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December 2014 VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 

Dear Volunteers,

 

While unveiling new camp facilities and programs, we've talked a lot about the Outdoor Experience for girls; and we're proud of everything our council has achieved. With wintry weather upon us, we welcome you to kick off your boots and join us for some Indoor Experiences!

 

This December issue of our volunteer newsletter is filled with fun and learning that Girl Scouts can do indoors-from Change It Up! video chats to selling Girl Scout cookies online using our new Digital Cookie technology. Or sign your troop up for Cookie Crunch Time and bring the girls indoors for a big day at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex to sharpen their business skills, party for the Samoas' 40th birthday, and see a theatrical performance by the Popcorn Hat Players Children's Theater and more! 

 

Troop leaders, too, can enjoy the Girl Scout indoor experience this winter. Put on your slippers, grab a cup of hot cocoa and take advantage of training opportunities by webinar. See the article called Volunteer Trainings at Your Fingertips for the schedule.

 

We do realize that with too much time indoors a girl can come down with cabin fever, so GSHPA is providing some wonderful outdoor winter options. Check our website for programs like Winter Habitats for Brownies, Winter Survival for Juniors, and other outdoor programs where Girl Scouts of all ages will truly enjoy the big chill.

 

However you choose to spend your time this winter, please know that Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania wishes you happy, healthy holidays. Because of you, girls can thrive-indoors and out.

 

Sincerely,

 

 
Signature - Jane Ransom
 Carolyn Warman Jane Ransom
 Board Chair   President & CEO

Digital Cookie Sneak Peek

 

Last month you read about Digital Cookie-now you can see it. Check out the tool that will allow Girl Scouts to sell cookies online for the first time in history. The traditional Girl Scout Cookie Program with the addition of Digital Cookie will allow girls to sell more cookies, expand their customer list and hit their goals as they learn 21st Century business skills.

 

Digital Cookie is a safe and easy way for Girl Scouts of all ages to create a cool personalized cookie website, build a customer list, and accept credit card payments under the adult supervision of a parent or guardian.

 

Important Things to Tell Customers:

  • Online purchases will be shipped directly to the shipping address that the customer supplies.
  • Customers can purchase all the same cookie varieties available at booths for the same price with the additional cost of shipping.
  • Customers must place their online cookie orders through a Girl Scout. Girl Scout Cookies are not sold directly from www.gshpa.org.

Digital Cookie sales will run Dec. 24-March 15. Keep an eye on your inbox! Girl Scout volunteers and parents will soon receive an official invite via email to discover and sign up for Digital Cookie.  


Cookie Bosses, Report to your Fun Station-It's Cookie Crunch Time!

 

Cookie Crunch Time
is our brand new event where the Girl Scout Cookie Program and Change It Up! crash together for an exciting Saturday morning guaranteed to pump up the fun and boost up business skills!  

 

There's so much to look forward to and we have it all! Interactive workshops and television clips from BizKid$ to hone in on skills, a Girl Scout exclusive performance from Popcorn Hat Players Children's Theater and.....

 

A Cookie Celebration to ring in Samoas' 40th Birthday! So what are you waiting for? Register now to crunch into some fun!


When: Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015

Time: 9 a.m.-Noon

Where: Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg, PA

Cost: $15 per girl; $7 per adult

Levels: All Girl Scouts levels (Daises-Ambassadors)    

 

Registration Deadline: Closes at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015 or until spots are filled.

 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. 



From Brrrilliant to Cool-Check Out Winter TACs

 

Brave the cold and warm up to these winter TACS that will be sure to fill your troop's season with wonderment and adventure! Get a quick peek at what adventures lie ahead!Click the links below to find more details like dates, locations, etc. Spots are quickly melting away-Register today to guarantee your spot! 

 

Brownies  

    • Winter Habitats - Discover how animals winterize their homes or change addresses to stay cozy.

Juniors  

    • Winter Survival - Take a cue from animals and learn some tips for staying warm in the winter.

Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors:  

    • Animal Architects - Check out how humans take inspiration from animal architects.
    • Wild Colors - Let your inner artist stir up some inspiration by discovering natural dyes and fabrics to create masterpieces.  
       

Volunteer Training at Your Fingertips 

 

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This winter you can stay warm at home while you connect with us for our exciting and FREE online enrichment trainings.* It has never been so easy. Click here to sign up for one, a couple, or all of our enrichment webinars.

 

Community Service - Brush up on how your troop can make an impact.

Girl Scout Traditions - Discover some of our traditions that span over the last 100+ years.

Bridging Basics - Learn how to take and celebrate this big step and more!

Bronze and Silver Awards - Get your Girl Scouts ready to Take Action with this how-to.

* All trainings are offered to appointed leaders and assistant leaders. All trainings begin at 7 pm.

  

Reminder: Winter Break for Camps


Even though GSHPA does not permit hunting on our campgrounds, we do temporarily close all camps from Dec. 1-14, 2014 during white-tail deer hunting season to ensure the safety of our Girl Scouts and volunteers. Just because you can't camp doesn't mean you can't plan to camp! Now is a great time to make your winter camp reservations.*

 

Winter Camping Updates:

  • Camp Louise has reopened for camping and events with fresh new look and coat of paint. There are three winterized units available to rent out.
  • Camp Archbald's new dining hall, Laura Muia Hall, will be open for troop camping beginning Jan. 2015. Troops can rent out half of the hall, which sleeps 30 people. Troops will have access to kitchens and bathrooms within the hall.

Don't wait for winter to be over! Get familiar with all seven of our camps and review our rental policies and required forms to get started!*

 

For questions about reserving a unit, or GSHPA rental policies, email Amanda at amutchler@gshpa.org or call 1.800.692.7816.

 

*Don't forget that you will need to include at least one adult on your roster who has completed Outdoor Basics training and at least one adult who is First Aid/CPR certified.
 

Speaking of Camps...Summer Camp Registration Coming Soon! 


The Camp Guide will be hitting Girl Scouts' mailboxes in late January in preparation for open registration on February 10, 2015. GSHPA has it all, from sleep away camp to ranch camp, and Adventure Bound excursions to fun times at Family Camp!

 

Let's start the countdown to camp!

 

Volunteer Enrichment Weekend


Enjoy workshops and have fun at the Girl Scouts Travel the World, an international travel themed weekend for Adult Girl Scouts, on Friday, Jan. 23-Sunday, Jan. 25 at Camp Echo Trail in York County.

 

Can't make a full weekend? Join for just Saturday. Click here for details. (See link for further details like application, fees, workshop descriptions, packing list etc.)

 

Lifetime Members Memo


Did you know that Lifetime Members do not need to re-register annually? The only thing Lifetime Members are required to update is the status of any annual, adult positions they hold like Troop Leaders, Community Leads, etc.

 

Lifetime Members can do this on their online account by self-reporting or connecting with their Membership Associate. If you have questions or need help reporting your positions, please contact the HelpDesk at helpdesk@gshpa.org or call 1.800.692.7816.

 


In This Issue
Digital Cookie Sneak Peek
Cookie Bosses, Report to your Fun Station-It's Cookie Crunch Time!
From Brrrilliant to Cool-Check Out Winter TACs
Volunteer Training at Your Fingertips
Reminder: Winter Break for Camps
Speaking of Camps...Summer Camp Registration Coming Soon!
Volunteer Enrichment Weekend
Lifetime Members Memo




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Save the Date!

December 11 - Big Save - Episode 1


December 24 - Cookie Sale Begins


January 14 - Troop Community Service Webinar

 

January 15 - Big Save Video Chat: Episode 2

 

January 23-25 - Leader Enrichment Weekend at Camp Echo Trail


January 29 - Troop Community Service Webinar

January 31 - Cookie Crunch Time

 

February 10 - Camp Registration Opens

 

February 13 - Girl Scout Cookie Booth Sales Begins

 

February 12 - The Big Save! Video Chat: Episode 3

 

February 21 -Winter Survival TAC

 

February 22 -Winter Habitats TAC

 

February 27-March 1- National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend

 

March 3 - Regional Governance Meeting (Montoursville)

 

March 4 - Regional Governance Meeting (Harrisburg)

 

March 5 -Regional Governance Meeting (Scranton)

 

March 10 -Regional Governance Meeting (York)

 

March 11-Regional Governance Meeting (State College)

 

March 12 - March 10 - Regional Governance Meeting (Webinar)

 

March 8-14 -National Girl Scout Week

 

March 12 - Girl Scout's Birthday

 

April 11 -Money Matters with Jean Chatzky

 

April 18 -Brownie Girl Scouts Give Back Day

 

Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania | 350 Hale Avenue | Harrisburg, PA 17104
www.gshpa.org | general@gshpa.org | 1.800.692.7816