Your guide to GSSEM for 2019-20 - Girl Scouts Southeastern Michigan
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
CONNE C T your guide to GSSEM for 2019-20
WE L COM E
to the 2019-2020 edition of CONNECT Magazine
and another outstanding year of Girl Scouts!
It’s that time of the year again! Another year of friendships, badges, cookies and lifelong
memories. With Girl Scouts, the possibilities are endless here, and we are so excited our
girls and volunteers are back for another year of unleashing the G.I.R.Ls within!
This summer, GSUSA debuted 42 new badges available to all Girl Scouts nationwide. This
set of badges offers choices for active involvement in science, technology, engineering, math
(STEM) and the outdoors. STEM and outdoors are integral parts of our organization’s girl centric
programs and activities. This cutting-edge programming is rooted in passion for adventure
and healthy risk-taking, creating innovators and true leaders now and into the future. Starting
at just 5 years old, Girl Scouts are coding, camping, and working hand-in-hand with NASA.
The new year has also brings some important changes to GSSEM’s volunteer structure.
Districts are now Service Units, and Communities 2 and 3 were restructured to comprise
different council administration boundaries. All volunteers had the chance to complete
a survey about the strengths and weaknesses of the old structure. A committee of 12
volunteers, along with support from GSSEM staff, conducted a four-month review of the
structure and service delivery models to arrive at this new structure. Also new are Short &
Snappy training videos, which have replaced SLaMs, and all of your volunteer learning needs
have been updated and are in one convenient location at gssem.org/learning.
CONNECT Magazine gives you exclusive access to everything happening at GSSEM. You’ll
read about all of the upcoming events, fundraisers, programs, important news and even
some awesome tips for you and your girl! Each month will include a calendar listing
highlighting important events so be sure to save the date(s)! All current Girl Scout members
will receive a magazine in the mail. They’ll also be available at all service centers and online
at gssem.org/connect.
Here at GSSEM, you’ll find your lifetime Girl Scout home. All of our volunteers, leaders, staff
and supporters create an invaluable network that your girl can carry with her for years to
come. We are so grateful for everyone that is a part of this ever-growing movement. Your
support means the world!
Let’s make this year unforgettable!
Yours in Scouting,
Denise Dalrymple
CEO
GSSEM Board Chair Telva McGruder
and CEO Denise Dalrymple
WELCOME TO ANOTHER
GIRL SCOUT YEAR, FAMILIES!
The bonds and experiences your girl makes in Girl Scouts is unmatched
and will be a part of them forever. You know why? Because Girl Scouts
lets girls choose their own paths and journeys. They have the power
to control their own leadership experience, making it unique for every
single member. Girls are guided by strong, influential women in today’s
society who prepare them to stand out and take the lead from Daisies
to Ambassador, and all the way into adulthood.
Now is the best time to get active in Girl Scouts. Earning the
Gold Award makes an impact on college admissions, scholarship
applications, and military rankings. Not to mention Gold Awardees have
more successful careers and are more active mentors and community volunteers. Some of your
favorites were once Girl Scouts (Taylor Swift, Venus Williams, and Gwyneth Paltrow, just to name
a few). Our girls reach for the stars!
What makes Girl Scouts so special is the fact that it’s completely girl-led. Our girls are able to
flourish in a space where they feel non-pressured and at ease to be themselves. Every troop
meeting, excursion, camping trip, cookie sale, and beyond is inclusive and informative. Girl Scouts
creates a safe-haven for girls to be as expressive as they want without feeling the anxieties that
may come with a mixed-gender environment. Here, our girls jump up and go get it, take healthy
risks, innovate, and lead their peers.
For more information about how Girl Scouts make a real difference visit gssem.org/Getthefacts.
You and your girl can invite new girls to join an existing troop or organize a new one. Call us at
800-482-6734, and select option 5.
COMMUNICATIONS OUTLETS
GOT A GS STORY? WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
We love to see stories about the great things our Girl Scouts
are doing to help their communities. If you have a story to CONNE C T M for 2018-19
your guide to GSSE
share, email us at communications@gssem.org. Reminder!
Tell us your girls’ event, service project, or other newsworthy
thing your troop is doing at least two weeks in advance, and
always take pictures. Even if it's after the event, go ahead
and email us a picture and the details. News coverage
isn’t guaranteed, but GSSEM can share your story in Latest
News on our website, the all new G.I.R.L. Talk blog, and our
Facebook page! Like, follow and and share @GSSEM.
Discover
next advethe
SUMMER/
nture!
FALL 201
9
4 | your guide to GSSEM
Go for Gold! Pg 9
It’s Cookie season!
This year’s theme:
WOW the World! Pg 14 Get to know about elite women
in the fire and police services!
Pg 12
Think like
a scientist!
Pg 22
Time for camp
already? Pg 26
TABLE OF 6 NEW & RETURNING LEADERS
Useful Tips to get your Troop Year started
CONTENTS
7 VOLUNTEER RESOURCES
Tips, guides, and valuable information
HIGH AWARDS
9 Inspire yourself & others by going Gold,
Silver, or Bronze!
1333 Brewery Park Blvd.
Suite 500
10 GSSEM BY THE MONTH
OCTOBER-SEPTEMBER
Detroit, MI 48207 Be sure to check out the month-by-month
800-482-6734 guide for awesome activities and events
your Girl Scout won't want to miss!
WWW.TWITTER.COM/GSSEM
36 BUSINESS LISTINGS
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/GSSEM
38 GSSEM LOCATIONS
WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM/GSSEM
WWW.PINTEREST.COM/GSSEM
TROOP LEADERS: GET THE YEAR STARTED RIGHT
Congratulations on being a Girl Scout Leader! You will introduce girls to new and awesome
experiences and show them numerous ways to unleash the G.I.R.L. within. Use this
checklist to help you make sure you’re ready to make memories that will last a lifetime:
CHECKLIST FOR NEW LEADERS CHECKLIST FOR
� Register to be a GSSEM Troop Leader at RETURNING LEADERS
gssem.org/volunteer. We’re so happy you made the decision to continue
� Complete your background check online. Once leading girls through another year of fun and
your background check is approved, you will adventure! Here are some helpful hints to get your
receive an email confirmation prompting you year started.
to log into MyGS (your Girl Scout Member � Take the Returning Leader Refresh training on
Community) on gssem.org, outlining your next the Learning Page to test your knowledge and
steps including proper training. You will receive learn what’s new this year.
your troop number once you register and have
� Log onto VTK to see what’s new. Can’t log in
an eligible background check.
to your member profile? Contact
� Your Recruitment Specialist will help you get customercare@gssem.org.
signed up for an in-person or webinar session
� Contact new troop members as they join. If
of Troop Leader/Co-Leader Training.
your troop is under 12 members, your troop will
� Invite girls and other adults to join your troop! automatically be displayed in our Opportunity
Your Recruitment Specialist will help you plan Catalog for new members. When new girls select
and carry out your first meeting with parents your troop, you will receive a notification via email.
and girls. Please reach out and welcome the new member(s)
� Log into MyGS and check out the Volunteer to the troop within three business days.
Toolkit (VTK)! VTK has detailed plans and � Be sure and watch for Leaders, GSSEM's bi-weekly
a calendar outline to help you have a e-newsletter for Troop Leaders. It is distributed
successful year. on every other Friday.
� Set up the days, times and locations for troop � Check out the Learning Page to take advantage
meetings on VTK. of all of our fabulous online training resources
� Be sure to attend a Service Unit Meeting in including our extensive Short & Snappy library.
your area. Your Service Unit Manager will � Schedule a meeting with parents to get them
provide more information on meeting dates involved in the troop!
and times, or you can find your meeting at
� Attend a Service Unit meeting: check
gssem.org/calendar.
gssem.org/calendar for dates and locations.
� Meet with your other Troop Volunteers to
� Host your FIRST GIRL SCOUT MEETING of
make plans for the next year and assign roles.
the YEAR!
� Reach out to parents via a meeting or other
communications to solicit support for the
troop. After discussing with parents, make
sure to update your new troop information Remember, we’re here for you every
at gssem.org/troopupdate.
step of the way! If you need help,
� Open your Girl Scout bank account. Please visit simply reach out to your Troop Support
our Learning Page at gssem.org/learning to
view a short training on how to open a troop
Specialist. If you don’t know who your
bank account. Specialist is, call (800) 482-6734, and
select the option for Troop Support.
� Host your FIRST GIRL SCOUT MEETING!
We’ll get you connected!
6 | your guide to GSSEM
VALUABLE VOLUNTEER RESOURCES
GSSEM offers even more support for our
beloved volunteers! We recently launched
gssem.org/newleaders, a complete at-a-glance
web page for new Troop Leaders. Helpful hint: even
our returning leaders can use the great info at your
fingertips on this page. Check it out today!
Volunteer Essentials: This valuable guide
includes information about engaging girls, safety
requirements, managing finances, and policies.
There’s even a glossary of Girl Scout terms! Check
it out at gssem.org/ve.
Safety Activity Checkpoints: This document
contains everything you need to know to keep girls
safe while having fun. You can access the Safety
Activity Checkpoints at gssem.org/safety.
GSSEM Online Directory: Have a question and
need to contact us? Visit gssem.org/stafflist.
Case Management System: Anytime you click the
Contact Us Form on gssem.org, a case is created
that will be viewed by multiple staff members to
ensure your inquiry is resolved quickly.
Short & Snappy: Short & Snappy videos are financial assistance for membership can request
online volunteer learning opportunities in the form it during the online registration process. Other
of short videos and interactive modules that help financial assistance exists for books, badges,
you better understand a process or procedure. uniforms, and programs. The Financial Assistance
These are interactive tools to help with everything application can be found at gssem.org/forms.
from managing your Member Profile to demystifying
the Volunteer Relations Process. Check them out Money-Earning Activities: The Cookie
at gssem.org/learning. program is the primary money-earning activity
for a troop. You can also request a limited
number of additional fundraising activities.
The Money-Earning Project Request form can
WHAT VOLUNTEERS be found at gssem.org/moneyearning.
NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
Reporting and Receipts: Every troop should
TROOP FINANCES report out the troop finances to parents at least
Bank Account: All troops need to establish a three times a year.
bank account with two unrelated adult signers
for collection of payments of troop supplies and Remember, the Short & Snappy videos at
activities, and for the fall and cookie sales. gssem.org/learning are there to help you
Check out the Troop Banking Information at with the financial process!
gssem.org/bankaccount.
Financial Assistance: Financial assistance is
provided to make sure ALL girls and adults can
participate in Girl Scouting. Any member needing
your guide to GSSEM | 7
THE VOLUNTEER TOOLKIT (VTK) HELPS
YOU DELIVER EASY, FUN TROOP MEETINGS
ALL YEAR
The VTK is a fully customizable digital planning tool that provides you with Girl Scout program content,
award requirements, and other resources, so you can keep your Girl Scout year running smoothly.
Accessible on any computer, tablet, or mobile device, the VTK lets troop leaders:
• Choose a year plan or design your own
• Renew members
• Edit the troop roster and update contact information
• Set meeting locations, dates and times
• Print step-by-step activity guides and shopping list
• Track troop finances, badges earned, Journeys completed, attendance
• See important Council dates right in your year plan
• Changes are as easy as “drag and drop”
It’s a full year of Girl Scouting accessible to you and it’s easy to get started: Log on to gssem.org.
If you are an approved troop volunteer and have registered or renewed your membership, click on
MyGS in the green navigation bar. Follow the log-in instructions and you can access VTK.
Check out the Video Trainings at gssem.org/vtk.
8 | your guide to GSSEM
GIRL SCOUTS’ HIGHEST AWARDS
Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards represent the GSSEM Precious Medals P.I. Patch Program:
highest honors a Girl Scout can earn at each level! This patch program is available for girls to learn
These three awards allow girls to select an issue more about the highest awards in Girl Scouting.
they care about and inspire others to make changes. Have fun being a Precious Medals Private Eye and
Girls can make a difference in their corner of the discover mysteries surrounding the Bronze, Silver,
world and maybe even beyond! and Gold Awards. Activities are available on our
website for each program level!
Bronze Award: This is for Girl Scouts
in 4th or 5th grade who have completed GSSEM Young Woman of Distinction: Each year,
a Junior Journey. Bronze Award GSSEM selects a Gold Award recipient whose final
Projects must be done as part of a project demonstrates extraordinary leadership
team. Bronze awards are approved by the troop and addresses a global issue with measurable
leader. No paperwork is submitted to GSSEM. Pins and sustainable impact. This candidate receives
are available at no charge from any of our Council additional scholarship money.
Shops. Girls' accomplishments can be recorded by National Gold Award Girl Scout: Each
completing the Bronze Award information form on year, GSSEM selects three exceptional recipients
our website and when complete, you will receive a of the Gold Award to be considered by GSUSA.
link to download a free customizable Bronze Award GSUSA selects 10 outstanding Gold Award Girl
Certificate. Don’t forget to look for Bronze Award Scouts nationwide whose projects demonstrate
Celebrations in spring 2020! extraordinary leadership, have a measurable
impact and sustainability, and address a local,
Silver Award: This is for Girl Scouts national or global issue.
in 6th-8th grades who have completed
a Cadette Journey. Girls can work Other GSSEM Awards
on their own or build a team of no Be sure and check out all the great awards online
more than 2-4 girls. Silver Award final reports are like the Tammie Murray and Jennifer Barnum Spirit
approved by the troop leader and submitted to Awards, Precious Medal Award, and more.
GSSEM for review.
Ready to get started earning a high award?
Gold Award: This is the highest Each award has specific guidelines and requirements.
award a Girl Scout can earn. Girls Visit gssem.org/highawards or the Council calendar
in the 9th - 12th grade who have at gssem.org/calendar for in-person Silver and
completed a Silver Award and one Gold Award trainings. If you can’t attend one of our
Senior or Ambassador Journey or have completed dates, try our online Silver and Gold Award training
two Senior or Ambassador Journeys are eligible and High Award chats! Contact Caroline Feathers at
to earn their Gold Award. A Gold Award project is cfeathers@gssem.org.
earned independently by a girl who is mentored
by a GSSEM Volunteer Gold Award Committee
For her Gold Award project,
Member. Each Gold Awardee receives a GSSEM 2019 GSSEM Young Woman
$500.00 scholarship and one girl is selected as of Distinction Casie Paul
the GSSEM Young Woman of Distinction to receive action and created a program
additional scholarship money. called, “Hospital Helpers:
Making Your Hospital Journey
Easier” for McLaren Hospital.
All Silver and Gold Final Reports must be Videos and stories were
submitted to GSSEM by March 1 to be created for children and
included in the May 3, 2020 Honor Reception. special needs patients to
Silver and Gold Award pins are presented at show them what will happen
the annual reception at no additional charge. during their visit.
your guide to GSSEM | 9
OC T OB E R
S O C T . 1 - N O V. 1
FAL L PR O G R AM RUN
2019 is an opportun ity for gi rls to raise funds for
their Scouting
t only learn vita
l skills
Fall Program ines. Girls no mping,
GSSEM’s annual ca nd y, nuts, and magaz m on ey for things like ca
list by se lli ng n also ea rn line using
year’s must-do th ei r pr od uc t sales, they ca ns AN D ca ndy and nuts on
d managin g cr ip tio paper
when selling an be ab le to se ll magazine subs se ll th e ca nd y and nuts with a
more. Girls w ill
programs, and n also choose to
ea te d w ith M 2Media! They ca
cr
their own avatar oducts.
ll one or both pr r partner for
form. Girls ca n se
op hy N ut Company and ou
m is Tr $1.50 for
d nu t po rt ion of the Fall Progra ca nd y an d nu t item sold and
the candy an rn 95 cents pe r
Our partner for M 2 M ed ia G roup. Troops ea
les is
the magazine sa
az in e su bscription.
each mag
id-September tras into
ived pa ck et s in the mail by m d N ut s in -p erso n and booth ex
have rece oop Candy an
• Troops should ov . 1 (E nt er and Submit Tr
ct . 1 - N
• Sale Dates: O stem by 11:59 pm
Nov. 1)
ll Pr og ra m sy
online Fa , and 16
& Re w ar ds Pi ck Up: Nov. 14, 15
• Products
each by email
u m ust register for
Get Started! ar se ss io ns . Yo need including
re e Fa ll Pr od uc t Training Webin al e fo r al l th e information you
GSSEM is offerin
g th sem.org/falls
al es @ gs se m .o rg. Check out gs
at products
times.
more dates and
FALL HAS THE END
K
P E R F E C T W E E T H E R!
A
CAMPING WE
ping
Weekend Cam ce for
W ee ke nd ca mps are a chan
GSSEM Each core
with a purpose.
girls to have fun n Hollow
p is he ld at Camp Hawthor
ca m ney or
s a th em e ba sed on the Jour
and ha
will be earning.
badge the girls
Troop Camping weekend?
ur own camping
Ready to plan yo kend where
m e to a Troo p Camping wee
Co ls,
! Plan your mea
you are in charge mping
hedule! Troop Ca
activities and sc Hawthorn
ailable at Camp
weekends are av
p Playfair.
Hollow and Cam
/go!
er for ca m p no w at gssem.org
Regist
10 | your guide to GSSEMCALENDAR DATES:
10/5 | Money Manager
GIRL SCOUT SPIRIT WEEK 10/5 | Skeet Shooting
OCTOBER 21-26, 2019 10/6 | Girl Advisory Board
Meeting
• Monday – Show Your Girl Scout Spirit!
– Wear your Girl Scout Sash/Vest or Girl Scout t-shirt to work, 10/7 | Silver Award
school, or just around town! Training-Macomb
• Tuesday – Tell a Friend! 10/8 | Silver/Gold Award
– Be a go-getter and spread the word about Girl Scouts! Even Training Flint
better—invite a friend to join you at a meeting as a guest.
• Wednesday – Be a good citizen! 10/12 | Program Aide
– Plan a flag ceremony or ask your principal if you can lead the Training-White Lake
pledge of allegiance and/or the Girl Scout Promise during 10/20 | Moxie Talks
morning announcements!
• Thursday – Take pride in your community! 10/20 | Detroit Lions
– Plan a community clean-up or other service project at your Girl Scouts Day vs
meeting place. Ask other troops you know to help too. Minnesota Vikings
• Friday – Be a sister to every Girl Scout! 10/20 | Harvest Festival (CHH)
– Look at the badges and activities for girls one program level (or Join us for a day of classic
more) younger than you and plan an activity to invite them to. Michigan Fall Fun. We’ll have
• Saturday – Make a Difference! cider, donuts, pumpkin,
– Participate in one of the many projects that GSSEM is doing in hayrides and more!
your community to celebrate Make a Difference Day!
• BONUS – Grab a Girl Scout yard sign and display it proudly in 10/21-10/26 | Girl Scout
your yard for everyone to see! (Yard signs available at our Spirit Week
Service Centers.) 10/26 | National Make a
Difference Day
Complete 4 out of 7 of these activities, and bring your checklist to
one of our retail shops before Dec. 1, 2019 to claim a free gift! 10/30 | 2nd Annual Tough
Enough Breakfast
10/31 | Juliette Gordon Low’s
Birthday or Founder’s Day.
MONEY MANAGER
Watch for recruiting events
Oct. 5, 1 pm - 3:30 pm on our calendar at gssem.org
Learn the difference between or call us at 800-482-6734,
needs and wants in this workshop option 5, and we’ll help
as you and your Brownie Elf paper you organize a troop in
doll make decisions and learn from your community.
them. Snack and patch included.
JOIN US FOR OUR
GIRL SCOUTS DAY 2ND ANNUAL TOUGH
WITH THE ENOUGH BREAKFAST
DETROIT LIONS Network and enjoy a delicious
breakfast with five influential
Cheer on the Detroit Lions as they
individuals in the business
take on the Minnesota Vikings
community who stand with Girl
Sunday, Oct. 20! For more info
Scouts of Southeastern Michigan
and special ticket pricing, visit
and every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter,
gssem.org/lionstickets.
Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader). More
info at gssem.org/toughenough.
your guide to GSSEM | 11NOV E MB E R
RY: T H E D A N GEROUS
CA M P F U O T H E R SIDE
LIFE ON T H E t out, and beca
me
ts geared up, go Girl Scou
2019, 28 GSSEM mp Hawthorn
During Summer e ad ve nt ure began at Ca officers;
w en forcemen t. Th ig hters and police
experts in fire an d la ith fe m al e firef rce concepts.
en ga ge d in workshops w ch ni qu es , and tactical fo Academy.
Hollow, where th ey
rs , de fe ns e ta ctics, arre st te
he ad ed to th e Macomb Fire
active shoote streets as th ey
learning about go t to ta ke the action to the were
Later that week,
the gi rls
er “li fe st yl e.” Upon arrival they
to the firefight roughout the
e co m pl et ely immersed in t th e da y of activities. Th
emy, girls w er r to st ar put out
At the Fire Acad gi ve n fu ll body gear to wea a fire ex tin gu isher, and even
firefighters an d
s, learned how
to us e aze, and
greeted by real e ag ili ty co ur se t th ro ug h a co nfined space m
had to complet safety talk, wen
day all the girls se . Th ey al so engaged in fire
a fire ho active!
real fires using r a do or . Ta lk about getting
forcibly en te ts to offer
learned how to tio n an d lo ca l fire departmen unity to
ec girls the opport
U. S. Cu stom and Border Prot id es te en ag ed
partnership w ith It prov ctives.
Camp Fury is a rv ic e im m ersi on experience. m ed ics, EM Ts , police, and dete
a fire and law se ra
high school girls en firefighters, pa comes to male
dominated
ec t w ith m an y amazing wom rrat ive w he n it ce.
d conn changing the na tly, self-confiden
exercise, train, an e ro le to w ar ds m os t im po rt an
king an activ k, respect, and
Girl Scouts is ta e go al is to build teamwor
ul tim at
industries. The
WORLD
EXPLORE THE IONS!
AT
WITH DESTIN
perience
to explore and ex
Girl Scouts love tinations
! Girl Scout Des
new adventures ogram
fe rs th e U LT IM ATE adventure pr
of s from
der. Make friend
for girls 11 and ol el with
try as you trav
all over the coun w
ts and make ne
sister Girls Scou of di ffer ent
ith a ton
experiences. W y ye ar,
world ever
trips around the r ev eryone
ng amazing fo
there’s somethi
to experience:
Kyoto!
cient temples of
• Explore the an Rome!
Ea t Trad iti on al Italian cuisine in
• next
oor skills to the
• Take your outd
ne!
level in Mai
tinations
ep ch ec ki ng gssem.org/des
Ke OW!
at sparks your W
to find a trip th
ication today!
Submit an appl
12 | your guide to GSSEMCALENDAR DATES:
11/1-11/3 | Lead and Learn
BE IN THE KNOW ABOUT for Volunteers at Camp
BIG COOKIE NEWS! Hawthorn Hollow
Shhhh! Exciting new things are in 11/2 | GM Careers in Design
store for the 2020 Cookie Season. 11/2 | Girls Can Fly, Too!
Cookie Confidential is your troop's
11/9 | Program Aide Training,
chance to be informed about exciting
Clinton Twp
product news before it's released to
the public. The catch is you have to 11/10 | Moxie Talks
keep everything you'll learn and see
11/16 | Chemistry Day
Cookie Confidential! Get it?
11/17 | National Take a Hike Day
By joining us in this top-secret mission you'll: (Kensington Metro Park)
• Be in-the-know of exciting, TOP SECRET information for 11/18 | Silver/Gold Award
Cookie Season. Training, Goodrich
• Get information you'll need to plan and stay in control of a 11/21 | Silver Award Training,
successful cookie business; Clinton Twp.
• Create buzz about the upcoming cookie season and help ensure
more success for cookie bosses across the country! All month: In-Person
Cookie Program training
Be sure to attend all the upcoming trainings and webinars to find out for new volunteers and
more and watch gssem.org/cookies for updates. on-demand online Cookie
Program training:
gssem.org/cookieprogram
CAREERS IN
DESIGN AT GM GIRLS CAN FLY, TOO!
Nov. 2, 10 am - 2 pm
Nov. 2, 9 am – 1 pm
Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors
Explore the science of flight at the
and Ambassadors will explore
Oakland County Airport, sit in a
sculpture, pen and ink, digital,
cockpit, meet women pilots, and
and 3D design with female
have hands-on experiences. Lunch
professionals who will share
and a patch are included. Open to
NOMINATE AN their passion. Discover how
all Juniors, Cadettes and Seniors.
designers use photography,
AMAZING GSSEM video, and CGI to bring future
VOLUNTEER! concepts to life. IN-PERSON COOKIE
GSUSA National Volunteer TRAINING FOR
Awards are presented to volunteers NEW TROOPS!
whose contributions are vital
to the success of our programs, In-person cookie program training
projects, and events. Nominate will cover all the basics you need
a volunteer before Dec. 13 at to know to run a successful cookie
gssem.org/volrecognition. program for your troop. Dates,
locations and times for in-person
trainings will be available on the
website in early November.
your guide to GSSEM | 13D E C E MB E R
O W T H E W O R L D!
CO OK I E S E ASON: W on! Besides
2020 lebrate for th e 2020 G irl Scout Cookie Seas
ness to ce es for girls, whi
le helping
e adventur
h yummy good lps fuel awesom
There is SO muc ok ie Pr og ra m he
cookies, the Co
offering delicious
able skills. lling cookies
them learn valu s an d confidence. Se
etim e of sk ill ethics. All of
ok ie s, sh e's building a lif op le sk ill s, and business pay
When a Girl Scou
t se lls co
in g, m on ey m anagem en t, pe
e Co ok ie Prog ram helps girls
ak d th
tting, decision m ccessful leader
s … and life! An d unleash the G.
I.R.L. within!
teaches goal se ls sk ill s fo r su et hi ng ne w an
essentia unities to try so
m
these things are ad ve nt ure and opport
az in g Cookie
for their next am d sa ve th ese important
g an
eason mailin
ou t fo r yo ur 2020 Cookie S
Keep an ey e
Season dates:
.5
ki e Tr ai nings start Dec ns!)
• Troo p C oo
/c al en da r fo r dates and locatio
m.org
(Check gsse - April 5
Season Dec. 16
• 2020 Coo e ki
n. 23
e Orders due Ja
• Troop Cooki b. 8 -11
e Delivery Fe
• Troop Cooki Open Fe 13 - b. April 6
bo ar ds at gssem.org)
• Cooki e C up
te s va ry by lo cation. More info
start da
(Cupboard April 6
oo p R ew ar d Orders Due
• Tr mid-May
el eb ra tion events in )
• C oo ki e C 600+ packages
ta tion- on ly fo r girls who sell
(Invi
AY: DEC. 3
GIVING TUESD be ng and
obal day of givi
Join us on this gl uesday
rt of th is ce le bration. #GivingT
pa ive the
ar-End giving. G
kicks off our Ye t and
ip, empowermen
gift of leadersh
year. Donate at
opportunity this
ingtuesday.
gssem.org/giv
ING
YEAR-END GIV
ment
e gi ft of Le ad ership, Empower
Give th on. Your
this holiday seas
and Opportunity s more
de du ct ib le donation benefit
ta x- Council
24 ,0 00 gi rls throughout our
than n,
more informatio
boundaries. For f
rke, GSSEM Chie
contact Marc Be 2569
ev el op m en t O fficer at 313-870-
D
sem.org.
or mberke@gs
14 | your guide to GSSEMCALENDAR DATES:
12/3 | Giving Tuesday
GET TO KNOW GSSEM’S NEW 12/8 | Girl Advisory
VOLUNTEER SERVICE DELIVERY Board Meeting
STRUCTURE AND BOUNDARY CHANGES 12/10 | Silver Award Training,
Clinton Twp
After several months of research and evaluation, the following
recommendations to update GSSEM’s volunteer structure will 12/13 | Volunteer National
be implemented: Awards Nomination Deadline
1. Districts will now be called Service Units.
2. Service Unit Managers will replace Leader Support Coordinators,
with additional volunteer positions recommended to better
support volunteers in each Service Unit.
3. Updates to council administration boundaries will occur in
Communities 2 and 3.
The committee’s charge was to refresh current volunteer service
delivery structure to:
• Support effective Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE)
• Develop ownership of mission with constituents
• Attract committed volunteer workforce
• Attract and retain highly qualified administrative volunteers
• Efficiently use resources
For more information and details on council boundaries, please visit
gssem.org/serviceunits.
BE ADVENTUROUS:
COME WINTER
CAMPING
(HEAT INCLUDED)!
Did you know that Camp Hawthorn
Hollow is open YEAR-ROUND? Don’t
let the short days get you down!
Plan a Troop Camping weekend
or attend a Weekend Camp this
winter. Troop Camping Winter
add-on activities are also available.
Try your hand at snowshoeing,
animal tracking, hiking, or
warm up by the fire
with an outdoor
cooking lesson!
your guide to GSSEM | 15J ANUAR Y NEW
THIS
YEAR!
E B R A T E I N T ERFAITH
CEL A T T H E DIA!
DIVERS I T Y
20 1—6 pm
January 26, 20
e of Arts
Detroit Institut or Girl Scouts
and Ambassad
Cadette, Senior patch
0 pe r re gi st ra nt for food and gr ound breaking pr
ogram
$1 ill pr es en t a
Committee w for Girl Scouts
e D IA , th e GSSEM Religious m is a sp ec ial opportunity ss our
In partnership w
ith th
ah am . Th e da y long pr og ra
ty pi ng an d in tolerances acro
Children of Abr barriers of stereo bridges of
Reuniting the ki ng do w n th e longstanding e sp ac e us in g the arts to build
in brea to create a brav
to take the lead fo r this program is
Th e vi si on
communities. ation.
and communic d for GSSEM. At
understanding a D IA web app create
e mus eu m on It’s an exciting
a trea su re hunt through th ha t th ey ar e experiencing.
gins w ith e abou t w art. The
The afternoon be as ke d to ta ke a picture or writ tia n, Ju da ic , H indu and African
each stop the gi
rls will be in Islamic, Chris kit for Peace; a
be au ty and differences Ab ra ha m (RTCOA) Tool erg.
new way to see
bo th th e
g in Re un iting the Ch ild ren of
to G SS EM Br en da Naomi Rosenb
in
cludes participat d Jewish liaison
national and inte
rnational
program also in ea ted by Girl Scout an iv ed 18
d disc us si on , cr RTCOA ha s re ce reconciliation.
documentary an d w as a CB S na tional special on
awards an
t Law
th e da y is the Girl Scou
The fo cu s on tter place.”
t to “m ak e the world a be
comm itm en will get to
e w ill be inclusive, as girls
The expe rie nc at others
th ei r re lig io n and culture th
share parts of have the
or un de rs ta nd. They’ll also
may not know hopes, and
to pr es ent their ideas,
oppo rt un ity of peace in
th at w ill he lp push the agenda
dreams world.
, region, and the
our community
courtesy of the
or ta tio n will be available
Bus Tr an sp nty area to
in ts th ro ug hout the Tri-cou
DIA from po . 22 and
e D IA . Re gi st ration opens Sept
and from th rship with the D
IA
os es N ov . 15 . D ue to our partne
cl itted.
will not be perm
late registration
MENTORING
AWARDS
is a
Teen mentoring
ition:
win-win propos
id e or teach
When girls gu
as mentors.
others, they act ed
come empower
Help your girls be ow as
thisrole and gr
and confident in d line
on
ation can be foun
leaders. Inform
therawards.
at gssem.org/oGET YOUR COOKIE MERCH!
Let everyone know you have Girl Scout Cookies and are
ready to make big sales! New rollabanas, cookie banners
and wheeled cookie carts will make your booth shine!
Don't forget the table covers, buttons, money bags, yard
signs and car magnets to make selling a blast, too! Shop
online at gssem.org/store
or visit a GSSEM Council
Shop location for great
cookie-selling merchandise!
COOKIE PRO CONTEST CELEBRATES
COOKIE ENTREPRENEURS!
Twenty four lucky Girl Scouts will embark on an exciting
trip to Orlando for a once-in-a-lifetime Cookie Entrepreneur
Experience including full VIP access to G.I.R.L. 2020—the
largest event for girls in the world!
Who is eligible to participate?
Registered Girl Scout Cookie Program participants
from GSSEM who are selling cookies during the
2019-2020 season
When can girls enter?
Feb. 1–March 31, 2020
How do girls participate?
By submitting a complete entry at
girlscouts.org/cookiepro, which will include
answering a set of required questions and uploading
a personal photo
What will girls win?
Twenty four girls nationwide—4 per Girl Scout grade
level—will win an exciting trip to sunny Orlando, FL for
the Cookie Entrepreneur Experience of a lifetime at
G.I.R.L. 2020! The twenty four lucky winners will get an
opportunity to:
• Enjoy full VIP access to all G.I.R.L. 2020 activities
• Have breakfast with GSUSA CEO and Council CEOs
• Embark on epic adventures at a local amusement park
• Attend a Girl Scout alums coaching session to build
entrepreneurial skills
• Get recognized on the EXPO Hall main stage and
through a featured story at the Entrepreneurship
Pavilion
your guide to GSSEM | 17MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR
2020 COOKIE PROGRAM
Looking for ways to stand out at your cookie booth and increase
earnings? Here are a few ways to boost your sales:
• Wear your Girl Scout uniform
• Use homemade signage and cookie merch to decorate your booth
• Have all cookie varieties available to sell
The direct sale portion of GSSEM’s annual Girl Scout Cookie Program runs
from Feb. 14 through April 5.
BOOT H S
SUPER BOWL
nday is the
ay be fo re Super Bowl Su
The Sa tu rd snack foods!
pu la r da y of the year to buy
most po yone’s
Sc ou t co ok ie s a staple in ever
Make Girl EM troops
ay snack list. GSS
Super Bowl Sund ed to sell cookie
s
n en te r a lo ttery to be select form at io n,
ca ore in
, on Sa tu rd ay , Feb. 1, 2020. M ai la bl e
early be av
g ho w to en te r the lottery, will COOKIE POP-UP SHOPS
includin 19.
in November 20
on gssem.org GSSEM is once again offering Girl Scouts the ability
to sell cookies at pop-up shops. These shops
give troops another way to reach customers who
want to buy cookies. Details about pop-up shop
YEAR OF YUM OFFERS locations and opportunities to sell can be found in
CUSTOMERS GIRL SCOUT the cookie packet sent to troops via FedEx.
COOKIES FOR A YEAR!
Girl Scout Cookie season is the yummiest time
of year, right? Let the customer know that when
they purchase five boxes of cookies, they could MALL KIOSKS
kiosks give GSSEM
enter to win 52 BOXES of Girl Scout Cookies— Selling cookies at mall
chances to increase
A Year of YUM! Visit gssem.org/cookies to cookie sellers even more
download Year of Yum cards with details on how kiosks in area malls
sales. GSSEM will have
Council region.
to enter and distribute the cards to customers located throughout our
who buy five or more boxes of cookies. GSSEM t kiosk locations and
More information abou
oth can be found in
handles all the entries, conducts the drawing reserving a mall kiosk bo
d
and ships the cookies to the winners! the cookie packet maile
to troops via FedE x.
BLING YOUR BOOTH CON
TEST
GSSEM troops can enter our
Bling Your Booth contest to
in GSSEM program credits! win up to $300.00
One winning troop and their
booth from each of GSSEM ‘blinged-out’
’s 12 communities will be sel
$100.00 in program credits. ected to receive
Those 12 finalists will be ent
prize contest. The winner of ered in the grand
that contest will get an add
program credits! To enter, sub itional $200.00 in
mit a photo of your girls in
‘blinged out’ cookie booth to action at their
GSSEM via our Facebook pag
information, visit gssem.or e. For more
g/cookieprogram.CALENDAR DATES:
1/5 | National Bird Day Bird-
watching event led by Detroit
2020 COOKIE RALLY! Audubon Society
Get ready to get pumped up for 1/11 | Cookie Rally at
this year's sale with our annual LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Cookie Rally!
1/20 | Winter Solstice Get
Jan. 11 Outdoors Challenge Kick Off (CHH)
10 am – 2 pm Join us at Camp Hawthorn
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Hollow as we celebrate winter!
Great Lakes Crossing, Auburn Hills We’ll try snowshoeing, sledding
and animal tracking. Afterwards
Check gssem.org/calendar we’ll warm up with hot cocoa
for updates. and s’mores.
1/26 | Reuniting the Children of
Abraham at the DIA
OUTDOOR SURVIVAL FREEZE-IN IS COMING BACK
TO CAMP HAWTHORN HOLLOW, JAN. 25-26
Imagine arriving at camp with your backpack zipped and your boots laced all the way up. The weather says
the high will be a chilling 16 degrees with the low dipping down to -2 degrees! You hike through snow and tall
pine trees to select a site to start building your “lean-to”—a three-sided shelter for campers and hikers. You
gather downed trees and lash them together to build the shelter. You start your own fire, where you’ll cook
all their meals. This is where you’ll spend the next 24 hours.
Outdoor Survival Freeze-In offers
Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and
Ambassadors an experience to gain
self-confidence and self-discipline.
Girls will spend the day outside in the
middle of winter in groups of three
to five building their own shelter and
fire, cooking meals, and preparing to
spend the night in the winter wilds of
Girl Scout Camp. Come and find out
what hundreds of girls have learned:
Girl Scouts can survive just about
anything, anywhere! Will it be
challenging? Probably. Will it be worth
it? Definitely. No outdoor survival
experience, no problem! Attend our
two mandatory trainings January 15
and January 22, in Southfield to
acquire the necessary skills. Go to
gssem.org/freezein to learn more!
your guide to GSSEM | 19F E B RUARY
R T U N I T I E S FOR C,S,A
THE OPPO S ARE ENDLESS
GIRL SCOUT bassadors: the
time is now! Re
ach your
d Am
ttes, Seniors, an
To all of the Cade t of this journey. ichigan!
po te nt ia l an d make the mos gi rls th ro ug ho ut Southeast M
fu ll e than 24,000
the voice of mor Scouts can
or y B oa rd (G A B ): Be
es t ac hi ev ements that Girl
Girl A dv is e the hi gh endar for
ze , Si lver , an d Gold Awards ar w or ld ! Ch ec k gssem.org/cal
High Awards: Br
on help change the
te a Ta ke Ac tio n projects that
earn. Crea rn at least one
te s to day! in gr ad es 6-8 must ea
tr ai ni ng da ard, gi rls girls over the
m A id e (P A ): To earn the PA aw d w or k di re ct ly with younger
Cadette Progra ard, take a traini
ng course, an
tio n aw
Leadersh ip in Ac with a men-
x se ss io ns . ea rn a Vi T aw ard by working
course of si ca n nsored
iT ): Se ni or s an d Ambassadors th s. Co m pl et e a council-spo
aining (V on
Volunteer in Tr r three to six m outs with four or
ow ni e or Ju ni or Girl Scouts fo se d ac tiv ity fo r younger Girl Sc
tor and Daisy, Br create a Journe
y or Badge-ba
se an d
leadersh ip co ur g younger
ns . ea rn a CI T aw ard by mentorin
more sess io ca n
d Ambassadors wards becomin
g a counselor.
In Tr ai ni ng (CIT): Seniors an ss ar y sk ill s to
Counselor ild all of the nece
p se tting as they bu
girls in a ca m ion. tinations for
CO M PA SS fo r more informat ti on s: Ch ec k gssem.org/des
Watch Destina
g locations!
this year’s excitin led by some
es e ne tw or king events are
Moxie Talks: Th focused
os t in sp ira tio nal women and
of Michigan’s m rls to
in ci pl es th at will motivate gi
ip pr
around leadersh
e w or ld .
change th
DON
JULIET TE GOR
LOW SOCIETY
or would
yo u al read y named GSSEM,
Hav e iary of a
m e G SS EM , as the benefic
like to na e you
ft ? W e w ou ld love to welcom
planned gi y member! For
tte G or don Low Societ
as a Ju lie can become
e in fo rm at io n about how you
mor s you,
be r— in a m an ner that benefit
a mem utheastern
Girl Scouts of So
your heirs, and c Berke, GSSEM
se contact Mar
Michigan—plea 13) 870-2569
ie f D ev el op m ent Officer at (3
Ch
sem.org.
or mberke@gs
20 | your guide to GSSEM Juliette Gordon LowCALENDAR DATES:
2/2 | Girl Advisory
Board Meeting
WORLD THINKING DAY IS FEB. 22
2/2 | My Promise,
World Thinking Day is celebrated every year by both My Faith for older Girls
Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from 150 countries around
2/16 | Moxie Talks
the world! That’s a huge network, right? By participating
in World Thinking Day, girls will join millions of fellow 2/22 | Game of Life
Girl Scouts and Girl Guides in a day of building awareness
2/22 | World Thinking Day
and education. Use World Thinking Day as a reason to take action and
make a difference on a global project. The 2020 World Thinking Day
theme is “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.”
1. Explore World Thinking Day and the diversity of the
Girl Scout movement
2. Explore diversity and inclusion
3. Explore equity
4. Prepare and plan a Take Action project for World Thinking Day
5. Carry out your Take Action project
Patches are available for purchase online or at Council Shops. For
more information about World Thinking Day 2020 and the latest news
about the 2020 theme, visit girlscouts.org.
MY PROMISE, MY FAITH
FOR OLDER GIRL SCOUTS
Don't miss out on this inspiring, annual
event held for Cadette, Senior, and
Ambassador Girl Scouts. Come learn
about different world religions through
various interactive opportunities. Girls of all
levels can earn the My Promise, My Faith pin,
which complements existing religious recognitions
and allows girls to strengthen the connection between
their faith and Girl Scouts. Be sure to check
gssem.org/calendar for updates.
GET OUTDOORS AND
EARN PATCHES!
Got the winter blues? Don’t worry!
It happens to the best of us! Get
outside and earn some patches!
GSSEM has several ways for girls
to earn patches with their troop
or on their own! Check the
gssem.org/calendar for
upcoming winter fun.
your guide to GSSEM | 21MA RCH
A M S W I L L D E S IG N
R S T R OB O T IC S T E
GSSEM’S F I
T O L I V E A N D WORK
E T T E R P L A C ES l show off their
problem-
B botics team s— w ill al
the first time, Ca
ar’s FIRST
dette, ro
in 2020! This pr
ogram ye
an d fo r s Ex po r for
Daisy, Brownie,
Ju ni or —
at th e G SS EM FIRST Ro bo tic
ou r co m m un ity: City Shape
ills and creativity of the people in League (JFLL) te
ams. Girls will
solving STEM sk g ne ed s and challenges RS T Le go
e the gr ow in r Ju ni or FI lem using
teams will explor am s an d B oo mtown Build fo an d so lv in g a real-world prob
ue (FLL) te ers by choosing grades 4-5.
FIRST Lego Leag lik e sc ie ntists and engine FL L te am s are for girls in
th in k 3, an d
be challenged to teams are for gi
rls in grades K-
: JF LL s. The FLL
LEGO te ch no logy
an d ev en natural disaster
sportation, acce
ss ib ili ty ? It will take
su es , like tran a be tter fu tu re for everyone
face big is shap e n and
Cities and towns th e qu es tions: How can we ro w to ge th er ? Using imaginatio
te solutions to a better tomor a
teams will crea u ready to build ing that solves
in at io n. Ar e yo w ill im ag in e an d create a build
imag , the JFLL teams
teamwork and o 2.0 technology for the people th
at use it.
uc at ion W eD e conn ec te d
LEGO®Ed happier, or mor
ob le m an d m akes life easier,
pr teams’
a ne w ly fo rm ed JFLL and FLL
rchase n more
FUNDING AVAIL
ABLE
ro us sp on sors , GSSEM will pu iv e ad di tiona l supplies. To lear
g from our gene e eligible to rece at cnichols@gs
sem.org.
Thanks to fundin at er ia ls an d re turning teams ar t Ch ris N icho ls
registration and
LEGO m /FIRST or contac
a te am , pl ea se visit gssem.org
about forming
2020
MALL FRENZY
March 21 ts
Sterling Heigh
Lakeside Mall, ts are invited to
gr ad es 4- 12 and adul
Girls in side Mall.
M all Fr en zy , a lock-in at Lake ping,
attend nd s, do some shop
ou t w ith fr ie
Come hang ions, perform
at e in va rious badge stat
pa rtic ip ts of other
e, ge t ai rb ru sh tattoos and lo
kara ok something
en t. Th ere’s a little bit of
entert ainm first time
ne to en jo y, w hether you're a
for everyo ram! A custom
te nd ee or a ve teran to the prog
at
cluded as well.
event patch is in
d as outlined
rl ra tio s m ust be maintaine
Adult to gi attending
ee r Es se nt ia ls . Individual girls
in Volunt dian.
co m pa ni ed by a parent or guar
must be ac modated. Any
ta ga lo ng s can be accom
So rry no the proper
nd in g th e ev ent that is not in
girl at te ill not be
is no t pr op er ly supervised w
grade or will be
ip at e. Ad ditio nal information
able to part ic
ials.
nfirmation mater
sent with the co
rson
Cost: $25 per pe
er if event
tio n de ad lin e: March 3 or soon
Registra registration
first. No walk-in
reaches capacity
22 | your guide to GSSEM
is accepted.CALENDAR DATES:
3/1 | Deadline to submit
Silver/Gold Final Reports to be
COOKIE GALA IS BACK! included in our May celebration
Celebrate GSSEM’s largest fundraiser of 3/8 | International
the year Women’s Day
The Cookie Gala returns to MGM Grand Detroit 3/8 | Outdoor Careers Event
on Thursday, March 26. Join us as culinary artists 3/8-3/14 | Girl Scout Week
from all over Detroit prepare desserts featuring a very
special ingredient: Girl Scout Cookies! They will each compete 3/12 | Girl Scout Birthday
for the top prize in this “tasty” competition. Attendees will have the 3/28 | Volunteer National
opportunity to taste these desserts, bid on silent and live auction Awards Banquet
items, and capture memories in the cookie photo booth. You’ll also
hear from current Girl Scouts like, Anwaar A., who touched the 3/21-3/22 | Mall Frenzy
hearts of everyone in the building last year, with her speech about 3/22 | My Promise, My Faith
how Girl Scouts has had a tremendous impact on her life. for Younger Girls
This adult event sells out every year, so make sure to get your tickets 3/23 | Spring Equinox
early! Benefit the girls of southeastern Michigan at this one-of-a-kind Get Outdoors Challenge
event. You don’t want to miss it! Please visit gssem.org/cookiegala kick off (CHH)
for updates. A variety of sponsorship opportunities are available.
3/26 | 2020 Cookie Gala
Contact the Fund Development Department at 313-870-2562 for
more information. 3/28 | Annual Meeting and
Volunteer Recognition Ceremony
3/29 | Moxie Talks
MY PROMISE, MY
FAITH FOR YOUNGER
GIRL SCOUTS
Daisy, Brownie and Junior Scouts
2020 ANNUAL GLOBAL ACTION will have the opportunity to learn
MEETING about the common values and
The Global Action Volunteer traditions that the Islamic faith
March 28 Committee is devoted to and the Girls Scout Law share.
Silver Gardens in Southfield connecting girls with their
The GSSEM corporate international sisterhood, and March 22 from 1 -5 pm
membership will elect officers, is working to provide resources
Islamic House of Wisdom
directors-at-large, members of the so girls can become responsible
22575 Ann Arbor Trail
Board Development Committee, global citizens who make the
Dearborn Heights, MI
delegates and alternates to the world a better place! For more
national convention. Learn more information on how to earn the Cost: $12.00/girl
at gssem.org/annualmeeting. Global Action Days patch, please (includes pin)
visit gssem.org/gad. If you’re
interested in joining the committee,
or want more information,
please contact our Volunteer
Services Department at
volunteerexp@gssem.org.
your guide to GSSEM | 23A PR I L
PAT C H P R O GRAM
OUTD OOR SKILLS pa tches doing the
things they
rls to co lle ct d so much
for gi
tch prog ram is a fun way hi ng , ou tdoor cooking, an
Th is pa ck in g, fis the main
Patche s includ e archery, backpa ini sk ill pa tche s that adhere to
love! tch with m ey want.
e large main pa ct as many as th
more. There is on ea rn an d co lle
velcro. Girls can e Unit, as
patch with strong he ld by th e Co uncil or a Servic
events , or by
by at te nd ing outdoor skills s ou td oo r event, troop activity
ese patche s zatio n’ ver),
Girls can earn th ts , a lo ca l bu siness or organi d ab ou t the ou tdoor skill (Disco
community ev en a girl has learne
well as through left to do is
ill w ith fa mily. As long as ill m ini pa tch. All she has
e outd oo r sk tdoo r sk learned.
simply doing th ne ct ), sh e ha s earned the ou ar in g w ith ot he rs what she has
e skill (Con and possibly sh
and practiced th , using her skills, uncil shops.
Ac tion by ge tting ou tdoo rs
s ar e avai lable in all of our co
Take ler patc he
tch and the smal
Both the large pa
It’s not too early to register
for summer camp! Check
out gssem.org/go for
more information.
E W BAD G E S FOR 2020!
N
utdoors
e ar e 12 N EW reasons to Get O
Ther es! The
h Adventure badg
with the new Hig explore nature
gned for girls to
badges are desi r adventures
rie nc e exciting outdoo
an d ex pe oss-country
ck pa ck in g, snowshoeing, cr
like ba ng. All
ro ck clim bi ng, and tree climbi
skiing, e confidence
es give them th
these experienc althy risks, and
or t on e another, take he
to su pp e are the
de dica te d tim e in nature. Thes
spen d rs can earn
irl Sc ou t ba dg es that membe
first G ed paths
of two self-direct
by choosing one
North Face).
(funded by The
24 | your guide to GSSEMCALENDAR DATES:
4/5 | National Geologist
APRIL IS NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH! Day - Meet your neighborhood
Geologist
Volunteer month is back! We are so thankful for all of the volunteers
worldwide that commit their time to our girls. Without them, 4/19 | Girl Advisory
Girl Scouts simply would not be the program that it is today. Board Meeting
Volunteers give endless hours to mentor, teach and be examples 4/22 | Girl Scout Leader’s Day
of what real leaders look like. Not to mention they get things done!
Girl Scouts everywhere are able to discover and explore all the world 4/26-4/27 | Earth Fair
has to offer because of the unmatched dedication and support of Goodells Park, St. Clair
volunteers. Look around, they are all around you: Troop Leaders, Join GSSEM at the largest
Co-Leaders, Board Members, Committee Members, and anyone Earth Day celebration event
else who has ever taken their time out to support Girl Scout events. in the state. Two full days of
Each month, but especially this one, we THANK YOU for helping to fun learning how to be better
fulfill our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and environmental stewards for the
character, who help make the world a better place. These invaluable Earth and each other.
contributions don’t go unnoticed. Watch our newsletters and website
for information on
recognition activities
planned for the
month of April. To
kick off National
Volunteer Month
in April, GSSEM will
honor our valuable
volunteers at the
Volunteer National
Awards Banquet on
March 28.
OUR CHALET TEA: 2020 GIRL SCOUTS
KENTUCKY DERBY DAY AT COMERICA
LUNCHEON PARK
April 25, 2020 at noon Bring the whole family and
First United Methodist cheer on the Detroit Tigers at
6363 Livernois Rd, Troy, MI Girl Scouts Day at Comerica Park!
Free for C,S,As with a A special pre-game ceremony
ON MY HONOR:
suggested donation for in recognition of the 2020 Gold This spring, donate to our
adults $35 Award honorees will be held (the Girl Engagement Initiative program
Young Woman of Distinction benefiting underserved and
even throws out the first pitch!). low-income girls while honoring
For more information and to find that special person that touched
out the 2020 date, keep checking your life. Donate and receive the
gssem.org/calendar. exclusive On My Honor fun patch!
Go to gssem.org/onmyhonor
to give.
your guide to GSSEM | 25MA Y
R E A T O U T D OORS
T HE G
EMBARK ONER
T H I S SU M M e amazing oppo
rtunities for everyone, where badg
es, patches,
both girls and ad
ults a chance
som offer
will be providing or Skills programs d orienteering. U
se your
This year, GSSEM es ar e gu aran te ed . O utdo
hing a te nt , an asonal
experienc pitc first hand. The Se
and memorable pi ng , like bu ild ing a campfire, au ty of na tu re
c skills of cam d explore the be es on the list
to learn the basi r th e wilderness, an tivities and challeng
d skill s to m as te
adventures to co
mpl ete th e ac okout for some
newly develope rk on th e se ason? Keep a lo
e is back . Em ba
h! What better w
ay to en jo y ns will provide
Outdoor Challeng ea rn a pa tc m pa nies and organizatio
season, an d dicate d co to visit
designed for that o! N ew pa rt nerships with de ture ce nt er an d more. Be sure
k programs, to rmington Hills na
Canoe and Kaya ram s, lik e Metro Parks, Fa ming soon!
GSSEM many un
ique prog
an d ex ci ting adventures are co
w
n to see what ne
gssem.org ofte
se pm
amp Open Hou yfair 12 pm - 6
Join us for a C wthorn Hollow and Camp Pla at one of our camp open ho
uses!
a
May 17 Camp H
us
e all about? Join
see what they ar
to
r camps? Curious
Interested in ou Explore nature register)
•
rock w all* (first 75 people who
• Get a camp to
ur • Climb our
x hike
• Learn to play
G aga ball • Go on a letterbo
crafts
aditional camp Meet the staff
• Make some tr programs and ev
ents •
s
• Learn ab ou t ou r cam p • Learn camp song
eme S’more
• Make an extr nge*
at our archery ra
• Shoot a bow )
who register
(first 75 people
/go to register.
Visit gssem.org
der
*Brownies and ol
MEET ME
AT THE ZOO!
etroit
Join us at the D
20! Get
Zoo on May 9, 20
rsonal with
up close and pe ing
0 animals, includ
more than 2,00 ic ones, too!
es and a exot
all of your favorit ts all while
d-winning exhibi
Check out awar cognitions.
rning Girl Scou t awards and re
ea
/calendar
Visit gssem.org
ation!
for more inform
26 | your guide to GSSEMCALENDAR DATES:
5/1-6/15 | Early Renewal
Campaign
HONOR RECEPTION: JOIN THE CELEBRATION!
5/3 | Honor Reception
Celebrate the accomplishments of our Silver and Gold
5/9 | Meet Me at the Zoo and
Award recipients and special recognitions of graduating
GSSEM Bridging Ceremony
seniors, and recipients of the Tammie Murray and
Jennifer Barnum Spirit Awards at our Honor Reception 5/21 | Tree Runner Glow Night
on May 3, 2020. Individual invitations will be sent to all (Adventure Park, W Bloomfield)
girls and their families that have successfully completed 5/30 | Moxie Talks
the Silver Award Requirements and have submitted their Final
Reports prior to the March 1st deadline. At this special recognition Late May | Cookie Rewards
event our current Young Woman of Distinction, Casie Paul, will will be mailed out
announce the new 2020 recipient. Each Gold Award recipient will
be awarded a $500.00 scholarship and the GSSEM Young Woman
of Distinction will be granted a $2500.00 scholarship. Need more
reasons to GoGold? Visit our website at gssem.org/gold. SUMMER DREAMS:
Here what some of our Gold Award Girl Scouts have to say: HELP GIRLS GO! TO
SUMMER CAMP THIS
Abigail Collins-Carey
Completing my Gold Award project helped me
YEAR!
discover leadership skills and gave me a passion At GSSEM, we are committed to
for a future career in international economics and continuing to provide high-quality
business. It has also shown me that when there outdoor education, equipment and
is something I am passionate about, I WILL do it - experiences to girls who would not
even if I am often told “no” along the way. otherwise be able to afford it.
Camping and Outdoor Learning have
Robbie McCall
a lasting impact on a young girl’s
I was able to learn more about my community
life. Your gift will empower the next
and myself. I found individuals committed to
generation of female leaders to
making a change for the better within the
make the world a better place. Visit
community, and that with enough determination
gssem.org/summerdreams to help
and hard work, we could work together to make a
make her Summer Dreams come true!
difference in their homes.
Linda Weng COOKIE REWARDS
I became a leader and a teacher to my peers and ARE COMING!
was able to introduce them to computer science
in such a fun way! Being able to code is becoming Girls who participate in the cookie
an essential skill to have in any job sector so this program are eligible to earn rewards,
provides an opportunity for our future generations based upon individual sales. A full
to take their first step on their path to success. list of reward items and levels can
be found on the back of each cookie
order card. You may also download
this from the forms section at
gssem.org. In late-May, GSSEM
will mail the rewards to the
EARLY RENEWAL! MAY 1-JUNE 15, 2020 same person who filled out the
It’s never too early to start thinking about signing your girls up for Responsibility Agreement Form.
another year of adventure. Get a jump on fall and renew early! More information will be sent out
Early renewal dates and special incentives will be announced in the via eBudde (the online system
January issue of Leaders. Visit the gssem.org/learning to access that troops use to manage the
the Managing Your Member Profile Short & Snappy. cookie sale).
your guide to GSSEM | 27J UNE
S H E L P G I R L S CROSS
I D G I NG C E R EMONIE V ENTUR E
BR R N E X T AD
HEI
OVER INTO T rapping up the G
irl Scout
es, it’s time to st
art w nie
th e sc ho ol ye ar approa ch
th er a D aisy is flying up to Brow
As the end of e next step. Whe rl’s move
too, an d lo ok ing forward to th a Br id gi ng Ce re mony marks a gi
year
out to become
a Cadette, ent when a girl
or a Junior is ab he r. It’s th at defining mom
Girl Scouting to
an ot her next
from one level of ts an d is ready to take on
of her recent ac
hiev em en memorable
becomes aware be fu n, pe rsonalized, and
y sh ou ld rtnership
Th e Bridging Ceremon ou ld be girl-led in pa
ad ventur e! Sc ou ts , it sh to attend the
er yone . An d like all things in Girl ce re m on y, or if you’re planning
for ev n bridging mony there.
can plan your ow in a bridging cere
with adults. You ay 9, part icip at e
Zoo event on M other important
Girl Scouts
Meet Me at the e grea t tip s on
level, and som ging Ceremony
id ging Awards available for each N ot su re ho w to get your Brid
Check out the Br rg/ceremonies. remonies.
ies an d trad itions at gssem.o a sh or t trai ning on bridging ce
ceremon rning to view
e gssem.org/lea
started? Visit th
AR IS
THE TROOP YE !
N
WINDING DOW
outs in the
r year of Girl Sc
You did it! Anothe d your year
ok s! H er e ar e some tips to en
bo
with ease:
for
are responsible
• Troop Leaders pl e financial
et
curate and com
ensuring ac each troop
re co rd s ar e maintained for
time by
r review at any
and open fo or
rls, Service U t ni
parents of gi uncil staff.
volunteers, or co
community
es are
l learning modul
• Supplementa ete your Troop
ble to help you compl
av ai la /learning
nc e Re po rt : Visit gssem.org
Fi na ction.
ok un de r th e G roup Finances se
and lo
girl’s move
monies mark a
• Bridging cere g to another!
on e le vel of Girl Scoutin
from dar for
ep ch ec king gs sem.org/calen
Ke trainings that
t meetings and
Service Uni or contact
ng ceremonies
cover bridgi if you
e Unit Manager
your Servic
ance.
need assist
xt fall? Be
coming back ne
• Is your Troop r role by
w your voluntee
sure to rene ile through
ac ce ss in g yo ur Member Prof
S Sign
e G irl Sc ou t co mmunity or MyG
th
.org.
28 | your guide to GSSEM In on gssemYou can also read
