Many things have gone virtual this past year – like movie releases and healthcare appointments–and Broadway productions. In fact, a Broadway production was performed virtually for the first time, and one of our Girl Scouts had the opportunity to be part of it.
Amber Chan, a Junior in Troop 3835, has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten and has been a young actor for a few years. This past year she auditioned and gained a role in the world’s first 100% live and virtual full-length off-Broadway musical, Newsies. For this production, Actors Technique NY (ATNY) theatre company used proprietary technology developed by the director, Broadway veteran Carl Anthony Tramon, to make the production as seamless as possible.
While she’s not auditioning for roles, Amber is busy studying and Girl Scouting. She’s participating in this year’s Girl Scout Cookie Program with plans to sell 560 boxes. To learn about how Girl Scouting has impacted her career on stage, she takes us behind the scenes in this interview!
Tell us a little about the off-Broadway production and your character’s role.
Newsies is a well-known musical based on the 1899 Newsboy Strike, in which a ragtag group of boys and girls shut down the most powerful newspapers in New York City in their quest for higher wages and better working conditions. Like Girl Scouts, they wanted to make the world a better place. I played Spot Colon, the leader of the Brooklyn newsies.
What was unique to this production, and how did you prepare for it?
This was the world’s very first 100% live, entirely virtual production. There have been streaming “virtual musicals” before, but they have all either been live streams of a theatre company on stage together, or the actors film their scenes on their own at home and send them in for editing to produce a “virtual show” that is then viewed at specific times. ATNY’s Newsies was completely live and virtual, with all actors broadcasting from their own homes worldwide. We performed in front of a green screen in our living rooms, so each performance was unique, subject to all the whims of live theatre because it was live theatre. The proprietary software helped sync the music, voices, and dancing. Have you ever tried to sing over Zoom? Here’s an experiment – sing “Happy Birthday” with a few friends. It’s hilariously awful, but that’s why a live virtual production had never been tried before.
How has Girl Scouting helped in your Broadway career/experience?
Girl Scouting has taught me to take risks and try new things. The great thing about theatre is that you can be whoever you want and create a new character with each show. Being in Girl Scouts has given me the confidence to go out on stage and give it my all, as well as take risks like auditioning in a nationwide casting call and broadcasting a full-length musical from my living room.
What are some of your favorite Girl Scouting memories?
My favorite memory was getting to speak in the Rose Garden of the Arizona Capitol at a press conference about the bill my troop had inspired to ban the intentional release of balloons.
Now that it’s cookie season, how has performing helped your Girl Scout Cookie business?
Being in shows has taught me to think quickly, and like the cookie program, it has made me more outgoing, which is essential when speaking with customers.
What do you/your troop plan to do with the proceeds?
Right now, we’re working on our Bronze Award to raise awareness of the dangers of releasing balloons into the atmosphere. We had planned to take a trip to California this summer to celebrate the end of elementary school and bridging to Cadettes, but we will put that off until next year now. And hopefully, we’ll do something even bigger and better.
(SCOTTSDALE, Ariz – April 26, 2021) – Fiesta Bowl Charities has awarded Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) $100,000 to support the organization’s newly created mountain biking program for Girl Scouts across central and northern Arizona. The grant will support the purchase of a trailer for supporting and transporting the mountain bikes, a truck to pull the trailer, and all the equipment for the girls to hit the Arizona trails.
“We are extremely grateful to Fiesta Bowl Charities for providing funds to expand our program offerings which include giving girls access and resources for new outdoor experiences,” said Tamara Woodbury, CEO of GSACPC. “Over the lifetime of the bikes, we’ll be able to provide tens of thousands of girls the opportunity to experience outdoor adventures while also learning the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and learning new skills.”
GSACPC was among 44 nonprofit organizations across the state of Arizona that benefited from Fiesta Bowl Charities grant funding in the 2020-21 season. Through the PlayStation® Fiesta Bowl and various community events throughout the year, Fiesta Bowl Charities has granted $16 million in charitable giving for the past five years alone.
“We are committed to enhancing the lives of Arizonans, and by supporting GSACPC and their amazing grassroots efforts, we are collectively making a meaningful difference,” said Patrick Barkley, chair of the Fiesta Bowl board of directors. “Giving back to the Arizona community has been core to the Fiesta Bowl mission since we were founded 50 years ago, from our board of directors to Yellow Jacket committee, volunteers and staff.”
Through Girl Scouts, local female leaders of tomorrow practice essential life skills and develop the confidence they need to create their own success, whatever that looks like to them. They receive support and mentorship from an inclusive network of girls and women who champion every girl’s potential to do amazing things. Girl Scouts helps girls thrive in five key ways as they:
Develop a strong sense of self
Seek challenge and learn from setbacks
Display positive values
Form and maintain healthy relationships
Identify and solve problems in their communities
The grant will allow GSACPC to further its proven Girl Scout Leadership Experience – a one-of-a-kind leadership development program (and the largest in the world!) focused on helping girls:
Engage in healthy activities
Explore the great outdoors
Learn the foundations of the sport through bike safety, maintence knowledge, and skill development
Participate in hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skill-building
Take risks in a safe, all-girl environment
Develop confidence and grit
Take the lead in her own life and the world
“The last year has been incredibly challenging for us all, and that is why it is imperative that the Fiesta Bowl still deliver these necessary funds to Arizona Cactus-Pine Girl Scouts,” said Fiesta Bowl executive director Mike Nealy. “The heroes are nonprofits like Girl Scouts across Arizona who use these funds to improve people’s lives, specifically girl’s lives, right where they need it. We are part of this community, and it’s our mission to give back to the community.”
Quick facts about Fiesta Bowl Charities:
$5.5 million given in charitable giving for 2020-21 season
44 nonprofits benefit from Fiesta Bowl Charities’ grant cycle in 2020-21
$16 million in charitable giving over last five years
$21 million in charitable giving over last 10 years
Fiesta Bowl gives more in annual charitable giving than any college bowl organization
More than 1 million people served in 2020-21
3,723,570 meals served in 2020-21
50,000 PPE face masks distributed in 2020-21
ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL (GSACPC)
In partnership with 6,000 adult volunteers, GSACPC serves 11,000 girls grades K-12 in more than 90 communities across central and northern Arizona. Since 1936, GSACPC has helped girls develop leadership skills and tools for success in a rapidly changing environment. We know that given the opportunity, every girl can become a leader, act confidently on her values, and connect with her community. Girl Scouts grow courageous and strong through girl-driven programs, ranging from summer camp to troop activities and product sales. For more information, visit www.girlscoutsaz.org, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram.
ABOUT THE FIESTA BOWL
Since 1971, the Fiesta Bowl is a world-class community organization that executes innovative experiences, drives economic growth and champions charitable causes, inspiring pride in all Arizonans during and outside of college football bowl season. As a nonprofit organization, it is driven by its vision for the importance of community outreach and service. Through the PlayStation® Fiesta Bowl, Guaranteed Rate Bowl and its year-round events, such as the Desert Financial Fiesta Bowl Parade, corporate partnerships and numerous community events throughout the year, the organization provides charitable giving to enhance Arizona nonprofit organizations that serve communities through youth, sports and education. Learn more at www.FiestaBowl.org and @Fiesta_Bowl on Twitter and Instagram.
Ceremonies help Girl Scouts mark special events throughout the year, such as bridging to another level, earning a National Leadership Journey award, or getting a Girl Scout pin.
Ceremonies can commemorate accomplishments or add something special to the beginning or end of a group’s meeting. Girls can plan a ceremony around a theme, such as friendship or nature, and express themselves in words or songs. Whatever its purpose, every Girl Scout ceremony helps girls share in Girl Scout history and traditions—and create special memories.
Whether you’re a new or seasoned leader, we put together this guide of Girl Scout Ceremonies to help you plan and get familiar with the traditions.
Let’s start with a quick guide on important Girl Scout Ceremonies:
Hosting a Bridging Ceremony? Check out this guide to planning your first Girl Scout Bridging Ceremony! It covers the basics and outlines some tips and key program pieces to make it traditional and unique. This ceremony is typically hosted in May or June.
A Fly-Up is a bridging ceremony for Girl Scout Brownies bridging to Girl Scout Juniors. Girls receive the Girl Scout pin along with their Brownie wings.
Founder’s Day or Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthday, October 31, is a time to remember the vital role Juliette Low played in the founding and growth of the Girl Scout Movement in the United States.
Girl Scout Birthday Ceremonies can be held on or near March 12, the date Juliette Gordon Low started Girl Scouting in the United States.
A Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, or Gold Award Ceremony honors Girl Scouts who have earned these special awards and is usually held at the troop/group level or combined with the annual Council event.
Girl Scouts’ Own is a girl-planned program that lets girls explore their feelings around a topic, such as friendship or the Girl Scout Promise and Law, using spoken word, favorite songs, poetry, or other forms of expression. It is never a religious ceremony.
Investiture welcomes new members—girls and adults—into the Girl Scout family for the first time. Girls receive their Girl Scout, Girl Scout Brownie, or Girl Scout Daisy pin at this time.
Journey Ceremonies honor Girl Scouts who have earned the final award along a Journey. The ceremonies are usually held at the troop/group level and invite girls to develop a themed celebration of their Journey, often including friends and family.
Court of Awards is a special ceremony recognizing girls’ accomplishments. Girls are presented with their badges, year pins, and other recognitions earned during the year. Volunteers may also be recognized during the ceremony. The Court of Awards can be held anytime during the year, at any location, and as often as the troop wants.
Opening Ceremonies start a Girl Scout meeting.
Pinning Ceremonies help celebrate when girls receive grade-level Girl Scout pins.
Rededication Ceremonies are an opportunity for girls and adults to renew their commitment to the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
You might find yourself asking, “How do I plan this Ceremony?” As a Troop Leader, your job is to guide the girls in an age-appropriate way as THEY plan their celebration. Walk your Girl Scouts through the ceremony one step at a time. Listen to your girls’ ideas and be open to help them create the ceremony in a meaningful way. With younger Girl Scouts, you might consider giving them simple choices to make, such as choosing a theme for the event or having them pick the songs they want to sing. If your girls want to make bracelets or hold a daisy flower, for example, honor their decision-making skills and include their ideas in the ceremony.
Offer the opportunity for girls to express how important this ceremony is to them by allowing them to create invitations, ceremony programs, and decorations. When it comes time for preparation, call on your troop parents for support to help make this celebration come to life. As your girls get older, you’ll be able to turn over additional responsibilities in the planning and execution of the ceremony – keeping in mind that their ideas will change over time. Before you know it, you’ll be sitting back and watching the girl-led, learning-by-doing process unfold, leaving you with a feeling of honor and pride.
My daughter’s school did not have a troop initially, and when she looked up with her big eyes and asked if I would start a troop and be a Troop Leader, I could not say no. Just like that, the journey began. Now I continue because these girls are amazing and really all feel like my own children and their families are extensions of mine. They have grown so much over the years, and I can’t wait to see how much more they continue to grow.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
The troop has stayed together since kindergarten and has grown an interest in all sorts of activities. Some of the things they enjoy most are making food and exploring new badges and programs. We also enjoy spending time outdoors, going camping and hiking, and traveling out of state. My troop’s philosophy is to always try new things at least once before deciding whether we like it, leading us to many fun adventures!
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
We have routinely done park cleanups and collected food to donate to our local food banks.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
A moment I remember fondly occurred as we were walking into our local roller skating rink, Great Skate, and one of the girls stopped, had one of those light bulb moments, and said, “this is why we sell cookies.”
She was able to see her hard work pay off, which is a huge life lesson moment. It made me feel really proud to see her and the girls see their goals come to life, feel rewarded, and celebrate together. It has also been rewarding for me, watching the girls support each other when one is scared about trying something new and how they encourage and support each other. It makes me smile and reminds me why I do what I do.
What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?
Give yourself grace as you learn about the Girl Scout program and once you’ve embarked on your journey of becoming a Troop Leader. Something to remember is as long as your girls are having fun, you are doing a good job.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new Troop Leader?
You will get just as much out of it as the girls do. I also recommend attending or reviewing all of the trainings that the Council has to offer.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with Girl Scouts?
I want to share the many ways to volunteer, like being a Troop Leader and/or parent volunteer. Without the support and help of my troop parents, I would not have been able to do as much for our girls as we have.
Why is it important to participate in the GS Cookie Program?
During the cookie program, my girls have learned to interact with customers, count and manage money, manage inventory, and so much more. I have jokingly told the girls they should put these things on their resumes.
What are your troop’s cookie-selling tips and tricks?
Some tips I would share is to bling your booth – this helps even the shyest girls feel more confident and is something to talk about and break the ice with potential customers. The customers always love unique decorations.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a Troop Leader?
There are many inspiring moments, and one that I recall took place at an amusement park. One of the girls had not yet ridden one of the rides and was scared to do so. The rest of the girls rallied around her, gave her encouragement, and helped her develop some ideas to deal with her fear. They showed support, care and offered the idea to ride in the cart with me next to her. She felt so supported and ended up riding it with me! Now she jumps to the front of the lines when we go anywhere with the rides!
What this moment showed me is how through Girl Scouting, my girls have built such great qualities, courage, confidence, and its shows up over and over in moments like this, all the time. They may not see it yet, but I see how much they continue to grow each day.
Written by Rocky – Shadow Rim Ranch Camp Director/Manager
Oh, hello there! Thinking about working at one of our four Arizona camp properties? We want to share a few reasons why being a camp staff member could fulfill many of your personal and professional goals.
Working at camp as a Counselor in Training (CIT) or as camp staff will give you more experience than you realize. Regardless of what career you have ahead, a role at one of our camps offers you an opportunity to develop skills that are sure to make you stand out on all future job applications.
Who you are:
A young adult over 18 years of age
An outdoor enthusiast who loves nature and spending time outdoors
A leader and team player who communicates well with others
Excited to lead campers through weeks of fun, skill-building, and learning
Does this sound like you? Then keep scrolling!
If you’re considering working at camp, you might be at a pivotal moment in your life. You might have just finished high school or are three years into college. Decisions about how to spend your time are getting harder. You want to make sure you’re investing time in a place that will help you learn different skills and prepare for your career, and other goals – a job at summer camp can support precisely this!
Just imagine your answers to these interview questions after a summer at camp:
Are you a leader? Yeah, you’ve managed and been a role model for 20 campers at once.
Can you be flexible? Oh yeah, you should have seen when a monsoon came rolling in, and we came up with a Rube Goldberg challenge utilizing only cabin items.
How organized are you? Well, you’ve planned eight weeks of session schedules, multiple activities and mapped out the programs themselves. So, very organized!
If that wasn’t convincing enough….here are some other skills and benefits you can experience by joining our team!
Communication
A huge part of camp is realizing how vital communication skills are! Camp roles will teach you the many ways to communicate. You’ll be communicating with campers, learning to communicate well with the camp leadership team, and engaging with parents. Other counselors, parents, campers, your camp director…everyone will be asking you questions and expecting answers. Your communication skills will flourish during your summer at camp.
Live and work in the great outdoors
You have a whole life ahead of you to choose a career path. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to take a job where you work and live in the great outdoors. The sunsets, the connection to nature, the shooting stars, the storms…. oh, and did we mention the summer tan? Spend the summer not tied to a desk.
Camp friends
You’ll be housed with your colleagues for over two months and will bond with them in a way that is different from anywhere else. These friendships will last you a lifetime. The end of summer will be the hardest goodbye you’ve had in a long time.
Work attire? How does tie-dye sound?
Camp is outdoors! So, don’t expect to wear slacks! Instead, how about jeans and a camp t-shirt? Or maybe a tie-dyed camp t-shirt? Best. Dress. Code. Ever.
New experiences
Camp counselors are trained to do multiple things during the summer. You’ll get First Aid/CPR certification. Next, you could be in archery instructor training or learning to run the zipline! Whatever it is, we can guarantee you’ll get to experience what campers sign up for.
You will carry a tradition
The Girl Scout Camp experience is bigger than all of us. Some camp traditions predate all of us. Each camp is unique in its traditions, and you can be someone who shepherds them forward, preserving history for the next round of campers.
The campers are the best
Working with kids will be the most rewarding job you’ll ever have. You’ll become an older sibling to your campers. You’ll lead them in activities and be a role model. They’ll ask you for advice, tell you funny stories, and sing their hearts out when you start camp songs like “Little Red Wagon.” Best of all, you’ll find it rewarding knowing you’re creating memorable experiences for Girl Scouts.
New Mindset
Camp has a profound effect on everyone who emerges after their first summer. You’ll be more confident in your abilities, open with communication, and perhaps have a new sense of purpose that follows you out of the gates. Camp opens us up to who we are as people, and you’ll be surprised at how happy that can make you.
Living and Commuting to Camp
Camp staff working at one of our three Northern Arizona camps (Camp Maripai, Willow Springs, and Shadow Rim Ranch) will reside on-site for the entire camp season, late May through early August. Staff will receive a two-hour daily break, a 24-hour weekly break, and will be provided lodging and meals.
Camp staff working at our Phoenix day-camp (Parsons Leadership Center) have the option to reside at camp or commute daily to the property, providing a flexible opportunity for metro Phoenix candidates. Commuting staff will receive breakfast and lunch, and resident staff will receive lodging and meals. When applying, please specify which option interests you.
Learn more and apply for our current summer camp positions at one of our four beautiful Girl Scout camp properties located in Phoenix, Prescott, and Payson.
Arizona Cactus-Pine Girl Scouts Sell Over 2,000,000 Million Boxes of Cookies During Enhanced Cookie Season Program Amid COVID-19
(PHOENIX – March 19, 2021) — Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) is celebrating a successful cookie season. From Jan. 18 to Feb. 28, participating Girl Scouts across central and northern Arizona summoned their inner G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader) ™ as they sold nearly 2.1 million boxes of delicious cookies, building essential financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills imperative to leadership and future success along the way.
Despite COVID-19, GSACPC Cookie Bosses kicked off the cookie selling in creative, socially distant, and contact-free ways to keep themselves and their customers safe. Even in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, girls adapted their sales methods to share the joy of Girl Scout Cookies through the largest girl-led entrepreneurship program. Their strategies include opening the Digital Cookie app early on Jan. 4 and offering drive-thru cookie booth locations throughout the Valley.
The funds raised through the cookie program will allow local girls to take part in a variety of programs, community outreach projects, and enrichment over the next year, including:
Help girls fund their Take Action projects for the community and amazing girl-led adventures for troops.
Girl Scouts use their proceeds to fund High Award projects or projects that impact the community, like hosting a camp for youth, donating to those in need, and improving community parks.
In 2020, many Girl Scouts sewed masks and made care packages to donate to essential workers, including physicians and hospital staff, grocery store staff, and first responders.
Cover the cost of running the Girl Scout Cookie Program, including the costs of cookies, materials, and logistics.
Help our Council provide Girl Scout programs in STEM, the outdoors, life skills, entrepreneurship, camps, leadership training, and more!
Maintain and improve our four camp properties and the financial assistance that keeps Girl Scouting available and affordable for all girls.
Girl Scout Cookie Entreprenurs also earn rewards on their individual sales. They can choose to receive incentive prices or “Program Credits” that can be used to help pay for summer camp, membership dues, Girl Scout travel, and other programs and events.
The Girl Scout Cookie Program helps Girl Scouts earn money for these fun, educational activities and community projects and plays an important role in helping girls learn essential life skills like decision-making, money management, people skills, business ethics, and goal setting. All proceeds from the cookie program stay local and support Arizona’s Girl Scouts.
How the cookies crumbled, by the numbers:
6,492 girls in central and northern Arizona sold 2,082,122 packages of cookies
The Per Girl Average was 320 boxes each, up from 176 boxes each in 2020
The top cookie seller, Jordyn Talahytewa, an IGM from the Hopi Lands, sold 10,813 boxes of cookies
The top troop, Troop 558 in Peoria, sold 34,468 boxes of cookies
Troop 1892 in Lake Havasu sold 18,720 boxes of cookies
Troop 203 in Tempe sold 17,512 boxes of cookies
17 girls sold over 5,000 boxes each
Over 657,700 packages were sold online through its Digital Cookie platform, that’s more than double the sales through this platform compared to last year
The most popular cookie sold was Thin Mints
The success of this year’s cookie program was possible only with the support of the community.
Girl Scouts were still able to sell at some booths this year, thanks to:
Fry’s Food Stores
Bashas’ Family of Stores (Bashas’, Food City, A.J.’s)
Walmart
YAM Properties
Real-estate brokerage Homie partnered with the Council on the “Tiny Cookie Castle,” which was designed and built by Girl Scout Cadette Maija Kaprosy. Each Sunday in February, cookie fans were able to visit The Shops at Norterra to tour the 13-foot by 13-foot by 9-foot castle made almost entirely out of Girl Scout Cookie boxes!
The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation generously invested in girls once again through a $665,000 grant in support of the cookie program. It included purchasing one dozen boxes of cookies from every girl who participated. At nearly 80,000 boxes, this was the single largest cookie purchase ever made in Arizona.
All funds raised stay in Arizona, ensuring girls will have the resources they need to develop into tomorrow’s leaders.
I enjoyed spending quality time with my daughter, and what better way to spend some additional time with her than through Girl Scouts?! I’ve enjoyed watching her interact with the other girls, have fun, and make memories. It’s special to share these experiences with the girls– teaching them and learning from them as well.
What kind of activities do you do with your troop? What is their favorite thing to do?
Our troop has a great balance and likes to participate in different activities. Our favorite types are crafts, giving back to the community whenever possible, and going out to camp!
What kind of service projects have you done with your troop?
In the past, our troop has volunteered at different community events. For example, we have placed flags on Veterans’ graves for Veterans Day and sang Christmas carols for our friends at Phoenix Manor Senior Community.
Tell us about a volunteer moment that stands out to you.
During our last “in-person” Christmas carol event in December 2019, we had planned crafts that our older girls taught and then served cookies and cocoa to the senior residents at Phoenix Manor. Each troop in our neighborhood sang two songs, and our whole neighborhood closed the show together with “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”
What made this event special is that it was completely girl-led. They planned and executed it, and it made me so proud to see them confident in their abilities and manage it almost all on their own! They have learned so much, and it makes me feel good to know that I was a part of their journey.
What advice would you give other Troop Leaders?
I would advise leaders to try their best to manage their time; even being a Troop Leader a few hours a week makes an impact. As you grow as a leader, you’ll learn where to invest your time, and it will be enriching.
What do you wish someone had told you as a new Troop Leader?
You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. There are oodles upon oodles of resources for badge work and meeting ideas from our Council. A few resources are GSACPC’s Leaders Facebook Group page and the council website, YouTube, and Pinterest.
Help is just a click or phone call away, and someone is always willing to offer help.
What would you like others to know about volunteer opportunities with the Girl Scouts?
We need more adults to become leaders so we can make more impact in the lives of girls. They’re the future!
Why is it important to your troop to participate in the GS Cookie Program?
Because it helps girls learn so many life skills. One of the main and important skills they learn is setting a goal and finding the way to achieve it.
Selling cookies also helps our entire organization succeed. From the camp properties to the girl programs, and down to the individual troops – all Girl Scouts benefit from the program as proceeds stay local.
What are your troop’s cookie-selling tips and tricks?
Our troop loves colorful and creative posters. We’ll get creative and add puns, create themes, or make them funny to call attention. We also make posters with photos of the cookies to make it easier for customers to shop. While out boothing we also encourage the girls to keep it professional and polite, and people respond positively to that.
What is the most inspiring moment you have experienced as a Troop Leader?
There are honestly a few moments I remember often. One that stands out is when our girls made a seven-course meal at an outdoor overnight camp trip. Every leader, troop, and girl had a job to do, and we executed it and had fun at the same time! I was so impressed. The girls have learned many skills that show in everything they do, leadership, being independent, confident, and being a team player.
This blog is written by The Authentic Leadership Community (“ALC”). 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.”
You did it! You completed the 2021 Girl Scout Cookie season! Whether this was your first or your twentieth, this year was just…different. Cookie season can be exciting, stressful, and challenging in a typical year, but a pandemic? You deserve extra kudos.
There is so much that gets put to the side while you focus on making sure your girls have enough Thin Mints on hand that you may not take time to recharge once it’s over. Before you shift your focus onto all the other stuff calling for your attention, we invite (and gently remind) you to take time to practice some post-cookie season self-care.
“Ha! Who has time for that? Life is too busy!”
Well, grab a glass of milk (or other favorite beverage) and a Do-Si-Do or two that you stashed away, and we’ll share why it’s essential for you and your girls.
First, self-care is a form of self-respect, which is an essential part of the Girl Scout Law (”I will do my best to be…considerate and caring….and to respect myself”).
Second, according to a survey done by the American Psychological Association in 2020, Americans reported significantly increased stress levels during the pandemic. Stress can have a significant impact on our mind and body, contributing to sleep problems, brain fog, fatigue, depression, anxiety, weakened immune system, heart disease, and even stubborn weight gain (and this is just a shortlist). This means that self-care is critical to surmounting these stressors and maintaining your health.
Well, I still don’t have time for “self-care,” so how can I fit it in?
Self -care is more than bubble baths and spa days (although that would be amazing too!). It can be as simple as allowing yourself to pause and breathe deeply for a minute or two. Here are five ways you can practice post-cookie self-care that will benefit yourself and your troop:
Deep breathing.
Get outside. Walk, hike, garden, or simply sit and enjoy the sun.
Put on some of your favorite tunes and dance.
Journal. Reflect on what went well this cookie season, what lessons were learned, how did you feel this year compared to prior years.
Celebrate. Celebration is contagious! When we celebrate our wins – no matter how big or small – it creates a positive momentum that motivates and energizes.
And so you know, everyone here at GSACPC and ALC celebrates YOU. Let us know how you de-stress by sending us a message.
Please note this content is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
(PHOENIX – March 8, 2020) – Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) is pleased to award its most prestigious honor, the Gold Award, to 18 local girls this year. This distinguished award, considered the most difficult to earn, challenges Girl Scouts in grades 9-12 to take action in their communities by tackling an issue they are passionate about and developing sustainable solutions to local, national, and global challenges.
“Recipients of Girl Scouts’ highest honor are part of an elite group of Girl Scouts who have distinguished themselves as prominent leaders in their communities and as true change-makers,” said Tamara Woodbury, CEO for GSACPC.
Gold Award Girl Scouts are visionary leaders, and this year’s awardees have tackled prominent issues by sharing the importance of bees to our ecosystem, educating the community about climate changes and sustainability, helping eliminate the stigma around mental health, teaching self-defense to individuals with and without Autism, creating libraries and activity stations for seniors in assisted living, creating a space to properly retire American Flags, and so much more.
The Gold Award calls Girl Scouts to develop their collaboration and problem-solving skills, while gaining confidence and lifelong leadership capabilities as well as leaving a positive impact.
“In addition, Gold Award Girl Scouts are proven to show significantly higher success in life reaching their goals in education, career, and volunteer work, compared to non-alums,” says Woodbury.
With the Gold Award, girls can take advantage of unique scholarship opportunities, be entitled to enlist at a higher pay grade when they join the military, and distinguish themselves among the competition in the college admissions process and when entering the workforce.
To protect the health and safety of this year’s recipients, their families, and GSACPC volunteers and staff, the 2021 Gold Award ceremony will be held virtually on Saturday, March 27.
This year’s recipients, who have been working hard to become Gold Award Girl Scouts for the better part of two years, and their impactful projects are:
Hannah Barsema, Mesa Peanut Butter and Jelly Back to School Drive Having donated to her local community food bank, Extended Hands Food Bank in Fountain Hills, Hannah was familiar with the types of food donations they received. She realized how some foods might not be kid-oriented, so she decided to lead an annual donation drive to collect foods that kids enjoy eating, like peanut butter and jelly. She held two successful drives in 2019 and 2020 that brought in many jars of peanut butter, jelly, and other food items. She also created a video to explain the purpose and impact of the food drives and worked with a school club that will help continue this effort in the future. Through this process, Hannah learned how to be more confident in herself and advocate for causes she is passionate about. Hannah has been a Girl Scout for ten years and currently attends Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She is majoring in global security and intelligence studies.
Emily Blink, Flagstaff Just Bee Understanding the importance bees play in our ecosystem, Emily wanted to educate others and set up some safe spaces for bees around her community. She built four bee houses and installed them at Riordan Mansion, The Pioneer Museum, and GSACPC’s Shadow Rim Ranch. To raise awareness, Emily successfully led an in-person presentation for nearly 1,000 kids before the pandemic and hosted a presentation for her troop. Her presentation covered the importance of pollinating bees, the different species, and how to help protect them. She used all this information plus other resources and learning activity ideas and created a website. Emily said the pandemic caused her to canceled a couple of her events but it taught her patience. She also grew in confidence, learned leadership skills, and how to stand up for herself. She has been a Girl Scout for 13 years and plans to attend Northern Arizona University to study biology.
Alina Boorse, Phoenix Ecolytical Alina was inspired by the recent efforts of climate change, wildfires, and pollution. She was compelled to educate others about sustainability and urge the next generation to think and act sustainably. She developed a curriculum around recycling, water conservation, climate change and led virtual presentations to youth and adults. In total, she hosted 20 workshops and uploaded videos to YouTube and Instagram. Before the pandemic, Alina hosted a few in-person workshops where she asked kids to make a commitment to the earth on a paper leaf and add it to a tree to be displayed. Alina said this activity would remind kids of their commitments and be more conscious of environmental issues. She hopes the next generation is aware of how they can help restore or protect our planet. Through Girl Scouts, she learned to be strong and that there is power in her voice. Alina has been a Girl Scout for 12 years and plans to major in kinesiology and minor in environmental science.
Robin Bozik, Chandler Stigma Ends Here The stigma around mental health has almost always been visible to Robin, as she has close friends with mental illnesses or disabilities. This is why she created a website to address and educate others about mental health, mental illnesses, locating resources, getting help, or helping others. Her goal was to raise awareness that mental health is nothing to be ashamed of and something every person should monitor closely. Her message and website were shared in an email forum at MIT, reaching students and alumni. Robin shares that the pandemic placed restrictions on meeting others and added stress to the planning. Despite that, she learned how to dig deep and find the motivation within herself and a new love for doing research. She has been a Girl Scout for nine years and is currently attending Clark University. She is studying English and biology with plans to become a genetic counselor ultimately.
Cara Curran, Scottsdale Self-Defense for Those on the Autism Spectrum An experienced martial artist, practicing for 13 years and teaching for six, Cara wanted to introduce a new audience to self-defense. Having many friends and family members on the autism spectrum, she wanted to use her self-defense knowledge to prepare for uncertain situations. Due to the pandemic, Cara couldn’t host in-person classes, so she created a series of easily digestible YouTube videos that taught mental and physical self-defense for people with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder. In her 12 years of being a Girl Scout, she said this project made her realize her love for teaching and helped her grow in her confidence and compassion. She credits Girl Scouting with helping her figure out who she wants to be and what she’d like to pursue in the future. She is pursuing business marketing with a focus in international business at Paradise Valley Community College, with plans to transfer to Loyola Marymount University.
Cayton Hale, Chandler Beat the Heat Project Riding horses since she was a kindergartener, Cayton has long been involved in the local equestrian community. Having spent many summers training in the Arizona heat, she wanted to create awareness of the dangers that the high summer temperatures present to riders and horses. She developed a heat safety poster to be shared at her barn and other locations in the Valley. She shared them on social media and with the Interscholastic Equestrian Association. In addition, Cayton transformed an empty casita space on the property into a cool-down area where horses and riders can safely escape the heat while training. Since then, she’s noticed the space utilized daily during the summer and as a community space throughout the year. “I learned that I really have the ability to be a leader,” says Cayton. She has been a Girl Scout for 13 years and plans to attend college this year.
Jade Knight, Woodruff Navajo County The Dying Art of Sewing Having observed a decline in the ability or interest in sewing among her peers, Jade’s long family history and knowledge on this topic inspired her to pass this skill onto others. When COVID-19 hit, her plans changed; instead of teaching an in-person class on sewing and preparing quilts, she quickly transitioned to hosting online classes that taught girls how to sew masks for essential workers. In addition to helping 15 girls build competency in using sewing machines, she donated over 400 masks to doctor’s offices, schools, grocery stores, and other businesses in her community. She bolstered her people skills and learned a lot about patience while teaching others and doing so in a virtual space. Jade credits Girl Scouts for giving her a safe environment to explore her passions and how to do the right thing even when it’s hard. Jade has been a Girl Scout for 12 years and plans to study medical laboratory sciences at the University of New Mexico.
Kathryn Neumann, Phoenix Students for Sustainability Kathryn’s passion for the environment inspired her Gold Award, which involved founding the Sustainability for Students club at her high school to educate and mobilize her peers as well as reduce the waste output by the school. She made significant gains in driving awareness and a deeper understanding of recycling. She noticed a drastic change in attitudes over the five years working with the club, shown by an increase in volunteer support, as well as the school administration’s moves to support awareness efforts and a formal recycling program. Kathryn says her Gold Award taught her about effective communication, compromise, and learning to assess and listen to advice objectively. She says the Girl Scouts community fosters love and growth, and has imparted a call to service. She was a Girl Scout for 13 years and plans to attend university to major in environmental engineering to pursue a cleaner, greener world.
Nia Richardson, Scottsdale Angel Adult Day Center Little Library Originally Nia planned to install and organize a “free little library” at a local youth center but after spending some time with her grandmother who suffers from dementia, she was inspired to change the her location to Angel Adult Day Center. It was especially meaningful for Nia since her grandmother had been a school librarian. To collect books, Nia hosted an in-person drop off and virtual book donation drive accepting books appropriate for dementia patients. After receiving donations, she installed a library space at the center, introducing a new activity and shared responsibility for the seniors. “I gained first-hand skills in project planning and I also realized the importance of having a sense of purpose is essential to our mental well-being,” says Nia. She also said that her 10 years of Girl Scouting provided a constant source of friendships and opportunities for growth. In the future, she plans to attend college and major in environmental science.
Rhiannon Ridley, Gilbert Giving Care to Memory While visiting her grandmother at a memory care facility, she learned that center had been missing some hands-on activity stations. This has impacted the residents’ daily routines, and Rhiannon wanted to ensure the residents and her grandmother stayed engaged. Using some of her cookie proceeds and donations, she installed several activity stations and painted a few pictures to hang up around the facility. The stations included a baby station where residents can take care of baby dolls, a pet care station, and a dress up station complete with dresses and ties and hats. The residents have expressed how much joy this brought them and its positive impact on their mental health. A lesson Rhiannon learned during this process was being patient and that anything can achieved with hard work and time. And a lesson she had learned in her 12 years of being a Girl Scout is “to be kind and respectful to everyone no matter who they are, how they are, or how they act.” After graduating from Mesquite High School, she plans to attend an in-state college or the Air Force Academy.
Gabrielle Roman, Scottsdale Be the Change Club Through volunteering and becoming aware of inequalities in society, Gabrielle decided to mobilize her peers with consistent and accessible volunteer opportunities through her Gold Award. She created the nonprofit Be the Change club at her school, which takes the initiative to help people and address issues they see around them. The club began by engaging low-income students in STEM and the arts and providing funding for Title I schools. Gabrielle then linked the club with YMCA to continue directing members to weekly volunteer opportunities. What started as 60 people in the first meeting has now become a massive presence at her school and online through the website she set up. Gabrielle has been a Girl Scout for 13 years and says she learned that with her confidence and abilities, nothing can stop her. After she graduates, she plans to attend university and major in Biomedical Engineering.
Megan Rziha, Chandler Camp Field Improvement When Megan saw the field at GSACPC’s Willow Springs –her summer home away from home– had trip hazards, insufficient grass, and an anthill, she wanted to give back to the camp and future campers by improving the field through her Gold Award. After analyzing the drainage and conducting hours of research, she mobilized a group of volunteers around her corrective action plan. Megan replaced the anthill with a garden play space, cleared the field of major rocks, spread mulch from camp across the field (to serve as a play-friendly surface and a source of nutrients for the soil), and started a test plot for a drought-resistant, non-allergenic grass seed that would be better suited for the camp field’s uses. Megan realized her strengths of organization and planning could bring about positive change, and this project improved her communication and people skills. Camp helped her grow as a person over the 13 years she was a Girl Scout. She is currently studying landscape architecture at Arizona State University.
Ainsley Snyder, Gilbert Rainwater Recycling Garden Inspired by her love for her school community, Ainsley’s Gold Award provided the Gilbert Classical Academy’s Special Education Department sustainable garden boxes and curriculum for students to develop fine motor skills through gardening. She created a gutter system to collect rainwater, designed and built the boxes, and developed the program guide to make the project sustainable. The program focuses on helping students exercise their hand-eye coordination and small muscle movements by caring for the garden. The installation of the garden has provided the opportunity for many students to develop their skills for years to come. It was very rewarding for Ainsley to provide skill-building opportunities for others for years to come. She said being a Girl Scout for 12 years gave her many opportunities she wouldn’t have had otherwise, and helped her become a well-rounded adult. Ainsley is now attending Idaho State University on a golf scholarship, studying Chemistry and Mathematics for Secondary Education.
Eileen Spahle, Scottsdale Outdoor Barbecue When she learned about a project needing some artistic and hands-on support at a local center that offers service to people with disabilities, Eileen knew this project was perfect for her. It incorporated two of her biggest passions: art and being of service to people with disabilities. In partnership with The Adaptive Recreation Center of Scottsdale, Eileen helped bring an outdoor kitchen space to life. She help remodel the area and added hand painted tiles to the space. She also wanted to bring more awareness about this center, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, she was limited on ways to do this. Despite this challenge, she learned skills like managing obstacles, project management, and communicating with a team. She has been a Girl Scout for 12 years and plans to study occupational therapy with a minor in art at the Dominican University of California.
Jane Spellman, Tempe American Flag Retirement Jane’s grandfather was a veteran and very active in the American Legion, which bolstered her love of country and inspired her Gold Award. She learned the American Legion in Ahwatukee didn’t have an American Flag Retirement dropbox, which resulted in a surplus of flags that couldn’t be retired. Many were left in garbage bags at the front desk of the Ahwatukee Recreation Center. She decided to provide a drop box for worn and tattered flags and increase awareness of how to retire flags properly. She partnered with the American Legion, organized fundraising, secured boxes to repurpose, and painted and installed them. Jane also organized neighborhood events about properly retiring natural and synthetic fiber American flags, resulting in the retirement of over 200 flags. She then created a website and posted training on YouTube to educate the community for years to come. She has been a Girl Scout for ten years and plans to become a doctor after graduating high school and completing an undergraduate degree.
Chloe Stoops, Gilbert Women in STEM Fascinated by science since a young age, as she was getting ready for college Chloe realized the lack of female representation and role models in this field. As she learned of all the challenges women face and the shocking low numbers of women in STEM, she wanted to make sure future generations of women didn’t face these. For the next few months, Chloe researched and interviewed several female STEM professionals and shared their stories on a website she built called womeninstemgoldaward.com. In addition, she shared resources for girls to help stimulate interest in these fields or to get started in one! To spread awareness, Chloe distributed business cards with her website at schools and secured a place in the ASU Chapter of Society of Women Engineers newsletter and website. “I hope this will encourage other girls, like myself. Over the course of my project I have learned that I have the ability to make a lasting impact on others,” says Chloe. She’s been a Girl Scout for 13 years and plans major in aerospace engineering and minor in astrophysics.
Victoria Thurman, Tempe Healing Art Victoria’s great-grandfather Carl was a World War II veteran, a resident of Westchester Senior Living, and the inspiration for her Gold Award. He once told her it would be nice to have pictures and memories around his residential facility to foster nostalgia and warm, calm feelings. Understanding that photography could help seniors with anxiety, depression, and mental health, Victoria decided to introduce photos to the center for residents to enjoy. She took over 1,000 photos and created photo books for three nursing homes, had 15 photo canvases made for the dementia unit, and created a website and YouTube channel that hosted videos of photography to be played as an activity for the residents. She received so much praise from the residents that they requested more! And Carl was so very proud. In her 10 years of Girl Scouting, Victoria has learned to be a leader, built her communication skills and the confidence to take on new challenges. She looks forward to attending an in-state university in the future.
Charlie Unsworth, Peoria Hope for a Future Charlie has gardened and grown produce since she was five, which has created a passion for understanding the countless benefits of eating fresh fruits and vegetables. She wanted to share this knowledge and cutting-edge skills for cultivating produce with the next generation through her Gold Award and set up hydroponic gardening systems at Lookout Mountain and Roadrunner Elementary schools. As a component of their STEM studies, the students enjoyed watching the plants grow and eagerly anticipated eating the produce. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 school closures halted the use and harvest of the gardens, but the teachers reported they intend to resume the gardens when school attendance normalizes. This experience helped Charlie develop time management skills, and she realized she wants to pursue a career in education. A Girl Scout for 13 years, Charlie says she learned how to advocate and stand up for herself. She is currently applying to colleges and hopes to attend her top choice Northern Arizona University to double major in History and English.
Becoming a Gold Award Girl Scouts
Seniors and Ambassadors who earn the Gold Award tackle issues that are dear to them and drive lasting change in their communities and beyond. Think of the Gold Award as a key that can open doors to scholarships, preferred admission tracks for college, and amazing career opportunities. Becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout means being distinguished as a leaders, change maker and allows girls to:
Higher education and career
Distinguish themselves in the college admissions process
Earn college scholarships
Enter the military one rank higher
Life skills
Be seen as a role model and distinguished leader
Master time management skills
Make the world a better place
Community
Use their vision for change
Tackle an issue, locally or globally
Establish a lifetime network
Create your community legacy with a sustainable solution to a problem
Have you ever heard the term “nosebag lunch” when going to Girl Scout camp or an outdoor program? That’s probably because the nickname dates to 1927. Here is the definition:
nosebag lunch (nōz′băg′ lŭnch)
n. A bag lunch. The term comes from when a bag of oats was placed over a horse’s muzzle to eat. Commonly carried on hikes or outings.
With that in mind, Girl Scouts took the term and applied it to bagged lunches. They applied the name to when girls packed their own personal “nose bag” in a bandana, a paper or plastic bag, etc. The term grew and was even included in the 1963 Girl Scout Brownie Handbook. The handbook stated for girls to “carry something munchy, something crunchy, something juicy, something sweet, nothing squishy, nothing squashy, nothing sticky, nothing soggy.”
The term now is used loosely across different Councils.
Want to pack your own 1963-inspired nosebag lunch? Here’s how:
Try to include a balanced meal – a protein sandwich, vegetable munchies, thirst quencher (fruit), and something sweet for a dessert. Pack heavy things on the bottom, light ones on top, and avoid “squishy” things that will ooze and/or leak. If you are traveling far or hiking for a long time, note that fragile fruits such as peaches and pears will not survive. Be aware of the weather and things that will melt. Tip: potato chips tend to have a low survival rate!
Once you have that sorted, here are some no-cook recipe and snack ideas:
(Ants) Bugs on a Log
Fill ribs of celery with peanut butter or cream cheese and top with raisins or nuts
Cereal Necklace
Using a piece of string or yarn, pipe the string with bits of cereal rings
GORP
An acronym for “good old raisins and peanuts” or trail mix, GORP is an easy and fun snack to put together. Customize it with things like salted peanuts, dried cranberries, dried fruits, granola, and different seeds or nuts!
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
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!
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.
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:
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. ❤
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 