GSSI's 2014 Girl Scout Cookie Program Continues!

It's still Girl Scout Cookie Season in Southern Illinois!   Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) kicked off the Girl Scout Cookie Program on January 10-12, 2014 during the first Cookie Booth Weekend of the season. At Cookie Booths, customers can purchase cookies directly from girls at various locations throughout southern Illinois. 

Traditional cookie order taking ran from January 11-25, with Girl Scouts taking orders for the delicious treats.  In early February, the Goal Getter program helps girls extend their sales to reach the goals they set at the beginning of the season.  Cookie delivery for these two parts of the Girl Scout Cookie Program will be in late February.

Customer demand for Girl Scout Cookies following delivery has been high historically, so additional Cookie Booth Weekends will be held Feb. 28-March 2, March 7-9 and March 14-16.  Find Girl Scout Cookie Booths in your area using the Girl Scout Cookie app or Little Brownie Baker’s Cookie Locator at http://cookielocator.littlebrownie.com/.

See photos of the 2014 Girl Scout Cookie Program so far!

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led business in the country and generates immeasurable benefits for girls and their communities.  Girls who participate in the 2014 Girl Scout Cookie Program benefit from “learning by earning” and develop five valuable life skills – goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics.  Girls then use their proceeds to support their chosen activities for the year, to fund community service and leadership projects, to attend summer camp or to travel to destinations near and far.  In addition, proceeds from the program help GSSI recruit and train adult volunteers, provide financial assistance so Girl Scouting is available to all girls, improve and maintain camp properties and develop and deliver quality program activities for girls.

The Girl Scout Mission is: Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.  Today’s Girl Scouts not only enjoy camping and crafts, but they also explore math and science and learn about diversity, good citizenship, leadership and teamwork.  Girl Scouting is the place where girls experience the fun, friendship and power of girls working together.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois serves 14,000 girls and 4,800 adult volunteers in more than 40 counties in southern Illinois.  Girl Scouting has inspired more than 50 million girls and women since its founding in 1912.  Girl Scouting is focused on providing a premier Girl Scout Leadership Experience for girls in the 21^st century, while ensuring the traditions and values that have been core to Girl Scouting since its beginning remain strong and relevant. 

2014 Cookie Program Update From Product Program Manager Kelly Jansen

Hello Everyone!  I hope your 2014 Girl Scout Cookie Program has been fun and successful so far!  We have many more opportunities coming up that you’re going to want to take advantage of!   It’s a busy time of year, but I wanted to take a moment to share the answers to some frequently asked questions with you.  

Jan 10-12 Cookie Booth Weekend

We kicked off the Cookie Program with an optional Booth Weekend on January 10-12.  It was a success!!!! Most troop leaders reported great sales which really energized their girls for the rest of the season!    Your troop can host a Cookie Booth from now until April 30!   We have Council-Sponsored Cookie Booth Weekends Feb. 28 – March 2, March 7-9, and March 14-16.  Troops can also host a Cookie Booth outside of these dates – contact me at kjansen@gsofsi.org for more information.

Cookie Club Update

Thank You for your patience with Cookie Club.  There was an issue with some girls not being able to log into the system.  Little Brownie has fixed the issue so please inform your Troops that Cookie Club is now working.

 

Goal Getter Program Starts Feb. 3   

GSSI’s Goal Getter Program begins Feb. 3. Goal Getter allows girls to extend the time they sell to reach their goals (and the next reward level). Girls should have received their Goal Getter order cards when they turned in their order cards from traditional sales. Girls then return Goal Getter order card when they pick up cookies from the traditional order in mid February. (This date varies by area.) In addition, each Service Unit with Girls Scouts participating in the Goal Getter program will receive one Build-a-Bear that girls who sell an additional 20 boxes will be entered into a Service Unit drawing to win. For more information, contact Product Program Manager Kelly Jansen at 800.345.6858 or e-mail kjansen@gsofsi.org.

        

Goal Getter FAQ’s

Yes, girls who did not participate in traditional order taking can still participate in the Goal Getter program.  To participate, please contact Product Program Manager Kelly Jansen at kjansen@gsofsi.org.Troops can fill the Goal Getter orders with their “extras” from traditional sales as well as with Booth Cookies. 

The Goal Getter order cards will be returned back to the girl with the filled order.  Troop Leaders will turn in the names of those girls who sold the 20 additional boxes to their Service Unit Cookie Manager and a name will be drawn out at the next SU meeting.

For those troops that are not participating in Cookie Booth Weekends and need additional cookies to fulfill Goal Getter orders, please contact Kelly Jansen, Product Program Manager, at kjansen@gsofsi.org or Katie Grayling, Product Program Assistant, at kgrayling@gsofsi.org.

 

Cookie Booth Weekends

Council Sponsored Cookie Booth weekends are Feb. 28 – March 2, March 7-9, and March 14-16.  A letter will be mailed to the Troops that have registered, detailing the number of cases a troop can initially order along with an eBudde CookieCupboard Ordering Quick Guide.  If you know of a troop who would like to participate in one of these booth weekends, the eBudde Cookie CupboardOrdering Quick Guide will help volunteers navigate the easy online ordering system.

 

If a Troop is unable to participate in the Council Sponsored Booth weekends, but would still like to host a booth outside of those dates, please contact Product Program now. We would be happy to provide cookies for your scheduled booth weekend.  NOTE: Troops can hold Cookie Booths from now until April 30.  

Cookie Booth Weekend FAQ’s

If you are unable to get an entire troop together at one time for a Cookie Booth, girls can work in shifts or take turns.  A Cookie Booth needs just two registered Girl Scouts and one registered adult at minimum.

We are finalizing Cookie Cupboard locations and will contact those Cookie Cupboard volunteers shortly regarding their training.  We will also be sending out a complete list of those cupboard locations.


On their initial order, Troops can order up to the amount of cookies they sold last year during their entire Booth Sale Weekends.   With the online ordering system through eBudde, GSSI will be able to monitor cookie availability at Cookie Cupboards to make sure they are fully stocked.  There will not be a shortage of cookies.


Troops can exchange cookies one (1) time at the Cookie Cupboard to better stock up on their fast selling varieties.


5 for Five is a great way to increase your Cookie Booth sales and deplete booth inventory! Customers who purchase five boxes of cookies during the Council Sponsored Booth Weekends will have a chance to win five cases! Business cards detailing how customers can enter to win will be distributed to Troops through Cookie Cupboards.

 

 

We Want to Hear From You

Please share your success stories -- we would love to hear them!  E-mail me at kjansen@gsofsi.org with your stories!

 

Thank you for all you do!

 

Kelly

 

eBudde Cookie Cupboard Ordering Quick Guide

The following eBudde Cookie Cupboard Ordering Quick Guide is designed to help GSSI volunteers order cookies for their Girl Scout Cookie Booths online.   If you need assistance, please contact Product Program Manager Kelly Jansen at 800.345.6858, ext. 2104 or e-mail kjansen@gsofsi.org.

eBudde Cookie Cupboard Ordering Quick Guide

 

 Log into eBudde

1.       Click on the Transaction tab

2.       Click on Add Transaction tab on the top left corner of the screen

3.       A new box will appear please enter the below in the following fields:

a.       Pickup:  mandatory that all cookies be picked up before Feb 28 (even if your booths are not scheduled until the following weekends. Click Done

b.      Type:  keep this field at Normal

c.       Second Party: keep this field at Cupboards

d.      To the Right of the Second Party Box will be an Empty Drop Box: select the cupboard location of where you would like to pick up your cookies.

e.      Product Movement:  select Add Product as you will be picking up cookies from this Cupboard location and adding the cookies to your sales report. 

f.        Contact Information Box:  list the name of the person who is picking up the cookies along with a primary phone number.

g.       In the green box:  Place the number of cookies (case quantity) of the number of cookies you would like to order.  The number of cookies ordered cannot extend beyond the approved amount listed on the confirmation letter.  (Additional cookie ordes can be placed using this above process throughout booth weekends.)

h.      Click on Save/Print

i.         This printed receipt needs to be taken to the cupboard at cookie pick-up.

eBudde Booth Cookie Return Process – (15% Max of Final Booth Order)

Cookies can be returned at the cupboard location.  Please bring the allowed unsold cookies in full cases of the same variety to your cupboard. The cupboard manager will process your return in eBudde.

eBudde Booth Cookie Swap Process -  (can only be completed 1 time)

1.       Follow the above steps with the Order Entry – in the Product Movement field select Add Product as you are adding the product you would like swapped out for to your Troop. 

2.       For the cookies that are being exchanged, the cupboard manager will process your return in eBudde.

 

For more information, please contact GSSI's Product Program team:

Kelly Jansen, Product Program Manager: 800.345.6858, ext. 2104 or kjansen@gsofsi.org

Katie Grayling, Product Program Assistant: 800.345.6858, ext. 2107 or kgrayling@gsofsi.org

               

Learn More About GSSI's Goal Getter Program

Goal Getter Program Starts Feb. 3   

GSSI’s Goal Getter Program begins Feb. 3. Goal Getter allows girls to extend the time they sell to reach their goals (and the next reward level). Girls should have received their Goal Getter order cards when they turned in their order cards from traditional sales. Girls then return Goal Getter order card when they pick up cookies from the traditional order in mid February. (This date varies by area.) In addition, each Service Unit with Girls Scouts participating in the Goal Getter program will receive one Build-a-Bear that girls who sell an additional 20 boxes will be entered into a Service Unit drawing to win. For more information, contact Product Program Manager Kelly Jansen at 800.345.6858 or e-mail kjansen@gsofsi.org.

        

Goal Getter FAQ’s

Yes, girls who did not participate in traditional order taking can still participate in the Goal Getter program.  To participate, please contact Product Program Manager Kelly Jansen at kjansen@gsofsi.org.Troops can fill the Goal Getter orders with their “extras” from traditional sales as well as with Booth Cookies. 

The Goal Getter order cards will be returned back to the girl with the filled order.  Troop Leaders will turn in the names of those girls who sold the 20 additional boxes to their Service Unit Cookie Manager and a name will be drawn out at the next SU meeting.

For those troops that are not participating in Cookie Booth Weekends and need additional cookies to fulfill Goal Getter orders, please contact Kelly Jansen, Product Program Manager, at kjansen@gsofsi.org or Katie Grayling, Product Program Assistant, at kgrayling@gsofsi.org.

  

Are You a Customer Looking for Girl Scout Cookies?
Call us at 800.345.6858 or visit http://bit.ly/GetCookies to find a troop in your area!

 

 

All About Cookie Booth Weekends for Girl Scout Volunteers

At a Girl Scout Cookie Booth, troops sell Girl Scout Cookies to customers at shopping centers, churches, apartment complexes, festivals, restaurants and other venues in their area. Cookie Booths gives customers a chance to get their favorite Girl Scout Cookies immediately and gives Girl Scouts the opportunity to reach a wider audience, promote the benefits of the Girl Scout Cookie Program in their community and work on key skills together as a troop. 

 

Council Sponsored Cookie Booth weekends are Feb. 28 – March 2, March 7-9, and March 14-16.  A letter will be mailed to the Troops that have registered, detailing the number of cases a troop can initially order along with an eBudde CookieCupboard Ordering Quick Guide.  If you know of a troop who would like to participate in one of these booth weekends, the eBudde Cookie CupboardOrdering Quick Guide will help volunteers navigate the easy online ordering system.

If a Troop is unable to participate in the Council Sponsored Booth weekends, but would still like to host a booth outside of those dates, please contact Product Program now. We would be happy to provide cookies for your scheduled booth weekend.  NOTE: Troops can hold Cookie Booths from now until April 30.  

Cookie Booth Weekend FAQ’s

If you are unable to get an entire troop together at one time for a Cookie Booth, girls can work in shifts or take turns.  A Cookie Booth needs just two registered Girl Scouts and one registered adult at minimum.

We are finalizing Cookie Cupboard locations and will contact those Cookie Cupboard volunteers shortly regarding their training.  We will also be sending out a complete list of those cupboard locations.


On their initial order, Troops can order up to the amount of cookies they sold last year during their entire Booth Sale Weekends.   With the online ordering system through eBudde, GSSI will be able to monitor cookie availability at Cookie Cupboards to make sure they are fully stocked.  There will not be a shortage of cookies.


Troops can exchange cookies one (1) time at the Cookie Cupboard to better stock up on their fast selling varieties.


5 for Five is a great way to increase your Cookie Booth sales and deplete booth inventory! Customers who purchase five boxes of cookies during the Council Sponsored Booth Weekends will have a chance to win five cases! Business cards detailing how customers can enter to win will be distributed to Troops through Cookie Cupboards.


Cookie Booth Resources:
Pre Sale Booth Promotion Signs
Same Day Booth Promotion Signs
Cookies for a Cause Poster
Gift of Caring Flyer

For more information, please contact Product Program Manager Kelly Jansen at 800.345.6858, ext. 2104 or by e-mail at kjansen@gsofsi.org.

Deadlines Extended for These February Programs

The following February programs have extended deadlines!  Sign up now to reserve your spot!


Dance, Dance, Dance!

Program Name: Ballerina    
Grade Level: Daisies-Brownies
Location: Mattoon Academy of Gymnastics & Dance
Date: 2/8    Extended Deadline:  1/30

Program Name: Cheer Zone    
Grade Level: Juniors-Cadettes
Location: Mattoon Academy of Gymnastics & Dance
Date: 2/8    Extended Deadline: 1/30

Program Name: Heavenly Hip Hop    
Grade Level: Daisies
Location: Heavenly Hip Hop, Collinsville
Date: 2/8     Extended Deadline: 1/30

Program Name: Heavenly Hip Hop    
Grade Level: Brownies-Juniors
Date: 2/8     Extended Deadline: 1/30

Earn your GSSI Dance Patch (available for $2 each) by attending these dance workshops.  Ballet and cheerleading will be addressed at the Mattoon Academy while Hip Hop will be presented at Heavenly Rhythm.  These workshops will get girls moving and cure cabin fever this winter!

 

 

Program Name: Pet Love    

Grade Level:  Brownies

Location: Madison County Fairgrounds

Date: 2/15    Extended Deadline: 1/30

 

We all love our pets; dogs, cats and other critters!  This event that begins with a Dog Agility show will have girls making dog treats and toys and learning about caring for a pet on their way to earning their Pet’s badge.  Program ends with an exotic pet presentation by Tye Dyed Iguana. 

 

Program Name: Theatre Laboratory Workshop

Grade Level:  Cadettes-Ambassadors

Date: 2/8     Extended Deadline: 1/30

 

Come and explore acting techniques for body, voice and character development through games, exercises and scene work.  Scott Brady from The Theatre Laboratory will share his expertise and love for theatre with our girls.

 

 

GSSI's Goal Getter Program Helps Girls Reach Their Goals

 

 

We all know the Girl Scout Cookie Program, the biggest girl-led business in the world, is about so much more than exchanging a box of tasty treats for money. When a Girl Scout sells a box of cookies, she’s doing much more. She’s creating a plan, interacting with customers and working as part of a team. And, she’s also building a lifetime of skills and confidence linked to leadership and financial literacy.  

 

GSSI’s Goal Getter Program begins Feb. 3. Goal Getter allows girls to extend the time they sell to reach their goals (and the next reward level). Girls should have received their Goal Getter order cards when they turned in their order cards from traditional sales. Girls then return Goal Getter order card when they pick up cookies from the traditional order in mid February. (This date varies by area.) In addition, each Service Unit with Girls Scouts participating in the Goal Getter program will receive one Build-a-Bear that girls who sell an additional 20 boxes will be entered into a Service Unit drawing to win. 

Are you a customer searching for Girl Scout Cookies?  Call 800.345.6858 or visit http://bit.ly/GetCookies to find a troop in your area!

 

GSSI Robotics Team TBot 907 Wins Core Values Inspiration Award at State Tournament

 

TBot 907 displays the Core Values Inspiration Award

 

Four GSSI Robotics Teams participated in the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) state tournament on Jan. 18 at University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana: TBot 907 from Roxana, Lightning Storm from Belleville, The Lego Divas from Effingham and G4S4 from Ozark.

At the State Tournament, TBot 907 won the "Core Values Inspiration" award, which is awarded to the team, "that is empowered by their FLL experience and displays extraordinary enthusiasm and spirit." This is the second award that TBot 907 has won this season -- they also took home the ‘Champions Award" from the Jan. 11 FLL exhibition at Carriel Jr. High.

Girl Scout Robotics teams are part of GSSI’s initiative to engage more girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). Studies show that girls tend to drift away from involvement in STEM activities around middle school, despite a continuing interest in STEM subject matter. Other STEM programming at GSSI ranges from doing basic chemistry experiments with younger girls to teaching financial literacy during the Girl Scout Cookie Program to introducing older girls to career mentors in engineering and medicine.  

"We are so proud that four GSSI Robotics Teams represented Girl Scouts at the FLL State Tournament," said STEM Program Manager Mary Buchanan. "These girls are ambassadors in their communities to show that not only can girls do STEM activities, but they can do them well."

 

 

See more photos

In 2013-2014, GSSI's Metro East Robotics Teams, including TBot 907 and Lightning Storm, were sponsored by The Monsanto Fund. The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.

 

 

About GSSI's Robotic Program: 

In 2009, GSSI began its robotics journey with one robotic team.  This year, GSSI is sponsoring 25 Girl Scout robotics teams in three different leagues.  Robotics teams are a key component to GSSI’s initiative to get more girls in southern Illinois interested and involved in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM).  Other STEM programming ranges from doing basic chemistry experiments with younger girls to teaching financial literacy during the Girl Scout Cookie Program to introducing older girls to career mentors in engineering and medicine.

“Engaging girls in STEM in exciting, relevant ways is vital,” said GSSI STEM Program Manager Mary Buchanan. “Research shows that many students, especially girls, drift away from STEM around middle school.  GSSI provides diverse opportunities to build and reinforce interest in these important fields.  As shown by our growth in the number of robotics teams, many girls are searching for ways to stay involved in STEM and we strive to provide them with unique and constructive experiences.”

Girl Scouts has a long history of encouraging girls to participate in STEM.  The first STEM badges – the electrician badge and the flyer badge – were introduced in 1913!

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois serves 14,000 girls and 4,800 adult volunteers in more than 40 counties in southern Illinois. Girl Scouting has inspired more than 50 million girls and women since its founding in 1912. Girl Scouting is focused on providing a premier Girl Scout Leadership Experience for girls in the 21st century, while ensuring the traditions and values that have been core to Girl Scouting since its beginning remain strong and relevant. 

 

Four GSSI Robotics Teams to Compete in FIRST Lego League State Tournament

Four Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' Robotics Teams will be competing in the FIRST Lego League State Tournament on Saturday, Jan. 18 at University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana.

The Lego Divas from Effingham qualified for state during the Dec. 7 FLL Regional at Carriel Jr. High in O'Fallon.   At the tournament, they also won the Project Award for their research project, the "Heat Buddy," a battery operated heated blanket designed to aid stranded motorists.   Read more...

See photos from the Dec. 7 FLL Regional

On Dec. 14, eleven GSSI Robotics Teams had been scheduled to compete in the McKendree University Regional.  However, a winter storm and icy road conditions caused the event to be cancelled.*  As no makeup date could be arranged in time to meet deadlines for the FLL State Tournament, teams were selected to advance to state competition by a lottery system.  GSSI teams made up nearly half of the total number of teams that were registered for the double tournament and three teams drawn ended up being from GSSI: TBot 907 from Roxana, Lightning Storm from Belleville and G4S4 from Ozark.

“We’re very excited to send four Girl Scout Robotics teams to the FLL State Tournament,” said GSSI Stem Program Manager Mary Buchanan. “Teams work very hard for months to design and program robots, as well as complete their research project and perfect their presentation skills.  Competing among the best teams in the Illinois is a wonderful experience for the girls.”   

*An exhibition tournament was held Jan. 11 at Carriel Jr. High in O'Fallon for the teams originally scheduled to compete in the McKendree Regional.  Four GSSI Robotics Teams received awards!  Read more...

Girl Scouts Are Going Places! Enjoy GSSI Travel Opportunities in 2014

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is taking off!  We have many exciting trips planned for the future for Girl Scout Juniors-Ambassadors so check our website often for upcoming trips, travel information, travel fundraising opportunities and more!  Please plan ahead for travel costs.    Check out the great travel opportunities we're offering in 2014:

4G Jamboree (The Great Girl Scout Gathering on the Gulfcoast) (July 7-12, 2014)

Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors: Join 1,000 other girls and adults for a week at beautiful Florida Gulfcoast University in Fort Myers, FL.  This environmentally conscious university, with over 400 acres of restored and preserved natural areas and 5 miles of hiking trails, is the perfect location for a mixture of traditional Girl Scout activities with new experiences, new friends and new ideas.  Those attending will choose from a selection of activities ranging from archery, boating, crafts, self defense, STEM, photography, yoga and more.  Cost of trip is $450 per person (includes accommodations for 5 nights, 14 meals, activities, t-shirt and patch).  You can register with a non-refundable deposit of $75 per person.  Final payment will be due 4/30/14.  This event is sponsored by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida.  For registration information, contact 4gjamboree@gmail.com.

City Girl: Junior Chicago Trip 2014 (November 7-9, 2014)

Girl Scout Juniors: Take this exciting trip to the Windy City and see what it’s like to be a City Girl!  Cost of trip is $150-$200 per person.  Deadline to register is 2/14/14.  $50 Deposit due at time of registration.  Payment schedule: $50 due 4/3/14; $50 due 7/3/14; final payment (estimated $50) due 10/2/14.

Disney: Let the Magic Begin (June 10-14, 2015)

Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors: We are going to Disney World!  Join us for a unique glimpse of behind-the-scene action at Walt Disney World in Florida!  Explore the theme parks with your friends and discover the magic at Special Interest Sessions designed especially for Girl Scouts.  Start planning and saving now for this unique travel experience.  The estimated cost of this trip is $600-$700 with participants making their own travel arrangements at an additional cost.   Lodging, Park Passes, Special Interest Sessions and Meal Plan are included in the GSSI trip cost.  Additional travel resources are available upon request.  Participants are responsible for meal costs while traveling.    Adults participants must be registered members and complete extended trip training. Deadline to register is 3/31/14.  $50 deposit due at time of registration.  Payment schedule: $50 Deposit due 3/31/14 with registration; $150 due 7/3/14; $150 due 9/4/14; $150 due 11/6/14; $150 due 2/5/15; final payment (estimated $50) due 4/2/15.

California Dreamin2 International Camporee 2015 (July 26-August 2, 2015)

Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors: Camp out with thousands of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from around the world at California Dreamin2!  During your seven day adventure you’ll have a chance to take fun trips off-site and participate in exciting workshops and so much more!  Whether you’re looking for your next big Girl Scout adventure, or looking for your first, this is an excellent opportunity.  Mark your calendars and register early!  Cost of trip is $350 per person.  Deadline to register is 4/1/14.  This event is sponsored by Girl Scouts of Northern California.  For registration information, go to http://cadreamincamporee.com.

For more information about GSSI Travel Opportunities, please contact Program Manager Mary Buchanan at 800.345.6858, ext. 1115 or e-mail mbuchanan@gsofsi.org. 

Four GSSI Robotics Teams Take Home Awards at FIRST LEGO League Tournament

GSSI Teams mingle while waiting to compete on game table.

Four GSSI Robotics Teams took home awards at the FIRST LEGO League Robotics Tournament at Carriel Jr. High in O'Fallon on Jan. 11, 2014.The tournament was an exhibition that made up for the McKendree University Regional that was cancelled due to weather in December.  Because of the large number of teams participating, squads were split into two groups that competed in identical tournaments, "Class A" and "Class B."

Teams from the McKendree University Regional were selected to advance to the state tournament by lottery after the cancellation.  While the tournament at Carriel Jr. High did not determine which teams qualified for state competition, awards were given for remarkable performance. 

GSSI teams receiving awards were:

Class A Tournament:

TBot 907 from Roxana earned the "Champions Award" for the team that displayed the best overall performance.

Gir! - Girls Investigating Robots from Staunton earned the "Core Values Award" for best exemplifying the cornerstones of the FLL program, which include active participation, teamwork and gracious professionalism.

The Tornado Twist*rs from Albers earned the "Rookie Award" for the best first-year team.

Class B Tournament:

Lightning Storm of Belleville earned the "Judges Award" for the team that the FLL Judges found to be remarkable.

Additional teams to compete in the Jan. 11 tournament were The Purple Robot Penguins from O'Fallon, The Fireworks from Glen Carbon, The Catastrophic Cadettes from Staunton and Robo Fury from Alton.  In addition, two GSSI teams, Shiloh Robo Bears and The Tornado Tech Girls from Pinckneyville were unable to attend the rescheduled tournament. GSSI also had four Girl Scout Robotics teams participate in a Regional Qualifying tournament on Dec. 7: The Lego Divas from Effingham, The Twisters from Troy/Marine, The Robotic Gems from Washington Park and The Unknowns from Belleville.

See more photos

Four GSSI Robotics Teams will compete at the FLL State Tournament on Jan. 18 at University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana.  These teams are TBot 907, Lightning Storm, The Lego Divas and G4S4 from Ozark. 

Gift of Caring 2014: Comfort Natural Disater Victims While Supporting Girl Scouts!

Each year, GSSI has a special Gift of Caring project as part of the Girl Scout Cookie Program.  Gift of Caring lets fans of Girl Scout Cookies give to others while supporting Girl Scouts.

During the 2014 Girl Scout Cookie Program, GSSI is partnering with local American Red Cross chapters for Gift of Caring.  Through this partnership, Girl Scout Cookies can be donated to help comfort families who are affected by natural disasters. 

To find a local troop so you can make a Gift of Caring donation, please call 800.345.6858 or visit http://bit.ly/GetCookies!

Thank you for your support!

Melissa Hays from Salem Named December Pearl of the Month

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) is pleased to announce that Melissa Hays from Salem has been named the December Pearl of the Month. The Pearl of the Month Award recognizes a Girl Scout volunteer who has delivered service beyond expectations and helped to ensure that the approximately 14,000 Girl Scouts in southern Illinois benefit from a premier Girl Scout Leadership Experience.  Nominees must meet several criteria, including completion of all required training for his or her volunteer position as well as providing outstanding service to his or her Service Unit or the Council.

Melissa is a Troop Leader and Product Sales Manager for Service Unit 21 - East Marion County. She does an excellent job keeping parents informed through a newsletter and Facebook page. She is always available to lend a helping hand or answer questions with a positive attitude. Most recently, Melissa planned a Cookie Rally for the Service Unit with stations including safety, selling tips, and goal-setting to help girls get excited and prepared for the Girl Scout Cookie Program.

The mission of Girl Scouting states:  Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.   Girl Scouts is the world's pre-eminent organization dedicated solely to girls - all girls - where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world.  In partnership with committed adults, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives - like strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth.

Today’s Girl Scouts not only enjoy camping and crafts, but they also explore math and science and learn about diversity, good citizenship, leadership and teamwork.  Girl Scouting is the place where girls experience the fun, friendship and power of girls together. Girl Scouting has inspired more than 50 million girls and women since its founding in 1912. 

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is a not-for-profit organization supported by various United Ways throughout the region.  Girl Scouts is a Proud Partner of United Way.

It's Girl Scout Cookie Time!

 

 

The 2014 Girl Scout Cookie Program is here!  Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) will kick off the cookie program January 10-12 during the first Cookie Booth Weekend of the season. At these Cookie Booths, customers can purchase cookies directly from girls at various locations throughout southern Illinois.  Traditional cookie order taking begins on January 11 and continues through January 25, with Girl Scouts taking orders for the delicious treats--which will be delivered in late February. To get connected to a Girl Scout in your area, please call 800.345.6858 or visit http://bit.ly/CookieFinder.  Customer demand for Girl Scout Cookies following delivery has been high historically, so additional Cookie Booth Weekends will be held Feb. 28-March 2, March 7-9 and March 14-16.  Find Girl Scout Cookie Booths in your area using the Girl Scout Cookie app or Little Brownie Baker’s Cookie Locator at http://cookielocator.littlebrownie.com/.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led business in the country and generates immeasurable benefits for girls and their communities.  Girls who participate in the 2014 Girl Scout Cookie Program benefit from “learning by earning” and develop five valuable life skills – goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics.  Girls then use their proceeds to support their chosen activities for the year, to fund community service and leadership projects, to attend summer camp or to travel to destinations near and far.  In addition, proceeds from the program help GSSI recruit and train adult volunteers, provide financial assistance so Girl Scouting is available to all girls, improve and maintain camp properties and develop and deliver quality program activities for girls.

The Girl Scout Mission is: Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.  Today’s Girl Scouts not only enjoy camping and crafts, but they also explore math and science and learn about diversity, good citizenship, leadership and teamwork.  Girl Scouting is the place where girls experience the fun, friendship and power of girls working together.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois serves 14,000 girls and 4,800 adult volunteers in more than 40 counties in southern Illinois.  Girl Scouting has inspired more than 50 million girls and women since its founding in 1912.  Girl Scouting is focused on providing a premier Girl Scout Leadership Experience for girls in the 21^st century, while ensuring the traditions and values that have been core to Girl Scouting since its beginning remain strong and relevant. 

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is a not-for-profit organization supported by various United Ways throughout the region.  Girl Scouts is a Proud Partner of United Way.