Monday, September 26, 2016

Make a Customized Printout of GSSI Program Opportunities


Did you know that you can make a customized printout of GSSI Program Opportunities? 

Here’s how: 

First, log into EBiz. From there, click the “Activities” button at the top. There you will see all of the available search criteria on the left side of the page, which include grade level, activity category, date, geographic area, etc. You can select as many options as you want; the more options you select, the more specific your results will be. 

Once your program listing is generated, you can click on any of the programs to get more details and/or register online. Also, if you would like to sit down with your troop and look through what is available, simply click the “Print” icon at the top of the page (under the green bar) to get a printout of your search results. If you have a .pdf printer (free versions can be found online), you can create digital copies to be e-mailed or shared through social media. 

Be aware, however, that program details may be updated after you make a printed copy. Always check GSSI’s online program calendar for the most up-to-date program information.

Monday, September 19, 2016

Girl Scout Registration Events!


From finding the courage to raise her hand to speaking up for what she believes in, Girl Scouts provides a safe place for your girl to take chances and try new things that will help her succeed in school, her career, and life. Find her spark by attending an upcoming Girl Scout registration event or by signing up online today!


We are always looking for new adult volunteers and troop leaders, as well.  Volunteer opportunities are diverse, flexible and can be tailored to meet personal availability and interests.   Learn more... 


Girl Scout Registration is $15. Events may be listed by community, county or school district. More events being added soon!  


2016 Registration Events

Upcoming Events:


Belleville Area
October 11 from 6-7 p.m.
Belle Valley Elementary School (2465 Amann Drive)
Girls in grades K-5
For more info, contact: Britney Reed at 858.380.7837 or britneyreed68@gmail.com


Granite City

September 22, 2016   6-7 p.m. 
Location: Prather Elementary (2300 W 25th St)
Girls in grades K-12
For more info, contact: Arti Clemon at 800.345.6858, ext. 1106 or aclemon@gsofsi.org 



Past Events:


Alton/Wood River/Roxana/Hartford/East Alton Area
For more info, contact: Darcy Rowland or Jennifer Melton at girlscoutserviceunit101@gmail.com

Anna/Jonesboro Area
For more info, contact: Marci Malnar at 618.697.3738 or 800.345.6858
Benton Area

For more info, contact: Alicia Dixon at 618.439.6030

Bond County
For more info, contact:  Lesa Woods at 800.345.6858

Bunker Hill
For more info, contact: bhgs628@gmail.com or 618.513.0861

Carbondale Area
For more info, contact: Kristen Heavrin at kheavrin@gsofsi.org or 618.899.5211

Carmi
For more info, contact: Susanna Mills at 214.324.2167 (after 5 p.m.)

Carterville
For more info, contact: Debra Horn at 618.727.0002


Chester
For more info, contact: Lesa Woods at 800.345.6858

Centralia Area 

For more info, contact: Kristen Heavrin at kheavrin@gsofsi.org or 618.899.5211
Christopher Area

For more info, contact: Alicia Dixon at 618.439.6030
  
Collinsville
For more info, contact: Ronnie Winterich at rwinterich@gmail.com or
Sheila Clair at Sheila_clair@hotmail.com
Clinton County

For more info, contact: Rose at rdetmer@sbcglobal.net

Dupo
For more info, contact: Sandra Nelson at 618.410.5329 or Rebecca Vanover at 618.567.7288

Edwards County

For more info, contact: Tammy Krouse at 618.445.7662

Edwardsville/Glen Carbon

For more info,contact: Arti Clemon at 618.692.0692 ext 1106 or aclemon@gsofsi.org.
Effingham Area - Carnival

For more info, contact: Dawn Quicksall at 217.690.2368 or micdawn62@hotmail.com

Fayette County
For more info, contact: Lesa Woods at 800.345.6858

Gillespie
For more info, contact: Nicole Strigel at Nicole.Striegel@CBRE.com or 618.604.6009 or 217.839.2486

Grafton Area
For more info, contact: Diana Herman at 314.517.4902

Grayville Area
For more info, contact: Janice Clevenger at 618.383.1899 or Ella Garner at 618.387.2319

Herrin
For more info, contact: Debra Horn at 618.727.0002


Jefferson County

For more info, contact: Sheila at  618.316.3853

Jerseyville 
For more info, contact: Jennifer Kallal at (618) 401-2054 Jenniferkallal@yahoo.com

Lawrenceville Area
For more info, contact: Tammy Brunson at 618.928.4344
Marion Area

For more info, contact: Kristen Heavrin at kheavrin@gsofsi.org or 618.899.5211

Marshall Area 
For more info, contact: Jonni Turner at 217.251.6738

Mattoon Area 
For more info, contact:  Katina Deremiah at 217.235.6268 or su521gs@gmail.com

Massac County
For more info, contact: Lesa Woods at 800.345.6858
Millstadt
For more info, contact: Jennifer Hampsten at 618.530.379 

Mt. Olive 
For more info, contact: Lisa Odorizzi at 217-999-5118

Neoga Area Recruitment Night
For more info, contact: Elaine Brandenburg at 217.294.2270 or su521gs@gmail.com

O’Fallon/Shiloh
For more info, contact: Debbie McAuliffe at macknd@earthlink.net

Olney and Noble Area
For more info contact: Mary Lou Spieth at 618.204.6528
Paris Area
For more info, contact: Trisha Briggerman at 217.508.6230 or tbriggerman@gsofsi.org
Perry County

For more info, contact: April at 618.318.3374

Prairie Du Rocher
For more info, contact: Sarah Smith at 618.340.2044 or 800.345.6858

Red Bud

For more info, contact: Sarah Smith at 618.340.2044 or 800.345.6858

Sesser Area

For more info, contact: Alicia Dixon at 618.439.6030

Southwestern School District

For more info, contact: Tasha McQuay at 314.650.4638 or pschins@hotmail.com 
or Trisha Clevenger at 618.407.4618 or trishacmc@hotmail.com

Steeleville

For more info, contact: Lesa Woods at 800.345.6858

Sumner Area
For more info, contact: Tammy Brunson at 618.928.4344


Trico Area
For more info, contact: Lesa Woods at 800.345.6858

Wabash County
For more info, contact: Tracey Cheesman at 618.240.4741


Washington County
For more info, contact: Kristen Heavrin at kheavrin@gsofsi.org or 618.899.5211

Wayne County area 
For more info, contact: Amber Mattingly at 618.919.1859 or Lyndal Kosmatka at 618.922.1983


West Frankfort Area (West Frankfort, Thompsonville, Orient, Zeigler, Royalton)
For more info, contactMary Armes at 618.937.3046


Vienna
For more info, contact: Kristen Heavrin at kheavrin@gsofsi.org or 618.899.5211




Check out our online program calendar as well!  Girls can attend programs both with their troops or individually.  There is something for everyone! 

Thursday, September 15, 2016

NEW! STEM Programs Coming to Mt. Vernon



Look out! We have some awesome new STEM programs coming your way!



Dr. Seuss’ Silly Science
Who: Girl Scout Daisies and Brownies
Date: October 22, 2016
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Deadline: October 6, 2016
Location: Girl Scout House (100 N 20th St., Mt. Vernon, IL 62864)
Price: $8



Do you love Dr. Seuss? What about science? Join us as we play and discover the magic of science in Dr. Seuss’ World.

If you are interested in the science of Seuss
Think pretty highly of chemistry’s use
Join us here, where fun knows no bounty
The Girl Scout house in Jefferson County!





Watts, Wands and Wizards

Who: Girl Scout Juniors – Ambassadors
Date: October 22, 2016
Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Deadline: October 6, 2016
Location: Girl Scout House, 100 N. 20th St, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Price: $12


About: Let’s make some magic! Well, not real magic, but how about a light-up wand that only works when you hold it. Girl Scout Juniors – Ambassadors can create a special magic wand which lights up when you hold it. But if you give the wand to your friend nothing happens. That’s the magic of circuits! During this program you will wire your wand using a reed switch. Learn about basic wiring and electricity while creating this one of a kind costume prop.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

GSSI Staff Campaign Raises $2,540 for Scholarships & Outdoor Equipment



GSSI's recent Staff Giving Campaign raised $2,540 in order to continue the annual staff scholarship fund and to purchase additional stand up paddleboards and archery equipment. 

"We had 100% participation in our Staff Giving Campaign, I'm proud to say," said Chief Development Officer Jill Gobert.  "We have all seen the benefits of the Girl Scout programming firsthand and are grateful to be able to contribute to the Girl Scout mission of building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place." 

Monday, September 12, 2016

Illinois Trekkers Wants to Hear from GSSI Volunteers



Illinois Trekkers is a club promoting personal fitness through walking, biking, and occasional swim events.  For several years, Illinois Trekkers has hosted a Walk Together event for Girl scouts, including the upcoming event at National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows on November 15. 

Susan Bacon with Illinois Trekkers is interested in starting a discussion group with Girl Scout leaders on creating additional Walk Together opportunities. Please send her areas that you'd like to see possibly host this event and any ideas you have for what girls would enjoy by Sept. 23. 


Susan's contact info is: baconse@gmail.com or 571.345.8301 

Friday, September 9, 2016

One Stop Community Christmas Invites Girl Scout Troops to Participate

One Stop Community Christmas
December 10, 2016

GSSI Girl Scouts have been invited to participate in the One Stop Community Christmas service project. This year the Girl Scouts have been asked to collect 1500 puzzles for kids of all ages.  

Miranda Zerbst, Service Unit Manager for SU 522 - Eastern Coles has offered to arrange pick ups of puzzle donations from other Service Units that want to participate.  You can reach Miranda at at mzerbst@firstmid.com or 217.246.0848 (phone or text)





FAQ's

What Is One Stop Community Christmas?

One Stop is a collaborative effort of many different area organizations (civic groups, schools, businesses, aid organizations, churches, sororities, healthcare providers, etc.) to come together at Christmas time and provide help and hope to families from 7 counties (Coles, Cumberland, Shelby, Moultrie, Douglas, Edgar and Clark) during the holiday season. 

A major focus of the event is the realization that a few years ago, there were many families who were getting help from several organizations and others were going without (either because they didn’t know where to go, or the resources had been used up by the time they got there). 

One Stop is an effort to band together and help even more families who need it, while making sure to provide a really positive experience for everyone involved. One Stop is about the power of partnership to make a difference in the community.

Is One Stop a Success?

By any metric, yes. In 2014, we helped 778 families and were able to provide a wonderful Christmas experience for 1815 kids! Not only that, but One Stop has brought diverse civic leaders and community-minded people together in ways that were not likely (or even possible) outside this event. One Stop has truly strengthened our community.

In 2011, the Salvation Army hosted the event in their gym. In 2012, One Stop took up the whole Salvation Army building. In 2013, we moved to the West Building on the campus of Lake Land Community College! One Stop keeps growing, and we are very thankful to Lake Land for their willingness to help us grow. We are happy to say Lake Land has invited us back for 2016. 

How Can I Get Involved?

1. Volunteer: Register to come out the day of the event and be a table worker or personal shopper (someone who goes with the client family to each table and helps them navigate the event); we will also need set-up and tear-down helpers. 

2. Give: This event is not cheap, as you can imagine. Every dollar makes a difference. Giving to the event (in cash or check payable to SEICF, Southeast Illinois Community Foundation, and memo One Stop on the check), or with physical items to give away is a crucial way for area organizations to partner with – and participate in – One Stop Community Christmas.

3. Drive: For organizations with many members/employees, a great way to get involved is to find out from the Executive Committee what resources are needed and ask your members/employees to bring in that item through the fall. Having a “Green Bean” drive (or whatever) really helps out.

4. Adopt: If you really want to invest in this very worthy event, then adopt a Table. When you do that, you become the Table chair (or co-chair) and are responsible for staffing and stocking that Table for the event. This is a huge responsibility, but also one of the most rewarding experiences.



Thursday, September 8, 2016

Looking Back: 2015-16 Girl Scout Gold Award Recipients


The 2015-16 Girl Scout year is winding down - a new season starts on October 1.  Let's give one more cheer to the Girl Scouts from southern Illinois who earned the Girl Scout Gold Award - the highest award in Girl Scouting! 


"Going Gold" displays leadership, dedication and makes a meaningful impact in girls' communities. Only about 5% of eligible girls take the rigorous path toward earning this prestigious award, but those who complete the journey make their community and their world a better place, as well as developing amazing talents and character in their own lives! 


2015-16 Girl Scout Gold Award Recipients 


















































Monday, September 5, 2016

Emily Ripperda from Breese Has Earned the Girl Scout Gold Award



Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) is pleased to announce that Emily Ripperda from Breese has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can receive. 

For her Girl Scout Gold Award project, called Project Pirouette – Building Confidence in Young Girls through Dance, Emily wanted to address the lack of self-confidence and self-esteem that she saw in today’s young girls, something she herself experienced. Emily helped girls build confidence by teaching them dance skills and encouraging them to try something new. She had guest speakers who discussed how their confidence built over time and how they were able to overcome esteem issues. Each girl also received books with inspiring quotes and messages for them to keep. The girls then learned a dance routine that they performed for their parents and guests.

Through her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Emily gained valuable leadership skills that she’ll be able to use throughout her life. “This project helped me learn the skills needed to be a leader. I also learned the importance of planning ahead, clear communication and being flexible when things don’t go as planned,” said Emily.

Emily is the daughter of Dennis Ripperda and Linda Loepker. She is currently a sophomore at Central Community High School. Emily has been a Girl Scout for 10 years.

The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can earn, recognizes a Girl Scout's commitment to excellence as she develops skills and values to meet present and future challenges in her life. To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, a Girl Scout Senior or Girl Scout Ambassador must design and carry out a project that fulfills a need within a girl’s community, creates change, and is sustainable. The project must be completed with a suggested minimum of 80 hours of work. Only about 5 percent of eligible girls earn the prestigious Gold Award.

Friday, September 2, 2016

GSSI Girl Scouts Receive Donations

We are so thankful for all of the generous friends and supporters of Girl Scouting.  Your support makes such a difference - both by providing troops with resources they need and by helping girls realize they have community support for their efforts to make the world a better place.


Check out some recent donations to Girl Scouts!



Thank you to Cabelas for donating lifejackets and for volunteers Sarah & Jason Dothager for working to secure this donation. 



Thank you to Financial Choice Loan Company for donating school supplies to 
Girl Scouts in DuQuoin.  



Has your troop received a generous donation you'd like to share?  
Please let us know by sending your photos and story to contact@gsofsi.org! 


Thursday, September 1, 2016

Adrienna Ridgeway from Troy Has Earned the Girl Scout Gold Award


Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) is pleased to announce that Adrienna Ridgeway from Troy has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can receive. 

For her Girl Scout Gold Award project, called Flames of Glory, Adrienna gave back to Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois. Her project consisted of improving the fire pit area at Lisetta, which is part of GSSI’s Camp Torqua. Adrienna extended the area around the fire pit and added rock around the area. She built and stained benches for an expanded seating area. The fire pit frame was updated through cleaning and painting. Adrienna’s project now provides an updated, safe fire pit for other Girl Scouts to enjoy.

Through her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Adrienna gained valuable leadership skills that she’ll be able to use throughout her life. “I learned what a big responsibility it is to conduct and complete a project. I also learned to work as a team to accomplish my goal,” said Adrienna.

Adrienna is the daughter of Billy and Kelly Wood. She is currently a senior at Triad Senior High School. Adrienna has been a Girl Scout for 12 years. Upon graduation, she plans to attend Southwestern Illinois College and major in Psychology. 

The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can earn, recognizes a Girl Scout's commitment to excellence as she develops skills and values to meet present and future challenges in her life. To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, a Girl Scout Senior or Girl Scout Ambassador must design and carry out a project that fulfills a need within a girl’s community, creates change, and is sustainable. The project must be completed with a suggested minimum of 80 hours of work. Only about 5 percent of eligible girls earn the prestigious Gold Award.

GSSI Council Shop Update: September 2016



New Items
Check out our new merchandise! GSSI has lots of new merchandise for girls and adult volunteers. Stop by a retail shop soon or browse our virtual catalog at http://bit.ly/2bvRtSB 

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

Shop Closed Early
The shops will be closing at 2:30 p.m. on Sept. 1, 2016

Saturday Hours:
The shops will be open on the following Saturdays from 9 a.m. to Noon:
September 10, 2016
October 8, 2016
November 12, 2016
December 10, 2016

Back to Troop Special:
Spend $75 in either of our shops in one transaction from now until Oct. 15, 2016 and receive a $10 coupon to use on a $25 purchase from Nov. 1-18, 2016

Online Shop
You can always shop for your Girl Scout merchandise 24/7 online!

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 or one of the Council Shop contacts below.

GSSI Council Shop Contact Information:
Corporate Service Center: Stacey Port: 618-692-0692, ext. 1101 or  e-mail: sport@gsofsi.org
Regional Service Center: Linda Quinn: 618.242.5079, ext. 2115 or e-mail: lquinn@gsofsi.org 

Go to GSSI’s Online Shop