Deadline Extended for Resident Camp at Touch of Nature!

Breaking News!   Registrations have exceeded the minimum capacity for Resident Camp at Touch of Nature in Makanda so the deadline to sign up has been extended until June 20!

At Touch of Nature, Girl Scouts can enjoy making new friends, having outdoor adventures and making memories that will last a lifetime.  Girls will stay in cabins with air conditioning and electricity on Little Grassy Lake. 

Touch of Nature Mini Camp
July 26-29, 2016
Cost: $250

Livin’ Like Bigfoot (for girls entering grades 2-3) 
Have you ever gone out into the woods and felt like you were not alone?  Well, maybe that is because Bigfoot has been in the area.  You would never know because he is so good at leaving no trace.  During camp you will learn the ways of Bigfoot and how to be untraceable in the great outdoors.  When you are not swimming, cooking over the fire or discovering the wonders of camp…you will go Bigfoot hunting!

Water World (for girls entering grades 4-5)
Did you know that your body is made of at least 70% water?  So why not beat the summer heat with this water world of fun…at camp!  You will get to swim in the lake, go whale hunting, go for a pontoon boat ride, canoe, go stand-up paddle boarding and so much more.  This could be the big splash to your summer.

Choose Your Own Adventure (for girls entering grades 6-12) 
Looking for a fun filled summer that is designed by you?  Well then, this is your camp.  Girls will get to pick what happens during their time at Touch of Nature – whether it’s swimming every day, paddling out to the jumping rocks, stand-up paddle boarding, rock climbing or even leading a program.  Come teach us what fun looks like.  This will be a story that everyone will want to hear.

Touch of Nature Week Long Camp
July 31-August 6, 2016
Cost: $375

Fairies, Gnomes and Wizards (for girls entering grades 2-3)
The magic of the forest comes alive with Fairies, Gnomes and Wizards.  Come to camp and build fairy houses, make magical potions and learn how to help wounded animals.  We will also get the chance to meet live owls and go on an owl prowl.  This is the chance to leave the Muggle world behind and embark on a magical journey.

Zombie Apocalypse Training 2.0 (for girls entering grades 4-5) 
How much do you love your brains?  Well, zombies do.  So come to camp so you can learn how to protect, build and rest those brains.  During your stay you will learn survival skills (like shelter building and traps), protection (like archery), how to live off the land and still find time to have some good old camp fun.  If you think you have what it takes to be a survivor then show us your gray matter.

F.L.O.W. – Future Leaders of the Outdoor World (for girls entering grades 6-12)
You are our only hope for the future.  So come to camp and show us what you’re working with.  As the leaders of the new world, start by helping guide what happens at camp.  You will design the week of camp and even get the chance to lead a program or two.  If improving your outdoor skills or helping lead others into the outdoor is what you are looking for then don’t let this chance get away.  You can design your own extreme summer getaway – anything from rock climbing, zip lining, pontoon boating, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, to archery and so much more.  If you can dream it, we will try to make it happen!

Nicole Laflen Nominated for Girl Scouts' National Young Women of Distinction Award

Every year, ten exceptionally inspiring Girl Scout Gold Award recipients are selected as Girl Scouts' National Young Women of Distinction (NYWOD). This honor is given to Girl Scouts whose Gold Award projects demonstrated extraordinary leadership, had a measurable and sustainable impact, and addressed a local challenge that ties into to a national and/or global issue. These young women are making a positive difference on the world! 

Girl Scouts named as National Young Women of Distinction are models of the movement's mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. The program provides these young stars with the opportunity to be an inspiration to girls around the world. 

Each council can nominate three Girl Scouts for the opportunity to be selected to be a National Young Woman of Distinction.  This year, one of GSSI's nominations was Nicole Laflen from Belleville

Watch Nicole's Nomination Video

 

Nicole’s Girl Scout Gold Award Project, called Strides for Strays – Racing to Rescue – Service for Smiles was to address the lack of community awareness surrounding service animals and the overpopulation of animal shelters.  She wanted more shelter animals to be trained to be service animals, especially as companion animals to those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  She held a dog-friendly 5K and informational fair in the community to help spread the message that, rather than being euthanized,, many animals in shelters could be trained to be helpful service animals. Eighteen vendors and 225 participants took part in the event.  Last, she donated pet beds and blankets to local animal shelters.  

Vote on 2017 Girl Scout Cookie Program Rewards!

Thank you to all of the volunteers, parents and Girl Scouts who helped make Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' 2016 Cookie Program a success!   Now you can help pick next's year's prizes!  Please help your Girl Scout or troop members share their vote by June 6, 2016!

2017 Girl Scout Cookie Program Rewards

VOTE NOW

Sarah Pavlisin Nominated for Girl Scouts' National Young Women of Distinction Award

Every year, ten exceptionally inspiring Girl Scout Gold Award recipients are selected as Girl Scouts' National Young Women of Distinction (NYWOD). This honor is given to Girl Scouts whose Gold Award projects demonstrated extraordinary leadership, had a measurable and sustainable impact, and addressed a local challenge that ties into to a national and/or global issue. These young women are making a positive difference on the world! 

Girl Scouts named as National Young Women of Distinction are models of the movement's mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. The program provides these young stars with the opportunity to be an inspiration to girls around the world. 

Each council can nominate three Girl Scouts for the opportunity to be selected to be a National Young Woman of Distinction.  This year, one of GSSI's nominations was Sarah Pavlisin from O'Fallon. 

Watch Sarah's Nomination Video: 

Sarah’s Girl Scout Gold Award project, called The Joy of Reading, was to create a library for special needs students in an area school. Not only did she want to create the library where these students could read, but she also wanted to make it a safe haven from the stresses of school work and life. She created sensory bags filled with trinkets and balloons filled with flour. She also, with the help of a handyman, built two bookshelves to hold all of the books, toys and games for the library. In addition, Sarah supplied the library with beanbag chairs, a fish tank and fun mood lighting to make the space more appealing and kid friendly.

Bailee Warsing from Granite City Nominated For Girl Scouts' National Young Women of Distinction Award

Bailee Warsing

Every year, ten exceptionally inspiring Girl Scout Gold Award recipients are selected as Girl Scouts' National Young Women of Distinction (NYWOD). This honor is given to Girl Scouts whose Gold Award projects demonstrated extraordinary leadership, had a measurable and sustainable impact, and addressed a local challenge that ties into to a national and/or global issue. These young women are making a positive difference on the world! 

Girl Scouts named as National Young Women of Distinction are models of the movement's mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. The program provides these young stars with the opportunity to be an inspiration to girls around the world. 

Each council can nominate three Girl Scouts for the opportunity to be selected to be a National Young Woman of Distinction.  This year, one of GSSI's nominations was Bailee Warsing from Granite City.

Watch Bailee's Nomination Video:

Bailee’s Girl Scout Gold Award project, called Raptor Residence, was to build a large residential cage for birds at Tree House Wildlife Center. In addition to working with volunteers and donors to raise $3,000 to build the cage, Bailee also tackled the issue of dangers of human expansion on birds and particularly an osprey who had been hit by a car in Granite City. As part of her project, she spoke to various groups about Tree House Wildlife Center and its efforts to rehabilitate injured birds. She spoke to students at Granite City High, younger Girl Scouts and community members.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Hosts Hit Outreach Program in Tamms

Over the last six weeks, girls from Egyptian Elementary in Tamms have been inventors and engineers, tinkerers and thinkers.  They laughed and worked together, explored new ideas and dreamed of ways they could make the world a better place.  In short, they’ve been Girl Scouts.

Through a Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) outreach program, girls built circuits, created a robot, made glow-in-the-dark slime and conducted experiments.  The science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) program was so successful that all 11 girls who participated want to become Girl Scouts year round to explore even more of their interests, including selling Girl Scout Cookies and doing community service projects.  GSSI is currently working to help recruit and train a volunteer troop leader so that these hopes can come true. 

"Girl Scouts is inspiring to me,” said participant Allison Turner.  “I want to earn all of the badges.”

“I enjoyed trying and learning new things,” added Kelsey Whalen.  “I want to continue being a Girl Scout to do even more new things.”

GSSI strives to bring fun and engaging activities to underserved areas across southern Illinois so that even more girls have the opportunity to try new things and expand their horizons through Girl Scouts.  

“GSSI offers a variety of after school, in-school and summer activities that can complement regular school curriculum,” said Emily Stanley, New Program Initiatives Manager.  “These can include the areas of interest in the upcoming Every Student Succeeds Act of STEM, and also topics like financial literacy, environmental education and bullying prevention.”

Along with the collaboration with the Egyptian School Distict, GSSI also has recently completed an outreach program with kindergarten students in Centralia and is currently working with the Illinois Center for Autism..  In June, a program focused on building  life skills and financial literacy will kick off with One Hope United, a private children and family service organization in Centralia.  Schools, libraries, community organizations, housing authorities – even state detention centers have collaborated with GSSI.

Upcoming outreach programs in the works include bringing additional STEM opportunities to girls at Carbondale Middle School and Effingham Library. To bring a GSSI program to your school or organization, please contact Emily Stanley at 800.345.6858, ext. 1111 or e-mail estanley@gsofsi.org.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Golf Classic Raises $27,500 for Girl Scouting

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) held its 27th Annual Girl Scout Golf Classic at Sunset Hills Country Club on May 9. Rain and wind didn’t dampen the spirits of golfers at the Girl Scout golf classic as players helped raise $27,500.

“This was our first time holding our Girl Scout golf classic at Sunset Hills Country Club,” said Jill Gobert, GSSI Director of Development. “What a nice course and our players had a great time. On behalf of our 13,000 girl members and 4,500 adult volunteers I would like to thank our corporate sponsors, donors, supporters and players for another successful golf classic,” Gobert added. 

During the past 27 years, the Girl Scout golf classic has raised more than $828,000 to support girl program development, girl financial assistance and to maintain and improve Girl Scout camps. 

2016 Girl Scout Golf Classic sponsors include:

Junior Sponsor:

The Korte Company

Brownie Sponsor: 

Siemer Milling Company

Daisy Sponsors: 

JF Electric

Lucco Financial Partners

Dinner Sponsor:

Angie Zahn, Broker, Strano & Associates

Beverage Sponsor: 

Anheuser-Busch and Pepsi Mid-America

JF Electric

Iron Workers Local 392

Cart Sponsor:

Prairie Farms Dairy

Longest Drive Sponsor: 

Plocher Construction

See 2016 Golf Classic Photos

For more information about the Girl Scout Golf Classic or to sign up to play or to become a sponsor next year, please call Jill Gobert at 618.3073605 or email her at jgobert@gsofsi.org. For a complete listing of sponsors, donors and supporters, visit GSSI's website at: http://www.gsofsi.org/ev_golf_tourn.html

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Receives Schweinfurth Foundation Grant

GSSI's Tricia Higgins receives a $3,100 check from
Schweinfurth Advisory Committee Chairman Bill Beck

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois received a $3,100 grant from the Schweinfurth Foundation Trust

The Schweinfurth Foundation Trust was created by Mt. Vernon philanthropist and businessman Dr. Carl Lincoln Schweinfurth.  One of the purposes of the trust is to develop and carry out plans and programs for the recreation and education of young people in the greater Mt. Vernon area.

The Schweinfurth Foundation Trust grant supports the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for nearly 270 girls in Jefferson County. The majority of funds will support financial assistance to girls, assuring that no girl is turned away from Girl Scouting due to her family's financial circumstances. 

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Introduces New Asthma Awareness Patch

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) introduced a new Asthma Awareness patch on Saturday, May 7 at Glazebrook Park in Godfrey in conjunction with the 16th Annual American Lung Association Asthma Awareness and Education Walk. 

More than 100 people were in attendance at the event chaired by Jaris Waide, American Lung Association volunteer ambassador.  Waide suffered an acute asthma attack in 1998 that caused a traumatic brain injury.  Her experience inspired her to become one of the area's leading asthma awareness advocates. Special guests included Girl Scouts from Medora who dedicated the day to their friend and fellow Girl Scout Mia Kessinger, who passed away earlier this year from an asthma related event.  

GSSI Program Manager Julie Fox introduced the new program, which guides girls to learn more about the respiratory system, asthma, and how to respond in case of an asthma-related emergency.  She also recognized Girl Scout Courtney Winkler of Glen Carbon for winning a patch design contest held earlier this year with her submission depicting an advocate ribbon in light gray, which is the color of asthma awareness.  Attendees then joined together for a moment of silence and song in tribute to Mia.  

Next, Joey L. Petrokovich, 911 Manager of the Wood River Police Department, educated the group to increase their asthma awareness.  Attendees learned information including common triggers of asthma attacks, what to do if experiencing an asthma attack and how to help someone else having an asthma attack.  He also explained how 911 works, taught the best protocol when calling in an emergency and led a question and answer session.

Following the educational portion of the event, participants walked the path around Glazebrook Park and enjoyed a friendly pancake brunch together.  Waide plans to donate the proceeds from her fundraising event to GSSI in order to help educate even more girls on asthma awareness.

"We're so honored to have been part of this wonderful event and pleased to be able to increase asthma awareness as part of GSSI's commitment to helping girls learn more about healthy living and being prepared in case of an emergency," said Fox.

See GSSI's Asthma Awareness Patch Program

More Photos:

GSSI Program Manager Julie Fox discusses the new Asthma Awareness Patch Program. 

Girl Scouts from Medora commemorated the day in honor of Mia Kessinger.

Joey Petrokovich, 911 Manager for the Wood River Police Department 

discusses what to do in case of an asthma emergency.

GSSI Program Manager Julie Fox with event organizer Jaris Waide.

Girl Scouts with event organizer Jaris Waide.

Jaris got many hugs from the Girl Scouts in attendance.

Previous media coverage:

Godfrey Native Spurs Asthma Awareness Patch

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Donates 1,577 Cases of Girl Scout Cookies to Military

With the help of generous supporters, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois was able to donate 1, 577 cases of Girl Scout Cookies to current military and veterans centers this year through Operation Sweet Treats!

GSSI appreciates everyone who helped share this symbol of appreciation from southern Illinois to our American servicemembers and veterans.

Three GSSI Girl Scouts Nominated for National Young Women of Distinction Award

Every year, ten exceptionally inspiring Girl Scout Gold Award recipients are chosen as National Young Women of Distinction (NYWOD).  This honor is given to Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors whose Gold Award projects demonstrated extraordinary leadership, had a measurable and sustainable impact, and addressed a local challenge related to a national and/or global issue. These young women are taking matters into their own hands and being the change the world needs!

The NYWOD program perfectly reflects our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. The program provides these young stars with the opportunity to be an inspiration to girls around the world and throughout the Girl Scout Movement.

Each council can nominate three Girl Scouts for the opportunity to be selected to be a National Young Woman of Distinction.  This year, GSSI nominated Nicole Laflen from Belleville, Sarah Pavlisin from O’Fallon and Bailee Warsing from Granite City.

Nicole Laflen:

Nicole’s Girl Scout Gold Award Project, called Strides for Strays – Racing to Rescue – Service for Smiles was to address the lack of community awareness surrounding service animals and the overpopulation of animal shelters.  She wanted more shelter animals to be trained to be service animals, especially as companion animals to those suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.  She held a dog-friendly 5K and informational fair in the community to help spread the message that, rather than being euthanized,, many animals in shelters could be trained to be helpful service animals. Eighteen vendors and 225 participants took part in the event.  Last, she donated pet beds and blankets to local animal shelters.  

Sarah Pavlisin:

Sarah’s Girl Scout Gold Award project, called The Joy of Reading, was to create a library for special needs students in an area school.   Not only did she want to create the library where these students could read, but she also wanted to make it a safe haven from the stresses of school work and life.  She created sensory bags filled with trinkets and balloons filled with flour.  She also, with the help of a handyman, built two bookshelves to hold all of the books, toys and games for the library.  In addition, Sarah supplied the library with beanbag chairs, a fish tank and fun mood lighting to make the space more appealing and kid friendly.

Bailee Warsing:

Bailee’s Girl Scout Gold Award project, called Raptor Residence, was to build a large residential cage for birds at Tree House Wildlife Center.  In addition to working with volunteers and donors to raise $3,000 to build the cage, Bailee also tackled the issue of dangers of human expansion on birds and particularly an osprey who had been hit by a car in Granite City.  As part of her project, she spoke to various groups about Tree House Wildlife Center and its efforts to rehabilitate injured birds.  She spoke to students at Granite City High, younger Girl Scouts and community members.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Spotlight Awardees: April 2016

GSSI’s Spotlight Award recognizes multiple GSSI volunteers per month and there is no form required. To make a nomination, you can just e-mail or tell your MDM or SUM. Please include the volunteer’s name, Service Unit number and one or two sentences that express why you would like that volunteer to be recognized. Help us put the Spotlight on our awesome volunteers! Read this month’s Spotlight Award recipients and praise from the volunteers who nominated them: 

SU 30 - Jefferson County: 

Sheila Jolly Scrivner 

“Sheila has taken time out of her schedule to promote Girl Scouts in the underserved areas of Service Unit 30. She advises new troop leaders to ensure that they have a good experience in Girl Scouts for their first few months. She assists with the recruitment of new troop leaders - since January there are already 30 new girls in two troops. It doesn’t stop there - currently she is working with the team on an all town recruitment for the county schools “Bring a Friend” registration event. She is a SU Manager who ensures that every girl in Jefferson County gets the opportunity to join.” 

SU 66 - Shawnee: 

Jennie Smith 

“Jennie has recruited many adults in Service Unit 66. She had a goal of 45 adults and increased her adult membership in her area by more than 60, including volunteers working with troops that needed assistance or new leadership. She had parent meetings and talked to them about the needs of the troop leader so that parents did not hesitate to come forward and help. Jennie goes out of her way to ensure leaders have what they need to promote the Girl Scout program.” 

SU 101 - Alton/Godfrey/Wood River/Roxana: 

Julie Gorsage 

“Julie has a troop of Cadettes but when Leader Toni Fry-Hilgert passed away, Julie stepped in and took over her troop to have as little interruption for those girls as possible. She stepped in right in the midst of cookie season and has worked to keep the parents informed of Troop activities and events. She has also worked with the parents and girls to make sure the girls get the patches that they have earned, and is helping them to earn more patches during the remainder of the year. Julie has made it as smooth of a transition for the Service Unit and the Troop as she possibly could under these circumstances. She has taken awesomeness to its highest level.” 

SU 106 - Bethalto: 

Belinda Warren 

“Belinda is the Service Unit Registrar and she does an awesome job with girls of all ages. She has had to take on extra responsibilities at home and still manages to be a very active volunteer and attend the all of Service Unit meetings. As we get older, we expect our lives to become less complicated, but sometimes many of us are chosen to walk a much different path than we have planned.” 

SU 107 - South Macoupin County: 

Christina Wright

 

“Christina is deserving of the Spotlight Award for her hard work and dedication during our 2016 Cookie Program. Christina was unaware of the task of Service Unit Cookie Manager when she so graciously accepted the position. Yet, she has done an AWESOME job this Cookie Program!” 

SU 109 - Troy/St. Jacob: 

Cassandra Townsend 

“Cassie’s hard work and dedication didn’t go unnoticed during this Cookie Season. Many parents and fellow volunteers praised her for doing Cookie Manager and how she’s always promoting the great things that girls gain from selling cookies. She also should be recognized for answering the call for volunteers needed at the Glen Carbon Cookie Cupboard.”

SU 110 - Highland: 

Nicole Balint: 

“Nicole has been doing an outstanding job as Service Unit 110 Cookie Manager for several years. She makes sure that all Leaders are trained and have all information that pertains to the Cookie Program. She’s dedicated and puts in countless hours to assure that THIS Cookie Sale is bigger and better than the year before.” 

SU 111 - Collinsville: 

Robin Pinkle 

“Robin Gets EXCITED for the Cookie Program; she can’t wait for the girls to get out there and start SELLING! Robin has brought new ideas to increase girl participation in the Cookie Program for her Service Unit this year. Robin made sure SU 111 girls, leaders and parents were updated on all communication from GSSI.” 

SU- 201 - O’Fallon/Shiloh: 

Jennifer Hanny 

“Jennifer has been the Cookie Manager for SU 201 - one of GSSI largest Service Units - for several years. Jennifer’s efficiency makes it possible for girls, leaders and volunteers to pick up their cookies at the designated time. Jennifer also runs the Cookie Cupboard for O’Fallon and surrounding areas. She has done so much to make the 2016 Cookie Program a success!” 

SU- 203 - Fairview Heights: 

Joann Wymer: 

“Joann is a Multi-Volunteer: she’s Co-Service Unit Manager, Troop Leader and this year the Service Unit Product Program Manager. During this year’s Cookie Program, Joann made sure the girls had a great Cookie Rally which had them more motivated and excited to sell cookies this year.” 

GSSI Council Shop Update: May 2016

GSSI Council Shop Update:

New Items:
Check out our new merchandise! We’ve got some GOLD AWARD CENTENNIAL ITEMS! GSSI has lots of new merchandise for girls and adult volunteers. Stop by a retail shop soon or browse our virtual catalog.

GSSI Council Shop Hours:
GSSI Council Shops are open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Saturday Hours:
Shops will be open from 9 a.m. to noon on May 14, 2016

Check back for Saturday hours to return for the fall.

Mobile Shops
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 Beth Ross, Business Services Manager at 800.345.6858, ext. 1129 or e-mail bross@gsofsi.org.

Mother’s Day May 8, 2016
Don’t forget to get your Mom a special Girl Scout gift for her special day!


End of the Year Parties and Award Ceremonies
Call or e-mail the contacts listed below and they’ll notify you when your order is ready for pick-up.

May In-Shop Special
Take 10% off all regular priced and in stock fun patches during the month of May!


GSSI Council Shop Contact Information:

Corporate Service Center: Stacey Port:
618.692.0692, ext. 1101 or e-mail: sport@gsofsi.org
#4 Ginger Creek Parkway, Glen Carbon, IL 62034


Regional Service Center: Linda Quinn:
618.242.5079, ext. 2115 or e-mail: lquinn@gsofsi.org
4102 S. Water Tower Place, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864

Go to GSSI’s Online Shop