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Girl Scouts of the
Northwestern Great Lakes
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Wisconsin Rapids Service Center
3910 Chestnut Street
Wisconsin Rapids,WI 54494
715.423.6360
www.gsnwgl.org
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Message from Ann
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Dear Friends and Sisters in Girl Scouting,
As we approach 100 years of service to girls, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) is in the midst of an historic transformation to modernize our iconic organization and focus on leadership development for girls in the 21st century. For the past two years, girls and adults in our region have been among thousands nationwide who voiced their opinions and shared ideas to decide the future direction of Girl Scouting. The conclusion: the organization, which since 1912 has inspired 50 million girls and women, must seize the opportunity to revitalize the Girl Scout Movement to remain compelling, contemporary and relevant to today's girls.
In August, 2006, GSUSA's National Board of Directors voted to endorse a plan to realign 312 councils into 109 higher- performance, community-based councils. The new structure will make the most effective use of resources to better serve the local community and create more opportunities in Girl Scouting for even more girls. As part of this national realignment, the Girl Scout Councils of Birch Trails (Wausau), Fox River Area (Appleton), Indian Waters (Eau Claire), Peninsula Waters (Marquette, MI) and Woodland (Wisconsin Rapids) will join together to form one new dynamic Girl Scout council, Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes (GSNWGL), serving over 24,000 girls and 6,600 volunteers throughout 58 counties. Your Association delegates voted in favor of this action on April 14, which was effective May 1.
Consequently, we bid a very fond farewell to Girl Scouts of Woodland Council this month, and welcome our new and improved family structure of GSNWGL. As the outgoing CEO, I pass the baton to a visionary and experienced colleague, Mary Charles, former CEO of Girl Scouts-Great Blue Heron Council in Waukesha.
I wish that I could write each of you a handwritten note, as this job has been a great privilege and pleasure. I have enjoyed working with all of you and have been inspired by your boundless commitment to our girls. I am grateful to have been in the company of staff and volunteers with the talent and commitment to transform our great vision into reality for the benefit of girls and the communities we serve. I am also thrilled to be able to continue the work of Girl Scouting, helping to tell our story as VP of Brand & Marketing for the new council.
From my seat, the Girl Scouts of Woodland Council has made extraordinary progress over the past six years. The board of directors, volunteers, and staff have all worked together to make tangible progress toward excellence in every sphere. The list of honorable souls here is too long to mention, and it includes many such wonderful people as you. It has been a pleasure working with everyone associated with the Girl Scouts. I have to believe that Juliette Gordon Low, our founder, would be very happy with the resurgence of being radical for the girls. No matter where or if you live in this council, you should be pleased with the Girl Scout Council's growth and continuously improving quality.
My tremendous affection for and belief in this organization is exceeded only by the privilege of working with each of you. It is in some respects not surprising to find such extraordinary individuals working in the cause of Girl Scouting, nevertheless, I could not ever have imagined working with such talented and caring people.
I know that Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes is in excellent hands. We spent the past year developing a plan that I believe positions the new council well for the future - and I am proud to have been one of the architects of that direction. I also have complete confidence in the inordinately talented group of staff and volunteers who work here and the great new Board of Directors.
I will always remember the wonderful memories I have from my time in Woodland Council, and I am anxious to create new memories and friends within Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes.
Again, I wish I could personally express my gratitude for your friendship and your support over the years. It has meant a great deal to me.
With every good wish,
Ann |
| Year-End Checklist |
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¡à Survey girls and adults as to their intent on returning to the program next year.
¡à Complete spring registration forms. Send membership forms and dues to the council office by June 30, 2008.
¡à Collect the Year-End Evaluations from your girls. Turn them in to the council office with your spring registration forms.
¡à Use the summer camp booklet (click here to download a copy) to promote summer camp to girls and troops.
¡à Plan summer fun activities for the troop.
¡à Set a date for first formal meeting after summer vacation.
¡à Plan final awards ceremony.
¡à Order all necessary insignia for your final awards ceremony. (Call the Wisconsin Rapids Service Center to order - 715.423.6360.)
¡à Write an article about your final awards ceremony and submit it along with photos to your local newspaper.
¡à Review the goals you set for yourself at the beginning of the year on the Volunteer Goals and Self-Appraisal form in your leader folder. What were the results? Complete the form and turn it in to your Membership Manager.
¡à Balance the troop bank account.
¡à Complete the Annual Troop Leader Report (Download it here - deadline June 30).
¡à Complete the Troop Finance Report (Download it here - deadline July 31).
¡à Recognize the individuals, businesses, and organizations who helped the troop during the year (sponsors, troop committee people, consultants, etc.) Send them a note or nominate them for an award (See available awards and links to forms here). Nominations are due May 31.
¡à Notify membership specialist of future intent of adults in leadership positions - staying with troop or resigning.
* * (If resigning, see next)
¡à Give all troop equipment, supplies, handbooks, Safety-Wise, records, bank accounts to new leader or Membership Manager.
If troop has bridging members:
¡à Order bridging kits for girls. (Call the Wisconsin Rapids Service Center to order - 715.423.6360.)
¡à Make plans to earn the bridging recognition.
¡à Plan bridging ceremony.
¡à If girls are bridging to new troop, notify families of their new troop, give Girl Record forms to girls' new troop leader, and transfer appropriate amount to new troop checking account.
¡à If entire troop is bridging to next level, take leader level training. (Contact membership specialist for level training options.)
If you have any questions please contact your Membership Manager. |
| GSNWGL Kick-Off Event at Lambeau Field - Saturday, June 28 |
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Pre-registration deadline has passed but you can still attend this free event - bring the whole family!
Join us!
Every Girl Scout, family and friends in the jurisdiction of the new Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes are welcome to attend! It will be a wonderful opportunity for girls from all over northern Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to meet and mingle.
This historic day will include special ceremonies, games, optional stadium and Hall of Fame tours (reduced pricing for pre-registered participants) and so much more! Entertainment will include award-winning singer/songwriter Teresa, Green Bay Stars Hmong Dance Group and Hip Hop Girls. Special guests will include GSUSA National Board Chair Patricia Diaz Dennis.
Activity Booths
Troops and groups are invited to host an activity booth at the Kick-off. The booth must be Girl Scout-related and feature a science, technology, health and fitness, nature or historical activity that the audience can participate in. No craft projects, please! Troops are responsible for their own supplies. Electricity is not available in the Atrium. For more information, please contact Anne Moody at 800.236.4475 or email her at anne@lacbaiegirlscouts.org. Scheduled booths include:
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SWAPs - Bring your own special SWAPs to trade with girls and troops from throughout our new council!
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Army Reserve 432nd - Visit this booth to write cards and letters to the troops overseas. They will also be collecting items for troops such as Power Bars, shampoo and movies.
Transportation
Woodland has reserved coach buses to transport troops and families from points in our jurisdiction. For information download the form here or contact the Wisconsin Rapids Service Center - 715.423.6360. Also, a subsidy will be available for full buses travelling 150 or more miles each way to the event. Click here for the form to submit for reimbursement.
Questions?
If you have any questions about the event please visit the GSNWGL Kick-Off website or call the Green Bay Service Center at 800-236-4475.
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2008 Girl Scout National Council Session /
51st Convention |
In just a few months, thousands of Girl Scout members will gather in Indianapolis for open, direct conversation and important action as we collectively write the next chapter of our Movement. The meeting design will encourage wide-ranging discussion of issues that matter most, with six proposals slated for consideration. Click here to view the proposals and their rationale, and click here to see the nominees for the National Board of Directors. This is your opportunity to engage in truly meaningful and historic conversation, not only about these proposals, but about the future of Girl Scouting. Please send your feedback and suggestions to feedback@gsnwgl.org. Your input will be forwarded to the national delegate from your area. Seventeen delegates have been elected to represent each geographic region of Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, Inc.
The 2008 Girl Scout National Council Session/51st Convention will take place October 30 - November 2, 2008 in Indianapolis, Indiana. This event only happens every three years and is the largest event on the Girl Scout calendar, with particularly historic importance this year. Please click here for more information.
Registered Girl Scout members are welcome to attend the Convention as official visitors. Please click here for more information, including requirements and costs. For questions about attending as a visitor please contact Joan Thibaudeau at jthibaudeau@gsnwgl.org or 800.236.4475.
The Convention will be preceded by the Girl Scout Leadership Institute (GSLI), formerly the Girl Congress, offering teen girls an amazing chance to raise their voices and share what matters to them most. This helps us know how Girl Scouting can best meet their needs. Girls and adults are welcome to attend GSLI. If interested please contact Rachel Setliff at 800.236.4475. Financial Aid is available for the registration fee; transportation, hotel and extra food expense are the participant's responsibility. Cookie Dough/Credits can also be used. Contact Rachel for more information. |
| Updates |
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Spring Register!
Spring registration packets were at April leader appreciation events and are still available- call your membership specialist if you have not received yours. Spring registration makes a lot of sense. When you know how many girls you will have, you can plan better for the upcoming troop year. Plus! Everyone who registers by June 30, 2008 will receive a free spring registration patch!
Adult Recognitions
Don't forget to submit your nominations by May 31. Click here for a list of recognitions and links to download forms.
Council Store Updates
The end of the troop year is fast approaching! Please make sure your troop accounts are paid in full. We cannot mail any store orders without first receiving payment, so please plan accordingly.
Spring Association Meeting
The spring association meeting was Monday, April 14. The meeting agenda included nominations for delegates for the National Convention and votes on the merger, the new articles of incorporation, and the new bylaws. At the meeting, our board and delegates voted in favor of our merger. As of May 1 we officially became Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, Inc. Be sure to keep checking the website (and watch for the new site to debut this summer) to stay up on all the latest news about Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes, Inc.
Hugs!
As a new council, GSNWGL will also have a new Hugs patch! You will find a picture of this patch on the letter to the parents in the registration packet. Please read through the Hugs! materials in that packet. If you have any questions, contact your Membership Manager or the service center at 715.423.6360. Thank you for encouraging our families to give to Hugs! and encourage them to check with their employers about matching gift programs.
GSWC's Hugs! Family Kalahari Get Away!
Crystal Glodowski, Girl Scout mom of Ellie Glodowski, says she wanted Ellie to be in Girl Scouts because she knew it would help her become more open and build her confidence. Ellie is a Daisy and attends Woodside School in Wisconsin Rapids. She loves patches! Crystal was a Girl Scout and knows the value of Girl Scouts. The Glodowski family are the winners of our Drawing for the Hugs! Family Kalahari Get Away!
Thank you to all of our families who have contributed to the Hugs! Family Partnership Campaign. Your support helps to make the Girl Scouting experience complete for our girls.
Camping For A Cause - THANK YOU!
We received decade baskets from our Service Units and many troops have made donations as well. They were WONDERFUL! This was a great Fundraising Event for our Camp needs! We raised over $3,000 and received several donated items our Camp needs. Thank you for helping to make this event a success!
4th Annual Girl Scout Week Contest Winners
Thank you to all troops that did something special during Girl Scout Week! On April 14 the GSWC board of directors, as one of their final official tasks, voted for the winners of the 4th Annual Girl Scout Week Contest. The following winners should expect to receive their certificates in the mail soon!
- Community Involvement Award: Tie between Troop 10 of Wisconsin Rapids and Troop 168 of Almond! Troop 10 worked together to sew a large quilt with a 'brotherhood and sisterhood' theme. They then donated the quilt to King's Veterans Home where it is now on display and the troop regularly visits the residents of the home. The Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune covered the story when the troop donated the quilt. The girls of Troop 168 wore their Girl Scout uniforms to school each day during Girl Scout Week and invited fellow troops and the public to participate in a food drive for the Salvation Army. They also organized a 'Green Mile' where they attempted to line downtown Almond with a mile of Girl Scout supporters. Coverage of the event ran in the ?Waushara Argus and Portage County Gazette. Congratulations to both Troop 10 and Troop 168!
- Media Impact Award: Troop 221 of Amherst. The girls of Troop 221 made signs and posters that were displayed all over town. They also wrote several articles for the local paper, Our Community Spirit, and filmed several television spots that aired on March 12. The segments included interviews with girls, parents and leaders, as well as a special "Happy Birthday Girl Scouts" piece. Congratulations, Troop 221!
- Overall Winner: Troop 69 of Plover. The girls of Troop 69 were busy every day during Girl Scout Week! Their activities included helping at the Riverbend Girl Scout Pancake Breakfast; making Easter baskets and delivering them to the Family Crisis Center; donating gifts while visiting and decorating Whispering Pines Assisted Living facility; having a Girl Scout Birthday Party; volunteering at the Portage County Humane Society; and making desserts for and serving at Hope Center. They also made posters that hung throughout downtown Stevens Point, toured and recorded public service announcements at a local radio station, and invited Wausau television stations to cover their activities during the week. Wow - congratulations, Troop 69! You will receive a weekend at Camp Sacajawea that includes a pizza party for the girls and leaders along with a program box filled with things to do at camp!
GSNWGL Girl Scout Cookie Program
In mid-March, every registered family was mailed a letter regarding next year's Girl Scout Cookie program. Highlights included:
- The six merging councils weren't consistent with their product program schedules
- The Council Realignment Committee, made up of volunteers and staff, formed a task group, also made up of volunteers and staff, to look at all product programs from many angles
- The task group collected information and gathered input from volunteers, staff and board members, and saw presentations from both cookie bakers
- The task group recommended to the CRC that the timing of product programs be: Fall - QSP magazines and Ashdon Farms Nuts and Candies; and Spring - Girl Scout Cookie Program
- The CRC then made the same recommendation to the Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes CEO Mary Charles
- Further decisions - such as the baker and specific dates of the programs - will be made by Mary Charles and the new board of directors
- All members will be notified after further decisions are made
Thank you for sharing your valuable input and thoughts during the decision-making process. Please contact the Service Center if you have any questions or for more information.
Program and Summer Camp Updates
- Council-sponsored programs have wrapped up for the school year. Check out the many summer camp opportunities available here!
- 3rd Annual Camp Sacajawea Rummage & Craft Sale
Save the Date: May 31 & June 1
Your troop can get involved with our event in the following ways:
-Have a craft table. Troops will be able to keep their
profits. (A $10 donation to camp is requested - No Daisy troops
please.) Registrations due May 23.
-Work in the kitchen selling food
-Volunteer to refold clothes, re-sort items, or be extra
hands for customers
* We are in need of donated rummage sale items: You may bring in your donations during business hours (8:30-5). All proceeds will go towards buying new camp supplies.With the money raised last year, we bought items for our newly remodeled Nature Center and for our Athletic Shack.Please call or email if you're interested in helping out with the craft tables, games, greeters, or kitchen. Thank you for your support!
- 2008 Teen Banquet
The Girl Scouts of Woodland Council held the 2008 Teen Banquet on Sunday May 4 at Memories Ballroom in Plover. The Banquet honored 15 Silver Award Recipients, 13 Gold Award Recipients, 19 Graduating Seniors, and 19 Leadership Challenge Award recipients. The following scholarships were also awarded: Jennifer Lamermayer received the Debus Memorial Scholarship and Anna Jankowski and April Walker both received the Girl Scouts of Woodland Council Alumni Scholarship. The Red Carpet theme, table favors, and centerpieces were all designed by teen girls attending the Teen Stars overnight programs. Thank you to all of the parents, leaders, staff, and community members who helped make the 2008 Teen Banquet a huge success. Congratulations to all of our Graduating Seniors and Award Recipients.
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Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.
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