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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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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!
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South Phoenix Service Unit
Troop 436, Multi-Level
Years as a Troop Leader: 10
What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?
My inspiration came from another Troop Leader. I was inspired by Deanna Castle and seeing the joy of leading a troop.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
My troop has participated in a variety of activities. Some of their favorite include horseback riding, fishing, caroling during the Christmas holiday and tent camping.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Our troop really enjoys giving back. Some of the service projects we have done include feeding the homeless, volunteering with senior citizens at Tanner Gardens during the Christmas and Thanksgiving holidays, and participating in different clothing and shoe drives.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
A moment that stands out to me is when my troop participated in the grand opening of Parsons Leadership Center’s ribbon cutting and giving gifts to major donors Bob and Rene Parsons. It was so memorable and a great experience!
What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?
Have patience with your troop, parents and leaders.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new Troop Leader?
To try your best to work and collaborate with parents, each relationship can require different needs.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
When you become a volunteer, you get a new sense of joy. Watching girls blossom into young ladies, seeing them learn skills and make lasting friends is rewarding.
Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the GS Cookie Program?
Yes, it is important to participate for so many reasons. The programs supports everyone involved with Girl Scouts, for example, at a Council level it helps cover program and registration fees like camp scholarships or financial assistance. Girl Scouts troops also raise money for their troops to buy program materials, badges & patches, fuel their way to camp, and for troop expenses throughout the year. Plus, we often use our cookie funds to give back to the community.
What are your troop’s cookie selling tips and tricks?
At the beginning of our troop year, even before cookie season start, I have my troops set a goal by picking an event or place they would like to travel. We set this as our goal and then strategize how we can reach it. During the program, one of our strategies is selling in high traffic areas.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a Troop Leader?
There are many inspiring moments, but one of them must be the fact that eight of my girls have become Gold Award Girl Scouts. I also had 10 girls sell cookies for three cookie seasons to save up enough to travel to Europe -all-paid, plus spending money – through the Girl Scout Cookie Program!
It is also inspiring to see qualities in girls grow or build. I had a Girl Scout that started as a shy Brownie. She was so quiet and timid even as she became a Cadette. Then, one trip to San Diego, the girls did a skit and it completely showed her confidence! It was an opportunity for her to come out of her shell and she did so, so much that her mom teared up and called her grandmother! Girl Scouts is really a place for girls to build those skills and unleash their potential.
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Earlier this fall, we shared information via emails about an upcoming system refresh and plans to debut an enhanced member account management system in December. It’s happening!
Starting Nov. 18 at 11:59 PM EST, GSUSA will begin system-wide updates that will temporarily restrict the ability to complete many volunteer and member related tasks and pause access to:
- myGS
- Volunteer Toolkit (VTK)
- gsLearn (volunteer online training platform)
- Looker (only Service Unit admin teams use this as a reporting resource)
- Background check completion and submission for processing volunteers
- New membership registration/s and membership renewals
GSUSA is on track to pull back the curtain and Go-Live with myAccount Dec. 7.
While much of the downtime period is set to occur the week of the Thanksgiving holiday, a time when many troops and volunteers take a break to be with family and friends, we know that Girl Scouts and volunteers are always on the go and want to make sure that you are aware of the downtime, it’s potential to impact your Girl Scout plans, and steps you can take to prevent any surprises.
What should you do?
Please take a moment to review the important information to understand what is impacted and any workarounds we have made possible in the meantime.
- Review the Member Go-Live Timeline which details the schedule from now through Go-Live.
- Go through the Member Guide for the Upcoming System Wide Refresh which breaks down each of the platforms and processes listed above and what volunteers and members should know.
As always, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to reghelp@girlscoutsaz.org or 602-452-7030 for assistance.
Thank you for your patience while we work to enhance your Girl Scout member experience.
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This blog is written by Girl Scout Volunteer, Troop Leader, and Authentic Leadership Community (ALC) member Kate Allen. ALC is centered around the principles of Authentic Girl Scout Leadership, formerly known as 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.”
When I first began my journey as a Girl Scout Troop Leader, I remember pouring through the GSACPC website for clues about getting started. During my search, I came across materials called Leadership from the Inside Out (LFIO) booklets. The four booklets of this volunteer leadership curriculum cover the topics of Circle, Ceremony, Reflection, and Co-generational community.
They profoundly resonated with me. I read and learned about Girl Scout Circles, the many Girl Scout Ceremonies and traditions, the role of storytelling, and the multi-generational approach to Girl Scouting.
A couple of years into my volunteering, I was invited to participate in a retreat hosted by the GSACPC Authentic Leadership Community (ALC). A retreat was just what I wanted at the time, so I said yes. That retreat became a pivotal moment for me as a Girl Scout Volunteer. It genuinely helped me grow and understand my place as a leader, which eventually led me to become a core facilitator for ALC.
Together, with many generations of wisdom included in this circle, ALC updated the LFIO booklets. Our conversations were accompanied by ceremony, traditions, and authentic, vulnerable, open-hearted storytelling. We updated the booklets to reflect the work that volunteers do today and studying our work month after month, gathering information, sharing, and deepening our individual and collective stories in new ways. In addition to revising the existing LFIO material, we discerned the desire for a fifth section: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), considered through the lens of the Girl Scout Promise and Law. The fruit of this collective effort to rework the LFIO material will be shared in the coming months with GSACPC Volunteers: Authentic Girl Scout Leadership (AGSL).
Working through this curriculum with the ALC team has allowed me to try out the concepts with my troop. As my multi-level troop tries things out, I notice them taking a new interest in one another and their shared time. Our circle time gives a ritual framework that they can lead themselves. Their stories about what interests and engages them became a framework for planning troop meetings and ceremonies. Learning Girl Scout traditions like song-singing and skits not only empowers girls in my troop to be brave but gives the girls a common language for their sisterhood. Learning how to witness and honor the experiences of others while having a safe space to give voice to their own experience is how my girls have learned the vital concepts of diversity, equity, and inclusion, which are the concepts that will challenge and attempt to heal our world.
The girls in my troop are becoming go-getters, innovators, risk-takers, and leaders in ways I didn’t anticipate, and that is the curriculum’s magic. As a Troop Leader with AGSL at her fingertips, I feel empowered to empower my girls to lead the way on their journeys as they discover, connect, and take action to make the world a better place.
With this empowerment, I invite Girl Scout Volunteers to consider deepening their relationship with this work. You can start by reading the new booklet or asking yourself how you translate your authenticity through Girl Scouting for your troop. Attend a workshop or offerings from the Authentic Leadership Community to experience this work.
Want to learn more about our work or joining ALC? Email us and let us know!
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Registration for Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus Pine-Council’s (GSACPC) 2020 summer camp season is now open for its four camp locations: The Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp South Mountain (Phoenix), Camp Maripai (Prescott), Shadow Rim Ranch (Payson) and Willow Springs Program Center (Prescott). Each camp has unique offerings, along with the traditional camp activities, to accommodate the diverse interests of every girl. Yet the purpose of Girl Scout Camp remains the same—to provide girls a safe and supportive place to have fun, make new friends, and take risks, while learning new skills and exploring the outdoors.
“We live in a world of screens – smartphones, laptops, TVs and tablets. At Girl Scout Summer Camp, girls can get away from it all, experience the outdoors in a safe, all-girl setting while they develop confidence, independence, and outdoor skills that are hard to gain anywhere else,” said Tamara Woodbury, CEO for GSACPC. “Skills like building a campfire, pitching a tent and canoeing across a lake. Plus, they’ll try new things, discover their passions and challenge themselves in new ways.”
Studies show that when girls attend Girl Scout Camp, they discover that they can better solve problems and overcome challenges; develop leadership skills, build social bonds, and are happier overall; and they become team players and care more about protecting the environment. GSACPC’s all-girl environment gives girls the space to continue to develop a positive self-image, and build courage and confidence by connecting with others and their natural environment.
In addition, girls get to choose how they want to experience camp! At GSACPC, girls get to choose between four different camps, session lengths and the specific camp program and skill they want to learn.
Each of the four camps has a slightly different program focus:
- The Parsons Leadership Center, Phoenix, an $18 million state-of-the-art urban camp hosting both day camp and overnight sessions. The programs include STEM-related activities, archery, swimming, culinary arts, and field trips.
- Camp Maripai, Prescott, offers a traditional camp experience, like archery and canoeing, along with horsemanship programs for beginners through advanced riders.
- Shadow Rim Ranch, Payson, offers high adventure such as hiking and canoeing trip & travel sessions, plus outdoor cooking, zip-lining and archery.
- Willow Springs, Prescott, emphasizes artistic endeavors like ceramics, fashion and theater, as well as hiking, archery, a ropes challenge course and aviation.
All four camps offer sessions that vary in length, from weekend family camp to overnight camps and three-week-long quests. Summer camp begins the week of May 31 and runs for nine weeks, with the last camp week in late July.
Girl Scouts believe all girls should have the opportunity to experience summer camp. Thanks to generous supporters and the proceeds from their iconic cookie program, the Council offers tiered pricing to choose from, as well as need-based financial assistance. Girls who are not Girl Scouts are invited to register. To sign up, please visit www.girlscoutsaz.org/camp.
To learn more about Girl Scout Camp, open houses will be held at each camp property. All interested families are invited to visit on the following dates:
- The Parsons Leadership Center: May 29, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 1611 E. Dobbins Rd., Phoenix
- Shadow Rim Ranch: May 24, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at 530 N. Shadow Rim Rd., Payson
- Camp Maripai: May 30, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 201 E. Marapai Rd., Prescott
- Willow Springs: May 30, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 775 Camp Willow Springs Rd., Prescott
Additional Information
When girls attend Girl Scout Camp, they:
- Discover that they can better solve problems and overcome challenges
- Develop leadership skills, build social bonds, and are happier overall
- Become team players and care more about protecting our environment
Studies show that when girls spend quality time outdoors and increase their exposure to nature, they thrive physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Girls get to experience a world away from home and develop a deep appreciation for nature.
More details at stats from Girl Scout Research Institute: More Than Smores: Successes and Surprises in Girl Scouts’ Outdoor Experiences (2014)With so many programs, girls can use the table listed on the bottom of this page to help decide which camp is best for them. Please note that hiking, archery and arts & crafts are staples to every camp.
Types of camp
- Day Camp – Five Days at Parsons Leadership Center only
- Girls can attend day camp Monday-Friday with an additional option of adding 1-4 overnights if the camper is ready.
- Girls can attend day camp and participate in programming like swimming, archery, cooking, outdoor skills, STEM, games, fashion, photography and more!
- New this year is a Friday family barbeque for girls and their families. There is also an added after care option for girls who would like to stay later during the weeknights.
- Resident Camp: Girls can choose the length of their overnight camp experience at our three camps located in northern Arizona (Camp Maripai, Shadow Rim and Willow Springs). They will sleep in cabins or tents (if specified) with girls similar in age. Girls are welcome to experience camp on their own or with a buddy.
- 3-Day Overnight – 3 Days, 2 Nights
- 4-Day Overnight – 4 Days, 3 Nights
- 6-Day Overnight – 6 Days, 5 Nights
- 8-Day Trip & Travel – 8 Days, 7 Nights
- For girls grades 9-12, who want to experience camp AND hit the road for the next level of outdoor camping adventure.
- Leadership – 6 to 24 Days/Nights
- Older girls who help lead activities for younger girls and groups at camp. These programs help develop skills and experience needed to be a camp counselor.
- Troop & Family – 3 Days, 2 Nights
- Opportunities for Girl Scouts to experience camp with their family members and participate in programming offered by each specific camp.
Sessions fill quickly! Reserve your sport at Girl Scout Summer Camp!
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San Tan Skies Service Unit
Troop 2356, Multi-Level
Years as a Troop Leader: 13
What inspired you to become a Troop Leader?
I wanted to spend time with my oldest daughter and second daughter, and re-live some of the fun things that I got to do as a Girl Scout in NY. I also wanted to share create new memories with them.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
My troop has done axe throwing, archery, sewing, rock wall climbing & zipline! We also traveled to California last summer and we are planning to go to Savannah, GA in 2021 or 2022. Our favorite moments have been spent in the car driving on the way to a program, event or trip. Girls and moms buzz with excitement, laugh, sing and just let loose and have fun.
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
Our troop tries to do at least one service project per year to help our community. Girls pick something that has meaning for them. There have been times when the troop decides on a service project ideas because of one girl’s connection or passion for something. They work hard to support each other and make whatever project they decide on a success. It has even turned out that as a troop they decided on something together. During these instances, the troop comes together to make it successful.
We have made no-sew blankets, collected pop-tabs, helped with Turkey to Troops for soldiers, collected books for a little library, sold cookies to build a local little library, made recycled travel games for kids that must stay in the hospital for treatment, and many more.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
I think the moments that stand out to me are when I am with other leaders, planning and just learning from one another. I also feel blessed to have been nominated for things that I didn’t even realize were important. To hear that something I did made a difference in others means a lot to me. I feel like I am making an impact in this world and not just with the girls in my troop.
What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?
Be yourself. Don’t try to be what you think a perfect leader should be. Be the perfect leader you can be. It is incredibly valuable for girls to see female leaders in all shapes, sizes, colors, and personalities. If you are an oddball – stay and oddball, if you are studious and love to organize, stay that way. Appreciate the differences and don’t be afraid to take risks. Show the girls that success and failure are equally important and learn to roll with the punches. If something isn’t going as planned, change it. The most important advice that I can give is to have fun and just be there for them, they don’t always need us but when they do – it makes a world of difference. 💚
What do you wish someone had told you as a new Troop Leader?
That there isn’t a right way to be a leader. With a 100% heart, commitment, and a willingness to grow, you’ll be set. The girls will grow with you and that journey is amazing.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
Everyone has a place. Every person has a strength; it is just a matter of finding it and being willing to share it with others.
Does your troop sell cookies? If yes, please tell us in your own words, why it is important to participate in the Cookie Program?
The cookie program teaches the girls about life and life skills. The program gives girls hands-on practice of on the job skills whether it is counting out money, operating a card reader, or graciously accepting a “no” or “no, thank you.” These skills are taught through experience and can last a lifetime.
The program also highlights the need for community service, allowing girls to use their proceeds to make a difference in their community. I have seen my girls learn that life isn’t just about them and what they want, it is about what they can do to help the community and it shows the community, that someone is there willing to help.
What are your troop’s cookie selling tips and tricks?
We ask every customer, are enthusiastic, and are persistent. For the leaders, the best tip I can give you is to let the girls take the lead and don’t save them from every failure. Let them learn and let them grow. As parents and leaders, we want to fix everything, so they don’t have the experience of heartache or disappointment but occasionally, it is needed. Let it happen and be there for them to process through it. Amazing things can happen.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a Troop Leader?
I can honestly say I have more than just one. I love seeing the girls try new things and love whatever it is. I also enjoy girls finding out who they are and what direction they want to go in life. I watched my own daughter grow in Girl Scouts from Kindergarten as a Daisy, through High School and the experiences I have with her as a leader and her mom are forever with me. Now, I am loving the time I get to spend with my other daughter and can’t wait to see what things we do next. My troop has become my family and my girls are like my kids, and I wouldn’t trade this experience.
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Did you know that October 31, yes, Halloween, is the birth day of Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low?!
In 1912, Juliette Gordon Low (1860–1927) founded Girl Scouts of the USA, now serving millions of girl members and alumnae, and reflects the arc of her remarkable life.
An ardent believer in the potential of all girls, and the importance of fostering their individual growth, character, and self-sufficiency, Juliette is credited with establishing and nurturing a global movement that has changed the world. Take a look at some interesting facts about her, her life and how she influenced our Movement.
Fun facts about Juliette Gordon Low
- She is also now known as “JGL,” but was fondly known as Daisy to her friends.
- Daisy started the first troop in Savannah, Georgia, which was her home. You can visit her birthplace if you go to Savannah.
- Juliette Low learned about Scouting from Lord Baden-Powell, the founder of Boy Scouts, as well as from Girl Guides in England. Inspired and enthusiastic with this youth program, she led three Girl Guides troops in England and Scotland.
- She then returned to America with “something for all girls” and a dream of world peace and friendship through a program that would unite the young people of all lands.
- Daisy Low worked endlessly and even sold her jewelry to spread the exciting idea of Scouting.
- It was a piece of rice thrown for good luck at her wedding that caused Juliette to be partially deaf in her one good ear. It lodged itself in the ear drum.
- She was buried in her Girl Scout uniform in Savannah, Georgia.
- Her friends honored her efforts by establishing the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund. The organization finances international projects for Girl Scouts and Girl Guides.
Believe it or not, Juliette…
- Never tasted sugar until she was 4 or 5 years old when General Sherman came to visit her mother and brought a packet of sugar.
- Was an expert swimmer, horseback rider and fisherwoman, and loved tennis and curling, the national sport of Scotland.
- Had a parrot named Polly Poons.
- As a young girl saved a toddler who had fallen into a stream.
- Found a dead robin while at boarding school and, with her classmates and teachers, had a burial service for it.
- Went to dancing schools and learned all the dances in vogue.
- Was a talented artist who painted dinner plates, sculpted, and painted oil portraits.
- Went trout fishing in a nearby stream, after a formal dinner party, while dressed in full evening clothes with her friend, Rudyard Kipling. She once (accidentally) hooked a guest and was too deaf to hear him screaming.
- Once bought a rabbit from some children “Because its ears were cold.”
- Helped her mother organize and serve in a hospital during the Spanish-American War
- Knew where there was some khaki material and loaned the Girl Scouts $8,000 to buy it for uniforms during World War 1 (1918) when khaki material for Girl Scout uniforms was scarce.
- Entertained nieces and nephews by standing on her head with skirts tucked between her legs.
- Climbed the Great Pyramid in Egypt and rode elephants in India.
- Juliette LOVED to tell stories. She wrote many stories herself and girls encouraged her to tell ghost stories around the campfire.
- Juliette had a tea party after every Girl Scout meeting.
Popular Quotes
- “Scouting rises within you and inspires you to put forth your best”
- “Right is right, even if no one else does it.”
Fun Facts about Girl Scouting
- The Birthday of Girl Scouting in America is March 12, 1912. Every year Girl Scouts celebrate that day with parties, special ceremonies or service projects.
- The first group of girls decided to change the name of Girl Guides to Girl Scouts. The very
first camp was held the same year, 1912.
This 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 at the museum, please visit girlscoutsaz.org/museum.
Girl Scout History
Throughout our organization’s history, Girl Scouts has encouraged girls to participate in actions and activities they are passionate about, whatever any affiliated social causes may be. As the preeminent leadership development organization for girls, we feel it is our duty to encourage girls to participate in rather than shy away from issues they care about. We support the girl who supports the cause, which means we support girls’ agency in making choices that speak to them.
We are an inclusive organization and accept all girls in grades Kindergarten through 12 as members.
The Girl Scout organization stands firm in valuing diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, national origin, or physical or developmental disability.
Girl Scouts’ programming and approach—nonpolitical, nonpartisan—is designed to serve all girls.
Girl Scouts honors the values Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scout Movement in accordance with more than 100 years ago.
girlscoutsaz.blog 