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Service Unit: Sunny Peaks
Troop 529 (Seniors – Ambassadors)
Years as a troop leader: 9
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
Our troop loves to socialize so we either have our regular meetings or meet at a local pizza shop. Some of our favorite activities include crafting and camping! Together, we’ve gone kayaking on the Verde River, and also enjoy going trick-or-treating in Uptown Sedona on Halloween.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
It’s hard to choose just one, but recently, while we were on a camping trip I watched the girls work together to set up their bunks, gather wood for the fire, and help with cooking and cleaning duties. It was satisfying and inspiring!
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
I want others to know that volunteering as a Girl Scout leader is a real gift. The girls are inspirational and I’ve learned a lot from them about myself and about my relationship with my daughter. It’s a wonderful feeling to watch a group of girls evolve into wonderful young women. It’s truly special knowing that other volunteers and I played a small part in their growth.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a troop leader?
There have been so many inspiring moments – small and large. What I find most inspiring is watching the girls go from little kids to pre-teens to young adults, knowing they have learned a lot of valuable things in Girl Scouts and seeing them put those things into action. Their kindness to one another, the way they maintain respect despite their differences and then celebrate their achievements together is always inspiring and empowering.
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On the Path to Gold
We look forward every year to honor our Silver and Bronze Award Girl Scouts.
Did you know that for member year 2020-21 there are over 160 Silver Award Girl Scouts and about 200 Bronze Award Girl Scouts being recognized this year? Wow. We are so proud.
To ensure that each girl feels special and recognized, we’d like to share some ideas that you can do as a troop, for the troop, or for girls to mark this special achievement.
Ways to Celebrate Before Ceremony
- Yard Signs – Download a printable Silver or Bronze Award sign and craft it into a yard sign to post at her house for her neighbors to see her accomplishment.
- Troop Activity DIY – Create a troop poster or picture frame celebrating the achievement, highlighting the project, and how girls made an impact in the world. Have girls take turns displaying it at home!
- Be part of our ceremony collage – Submit a photo and brief project description using the Story Submission Form to be featured in a mini-collage on the day of the virtual ceremony! Deadline is March 1.
- Council Shop – Share with parents and browse the Council Shop’s Highest Awards gifts. From notebooks, jewelry, key chains and accessories there are all types of gifts for awardees.
Ways to Celebrate Day of Ceremony
- Drop off small gift with a note to congratulate girls. Here are some ideas:
- Small flower bunch with a note
- Donut or snack with note
- Troop photo and frame with a note
- Host a pre-event troop mini-celebration! Share breakfast “together” virtually, discuss plans to make an impact and earn the next award!
- Plan a color theme – Bronze and Silver Award recipients can attend the virtual meeting by coordinating a unique colored blouse or virtual background.
- Have a virtual post-event troop celebration – celebrate together, dance to songs, and enjoy an after-ceremony snack!
Share Your Achievement on Social Media
Download the Silver or Bronze social media graphic and share with girls and parents so they can post on their social media pages! Be sure to use #gsacpc and tag @GSACPC in your posts!
Be Featured in Our Magazine and on GSACPC Social Media
What else has your troop been up to? Highlight your troop in the upcoming GS Connections magazines and on social by letting us know of the service projects, outdoor adventures, activities, and badges your earning by submitting a story using the Share my Story form. We want to see you in action and feature you!
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Desert Sunset
Troop 210
Years as a Troop Leader: 6
What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?
The previous leader was stepping down, and someone needed to take over the troop; otherwise, it would have disbanded. I felt like it would be an excellent opportunity for me, and I haven’t looked back since. It’s been a great experience.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
Our troop does all kinds of things! We try to do as many hands-on activities as possible. We try to get outside a lot; the girls and their families all like to hike and be outdoors. A memorable troop activity was going scorpion hunting with a park ranger on the White Tank Mountains. It was really neat, and the girls loved it! We also enjoy participating in STEM activities, have recently tried computer coding, and enjoy arts and crafts, especially painting.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
We enjoy spending our time giving back to the community. We have volunteered at a food pantry, collected all sorts of donations for different organizations. We visited a senior living facility most recently (before the pandemic) and made Christmas ornaments with the residents.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
It’s the little things for me. I appreciate EVERY time one of the girls run to me, calling my name (Miss Kristine!), arms wide open, to hug me whenever we see each other. It never gets old and makes me feel loved.
What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?
Do what works for you! I make adjustments all of the time to suit the needs of our troop. Also, delegate tasks, assign roles and ask for help whenever possible.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new Troop Leader?
I wish someone could remind me at times to go at my own pace. Don’t try to do it all. It’s okay if you don’t finish every single badge and if your girls would rather paint than learn STEM (or vice versa). Don’t compare your troop to other troops or what they are doing. We are all unique and have different passions, and different is good.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
There is never NOT a need for more leaders! And also, it’s not as hard or time-consuming as you might think. You got this, and it’s always a great time to join or become a leader.
Why is it important to participate in the GS Cookie Program?
The cookie program is multi-faceted. There is the obvious fundraising benefit (we all want more money in the troop account!), but girls get a lot from it. The program itself teaches girls skills like goal setting and how to exchange money, but I have also seen the quietest, reserved girls emerge from their shells to tell a customer which flavor is “best.” They grow in confidence and become independent.
What are your troop’s cookie-selling tips and tricks?
Do not underestimate the power of selling in your own neighborhood! Door to door is underrated, and it’s a classic selling strategy.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a Troop Leader?
With the pandemic, many troops had to switch over to virtual meetings. Although girls are learning on a computer all day for school, they’re still excited to show up online for our meetings! I keep expecting them to say they’ve had enough, but it’s been nearly a year, and they’re still smiling! We have learned to adapt and make sure our troop stays connected and engaged without Girl Scout goals and community.
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This blog is written by The Authentic Leadership Community (“ALC”). ALC is centered around the idea of Leadership from the Inside Out. “We are committed to helping you discover, unlock and develop your leadership superpowers so that you can guide and empower your girls as they grow into leaders themselves.”
The experience your girls have in Girl Scouts is directly linked to who you are as a leader. One of the challenges you might face right now (among a million other things) is how to help your girls understand and process the current political and social climate.
This election cycle was a real-life civics lesson for many Americans. And the events that happened at our nation’s capital on Jan. 6 are a reminder of the fragility of democracy.
It would be easy to shy away from the topic altogether, given all the polarization, but civic engagement is deeply embedded in Girl Scouts history and the Promise and Law. GSUSA Interim CEO, Judith Batty, reminds us of the importance, especially right now, to “encourage all girls to be informed citizens so they can become the change-makers of the future.” And to show them how they can “make a difference in their communities and country.”
Where do you even start with this?
Start with the heart. The word heart comes from the Latin word “cor” meaning core. The core essence of our democratic ideals – equality, freedom, and civic engagement – are outlined in the Declaration of Independence and the preamble to the constitution. American writer and activist Terry Tempest Williams called the human heart the “first home of democracy.” And French political philosopher and historian Alexis de Tocqueville once said, the strength of democracy depends on how well we cultivate “habits of the heart.” These habits are values that are embedded in the Girl Scout Law and mission.
Habits of the Heart, what are they?
- Understanding that we are all in this together
- Appreciation of the value of “otherness”: this is the core of diversity and inclusion. What makes us different also makes us special. Appreciating the value differences bring to the table.
- Ability to hold tension in life-giving ways: communicate, collaborate, and compromise with one another even when we fundamentally disagree. How can we respect and seek to understand our different perspectives so that we might find solutions?
- Sense of personal voice and agency: your voice matters.
- Capacity to create community.
Ok, this is great, but what to do with this information? As a leader, how does one provide guidance on topics and current events that may be far outside of the comfort zone or considered controversial?
- Put your oxygen mask first. Take a deep breath and a full stop moment. Check-in with your feelings (yes, those things that we don’t always want to pay attention to!). What emotions, fears, or uncertainties does this bring up for you? What opinions or biases do you have?
- Ask for support. Where do you need extra help, and what kind of support do you need? Whether that support is in terms of resources and tools to support a specific subject matter or develop your lead from the heart skillset, we are here to help and support you.
- You’re more ready than you think! Once you have the confidence to dive into these topics and healthily support your Girl Scouts, guide them towards earning their democracy badges. Encourage them to develop their knowledge, views, and vision to direct their own paths and answers ultimately. Help them talk about the changes they’d like to see in the schools, community, state, and world and how they can be part of that change now and in the future.
Earn a badge
Girl Scouts use their determination every day for a clean environment, racial and gender equality, safety issues, local legislation, and so much more. With the newly released Democracy badges, Girl Scouts of all ages can prepare to lead positive change in their school, town, state, and country! Badge booklets for each GS level are available and help girls learn about how the government works, the three branches, the basics of our democracy, voting, and more.
Badge booklets are available in digital format for free with purchase of the badge at the Council Shop through Feb. 26.
Get Your Girl Scout Democracy Digital Requirements in 3 Easy Steps:
- Email shop@girlscoutsaz.org
- Let us know which age level(s) Democracy Badge Requirements you need. You may request all six.
- Your reply will include your PDF(s).
Did you know?
- Nearly 6 in 10 girls say they’re interested in being a future leader through advocacy, public service, or a career as an elected official.
- 82% want to make a positive impact on society through their future work.
- Girls who want to lead in advocacy say they care most about the environment and human rights issues/causes (e.g., girls and women’s issues, LGBTQ+ and racial equity, disability rights, poverty).
We hope this entry encouraged you to get started! Let us know what you think by contacting the ALC team. Let us know what you think by contacting the ALC team.
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Juniper Ridge
Troop 2030, Daisy, Brownie, Junior, and Cadette
Years as a Troop Leader: 10
What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?
My mom was a Troop Leader when I was a little girl, and it has always been a goal of mine to be a Girl Scout Leader. My daughter was only six months old when I became a leader in my town. I love to watch them learn and mature each year.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
Our troop enjoys earning and completing badge work and participating in events such as World Thinking Day and Power Puff Derbies with our Service Unit. We also enjoy attending events together or doing service projects within our community like picking up trash, helping with the Salvation Army Christmas party, and donating to food drives.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Our troop has participated in toy and book drives, planted trees in front of the local fire station, helped clean up streets, help with the community Salvation Army Christmas Party, helped with community events in the park, and more. We sincerely enjoy giving back and taking action!
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
A moment that comes to mind was when one of my Girl Scouts was having a hard time with some bullying at school and it was effecting her home life. I became the only confidant that she had that wasn’t related to her. She trusted to talk and come to me when she needed someone. It made me feel good that she felt and knew she could come to me and help her.
What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?
You need to be open with the girls and make sure that you are doing activities that they find interesting. Yes, I leaned them toward a specific event a couple of times, knowing that they would enjoy it because they didn’t know what it was about, but most of the time, it is their decision what we do.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new Troop Leader?
I wish someone had told me that there are many more badges than just what’s in the book. I wish I had known where to access all of them from the beginning. Find out what your girls are interested in and cross-check to see if there are badges, more than likely, there is!
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
Being a leader is such a rewarding job. You don’t get paid in money, but the joy, trust, and love that those girls share are so much more than I could imagine – it’s priceless.
Does your troop sell cookies? Why is it important to participate in the GS Cookie Program?
Yes, we sell cookies! The GS Cookie Program has allowed girls who wouldn’t talk to anyone at the beginning of the season to grow confidence and communication skills. By the end of the season, I saw those girls take charge, speak to their customers with confidence, and shine. They also learn to count money and be responsible for something more than themselves. They learn to set goals and work to achieve them.
What are your troop’s cookie-selling tips and tricks?
When selling cookies, you must always have a smile and be courteous with a few little negotiation tactics.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a Troop Leader?
When my troop went to California, I was so blessed to have parents that sent their kiddos by themselves. That really meant something to me that they trusted me not only in the state with their daughter but even out of state going to major theme parks and such. It was such a heartwarming moment and made me realize how much these parents trust me and how much their kids are like my own kids.
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On Feb. 22 each year, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from 150 countries celebrate World Thinking Day. (That’s one big celebration!)
This year’s theme is peacebuilding, and we’re sharing some ways you and your troop can get in on the action to celebrate. In doing so, girls can earn the World Thinking Day award (an official award that is worn on the front of the vest or sash).
Activities to earn the award are available as meeting plans in the Volunteer Toolkit or as Activity Packets at no cost online. Log in to the VTK to add the World Thinking Day Award to your year plan, or visit the GSUSA World Thinking Day webpage to learn more.
Looking for a few more ideas on how to celebrate? Here are some tips from our Program Team Member Susanne Wells.
When I was a girl, we celebrated World Thinking Day just in our troop. Each girl got to pick a country, usually a place their family has visited, or any country she wanted to represent. I always chose the Dominican Republic because I was born there. Each person made a dish from the country to share a taste with the group. Some made a display board with interesting facts about the country, taught a song or game, and shared a link to the country if it had Girl Guides. For virtual gatherings, girls can dress up and share a presentation about their country with videos, photos, and maybe even use an interactive world map to explore the different countries!
- Troops can learn about World Centers in different countries.
- Have your troop learn about the WAGGGS pin’s meaning and present to the girls if they do not already have one. One of my favorite websites has a blog post for a World Trefoil game and other tips for having an International themed troop meeting.
- Explore Pinterest – there are a ton of crafts, games, and other activities to support girls and troops to learn about different countries – search World Thinking Day Activities.
- Girl Scout Council of Maine has an excellent toolkit for planning World Thinking Day events. It could come in handy, especially if a few troops or a service team want to put together an event last minute. Even though Thinking Day is on the calendar for Feb. 22 – groups can celebrate it around that time on a weekend.
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Lauren is a 2020 Gold Award Girl Scout. She has been a Girl Scout with Arizona Cactus-Pine Council for ten years and plans to attend Northern Arizona University to study business management.
By Lauren Hyland
One moment I will never forget is holding my very own bass guitar for the first time. This moment is important to me because music has always been a passion of mine. Thinking back to my first bass instrument, acquired at a yard sale, is how I identified an issue in my community and in the arts community.
Understanding the cost for quality instruments made me aware that not all students who would like to pursue music can due to cost. If schools cannot provide instruments, the financial burden is often put on the student to rent or purchase an instrument. This inequity is what inspired my Gold Award. I wanted to earn my Gold Award to make a sustainable difference in my community and showcase my leadership ability. In achieving the highest honor in Girl Scouting, I would help students and families gain equal access to quality instruments and music lessons.
Through my Gold Award, I taught guitar and bass lessons, and provided students with the chance to have a quality instrument. I even brought many of my instruments for the kids to try out and learn about them.
Then I created a website with resources so students could continue to learn on their own. I also held a raffle for these students to have the opportunity to win a guitar or bass. The last part of my project, which ended up being the most fun, was hosting two community talents shows at Mesa Community College. This aspect of the project was very gratifying; the community came together through music, and everyone seemed happy. Altogether, I coordinated 25 talent acts, hosted 73 audience members, and gifted instruments to two very delighted students.
I hope that my project’s impact will last a lifetime in the hearts and minds of those involved. Earning my Gold Award taught me more than I could have imagined! I learned to stay focused even if things got messy and be patient because things usually work out in the end. I also learned a lot about coordinating large groups of people, and more importantly, Girl Scouting has taught me leadership skills, developed my confidence, and has shown me how to step out of my comfort zone.
Overall, I am incredibly grateful for everything Girl Scouting has taught me, and as I prepare for the future, I do so as a proud lifetime member.
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Temporada de Galletas de Girl Scout – El Programa de Emprendimiento dirigido por niñas más grande del mundo – Se lleva al cabo del 18-ene. al 28-feb. en el centro y norte de Arizona
(PHOENIX – 5 de enero, 2021). Cada año, durante seis semanas, Girl Scouts en Arizona participan en el programa de emprendimiento dirigido por niñas más grande del mundo: El Programa de Galletas de Girl Scout. Este año, la temporada de galletas de Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) se llevará al cabo del 18-enero al 28-febrero, 2021. Como en años anteriores, todas las ganancias de la temporada de galletas se quedarán locales.
Así es como se ve la temporada de galletas:
Alineación de galletas de GSACPC
- Lemon-Ups: (introducidas en 2020): Crujientes galletas de limón horneadas con inspiradores mensajes. $5
- Thin Mints: Mentas cubiertas de un delicioso chocolate. Veganas. $5
- Tagalongs: Capas de mantequilla de cacahuate cubiertas de un rico chocolate. $5
- Samoas: Galletas de caramelo cubiertas con coco tostado. $5
- Trefoils: Icónicas y deliciosas galletas de mantequilla. $5
- Do-si-dos: Crujiente avena por fuera y cremosa mantequilla de cacahuate por dentro. $5
- Girl Scout S’mores: Sándwiches de galleta crujiente con relleno de chocolate cremoso y malvavisco. $6
- Toffee-tastics: Galletas de mantequilla (sin gluten) con piezas de crujiente caramelo dorado. $6
“Debido a COVID-19, GSACPC ha desarrollado nuevos escenarios para que las niñas puedan vender galletas de manera segura”, dice Tamara Woodbury, Directora Ejecutiva de GSACPC. “Estamos extremadamente orgullosas de poder ofrecer a nuestras niñas un sentido de normalidad en casi un año que ha sido todo excepto normal, así como un medio para ayudarlas a desarrollar su negocio, a hablar en público, finanzas y otras habilidades a través de nuestro programa de galletas modificado.
¡NUEVO! La aplicación de galleta “Digital Cookie” se abre con anticipación
De acuerdo con Woodbury, la aplicación de galleta digital, “Digital Cookie” ya está disponible (desde el 4 de enero, 2021), para que las niñas puedan tomar ordenes en línea para clientes anteriores, amigos y familia. A través de esta plataforma de venta digital, las niñas crean un página personalizada, y después invitan a amigos y familiares a comprar galletas a través de un correo electrónico, con la opción de que las galletas sean enviadas y las puedan recoger sin tener ningún contacto o enviadas directamente a su domicilio. Las niñas también pueden usar al Aplicación Móvil de “Digital Cookie” para aceptar pagos con tarjeta de crédito.
“Nuestra aplicación ‘Digital Cookie’ introduce lecciones sobre mercadotecnia en línea, el uso de la aplicación y eCommerce para las Girl Scouts al crear su página de internet y administrar sus ventas virtuales”, dice Woodbury.
¡NUEVO! Puestos de Auto-Servicio
Además de la “Digital Cookie”, las tropas locales de Girl Scout también estarán coordinando puestos de auto servicio en 2021, sin usar dinero en efectivo. Los puestos de auto servicio estarán en estacionamientos que permitan suficiente distancia y espacio para las niñas y sus padres. Los carros tendrán la oportunidad de formarse, hacer sus pedidos (se requiere cubre bocas para hacer el pedido), y poder recoger sus galletas sin tener contacto físico, de la misma forma que lo harían en un puesto tradicional. Habrá padres en cada puesto con productos desinfectantes para lograr una máxima seguridad y monitorear la transferencia de las galletas a los carros.
“Las niñas no solo venderán en estos lugares, también se anunciarán usando señales y otras promociones, permitiendo que las niñas ejerciten su creatividad y comunicación de una nueva forma,” dice Woodbury.
¡NUEVO! Visite un Castillo de Galletas…con un Propósito
Girl Scouts y Homie, una firma de bienes raíces, se han asociado para construir un tipo de propiedad especial esta temporada – un “castillo” hecho de cajas de galletas de Girl Scouts. Las familias y fans de las galletas de Girl Scouts, pueden visitar el castillo de 13 pies por 9 pies adornado con cajas de galletas. La niña que construyó la casa de este año escogió el tema “tu casa es tu castillo”. Las paredes de adentro mostrarán una historia visual de las Galletas de Girl Scout en Arizona. Estará abierto todos los domingos de febrero (7, 14, 21, y 28) en The Shops at Norterra, el cual está ubicado al norte de Phoenix en 2450 W. Happy Valley Road.
“Además de visitar el castillo, los fans de las galletas y los asistentes podrán comprar galletas de Girl Scout en un sitio local de Girl Scout, y cada uno contará con cubre bocas y proporcionará transacciones con distanciamiento social con contacto físico limitado o sin contacto,” dice Woodbury. “Este primer año del programa es especial gracias a Homie así como a Maija, una miembro independiente de Phoenix, que vendió 578 cajas de galletas el año pasado, así como a su familia que trabajó sin descanso para lograr este proyecto especial.
Los Señores Bob y Renee Parsons, que siempre han apoyado a Girl Scouts, les han proporcionado el espacio comercial en The Shops at Norterra para esta oportunidad única de venta en puestos.
Puestos
Con el permiso y siguiendo las pautas recomendadas por el CDC, incluyendo el uso de cubre bocas y el distanciamiento social, las niñas instalarán una tienda temporal enfrente de comercios locales proporcionando a los clientes la opción de distanciamiento social para comprar galletas. Este año la ubicación de los puestos incluye lugares que han apoyado desde hace mucho tiempo, Fry’s Food Stores, Bashas’ Family of Stores (Bashas, Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods), Walmart, y otras cadenas y pequeños negocios.
“Nuestros socios son muy importante en el éxito de la experiencia de nuestro programa, proporcionando lugares para los puestos para nuestras emprendedoras de Galletas de Girl Scouts. Este año han reforzado el apoyo, proporcionando lugares tradicionales para los puestos, así como otras opciones por todo el Valle. Verdaderamente agradecemos su apoyo,” dice Woodbury.
Aplicación “Cookie Finder”
Los clientes pueden encontrar galletas cercanas fácilmente al visitar www.girlscoutsaz.org/cookiefinder. Es simple – ingresa tu código postal y escoge de la lista de ubicaciones. Además el 1 de febrero, GSUSA lanzará un enlace nacional de galletas donde los clientes a nivel nacional podrán comprar galletas directamente de tropas locales al ingresar el código postal. Los pedidos ingresados desde este enlace, serán enviados directamente al cliente, y las ganancias se irán directamente a esa tropa.
A dónde se va el dinero de las galletas
¿Sabías que el 100% de las ganancias de las galletas de GSACPC se quedan localmente para beneficiar a Girl Scouts de Arizona?
Las ganancias de las Galletas de Girl Scout:
- Ayudan a las niñas a financiar los proyectos locales de Girl Scout para la comunidad y las aventuras dirigidas por niñas de las tropas.
- Financian los proyectos “High Award” que impactan la comunidad, como organizar un campamento para las jóvenes, donar a la gente necesitada, y mejorar los parques comunitarios. En 2020, muchas Girl Scouts hicieron cubre bocas y paquetes para el cuidado personal para donar a los trabajadores esenciales, incluyendo doctores y personal de los hospitales, personal de las tiendas de comestibles, y de emergencias.
- Cubren los costos del Programa de Galletas de Girl Scout, incluyendo los costos de galletas, materiales y logística.
- Ayudan a GSACPC a proporcionar programas en STEM, al aire libre, habilidades de vida, de emprendimiento, campamentos, y entrenamiento de liderazgo a todas las niñas, sin importar su situación financiera.
- Mantener y mejorar las cuatro propiedades de campamentos y la asistencia financiera que mantiene a Girl Scout disponible y accesible a todas las niñas.
“Cookie Fast Pitch”
El año pasado, 25 de los líderes y Directores Ejecutivos de las mejores compañías del Valle, incluyendo Diane Veres, Lisa Urias, y Ray Roberts, se unieron a más de 100 niñas locales para el primer “Cookie Fast Pitch” en la historia. Debido a su éxito, GSACPC, se complace en presentar nuevamente el evento por segundo año consecutivo, aunque este año será en formato virtual. El evento, que se llevará al cabo el 23 de enero, incluirá nuevamente líderes empresariales clave.
- Las niñas participantes presentarán su discurso de venta de galletas a uno de los Directores Ejecutivos locales o a los ejecutivos corporativos que asistan.
- A cambio, ellos proporcionarán retroalimentación de su discurso y les enseñarán cómo sentirse más seguras en sus sesiones de entrenamiento individuales.
- Al final del evento, las niñas aplicarán las estrategias que aprendieron y presentarán su mejor discurso a sus mentores.
- Todos los Directores Ejecutivos mentores planean apoyar a las jefas de galletas haciendo una compra de $500
¡EN ESPERA! Desafío del Postre de Galletas
- Debido al COVID-19, el esperado Desafío Postre de Galletas, conosido como “Girl Scout Dessert Challenge,” estará en pausa en 2021, pero ya están en marcha los planes de llevarlo al cabo más grande y mejor que nunca en 2022.
- “Sabemos que nuestra comunidad de restaurantes de Arizona ha sido impactada por la pandemia y les deseamos lo mejor. Estamos agradecidos por su apoyo y esperamos pronto regresar al Desafío de Galletas en 2022,” dice Woodbury.
IMPORTANTE: Aclaraciones de las Galletas
- Confusión de Panadería: Hay dos panaderos comerciales autorizados por Girl Scouts of the USA para producir las Galletas de Girl Scout. Por lo cual, la variedad de galletas varía por concilio. La panadería de GSACPC es Little Brownie Bakers.
- Los concilios cuya panadería es ABC Bakers estarán vendiendo una galleta nueva este año, “Toast Yay”, la cual no estará disponible en Arizona.
- Thin Mints son veganas.
- Toffee-tastics se venderán a $6 por caja. Solo las tropas que han aceptado vender esta galleta las podrán tener, así que estarán disponibles en cantidades limitadas solamente.
- Girl Scout S’mores también cuestan $6 por caja. Todos los otros sabores cuestan $5 por caja.
- Nuestras galletas no tienen jarabe alto en fructosa de maíz, ni aceites parcialmente hidrogenados (PHOs), tampoco tienen grasas trans, y utilizan aceite de palma certificado RSPO (Balance de Masa).
A cerca de Girl Scouts
Somos la mejor experiencia para niñas del mundo. Todo comenzó hace más de cien años con una mujer, Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low, quien creyó en el poder de cada G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader, por sus siglas en inglés)TM para cambiar el mundo. Hoy, continuamos su visión a través de la Experiencia de Liderazgo de Girl Scouts, la cual ayuda a las niñas a descubrir y desarrollar su potencial a través de actividades de ciencia y tecnología, conocimiento en economía y negocios, y conciencia del medio ambiente, a descubrir sus valores, habilidades, y el mundo que las rodea, a conectarse con otras en un entorno multicultural; y a ponerse en acción para hacer una diferencia en el mundo. Y con experiencia práctica, dirigida por niñas, aprendizaje cooperativo, cada G.I.R.L. tiene la oportunidad de hacer algo grandioso.
A cerca de Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC)
En sociedad con 9,000 adultos voluntarios, GSACPC atiende a 20,000 niñas en los grados K-12 en más de 90 comunidades en el centro y norte de Arizona. Desde 1936, GSACPC ha ayudado a las niñas a desarrollar sus habilidades de liderazgo y herramientas para el éxito en un entorno que cambia rápidamente. Sabemos que al darles la oportunidad, cada niña puede ser una líder, usa sus valores con confianza y se conecta con su comunidad. Las Girl Scouts crecen valientes y fuertes con los programas dirigidos por niñas, que van de campamentos de verano a actividades de la tropa y venta de productos. Para más información, visita www.girlscoutsaz.org, dale me gusta en Facebook o síguenos en Instagram.
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For more than 80 years, Girl Scouts in Arizona have sold cookies–and had fun, developed valuable life skills, and made their communities a better place every step of the way. Did you know that it was around 1940 that GSACPC had their first cookie sale? Take a guess which original flavor is still part of today’s line up and continue reading to find out if your guess is correct!
The First Girl Scout Cookie Sale in Arizona
Girl Scout Cookies had their earliest beginnings in the kitchens and ovens of our girl members, with moms volunteering as technical advisers. Selling cookies to finance troop activities began as early as 1917, five years after Juliette Gordon Low started Girl Scouts in the United States. The Mistletoe Troop in Muskogee, Oklahoma, baked cookies and sold them in its high school cafeteria as a service project.
It was in the 1920s that Girl Scouts across the nation baked and sold cookies. A sugar recipe had been shared from a sister council that allowed girls to bake simple sugar cookies, keeping their costs low. With the help of cookie volunteers and parents, girls baked these cookies, packaged them in wax paper bags, sealed them with a sticker, and sold them door to door for 25 to 35 cents per dozen, does this sale strategy sound familiar?
Fast forward to the 1930s in Arizona – a Charter from National Girl Scouts (not yet called GSUSA) was recorded for the Maricopa Girl Scouts Council (now known as Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council or GSACPC) in 1937, with seven troops and 143 girls.
Even though National Girl Scouts suggested cookie sales raised money, our local board voted against selling cookies in 1938 and 1939 and continued fundraising with bridge luncheons, teas, and garden parties that were deemed more sociable.
It wasn’t until 1940 that GSACPC had its first Girl Scout Cookie sale! They used Dolly Madison Cake Company that charged the Council $450 for 3,750 sugar cookies. That’s $0.12 a cookie. There was a total of 364 girls from 19 troops that sold cookies for 20 cents a box, generating a total of $928.57 in sales. It was a huge success for the girls! The three highest selling troops were given a bonus of one cent per box sold.
Girl Scout Cookies continued to be sold by local councils around the country until World War II, when sugar, flour, and butter shortages led Girl Scouts to sell the first Girl Scout calendars in 1944 as a socially-conscious alternative.
After the war, cookie sales increased, and by 1948, 29 bakers were licensed to bake Girl Scout Cookies.
In 1951, Girl Scout Cookies came in three varieties: Sandwich, Shortbread, and Chocolate Mints (now known as Thin Mints). With the advent of the suburbs, girls at tables in shopping malls began selling Girl Scout Cookies.
During the 1960s, when Baby Boomers expanded Girl Scout membership, cookie sales increased significantly. Fourteen licensed bakers were mixing batter for thousands upon thousands of Girl Scout Cookies annually. And those bakers began wrapping Girl Scout Cookie boxes in printed aluminum foil or cellophane to protect the cookies and preserve their freshness.
In 1978, the number of bakers was streamlined to four to ensure lower prices, uniform quality, packaging, and distribution. For the first time in history, all cookie boxes—regardless of the baker—featured the same designs and depicted scenes of Girl Scouts in action, including hiking and canoeing. And in 1979, the brand-new, Saul Bass-created Girl Scout logo appeared on cookie boxes, which became even more creative and began promoting the benefits of Girl Scouting.
In the early 1990s, two licensed bakers supplied local Girl Scout Councils with cookies for girls to sell, and by 1998, this number had grown again to three. Eight cookie varieties were available, including low-fat and sugar-free selections.
Early in the twenty-first century, every Girl Scout Cookie had a mission. New cookie box designs, introduced in the fall of 2000, were bold and bright, capturing the spirit of Girl Scouting. Two licensed bakers produced a maximum of eight varieties, including three mandatory (Thin Mints®, Peanut Butter Sandwich/Do-si-dos®, and Shortbread/Trefoils®). All cookies were kosher. And, much to the excitement of the youngest Girl Scouts, Daisies started selling cookies!
The Girl Scout Cookie Program Today
Two licensed bakers are serving all 111 councils. The baker of choice to both Councils in Arizona in Little Brownie Bakers, offering Thin Mints®, Samoas®, Tagalongs®, Do-si-dos®, Trefoils®, Lemon-Ups™, Girl Scout S’mores®, and Toffee-tastics®.
And Girl Scout Cookies are SO much more than just a sale, a sweet treat, a fundraiser. That’s right. It’s a research-backed, outcomes-based entrepreneurial and financial literacy program. Every box helps power enriching experiences for the awesome girls who sell them—it also provides the opportunity to learn essential life skills, soar in confidence, and quickly discover the leader within.
Bake the 1922 Girl Scout Sugar Cookie
- 1 cup of butter, or substitute
- 1 cup of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla
- 2 cups of flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
Cream butter and sugar; add well-beaten eggs, then milk, flavoring, flour, and baking powder. Roll thin and sprinkle sugar on top. This amount makes six to seven dozen.
Modern-day tips (not part of the original recipe): Refrigerate batter for at least one hour before rolling and cutting cookies. Bake in a quick oven (375°) for approximately 8 to 10 minutes or until the edges begin to brown.
Source: Girl Scout Cookie History and GSACPC Archives
The information above is brought to you by the GSACPC History Committee and the Barbara Anderson Girl Scout Museum. If you would like to learn more about Girl Scout history or schedule a visit to the museum, please visit girlscoutsaz.org/museum.
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Lake Havasu City
Troop 1941, Daisy and Brownie
Years as a Troop Leader: 1
What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?
I was inspired to become a Troop Leader when my daughter’s initial troop was without a leader. The girls were her good friends, so, together, we created a troop, and it has been growing ever since!
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
My troop loves to do crafts, go on field trips, and attend special events. Most recently, we began working on our outdoor journeys and expanding into more complicated arts.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
We have not done any service projects yet, but we plan to this upcoming spring. The girls will be deciding what they would like to focus on, perhaps starting something after the 2021 cookie program!
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
A standout moment I have is one of our recent virtual Zoom meetings! My co-leader and I created a stencil and placed them on t-shirts. The girls met up virtually and painted their shirts at the same time. It helped us feel more connected during quarantine and allowed us to bond even though it was online. Now they have a super-cool Girl Scout-inspired shirt they made on their own! Another favorite activity was when the girls planted flowers in boxes that my dad built for us, it was sweet, and they had a blast!
What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?
The advice I would give to other Troop Leaders would be to ask questions. Every other leader I have contacted has been more than willing to help when I ask. No question seemed stupid, and Girl Scout leaders welcome you and want to help you succeed.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new Troop Leader?
I wish someone would have told me just how much work goes into the cookie program “LOL.” It is so rewarding and worth every effort, so the harder you work, the more you and the girls get out of the program. And no matter how much of a lift it is, we always look forward to it and have so much fun.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
We love our adult volunteers and appreciate every and any amount someone is willing to give. Volunteers help us Troop Leaders manage meetings and outings and make the girls’ experience much more positive and enriching. If you’re a parent, see where you can lend a hand, we’ll always accept your help.
Does your troop sell cookies? Why is it important to participate in the GS Cookie Program?
Yes, we do! We see how the GS Cookie Program teaches girls the importance of hard work. They learn the value of money and what things cost, like paying for their badges, uniforms, registration, and program activities. They also learn how to manage money, how to count back change, and what it takes to be an entrepreneur!
What are your troop’s cookie-selling tips and tricks?
We only have one season under our belt, so we’re still learning too! One tip, however, is don’t sign-up for more booths than your girls can commit to. Also, focus on making it a Girl Scouts activity and not taking your additional kids with you so that you can manage everything well.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a Troop Leader?
Something that always inspires me is when parents thank me for the activities we do. It makes me feel fulfilled, like I have done my job and that they truly appreciate me. It’s humbling. ❤
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Girl Scouts released a new member management portal as part of the My GS community of online member resources and introduced several new updates making it easier than ever to manage your household’s Girl Scout memberships and keep track of your Girl Scout experiences – from troop participation, activity and event registrations and more!
Some of you may have caught the email from Girl Scouts Dec. 6-8 inviting you to reset your password and welcoming you to the system, others may have missed it. We understand. Emails can land in Junk folders or simply get lost in today’s crowded inboxes. The password reset link expires four days after the email is received. But it’s ok, you can still get started.
Simply click on ‘My GS’ in the top right corner of this web page and follow the system-provided prompts and guidance. Of course, if you have any trouble, be sure to reach out to our Council Staff Teams. As always, we’re here to support you every step of the way! Just email reghelp@girlscoutsaz.org, call 602-452-7030 or text 844-317-9041 (note, we recently switched to a new toll-free number for texts).
My Account makes it easier than ever to manage your household’s Girl Scout memberships and keep track of your Girl Scout experiences. With so many new features, we’re choosing to highlight just a few like:
- The *NEW* Household Summary View: A scrollable list of all current and inactive Girl Scout members in your household along with troop affiliations and the status for all household memberships – renewing your girl has never been easier!
- A *NEW* Event Dashboard: A scrollable summary of upcoming events and activities for your household.
- The *NEW* Troop Summary View: There to provide you with a quick look at basic information on the troops that your household members are a part of!
- The *NEW* My Account Menu: Ready to take to you pages like My Household, My Troop, My Profile, My Events where you will be able to find more details and information – beyond the summary views on your landing page—and where you’ll go to update and edit your member account information!
Of course, there’s more but we wanted to save a few surprises for you to find. Be sure to check it out! We think you’re going to like what you find. Have fun exploring!
girlscoutsaz.blog 