge at a “Mixfit” workout class. The Bennington Juniors learned about nutritious – but tasty – foods and exercised by dancing to some of their favorite songs, like “Thriller” and “Can’t Stop This Feeling.”

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Camping out is the perfect adventure. You spend the night with friends, cook over a fire, hike, and sing – all while soaking in the great outdoors. But first, you have to plan! Omaha Troop 84022 learned how to assemble firewood while earning their Camper Badge, a fabulous way to prepare for a campout.

Brownie Troop 41358 put a unique twist on being prepared. An Omaha Children’s Hospital and Medical Center ambulance visited their meeting, giving these innovators a behind-the-scenes look at how lives are saved as they earned their First Aid Badge.

2018 Fall Product Program

Fall Product Program Dates September 28 – October 21, 2018 In-Person Sales September 28 – November 11, 2018 Extended Online Sales To participate, fill out the Product Program Intent Form on our website or at your local service center.

Earn startup funds for your troop!

2121 S 44TH STREET OMAHA NE 68105

TROOPS ARE FORMING! Join today at www.girlscoutsnebraska.org/join.