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June 2014 VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER 
Dear Volunteers,

Recognizing GSHPA volunteers is on our minds as many Girl Scout Communities and troops wind down their activities for the year. We want to say thank you.

 

The presence of an open-minded troop leader who encourages girls to try new things and involves the girls in cooperative decision-making is critical to the success of the Girl Scout experience according to GSUSA's research. And our own GSHPA survey of Girl Scout parents, conducted earlier this year, echoes this. Parents commented consistently on the excitement of seeing their daughters "emerge from their shells" and become more confident people; and they give enormous credit to the troop leaders when they see this happen.

 

We know it takes huge effort and organizational skill to conjure up a great troop meeting, camping trip, or Community event for girls. Underneath it all, the magic of these events for the girls comes from knowing open-minded adults who urge them to dream big, make good decisions, and encourage them to get up and keep going when they stumble.

 

Thank you for being those adults-those volunteers who 

promote the positive, healthy growth of girls.

 

The amazing contribution you make was highlighted at the Adult Volunteer Recognition Luncheon which followed GSHPA's May 3, 2014 annual meeting. Awards were given to 67 volunteers who have had special impact on our mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character. We applaud the awardees and extend our recognition to all of you.

 

Sincerely,

 

 
Signature - Jane Ransom
 Carolyn Warman Jane Ransom
 Board Chair   President & CEO
New Look for our Online Store

 

GSHPA's online store may look different, but badges, uniforms, Journeys, and everything your Girl Scout heart desires are still available for quick and easy purchases. By visiting our newly updated online store (http://www.girlscoutshop.com/COUNCIL-OWN-MERCHANDISE/HEART-OF-PENNSYLVANIA-COUNCIL) volunteers, girls, parents and alumnae will be able to access the full catalog of online inventory for both GSHPA and GSUSA and it is all under one website! Here is some important information to know when using our new online store:

  • New and returning customers will need to create a username and login to access their online account and make purchases.
  • Troop online accounts will no longer be available.
  • Due to PA state sales taxes regulations, tax free purchases for troops will no longer be available.
  • Troop leaders will be able to continue to use their troop debit cards to make online purchases.
  • Unfortunately, the new online store is unable to accept GSHPA Product Sales Dough; however, anyone interested in using unexpired Product Sales Dough can continue to do so by calling the council store directly at 1.877.920.1951 to place their orders via phone.
  • GSHPA will still accept phone (1.877.920.1951) and fax orders (717.234.5097).

Click here to view GSHPA's new online store and store hours.

 

Celebrating Girl Scout Volunteers

 

Every Girl Scout volunteer brings unique talents and experiences to her/his community and troop(s), but all are passionate about Girl Scouting, GSHPA and the girls we serve. On Saturday, May 3 at the Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel, 67 volunteers were recognized at the annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon for their dedication, passion and commitment to our 24,000+ girl members. 

 

The GSHPA Volunteer Recognition Committee recognized the group of volunteers with a variety of awards including two GSHPA awards (Forever Green and Heart of Pennsylvania) and four Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) awards (Appreciation Pin, Honor Pin, Thanks Badge, and Volunteer of Excellence).

 

"I am always humbled when I hear the stories of how the honorees have gone above and beyond to help today's girls become tomorrow's leaders," said Jane Ransom, CEO of GSHPA.

 

Whether the volunteers were nominated because of their community outreach or their connection to the girls, one thing is certain-by being a volunteer they were making a visible and lasting impact on girls. Click here to view a full list of award recipients.

 

Click here to view event photos.

Record Breaking Girl Scouts Go Gold! 


91 Girl Scouts from the 2014 Gold Award Class will soon gleam with ambition, shine in their community and ignite a passion in themselves and others to take the lead to make the world a better place when they are officially recognized and celebrated at the upcoming GSHPA Gold Award Ceremony. On Saturday, June 21st at Founders Hall at Milton Hershey School in Hershey they will all be recognized for their achievements and honored with the most prestigious award in Girl Scouting.

 

This year's excellence shines even brighter because the 2014 Gold Award Class has earned the most Gold Awards in GSHPA's seven year history. The number of awardees has increased from a previous record of 79 in 2013 to 91 in 2014!

 

"Earning the Girl Scout Gold Award designation is truly a remarkable achievement, and these young women exemplify leadership in all its forms," said Jane Ransom, Chief Executive Officer of the GSHPA. On average, this remarkable accomplishment takes Girl Scouts roughly two years from beginning to end to earn their Gold Award.

 

From raising and training a guide dog for the blind, to working with City Hall to make a town's transportation easier, our Gold Award recipients have shown their communities that Girl Scouts do a world of good! Barbara B. Hudock, CEO of Hudock Moyer Wealth Resources in Williamsport and Gold Award keynote speaker, will welcome the new recipients to the elite alumnae of Girl Scouts. 

 

For more information about the Girl Scout Gold Award, the steps required to earn the award or for a full list of upcoming Gold Award informational webinars, please visit www.gshpa.org/girls/goldaward.html or send an email to goldaward@gshpa.org 

 

Calling All Troop Leaders

 

If you are a current troop leader (01), you should have received a call, an email, a text or an in-person invitation from your membership associate (MA) by now. This important invitation is one that you definitely do not want to miss - it's an invitation to schedule a one-on-one meeting with her before July 31 to discuss your experience thus far, your plans for next Girl Scout year and to tie up some loose ends in regards to some administrative items like troop finances. 

 

Here's the kicker - if your one-on-one meeting occurs and you have provided your MA with all of the necessary information to continue to serve as a troop leader for next year by July 31, we'll mail you a check for $15* (equivalent of annual adult membership dues) as a thank you for your commitment to being a troop leader again in 2014-2015. So return her call, hit reply, text a response or connect with her in-person as soon as possible to get something scheduled.

 

*Re-appointment meetings are required of all returning troop leaders (01s) but only those who meet the requirements by July 31 will qualify to receive the $15 thank you.  

 

What is Sweet, Savory and has Nine Innings?  

Fresh Black Pepper Pasta with Beef Ragu by The Accomac Inn and Accomac Catering and Events Executive Catering Chef, Derek Loperena.

Thank U Berry Munch Berry Bread Pudding  by Chef/Owner, Tim Spangler from Mezzogiorno won Best Dessert.

 

The York Revolution and the Lancaster Barnstormers were not the only competitors on Tuesday, April 29 at Santander Stadium in York. Local chefs whisked, whipped and plated their Girl Scout Cookie culinary creations in hopes of winning best dish at Girl Scout in the Heart of Pennsylvania's (GSHPA) Fork it Over fundraiser.

 

Whether the bites were sugary or savory the fundraiser was a sweet success and will help girls across GSHPA's 30 county footprint. Chef Tim Spangler from Mezzogiorno took home the prizes for Best Appetizer and Best Dessert. Chef Tom McNeal and Stacey Heaps from Brown's Orchards & Farm Market took home the prizes for Best Entr�e, Overall Best, and the People's Choice.

 

Guests with full bellies stayed to watch Robert Woods, President and CEO of United Way of York, and Christina Bankos Vranich, Vice President of Collens-Wagner Agency, throw out the first pitch in support of GSHPA and to cheer on their favorite baseball team. Everyone enjoyed a delicious night out filled with Girl Scout Cookies, silent auction prizes, an exciting baseball game and the feeling that they helped made a difference in girls' lives!

 

A big thank you to all participating restaurants (The Accomac Inn, Off Center Grill, Mezzogiorno, Brown's Orchard and Farm Market, Daughter's Caf�, and Copper Crust Company); event sponsors (MVP Sponsor- Collens-Wagner Agency, Inc.; Home Run Sponsor- M&T Bank; Perform Group LLC;  Big League Sponsor-Ream Printing Co. Inc; Lebo Skin Care Center; The Stewart Foundation; and Media Sponsor- MediaOnePA/York Newspapers Company); and judges (Lori Burkholder-TV Personality, WGAL;  Ericka Streisfeld-Editor, Custom Publishing Central Penn Business; April Trotter-Editor, Smart Magazine; Robert Woods-President/CEO, United Way of York County and Cyndi Page-Committee Member, Fork it Over). 

 

September 6, 2014 = Volunteer Kick-Off Convention

 

It's more than just networking. It's more than just training. It's more than just an opportunity to show off your Girl Scout pride. This year's Volunteer Kick-off Convention on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at the Holiday Inn and Convention Center in Grantville, PA promises to be an amazing start to a Girl Scout year to remember for both new and returning volunteers. So save that date and look for your email invitation to arrive in your Inbox in July!

 

  

Wanted: Troop Adventure Camp Volunteers

 

Troop Adventure Camp (also known as TAC) continues to be one of our most popular outdoor programs.  As demand for these programs continues to grow, so too does our need for more TAC volunteers. So what does it take to be a TAC volunteer? Must be a registered adult member with a current criminal background check on file and must be willing to spend a weekend running a variety of outdoor activities at one or more camp locations throughout our council.  Interested? Contact Kelly Benasutti at kbenasutti@gshpa.org or 717-233-1656 to find out how to get started today.

 

Volunteer-Led Council Events for Girls or Volunteers

 

Did you know that if three or more GSHPA Communities come together to organize and implement a girl or volunteer event and agree to invite girls or volunteers from across our council footprint to attend, you might be eligible to receive council-wide promotion and even have the cost of renting camp waived? Click here to check the criteria and see whether or not what your Community has in mind might qualify. Click here to fill out the application.

 
In This Issue
New Look for our Online Store
Celebrating Girl Scout Volunteers
Record Breaking Girl Scouts Go Gold!
Calling All Troop Leaders
What is Sweet, Savory and has Nine Innings?
Wanted: Troop Adventure Camp Volunteers
Volunteer-Led Council Events for Girls or Volunteers




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Save the Date!

Today - July 31 - Troop Leader re-appointment meetings with Membership Associates


June 15 - August 8 - GSHPA Summer Camp


June 21 - Gold Award Ceremony at Founder's Hall in Hershey, PA

    

June 30 - Early Bird re-registration campaign ends

 

July 31 - Financial Reports Due to your Membership Associate

 

September 6 - 2014-2015 Volunteer Kick-off Convention @ Holiday Inn and Convention Center in Grantville, PA

 

September 10 - Inspiring Generations Gala in Hershey

 

October 1 - 2014-2015 Girl Scout year begins

 

October 5 - Thin Mint Sprint in State College

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