Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Sports-a-Thon Gets Girl Scouts Physical


Gomocs.com reports that The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Athletics Department hosted the Girls Scouts Sports-A-Thon over the weekend. Over 100 girls in grades K-8 from the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians attended the afternoon event.

The Sports-A-Thon was a day of physical fun on the campus of UTC and gave Scouts an opportunity to be instructed by Mocs coaches and student-athletes. Participants took part in volleyball, soccer, golf, softball, tennis, basketball and spirit.

"Essentially, one of the things that Girl Scouts is focused on is healthy living for girls," stated Booth Kammann, CEO of the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians. "We are really thrilled to have this partnership with UTC where girls can come try sports that they have never really tried before. They have the opportunity to be taught by actual college athletes. We know that girls look up to older girls and want to learn from them."

Are your girls involved in sports? What fun things have you done to earn sports-related badges? Share your story in the comments box (below).

(reposted from blog.girlscouts.org)

Women of Distinction Honorees Announced


The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama announced the honorees for their annual Women of Distinction Luncheons in the Central, East, North and West areas of Alabama. These luncheons are unique opportunities to recognize and celebrate women who have made special contributions to their community through civic, academic or professional involvement.

Central Alabama (March 4)
Dr. Virginia Gauld, Pell City (Mildred Bell Johnson Award)
Michelle Ballew, Birmingham
Susan B. Brouillette, Vestavia Hills
Michelle Clemon, Birmingham
Alison Bradford Gorrie, Mountain Brook (Alie B. to her friends at MB High School)
Vikki Grodner, Mountain Brook
Brenda Mitchell Hackney, Mountain Brook
Holley S. LaGrone, Birmingham
Linda Lewis, Jasper
Cheryl Williams, Birmingham

East Alabama (March 24)
Dr. Sally Smith, Talladega (Frances E. Couch Award)
Brenda Yancey Emery, Gadsden
Kendall Lowe Hamilton, Gadsden
Marie Manning, Wattsville
Jane Newman, Gadsden
Sandra Stephens, Sylacauga

West Alabama (April 7)
Dr. Joyce Levey, Tuscaloosa (Karen LaMoreaux Bryan Award)
Kathryn Byrd, Northport
Sally Edwards, Tuscaloosa
Katherine W. Fitts, Tuscaloosa
Hon. Tammy Jackson Montgomery, Coatopa
Eleanor Park, Demopolis
Lori Royer, Tuscaloosa
Dr. Billie Jean Young, Marion

North Alabama (April 27)
Ruth Jurenko, Huntsville (Christine Richard Lifetime Achievement Award)
Dr. Jan Davis, Hampton Cove
Betty Leeth Haynes, Hanceville
Robin Horton Jennings, Huntsville
Sandra Moon, Huntsville

For questions, sponsorship information or reservations, please contact Julie Carter, Special Events Coordinator at (800) 734-4541 x1030 or via email at jcarter@girlscoutsnca.org.

Friday, January 21, 2011

This is Why I'll Gain 5 Pounds Next Month!

(reposted from Tanya's family food blog www.necessarypleasures.blogspot.com)

We try (as much as possible) to cook and write about locally-sourced, organically-grown, healthy food.

But it's Girl. Scout. Cookie. Season.

Cookie Season, folks!



It's the time of year we throw caution to the wind and shell out big bucks for a taste of heaven, tradition, whatever. Our incredibly talented friend Francesca


said it best in her award-winning public radio commentary (scroll down and click on Girl Scout Cookies).

Have we whet your appetite? Do you need your fix? You've got several options:

1. If you're in Birmingham, place an order by leaving a comment after this post. We'll hook ya up! Proceeds go to help Hannah's troop fund its trip to Savannah this fall and Olivia's troop fund its trip to Switzerland in 2013.

2. If you're elsewhere in the U.S., check this site to find out how to buy cookies near you.

3. If you're one of our international readers (hello new friends in Canada, Russia, France, Australia, Netherlands, United Kingdom!!), you can make the cookies at home. Here's a link to some copycat recipes.


Enjoy!

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Vestavia Troops Spread Holiday Cheer at Retirement Center



Daisy Troop 232 and Brownie Troop 796 had a blast hosting a Christmas party at The Oaks on Parkwood retirement home. They sang Christmas carols, decorated a Christmas cookie, played bingo, and then gave each resident a placemat and an ornament made by the girls.






The troops earned their Festival of Trees patch with the activities they did before and during the party.







Then, to top it off, the leaders surprised the girls with a swim party in the retirement home's (indoor, heated) pool!



How fun is that?!?

Want to know how they pulled it off? Email Troop 232 leader Karol Leggett at kmomleg@bellsouth.net

Weekly Council Updates

Your Weekly Council Updates for this week are ready! Read them here.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Girl Scout Cookies Sales Going Full Force


(via blog.girlscouts.org)


All across the country, The Girl Scout Cookie Program is going full force:

* Iowa's Daily Freeman-Journal reports that The organization Iowa's Bravest and the Girl Scouts are partnering in the "Troop 2 Troop" cookie project. The "Troop 2 Troop" project is a community service program that allows customers to purchase cookies to be donated to Iowa's Bravest. The customers will not physically receive these packages; the cookies will be delivered from the Girl Scout's warehouse directly to Iowa's Bravest. Last year Iowa's Bravest sent 16,200 boxes to the troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
* Woman's Day celebrates Cookie Season by listing reasons to support it: "Girl Scouts is a valuable organization that teaches young girls leadership skills. Without the money that comes directly from your cookie purchases, the organization would cease to exist. So, consider it a charitable generation to the future of female success in America."
* Robert Miller at The Dallas Morning News reports that The Girl Scout organization looks on the cookie program as more than an exercise in salesmanship. It is an integral part of the Girl Scouts' Business and Economic Literacy initiative for girls in kindergarten through 12th grade. The program helps Girl Scouts learn about goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics. Also reported - 2011 marks the 35th birthday of the Samoa Girl Scout cookie!
* Do Something carries the headline, "Girl Scouts make cookie monsters of us". The article states that helping out never tasted so good. The money helps Girls Scouts continue to impact community...
* Tonic announces the beginning of Cookie Season and touts this tagline: "Every cookie has a mission: to help girls do great things."
* Another Dallas story - NBC DWF reports on new eco-friendly packaging and a new variety of cookie! Video below:

How is Girl Scout Cookie Season unfolding in your community?

Thriving Urban Programs are Impacting Kids' Lives


The Florida Times-Union reports that Girl Scouts was something that Brittany Price never got to do, but she encouraged her daughter, 8-year-old Kiara Goodman, to join. Since then, Price said, Kiara has been doing better in school, in her behavior and grades. And mom likes the guidance that the volunteer troop leaders give to the girls.

The article is about Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops that are flourishing in Jacksonville's subsidized apartments, urban churches and even homeless shelters. Scouting is reaching kids who wouldn't otherwise have the opportunity to be a part of it through two outreach programs that focus on urban and underserved communities. The programs are known in North Florida as the Girl Scouts' Niamoja service unit and the Boy Scouts' Mohawk District.

While their circumstances might be different, the ultimate goal is for Niamoja and Mohawk scouts to have the same experiences as their counterparts in the suburbs. Just as it would be in Mandarin or Orange Park, the Sulzbacher Center troop's December pinning ceremony was well-attended by parents and volunteers, some of them former Scouts themselves.

2011 Summer Camp

The 2011 Summer Camp Brochure is now available online

Upcoming Council Events

Sci-Quest Spa Science Lock-In NEW
Friday–Saturday, January 14–15, 2011
Time Change: Fri., 6:15 p.m.–Sat., 8 a.m.
Location: Sci-Quest, Huntsville
Grade level: Juniors, Cadettes
Min/max: 40/80. Registered: 32
Cost: $35 per girl; 2 adults free, $10 per extra adult; includes admission, snack and a cold continental breakfast
Registration deadline: January 5, 2011
Have fun with your friends as you discover the art and science of making bath fizzies, lotions, lip balms and more! You’ll still have plenty of time to explore all of Sci-Quest’s exhibits and watch a movie before lights-out.

Zoo Family & Friends Day

Saturday, January 15, 2011
Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Birmingham Zoo
Grade level: All, includes family & friends
Min/max: 50/200
Cost: $10 per person, includes admission, educational program and carousel ride
Registration deadline: January 6, 2011
Enjoy an exciting day with family and friends at the Birmingham Zoo. Explore the zoo with an educational scavenger hunt and activities. Girls will have an opportunity to learn about specific animals and wildlife issues during an age-appropriate educational program provided by knowledgeable zoo staff. Girls, family and friends will also experience the infamous Zoo Carousel. Lunch is not included with registration; however, food is available for sale at the Kudzoo Café. Admission covers full day access for the zoo grounds.



Coming Into Your Own

Saturday, January 15, 2011
Time: 1–5 p.m.
Location: Tuscaloosa
Grade level: Cadettes & up
Min/max: 20/40. Registered: 5
Cost: $10 per girl; adults free (number of adults limited)
Registration deadline: January 5, 2011
This is a personal leadership development program for individuals who are interested in engaging in a process of reflection, exploration and regeneration. Girls will meet successful women who are risk-takers with ideas on how to become real entrepreneurs. Girls will earn the Your Own Business IP.

High Tea at Emma’s Tea Room

Thursday, January 20, 2011
Time: 4–6 p.m.
Location: Emma’s Tea Room, Huntsville
Grade level: Seniors, Ambassadors
Min/max: 8/25. Registered: 0
Cost: $25 per girl; $25 per adult
Registration deadline: January 7, 2011
Enjoy a refreshingly elegant afternoon tea with tea sandwiches, fresh fruit and assorted teas.

Princess Design RESCHEDULED
Friday, January 21, 2011
Time: 6–9 p.m.
Location Update: Huntsville, Trinity United Methodist Church
Grade level: Daisies, Brownies
Min/max: 20/50. Registered: 0
Cost: $8 per girl; 2 adults free, $2 per extra adult
Registration deadline: January 6, 2011
See description in Program Planner, page 20.

Design Challenge Lock-In RESCHEDULED
Friday–Saturday, January 21–22, 2011
Time: Fri., 7 p.m.–Sat., 7 a.m.
Location Update: Huntsville, Trinity United Methodist Church
Grade level: Juniors, Cadettes
Min/max: 20/50. Registered: 0
Cost: $18 per girl; $8 per adult
Registration deadline: January 6, 2011
See description in Program Planner, page 20.

McWane Science Center Junior Camp-In NEW

Friday-Saturday, January 21–22, 2011
Time: Fri., 6 p.m.–Sat., 8 a.m.
Location: McWane Science Center, Birmingham
Grade level: Juniors
Min/max: 100/275
Cost: $35 per girl; $20 per adult; includes dinner and breakfast
Registration deadline: January 7, 2011
Enjoy hands-on fun activities, watch an IMAX film and work on Create and Invent: Visual Arts. A packing list, info sheet and museum permission forms will be sent with confirmation packet.

Clowning Around
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Time: 9:30–10:30 a.m.
Location: Mary Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, Gadsden
Grade level: Daisies, Brownies
Min/max: 15/100. Registered: 0
Cost: $8 per girl; 2 adults free, $6 per extra adult
Registration deadline: January 12, 2011
Create your own clown character, then learn the art of clowning, physical comedy and more.

Circus Arts
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Time: 11 a.m.–Noon
Location: Mary Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, Gadsden
Grade level: Juniors & up
Min/max: 15/25. Registered: 0
Cost: $8 per girl; 2 adults free, $6 per extra adult
Registration deadline: January 7, 2011
It’s time to run away to join the circus, have fun, learn all kinds of cool tricks and get plenty of exercise. Learn how to walk a tightrope, walk on stilts, basic tumbling and juggling. Any level of physical development and skill is welcomed.

Uniquely Me Inside & Out

Saturday, January 22, 2011
Time: 2–4 p.m.
Location: Huntsville Service Center
Grade level: Cadettes & up
Min/max: 15/30. Registered: 5
Cost: $5 per girl; adults free (number of adults limited)
Registration deadline: January 12, 2011
Girls will discuss the power of body language, develop healthy eating habits, focus on recognizing what matters most to them, coping with feelings, dealing with social pressures (such as bullying) and learn skills to build confidence in their own uniqueness. The event will focus on building self-esteem through fun activities, speakers and lots of surprises.

Invitation to Dance with the Alabama Ballet
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Time: TBA
Location: Alabama Ballet, Birmingham
Grade level: Seniors, Ambassadors
Min/max: 15/25. Registered: 0
Cost: TBA
Registration deadline: January 12, 2011
Come enjoy the world of ballet; learn a warm-up exercise or routine to prepare your body to participate in a dance activity. The program will include at least three exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles and joints. Explore dance concepts such as movement and rhythm and choreograph your own dance routine. Select the music and style of dance and perform for an audience. Girls will earn the Invitation to Dance IP.

Circus – Birmingham
Thursday & Saturday, January 27 & 29, 2011
Time: 7:30 p.m. (both nights)
Location: BJCC, Birmingham
Grade level: All, includes family & friends
Min/max: N/A
Cost: Thurs., $12; Sat., $15 ($8 additional fee for mailing tickets)
Registration deadline: Tickets on sale now through January 20. Mail order tickets must be postmarked by January 14. Tickets may also be purchased at Council Shops in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and Gadsden.
Join us for Girl Scout nights at the Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus. Order forms may be found at www.girlscoutsnca.org/volunteers/forms-and-resources (under WCU Resources)

Princess Design RESCHEDULED
Friday, January 28, 2011
Time: 6–9 p.m.
Location: Midway Full Gospel Church, Roanoke
Grade level: Daisies, Brownies
Min/max: 20/50. Registered: 0
Cost: $8 per girl; 2 adults free, $2 per extra adult
Registration deadline: January 13, 2011
See description in Program Planner, page 20.

Design Challenge Lock-In RESCHEDULED

Friday–Saturday, January 28–29, 2011
Time: Fri., 7 p.m.–Sat., 7 a.m.
Location: Midway Full Gospel, Roanoke
Grade level: Juniors, Cadettes
Min/max: 20/50. Registered: 0
Cost: $18 per girl; $8 per adult
Registration deadline: January 13, 2011
See description in Program Planner, page 20.

Engineering & ME?
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Time: Brownies, 9 a.m.–Noon; Juniors, 1:30–4:30 p.m.
Location: Huntsville
Grade level: Brownies, Juniors
Min/max: 50/100. Registered: 1
Cost: $10 per girl; 2 adults free, $3 per extra adult
Registration deadline: January 19, 2011
Enjoy a fun-filled, hands-on event to explore the world of engineering. Girls will learn how and why things work as the activities encourage their imagination.

Entrepreneur 101 NEW
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Time: 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Location: Huntsville Service Center
Grade level: Cadettes & up
Min/max: 20/50
Cost: $12 per participant
Registration deadline: January 13, 2011
Ever wonder what it really means to be an entrepreneur? Girls
will participate in activities that allow them to step out and
explore their interests. Meet some successful women who were
willing to take risks and can give girls ideas of how to be real entrepreneurs.