Please note that this month’s volunteer newsletter is being sent to all our members. While not every news item will apply to you, given our current circumstances, we wanted to make sure our crucial communications are reaching all members multiple ways.
Message from Karmen Lemke, CEO
Before you dive into the content of this month’s volunteer newsletter, I want you to know how much you are all appreciated. We always marvel at the contributions of our volunteers and families but now, more than ever, we are inspired, moved, and grateful for our volunteers and the girls and families they support.
We’ve all had to quickly shift from being parents and professionals to also being homeschool teachers, counselors, activities directors and a myriad of many new roles as we all stay isolated in our homes to comply with Federal and State health & safety guidelines. These new roles, in addition to our roles as Girl Scout Volunteers, can bring new anxieties and stresses as well. I urge you to remember to breathe. Even if you feel you are falling short in some ways, the reality is, you are doing great. The moments of realness and vulnerability matter just as much as those moments when something goes off without a hitch.
Much has been said about how Girl Scouts are made for this moment. And we are. You are. You are our adaptable, enduring, kind, and creative leaders. You are setting examples for your community, your girls and even yourselves. You didn’t know what you were capable of. But guess what? We did. And we love you for it. Happy Volunteer Appreciation Month.
All Things Cookie Related
BIG NEWS! In light of the continuing social distancing and desire to keep everyone safe at home, we’re extending the Girl Scout Cookie Program to May 31! We imagine you have a lot of questions about what this means. Good news? We have the answers. CHECK THEM OUT NOW >>>
Still have questions? You can always reach out to info@gsnwgl.org and we’ll get you the answers you need.
Of all the questions we are getting, the Cookie Program is where you want the most information and where we’ve had to make the biggest adjustments. There’s a lot to follow, so we’ve created an updated FAQ. CHECK IT OUT NOW >>>
New Resources for Online Troops & More
Girl Scouts @ Home
During this unprecedented time Girl Scouts is here for you! We have a lot of new resources to share! Whether you’re looking for something to do individually with your girl or ways for your troop to connect. We have some amazing ideas to beat boredom, do some good, learn something new and have fun!
SPOTLIGHT: Virtual Troop Meeting Guides
Hosting a virtual troop meeting doesn’t have to be a scary thing. We have amazing resources to get you started AND earning awards. You can find these on Girl Scouts @ Home!
We know it is hard to balance for your families and connecting with your troop – share with us how you’re staying connected. We want to celebrate all that you do - share your story now!
How to Get Online with Your Troop
The Girl Scouts @ Home page has a great overview of all the resources you need to get online with your troop – what you do online is up to you! You can use the resources listed above or just have a simple chat session. No pressure, just a way to have some fun and help get through this together!
Super Troop Spotlight
According to girl and parent feedback, the most successful Girl Scout troops have lots of variety in their Girl Scout experience! You can still aspire to be a Super Troop when you’re hanging out at home! Here’s an idea…
One STEM Activity
STEM is one of Girl Scouting’s program foundations and an amazing way to explore new things with your girls. As we work through these trying times you can do STEM activities online! You can have a Netflix or Facebook watch party and learn something new and then discuss it together!
We have some great resources for when you're meeting in person again too!
One STEM Activity - Think Like a Citizen Scientist
Here’s everything you need to know to be a Super Troop.
Early Registration – S’more Great Adventures
Yup, there’s still Early Registration. But, this year we are doing a whole new kind of Early Registration! This year’s theme S’more Adventure will have you voting on a sweet s’mores themed patch AND the ability to get cool early registration t-shirt at a low cost for your girls and (if you get 100% participation for your troop) free for you! LEARN MORE >>>
Bridging and Awards Extensions
Recognizing that school, youth activities, and community gatherings have been suspended, and that we are navigating a period of rapid change, GSUSA is offering a three-month extension from September 30 to December 31, 2020, to provide flexibility for Girl Scout Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors earning Girl Scouts’ Highest Awards. This is particularly relevant for fifth grade Juniors, eighth grade Cadettes, and twelfth grade Ambassadors who will bridge to the next program age level officially on September 30, 2020 and typically would be no longer eligible to earn the Bronze, Silver or Gold Award, respectively.
We are also postponing all of Girl Scouts of Distinction Events to August/September 2020. You'll hear more from your regional team!
Things to Remember
- Events have been cancelled through April 30 – check the calendar for more information about rescheduling information.
- All offices and shops are closed. Our online retail shop is open 24/7.
