Let's Make Good Go Viral on #GivingTuesday

Giving Tuesday is a call to action that will change the calendar and help make history.  Families, communities, nonprofits and businesses will join together to celebrate the spirit of generosity and kick off the holiday season.  We invite our troops, volunteers, parents, friends and supporters to join this global movement in honor of human goodness.

Help good go viral by joining a global #unselfie campaign! 

 

Here's how it works: take a "selfie" that shows why you are giving this year.   Post it to Instagram, Facebook and/or Twitter.  Don't forget the hashtags #GivingTuesday and #unselfie! 

Some templates to help you get started:

I Give Because (with Girl Scout Trefoil)
Troop Unselfie (with Girl Scout Trefoil)
Our Troop Gives To (with Girl Scout Trefoil)  

 

 

We'd love for you to your #unselfie with us!

 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/GirlScoutsofSouthernIllinois

Twitter: www.twitter.com/GSofSI or @GSofSI

Instagram: www.instagram.com/GirlScoutsofSouthernIllinois

E-mail: ejohnson@gsofsi.org

 

Additional Ways To Get Involved:

1. Perform a random act of kindness.  Pay it forward.  Do a good deed.
2. Volunteer.  Your talents and time are valuable! 
3. Give it your all!  Make a commitment to positive words and thoughts.  Smile! 
4. Make a donation to a non-profit making a difference in the world.

 

Give the Gift of Girl Scouting, Help Her Change the World!

Donate Now to GSSI

 

$25 can pay for a life vest for water safety at GSSI's camps $50 can provide a sash/vest, badges and journey resource book to two girls $75 can provide volunteer training materials, First Aid kits, or arts and crafts supplies $100 can pay for Girl Scout Membership for 8 girls for one year $500 lets you become a Juliette Gordon Low Society member and help fund girl program development, assist in camp maintenance and improvements and provide financial assistance  *multi year commitment

Danielle Hurley From Hardin Named Novemeber Pearl of the Month

 

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) is pleased to announce that Danielle Hurley from Hardin has been named GSSI’s November Pearl of the Month. GSSI’s 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.

Danielle is a troop leader for 28 girls from Daisy through Junior Girl Scouts. Even though the girls are different levels, Danielle provides fun and challenging activities for each girl. In addition to working with her own troop, she coordinated a movie night at the community park to recruit more girls and planned a community food drive. Even while living in a rural area, she takes advantage of the opportunities around her and makes sure that each girl gets a premier Girl Scout Leadership Experience and has opportunities they may not otherwise have.

Volunteers Needed for Service Projects at Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Camps

 

 

2015 Service Projects:

Camp Butterfly in Farmington, MO:
Stain Eagles Nest and Woody Glen cabins (spring 2015)
Power wash and stain Solar Showers (Fall 2015)

Camp Cedar Point in Makanda, IL:
Stain Showerhouses (summer 2015)
Picnic tables & benches built or donated/acquired (anytime)

Camp Chan Ya Ta in Worden, IL:
Power wash showerhouse & maintenance shed (spring 2015)
Create a kit for a tree trail and/or plant trail - map, signage,booklet (anytime)

Camp Torqua in Edwardsville, IL:
Stain Pumpkin Patch cabins and lodge (spring 2015)
Update the tree trail kit – map, signage, booklet (anytime)

Camp Wassatoga in Effingham, IL:
Stain Platform Tent frames (summer 2015)
2 picnic tables built or donated/acquired (anytime)

Camp Whispering Oaks: in Salem, IL:
Clean up brush around the pond (anytime)

Stain shelter (Fall 2015)

 

See More About GSSI's Camp Properties

U.S. Military Members to Get 2,097 Cans of Honey Roasted Peanuts From Southern Illinois

 

 

 

 

We appreciate the generosity of our friends and neighbors in southern Illinois.  Because of you, we are able to send 2,079 cans of honey roasted peanuts to American service members to share our appreciation and support.  Thank you so much!

Deadline Extended for Scout Night at the Lights at the National Shrine at Our Lady of the Snows

The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows has extended the deadline for Scout Night at the Lights on Sunday, November 23.  Please call 618.397.6700 for more information or to make a reservation.  See additional details...

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Providing STEM Programming in East St. Louis and Collinsville

This fall, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois has been providing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming at East St. Louis Senior High School and Collinsville High School as part of the "Imagine Your STEM Future" program.

 

Imagine Your STEM Future is designed to increase girls' interest in STEM careers and inspire them to become leaders through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. This programming was funded by a grant from AT&T and Girl Scouts of the USA.   At least 200 girls will have been served by the time GSSI completes the series.

 

For more information about GSSI's STEM programs, please contact STEM Program Managers: Emily Stanley at 800.345.6858, ext. 1111 or e-mail estanley@gsofsi.org or Mary Buchanan at 800.345.6858, ext. 1115 or e-mail mbuchanan@gsofsi.org.

See more photos...

What's On GSSI's Wish List? Camp Materials & Equipment Needed

 

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois has six beautiful camps for our girls and volunteers to use for outdoor experiences. But it takes a lot of materials and equipment to keep our camps in great shape. Do you know anyone who would be willing to donate the following materials or equipment to GSSI to help us maintain our camp properties?

2014 Camp Materials & Equipment Needed

Rent a 50’-60’ pull behind man lift or 4wd lift (needed Dec., Jan. or Feb.) [All Camps)

Rent a hydraulic stump grinder or a company to grind stumps at Camps Torqua, Chan Ya Ta and Whispering Oaks (needed Dec., Jan. or Feb.) [Camps Torqua, Chan Ya Ta, Cedar Point]

2 – 20’ long 18" round double wall plastic culverts (by Feb. 2015) [Camp Cedar Point]

100 gallons Oxford Brown Olympic Maximum 8 year stain or equivalent [All Camps]

150 tons of CA6 (1" minus) rock [Butterfly 30 tons; Cedar Point 30 tons; Chan Ya Ta 15 tons;

Torqua 45 tons; Wassatoga 15 tons; Whispering Oaks 15 tons]

Pumpkin Patch roofing – 160 bundles shingles (54 squares, 5,315 sqft), underlayment, new gutters and miscellaneous supplies (nails, staples, etc) and/or company to donate labor (Fall 2015)

Camp Cedar Point Ranger house roof repair – 20 bundles shingles, underlayment, possible plywood, (10) 16’ 2x6 and (10) 16’ 2x8 boards, misc. supplies (nails, staples, adhesive, caulk, drip edge) and/or company to donate labor (early Spring 2015)

2015 Camp Program Equipment Needed

30 Life Jackets each of Adult, Youth and Child – preferably type III or vest style

Archery Covers $20 each – need 35

Archery backdrop $350 – need one

Arrows (gross 72) $360 – need two

36" Earth Ball $75 – need 6

60" Earth Ball $175 – need 6

Mattress covers $35 each – need at least 50 for now

New or used playground equipment (soccer balls, kick balls, wiffle bat/ball, bases, baseball ball/bat,

jump ropes, hula hoops, etc.)

For more information, please contact Director of Property Jonathan Stanley at 800.345.6858, ext. 1107 or e-mail jstanley@gsofsi.org.

 

 

 

 

Giving Tuesday Celebrates Generosity Worldwide!

 

 

 

This year on Tuesday, December 2, we are part of a call to action that will change the calendar and help make history.  We're celebrating a day when nonprofits, families, businesses and communities join together to celebrate the spirit of generosity and kick off the holiday season.   Last year, more than 10,000 organizations in 46 countries came together to celebrate #GivingTuesday.  We invite you to join the movement and help spread the giving spirit. 

 

Five Ways to Get Involved: 

1. Perform a random act of kindness.  Pay it forward.  Do a good deed.
2. Volunteer.  Your talents and time are valuable! 
3. Give it your all!  Make a commitment to positive words and thoughts.  Smile! 
4. Make a donation to a non-profit making a difference in the world.
5. Spread the word about #GivingTuesday on social media.  Help make good go viral with the #unselfie campaign (see below).

 

 

 

Show Us Your #Unselfie!

 

Help good go viral by joining a global #unselfie campaign! 

 

Here's how it works: take a "selfie" that shows why you are giving this year.   Post it to Instagram, Facebook and/or Twitter.  Don't forget the hashtags #GivingTuesday and #unselfie! 

Some templates to help you get started:

I Give Because (with Girl Scout Trefoil)
Troop Unselfie (with Girl Scout Trefoil)
Our Troop Gives To (with Girl Scout Trefoil)  

 

 

 

Give the Gift of Girl Scouting, Help Her Change the World!

Donate Now to GSSI

 

$25 $50 $75 $100 $500

Can pay for a life vest for water safety at GSSI's camps Can provide a sash/vest, badges and journey resource book for two girls. Can provide volunteer training materials, First Aid kits, or arts and crafts supplies Can pay for Girl Scout Membership for 8 girls for one year Become a Juliette Gordon Low Society member and help fund girl program development, assist in camp maintenance and improvements and provide financial assistance. *multi-year commitment

 

 

Put a STEM Twist on MEdia, GirlTopia & Bliss Journeys!

Do you look at the world through a scientist's eyes?  Do you envision inventions when you see problems?  This journey series is for you!  Cadettes will work on MEdia, Seniors on GirlTopia and Ambassadors on Bliss.  Books and awards are included in the program, but girls will need to implement a TAKE ACTION community service project to complete their Journey. 



Get a jump start on your year (and possibly earning Girl Scout Awards) by completing a Journey early! See program details below:

 

Date: Tuesdays from 1/6-1/27

Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Location: Second Baptist Church, 2100 Illinois Street, Granite City, IL 62040

Cost: $20

Min/Max: 20/50

 

Register now or contact STEM Program Manager Emily Stanley at 800.345.6858, ext. 1111 or e-mail estanley@gsofsi.org for more information.

 

Veterans Day Photos from Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois

This Veterans Day, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois was honored be a part of a special event at the Saint Louis Science Center, in connection to their Omnimax film D:Day: Normandy 1944.

 

GSSI Girl Scouts conducted opening and closing flag ceremonies, as well as led the crowd in singing "God Bless America." 

Girls were also honored to meet several U.S. Veterans, including Pearl G. Kramer, who was a WAVE specialist, Supervisor 1st Class during World War II. WAVES were a female division of the U.S. Navy and had an important role in the permanent inclusion of women in the U.S. armed services starting in 1948.

These are just a few of the Girl Scout troops who participated in Veterans Day activities.  We appreciate the Girl Scouts showing support all over southern Illinois!



Girl Scouts at the O'Fallon Veterans Day Parade

Girl Scouts at the Olney Girl Scout Parade



Anna-JonesboroTroop #8597 and #8492 met
Retired Navy Vice Admiral Nancy Brown, who was also a Girl Scout Alumna

Girl Scouts marching in the Jerseyville Veterans Day parade
 

GSSI Needs Responsible, Talented Girls To Serve on Our Board!

Calling GSSI Girl Scouts ages 14+! Add some awesome to your college applications and make your voice heard! Apply now to serve as an ex-officio board member! The deadline is Jan. 5 - don't miss this opportunity! Learn more or apply today: http://bit.ly/1Ad6Be3

Adults!  If you have an amazing Girl Scout in your life, let her know that you think she'd be a terrific fit for our Board of Directors.

Thank You, Veterans!

A huge thank you goes out to our American veterans!  Not just for today, but for every day that we enjoy the freedom and democracy of our great nation.  Words cannot fully express our gratitude!

GSSI Robotics Teams Competing in November and December

GSSI’s FIRST LEGO League (FLL) teams are competing in regional qualifying tournaments! FLL is a robotics program for 9 to 14 year olds which is designed to get children excited about science and technology, as well as teach them valuable life skills. Teams use a LEGO MINDSTORMS set to build and program an autonomous robot to score points on a themed playing surface. Along with programming robots, teams are evaluated on an elaborate research project and how well they demonstrate FLL Core Values, which include teamwork, collective learning, active participation and gracious professionalism. Teams meet at regional qualifying tournaments to be graded on the three elements, with top teams advancing to state competition.

GSSI FLL Qualifying Tournament Schedule:

Nov. 22 at Carriel Jr. High in O’Fallon
GSSI teams from:  Belleville, O’Fallon and Roxana

Dec. 6 at Carriel Jr. High in O’Fallon
GSSI teams from: Albers and Washington Park

Dec. 6 at Cassens Elementary School in Edwardsville
GSSI teams from: Belleville, East St. Louis, Glen Carbon and Staunton

Dec. 6 at Urbana

GSSI's team from Charleston

GSSI Offering Three Scholarships to the Class of '15! Apply By Feb. 12!

2014 GSSI Outstanding Graduating Girl Scouts
Shelby Wratchford & Dalaney Plott

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois will award a scholarship to two GSSI Graduating Girl Scouts who stand out in Girl Scouts, leadership, school and service to the community. In addition to these two scholarships, as part of a staff campaign, GSSI Staff will award one additional scholarship! To be eligible, girls must be registered Girl Scout Ambassadors who are graduating from high school in 2015. Girls must also fill out the following application and have one person fill out the following reference form and submit them by February 12, 2015. Applications and reference form can be mailed or dropped off to either GSSI office or e-mailed to jfox@gsofsi.org.

Council Shop Update - November 2014

New Fall and Winter Items
Check out our new merchandise for fall and winter! GSSI has a multitude of new merchandise for girls and adult volunteers Stop by a retail shop soon or browse our virtual catalog. 


GSSI Council Shops Extended Hours:

GSSI Council Shops will be open from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on the following dates:
November 1, 2014
December 6, 2014

 

Visit GSSI’s Mobile Shops at these upcoming Council Events:

November 23, 2014 – Scout Night at the Lights – The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows

Several areas are running Mobile Shops at their events. You can too! If interested in a running a Mobile Shop at your local service unit or regional event, please contact the Beth Ross, Business Services Manager.

GSSI Council Shop Contact Information:
Corporate Service Center: Beth Ross: 618.692.0692, ext. 1129 • e-mail: bross@gsofsi.org
Regional Service Center: Linda Quinn: 618.242.5079, ext. 2115 • e-mail: lquinn@gsofsi.org

Go to GSSI’s Online Shop

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Raises $6,513 for United Way

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) recently raised $6,513 for United Way.  GSSI is a member agency of several United Ways throughout its 40 1/2 county jurisdiction.  United Way improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good.

 

"We're a proud partner of United Way," said Director of Development Emily Kimmey, who led GSSI's staff campaign.  "Being a part of such a diverse network of organizations who serve so many people across our region is amazing."