Join local Girl Scouts for some fun in the sun this summer!  We will go swimming, learn about bugs and visit the zoo!  Each Session will be held at a different location with our final session in St. Paul. Girls will also plan part of our last session-they will be in charge of deciding how we will spend the day.

At every session, snack will be provided.  Each girl will receive a patch and get to see what being a Girl Scout is really like!

Girl Scouts!  Bring a non-registered Girl Scout friend and receive $5 off of your total fee!

Not a Girl Scout? No problem! Just fill out the registration form!

Session One – Swimming/Ice Cream Party – Monday, Jul y 8

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Join us at Lum Park for a day of fun at the beach!  Ice cream treats and water provided.

Session Two – Arboretum Visit – Monday, July 15

3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Meet at the Northland Arboretum and learn about bugs and plants!  Plant your own plant in a recycled container to bring home! Snack and water provided.

Session Three – Como Zoo Trip – Monday, July 22

8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

The bus leaves from Brainerd  Girl Scout Office at 8:30 a.m. for Como Zoo!!  Girls will plan their day at the zoo, as well as an optional activity to do during the day.

Bring a Bag lunch and a beverage!  We will spend the day at the Como Zoo in St. Paul and plan on arriving back at the Brainerd Girl Scout Office at 7:00 p.m.

 Only $40! (Zoo only $30)

Register by July 1, 2013!!!

Call or email Amanda Strobel or Monica Husen

if you would like to register for summer fun!

218-297-4867  astrobel@gslakesandpines.org

218-270-4859 mhusen@gslakesandpines.org

Scout Night at the Granite City Speedway | June 23, 2013

Jump Start Carnival | First Presbyterian Church, 2201 2nd Ave E, Hibbing MN | 6:00-7:30 pm, Friday, June 14, 2013

Bring a friend to join Girl Scouts this Friday at a Jump Start Carnival for all areas girls!  Girl activities will be selected from the following:  Carnival games, prizes and snacks, Belly Bump, giant bowling, face painting, parachute games and more.  Admission is your paid 2014 Girl Scout registration. Registration and financial aid forms will be available on Friday.  Already registered?  No problem, the event will be free if you bring your receipt to show you are registered for 2014 - or let us know, and we can simply look up your name.  Interested in volunteering with Girl Scouts?  Join us to find out more. For more information about the Girl Scout Carnival or about troop or camp options for girls and adults, please contact Volunteer Specialist Denise Paulisich at 218-208-0236 or 800-955-6032 ext 0236.

Tell Your Story at Our World, Our Family | September 6-8, 2013 | Nisswa, MN | $45-115 per person, depending  upon length of stay | grades 1-12 | Registration deadline June 14

OWOF Update! While the registration deadline is fast approaching, there is currently still space for all "length of stay" options at OWOF 2013. Unfortunately, the High Ropes and Climbing Wall activities have reached their max capacity.  Remember, a$2 per person late fee applies to registrations postmarked afer June 14.  We hope to hear from you soon!

Girl Scout Volunteers in the Brainerd area invite you to participate in this special event ...

Calling all Girl Scouts and Families!

You are invited to

Paul Bunyan Land for a day of fun!

On June 9 starting at 10:30 am.

Paul Bunyan’s hours are from 10-6.         You can stay as long as you want.

Prices are $12.95 for all Girl Scouts. $7.50 for all Leaders attending.

 One admission includes all day enjoyment of Paul Bunyan Land, Paul's Petting Barn, This Old Farm Pioneer Village and all attractions therein.

Paul Bunyan Land is located east of Brainerd. Learn more here: http://www.paulbunyanland.com/

Any Questions call or email me.

Please RSVP Sarah Jungels

by 10 am  June 8th.

daisy56472@yahoo.com   Or 218-821-8638

Thanks again!

Girl Scouts is taking a road trip to the Children’s Museum in St. Paul, Minnesota.  Join us at this Girl Scout event for a day of fun and excitement!  The museum offers exhibits from Earth World, Habitat, Rooftop Art Park, and World Works, along with a new exhibit Run! Jump! Fly! Where children find fun exploring activities such as kung fu, surfing, snowboarding, yoga and horizontal climbing. Space is limited so sign up today!  Great add on to Day Camp! Girls in grades K-5/Join us at this exciting Girl Scout Event/Wednesday, July 31, 2013/ 8 am -5 pm/ Children’s Museum in St. Paul/ Cost $24 girl/ $12 adult/Bus will leave Willmar at 8 am and return at 5 pm/Cost includes: Bus, admission, and badge. Please bring a sack lunch, beverage, and snacks! For more information contact Nikki R in the Willmar Office at 320-403-2109 or nrevier@gslakesandpines.org.

1.     Convenient options: Register online or if you prefer, paper registration forms are still available.  Find both at www.gslakesandpines.org and click on “Join Girl Scouts’ or “Re-register Now.”

2.     If online help is needed, it is just an e-mail away:   helpdesk@gslakesandpines.org

3.     If online registering, you receive an e-mail confirmation within 15 minutes of completing your online registration. 

4.     Your girl will receive the free 2013-14 Jumpstart patch shown.

5.     Troop Incentive for Online Registering:  If your girl is in a troop, her troop will receive $5 for

             every girl registering online if 80% of the whole troop online registers by June 15.

a.     Your troop will know your girl will be returning.

b.     Your troop and Service Unit will know your Troop Leaders are returning.

c.     Your troop will be able to start up easily when school starts again in September.

6.     Your community’s Girl Scout Service Unit will receive a free 4 foot vinyl Girl Scout parade

             banner if 80% of all current Service Unit girl and adult members re-register by June 15.

7.     Camp Bonus! Get a free t-shirt:  Sign up for any camp session over $100 and receive a free camp t-shirt when you renew your Girl Scout membership for 2013-14 by June 15!  Check the website above and click on Camp.

8.     You can join or re-join in any way the fits your family:  as a member of a troop that is supported by family volunteers or as a Juliette (independent) Girl Scout (do everything all Girl Scouts do except meet as a member of a troop.)

9.     Discover yourself, connect with your community, and take action to make the world a better place.

10.  Girl Scouts is great! - of course you want your girl to earn her Jump Start patch and help her Troop and Service Unit meet their goals:

Jump and Join!
Saturday, June 1, 2013 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Whitney Field, St. Cloud | For all Girl Scouts
Free event, please RSVP by May 29.
Activities to include: inflatable games, jump rope making, leap frog contest, snacks, parachute games, music, and more! Don’t forget your cameras for our photo booth! Attend this Jump Start event and register for the 2013-2014 Girl Scout year! Already registered for next year? No problem! Just bring your membership I.D. card (printed from the online membership system E-Biz), or other proof that you’re registered. Or, you can register at the event! This event is free, but girls must be registered for the 2013-2014 year to attend. Girls attending receive the 2013-2014 Jump Start Patch! Girls can attend with their troop or individually (with adult).
RSVP using this form to aschnabel@gslakesandpines.org

Program Aide Training | Grades 6-8 | 4-8 pm | Thursday, June 6 | Grace Lutheran Church | 5454 Miller Trunk Hwy, Hermantown | $25 per girl, observing adults free | Girls may use up to $10 in Cookie Dough | Register by Monday, June 3 using the  GSMWLP Events Guide Registration Form.

Get ready for summer Day Camps and to take the lead at Girl Scout events and programs! Page 30 of the Cadette: The Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting provides information on how to earn a Leader in Action award and your Program Aide award. Remember that as part of the new criteria established by GSUSA, girls need to complete the Leader in Action award prior attended a Program Aide training. This is a hands-on and interactive workshop that helps prepare girls to be a positive role model to younger girls and to develop the skills and strategies to work effectively with groups. Supper and all materials are provided to girls as well as adult chaperones. For more information, please contact the Bemidji Girl Scout office at 218-308-8879 or 218-308-8881.

College Sampler | Grades 4-12 | Bemidji State University, Bemidji MN | July 30-Aug 1, 2013 | 10 am-4 pm | $85 girl/ $50 adult / Girls may use up to $40 in Cookie Dough| Deadline July 14| Minimum: 20 Maximum: 50

All girls are invited!  Sleep in the dorms, eat in the college dining hall and experience college life.  Girl Scouts and Bemidji State have teamed up to create a memorable and fun 3 day College Sampler program. Girls may attend on their own or with a parent or other adult. Chaperones provided to unaccompanied girls.

Special offer for girls in Service Unit 1 (Bemidji, Cass Lake, Blackduck, Red Lake, Ponemah, Laporte) Through funds generated by the 2012 Juliette LowGirl Scout Tea, girls from Service Unit 1 (grades 4-12)  who were registered Girl Scouts for the 2011-2012 and the 2012-2013 years are elegible to receive an additional $20 off the College Sampler fee.If girls  use $40 Cookie Dough, they only pay $25! Contact Becky at the Bemidji Girl Scout office to receive this discount.

Also,  21^st Century Learning Program participants from ISD 31 may attend this event at no cost.   Please indicate this on your registration form or contact Becky Dean at 218-308-8880 bdean@gslakesandpines.org.

It is never too soon to check out your local college and what it has to offer. Remember that girls may bring a friend to this event …it is going to be a quality program and a great time!!!    Sign up today! To register, click on College Sampler.

If you haven't already done so make sure to register now for the 2013-2014 Girl Scout year.  New this year is online registration via the GSMWLP website.  Paper registration forms are also available.  Girls who sign up by June 15th will receive a free patch.  Watch for Jump Start events in your area.

Explore Your World during the annual Northern Lights Camp.  Join us from 12:30-7 pm on August 6, 2013 for fun for everyone!  Registration before June 10 is required.  Non-Girl Scouts, grades 1-5 welcome to come too and have fun with current Girl Scout Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors.  Teen and adult helpers needed.  For more information, contact Amy at 218-966-7323 or Debbie at 218-780-0871.  To get more information, including cost, and a registration form contact Denise at 218-208-0236 or dpaulisich@gslakesandpines.org.

Volunteers are needed in the Quad City (Virginia, Eveleth, Gilbert, Mt. Iron) area and in towns located in the  Mesabi East School District  to help with Girl Scout tasks and events other than being a Girl Scout Leader.  Please contact Denise at 218-208-0236 for more information.

Girl Scout Leaders are needed for the following, starting Fall 2013: 

all Bemidji Schools

grades K through 3 and grade 5 Cook School

K 1st, 3rd, and grades 5 through 12 Chisholm Schools

all Hibbing elementary schools

K, grades 4, 5, and 7-12 at Mesabi East

K at Parkview, Franklin, and Merritt Schools

grades 1-2 and grade 4 at Franklin

grades 1-4 at Merritt

grades 2 and 3 at Parkview 

all grades at Roosevelt

K Ely

Tower all grades

Babbitt K, grades 1,3,5, and 6

To find out more about being a leader and/or to get trained this summer, contact Becky at 218-308-8880 or Denise at 218-208-0236.

New Leader Orientation and Training (NLOT) Dates are listed below.  Questions:  Denise at 218-208-0236 or dpaulisich@gslakesandpines.org.  Unless a town is listed, in Region 1 only, we take the town that the 1st registrant for the training lists and that becomes the location for the training.  If you do not see a date and place that works for you, please contact Denise.  Registration must be done online.  No online access?  Contact Denise to get registered.  In Region 1, all evening NLOT start at 6:30 pm and end between 8:30 and 9:00 pm.  Exceptions and Saturday times will be listed with the online information at www.gslakesandpines.org.

May 20 - Bagley

May 21 - Virginia

June 18

Aug 12 - tentative Kelliher

Aug 13 - Bemidji

Aug 20 - Virginia

Sept 17

Oct 14

Oct 15

Oct 24

Nov 11

Nov 19

Dec 17

Region 1 Fall Trainings in Grand Rapids and Park Rapids will include New Leader Orientation and Training.  See other Blog post for more information.

Basic Outdoor Skills (BOS) will be held in Bemidji from 11 am - 2 pm, Saturday, October 12.  Required:  register on, or before, October 2, 2013, minimum number of participants is 5.  Advanced Outdoor Skills (AOS) will be held in Bemidji from 3:30 - 6:30 pm, Saturday, October 12.  Required:  register on, or before, October 2, 2013, minimum number of participants is 3.  Ready to register?  Go to www.gslakesandpines.org.  Click on Volunteers, Learning Development.  Questions:  Denise at 218-208-0236 or dpaulisich@gslakesandpines.org.

Fall is a great time to add  information  to your volunteer knowledge  and to learn new skills that you can share with your Service Unit or troop.  Dates are already set for Saturdays, Fall 2013.  Mark your calendar now and plan to join others like yourself for fun and networking!  October 19 - Grand Rapids and November 2 - Park Rapids.  Have suggestions of what you would like offered?  Contact Denise at 218-208-0236, dpaulisich@gslakesandpines.org.

Holding up the Girl Scout sign, I began the Promise confidently: “On my honor, I will try…” But, I stopped suddenly to swallow an unexpected lump in my throat. Looking down at the tiled floor of the church basement, I was a bit embarrassed by the sudden trickle of tears the words brought to my eyes: “To help people at all times…”

Finishing in a whisper, I juggled my presence of mind to recite the Law along with the other attendees of the New Leader training and the sudden, overwhelming memories of Girl Scouts in my younger years: beautiful, shining years of meetings and field trips and overnights. Leaders who declared “great job” no matter how badly you did. Camping trips hilariously punctuated by wet tents and burnt food. Hundreds of cases of cookies piled in our family’s barn when my mom once volunteered as Community Cookie Coordinator. Now, standing in a circle with other young mothers whose Kindergartners, like mine, were chomping at the bit to don the little blue vests, I would bestow these beautiful, shining experiences on my own girls.

Experiences gaining confidence. Growing up in New England, I attended Camp Wind-in-the-Pines in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where the camp song begins “Some call it fun, while some may call it ma-a-a-dness! A ham by nature, I was never afraid to sing the loudest or get up on stage, but I was shy about being athletic. I preferred not to sweat “ever” and I cramped up in the first 20 yards of a jog. But, the swim coach at Camp Wind-in-the-Pines (Sunshine was the only name I knew her by, of course) didn’t buy it. Slapping the green swim cap of an intermediate swimmer in my hand, she pushed me to bend my knees deeper to dive further; to relax yet engage my muscles to float on my back; to kick and stroke in harmony to actually move along in the water, not just make a splashy show.

Sunshine wasn’t the only person who contributed to my confidence then; wrapped in their grungier-by-the-day beach towels, my tentmates patiently waited through my sluggish laps, leafing through a wrinkled Sassy magazine at the edge of the greenish-goldish water.

Experiences shaping character. Seniors in high school, my troop saved money fiendishly for years to get ourselves - and an assortment of mothers, aunts, and sisters - to London for a European excursion. Donning windpants and backpacks in the sunny but chilly English spring, we stayed in the Lord Baden Powell Scout Center, ate fish and chips, and snapped 35mm photos of ourselves performing cheerleading stunts in Trafalgar Square. One afternoon, in the shadow of Kensington Palace, there occurred a moment of disagreement about the palace’s tour hours or cost or some other logistical cog in our day’s schedule. Frustrated, I vented my opinion on the problem loudly, brattily, to our troop leader. Rather than telling me I was rude (I was rude!) or solving the problem for the group of girls, she gently pointed me toward two, red-clad guards wearing classic plumed helmets. Culpable for my childishness, I gulped and approached the guards slowly to ask them our question. No one gloated as I sheepishly repeated the information to the group, and our leader gave me her standard, but sincere, “great job!”

Experiences showing courage. I am now a fourth-year Daisy leader; having accompanied my older daughter and nine other Daisies through two years of scouts and bridged them to Brownies, I turned back to begin Daisies anew with my younger daughter and nine fresh Daisies. Last year, in the small lobby of a retirement home, the girls entertained the residents with holiday songs. My nerves were piqued. Having recently moved to our town and begun a new troop in Minnesota & Wisconsin Lakes & Pines, I’d never been to this retirement center; I had no reputation as a good leader (or not) here; I didn’t actually know the girls that well yet. Still, the visit went smoothly until a resident seated in a wheelchair next to the Christmas tree shook his head and croaked “no” to one of our girls when she offered him a Christmas card. Perhaps other small children would have become shy or even scared. But, the man, clearly unaware of his surroundings, didn’t rattle this Daisy at all; she offered the card a second time and asked sweetly, “don’t you want a Christmas card?”

This is where my grand plan to hand down the beautiful, shining experiences of Girl Scouts to my daughters leaves off. That is, rather than see the Girl Scouts in my life - leaders, friends, my mother, my sister, my daughters, and their friends, and their mothers - as parts of a big, happy memory, I see them as contributors to a continuing experience that expands, turns a corner, and grows a new dimension every time I hold up the Girl Scout sign to start a meeting or take a silly photo of the girls (on my phone now rather than a 35mm).

Girl Scouts has not imbued me with special talents or abilities that make me courageous, confident, or of strong character; on the contrary, Girl Scouts in my past like my supportive friends and patient leader as well as those in the present, like the courageous, confident Daisy who showed immense character through kindness to an aging man, encourage me to pursue these things every day.

Jamie White-Farnham

Girl Scout Volunteer

Superior, WI

Written in 2012

Reflecting back to when I began searching for an internship, I never imagined I’d end up at the Girl Scouts. Social work is about identifying social justice issues that affect people’s quality of life; cookies, crafts and camp didn’t seem to qualify as a social justice issue. However, during my internship I saw first hand that Girl Scouts isn’t just about having fun, it’s about breaking down barriers that prevent girls from being able to reach their full potential such as; economic disadvantages, cultural differences, and media influence.  I am grateful that I had the opportunity to work with the girls to teach them financial literacy skills that they will be able to utilize in the future.

As my time at the Girl Scouts comes to an end I am able to look back on my first day and see the changes not only in the girls that I’ve worked with but in myself as well. While implementing the Girl Scouts in ACTION curriculum I not only taught the girls but I learned so many new things from them that I will use in my future career. Every girl needs a role model to look up to and I’m so glad that I was given the chance to be that for some girls.

Chantel Purrier

Girl Scouts in ACTION Intern

Waite Park Regional Center, supervisor Leah Voss

Student at St. Cloud State University

May 2, 2013

Before I began my internship at Girl Scouts I was very unsure about my leadership skills.  I have always been the type of person that shied away from taking initiative and playing the role of a leader.  I am grateful to the Girl Scouts organization for providing me with this opportunity and allowing me to be a Girl Scouts in ACTION leader.  I have developed skills needed to become a great leader by working with diverse groups and implementing a curriculum that focused on teaching the girls about financial literacy.  It has also pushed me to step up and take charge when unexpected situations arise.  That is something that I never would have done before this experience.

I would highly recommend volunteering at Girl Scouts if you are a person who loves to work in group settings and would like to enhance your leadership skills.  This is such a great opportunity to build your confidence when it comes to working with small groups.  It pushes you to do things that you never would have thought you could do.  Not only will it help you develop leadership skills but you always get a chance to build strong relationships with the girls who are apart of the program.  You become their role model in a sense.  It is such an empowering feeling to know that these girls look up to you for guidance.  Volunteering at Girl Scouts is truly a rewarding experience!

Kelly Yang

Girl Scouts in ACTION Intern

Waite Park Regional Center, supervisor Leah Voss

Student at St. Cloud State University

May 1, 2013

Girl Scouts and their families are invited to Girl Scout Night at the St. Cloud ROX baseball team on August 3. There is also the opportunity for a special camp-out on the field after the game, complete with player appearances! Tickets are only $10 for the game and overnight, $7 for just the game. Click here for order form and more information.

The deadline is fast approaching for the Weekend Escape: Wisconsin Dells trip! Don't miss out on this fun trip to the waterpark capital of the world. Click here for a peak of the itinerary! Contact Anastacia for questions.
Wisconsin Dells | June 24-28, 2013 | girls in grades 4-12 | $575/person | register by May 15, fill out this form to register

We asked participants to write about their experience on Girl Scout canoe trips through Lakes and Pines' Northern Lakes Canoe Base in Ely, MN.  Here is what Janice Hamachek (Girl Scouts of Manitou; Participant 2008, 2009, 2010; Guide-In-Training 2011, 2012) had to say:

We came as strangers, and left as friends.

As I drive up in the van, I am surrounded by people I have known for only a couple hours. We make small talk, but no deep conversations. After this ride, I know everyone’s name, where they are from, and a couple random facts about them. As we make the final turn into camp, I see the Northern Lakes Canoe Base and the road is filled with a bunch of people jumping, screaming, and waving. I think to myself, “What have I signed myself up for?”

After unloading the van, we move into the Program Center. They give us a little time to talk at first, but it is still awkward. I look around who to sit with and I decide to sit by the people I sat by on the van. They seemed pretty nice. We don’t say much and it is small talk. The people who were lining the roads come into the Program Center. They introduce themselves, and I realize that they are from all over, just like this group of people is. I notice how close they seem to be, but I think that is farfetched from how close this group will be. “They have spent more time together than we will,” I think to myself. Then, they say that I will be spending the next 10 days in the woods with these people, and I will be led by two guides. As I look at them, they seem like they have two completely different personalities.

That night, we crawl into our tents. We divide up randomly, because none of us are close enough to make up our mind, besides the two people that came together. We get into the tent and arrange ourselves. We keep everyone’s stuff separated because we don’t want to touch anyone else’s stuff. We sit and talk, and begin to find out more about each other. We begin to learn about every one’s family and where they came from. I begin to find similarities between us, and it is nice to know this. Eventually, we all fall asleep.

The next morning we are woken up with songs sung by the energetic guides. As I crawl out of my sleeping bag, I am half asleep. I have no idea how people can be so awake this early in the morning. As I get ready, I begin to talk to the person that I slept next to. We don’t say much, but it is understandable because neither of us are awake. We go to breakfast, and we begin to talk more to everyone else. We find out how they slept, and how much experience they have had with this stuff. I learn that no one has done much, just like I have. Then, the guides tell us we will be having a training session today, so it does not matter that we do not know what to do!

While we are doing our training, I begin to get a feel of how everyone else is going to do. When it is my turn to put the canoe on my shoulders, I do not think I can do it. The canoe looks heavy, and I do not think I am strong enough to do it. When I am about to say I can’t do it, someone whispers to me, “I know you can do it!” I walk up to the canoe, and get it put on my shoulders for the first time. It feels heavy and I can’t balance it properly. As I take steps, I stumble. However, the person who told me I can do it once again tells me to keep going, that I am doing a great job. Everyone else chimes in, and I continue on. I take a couple more steps and I feel more confident. As training continues, I talk more to everyone and learn more about them. By that night I am talking to everyone. I still am not 100% comfortable with everyone but it has improved since the night before. When we go to bed that night, everyone is talking and we have to be told multiple times to go to sleep because we have a long day ahead of us. It is the first day of our trip and we need to be well rested.

The next morning, we begin our actual canoe trip. I am extremely nervous, but I don’t show it because I don’t want to seem weak in front of anyone else. When the guides ask us who wants to do what, no one volunteers. Everyone just stares at them. Eventually they assign jobs, and we begin our trip. Some of the staff we met yesterday will stay back at the base. We say goodbye and begin to paddle away. With three of us in each canoe I begin to learn more about the other people. I learn about where they go to school in San Diego and Washington D.C. I find it interesting because my school has less people in it than they have in their grade. When we get to our first portage (a trail between two lakes) everyone gets out. People begin to volunteer for the easy jobs, and I do too because I do not think I am ready to carry the canoe. I volunteer to be a partner for the person carrying the canoe to help them out if they need it. When they need help I help them, and I continued to encourage the whole time. Eventually, we had to switch because the person carrying the canoe was tired. Even though I didn’t think I could do it, with encouragement I was able to. As I got to the end of the portage, I felt extremely accomplished. I felt a bond to the person who helped me through because we had pushed through it together. The first lunch was interesting. Everyone was still careful about interrupting each other and putting input into others conversations. By the time we got to our first camp, we were talking more and remembering what happened throughout the day.

The next couple of days were just like the first, but better. We saw some amazing sights, went through some difficult portages, and had some long paddles. However, we did it all together. No one person did more than another and no one’s job was less important. When someone felt they were not doing enough to help because they were not strong enough to do something and started crying, everyone tried their best to make that person feel better. We encouraged her and made sure that she felt like she was contributing the same as everyone else. Everyone contributed in their own way, and it each was different. We all found what we were best at, and everyone encouraged each other in the jobs that they did.

Layover day, the day without paddling, was a real bonding time for everyone. After sleeping in this day, we made brunch. We cooked over the fire and even though it took longer than normal, we told stories and kept it interesting. We took turns and all chipped in. We went swimming, played cards, and ate all day. We bonded over this telling stories and finding out more about each other. We had fun together and helped each other forget about all the pressures that we had left in the outside world.

After layover day, everyone was well rested again and ready to go. We all were ready to get back on the water, and it showed once we left.  We made great time, and had a blast. Everything seemed to be going great, until I tripped on a portage. My nose was bleeding and I was crying. When this happened, everyone ran over and made me laugh while the guides worked on getting it patched up. Throughout the day, everyone checked up on me making sure I was still okay. It was nice to know that I was with people who cared about me. The nights that continued, we stayed up with the campfire looking at the stars in awe.  We couldn’t believe the beauty.

The last day on the water was a sad one. No one wanted to say it, but everyone knew that we were to be separated later that day. However, we all kept positive and talked so much. Our last portage, we remembered how much trouble we had on our first one. We laughed about how far we have come, and how much easier it was now. Everyone was fighting over who could carry the canoe, because everyone wanted to do it one last time. We were cheery across the portage laughing, singing, and poking fun at one another. When we finished the portage, we were back on Moose Lake, which is where we started. We made it to our last planned stop to have lunch. We had a very interesting lunch which was comprise of many leftovers from the trip. As we began our final paddle, we were happy and cheery! We took our time coming in and it took longer than usual because of wind, but we laughed through it and pushed on. We had to make an extra stop to switch paddlers because we were tired, but we made it in! We sang the song we wrote and began to tell stories of what had happened with our trip. We seemed to have more energy than we had the whole trip! We had gotten so close and talked with everyone that was there.

The time came when we had to go. It was full of tears and was very sad. As we went our separate ways, we vowed that we would stay in touch and that somehow we would see each other again. When we got home, the pictures were sent back and forth, along with many, “Remember when’s.” We talked about meeting up again, but the idea seemed like it would be impossible. However one year later, our dream became reality when 5 out of 7 of us went back as Guide in Training’s at the camp. They probably heard us for miles screaming when we were reunited again. I began this trip along with a bunch of strangers, and left with a bunch of friends.

Want in on the fun? Join us on a Girl Scout canoe trip (registration form and session information is on page 12 of our Resident Camp and Wilderness Canoe Tripping Guide.

Petal Power is a special four-month summer  mail program designed for girls entering kindergarten or 1st grade in the fall of 2013.  The cost is $30.00.  The fee includes four months of Girl Scout programming by postal mail, GSUSA membership/activity insurance through September 30, 2013 and  from October 1 through September 30, 2014, free admission to the Petal Power Party plus a Girl Scout Daisy fun patch.  Need more information?  Contact the Petal Power Hotline at 800-955-6032.

This just in - we've confirmed our keynote speaker for the Science In Action event on May 18th! Come meet NASA Solar System Ambassador Florence Brammer, who is also a lifetime member of Girl Scouts!! All sessions are being finalized now and will include the Science Museum of Minnesota, the Society of Women Engineers from St. Cloud State University, and the Rocket Association of Minnesota.
There's still time to register for this event, deadline has been extended to 5/3. Event details: Science in Action | May 18th | girls in grades 3-8 | cost: $32 girl, $10 adult | College of St. Benedict | click here for registration form | cost includes program sessions, lunch, snack, t-shirt and patch.

Effective for the 2013-14 membership year, Girls Scouts of the USA annual membership dues are increasing to $15.00.  The last dues increase was in 2009.  At $15.00, membership remains a great value.

Are You Ready to Make a Difference in the World?

Lakes and Pines Girl Scouts in 9th through 12 grades who are interested in pursuing the Girl Scout Gold Award - along with adults supporting those girls - are invited to register for one of our monthly Gold Award Conference Calls. During this call, you will get a better understanding of the characteristics of a successful final Take Action Project, the role of adults in the Gold Award process, and  Lakes and Pines' application and interview schedule. Along with the scheduled 7 pm Tuesday, May 28th conference call listed on our website, an additional Gold Award Conference Call is scheduled for 7pm Tuesday, May 14.  To register for either May session, simply sign up online on the May 28th date. 

The next project proposal/final report deadline is June 1, with the interview to take place the third Saturday in June, June 15th.  The location will be determined in early June. Other interview months are January, March, September and November. Again, details about the application and interview process are covered in the monthly conference calls. 

Lastly, community adults willing to share their knowledge of project development, community networking and leadership are invited to consider the Girl Scout Gold Award Mentor Committee.  For details about this exciting and rewarding way to mentor and support our teen girls, please contact Director of Program Tricia Andrews.

Past participants and Guides from our Northern Lakes' Canoe Base have come together to share stories about the amazing impact this program has had on their lives. Below they have put together a (somewhat humorous) list of the Top ten signs you’ve been on a Boundary Waters Girl Scout canoe trip through the Northern Lakes Canoe Base:

1. You measure distances in rods, or the length of a canoe. 10 rods? Not too bad…but could be steep or swampy. 300 rods? Ooh, that's nearly a mile! You go, girl!
2. You pause near the Ry Krisp when you go grocery shopping. Something about it sounds so good right now.  Next decision: PB&J, cheese, or all three?  With mustard?
3. Every January you dig out your trail clothes and wonder what the lifeguards will say if you wear your wet boots to the pool.
4. When a friend casually mentions a “bridge” in conversation, you instantly throw off your backpack, run in front of her, swing your arms up and say “I’m ready!” followed by “I’ve got it!”
5. You never go anywhere without a buddy.  And we mean anywhere!
6. You lost count of your mosquito bites. Who cares, you’re having too much fun to worry about them up anyway!
7. You put soap on your pots before making dinner. Old habits are hard to break!
8. When things get rough (say, hard test at school), you break out into a song! “A is for apples we leave back in town…”
9. You can carry anything, across any portage!
10. You know the power of teamwork when headwinds blow, canoes need to be carried across portages, and camp chores need to get done. You know that if you set your mind to do something, it will get done!  You know the beauty of the wilderness, the call of the loon in the morning, and the joy of singing around a fire with Girl Scout friends under the northern lights.  You know that a Girl Scout canoe trip is an adventure like no other experience!

Want to go on a Girl Scout canoe trip? Crews are forming now. Registration open to all girls ages 13+ and adults. Girls can come alone or with adults. No previous experience necessary. 

Calling all Girl Scouts! The MN Lynx women's basketball team has announced the 2013 Girl Scout Night! Come out to the Target Center on June 1st for the 7pm game vs. the Connecticut Sun. Tickets start at only $18 for Girl Scouts (includes a goodie bag with patch!) Check out the flyer for ticket information.

The Daisy Petal Power program is a special four month summer mail program designed for girls entering Kindergarten or Grade 1 in the Fall of 2013.  Girls receive one packet per month, May – August, full of activities to do at home along with “get to know Girl Scouts” material for their family.

RESCHEDULED Volunteer Appreciation Event | Saturday, April 27th | 11am - 12:30pm open house | Rasmussen College, St. Cloud | RSVP to Leah Voss by April 26th
Due to the weather, our Volunteer Appreciation event has been rescheduled! The region 5 staff would like to invite all Girl Scout volunteers to our open house appreciation event on April 27th! This is a special way for us to say THANK YOU for all you've done and continue to do for the Girl Scouts in your lives. We will be having a lunch and dessert open house, come anytime from 11am - 12:30pm. This will also be our chance to acknowledge those adult volunteers and community members that have been nominated for Recognition Awards. This event is free, but please RSVP so we make sure we have enough food.
Questions or to RSVP? Contact Leah Voss (lvoss@gslakesandpines.org)

Ultimate Camper | Camp Roundelay, Minong, WI | Girls grades K-5 | 10 am April 27- 1 pm April 28 | $35 per person | Registration extended to April 15; $2 per person late fee now applies| Girls may use $15 Cookie Dough

Get ready for another season of camping!  Jump start your camping season with tips and tricks from the pros.  Review your skills and add new skills to your camping toolbox.  Expect to spend time cooking over a fire, canoeing, setting up tarps, tying knots, and explore beautiful Camp Roundelay. Become an ultimate camper! Details at our website's event calendar.

National Parks Road Trip | Grades 7-12 | $800 per person | July 19-28, 2013 | REgister by April 1, 2013, $100 deposit (included in cost) April 1 deadline has been extended to May 15th!  Girls may use up to $400 in Cookie Dough for this trip.

Hello All!

SU 16 graciously invites any adult volunteer to join them at Shingobee Timbers for a retreat!  They have space for 40!
See the link for details and registration form: http://gslakesandpines.org/files/3873.pdf

The Daisy Petal Power program is a special four month summer mail program designed for girls entering Kindergarten or Grade 1 in the Fall of 2013.  Girls receive one packet per month, May – August, full of activities to do at home along with “get to know Girl Scouts” material for their family.

The Willmar Stingers are excited to invite the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to a Stingers Camp Out! The inaugural camp out will be on Friday, July 19th following the Stingers game against the Mankato MoonDogs. All Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and their families are welcome to join in the fun!  Each person will receive a game ticket and a concession stand voucher for a hot dog, bag of chips, and can of soda. For those who are camping out after the game, the Stingers will have games, player and mascot appearances, and will provide a light breakfast in the morning. Tickets only $12.50/person and that includes the game and the food voucher. No additional cost for the overnight, but please RSVP so we have a head count. Click here for the flyer/ticket order information.

The Willmar Stingers are excited to invite the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to a Stingers Camp Out! The inaugural camp out will be on Friday, July 19th following the Stingers game against the Mankato MoonDogs. All Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and their families are welcome to join in the fun!  Each person will receive a game ticket and a concession stand voucher for a hot dog, bag of chips, and can of soda. For those who are camping out after the game, the Stingers will have games, player and mascot appearances, and will provide a light breakfast in the morning. Tickets only $12.50/person and that includes the game and the food voucher. No additional cost for the overnight, but please RSVP so we have a head count. Click here for the flyer/ticket order information.

The details have been set for our upcoming Region 5 Spring Training Day on April 27th! Check them out here, as well as find out how to register for the Basic Outdoor Skills Training for adult volunteers and Program Aide Training for girls. Can't wait to see you all there!!

Be Fit | Saturday, May 11 | 9am–2pm | Discovery Middle School, Alexandria MN | Expanded to Grades 2-8! | $22 girl/$10 adult/girls may use $10 Cookie Dough | Deadline extended to May 3rd - $2 per person late fee now applies. To register, just click here

Who knew getting fit could be so fun?  Dance your way into exercising with Zumba fitness.  Learn new cheers, play a sport, and make new friends. Finish the day by relaxing at the pool.  Plus - meet the Minnesota Vikings Cheerleaders!  Cost includes lunch, energy snack, program supplies and custom patch.

Bring a Friend Bonus: Bring a friend new to Girl Scouts and each receive $10 off!

Here are some updates on what's happening at Girl Scouts in the next few months...

Girl Scout Shop: Trefoil Sale runs from March 11 thru March 22, 2013. Girl's Guides are 20% off plus lots more Girl Scout merchandise!

Remember! 2012 cookie dough (PINK cards) expires April 30, 2013.  Ask your daughter how she wants to spend her cookie dough--she can use it to help pay for council programs and camps, or buy next year's supplies and fun stuff in the shop.  The pink cookie dough has no value after April 30, 2013--don't miss out! 

 ----------------------

Do you miss Camp Roundelay? 

It's that time in winter when it's hard to get those fun summer memories off your mind!  Here are two chances to spend some time at Roundelay without having to wait all the way until summer:

Ultimate Camper: April 27-28, Camp Roundelay Challenge yourself to learn a new campcraft skill, or two or three! 

Camp Care Day: May 18, Camp Roundelay. Help us get ready for summer camp and receive up to $45 off camp this summer. Plant the garden, clean cabins, rake leaves, clean trails, and more.  Sign up here and bring your whole family--we can use helpers of all ages!

 ----------------------

Thank you, Girl Scouts, volunteers, and families, for all of your hard work in the cookie program, which we are just wrapping up! Your success stores are inspiring and we're so grateful you chose to take part. 

The Region 2 Team and Duluth Regional Center staff would like to take a moment to thank you for all you do to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Here’s a quick update on upcoming news and events from your Region 2 team!

Join us for the Region 2 Spring Learning and Development Workshop! Saturday, April 6, 2013 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, Camp Roundelay, Gordon, WI. Workshops include: New Leaders Troop Pathway, Exploring the Girl Scout Journey Books and the Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting, the Self-sustaining Troop and Troop Finance, Songs and Games and Basic Outdoor Skills. Adults may choose to spend Friday night at camp, as well!

 ------------------------

Spring Jump Start is right around the corner! Each spring, troops have the opportunity to register early for next year. Some communities have fun events to get girls together and to get the forms turned in. If your community is planning a Jump Start Event, let the Region 2 Team know all about it! If you’d like some help putting one together, or need ideas, please contact Jamie Sands (see left column.)

Girl Scout recruitment happens year round! Let us know how we can help build Girl Scout participation in your community. Are there certain grades without troops, waiting lists of girls but no leader, etc.? Contact Jamie and she’ll work with you to grow Girl Scouts in your town!

 ------------------------

We all know wonderful, committed, Girl Scout women and men, who are very deserving of being recognized, don’t we? Did you know that there are national Girl Scout adult awards that can be given to outstanding adults in your community? Anyone can nominate registered Girl Scout for these awards, as long as they meet the criteria.  More info and nomination forms here.

Save the Date for Region 2’s Volunteer Recognition Dinner! Monday evening, April 29, 2013 at Jeanette Pollay Cabin from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

Planet Plan-It | Saturday, April 20^th, 2013 | 9am-5pm | Rice Lake Wildlife Refuge, McGregor, MN | Grades K-12 | $25 girl/$5 adults/girls may use $10 Cookie Dough | Deadline Extended to April 8 - to register, just click here                                                                                                                                                                                           After an outer space adventure with your friends, you find you’ve all landed on an unnamed planet. Spend the day exploring Planet ‘X’ and working together to get through the Silent Swamp, Frozen Fissure, Gravity Gap and Memory Mountain. Your expedition team will create a map, decode a language, break down barriers, and befriend the locals. Cost includes lunch, snack, program materials and patch.                                                         

Bring a Friend Bonus: Girl Scout fee: $15 / Friend who is new to Girl Scouts: $27 ($25 +$12 membership fee = $37, minus $10)

 Hello!


Would like to share a couple reminders and updates-

Recognitions - Adult, Beacon Award or Year of Service Pins please see our website: http://www.gslakesandpines.org/pages/Recognition/  or you can contact Bonnie

Region 3 Celebration Save the date l Thursday April 25^th l 6:30-8 pm l Central Lakes College-Cafeteria

Join us as we honor and recognize adults in our Region. Maureen will have some special R03 recognitions for top girl cookie sellers and Bronze, Silver and Gold Award precipitants will be recognized  Cake and punch will be served.

Region 3 Spring Training l 1^st Aid/CPR American Heart Association l Garrison l 9-noon l $8.00

This reduced cost has been made available by the generosity of Tabitha Witthuhn from SU14

Region Three Basic Outdoor Skills/Advanced Outdoor Skills (BOS/AOS) TBD

                BOS $10.00

                AOS$15.00

                Outdoor Education book available for $9.50 with  pre orders.

Program Aide Training | Grades 6-8 | $25 per girl/observing adults free | Girls may use up to $10 in Cookie Dough| Register 2 weeks prior to training
Get ready for summer Day Camps and to take the lead at Girl Scout events and programs! Page 30 of Cadette: The Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting provides information on how to earn a Leader in Action award and your Program Aide award. Remember that as part of the new criteria established by GSUSA, girls need to complete the Leader in Action award prior to attending a Program Aide training. To sign up, just fill out the GSMWLP Leadership Program and Events Guide registration form. Click read more for dates/locations.

Well over the months as I’ve talked with volunteers I often hear that girls have so many choices by the time they are  a Junior that we often loose them to other activities: dance, sports…..  Well I read an article this morning and I’d like to share part of it with you.

" There’s lots of buzz about how third-grade reading levels are predictors of high school success. Our National Program Portfolio is of course tied to curriculum standards. Have you shared this information?  With whom? Are you making sure all Girl Scout Daisies and Brownies are going home from Girl Scouts with their own books…and that their parents know how valuable it is to spend even a few minutes reading with their daughters?"

~Eileen

Goodness what a bonus I think you all know I feel strongly about recruiting the parent right along with the girl.  Next time I hear how girls/parents are choosing dance or sports over Girl Scouts well I think I’ll be more prepared with an awesome comeback.  What parent doesn’t want success for their child?  Reading with or to their girls is something most parents can do and learn about Girl Scouts at the same time.   I’m betting the parent reading to their child would want to volunteer too!   Girl Scouts isn’t just another activity we are helping pave the path for their successful future.

It’s not to late to nominate a deserving adult for an award.  Check out the criteria and let me know if you need assistance. I’d be happy to help: http://www.gslakesandpines.org/pages/Recognition/

Thank you for being awesome volunteers!

Bonnie

Hello,


You may have noticed in your last Connections publication details to enter the Leaders Day Card Contest

The submission deadline is March 5^th so there is still time to enter!

Girl’s say “Thanks” to great volunteers by entering the Leaders Day Card Contest

1. Create a 3.5" x 8" card representing Girl Scouts.

2. Write a greeting of appreciation to Girl Scout volunteers on the front and

leave the inside blank.

3. Include a description explaining why you chose your design,

your name, address, troop number, and program level on the

back of the card. Sorry, cards cannot be returned.

4. Use as many colors as you like

(no glitter, stamping or computer generation).

5. Mail by March 5, 2013, to:

Girl Scouts Duluth Regional Center

424 W Superior St, Ordean Bldg, Ste G3

Duluth, MN 55802

One prize will be awarded for each program age level, and one grand prize

design will be featured on the front of this year’s Girl Scout Leaders Day

Card, distributed to all Girl Scout adult members April 22.

I had a so much fun contacting the families in our region who won last year.  I hope we have some submissions from R03 again!

Four reminders for troops selling cookies...

Sarah attended Lakes and Pines destination, North Country Rock and Wilderness in 2011. The following year she returned to the Northern Lakes Canoe Base as a Guide in Training. Sarah shares how she experienced teamwork and unity through the experience. Excerpts from Sarah's story ...

"This is teamwork to a whole new dimension."

"Everyone should come out of their shell just to see it [the wilderness] and appreciate what nature and wilderness there is still left. From the crazy thunderstorms that light up the night sky, to the occasional northern lights, and the sunsets full or oranges and purples and reds, I can honestly say that I have never seen such beauty in my life."

"Another part of this incredible experience is the lack of stuff."

Read Sarah's story.

Planned Orders

Please place your planned orders in Snap by 10 p.m. on Saturday evenings to have delivery to your cupboard by the following Friday.  What you need to know: as a council we rely on troops placing planned orders to determine how many cookies to order each week and to send these cookies where they need to go.  Please help us help you by placing planned orders whenever possible. Please refer to page 26 of the pink Answer Book for Troop Product Sales Managers for complete instructions.  Remember to order in package quantities.

Booth Sales

Please continue to put your booth requests each week in Snap.  For instructions see the previous blog article on this topic. Cookie Booths continue through March 10.

ACH Debit

The first ACH debit was February 20.  If your ACH debit did not go through for any reason, please contact me about making alternate payment plans.  Remember to collect and deposit money from your families each week.  The next ACH debit will be March 20 at which time 50% of your remaining balance owed will be due.

Girls in Snap

You may have noticed some changes to your troop’s listing of girls in Snap.  This past week we did an upload of girls from our membership system to Snap.  This is the only upload of information we plan to do for this sale.  Please check your listing to make sure it is correct and remove any duplicate names.  You will need to verify that this list is correct before transferring packages to girls or placing a recognition order later on.  If you have any questions, please contact me. 

Planned Orders

Please place your planned orders in Snap by 10 p.m. on Saturday evenings to have delivery to your cupboard by the following Friday.  What you need to know: as a council we rely on troops placing planned orders to determine how many cookies to order each week and to send these cookies where they need to go.  Please help us help you by placing planned orders whenever possible. Please refer to page 26 of the pink Answer Book for Troop Product Sales Managers for complete instructions.  Remember to order in package quantities.

Booth Sales

Please continue to put your booth requests each week in Snap.  For instructions see the previous blog article on this topic. Cookie Booths continue through March 10.

ACH Debit

The first ACH debit was February 20.  If your ACH debit did not go through for any reason, please contact me about making alternate payment plans.  Remember to collect and deposit money from your families each week.  The next ACH debit will be March 20 at which time 50% of your remaining balance owed will be due.

Girls in Snap

You may have noticed some changes to your troop’s listing of girls in Snap.  This past week we did an upload of girls from our membership system to Snap.  This is the only upload of information we plan to do for this sale.  Please check your listing to make sure it is correct and remove any duplicate names.  You will need to verify that this list is correct before transferring packages to girls or placing a recognition order later on.  If you have any questions, please contact me. 

Ultimate Camper Event | Now open to girls in grades K-5! | Camp Roundely, Minong, WI | April 27-28, 2013 | 10 am-1 pm | $35 per person; girls may use $15 Cookie Dough | Register by April 1

Get ready for another season of camping!  Jump start your camping season with tips and tricks from the pros.  Review old skills and add new skills to your toolbox.  Expect to spend time cooking over a fire, canoeing, setting up tarps, tying knots and much more!  Click here to register.  Questions?  Contact the Bemidji Girl Scout office at tandrews@gslakesandpines.org.  See you at camp!

Girl Scouts Invited to Participate in Endangered Species Day 

The 8^th annual national Endangered Species Day will be celebrated at special events and other programs throughout the country on May 17, 2013. Endangered Species Day was first held in 2006 after the U.S. Senate approved the resolution designating it as a special day of observance.

Are you currently working on goal setting with your troop for the Cookie Sale Program? Ever consider a council-sponsored trip in your goals? Check out our new and upcoming travel opportunities for girls here! Go on a service learning trip to Costa Rica, do some camping in the Black Hills, or take in a luau in Hawaii! Of course, this is in addition to our current travel opportunities - check those out in our Program and Events Guide, on the program page.

Because of the snow, the Duluth Regional Center office, shop, and cookie cupboard will be closed Monday, February 11.  We will resume regular hours, reopening at 8:30 a.m.,  on Tuesday.  Thank you for your understanding and be safe out there!

To add to the success of your troop’s Cookie Sale, all troops should enter their booth sale information in Snap as they are scheduled.  Information provided thru Snap will be uploaded to the Cookie Booth Locator so that those searching online for a nearby cookie sale will be able to find your troop’s booth sale.  Boost your troop’s business by providing accurate, complete information for all of your Cookie Booths in a timely manner. 

If you are in an area with a Cookie Booth Coordinator, please contact them for their approval of the Cookie Booth before setting up the booth or uploading the information to Snap.  For additional information on Cookie Booth Sales, please see page 25 of the pink Answer Book.  Read more to learn how to enter your troop's cookie booth sale dates in Snap.

To add to the success of your troop’s Cookie Sale, all troops should enter their booth sale information in Snap as they are scheduled.  Information provided thru Snap will be uploaded to the Cookie Booth Locator so that those searching online for a nearby cookie sale will be able to find your troop’s booth sale.  Boost your troop’s business by providing accurate, complete information for all of your Cookie Booths in a timely manner. 

If you are in an area with a Cookie Booth Coordinator, please contact them for their approval of the Cookie Booth before setting up the booth or uploading the information to Snap.  For additional information on Cookie Booth Sales, please see page 25 of the pink Answer Book.  Read more to learn how to enter your troop's cookie booth sale dates in Snap.

Dealing with the winter blues?  Take a peek at our up-coming summer camp opportunities.  These options will surely provide your Girl Scout (and her friends) several options to look forward to so she can beat those blues and look forward to SUMMER!  

Did you know that if your Girl Scout has a friend who is not currently registered that she can still attend camp?  Girls can experience our Camp Pathway and become a registered Girl Scout at any time by paying $12 for her membership fee.  So have your daughter check in with her friends and set some goals to plan a fun summer get away! 

Click on the following links for more information! --  Summer Camp or Troop Camp

Also, don't forget to utilize your Girl Scout's cookie dough.  This is a great Girl Scout member benefit.   

Hello,

I wanted to share two updates in the volunteer Tab of our Website.

1)     Volunteer Recognition at http://www.gslakesandpines.org/pages/Recognition/

·          Note the PDF writable format!

2)     There is a new addition under forms please check out : Crisis and Safety Management

Training -

Last but not least save the date for the Spring Regional Day of Training April 13^th  -  on our website soon.

Basic Outdoor Skills/Advanced Outdoor Skills

Refresher 1^st  Aid / CPR – Red Cross

I am so looking forward to our winter warm up!

Bonnie

We have great news to share!  In response to feedback from volunteers, we’ve added several new Thank You eCards that can easily be accessed via www.abcsmartcookies.com. These cards are designed for girls to download and send to their customers – whether they are paper orders or online orders. To make sure girls can easily find the cards, we’ve added a newsfeed on the home page (see below screenshot) as well as a side bar in each of the girl sections on our website.

Hello volunteers and families! Here is our January 2013 Region 5 Newsletter. Enjoy and let us know if you have any questions!

It might be cold outside, but there are plenty of awesome Girl Scout activities to keep you busy and warm indoors this winter! Two upcoming programs to put on your radar and register for ASAP are below.  Find the registration form here.

Remember, sometimes Girl Scout fun is even more fun when you bring a friend. She doesn’t have to be in your troop, she can even register as an independent Girl Scout, a Juliette, and still take part in these kinds of programs. (She must be registered to participate, however.) Let us know if you have questions!

When I was a Girl Scout, my mom highly encouraged me to write a Thank You note to every person who bought at least a box of cookies from me, explaining my appreciation for their support of my goals. One year, I decided to get creative and add a GS cookie recipe to each Thank You note--I did try to include a recipe for at least one of the varieties that person had purchased. Amazingly, this had an unintended effect of boosting my sales, as many of my customers decided to buy extra boxes to try out the attached recipe.

Encourage your Girl Scout to find her own creative inspiration this cookie season. Have her consider the option of personalized Thank You notes for her customers.  

Please share your GS cookie recipes in the comments section of this post. Those who share before Dec. 31st will be entered in a drawing for a special cookie prize, so share your secret recipes today!  

Photo Courtesy of Scapoholics:   http://scrapaholics.com/how-to-sell-more-girl-scout-cookies

Here's a time filler game that can be creative and fun!

  Follow the Rules:

All players sit in a circle. One person selected to be It
stands away from the group. The players remaining in the circle choose a rule
to use while answering questions. The rule can be hard or simple depending on
those playing. For example: Answer questions as if you were an alien, or,
players must scratch their heads or yawn before answering. When the person who
is It comes back, she must find out the rule by asking players questions about
themselves. The person trying to guess the rule is allowed to take as long as
she needs. If it takes too long, players can help by exaggerating the response
the rule calls for. (The Incredible Indoor Games Book, pg. 52).


Tune in next week for a craft idea that will excite your crowds!  

Have you registered for our Region 3 Cookie Rally yet?

Register on our website or feel free to contact me if

You need help with the registration process!

I should like to see 500 girls from R03!

New Leader Orientation Training

First Lutheran Church l Little Falls MN

Tuesday, January 15, l 6-9 p.m.  l Free

Save the Date –

McGregor MN

Saturday, January 19, l  9am- 3pm  l Free

Troop Finance Training

Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE)

New Leader Orientation Training (NLOT)

At our recent cookie trainings, we've been discussing the importance of communicating clearly with the parents in your troop and sharing expectations before the cookie sale begins.  I strongly recommend troop leaders or cookie managers share a flyer/letter with each family, outlining the timeline of the cookie sale, describing the troop's goals, giving payment due dates, and explaining the troop's policy for handling unsold cookies that families may have.  It will help the parents to have something in writing that they can put on their fridge or near their calendar for reference.  When each family has received a clear schedule and directions before the cookie sale begins, you can hold them to those expectations.  If each parent has seen in writing that the deadline for returning unsold cookies to the troop is March 1, it is fair if you are not able to accept a return from a family on March 15.  As you know, each unsold package takes a bite out of the troop's profits and affects ALL the girls in the troop. 

Here is a sample of a parent letter that you can download.  It opens as a Microsoft Word document.  You can "save as" to your computer and customize with your own troop's goals, schedule, and guidelines.  If you're using it after you've already placed the initial order, you can delete those lines and still use it at a family meeting held in January. 

Thanks to troop leader Kelly Martin from Hinckley for the template that was my starting point for this letter!

At our recent cookie trainings, we've been discussing the importance of communicating clearly with the parents in your troop and sharing expectations before the cookie sale begins.  I strongly recommend troop leaders or cookie managers share a flyer/letter with each family, outlining the timeline of the cookie sale, describing the troop's goals, giving payment due dates, and explaining the troop's policy for handling unsold cookies that families may have.  It will help the parents to have something in writing that they can put on their fridge or near their calendar for reference.  When each family has received a clear schedule and directions before the cookie sale begins, you can hold them to those expectations.  If each parent has seen in writing that the deadline for returning unsold cookies to the troop is March 1, it is fair if you are not able to accept a return from a family on March 15.  As you know, each unsold package takes a bite out of the troop's profits and affects ALL the girls in the troop. 

Here is a sample of a parent letter that you can download.  It opens as a Microsoft Word document.  You can "save as" to your computer and customize with your own troop's goals, schedule, and guidelines.  If you're using it after you've already placed the initial order, you can delete those lines and still use it at a family meeting held in January. 

Thanks to troop leader Kelly Martin from Hinckley for the template that was my starting point for this letter!

Many of you have been asking for the pumpkin chili recipe used at Shingobee and Sanderson's Fall Festivities and Haunted Harvest (as well as shared at some other regional meetings). Here it is: http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Pumpkin-Chili. Enjoy it! This is a great time of year to use it.

Noodle Doodles:

  Give each girl a peice of paper, a writing utensil, and something hard on which to write (nothing that you would mind if it was accidentally written on--perhaps a stack of newspapers or a paper plate). Instruct girls to place the paper on the hard surface, and the hard surface onto their heads. Either show the girls a picture that you want them to recreate, or verbally give them the name of an object to draw. They will draw on the paper that is on top of their heads. When finished, get ready for the laughter as the pictures are sure to be interesting.


Have you used any of the games, songs and activities you've learned from the Songs & Games Training, S'more Fun Training, or a regional or Service Unit Meeting? How did it go? Did your girls find a new favorite or did you find a flop? Share your stories so that others can learn what's working with girls today.


Toys for Tots Support: 

Several of you have told us about your wonderful holiday season service ideas and activities. Be sure to take a few minutes to add your tally of service at this site   http://sharejoy.generationon.org/, hosted by generationOn and Hasbro who have joined forces to donate a toy to Toys for Tots for every youth who particpates in a seasonal act of service until December 18th. The deadline is approaching and it's a wonderful opportunity to make your service have twice the impact!

Well we have reached another milestone. We have over 100 new volunteers for Region 3!  Let’s do a quick review of who needs to complete the application process!

So we know all Adult Girl Scout volunteers are to be registered and receive an appointment letter prior to working with the girls.

We know any Adult Girl Scout volunteers who handle the girl finances or product sales must be registered and receive an appointment letter.

Are there any exceptions?  Yes

1)         A presenter who will never be alone with the girls.  No additional paperwork required.

2)         An Episodic volunteer – someone who will volunteer only once

a.         Authorizes the background check

b.         Completes the application

c.         Encouraged to register as Girl Scout

d.         Complete a position description

e.         Must receive an appointment letter or approval prior to meeting with the girls.

3)         A parent who may sit in the back of the room during a meeting because it’s just to far to travel.

a.         I would always encourage theses parents to register and go through the appointment process but if they are not willing-we can let it go.

With all that being said I hope that you all join us at the Region 3 Cookie Rally!  We rock!

Yes, you guessed it …I’m looking for volunteers!

Hello volunteers and Girl Scout families! Here is our December Newsletter for your reading pleasure. Please let us know if you have any questions!

Talk with your daughter about bringing a friend to her next troop meeting or G.S. event. Her name gets put in a drawing and both girls recieved a Bring A Friend patch. For more info on Bring a friend contact Monica Husen at 218-270-4859

Greetings fine Leaders of Region 3,

       You've been asking for it, and I am here to deliver--Tuesday Program Tips. Tune in each week to learn a new program tip or trick--including songs, games, crowd pleasers, and behavior management tools. I encourage you to post the outcome of using these tips (example: "I played "Bite the Bag" with troop #0150, and they loved it! Here's a picture of one of our craziest moments!" or "I cooked the "Pumpkin Chili" reciepe with the girls in SU 007 at our Fall Festival, and we decided the reciepe gets better if you add a tsp of paprika."). If you've got something to share, we'd love to see it. Feel free to post it here or e-mail it to me, Jessica, mailto:jkershner@gslakesandpines.org. 

Selecting Games:

·  Be sure the games are appropriate for the age, experience and physical condition of the girls.

·  Begin with familiar games that are quickly learned, and then move on to more complex games.

Games for Large Groups: Alphabetical Circle
Everybody stands in a circle, go around the circle and say your name. Go around twice: clockwise and counter-clockwise. Now circle up alphabetically by first initial of first name without talking. (Youth Leadership in Action. Pg. 126-127)
 

Tune in next time for more information on selecting games, and the instructions to "Noodle Doodles"--a creative time filler activity.  

Would you like to know how to avoid getting "red-eyed" pictures? Do you want to know how to keep the flash from reflecting off of someone's glasses? Want to learn more about all of the buttons on your digital camera? If you answered yes to any of these questions, team up with an adult in your life (mom, dad, troop leader, grandma, uncle, etc) and sign up for Picture This! at Camp Sanderson on January 18th-20th.


If you have additional questions about outdoor and/or digital photography, write your questions below so we can be sure to answer them during the weekend.  


Click for more information. 

Cookie Rally

Saturday, Jan 12, 2013

12:00 PM to 3:00 PM

More Info...


Volunteers needed to help with the stations

Contact Marge Hanson, Volunteer Specialist

mhanson@gslakesandpines.org or
320-403-2108

Event Calendar

Check our calendar below for a complete list of events, trainings, and important dates.

Please check the Program Status Report for program updates


Friday, Jan 18, 2013 - Sunday, Jan 20, 2013

Picture This!: You & Me Outdoor Photography

7:00 PM to 11:00 AM

More Info...



Saturday, Mar 9, 2013 - Sunday, Mar 10, 2013

Girls Night Out: SPA-tacular Willmar Mall Sleepover

8:00 PM to 7:00 AM

More Info...

There will be several teleconference trainings coming up within the next couple of months.  Coop Troop Training will be held on Thursday, December 6, at 6:30 p.m.  You may register online by going to our website (Troop Management Trainings).  When you register, you will receive a confirmation email along with the materials and call-in number. 

 Forms training will be held on February 21 and April 11.  There will be additional information, as well as, registration information available on our website soon.  

Holiday Inn & Suites, Lyric Conference Room
Duluth, Minnesota
January 25-26, 2013

Service Unit Delegates are a vital communication link between the local service units and the council.  They are individuals who are selected by the service units to represent them at the annual meeting.  Any registered Girl Scout, 14 years or older, is eligible to become a Delegate.  It is extremely important that all Service Units are represented.  Please make sure your voice is heard!  Here are the number of Delegates your Service Unit is entitled to have: SU #19—5, SU #20—3, SU #21—3, SU #22—4, SU #23—3.

Dates and times for the Service Unit Delegate Training Teleconference Sessions are:

Choose one:
     Thursday, December 6, 6-8 pm
     Tuesday, December 11, 6-8 pm

Dial: 866-477-6298   Enter PIN: 275465#

Please register as a delegate for the annual meeting

We are currently planning the 6-week after-school Girl Scout Series—It’s Your Business, Run It!—and have a seasonal part time opening for a Girl Scouts in ACTION Coordinator. This position is responsible for quality delivery of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience by working directly with schools and volunteers to coordinate a 6-week after-school Girl Scout series culminating with a related Take Action event/project.  This person may also facilitate some of the sessions.  We will need a coordinator and volunteers in both the Alexandria and Willmar communities.  Training for this series begins mid-January.

If you or someone you know would be interested in volunteering your time and talent as a role model for girls, please contact Marge Hanson, Volunteer Specialist, at 320-403-2108 or mhanson@gslakesandpines.org.  

In support of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, Lakes & Pines Girl Scout Shops are happy to offer adult volunteers the tools they need to guide girls in their leadership Journeys. Now through Dec. 31, 2012, all 18 Adult Guide/Journey Book Sets for all age-levels are 33% off. Regularly $15, on sale $10.

The adult guide for each Journey offers an introduction to the journey's theme and awards, grade-level-specific tips and suggestions, and a full set of sample session plans filled with ceremonies, activities, discussions, and reflections. Adult guides also provide detailed instructions, examples, supply lists, and discussion starters to bring the journey to life in partnership with girls.

Save $5 during this special limited time offer! Visit us or contact your Girl Scout shop in Waite Park and Duluth to place an order.

Please note: Hurricane Sandy has caused a delay in the processing and shipping of orders from Girl Scout Merchandise on the east coast. If you have recently placed a special order with Lakes & Pines shops, it may be arriving later than our normal two week turn-around. We remain well-stocked with most all of the Girl Scout basics - uniforms, emblems, awards, and books. Please call if you have questions about an order you placed recently.

If you and your fellow Girl Scout leaders would benefit from additional training on how to blend Journeys and the Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting into a more meaningful Leadership Experience, please contact me (320-403-2108 or mhanson@gslakesandpines.org)  to set up a learning session for your Service Unit.

There will be a training day in St Cloud on Saturday, December 8, at Rasmussen College.  This includes Cookie Training.  If you missed the training in Glenwood on November 15, you may attend this one.  However, please register so that they have sufficient materials for everyone.  Check out the registration form today and let us know you're coming! Forms received after 12/4 will not guarantee you program supplies.

Hello Girl Scout families and volunteers! Please check-out our November 2012 Region 5 Newsletter! It's full of great information for girls and troops - don't forget to check out the calendar portion, too! Don't miss any upcoming events and community gatherings. Leave a comment if you have a question!

Save the date!

Monday, January 28

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

1325 N. 45th Ave. E. (45th & Colorado)

Duluth, MN 55804

We invite girls of all ages to join us for an evening of fun activities to learn about the 2013 Girl Scout Cookie Program.  We're still planning the details but wanted to let you know now so you can plan to attend this exciting event.  Girls can attend on their own or with their troop.  We chose a location in Duluth's Lakeside neighborhood as a central location; we hope girls from around the region will join us! 

Watch this blog for more details and registration information to come. 

What a whirlwind of a fall it’s been.  We ‘ve transitioned through SU  Fall Kick-Off,  Registrations Nights, Parent Meetings, Fall Product Sale, Training and of course the Appointment Process-you know the paper work that goes along with becoming a volunteer.  Many of you are scanning the Program Guide with your girls checking our Programming options or deciding with your girls which Journey Book best suits them.  At your local SU Meetings you are deciding who will be your delegates at the Annual Meeting in Duluth representing your local Girl Scouts.

I have had the pleasure to travel across our Region and meet many of our volunteers and frankly you have taken to heart my strong encouragement of building a troop committee to support your troops and your Service Unit (SU).  I’ve had some of you e mail me and tell me to check my phone there must be something wrong as it’s always busy…it’s been busy alright.  We are facing a wonderful problem – we have a lot of new volunteers.  I tallied my book last night and the last count was 91 new volunteers in Region 3 and the number is continuing to increase daily!

Our functional Volunteer Specialist Team will continue to refine our process and increase our efficiency. You can help us by filling in the blanks on the forms and providing e mail contacts for references when possible as this does speed up the process.  If you have questions please ask us as we are here to serve you our volunteers.  Keep building your troop and SU teams and take a moment to reflect on how fortunate we are to have so many people willing to volunteer for our girls to empower them and help develop their leadership skills.  We will help them develop their courage, confidence and character to be able to dream and believe that their dreams can come true and to be true to themselves. Along the way we’ll provide fun with a purpose and create our own remarkable journey.

Regional Day of training for R03 is on our website- regsitration deadline is Nov 12th

http://gslakesandpines.org/index.phphttp://gslakesandpines.org/index.php?mod=Calendar&event_id=1936?mod=Calendar&event_id=1936

Thank you for volunteering for Girl Scouts for taking time from your busy lives to make a difference in another girls life.

The Legends Heritage Place in Sartell is seeking Girl Scouts to come into their assisted Living and Memory Care facility to share interests, hobbies, simple crafts, play cards or games,  visit, and give of their time to residents.  Staff are open to any time that works for you welcome ideas you may have.  Please contact Pam or Blaire directly to get involved. 

Pam Himsl or Blaire Reilly | 320-281-3343 ext.  107 | breily@thelegendsathp.com or phimsl@thelegendsathp.com

Staff lead for questions: Leah Voss | lvoss@gslakesandpines.org | 320-247-4565

Only TWO days left to register for the Games, Songs, and S’mores Program on the Go in Spooner on November 13! Click here to see the program flyer and contact Kasey if you have any questions!

Volunteer Specialist Shelley invites you to...

Join the Region 2 team on Saturday, November 10, 2012 at Jeanette Pollay Cabin for a fun filled day of workshops and SWAPS sharing or ideas.

Workshops we will be offering:

• New Leader Orientation and Training,
• Exploring Girl Scout Journey Books and the Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting,
• Self-Sustaining Troop
• Refresher First Aid/CPR
• Basic Outdoor Skills.

Come for the morning or all day and build your network of Girl Scout friends and mentors.

Can’t make the workshop? Join us for lunch (bring your own Brown Bag Lunch) and share SWAPS and ideas!

Your regional team is looking forward to sharing the day with you.  For more information or to register, click here.  

Regional Service Unit Training

Date: Thursday, November 15, 2012

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Location: Glenwood Lutheran Church

206 Minnesota Avenue East

Glenwood, MN 56334

(Please note: Entrance and parking are located at the back of the church.)

This meeting is for all Troop Cookie Managers as well as all interested volunteers.

Dessert will be served beginning at 6:15.

Please RSVP by noon on Monday, November12, to mhanson@gslakesandpines.org

As you may know, Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts of the USA, was born on Halloween.  October is a great time to plan an activity with your girls to learn about Juliette Low and the history of Girl Scouts!  Some troops like to celebrate with a birthday party and cake.  I remember my Girl Scout troop made Dirt in a Cup and planted a fabric daisy in a straw in the top of the cup, to make a special sundae that reminded us of Juliette's nickname, Daisy.  They're really easy to make--here is a recipe.  You could do a craft project with pearls and talk about how Juliette sold a prized string of pearls she owned, to raise money to keep Girl Scouts going in the early days. 

As you may know, Juliette was a strong woman with a reputation for being a bit of a character.  With a quick Google search you may be able to find some anecdotes or quotations from her that your girls would like--some of her antics may even give you ideas for a Take Action project to benefit your community!  Check out your Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting binder for a biography of Juliette geared for the age level of your girls.  October is also a great time to begin earning the Juliette Gordon Low Heritage patch, a patch program developed by our council--find out more here.

She & I: Fall Harvest

Janette Pollay Cabin, Duluth, MN

October 27-28 (overnight)

$37.50 per girl

$37.50 per adult

Ever wanted to know how to make apple cider? Or homemade pumpkin pie? Or jam? Or…? Join us for a weekend of delicious harvest foods and fun fall activities. You won't want to miss out on this cornucopia of fun!

We’ve extended the registration deadline! Sign up by Monday, October 15!

Explore Your Future

Northland College, Ashland, WI

$15 per girl without transportation

$25 per girl with transportation

November, 3, 2012

Spend the day as a college student at Northland College. Tour a resident hall, eat lunch in the cafeteria, sit in on a college class, and have fun with extracurricular activities. Transportation pickups/drop offs at: GS office in Duluth, Perkins parking lot in Superior.

Registration deadline extended! Sign up by Friday, October 19!

Program registration can be found on our website at: http://gslakesandpines.org/files/2317.pdf

Note that girls must be registered Girl Scouts (these are great reasons to get them signed up!) and all registration forms and payment must be RECEIVED in Waite Park no later than the final registration deadlines.

Contact Jessica “Acer” Schiff with questions: 218-302-3182 or jschiff at gslakesandpines.org  Hope to see you there!

Read the Lakes & Pines “E-Shopper” for Girl Scout volunteers! News of council shop promotions and timely information regarding Girl Scout merchandise will keep you in the know. October 2012 "E-Shopper" highlights: What every Girl Scout volunteer needs; What every girl needs; order forms; troop leader t-shirts; Welcome Set special offer; Citizen badges. Enjoy!

In the past, the Region 5 staff team has created a monthly newsletter that got sent directly to our regional 01 troop leaders and Community Coordinators/Service Unit Managers. Once we transitioned to the blogs, we didn’t want to get rid of our newsletter, but tried to think of how we’d be able to get a mass amount of information in one place without making all of you scroll through a ton of blog postings. So, we are pleased to announce that our monthly newsletter (and calendar) is not going anywhere – we’re going to post it at the beginning of each month directly to our blog! We have included with our newsletter a calendar of the next upcoming months, which we will also keep. We are not replacing the Region 5 Calendar that is linked at the top left of our blog page, but rather able to provide a more descriptive snapshot of what’s coming up by month. So, without further ado – here is the link to our October 2012 Region 5 Newsletter! Enjoy and feel free to spread it around to everyone you know! Questions? Leave a comment, or contact any one of us on the Region 5 team (contact info is listed at the bottom left).

So you decided to become a Girl Scout volunteer…

Now you’re having a panic attack…what was I thinking?

Don’t worry be happy - enjoy your journey. Relax …call me or your local

Community Coordinator’s or Service Unit Manager’s we are here to help.

Ask yourself a few key questions.

1)    Have you received your appointment letter?

No, well did you complete the paperwork? (Registration, Application , Authorize Background Check & Interview)

2)    Did you register for New Leader Orientation Training?

No, check out our website for dates and locations near you!

Or

Save the date –

Regional Day of Training l Garrison  l 

Saturday, November 17^th  l  9am-4pm l  Free

Details coming soon

I assure you everything will be OK!  You are about to embark on journey that will be as rewarding for you as your daughter.

Read the Lakes & Pines “E-Shopper” for Girl Scout volunteers! News of council shop promotions and timely information regarding Girl Scout merchandise will keep you in the know. October 2012 “E-Shopper” highlights: What every Girl Scout volunteer needs; What every girl needs; order forms; troop leader t-shirts; Welcome Set special offer; Citizen badges. Enjoy!

Now you’re having a panic attack…what was I thinking?

Don’t worry be happy - enjoy your journey. Relax …call me or your local

Community Coordinator’s or Service Unit Manager’s we are here to help.

Ask yourself a few key questions.

1)    Have you received your appointment letter?

No, well did you complete all the paperwork?

2)    Did you register for New Leader Orientation Training?

No, check out our website for dates and locations

 Or

 Save the date –

Regional Day of Training l Garrison  l  

Saturday, November 17^th  l  9am-4pm l  Free

Details coming soon

I assure you everything will be OK!  You are about to embark on journey that will be as rewarding for you as your daughter.

Read the Lakes & Pines “E-Shopper” for Girl Scout volunteers! News of council shop promotions and timely information regarding Girl Scout merchandise will keep you in the know. October 2012 “E-Shopper” (or http://www.gslakesandpines.org/files/3346.pdf) highlights: What every Girl Scout volunteer needs; What every girl needs; order forms; troop leader t-shirts; Welcome Set special offer; Citizen badges. Enjoy!

Hello volunteers and families! I am starting to work on getting things coordinated for the Weekend Escape: Wisconsin Dells trip coming up in 2013 and want to get feedback from all of you! Ask your Girl Scout – if you could be the trip planner, where would you want the top destination to be in Wisconsin Dells? Leave a comment and help me plan this trip! All suggestions will be considered.

Want more information on the trip? Check it out here. Ready to register for this trip? Just fill out the council registration form and include the $100/person deposit.

Fall registration has been going well. Thank you to all of the new and returning leaders. Without you there wouldn’t be Girl Scouts!

Sunday, Oct. 7, 2012, 2 to 4 p.m.
Edgewood Vista in Brainerd
$1.00 donation
any qustions call Susan at 218-829-9754

We're having an open house on Saturday morning, October 13.  This is a chance for those of you who have busy work-week schedules to come visit us at the office to get updates or answers from the volunteer support team AND pick up books and patches for your troop, all in one stop.  (Be sure to check out our brand-new Troop Leader V-neck shirts!)

There's something for everyone camp! Take a look at all of the fun coming your way.

October:

Fall Festivities| Walker, MN
Grades 2-5 (adults are welcome, too!) | October 26-27, 5:30pm-4:30pm| $35 girls, $25 adults, $10 volunteering adults and program aides

Fall Festivities--Day Only|Walker, MN
Grades k-adult | October 27, 9am-4:30pm| $25 girls, $15 adults, $5 volunteering adults and program aides

Haunted Harvest| Walker, MN
Grades 6-12 | October 27-28 9am-11am| $35 girls, $25 adults, $10 volunteering adults 



November:

Fall Festivities| Spicer, MN
Grades 2-5 (adults are welcome, too!) | November 2-3, 5:30pm-4:30pm| $35 girls, $25 adults, $10 volunteering
adults and program aides


Fall Festivities—Day Only|Spicer, MN
Grades k-adult | November 3,
9am-4:30pm | $25 girls, $15 adults, $5 volunteering adults and program aides

Haunted Harvest| Spicer, MN
Grades 6-12 | November 3-4 9am-11am|$35 girls, $25 adults, $10 volunteering adults

Check out a complete list of upcoming council activities at our website.

Consider using your Program Aide or Volunteer in Training skills to help at council-sponsored activites--most are offered at a reduced price to volunteers.

NOVEL Ideas Mini-Series| Hinckley, MN

Grades 6-12 (adults are welcome, too!) | October 6 (9am-Noon), October 27 (9am-10:30am), November 10 (9am-10:30am)  |Registration Deadline: September 28^th, 2012| $10

Join author of The Seeing Stone, Karlajean Becvar for 3 Saturday sessions to complete the Senior Novelist Badge from the It’s Your World—Change It! journey series. You’ll spend time with a local author to learn what it takes to write a book, visit the Hinckley Fire Museum to connect with the inspiration behind events in the book, develop you own plot, and, by completing some activities at home, you’ll earn the Novelist Badge for Senior Girl Scouts. Price includes: snacks, supplies, entrance to the Hinckley Fire Museum, free copy of the book The Seeing Stone by local author Karlajean  Becvar and the Novelist Badge. Additional books can be purchased for $10 each. Contact Jennifer Schmitt (jjsgschmitt@dishmail.net) for more details or to register.

Growing up in Girl Scouts, I sometimes felt that the older I got, the less programming I was offered. I hope as older girls in Girl Scouting today you don't think this is still the case. I want to highlight some older girl adventures coming your way:

Mentoring Awards:

Juniors: Check out page 33 of Junior: The Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting for information on how to earn your Junior Aide award.

Cadettes: Check out page 30 of Cadette: The Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting for information on how to earn a Leader in Action award and your Program Aide award. (Please note: you'll have to complete one Leader in Action award before you'll be eligible for Program Aide Training). Keep your eyes open for details of upcoming Program Aide Trainings--they'll be offered in each region starting in the Spring of 2013.

Seniors: Check out page 32 of Senior: The Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting for information on how to earn your Volunteer in Training and your Counselor in Training awards. Keep your eyes open for details of upcoming Volunteer in Training courses offered in the Spring of 2013. Counselor in Training courses are offered at select camp properties during the summer camp season.

Ambassadors: Check out page 29 of Ambassador: The Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting for more information on how to earn your Volunteer in Training, Counselor in Training, and Counselor in Training II awards. Volunteer in Training courses will be offered in the Spring of 2013. Counselor in Training courses are offered at select camp properties during the summer camp season.

It’s almost FLAMINGO TIME!!!

Troops throughout the council are getting ready to participate in this year’s Fall Product Sale program which gives girls a great opportunity to raise funds for their upcoming Girl Scout adventures. 

The Fall Product Sale, which runs October 6 – October 21, 2012, features delicious chocolates and nuts such as Dark Chocolate Mint Penguins, Chocolate Peanut Butter Bears, melt-in-your-mouth Dulce de Leche chocolates, and also the fun, new, collectible Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace mailbox tin which contains the ever popular Mint Treasures.  The other part of the Fall Product Sale is the magazine portion where girls may sell any of a large variety of magazines either in person or online. With over 665+ magazine subscriptions, plus 50 digital subscriptions and 30 combo deals, where customers buy a regular subscription and get the digital version free, there is something for everyone in the magazine sale.  Remember, with online magazine sales there is no need to collect money from troop families, and no need to pick up or deliver any products! 

Troops earn 20% of the proceeds from the sales of both the magazines and the nuts and chocolates.  Girls may earn fun recognition items like a hair tie lollipop, tap and wrap watch, or Fiona Flamingo, this year’s Fall Product Sale program mascot.  Also, the Fall Product Sale program provides much needed resources to help support our council’s local offices and you, our volunteers. 

Please remember, girls in a troop need to participate in BOTH the council-sponsored Fall Product Sale AND the Cookie Sale programs for a troop to be eligible to participate in any additional money earning activities such a bake sale, rummage sale, or other troop fundraiser.

In the Fall Product Sale program, troops may sell just chocolates and nuts, or just magazines, or both!  There are no minimum or maximum sales amounts required in order to participate.  Interested?  Click the link for more details Fall Product Sale for Volunteers or contact Maureen Graham in the Waite Park office to find out how you can get started!

It’s almost FLAMINGO TIME!!!

Troops throughout the council are getting ready to participate in this year’s Fall Product Sale program which gives girls a great opportunity to raise funds for their upcoming Girl Scout adventures. 

The Fall Product Sale, which runs October 6 – October 21, 2012, features delicious chocolates and nuts such as Dark Chocolate Mint Penguins, Chocolate Peanut Butter Bears, melt-in-your-mouth Dulce de Leche chocolates, and also the fun, new, collectible Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace mailbox tin which contains the ever popular Mint Treasures.  The other part of the Fall Product Sale is the magazine portion where girls may sell any of a large variety of magazines either in person or online. With over 665+ magazine subscriptions, plus 50 digital subscriptions and 30 combo deals, where customers buy a regular subscription and get the digital version free, there is something for everyone in the magazine sale.  Remember, with online magazine sales there is no need to collect money from troop families, and no need to pick up or deliver any products! 

Troops earn 20% of the proceeds from the sales of both the magazines and the nuts and chocolates.  Girls may earn fun recognition items like a hair tie lollipop, tap and wrap watch, or Fiona Flamingo, this year’s Fall Product Sale program mascot.  Also, the Fall Product Sale program provides much needed resources to help support our council’s local offices and you, our volunteers. 

Please remember, girls in a troop need to participate in BOTH the council-sponsored Fall Product Sale AND the Cookie Sale programs for a troop to be eligible to participate in any additional money earning activities such a bake sale, rummage sale, or other troop fundraiser.

In the Fall Product Sale program, troops may sell just chocolates and nuts, or just magazines, or both!  There are no minimum or maximum sales amounts required in order to participate.  Interested?  Click the link for more details Fall Product Sale for Volunteers  or contact Maureen Graham in the Waite Park office to find out how you can get started!

Check out these great programs at Camp Sanderson in Spicer!  Click here to register. 

We are also looking for volunteers who would like to assist at these programs.  If you are interested please contact Jessica Kershner at jkerschner@gslakesandpines.org.  Jessica is also to the person to contact if you have any questions specific to these programs. 

Fall Festivities| Spicer, MN

Grades 2-5 (adults are welcome,too!) | November 2-3, 5:30pm-4:30pm| $35 girls, $25 adults, $10 volunteering
adults and program aides

Come celebrate autumn at Camp Sanderson! Join us for a Friday Fall-themed dinner. Spend the night in the
Program Center, and the day celebrating the season with pumpkins, squash, and scarecrows. Price includes dinner, breakfast, lunch, snack, lodging, program materials and a fun patch. Deadline to register is October 12 and space is limited.

Fall Festivities—Day Only|
Spicer, MN

Grades k-adult | November 3, 9am-4:30pm | $25 girls, $15 adults, $5 volunteering adults and program aides

Come celebrate autumn at Camp Sanderson! Join us for a day of pumpkins, squash, and scarecrows. Enjoy the
colors of fall during a craft session, and songs and games to celebrate the season. Price includes lunch, snack, program materials and a fun patch. Deadline to register is October 12 and space is limited.

Haunted Harvest| Spicer, MN

Grades 6-12 | November 3-4 9am-11am|$35 girls, $25 adults, $10 volunteering adults

Join us Saturday for the daytime Fall Festivities, then we’ll enjoy an autumn-themed dinner, and when the sun
goes down we’ll haunt the campground. Take a haunted stroll through camp, go spider sniffing, and learn about things that go “bump” in the night. Be sure to bring your favorite scary stories to the campfire. Cost includes lunch, snack, dinner, breakfast, lodging, program materials and a fun patch. Deadline to register is October 12 and space is limited.

As staff, our flow of work is centered around an academic year. This means that we are especially busy in the fall getting things started, and in the spring getting things wrapped up and prepared for the next year. One of the things that we make a priority in the fall is to support the local registration nights. We pass around a sign-up sheet and make sure there is a staff member present (as much as possible) at each one. Each one is a little different, but each one has the same underlying current running through them: passion for Girl Scouts!

Regions three is blessed with a strong volunteer base.

We have five trainers and a dedicated core of volunteers who

have hosted a Volunteer Retreat for three years.

 I hope you can join them as they relax, refresh and reconnect;

as they embark on another Girl Scout Year!

Volunteer Retreat!

October 12-14, 2012

Camp Shingobee Timbers

Pack your bags and get ready to

“Camp Like a Girl”!

See the home page on the website for details.

http://www.gslakesandpines.org/files/3222.pdf

Please, contact Bonnie if you have questions!

Here's one more opportunity for you to get an overview of the Fall Product Sale process, find out how to navigate this year's new features, and get some tips for increasing your troop's sales--or just focusing your efforts to make the sale go more efficiently so your troop has more time for other activities this fall!

We'll be offering a training via conference call on Monday, September 24, from 5:15-6:15.  RSVP to Keri Lynn (kigo at gslakesandpines.org) to receive the toll-free number to call in, from the comfort of your home or office.  If possible, we encourage you to follow along by viewing the powerpoint on our website.  We'll have plenty of time for your individual questions.

Here is information on two opportunities for troops to take part in service projects to benefit their local communities this fall.  The first one is in the Ashland area, but might also be a neat idea of something a troop or service unit may want to organize in your own area.  The second opportunity is for the greater Duluth area.  Click below for more details, including the contacts at each of these organizations if you would like to find out more information.

Thank you for all the wonderful things your troops are doing for your communities.  You keep us all inspired!  If your troop would like to share information about a service project you are planning or show us what you've accomplished, we'd love to hear from you.  You can comment below or click any of the Regional Team's names in the left column to e-mail us.

Tricia Andrews, from the Bemidji Girl Scout Office, will present a Program On The Go for Cadette Scouts and their leaders who wish to complete the Silver Award. 

She will present the orientation in Brainerd on Monday, October 1, from 6:30-8:30, at the Girl Scout Office/Room across from Monica’s office on the corner of Kingwood and 8th St.

Tricia would like this form used for registration:  http://www.gslakesandpines.org/files/2317.pdf. It’s also under the program page at the www.gslakesandpines.org website.  The cost is $5 per girl, adults free. Girls and adult receive the Silver Award Guidelines and Forms and other handouts that help them learn about the Silver Award process and what makes for a successful final project. The deadline for having the forms in to Tricia will be the Friday before the event. That would be September 28th. They need to be mailed or faxed to Tricia Andrews at the Bemidji office. She would like a minimum of 20 participants. 

If anyone has any questions, they can call me, Pam Stock at 828-9110 or email me at lpsstock@msn.com.

Save the date for our next Region 5 Training Day: Saturday, December 8^th! Check out the pictures from our fall regional training day Hawaiian Luau!

Here's a great day program coming up in early October, developed by your friend Acer from camp and the fine folks at the new Estuarine Research Reserve on Barker's Island in Superior!

Girls in Science

In partnership with the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve

Think science is awesome or think science isn’t interesting?  Join successful women scientists at the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve in Superior, WI in hands-on, real life outdoor experiences that will show you how science helps the natural world.  Girls will have time to talk about science careers and adventures working in the great outdoors with female scientists, and then experience the St. Louis River freshwater estuary by providing assistance with an outdoor research project.  Come with questions and be prepared to get wet, dirty and have a blast.  Snacks will be provided, but please pack a lunch. 

October 6, 2012

10 am – 3:30 pm

Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve Offices

Barkers Island, Superior, WI

Grades 3-8

$10 (Girls may use $5 in Cookie Dough)

Register by Friday, September 28, 2012

Send registration and payment to the Waite Park Office no later than Friday, September 28, 2012.

Questions? Contact Jessica Schiff, Outdoor Program Specialist, at 218-302-3182 or jschiff@gslakesandpines.org.

Fall is upon us and that means Girl Scout registration nights are happening across our council.  Be sure to check our website to find a sign up date in your region.  If you've already signed up, that's great!  Your girls leader will be contacting you soon.  Is your girl wanting to be a part of Girl Scouts but she wants to participate in other ways besides being in a troop?  Check out additional ways for girls to be involved.  They're called pathways. Learn more at www.gslakesandpines.org

Continue to check out the G.S. website for upcoming trainings.

Registration nights are starting , girls will be bringing home flyers from school.
Some ask what if we can not make it to the registration night, you can still become a member of Girl Scouts, on each flyer is a contact perosns name
amd phone number, give them a call and they will get your  girls registered and conected with a troop.

Did you know that Girl Scouts is the premiere leadership organization for girls?

Carrying on that success begins with a Girl Scout Recruitment Night! Recruitment Nights are about more than just filling out and collecting forms; they are about showing new families the wonderful opportunities available to their girl through Girl Scouts.

The flamingoes are coming--run! 

Run to your nearest troop leader meeting or the Duluth office, that is, so you can get your materials for the Fall Product Sale! 

Don't let your girls miss out on the chance to earn money in October and November, so they can fund their exciting Girl Scout adventures until the cookie sale.  Don't let your girls miss out on the chance to qualify for other troop fundraisers--remember, you need to participate in BOTH the council-sponsored Fall Product Sale AND the Cookie Sale to be eligible to organize your own bake sale, rummage sale, or other troop fundraiser.  Finally, don't miss out on the chance to get your hands on some Dark Chocolate Mint Penguins, Chocolate Peanut Butter Bears, melt-in-your-mouth Dulce de Leche chocolates, and the adorable, collectible Juliette Low Birthplace mailbox tin!

The hustle and bustle to get everyone ready to go back to school has started, but don’t forget to connect with your troop leader to let her know your daughter will be returning and find out when the first meeting will be. Also if you didn’t jump-start, remember to turn in the registration form for the 2013 Girl Scout year.

As I am starting to fill my office with supplies for Our World Our Family, I can’t help but get excited for our annual camping extravaganza. It is by far my most favorite thing about Girl Scouts and I get strange looks from some of my co-workers when I express my enthusiasm for it. There is so much work that goes into one weekend for 1,000 people, but by Sunday afternoon as I’m driving out of camp with tired eyes and sore feet, I know that it’s all worth it.

Our program team has been hard at work putting together a menu of choices for fun activities your Girl Scout can attend, beginning October 27.  From robots to campcraft to touring Europe, we've got something for everyone.  Check out all the options here, and sign up early for your favorites.  Remember that Girl Scout Programs are more than just a day or weekend of fun activities for your daughter--she is learning to discover, connect, and take action to make the world a better place!

“Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told: “I am with you kid.  Let’s go.” –Maya Angelou

I just received this year’s Girl Scout catalog and new items are arriving in the council shop.  Even though I have an entire drawer of Girl Scout shirts, I always get a new one each fall. It’s sort of my grown-up version of buying school clothes! It also marks the beginning of fall recruitment.  Girl Scout recruitment happens year-round, however the beginning of the school year is a great time to connect girls and adults with a Girl Scout Pathway.

Recruitment is an “all hands on deck” task and we truly appreciate all the work you do in your communities to help.  This year we have a variety of resources you can use for recruitment—a recruitment planning guide that’s full of helpful tips, pencils, brochures, family handbooks, color flyers you can personalize (and we’ll print,) and more.  Our staff is also available to assist with planning events, and we’d love to join you if we can!  Contact Jamie Sands, Membership Specialist if you have ideas about how we can help grow Girl Scouting in your community, if you’d like to help, and/or if you need assistance or supplies to make it happen.

It's so exciting to be a part of Girl Scouts' 100th year.  We've learned so much about how our fashions and media have changed over the years, but the core values and many of the life skills girls are building have stayed the same. 

Here's one of the many unique ways people are celebrating our anniversary: an old-fashioned corn maze!

Healthier Girls ... Be One | Northland Arboretum | Brainerd MN

Girls Ages 11-15 & adults | Wed August 29 | Free

Use this link for more information or to RSVP today!

Check back next week for dates on upcoming registration nights and watc our website at www.gslakesandpines.org for dates and times.

August 16th - S.U. 14
August 20th - S.U. 18
August 21st - S.U. 15
August 27th - S.U. 16
August 28th - S.U. 17
These  meetings are for all  registered adults, your Regiional team will be coming out to go over the new S.U. structure, bringing you dates on upcoming activities and programs.
For more info please contact Monica Husen  Membership Specialist Team Lead, at 218-828-3515.

Hello to Region 1 volunteers and families!  Girl Scouts of MN and WI Lakes and Pines has launched regional blogs to give us all an easy way to pass along timely updates and to stay connected to one another.  You will see two categories in our Region 1 blog. One is geared towards adult volunteers and the other one for family updates such as upcoming events and programs. We hope you find this a useful communcations tool, and that you share your own updates and questions as this blog develops and grows.  We hope to hear from you! 
Your Region 1 staff,
Tricia, Denise, Becky and Keri Lynn 

Ready – Set – Go!!

We hope you all are having a fabulous summer and are dreaming of the joy of a new Girl Scout year!  We have been working hard on preparing for upcoming meetings and trainings.  On August 6^th we tried our hand at our first teleconference.  I know it was a lot of information but we wanted to provide Service Unit Managers (SUMs) and Community Coordinators (CCs) information to prepare for the upcoming SU meetings as it relates to the new Service Unit structure.  Additional information on the volunteer position descriptions will be emailed to SUMs and CCs by August 17.

Important Regional Service Unit Meetings:

Monday, August 27 (Sauk Centre): Region 4 Meeting (site and time to be determined)

This meeting will provide the opportunity to learn about the 5 Basic Functions of a successful Girl Scout Service Unit Team. Let’s brainstorm and envision how we can assist each other in having strong effective Service Units for the upcoming Girl Scout year! This session is for Service Unit team members: Service Unit Managers, Membership Recruitment Chairs, Volunteer Support Chairs, Community Coordinators, Girl Scout Leadership Experience Program Chairs, Product Sales Managers, Trainers, Event Coordinators, Public Relations and Registrars.

 
Tuesday, September 11 (Morris): Region 4 Meeting (site and time to be determined)

This meeting is a duplicate of the one in Sauk Centre on the August 27.  Each Service Unit team needs to determine which date will best fit their schedules.

 
A light supper will be served at 6:15pm.  The meeting will be held from 6:30-8pm.

Service Unit Managers and Community Coordinators please visit with volunteers in your Service Unit and email the meeting date your Service Unit plans to attend along with the names of the volunteers who will be attending with you.  At the end of the meeting Service Units/communities will received their needed items for recruitment events. 

Please RSVP  by Monday, August 20^th by emailing me at lbear@gslakesandpines.org. 

Location information will be emailed to the Service Unit Managers/Community Coordinators by Wednesday, August 22.

The 2012-2013 Girl Scout year begins on October 1, 2012.   Recruitment events are held late August, September and the beginning of October.  Click here find a recruitment event near you!  Feel free to refer back to this link as additional dates will be added. 

Membership

Girl Scouts provides incredible opportunities for girls to develop qualities that will serve them all their lives. Girls develop leadership skills, lifelong friendships and earn meaningful awards. Through Girl Scout programs girls learn the importance of responsibility, goal setting, team work and flourishing in a unique, all-girl environment. Girl Scouts help girls expand their knowledge to provide opportunities that excite them and enhance their lives.  These activities may include: troop/group meetings, council programs, sports, camping, arts and crafts, money management, preparing for college, travel and making a difference in their community and world! Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

Girl Scouting is open to every girl in grades Kindergarten through 12^th grade who accepts the Girl Scout Promise and Law and pays $12 in annual membership dues.

Through Girl Scouting and the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, girls grow and learn new skills in an environment where they feel safe and accepted. Adults are trained to put the needs of girls first, develop strong girl-adult partnerships, encourage girls to share their ideas and provide mentoring, encouragement and coaching. The girl-led activities focus on learning by doing and working together. As girls mature, their level of leadership responsibility expands.

It's never too late to join Girl Scouts. A girl can join at any time of the year and at any age level. If you have questions feel free to contact me, Linda Bear, Region 4 Membership Specialist at lbear@gslakesandpines.org.

Adults are also invited to become members and volunteers. To learn more about being a volunteer contact Marge Hanson, Region 4 Volunteer Specialist at mhanson@gslakesandpines.org.

Many Ways to be a Girl Scout

Girls participate in Girl Scouting in many ways. When a girl joins, she can choose one, two, or all of these ways to participate:

• Join a troop with a group of girls her age
• Become an independent Girl Scout member and enjoy a variety of activities outside traditional troop settings
• Travel to regional, national and international destinations
• Attend Girl Scout day or resident camp
• Join a series that focus on a particular topic – careers, engineering, sports, theater, etc. – with the same group of girls
• Come to single day events and meet different girls at every one
• Experience virtual programs delivered in a secure environment  

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience engages girls to discover themselves, connect with others and take action to make the world a better place.  To check out up-coming Council programs click here.  

Are you making changes to your troop’s banking account?  Changing the signers on the account or perhaps even changing banks?  If so, please contact Carol Weis to have an updated Corporate Resolution sent to the bank.  All Girl Scout bank accounts must have at least two signers, and ALL signers must be registered adult Girl Scouts -- no exceptions. 

Please contact your Troop Leader to learn about an exciting way for your daughter to help her troop earn some money for troop activities, service projects, and much more!  The Girl Scout Fall Product Sale is a way for troops to begin their journey in becoming self-sustaining, while girls learn valuable life-time skills such as goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics.

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Join us this week for dreams to reality

Lakes & Pines Girl Scout Shops have new special gifts to honor Girl Scouts who have earned the highest awards for their age levels. Our selections include:

·          Stylish token necklace for Juniors completing the Bronze Award, $11.00

·          Frosted mug with metallic Silver Award symbol for Cadettes completing the Silver Award, $18.00

·          2½” gold medallion with symbol for Senior or Ambassadors completing the Gold Award, $19.95

See more Girl Scout Bronze, Silver and Gold award accessories, magnets, and bumper stickers at  www.gslakesandpines.org/pages/GirlScoutShop, or call and we will be happy to help you choose just the right gift. Some items available by special order only. Please allow two weeks.

Shop hotline: shoporder@gslakesandpines.org

Duluth: 218-726-4714 | 877-476-6748 (toll free)
Waite Park: 320-252-2952 x200 | 800-955-6032 (toll free)

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