NEWS & UPDATES
New GSMH Staff Structure for Better Member Service By Anne Soots, Interim CEO The Strategic Learning process that our council completed set the direction for Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland through 2014. In order to achieve the Five Key Priorities that emerged from the process, it became evident that we needed to change our staff structure. The objective to formulate and implement a new staff structure was included in the 2012 Operational Plan that was approved by the Board of Directors in June 2011. The framework for the new staff structure is complete and was introduced to all council staff members in April. The goal is to implement the new staff structure with an effective date of July 1, 2012. Eleven current staff positions are eliminated in the new structure and twelve new positions are included. These new positions will result in our council being better equipped to successfully meet the challenges of achieving our Five Key Priorities. We are currently in the process of filling these new positions. All staff members had the opportunity to apply for any of the new positions. Hiring decisions will be made in May and June. Any positions that are not filled internally will be advertised to the public. |
My Council, My Voice
The ideas that emerged from the "My Council, My Voice" focus groups that met throughout the month of January have been reviewed and we are moving forward by using your input to deliver the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) more effectively. Overall, the volunteers that participated said that service unit meetings and positions were helpful, but there were some changes that needed to be made about how positions and responsibilities are delegated, how information is communicated to the volunteers, and how often the service unit meets and what they do at meetings. There was also a consistent belief that new leaders need mentoring and training beyond basic orientation and Girl Scouting 101 to be successful as a leader and to be a part of the Service Unit.
We are currently organizing task groups in all regions to help plan a new volunteer structure and volunteer positions to better serve the GSLE at the local level. For more information on the task group in your area, please contact the staff chair in your region:
Southwest: Shandon Hill, shill@girlscoutsmoheartland.org / x1121
Central: Sherrey Young, syoung@girlscoutsmoheartland.org / x1331
Southeast: Casi Cameron, ccameron@girlscoutsmoheartland.org / x1117
More information will be available soon.
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The Early Bird Catches the Worm...
Stop by one of our Early Bird events in June! Submit troop registrations, receive help with financial reports, and enjoy light refreshments and a few surprises!
Wednesday June 27th - Open until 6:00 pm in Cape and Jefferson City
Thursday June 28th - Open until 6:00 pm in Dexter, Joplin, and Springfield
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Service Team Training Dates All new and returning service team managers are asked to attend one of the following trainings to receive updated position information and key volunteer news. All trainings will be held from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm. Registration deadline is 10 days before each session. Only registered participants will recieve a confirmation email with details of the training.|
Springfield Service Center
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June 11
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Joplin Service Center
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June 12
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Jefferson City Service Center
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June 14
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Sikeston Public Library
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June 14
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Save the Date! 18th Annual Golf Tournament
Join us on Monday, August 13 at the Meadow Lake Acres Country Club in New Bloomfield, Missouri! Hole sponsorships are still available for $250; team sponsorships are available for $500. Contact Angie Sullivan for details. |
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SHOP WITH US!
Starter Kits are Here!
Starter kits have everything you need to begin a new age level in Girl Scouting! They include a basic uniform piece, troop numbers, council ID set, flag patch, and insignia tab - plus a Girl Scout journey book of your choice and The Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting! Download a starter kit order form online at girlscoutsmoheartland.org/shop .
NEW In Shops! Bridging Certificates

If you've got girls moving to a new age level, stop by a GSMH shop today to pick up beautiful certificates to commemorate the occasion!
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PROGRAMS & EVENTS
New Camp Sessions Added for Teens!
River Raiders
Calling all water - lovers! Spend a lazy day on the waterfront and get pumped for fun on the river! Learn all about canoeing, water-safety, make your own raft, forge a crossing on the river and take a day long float trip adventure.
Mintahama - June 17-22 / Finbrooke - July 22-27
Cost: $255 / Max: 20 girls / Age Level: Cadettes and older |
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2012 Girl Scout Cookie Credit
Good news: Girl Scout Cookie Credit gift cards were mailed on Friday May 4th! Please allow up to four weeks for cards to be received. Remember, Girl Scout Cookie Credit gift cards do not expire, but all issues or concerns with Girl Scout Cookie Credit gift cards must be reported and resolved by September 30, 2012. Cards may be used for:
* Troop camping or summer camp at GSMH program centers.
* Girl membership and event registration fees.
* Teen girl destinations and council-sponsored trips.
* Merchandise from GSMH retail shops.
* And much more!
Earned Recognition Levels
125-199 boxes = $20 Girl Scout Cookie Credit
200-299 boxes = $40 Girl Scout Cookie Credit
300-399 boxes = $60 Girl Scout Cookie Credit
400-499 boxes = $80 Girl Scout Cookie Credit
500-649 boxes = $200 Girl Scout Cookie Credit
650-799 boxes = $225 Girl Scout Cookie Credit
800-999 boxes = $250 Girl Scout Cookie Credit
1000+ boxes = $300 Girl Scout Cookie Credit
Girls who sold1,500 or more boxes of Girl Scout Cookies have the option of earning additional Girl Scout Cookie Credit, up to $350 (see order card for details).
Who to Contact
If you have a question or concern about Girl Scout Cookie Credit this summer, please contact:
Southwest Region: Karen Taylor x1126 or ktaylor@girlscoutsmoheartland.org
Southeast or Central Regions: Mary Beth Schwenck x1346 or mschwenck@girlscoutsmoheartland.org
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Girl Scouts' Highest Awards
With many troops bridging to new age levels this spring and summer, please bear in mind that Girl Scout Juniors and older are eligible to complete the highest awards in Girl Scouting. In order to fully understand what is expected for these awards, please refer to the girl guidelines, adult guides, and FAQs for each one. Download them at girlscoutsmoheartland.org/awards.
Please note that the proposals for the Girl Scout Gold Award must be submitted to Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland before work commences on the projects.
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Girl Program Events
 Don't miss out - registration deadlines are just around the corner! Age levels are denoted by initial after each program title (D=Daisy; B=Brownie; J=Junior; C=Cadette; S=Senior; A=Ambassador).
Surf's Up! (all ages) 7/22/12 Lake of the Ozarks, MO
Registration Deadline: 6/22/12
Cosmic Collision (JCSA) 7/14/12 Hallsville, MO
Registration Deadline: 7/1/12
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100th ANNIVERSARY NEWS
Don't Miss the 100th Anniversary Camporees!
Experience Girl Scouting from Past to Present at our 100th anniversary camporees the weekend of September 22, 2012! We are offering three regional locations (Sikeston, Sedalia, and Nevada, Missouri) and three ways to participate, so everyone can join in the fun. We will have traditional camporee activities like SWAPs, tent pitching, first aid, outdoor cooking, songs, group campfires, s 'mores, and more! Troops must bring their own camping and cooking equipment. Visit girlscoutsmoheartland.org/camporee for dates, locations, and the registration form.
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Girl Scout Historical Displays
Historical displays are still up - with some new locations being added through the summer. Stop by one in your area soon!
Boone County Historical Society (Columbia, MO)
Through November 2012; free (donations appreciated)
Ralph Foster Museum - College of the Ozarks (Point Lookout, MO)
Through October 2012; Free for kids through grade 12, $6 adults, $5 seniors.
History Museum for Springfield - Greene County (Springfield, MO)
June 10-July 6; free (donations appreciated)
*Special opening reception: Sunday, June 10, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm.
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DISCOVER, CONNECT, TAKE ACTION

Girl Scout Troop 10295 recently helped restore the secret garden at an elementary school in their town. They investigated what plants would be best to put in which locations, and what kind of care they would need. Although this was for their Girl Scout Bronze Award project, giving service is not a new concept to the troop. This year, they have also collected pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House in honor of a former troop member. "They are such a caring troop," wrote their troop leader, "They are already making plans for their Silver Awards."

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| Quick Notes | TO DO THIS MONTH TEST
- Get re-registered for the 2012-2013 year!
- Look for the summer issues of Adventures, Choices, and Impact (mailed to all girls and available online now!)
- Register for Learn 2 Lead events
VOLUNTEER WEB PORTAL
Do you need something from the Volunteer Resources CD? A product program order form? The tax exempt certificate?
Get what you need from the Volunteer Web Portal. Access it from the council Web site, or the link above, and use the following username & password for the 2011-2012 year:
- Username:
gsmhleader - Password:
2BestBerry
JUNE HOURS Service Centers & Retail Shops Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 4:30 pm Closed (except Springfield) 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm All Retail Shops Open Saturday, June 2 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Bring your girls by to spend some of their Girl Scout Cookie Credit! Check out camp gear like our new GSMH sunglasses, water bottles, fun hats, and more! Shops Closed for Inventory (Service Centers open) Springfield - June 18-20 Joplin - June 25-27 Jefferson City - July 9-11 Cape Girardeau - July 18-20 Dexter - July 18-20 |
| GSMH Social Media | |
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest changes and information, read our blog for news and stories from around the council, and see great Girl Scout-related videos on YouTube.
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