Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' In-School Scouting Program Is Turning 30 This Fall!





Girl Scouts at East St. Louis' Park Annex School in 1990.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' In-School Scouting Program is turning 30 this fall and we're going to celebrate!  In-School Scouting delivers the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to girls in several East St. Louis and Madison schools.  Last year, 1,331 girls received leadership and skill-building programming through In-School Scouting.   More news about the 30 year celebration is coming soon!

 

Were you a Girl Scout in GSSI's In-School Scouting program?  We'd love to hear from you!  Contact Communications & Marketing Manager Erin Johnson at ejohnson@gsofsi.org.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' ToGetHerThere Campaign: Lainey's Story

 

 

At Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, we believe that when girls succeed, so does society.  With your support our girls develop leadership skills that enable them to achieve anything and everything they want to be, whether it is an engineer, a musician or a teacher.  Girl Scouting empowers girls to work hard and to achieve their dreams - girls like Lainey.

 

Lainey became passionate about helping senior citizens when she began visiting her former babysitter at a nursing home.  Lainey started volunteering at the nursing home, but wanted to do more.  She began by creating activities for the residents. Lainey decided to turn this work into her project to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting. The experience of making sensory items for seniors with Alzheimer's disease instilled in Lainey a desire to continue to serve her community. 

 

Lainey planned to attend community college to begin her nursing career with an associate degree.  However, because of the courage and confidence that Lainey's Girl Scout experience instilled in her, she decided to stretch and also applied to SIUE's Bachelors of Nursing program.  She was not only accepted, but also offered a full scholarship based, in part, on her community service and leadership skills.

 

Lainey credits Girl Scouts not only for amazing experiences, but also for helping her become a responsible person.  She believes that if not for Girl Scouts, she would not have had the confidence to apply to SIUE, been accepted into the university or received her scholarship.  "They want a Girl Scout," Lainey states, referring to schools and employers, "because they realize the leadership and confidence it teaches."

 

Please consider a gift to GSSI's ToGetHerThereCampaign.  With your help, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois can continue to provide enriching leadership experiences to girls just like Lainey.  Together, we will get her there. 

 

 

GSSI Meets With Congressman Rodney Davis

 

 

 

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois representatives met with Congressman Rodney Davis on Oct. 1 at his Glen Carbon Office to provide an update on Girl Scouting and seek his support of the Child Protect Act. During the meeting, Girl Scouts also shared with the Congressman various girl programs that are helping to build leaders for America. These girl programs included, Be A Friend First (anti-bullying), healthy living, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math). Pictured: (from left) Villie M. Appoo, GSSI Chief Executive Officer; Congressman Rodney Davis, 13th District of Illinois; and Emily Stanley, GSSI STEM Manager.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Representatives Discuss Leadership Programming with Congressman Shimkus

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois representatives met with Congressman John Shimkus Tuesday morning at his Maryville Office to provide an update on Girl Scouting and seek his support of the Child Protect Act.

During the meeting, the Girl Scouts also shared with the Congressman various girl programs that are helping to build leaders for America. These girl programs included, Be A Friend First (anti-bullying), healthy living, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math).

Pictured: (from left) Linda Manley, GSSI Board of Director vice chair; Congressman John Shimkus, 15th District of Illinois; Villie M. Appoo, GSSI Chief Executive Officer; and Emily Stanley, GSSI STEM Manager

Recent GSSI Alumna Earns Give Back Scholars Award From Murray State

Casey Blankenship (right) and her mother and former troop leader, Martha

Recent Girl Scout alumna Casey Blankenship recently received a Give Back scholars award from Murray State University, where she is currently a freshman.  The award recognizes students for their community service and Casey was selected, in part, for giving back to the community while she completed her Girl Scout Gold Award.
 

Casey was a 2013 graduate of Carterville High School and has been a Girl Scout for 14 years.  For her Girl Scout Gold Award project, she generated awareness about MRSA, or methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, which took the life of her grandmother.

To educate the public, Casey first gave presentations around the community educating people on the facts of MRSA and methods to prevent it.  She also handed out informational packets to summer lunch programs, preschools, Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops, day cares, nursing homes, area schools, as well as area shops.  To extend her message to a worldwide audience, she created a video demonstrating hand washing techniques that can prevent the spread of the infection and shared it on YouTube.

“It was all such a learning experience,” she said about earning her Girl Scout Gold Award. “I learned that no task is too big or too hard for me to accomplish.”
 

Casey is currently studying Nursing at Murray State.  She plans to continue to volunteer through Girl Scouts.

Girl Scout Cookies Are Coming to Southern Illinois in January!

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 you a package 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.

2014 Girl Scout of Southern Illinois Cookie Program Girl Scout Cookies cost $4 per box Important Dates: December 14, 2013 – Cookie College January 10, 2014 – Cookie Rally January 10-12, 2014 – Council Wide Booth Sales January 11-25, 2014 – Order Taking February 28-March 2, 2014; March 7-9, 2014 and March 14-16, 2014 – Council Wide Booth Sales

What can a cookie buy? The experience of a lifetime.  Much more than a way to raise money, the Girl Scout Cookie Program is a hands-on leadership and entrepreneurial program unlike any other in the world.  Girls gain a wealth of essential skills, not from a book, but from real life experiences that build a strong foundation for success.  Many successful businesswomen and community leaders say they got their start selling Girl Scout Cookies.  Watch: The Business of Cookies

Learning Life Skills Through Girl Scouting, girls become leaders in their daily lives and prepare for their bright futures! The Girl Scout Cookie Program provides an important ingredient for leadership by helping girls develop five key skills: Goal Setting, Decision Making, Money Management, People Skills and Business Ethics.   Along the way, girls deepen relationships and create memories that will last a lifetime. She won’t want to miss the fun. And, you won’t want her to miss the learning! There’s no substitute for giving your Girl Scout the exciting, enriching experience of the Girl Scout Cookie Program.   Watch: What Grown Ups Need to Know About Selling Girl Scout Cookies How the Cookie CrumblesEvery penny of the Girl Scout Product Programs remains in our council.  Check out this chart to see how the proceeds from Girl Scout Product Programs are used here at Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois.  See photos of last year's Girl Scout Cookie Program

Ask Membership: What Are The Rules for Fund Raising?

Dear Membership,
I am a leader of a new troop and I am trying to get a handle on the rules for fund raising. I keep hearing about blackout dates and money earning applications but I have no idea what any of those are. Can you help shine a light on troop fund raising?-Needs Money for Patches

Dear Needs Money for Patches,
Helping girls earn and manage money is an integral part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Your Girl Scout troop is responsible for planning and financing its own activities, with your guidance. This puts girls in charge, giving them opportunity (with your oversight) to cooperatively set goals, manage a budget, spend responsibly, maintain records, learn social skills, and develop good marketing, entrepreneurial, math, and financial skills. Troops need to fill out a Money-Earning Application (available on the website, www.gsofsi.org, and on the following page) and turn into their Service Unit Director or Membership Development Manager to obtain approval for money earning activities. Here are important items to remember:

• Participation in the Girl Scout Cookie Sale Program is a prerequisite for approval of money-earning projects, financial assistance and/or camperships unless the troop was formed after it was over.
• Girl Scouts forbids use of games of chance, the direct solicitation of cash, and product-demonstrations parties.
• No money-earning events can take place during the United Way campaign during September and October. 
• Troops and Service Units may not solicit business, community groups or individuals for financial support. Gifts-in-kind may be solicited from local businesses.
• The troop must have the previous year’s troop financial report on file.  
• Participation in the Fall Nut, Candy and Magazine (NCM) Product Program is a great way to kickstart funds.

If you have questions, please contact your Membership Development Manager.-Membership

Cati Cronin: Born to Be a Girl Scout!

Cati Cronin, Girl Scout Ambassador

My name is Cati Cronin, and I am with Ambassador Troop 541 from O'Fallon.  I was born to be a Girl Scout!  My grandma, my mom, my sister, and even my dad, have always been part of the Girl Scout family. 

Girl Scouts gives me a great feeling that I am part of something bigger than just an average organization.  It gives me a chance to express myself through programs and activities.  As I entered into middle school and high school, my friends started saying how being a Girl Scout isn’t cool, but it is my passion!  I strive to be a part of every opportunity that comes my way.  Without Girl Scouts, I’m not sure I would be the person I am today.  My thirteen years have helped shape my character and have provided me with a set of morals and principles.  Girl Scouting has given me the ability to become a leader, learn from positive role models, and become a truly caring part of society. 

Girl Scouts is an amazing organization that allows girls to discover who they are, create long lasting friendships, explore new things, and to become strong and independent people.  I tell everyone about the great experiences I have had.  Such as the time I got to talk to astronaut Sandy Magnus while she was in space, or all the times that I helped with programs and all the younger girls gave me hugs because they appreciated the hard work we put into the events.  I would tell them about our council’s Century Celebration, and how cool it was to be the only girl that was part of the committee that planned it.  .  I also cherish the trip I took to Savannah with my mom and my sister, my co-leaders, and two of my best friends!  It was awesome to see where it all began, and to walk in Juliette’s footsteps.  Girl Scouts is a chance to feel like you fit in and be yourself

Throughout my thirteen years as a Girl Scout, I have encountered many truly inspirational people, and all of these amazing once in a life time opportunities are thanks to them.  I know so many wonderful volunteers who donate their time and resources to make sure girls have a great time during programs and events.  Most of the volunteers I know have families, full time jobs, and also volunteer in their communities.  Volunteers are the heart of Girl Scouts! They have helped guide me into the person I am, and always wanted to be.  I admire all of them, and I am truly thankful for having them in my life. 

I thank them for giving me the courage, confidence and character to find success in Girl Scouting, in school, and in every aspect of my life.  I am forever appreciative of all that my Girl Scouting experience has given and taught me, and I look forward to having a troop of my own!

During her thirteen years in Girl Scouting, Cati has served GSSI in many capacities, including as a GSSI Apprentice and a Girl Scout ex-officio Girl Board Member.  She was named a 2013 Outstanding Graduating Girl Scout .  She plans to study Elementary Education in college, to pursue a career as a teacher.

Displaying vintage uniforms with Troop #541 during
GSSI's celebration of the 100th Annversary of Girl Scouts.

Have You Read GSSI's Girl Scout Stories?

Read personal experiences of GSSI Girl Scouts, volunteers and alumnae through GSSI's Girl Scout Stories!   Visit our website, www.gsofsi.org, or click the links below to read unique and interesting first-hand experiences from Girl Scouts throughout southern Illinois.

Girl Stories:

Troop #370 from Edwardsville: We Campaigned Against Bullying
TBot 907 from Roxana: From Rookie Robotics to Global Innovators
Katie Bowen from Staunton: Wild Times in Costa Rica
Samantha Lucy from Mason: One Summer, Two Trips
Claire Rankin from Carterville: Touring Europe with My Sister
Jordan Rankin from Carterville: From London to Lucerne
Shelby Wratchford from Fults: I Took My Dream Trip to Paris

Volunteer Stories:

Helen Holbert from Edwardsville: A Girl Scout Bond That Lasts
Paula Sherdian: Girl Scouts Going Strong in Oblong


Do you have a unique Girl Scout story?  Contact Erin Johnson at 800.345.6858 or ejohnson@gsofsi.org.

Susan Gurwitch: Girl Scout Volunteers Are Wonderful!

Susan Gurwitch, COO

Over the last six weeks, I have had a lot of opportunities to meet our fantastic volunteers.  I attended 3 delegate meetings, 1 Service Unit Meeting, GSSI’s Annual Meeting, 4 Brownie and Daisy troop meetings, cookie delivery and booths, 8 Girl Scout Programs (Service Unit and Council), and All That Glitters.   WOW!  Do our volunteers work hard!!  Every time, I am amazed by all that our volunteers do for the girls, the Service Units, and the Council.  From running complete programs to providing our girls a quality Girl Scout Leadership Experience to running cookie booths, GSSI volunteers have got to be the most wonderful people around.

I want to give a shout out to all of our volunteers who helped our girls earn their Girl Scout Silver and Girl Scout Gold Awards.  This includes the mentors, the committee members, and the community volunteers.  Your support in aiding these 75 girls in earning their awards at All That Glitters is tremendous.  What an impact you make ToGetHerThere!  As the girls stepped into the spotlight to receive their awards, I was as proud as any of the parents present!

So I want to thank each and every one of you for all you do.  It is apparent that this organization would be nothing without you, and I hope I can serve each one of you as well as you serve our girls.  As we look for ways to make volunteering with GSSI easier for you, please share with me any ideas you might have as well.  I look forward to continuing to meet more of you over the next few months. 

Volunteers help GSSI deliver unique programs,
such as Highland's Harry Potter themed Day Camp.

Jennifer Randolph: Girls Grow Outdoors

Jennifer Randolph, Outdoor Program Manager

March is one the hardest months for me to be inside. As I sit here typing, I am hearing the beautiful serenade of our friends the spring peepers through the window and the birds are scurrying around in the underbrush preparing for spring.  We are so lucky to live in Southern Illinois, where the bounty of nature is all around us!  What a secret treasure we have in Shawnee National Forest, Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and several state parks for the public to enjoy. Many of these agencies offer FREE programs not only to the general public but also to Girl Scout troops!  Talk about inexpensive, fun and educational entertainment!

Each season in Southern Illinois holds so many outdoor treasures for us to enjoy. Winter brings an opportunity to really see what is in the woods. With leaves out of the way, we have a great vantage point for wildlife and the lay of the land. What a great time of year to watch for Bald Eagles! Spring brings wildflowers, the wonderful smell of earth and rain and all of that lovely green comes back! Fall brings the beautiful colors of changing leaves, campfires and hiking trips.

But summer perhaps, is the best time of year in Southern Illinois! Why, you say? Because summer opens the door for hundreds of excited girls to attend GSSI resident and day camps!

Each year in June and July, there is a buzz in the air as sleeping bags are dug out, canteens are washed and backpacks are filled with camping essentials! Not only is camp crazy fun, but it plays an important part in a girl’s development, as well!

Camping is so much more than just sleeping outside in a tent or a cabin!! These camping experiences are teaching girls life skills, independence and, for Pete’s sake, it’s getting them out of the house and away from technology for a while. By sending girls to camp, parents are helping their daughters build courage, confidence and character while exploring a new world of experiences. Girls have the opportunity to make new friends, learn how to work together in a unit and try fun and new activities that they may have previously thought they couldn’t do.

Camping also helps girls foster a love and appreciation of the outdoors. It is important now, more than ever, that children feel a connection to nature so that in turn, they will grow to be environmentally responsible adults.

So you see, something as small as attending a session at resident camp or day camp can really make a long term difference in a girl’s life! Why not give it a try this summer!    You can view GSSI’s summer camp opportunities online at: http://bit.ly/13GSSIcamp.

Girl Scouts having fun at camp last summer.



Nicole Plegge: How Your Gifts Help Our Girls

Nicole Plegge, Fund Development Manager

I am the proud mom of a Daisy. For the past two years, I – or my husband who’s grown accustomed to being surrounded by XX chromosomes – have joined our six-year-old, Mia, on Girl Scout adventures to skating rinks, swimming pools and Camp Torqua, and swelled with pride over her troop’s community service efforts.

Getting my daughter into a troop was easy – we live in suburbia where there’s a variety of community resources and volunteers. But for hundreds of girls in southern Illinois, Girl Scouting would be out of their reach if it wasn’t for the generosity of incredible donors who made a financial gift to GSSI this year.

With your support, GSSI provides leadership and educational programming to 1,200 girls in inner-city schools and public housing complexes at no cost to their families. In addition, we deliver girl-specific programming at the Madison County Detention Center to help empower 70 female juvenile offenders to make positive lifestyle changes. Overall, more than $150,000 in financial assistance is provided by GSSI throughout our region to ensure every girl has the opportunity to become a Girl Scout.

Your generous donations also help maintain our six camps across the region, increase our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) efforts, and keep our programming costs low, which is especially important for a family like mine whose curious six-year-old wants to try anything and everything.

Girl Scouts has provided Mia more than access to fun activities and educational programs. The organization has welcomed her into a family of fellow Girl Scouts, amazing troop leaders and caring volunteers who go above and beyond to help one another. Yet, until I started working as a development manager at GSSI last month, I never realized how the big that family is – it’s truly a community of 14,000 families, 5,000 volunteers, and countless caring individuals, companies and organizations dedicated to helping our daughters achieve the incredible.

On behalf of GSSI, the 14,000 girls we serve, and my own little Girl Scout, I thank you for your support of our girls this past year and hope you’ll join us for incredible things to come in 2013!