Be Connected
February 2015 VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER
|
Dear Volunteers,
Over the last five years GSHPA has become financially stable, better organized, and has gained the support of more donors. It's exciting that many of our programs-such as our outdoor programs, the Gold Awards, and the new Change it Up! initiative--are popular and growing.
But it cannot be denied that, even as we enjoy these successes, our Girl Scout council also faces challenges. Now that we have reached financial stability, how do we maintain it? What do we do to connect more girls to the Girl Scout experience? How do we assure both quality and affordability in the programs we offer?
Over the past year, the GSHPA Board of Directors analyzed our council's strengths and weaknesses. They also sorted out the challenges we face and the opportunities we need to make the most of. At our spring 2014 Regional Governance Meetings, Girl Scout Community Delegates helped the Board review and reflect upon the results of a survey we sent to volunteers and parents about council programs, from troops to camp and cookie.
From there the Board's Strategic Planning Committee studied four issues deeply: (1) the quality of our programs; (2) membership development; (3) the volunteer-staff partnership; and (4) our financial future.
From our research findings the Board has developed and adopted a new strategic plan for fiscal years 2016, 2017 and 2018. The plan contains strategies to help GSHPA build upon what we are doing well, as well as strategies that address our continuing challenges. This week we shared the plan with Girl Scout Community Delegates and we want to invite you to hear our strategic plan. Join us via FREE webinar to view the strategic plan. Webinars will last about an hour.
We're excited to share and discuss the new strategic plan with you.
Sincerely,
|
| Carolyn Warman | Jane Ransom | Board Chair | President & CEO |
|
|
Click Through Our Girl Scout Camp Guide
Flip through our 2015 Girl Scout Camp Guide and find fun on every page! From Adventure Bounds to Zip lines there is so much for Girl Scouts to explore this summer. As an added bonus, if Girl Scouts register for Traditional, Ranch, Adventure Bound or GSHPA's CIT program before April 1, 2015 they will be able to stay campfire cozy with a FREE camp sweatshirt!
Have questions about camp? We have answers! Join us for a FREE online webinar to learn more about what happens. A detailed confirmation will be sent 2 days prior to the webinar.
Want to explore the camp grounds yourself? Attend our Camp Open Houses to see the place your Girl Scout will remember forever. Open Houses are from 1-4 p.m. with tours running every 30 minutes.
- Camp Archbald - Saturday, April 18
- Camp Small Valley - Sunday May 3
|
NBC's Today Show Financial Expert Visits GSHPA!
Financial expert Jean Chatzky has an impressive list of achievements on her resume and now she gets to add Girl Scout Speaker when she joins us on Saturday, April 11th in Lancaster for GSHPA's Money Matters speaking series for both Girl Scouts and adults.
Money 101: Finances for Girls with Jean Chatzky!
Junior-Ambassador Girl Scouts (grades 4-12) will be able to breakdown the complicated world of finances with Jean Chatzky as she leads a workshop that will help them earn it, keep it and maintain financial independence.
Date: Saturday, April 11
Times: 4:30-5:15 p.m.
Cost: Girls - $15
Location: Lancaster Mennonite School; High Fine Arts Center (2176 Lincoln Highway East in Lancaster)
Levels: Juniors - Ambassadors (Grades 4-12)
Registration Deadline:11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 3rd or until spots have been filled.
Click here to register for (girl event) Money Matters 101 with Jean Chatzky.
|
|
Money Matters with Jean Chatzky: Change It Up! for Financial Success
And what better way for girls to continue to grow their financial knowledge than from their parents, grandparents, volunteers, aunts, uncles, teachers and other important adults in their lives. That's why we are having an event for adults-both Girl Scout members and non-members!
Whether you are gearing up for retirement, just starting out, or somewhere in between Jean Chatzky will provide you with money rules to keep you on track, help keep your mind over money, and provide tips for making money a family affair.
Date: Saturday, April 11
Times: 7-8 p.m.
Cost: Adults - $30 (Adults do not have to be a member of Girl Scouts in order to register)
Location: Lancaster Mennonite School; High Fine Arts Center (2176 Lincoln Highway East in Lancaster)
Registration Deadline: Closes 11:59 p.m. on Friday, April 3rd or until spots have been filled.
Click here to register for (adult event) Money Matters with Jean Chatzky:Change It Up! for Financial Success.
|
Show Your Love for Girl Scout Cookies!
February is the month to show off your love-for Girl Scout Cookies. Whether you're infatuated with Thin Mints or smitten with Samoas now is the time to make the community fall in love with Girl Scout Cookies! Here are some important dates to keep in mind.
- Week of Feb. 9th-Girl Scout Cookies are delivered
- Girl Scout Cookie Booths and Direct Sale -Feb 13. -March 15
- National Girl Scout Weekend-Feb 27th-March 1st
- Bling Your Booth Contest-Feb 13th-March 17th
Cookies are just one cool thing about Girl Scouts. Girls can tell their customers everything they love about Girl Scouts and what they would love to do with their Girl Scout Cookie proceeds.
|
Spring Outdoor Programs Filling Fast
|
Did you know that last year GSHPA invested $274/per girl to provide affordable Girl Scouting for more than 20,000 girls in our council? Did you know that girls in our area need financial assistance more than ever?
What is Family Partnership?
Family Partnership makes Girl Scouting possible for girls who cannot afford to be a part of Girl Scouts.
"We have seen an increase in the number of families in our community who need financial assistance for their girls to participate in Girl Scouts," said Katie Knaub of Gordonville (Lancaster County). "We want to make sure that no girl is turned away from participating in Girl Scouts because of financial difficulty."
When is Family Partnership?
Girl Scout Communities will kick-off their Family Partnership events during April 1- May 31, 2015.
How does Family Partnership Help Girls in Need?
As a volunteer, your involvement in GSHPA's Family Partnership can help make Girl Scouting affordable to local girls in need. And as a family member your reason to give might be your daughter, a niece, or even the neighbor girl down the street. Karen DiPace, Troop 71264's leader said, "I think it is important to give the girls a chance to have experiences that they might not otherwise have, spend time with girls they might not otherwise get to know, and open up whole new worlds."Last year, GSHPA's Girl Scout families raised over $23,000 to provide Financial Assistance for girls in need.
Where does it go?
Funds raised stay in GSHPA's council for financial assistance. Additionally, based on the Family Partnership goals set for each Community, participating Communities, do receive a portion of those fundraising dollars back and they use these dollars to support their local community events, camping, field trips and more!
How can I help?
Family Partnership fundraisers take on many forms, online giving, family coin collections, and special fundraising events like pancake breakfasts, bake sales, and car washes. By donating, participating, and spreading the word, you can help make a difference in girls' lives. Connect with your Community Lead today to see how you can support your Girl Scout Community.
For more information on how you can support your Girl Scout Community during Family Partnership, please email Lynne Dillard at ldillard@gshpa.org or call 717.233.1656.
|
Brownie Girl Scouts Give Back Day
As Brownie Girl Scouts earn their "Give Back" badge they can connect with businesses, organizations and even their customers to make a difference. This year as they earn their badges, Brownie Girl Scouts can sign up for *Brownie Girl Scouts Give Back Day-a give-back challenge that not only helps their community but also says "Thanks!" to friends and neighbors for supporting the cookie sale.
Brownies can pick any organization that they want to help and then Take Action with that organization to make a difference. When you sign up, don't forget to fill out the media request form for the possibility to be highlighted by local press!
*Girl Scout Brownies should be working on the "Give Back" badge activities in conjunction with this event. Girls decide what they'd like to give and where. Approval is not required; however Girl Scout Brownies must register to receive the official "Give Back" badge for free. Badges will be mailed after the event.
When: April 18, 2015
Cost: FREE
*Levels: Brownie
Registration Deadline: Closes at 11:59 p.m. on April 11, 2015.
Click here to register.
|
Don't Forget About Our Scholarship Opportunities
GSHPA Scholarship applications must be postmarked or delivered by Monday, March 23, 2015 (the office closes at 5:00 p.m.) Mail the application to Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, Attention: Scholarship Committee at 350 Hale Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17104.
To find the forms and learn more about GSHPA scholarships visit: www.gshpa.org/girls/scholarships.html
|
Convenient Training just Clicks Away
Feed your winter cabin fever and stay cozy by signing up for our volunteer enrichment webinars. Our membership team is excited to share tips, resources and more and you don't even have to leave your home. There are only two topics left and you won't want to miss out. 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.
|
Recruitment Feedback Survey Closes Feb. 9th
Have you filled out the recruitment feedback survey yet? The Feb. 9th deadline is quickly approaching click here to fill out a quick survey to provide your feedback about recruitment.
OR check in with your Community Lead as to when your Membership Recruiter will be attending your next community meeting.
|
Have You Thought about World Thinking Day?
February 22nd is World Thinking Day, an opportunity for Girl Scouts to connect with their global connection of Girl Scouts to make the world a better place. Need some inspiration for how to get involved? Click here to check out a blog from Girl Scouts of the USA on three ways Girl Scouts can make a difference.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Save the Date!
February 10 - Camp Registration Opens
February 10 - Free Summer Camp Webinar at noon and at 7 p.m.
February 12 - Big Save! Video Chat: Episode 3
February 13 - Girl Scout Cookie Booth Sales Begins
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 8-14 -National Girl Scout Week
March 10 - Regional Governance Meeting (York)
March 11 - Free Summer Camp Webinar at noon and at 7 p.m.
March 11-Regional Governance Meeting (State College)
March 12- Regional Governance Meeting (Webinar)
March 12 - Girl Scout's Birthday
April 10-12 - Spring Volunteer Work Days at Camp Archbald
April 10-12 - Spring Volunteer Work Days at Camp Furnace Hills
April 11 - (girl event) Money Matters 101 with Jean Chatzky
April 11 - (adult event) Money Matters with Jean Chatzky: Change It Up! for Financial Success
April 17-19 - Spring Volunteer Work Days at Camp Echo Trail
April 17-19 - Spring Volunteer Work Days at Camp Louise
April 18 -Brownie Girl Scouts Give Back Day
April 18 - Camp Archabld Open House at 1-4 p.m.
April 25 - Annual Meeting
April 25 - Volunteer Recognition Awards Luncheon
May 2- 3 - aMAZE Weekend at Camp Small Valley
May 3 - Camp Small Valley Open House at 1-4 p.m.
|
|
|