News from Girl Scouts of Minnesota & Wisconsin Lakes & Pines

December 3, 2012

Dear Girl Scout Family,

Cookie with Sash This past week we announced 5 council sponsored Cookie Rallies will be held around our council. At only $4 per girl, these events will draw hundreds of girls from around our council who want to become Cookie Professionals. Like our other programs, we're even opening up the events so any girl in kindergarten through grade 6 can launch a Cookie Business by paying $16 and attending a Rally.

I was working on the announcement when Forbes Magazine was releasing their November 28 issue. Inside Forbes was an article called 5 Lessons Girl Scouts Can Teach Women Entrepreneurs About Social Media. The article shared that "80% of the 8.3 million women who own businesses in the United States were Girl Scouts." The article goes on to share the tips for small businesses to grow social media.

When those two things came together at the same time I let out a "Whoop!" you could probably hear from your place. Girl Scouts couldn't ask for better promotion of what our Cookie Program offers for girls!

In just a few days we'll be announcing our second round of Series programming called It's Your Business - Run It at several locations throughout our council service area. I've got my fingers crossed that another national news story will be there to back us up.

Have a great Girl Scout week, my friends. Here's hoping you have a "Whoop!" week!

Tauna

All Girl Scout Offices will be closed Dec 24-Jan 1.

E-Weekly will take a break--no issues Dec 24 & Dec 31.

Blog Network

Check out our blogs for updates from regional staff teams:

Region 1 Bemidji/Hibbing offices

Reading Club Fun

Be a Cookie Rock Star!

Region 2 Duluth Regional Center/Wisconsin

Region 3 Brainerd & Mora offices

Region 4 Alexandria & Willmar offices

It's Your Business--Run It!

Region 5 Waite Park Regional Center

Connections Newsletter

The Winter 2012 issue of Connections Newsletter is on its way to you. Can't wait? Visit www.gslakesandpines.org to view a copy online.

Equal Futures App Challenge

The Equal Futures App Challenge asks girls to create an app that promotes civic education and/or inspires other girls to serve as leaders in our democracy.

Anna Maria Chávez, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, will serve as a judge in the White House's Equal Futures App Challenge. Notable apps will be highlighted on the White House website and in the White House blog. For more on the challenge, go to http://equalfutures.challenge.gov/.

Discount Tickets: How the Grinch Stole Christmas

For our Girl Scout Friends & Family we have a few discount tickets left for the Minneapolis Children's Theater rendition of How the Grinch Stole Christmas on Saturday December 8. Only $32/girl or $40/adult. Contact Anastacia to get yours today!

Add a friend

Don't forget about our Add a Friend program. When your Girl Scout invites a friend to join, complete & send in this form with the application and each girl receives a free patch (plus gets entered into a drawing for other valuable prizes!). Check it out...

What did you do today?

Whether your girl is involved in a troop or participates in events, camp, or series, Lakes and Pines offers an array of activities to help her discover, connect, & take action in Girl Scouting. View all council sponsored programs....

Below are exciting updates for our coming events!

Cookie Rallies

There are 5 council-sponsored Cookie Rallies being planned. Cost is only $4 per girl for fun interactive games to help girls learn about operating their own Cookie Business. We are currently seeking adult and teen volunteers in all areas to help plan and/or be part of the events. More information will be forthcoming, but we hope you will SAVE THE DATE & plan to join us!

High School | Brainerd MN

January 5, 1-4 p.m.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church | Duluth MN

January 28, 530-8 p.m.

Lincoln Elementary School | Hibbing MN

January 12, 12-230 p.m.

Senior High School Gym | Sauk Centre MN

January 12, 12-3 p.m.

Rivers Edge Convention Center | St Cloud MN

January 5, 1-4 p.m

Ready to register? Use the Council Program Registration form

Volunteers make the difference

Timely updates for GS volunteers.

Delegate Training Cancelled

Due to the absence of proposals to amend the By-Laws, the Delegate Training has been cancelled for both December 6 and December 11. Any questions, contact Katie Koester at 320-247-4560.

Delegates Needed

Want to be a part of the democratic process of our Girl Scout Council? Perhaps you would serve as a delegate representing your area. Learn more...

New Leader Training

Learning sessions help you in your role as a Girl Scout volunteer. Session dates & registration...

Fall Regional Training Day | December 8

Let us treat you to lunch and workshops that enhance your volunteer experience! Session choices include:

Program level training
Travel & event planning
Cookie Sale training
Leadership Awards
Rainy Day activities
... and much more!

Plus, bring in extra supplies for our supply swap, Daisy's Closet.

Don't miss this! Register today!

NEW! GSMWLP Finance Policies have been updated Guidelines for everything from managing the Girl Scout Bank Account to securing sponsors.

In This Issue

Work With Us

Join our staff team

We have an opening for Director of Finance and Technology. The Director of Finance and Technology manages all aspects of the Finance and Technology for the Council. Resumes due December 12.

In the Shop

FREE GIFT with $45 Purchase! Free Gift with Purchase

Receive a free Girl Scout 6" plush pal ($6.25 value) when your purchase from Lakes & Pines Girl Scout shops totals $45, now through Dec. 21. Choose from assorted styles including: panda, giraffe, frog, tiger, black bear, wolf, pig, buffalo, and alligator. Keep your free gift or share it with a Girl Scout friend!

20% off Holiday Gifts for Girl Scouts!