URGENT WEATHER ALERT

Due to the concerns about the weather – GSNCA is not going to open the shops tomorrow. They will honor the 15% Monday – Friday of next week.

In addition, they are going to cancel PA training scheduled for tomorrow. A date to reschedule will be sent out next week.

The Great Get-Away Weekend Wagon Train is a comin' fast and you gotta git up and git registered for this chance to meet other Alabama troop leaders and git some training.

To sign up for this Rip Roarin' time at Camp Coleman (April 30-May 2) email Joan Page at jjpage@bellsouth.net for registration materials. YOu won't want to miss this event!

It's Your Game, Play It!

(via GSUSA's Blog)

Girl Scout Journey "It's Your Planet—Love It!" now lives online as an awesome game! Girl Scouts of the USA has launched a national campaign with information, games and eye-catching interactive activities that we hope everyone will enjoy. Check it out!

Boy Scout Disasters

Check out the Alabama Boy Scouts disaster training weekend video.

Girl Scouts Rock Science At World Robotics Competition

(via GSUSA's Blog)

Central Florida News 13 reports on Robo Chicas Las Latinas - a team of Girl Scouts that participated in The FIRST Lego League Championship, April 15 through 17, 2010 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. More than 10,000 young people competed with 500 robots on six fields, while teams meet and work in the pits. Girl Scouts has more than 800 girls who participate in FIRST Events nationwide. Awesome!

This year, we had 5 teams attending, 4 of which competed. LOL Comets from Girl Scouts of Greater LA competed with Team Robo Chicas in The FIRST Lego League, while two teams -- Rock ‘n Roll Robots from Girl Scouts of Greater LA and Techno Chix from Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson -- competing in the FIRST Tech Challenge.

NY Times + Girl Scouts

(via GSUSA's blog)

Head over to The New York Times and check out a fantastic article about Girl Scouting in New York City successfully branching out in the private school sector. The article states that at New York’s elite schools, membership in the youngest Girl Scouts troops more than doubled this year. The push has paid off in increased membership, prestige and visibility for the Girl Scouts, and has also produced a dividend - In New York, cookie sales are up 11 percent so far this year.

Check out these Fun Patches!

GSNCA has a whole bunch of new fun patches to recognize your girls' experiences. Check 'em out!

Great Alabama Camping Option

Vestavia Troops 145 (Juniors) and 27 (Brownies) recently spent the weekend camping at Cathedral Caverns, north of Guntersville. We took 32 girls, parents and siblings and as you'll see from the video -- WE HAD A BLAST!

Girl Scout Camping /Troops 145 & 27 from Stasi Bara on Vimeo.

Some things to know about the location:

1. the Cavern is beautiful! It's got some of the largest formations in the world - quite impressive!

2. the campground is unimproved, meaning it's equipped only with fire circles and a porta potty. BUT, it's one of the cleanest porta potties I've ever seen (or smelled).

3. the campground is very affordable -- just $1/per person a night. They offer group rates into the Cavern too: $5/kid and $8/adult.

Feel free to email me (tanya_ott@yahoo.com) if you've got questions about the facilities, how we planned our food, or the educational activities we held for the girls (i.e. knot tying, star gazing, first aid, fire safety, hiking --- they earned several badges while there!).

Cookie Caravan Contest -- and other yummy things...

(via blog.girlscouts.com)

The Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama recently held a "Cookie Caravan Contest". All troops in the ares were invited to decorate their car, truck, or van for booth sales and submit a picture. First place winner was Troop 8492, second place went to Troop 8318, and third place to Troop 8308 - Congrats to all! See more on GSSA's Blog.

Other food-related happenings around the country:

If you are in the Reno, NV, area - definitely check out an approaching Girl Scout Chili Cook Off. More than just a cook off, the fun filled event has a craft fair with plenty of gift items for shoppers and for the kids, a mini carnival is being held. All proceeds go to help fund a trip in August the scouts will be taking to The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.


Down South, Applebee’s restaurants in North Carolina, Oklahoma and Arkansas, is proud to partner with Girl Scouts Hornets Nest Council to host a Flapjack Fundraiser on Saturday, April 17, 2010. All proceeds raised will support the organization’s service unit. Yummy - for more info, go here.

Eastern Missouri Girl Scouts Aim to Collect One-Million Personal Care Items

(via blog.girlscouts.org)



One-Million is a huge number, but according to The St. Louis Globe-Democrat, local Girl Scouts plan to collect more than one million personal care items for local families and individuals in need during Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s 13th annual April Showers Personal Care Item Drive. For three days – April 9, 10 and 11 – Girl Scout troops will be delivering bright green April Showers bags to area homes. On Saturday, April 17, Girl Scouts will return to collect the bags filled with new, unused personal care items. Individuals who miss the collection day or wish to contribute additional items may deliver these to any Dierbergs Market in Missouri April 15 through May 1. Needed items include soap, shampoo, toilet paper, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, feminine hygiene products, facial tissue, disposable diapers, baby wipes and first aid supplies. Marcia Barber, CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri said:

“Try to imagine what life would be like without toilet paper, shampoo and
toothbrushes... These items are important not only for cleanliness and good
health, but for positive self-esteem and a sense of well being. And these items
cannot be purchased with food stamps.”

Girl Scouts’ April Showers program provides 99 percent of all personal care items distributed in our region, according to Operation Food Search. If you are in Eastern Missouri and wish to participate - definitely go here for more information. Are there similar drives held in your communities? Let us know.

Congresswoman Secures $300K for GSUSA’s Financial Literacy Program

(via blog.girlscouts.org)

Yesterday in Astoria, Queens (NYC), Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney (D-Queens/Manhattan) announced that she had successfully secured $305,875 for the Girl Scouts of the USA’s Financial Literacy Program - which aims to create a comprehensive, effective and universal initiative to help girls better manage their finances. Representative Maloney made the announcement at her District Office in Astoria, where she was joined by Denise Pesich, Vice President for Communications of the Girls Scouts of the USA; Pat Stensrud, Chair of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York; and area Girl Scout leaders and members from Troops 4192, 4566 and 4567 in western Queens. On the importance of the Financial Literacy Program, Maloney said:

“The Girl Scouts are an extraordinarily effective and inspirational organization that was founded to give girls an opportunity to develop self-reliance and resourcefulness. In today's world, we understand that one of the most important skills girls can learn is financial self-reliance... I am proud to announce that
the Congress of the United States has appropriated $305,875 to create a
comprehensive, effective and universal financial literacy program for 2.6
million Girl Scouts of all ages. Girls who go through this program will learn
the tools they need to succeed. As important as it is to learn how to light a
one-match fire, it is far more important to learn how to open a bank account,
balance a check book and save for the future.”

Girl Scouts of the USA is in the process of updating and expanding its financial literacy programming for 3.6 million Girl Scouts of all ages. With the $305,875 secured by Congresswoman Maloney, Girl Scouts plans to create cutting-edge technologies, digital enhancements and other online tools to develop girls’ financial literacy. Future plans also include the creation of a nation-wide network of mentors, coaches, guides, experts who serve as role-models for girls and help them “learn by doing;” DVDs, training modules and other tools for parents, leaders, and other volunteers; and funding for local councils to deliver programming to girls, develop mentorship opportunities with local prominent businesswomen, and other activities.

Girl Scouts of the USA's Chief Executive Officer Kathy Cloninger said:

“Girl Scouts of the USA applauds Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney for supporting our financial literacy efforts... Congresswoman Maloney recognizes that being financially savvy is one of the important areas for girls on the road to success. By supporting Girl Scouts’ financial literacy and entrepreneurial efforts, she’s empowering the next generation of young leaders.”

This Just In: Lilith Fair Coming to Birmingham!

Does your daughter love music like mine do??!? Let her see some of the top female musicians in the country. It's just been announced that Lilith Fair is coming to Birmingham.

Volunteer Appreciation Week at the Council Shop

April 18th - 24th is Volunteer Appreciation Week at the GSNCA shop. You can celebrate your adult volunteers by giving them patches and other gifts to recognize their contributions to your troop. Check out this cool stuff!

Thursday, April 22th, is Leader Appreciate Day and you'll get a discount on all purchases.

500 Adult Volunteers Needed: Project Homeless Connect

This Saturday, April 10 marks the 3rd Annual Birmingham Project Homeless Connect (PHC). If Project Homeless Connect is new to you, check out the PHC Video from 2008.

Project Homeless Connect is an innovative, one day event that links people experiencing homeless with much needed services. HOB volunteers serve as guides to help guests navigate the array of services. Services may include housing, medical and dental services, identification services, veterans' services, legal, employment services, pet care and haircuts...along with much more.

PHC still needs at least 500 more volunteers (age 18+). For more information on volunteer opportunities or to register,please click here..

Two shifts are availble and you are welcome to volunteer for longer if you want. Volunteers will receive lunch.

If you have ANY questions, call Hands on Birmingham at 251-5849 or email info@handsonbirmingham.org.

Scout Updates from Around the Country

In Ohio, The Marion Star reports that Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland Council hosted its first Dazzling Desserts event recently - The evening featured dessert creations from seven area dessert artists, dinner and live and silent auctions. Yum!

In Alaska, The Kodiak Daily Mirror has a cool story about the Girl Scouts’ Women of Science Day at Kodiak College.

Girl Scout Melissa Toscano of Greenwood Lake, NY, received her Gold Award at the Heart of the Hudson Girl Scout Gold Award Ceremony last month. Read about her project here.

The Wisconsin Rapids Tribune reports, "Girl Scout camp: Affordable and priceless".

In Arizona, Ahwatukee Girl Scouts assembled Easter baskets for 704 youngsters. Read about it in Arizona Central.

Great Get-Away for Leaders

A Cowgirl Rodeo The Great Get-Away * Camp Coleman * April 30, May 1-2, 2010

This is an annual Wayfarer sponsored event just for registered Adult Members of Girl Scouts - Women and Men - to "get away from it all" through fun and friendship. We will have traditional camp activities such as hiking, singing, games, crafts and a campfire. Need a rationale to attend this fun weekend? Council led training will be available - Leadership Essentials and CPR Certification. There will be informative Enrichment Workshops. THIS WEEKEND IS FOR YOU - to relax and learn new things.

Many leaders have attended year after year and continue to find new ideas to use with their Troops and have made lasting friendships. However, you do not have to have a Troop to attend and join in the fun! During the weekend you will be exposed to the Camp Coleman Experience and get the opportunity to exchange ideas with Leaders throughout the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama Council.

Friday Night we will get to know each other at our Gettin’ to Know You Hoedown. Come dressed in your favorite Western Wear and have a Rooten’ Tooten’ time. Maybe, you could win a coveted “Trudy” (awards given throughout the weekend).

Saturday you can attend Training, Enrichment Workshops or you can just relax, read a book or take a nap.

Saturday evening we will have a Chuck Wagon – sharing skills in fire building, outdoor cooking, campfire songs & outdoor games. After dinner we will have our annual "Green Neck Ceremony".

Sunday morning will begin with breakfast and a Scouts Own. After enjoying a weekend full of Surprises, Skills and Sharing we will bid each other “Happy Trails”.


ACCOMMODATIONS & EQUIPMENT NEEDED
Cowgirls and Cowboys will be housed at Camp Gertrude Coleman in Trussville, Alabama. Units are cabins with a central bathhouse and lodges with facilities attached. The accommodations are provided at no cost to you. Meals will be prepared and served on site. Coleman is a camp facility, so we recommend that comfortable clothing and shoes be worn throughout the weekend. A jacket is recommended, as nights can be cool. A flashlight is needed in the evenings. A sleeping bag/bedroll and personal linens are required. We also recommend that you bring the following items: Snack for "Friendship Table" (optional); Tape player-to record songs and a lawn/folding chair.

ENRICHMENT WORKSHOPS

Introduction to Horseback Riding: This workshop allows you the opportunity to ride a horse and see what it will be like for your Troop members. This is a rare opportunity for adults. Closed toe and closed heel shoes are required for EVERYONE who enters the barn area. You should wear long pants, t-shirt and socks. Riding is independent - you will not be led. Therefore, shoes or boots with a SMOOTH, HARD sole and a small heel are REQUIRED, NO tennis shoes. This workshop does not qualify you to instruct or lead a group in Horseback Riding. Space Limited -register early!

Introduction to Archery: This workshop allows you to learn the basics of archery and see what it will be like for your Troop to participate in thisactivity. This workshop does not qualify you to instruct or lead a group in Archery. Space Limited-register early!

Introduction to Riflery: This workshop allows you to learn the basics of Riflery and see what it will be like for your Troop to participate in this activity. This workshop does not qualify you to instruct or lead a group in Riflery. Space Limited-register early!

Trailblazing/Wild Flower Walk: You will take a hike on Coleman Trails led by an expert in Wild Flowers and discover the beautiful flora and fauna that is ours to enjoy in Alabama in early May. Painting for Fun: Learn the simple techniques to teach your Scouts how to paint a picture on canvas boards. Materials will be provided. If you have paint brushes that you like to use, bring them with you.

T-Shirt Making: Learn the techniques to teach your Scouts T-shirt artwork. Applications could include appliqué, stencil, tie-dye and sandpaper & crayon. Bring 3 plain, any color T-Shirts to the workshop, all other materials will be provided. Simple

Weaving: Like pioneer women, learn the techniques of weaving to teach your Scouts. Could include paper weaving (great for sit-upons), finger weaving, loom weaving, braided technique or basket weaving. Materials will be provided.

Chuck Wagon: Just like being on a Wagon Train, we will work together to prepare our evening meal. You will be introduced to outdoor skills, learn songs, outdoor games/activities. Note: In the event that a workshop does not have a minimum of 6 participants sign up, the workshop could be canceled. You will be notified if such an event occurs so that you can choose another workshop. So, Register early!

On Saturday Evening after the Campfire, we will have “Girl Scouts Together”. This is a time where we reflect on the day’s events, finish any projects not completed in workshops, eat snacks from the “friendship table” and spend time getting to know each other better. During the weekend you will notice Wayfarers wearing chambray shirts that they have painted with Girl Scout Themes. Annually we use this time to add to our shirts. If you wish, bring a shirt, we will provide the supplies.

CAMP GERTRUDE COLEMAN
4010 CAMP COLEMAN ROAD
TRUSSVILLE, AL 35127
Emergency Number: 205-655-3782

1-59 to Exit 143 (Deerfoot Parkway) Left on Deerfoot; 1.5 miles to US Highway 11. Cross US 11 straight to Camp Coleman road; go 1.3 miles. Camp Coleman sign to right, follow detour signs to back entrance of camp. Follow camp road - bearing to your right - passing the barn and many camp units until you come to the parking lot.

Complete the registration form and mail with fees to:

Kim DeSimone
328 Palace Drive
Trussville, AL 35173

Make checks payable to: WAYFARERS Fees are non-refundable. Pre-registration is mandatory for meal & workshop planning.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Friday, April 23, 2010

- - - - -cut - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - cut- - - - -

Registration Form * A Cowgirl Rodeo * THE GREAT GET-AWAY 2010
NAME:________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS (INCLUDE ZIP CODE):____________________________________________________________________________________________ DAY/EVENING/CELL PHONE:________________________________________________________________________________________ SERVICE UNIT/TROOP/AGE LEVEL:___________________________________________________________________________________ E-MAIL:_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ DIETARY/SPECIAL NEEDS:_________________________________________________________________________________________ EMERGENCY CONTACT/PHONE:_____________________________________________________________________________________ Please check your choices - 1 workshop per time period. Cost associated with each workshop helps to pay for supplies, camp staff & equipment.
MORNING 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p..m. Leadership Essentials: $0 _____
OR
9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Intro. Horseback Riding $6______ Intro. Archery $3______ T-Shirts $4______
10:45 a.m. - 12:15p.m.
Intro. Horseback Riding $6______ Intro to Riflery $3 ______ Simple Weaving $3______
Please check meals you plan to attend.
Friday dinner $6______ Saturday breakfast $6______ Saturday lunch $6______
AFTERNOON 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. CPR T raining $10______
OR
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Intro. Horseback Riding $6______ Painting for Fun $4______ Trailblazing/Wildflower Walk $0______
4:15 p.m. thru Campfire
Chuck Wagon $7______ (includes dinner)
Saturday dinner Sunday breakfast $6______
$6______ (included w/ Chuck Wagon)
TOTAL FEES ENCLOSED $_________

Kids Cafe!

Help Needed at Rocky Mountain Day Camp

(forwarding this from Trista Cooper)


Hello leaders,

We are currently in need of one more volunteer for Rocky Mountain Day Camp. If you or one of your parents are interested please let me know ASAP.

Archery Instructor: We need a volunteer who is (or is willing to be) certified as an Archery Instructor. The commitment for RMDC has traditionally been Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, but we are open to altering that schedule as long as 18 sessions are offered during the week. The training for being certified is Saturday, April 24, 2010, from 9AM to 6PM at KPC.

RMDC has agreed to pay the $35 certification fee so you don’t have to, however we need a commitment no later than this Monday (4/12/10), especially if you have children who need to attend camp.

Thank you so much for your help. Remember we can’t run Rocky Mountain Day Camp without our amazing volunteers!





Trista Cooper

Community Development Manager

Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama

105 Heatherbrooke Park Drive

Birmingham, AL 35242-8008

Phone: 205 980 4750 or 800 734 4541 ext. 120

Fax: (205) 980-4753

tcooper@girlscoutsnca.org

Visit us at www.girlscoutsnca.org

URGENT: Bring Back Camp Coleman's Bridge!

(information forwarded from Laura Elliott, Camp Coleman director)

An informational meeting concerning the bridge at Camp Coleman will be held this evening, April 5, at 6:00 PM at Bluff Park United Methodist Church. This is very important.

Background: For 85 years, the Girl Scout council has partnered with communities across the state to provide outdoor education programs at Camp Coleman for thousands of campers every year. Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama remains steadfastly committed to providing this important service to the community.

On May 11, 2007, county bridge inspectors closed the wooden bridge at our main entrance- and the only way to access our property at the time- citing structural concerns. The bridge has now been closed for almost 3 years. At this time, the ONLY access to Camp Coleman is by a provisional easement granted temporarily by the City of Trussville.

The closing of the bridge has significantly impacted the Girl Scouts’ ability to provide quality services to girls and their families. Prior to the closing of the bridge in 2007, Camp Coleman routinely provided outdoor program opportunities to over 15,000 visitors per year. After the bridge was closed, some programs were eliminated and the capacity of others reduced in order to maintain safe conditions for participants. In spite of these challenges, Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama remains committed to providing quality outdoor experiences at Camp Coleman.


Commissioner Bobby Humphryes' office has confirmed he will attend tonight's meeting. As Commissioner for District 3 and the Commissioner responsible for Roads & Transportation in Jefferson County, Commissioner Humphryes’ support is vital to replace our bridge. To voice your support of Girl Scouts and Camp Coleman and to show your support for the replacement of the bridge, please attend the meeting and signthe online petition .

Replacement of the main entrance bridge with a new, safe structure will:

• ensure that Girl Scouts are able to continue to offer these important services to the community

• benefit thousands of children being served at Camp Coleman

• restore access to adequately support the high-volume traffic of vehicles passing through year-round without impacting the activities

Time is of the essence, as Girl Scouts is in the process of planning Camp Coleman’s 85th anniversary, October 9, 2010. The future of the services being offered at Camp Coleman depend upon the security and proper access provided through the replacement of the bridge.

Thank you!! If you have any questions about issues resulting from closure of the bridge, please call Laura Elliott, Camp Coleman’s onsite Director, at (205) 655-3782 or lelliott@girlscoutsnca.org.


Sincerely,
Laura Elliott
Camp Director
Camp Coleman www.girlscoutsnca.org
(205)655-3782 toll free (866)882-3572
Camp Coleman is owned an operated by Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama and provides a variety of innovative programs that build courage, confidence, and character.


Join us on Facebook!!!! Please become a "fan" of Camp Coleman on Facebook and ask all your Facebook Friends to do the same. The latest news, events, and camp updates will be posted on our Facebook page regularly. Use this link to access our page.

GSNCA Weekly Program Updates

Want to know what's new or changed in GSNCA? Here are your weekly updates.

Details for Service Unit Weekend

The “Movers and Shakers” Service Area Weekend at Camp Coleman is just around the corner! (April 9-11) Cabin assignments and activity schedules are below. Here are links to a map of Coleman and cabin descriptions.

A few things to remember:

· You MUST bring a roster of all girls and adults participating in any of the weekend activities (name and phone number).

· Each unit has parking space for two cars. If you have more than that, please move cars to the parking lot after unloading. DO NOT park on the roadway--Coleman will contact the police.

· The only meal provided is Saturday lunch for those who registered for it. Remember to plan for all other meals on your own.

· Refrigerators are available only at Pinetree, Sherwood, and Daisy, so plan accordingly.

· Showers are available in the main bathhouse, but not at most of the units, so you may want to discourage the girls from showering.

· Campfire is at 7:30 Friday night. We’ll be sharing songs and skits!

· Things will kick off Saturday morning with a flag ceremony at 8:45.

· There will be time to exchange SWAPs after lunch. If your girls are participating, they should each bring about a dozen SWAPs.


Packing List

Overnight campers:
Sleeping bag
Pillow
Toiletries
Pajamas
Towel
Flashlight
Change of clothes
Nighttime snack

All Campers:
Bandana or hat
Bug spray/Sunscreen
Closed toe shoes (not Crocs)
Socks that cover ankles
Water shoes or Crocs for troops canoeing/kayaking
Water bottle
Jacket and/or poncho


Optional Items
Camera
Snacks
Extra shirt (just in case…)

Troops should have a first aid kit and roster of all girls attending. And most importantly, let’s all obey the Girl Scout Laws and bring our Girl Scout Smiles!!!



Schedule of Activities

Saturday, April 10
Troop#/Level # Girls 9-10 10-11 11-12 12-1 1-2 2-3 3-4
62/D-K 10 HR C1 P L C2 -- --
290/D-1st 9 C1 P C2 L HR -- --
286/B-2nd 7 A HR H L P C2 C1
796/B-2nd 11 C2 A C1 L H P HR
419/B-3rd 7 H C2 HR L A C1 P
291/B-3rd 6 P H A L C1 HR C2
35/J-4th 8 H H -- L HI HI HI
715/J-4th 11 HS HS HS L C2 C2 C2
451/J-4th 8 C2 C2 -- L HS HS HS
136/J-4th 12 LR LR R L C1 C1 C1
67/J-4th 8 -- C1 C1 L R A CW
141/J-5th 3 -- -- H L HI HI HI
130/C-6th 4 -- R -- L H CW A
251-70/C-7th 8 C1 -- C2 L HS HS HS

Sunday, April 11
Troop # # Girls 9-10 10-11 11-12
35 8 CW K R
715 11 LR LR --
451 8 R CW K
136 12 HS HS HS
251/70 8 -- R A


HR = Hayride LR = Low Ropes
P = Ponies HI = High Ropes
C1 = Craft 1 (Memory Shelter) CW = Climbing Wall
C2 = Craft 2 (Robinhood deck) K = Kayaks
H = Hike (Fairy Rock Trailhead) R = Riflery
A = Archery HS = Horses
L = Lunch



SAW 2010 Cabin Assignments

Troop Total # of campers Nights staying Cabins
796 19 F Pinetree
291 6 F Daisy
419 12 F Sherwood
35 12 F & S Adirondacks
67 12 F Virginia
451 10 F & S Virginia
715 15 S Dogwood
136 15 F & S Merry Men
141 4 F Adirondacks
130 6 F Dogwood
133 6 F Dogwood
251/70 11 F & S Older Girl Unit

Youth Service Summer Camps!!!

Many of you are looking for service-oriented opportunities for your kids for the summer. Here are some options (below). If you know of others we should list, please forward the info to tanya_ott@yahoo.com. Thanks!

YouthServe is the largest youth service organization in Birmingham bringing youth, ages 13-18 from all walks of life and from all over Birmingham together to participate in community service and social change. YouthServe hosts monthly Saturday workdays, summer camps and teaches a service learning curriculum in area schools.

At YouthServe, we believe EVERYONE can make a difference if given the proper tools. And we don't believe in focusing on just one community service area. We do all kinds of projects: everything from creating community gardens to tutoring children to clearing vacant lots to building affordable housing to speaking out in support of public transportation to building community across neighborhoods to delivering fresh fruit and vegetables to the homebound. You name it, we have probably done it.



The Exceptional Foundation is looking for volunteers aged 16+. Through the use of sports, games, activities, arts-and-crafts, and field trips, The Exceptional Foundation helps its participants achieve a higher level of confidence and gives the participants the opportunity to lead a more “normal” life. The activities that participants at The Exceptional Foundation engage themselves in are fun and entertaining, but the ultimate goal of any sport, craft, or field trip is to teach the participants social skills and cognitive skills, thus enabling the participants to attain the greatest level of independence that they have known.

Girl Scouts can learn "The Roots of Rock 'n' Roll"

UAB’s Alys Stephens Center will present an original ASC Kids’ Club performance, “The Roots of Rock ’n’ Roll,” with shows at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 17 at the center, 1200 10th Ave. South. Tickets are $8. Call 205-975-2787 or go to www.AlysStephens.org. Children can come dressed as a favorite rock ’n’ roll performer for a costume contest after each show.

Join the ASC Kids’ Club on an interactive, musical journey through time to explore the sounds that inspired musicians to create rock ’n’ roll. ASC Kids’ Club artist and singer/songwriter/guitarist/actor Ron Bourdages will lead a band of local performers, including Karen Kendrick on keyboards, Bill Thomas on bass, Kimberly Kirklin and Heath Mixon on vocals and others. This fun, educational performance includes musical favorites for all ages and original songs sure to have everyone singing.

The show will start from the earliest days of rock ’n’ roll and will feature an original song, “The Homework Blues,” written especially for kids to sing. The audience will learn how blues merged with country music to make rock ’n’ roll, and a surprise guest artist will make an appearance as a country singer. “The Roots of Rock ’n’ Roll” also will feature segments on Elvis and his influence, The Beatles and the British invasion, Detroit and Motown and more. The children will sing along to a Motown song and “Circle of Life” from “The Lion King.” On the journey the performers will show children how rock ’n’ roll has influenced modern music and how it is still evolving. After the concert, children can have their picture taken with the performers.

April 1 Leader Meeting

If you missed the April 1st SMSU Leader Meeting, here's what you missed:

1. The Leader Connection has several new girl activities and information on adult training and recognition programs.

2. GSNCA is forming a WAGGGS Interest Group to develop Council programs to educate our membership on WAGGGS. Adults & high school girls who’re interested can contact Rhonda Lambert, rlambert@girlscoutsnca.org.

3. April 1 is the first day of the Family Giving Campaign. Service Units that have 100% Troop participation are entered into a drawing for a free 2-day stay at camp for their entire service unit

4. April 22 & 24th are Leader/Volunteer Appreciation Days at the council shop. You get a 15% discount.

5. April 1 – May 31 is Early Bird Registration. Contact Trista Cooper (tcooper@girlscoutsnca.org) for registration paperwork.

6. The Program Calendar for 2010-2011 year will be available on the GSNCA web site in May.

7. May 15th is the 1st meeting of GSNCA Girl Congress. All girls in grades 9-12 are welcome. For more information and to RSVP, email Rhonda Lambert (rlambert@girlscoutsnca.org) by May 10th.

8. The Council is forming older girl email/texting data base. Send contact info to Debbie Lebron at dlebron@girlscoutsnca.org

9. June 15th – Troop Financial Reports due to Trista.

10. Rocky Mountain Day Camp -- registration opens in a couple weeks. They're still looking for volunteer leaders. Contact Joan Page at jjpage@bellsouth.net

11. Service Unit Weekend is next week. Got questions about activities? facilities? Contact Carolyn Porter at portneme@bellsouth.net.

12. We're starting a "Resource Box" where you can donate things you don't need/use. This could be arts & craft supplies, badge and leader books that your troop has outgrown, extra patches/badges/membership stars/uniform components that you don't need. Feel free to donate and take from the box at each meeting.

13. Court of Awards -- we're planning a service unit wide Court of Awards for May (date TBD). This catered event will give troops a chance to award daisy petals, brownie tryits, junior badges, etc and younger girls can see older girls receive their bronze, silver and gold awards. Details coming soon.

14. Peter Pan Project -- in June we're bringing a theatre group to St. Marks UMC to perform for the SMSU girl scouts. The play is written by a young woman from Birmingham (a recent ASFA graduate) and the actors are also young women from Birmingham. After the performance we'll have a Q&A session during which girl scouts can ask the actors and writer/director about performing in theatre and what it takes to plan and execute a project like this.

Alabama Girl Scouts Recognize Women of Distinction

(via blog.girlscouts.org)

The Gadsden Times is reporting that The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama will recognize nine outstanding women Thursday at their East Alabama Women of Distinction Luncheon at Jacksonville State University’s Leone Cole Coliseum. The luncheon will pay tribute to women in St. Clair, Talladega, Etowah, Calhoun, Cherokee, Cleburne, Clay and Randolph counties who have made special contributions to their community through civic, academic or professional involvement.


This year’s honorees are Marie Akin, senior vice president, Exchange Bank of Alabama; Betty Carr, civic leader; Tina Gregerson, owner and CEO, Personnel Staffing Inc.; Joyce Hughes, medical staff credentialing coordinator, HealthSouth; Christie King-Ray, president, C King Benefits Auction; Carol Pappas, former editor and publisher, the Daily Home, Talladega; Valerie A. Richardson, vice president of institutional advancement and student services, Gadsden State Community College; and Jean F. Stanko, nurse practitioner, Anniston Family Practice.

Also, Josephine Ayers, founder and editor-in-chief of the Long Leaf Magazine, will receive the 2010 Frances E. Couch Award at the luncheon. Gail Collins, a New York Times columnist, will be the speaker. For more info, go here.

A Girl Scout Cookie Smackdown!

(from blog.girlscouts.org)

Top cookie selling Girl Scout Chelsea Masterson was a judge today on WNYC's radio show The Takeaway. She was there to judge a competition between two chefs: Kim Severson (author of "Spoon Fed") and Melissa Clark, both of whom write for The New York Times. The chefs were there to remix Girl Scout cookies into new recipes. The Takeaway called the challenge The Girl Scout Cookie Smackdown - and it's totally awesome. Listen here:



Chef Melissa Clark has taken to her Blog over at The New York Times and penned a post about the experience. Definitely check it out!