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January 2015 VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 

Dear Volunteers,

 

Last fall, Jane's next door neighbor (the mother of a five-year-old) asked her if the Girl Scouts presented high awards to older girls who have completed exemplary community service projects. Jane then told her neighbor about the Gold Award and listed off an impressive list of projects that have been completed over the years. She highlighted the significant benefits to the community as well as skills gained by the girls through organizing large scale projects. Knowing we had a noteworthy award, one that her five-year-old would work up to, was already on the mind of this young mother looking for ways of giving her child opportunities to grow as a leader in her community.

 

This story reminds us how much parents want and need to know how Girl Scouting gives girls a leg up in life. We have research that proves it does-studies that show higher educational and financial attainment by women who were Girl Scouts. GSHPA also offers a scholarship program, which gives amazing Girl Scouts a wider reach of opportunities.

 

Each year we look forward to handing out $15,000 in scholarships to high-achieving GSHPA graduating seniors who are moving on to higher education. We take pride in being able to invest in these go-getters to help fund their education. Please be sure to take a look at the article on the GSHPA scholarship application process below and share this information with eligible Girl Scouts you know. They need to apply by March 23, 2015 for consideration this year.

 

Who propels these girls toward scholarships, higher education and careers? You, of course, by opening the eyes of the girls you lead to the opportunities in the world around them. Thank you for your service.

 

Sincerely,

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

Spring Outdoor Programs Go Live TOMORROW! 

 

Get ready to spring out of winter and into adventure with our brand, new and our classic, favorite adventures in our Spring Outdoor Programs. Registration will officially open online on Jan. 10th. We know winter is just kicking-off, but we just couldn't wait to share with you all the exciting opportunities!  

 

When it comes to fun, we got your back from backpacking to horseback trail rides and a wide array of Troop Adventure Camps, Nature Explorers, and Foxfire Programs. Click here to see what adventures your Girl Scouts can get into!  

 

Outdoor Programs have been known to fill quickly so hop online and into action by registering your Girl Scouts today.  

 

Don't worry volunteers! We have plenty of fun for you too! Escape the indoors and with our outdoor trainings that will help prepare you to lead your troop on some wild adventures. Click here to view our training calendar.

  

Girl Scout Camp Registration Date Opens Feb. 10

 

While you wait for online camp registration to open, keep your eyes peeled for your Camp Guide to arrive in your mailboxes early February.

 

Want a deeper look into camp? Join us for an online webinar to learn more about what happens! Discover how each camper chooses their own program, the different activities, menus for the week and what kind of units they will be staying in plus so much more. Registration for camp webinars will open Jan. 10th. Don't miss out on these free sneak peeks into life at Girl Scout Camp. A detailed confirmation will be sent 2 days prior to the webinar.

 

Camp Webinar Dates:

  • February 10 from 12 - 1 p.m. | Click here to register.
  • February 10 from 7 - 8 p.m. | Click here to register.
  • March 11 from 12 - 1 p.m. | Click here to register.
  • March 11 from 7 - 8 p.m. | Click here to register.

 

Who is Ready to Celebrate National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend?

 

Bling Your Booth and throw a party for your cookie customers during National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend from Friday, Feb. 27-Sunday, March 1st! While our council-wide Bling Your Booth contest goes from Feb. 13-March 15th, National Girl Scout Weekend is the perfect time to push out your Girl Scout Cookie pride to the community.  

 

Themes

This year's themes are Happy 40th Birthday Samoas or Rah Rah Raisin! Choose either a classic favorite or a new addition as a theme for your booth! Decorate it and celebrate it!

 

Submit

Snap a photo of your booth and email it to cookiesale@gshpa.org with the Subject Line: Bling Your Booth by 11:59 p.m. on March 17th.  

 

Top Picks

GSHPA judges will pick the top 5 Happy 40th Birthday Samoas and the top 5 Rah Rah Raisin booths to post to our Facebook page on March 24, 2015.  

 

Vote

Encourage your friends, family, and fellow Girl Scouts to go online and vote for their favorite by "liking" the photo.  

 

Win

Whichever photo has the most "likes" by 11:59 p.m. on March, 31st will be announced the 2015 Bling Your Booth winner! Winners will get a FREE GSHPA Goody Bag and a FREE Bling Your Booth Patch!

 

Click here for more information about GSHPA's Bling Your Booth contest.

 

New Year, New Ideas: Resources to Inspire

 

Whether you are a veteran volunteer looking for inspiration or a new leader trying to brainstorm ideas, we have some helpful FREE resources to stir up creativity, introduce your Girl Scouts to something new, and provide fun all year long!  

 

Have you requested your Change It Up! Guide yet? Any GSHPA approved Troop Leaders (01) can receive one copy per troop that is filled with ideas like working calendars, and pages of online resources, and a sneak peek into year two of Change It Up!    

 

Click here to request your guide.   


Don't let the winter weather crush your creativity! With the Change It Up! Guide's Innovation Station you can build some creative muscle and think-outside-the-box with your Girl Scouts. There is no right or wrong way to get creative! Discover three exciting activities that will open up a world of imagination.  

 

Looking for trips near and far? Our Program Partner Directory is always available on our website and appeals to every girl in your troop, whether she is an artist or a scientist, a calculating queen or a health guru. Central PA (and beyond!) has so much to discover. Leaf through the pages to find new and exciting businesses, organizations, or museums to explore!  

 

Want to digest more inspiring information? Find a library worth of resources and ideas by visiting: http://www.gshpa.org/volunteers/resources.html

 

Girl Scout Scholarship Applications Now Available


GSHPA is proud to provide $15,000 in scholarships for higher education to Girl Scouts across our council. Do you know a soon-to-be-graduating Girl Scout with excellent academics, a commitment to service, and has plans to attend an institute for higher education? Tell them about our available scholarships.  

 

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: http://www.gshpa.org/girls/scholarships.html 



Only 1 day left to register for Cookie Crunch Time! 

 

Register today to guarantee your spot for a fun-filled morning of cookie tips and tricks! Don't miss out on this fun mashup between our signature program, Change It Up!, and the Girl Scout Cookie Program at Cookie Crunch Time.   

 

When: Saturday, Jan. 31, 2015

Time: 9 a.m.-Noon

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

Cost: $15 per girl; $7 per adult

Levels: All Girl Scouts levels (Daisies-Ambassadors) 

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

 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

Brush Up on Bridging, Bronze and more!   

 

Our FREE, online volunteer enrichment webinars continue! Training has never been so easy! Sign up, tune in and brush up. Check out the upcoming sessions below. 

 

Community Service - Find out 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.

Annual Meeting Proposals 

 

Mark your calendars for GSHPA's Annual Meeting on April 25, 2015 at WITF Studios (4801 Lindle Rd. in Harrisburg) with satellite locations in Scranton, State College, Montoursville and HACC's York Campus.

 

If you would like to submit a proposal for the Annual Meeting, please click here for the form and submit it in one of three ways:

  • Email it to ssprenkle@gshpa.org 
  • Fax it to "Annual Meeting Proposal" at 717-901-5987 or
  • Mail it to "Annual Meeting Proposal, Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA, 350 Hale Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17104."

Proposals must be received by January 15, 2015 to be considered.

 

Recruitment: We Want to Hear Your Ideas

 

We heard what you had to say about recruitment at our regional governance meetings and would love to hear more. Help us brainstorm ideas, prepare for future planning, and give us feedback on how we can do better.  

 

Click here and let us know by filling out a quick online survey, which will be available until Feb. 9th OR check in with your Community Lead as to when your Membership Recruiter will be attending your next community meeting.

 

Updated Store Hours

 

The GSHPA Retail Store in Harrisburg will have new hours starting Jan. 15-March 31st.

  • Thursdays 12-5 p.m. 
  • Fridays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 
  • Phone sales available Tuesday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Our online store will be available 24/7

The store will remain closed Saturdays in January, February, and March.

 

Click here to view January's store hours.  

 

In This Issue
Spring Outdoor Programs Go Live TOMORROW!
Girl Scout Camp Registration Date Opens Feb. 10
Who is Ready to Celebrate National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend?
New Year, New Ideas: Resources to Inspire
Girl Scout Scholarship Applications Now Available
Only 1 day left to register for Cookie Crunch Time!
Brush Up on Bridging, Bronze and more!
Annual Meeting Proposals
Recruitment: We Want to Hear Your Ideas
Updated Store Hours




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Save the Date!

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 12 - Big Save! Video Chat: Episode 3

 

February 13 - Girl Scout Cookie Booth Sales Begins

 

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 8-14 -National Girl Scout Week

 

March 10 -Regional Governance Meeting (York)

 

March 11-Regional Governance Meeting (State College)

 

March 12- Regional Governance Meeting (Webinar)

 

March 12 - Girl Scout's Birthday

 

April 11 -Money Matters with Jean Chatzky

 

April 18 -Brownie Girl Scouts Give Back Day

 

April 25 - Annual Meeting  

 

April 25 - Volunteer Recognition Awards Luncheon  

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