Photos from Service Unit Weekend 2010

Shades Mountain Service Unit had a fabulous time at Camp KPC this month. We roasted marshmallows, sang songs, zip lined, made crafts, exchanged SWAPS, and so much more. Here are some photos from the weekend (courtesy Lisa Baker of Junior Troop 27). Share your photos and we'll post them to the blog! (email tanyaott@gmail.com)

Your Weekly Council Updates

Your Weekly Council Updates for this week are ready!

Please click here to view.

Girl Scouts Mean Business

The Washington Business Journal reports that during a recent Women Who Mean Business alumnae gathering to welcome the 2010 class, the discussion turned to ways that girls could be introduced earlier to business events and conversations. The result is Girls Who Mean Business. This program brings a group of girls, including the honorees’ proteges and girls from the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital, to the awards presentation to get an early lesson in networking and professional relationships. The article states that perhaps someday these girls will return to the pages of the Washington Business Journal one day as Women Who Mean Business. I'd certainly like to think so.

Since we're on business, in 2008, Bill Taylor's Game Changer Blog at HarvardBusiness.org posted a video about management lessons learned from Girl Scouts. Take a look!

Dust Off Your Elf Hats & Do Some Wrapping!!

Our annual Glenwood Christmas present wrapping event will be Saturday, December 4th at St. Marks from 9:30 – 11:30.

Each girl (Juniors and up) needs to bring:

1 roll of wrapping paper
1 roll of scotch tape
1 extra large gift bag (garbage bag size or a little smaller)

Each troop needs to bring:
2 rolls of cookie dough (or the equivalent of already made cookies)
one pair of scissors
some kind of platter for the cookies

Please put your name and troop number on the scissors and the tray. If anyone has a boom box (yes, I just showed my age) and some CDs we can listen to Christmas music as we wrap. To quote Elf, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear”

Questions? Email Linda Richardson at talandlinda@charter.net

New Research on Girls and Social Media

(via http://feministing.com/2010/11/05/girl-scouts-research-institute-releases-new-findings-on-girls-and-social-media/)

The Girl Scouts Research Institute celebrated its tenth anniversary with the release of Who’s That Girl? a new study about girls and social media. I’ve written about the GSRI and the wonderful work that they do before, and I’m so glad that this study has been done. Here are a few quick numbers for you. In a study of about 1000 girls between the ages of 14 and 17:

In person, girls say they come across as smart (82%), funny (80%), kind (76%) and outgoing (55%) as well as fun, cool, a good influence and socially confident.

Online, the words girls most frequently use to describe themselves are fun, funny and social. There’s a disparity between their online personalities and their offline personalities, and they’re playing down their intelligence, confidence and kindness online.

For girls with low self-esteem, a disconnect of this kind is almost twice as common. Girls with low self-esteem are also more likely than girls with high self-esteem to construct an online image of themselves that is “sexy” or “crazy.”

Many girls understand the potential negative consequences of posting information about themselves online – 42% are concerned it could prevent them from being accepted at the college of their choice and 39% worry that it could cause friends and family members to lose respect for them. Despite this, half of the girls surveyed admitted that they weren’t always as carefully as they should be.

68% percent of girls have had a negative experience on a social networking site – like being bullied or gossiped about.

But the news isn’t all bad. The study also showed that 52% of girls have used a social networking site to become involved in a cause that they care about, and more than half agree that social networking online helps them feel closer to friends.

Last night we were treated to a panel of brilliant women – Mobilize.org CEO Maya Enista, author Peggy Orenstein, Simmons College professor Janie Victoria Ward, former supermodel Emme and MTV’s new Twitter Jockey Gabi Gregg – who covered a wide range of issues, from the premature sexualization of girls to the need for parents to model healthy body image for their daughters.

Speaking about the worrying finding that girls with low-self esteem are more likely to sex up their images online, Orenstein, a mother whose book Cinderella Ate My Daughter comes out in February, said that the trend was a result of a “performance culture” around feminine sexuality. Orenstein expressed concern about “the way that the culture is marketing and telling girls what it means to be feminine and what it means to be a girl,” which, she said, mostly means being sexy and sexual. The result is premature sexualization and rigid, restrictive definitions of femininity. It starts early, and never ends. “It starts in the womb,” Orenstein said, “when you buy your first pack of diapers with the Disney Princesses or the cars on them.”

Gabi Gregg urged parents to take an active role in their daughters’ online lives, encouraging them to check their kids’ Facebook profiles, and to talk to them about online risks. According to the study, 85% of girls have talked with their parents about social networking safety – but many of those girls still knowingly take risks. Emme, a former model and the founder of the new Body Image Council at the National Eating Disorders Association, stressed the importance of parental involvement offline, too, and of the power of the parental example. Girls are more likely to have low self-esteem, Emme said, if mothers don’t have “a strong foundation” in “how they talk about themselves and how they allow other people to talk to them.”

Finally, the women turned the mics over to the girls. A panel of four New York City girl scouts, all of them high schoolers with lofty career aspirations – nursing, anesthesiology, optometry, and research science – offered their insights into how girls think about social media. They were smart and on point and it was such a pleasure to hear young girls speak, rather than hear them spoken about or spoken to.

Speaking about what she considers the greatest challenge facing girls today, fourteen-year-old Regan Sims – who aspires to be an actress, as well as a research scientist – said that the girl panelists all drew a blank when they were asked to name women who acted as positive role models for girls. Sims said that her generation of girls needed to produce more leaders, so that the next generation of girls wouldn’t be stumped when asked the same question. The Girl Scouts say that they’re all about giving girls a voice. Last night, with this insightful and inclusive discussion, they proved that that’s more than just talk.

Vestavia Hills Troops Spook Up Ronald McDonald House

Vestavia Hills Junior Troop 27 and Cadette Troop 145 spent Saturday morning decorating the Ronald McDonald House for halloween. Twelve girls, two siblings, and plenty of moms dressed up the house in black cats, pumpkins, witches hats and brooms. Afterwards, they enjoyed a picnic lunch and hula hooping at Birmingham's new Railroad Park.

The volunteer opportunity was made possible by Hands On Birmingham. They're a GREAT resource for finding local community service projects!

The Ronald McDonald House says they're always looking for groups to come in and help. Opportunities includes:

* making dinner for residents
* decorating for the holidays
* hosting a special event (i.e. ice cream social, game night, etc)

According to Inez (weekend supervisor and tour host extraordinaire!), "The only limit is your imagination! We love to have people come down and volunteer!"

Weekly Council Update

Lots of interesting things in this week's update including:

* a cool new opportunity for high school girls

* a call for National Convention delegates

and

* program updates.

Check it all out here.

Spotlight on Girl Scout Gold Award Recipient

Let's take a good look at some recent Girl Scout Gold Award stories! As everyone in Girl Scout world knows, The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award that a Girl Scout 14-18 may earn - and is a huge accomplishment.

In North Carolina, The Garner Citizen reports that Amanda Rose Lazaro received the Girl Scout Gold Award by the Girl Scouts-North Carolina Coastal Pines for creating a program to help preschool children with vocabulary and word recognition. Also in North Carolina, Wilmington's Star News reports that for her Gold Award project, Whitney Michelle Adams designed and made storytelling mitts for all kindergarten classes at Anderson Elementary School. The mitts provide a visual and tactile tool for each of the students while being engaged in literary activities. Raleigh's News Observer reports on April Anya Grossi who led three workshops on mandalas -circular art projects designed to help students reduce stress. Students also learned about coping with stress in a safe manner and created a group mandala. The News Observer also reported on Carolyn Marie Caggia, who hosted a booth at the Museum of Natural Science's Reptile and Amphibian Day to raise awareness of endangered sea turtles. Visitors to her booth stamped a scroll to ban gillnet fishing that she later presented to several state legislators.

Further north in New Jersey, The West Milford Messenger reports that Kayla Vanderbeek's project was the improvement of a well-used trail that leads students to high school baseball and hockey fields. Vanderbeek’s sister is on the field hockey team and her grandfather, who is disabled and in a wheel chair, could not make it down the trail to see his granddaughter’s games. Soon he, and others in similar situations, will be happily attending games.

In Eden Prairie, MN, Eden Prairie News reports that The Eden Prairie service units of Prairie Star and Prairie Sun of the Girls Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys recognized several girls who earned their Girl Scout Gold Award, Girl Scout Silver Award, Girl Scout Bronze Award and Diamond Troop Award this past program year. Gold Award winners this year include Miranda Anderson, Monica Nicholls, Cassie Norby, Simone Turner. Meanwhile Sarah Busse, Krista Anderson, Amy Cornish and Michele Knudsen have all begun their Gold Award Project this summer!

Last but not least, California's North County Times reports that as Hannah Gingrich was thinking of a way to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award - she looked to her younger sister, Elyse, who has Down syndrome, for inspiration. The Wildomar teen organized a winter formal dance for special-needs high school students in her area. She worked to find a venue and deejay for the event, secure donations for food and decorations, and round up volunteers to chaperon. It took more than 100 hours to put the dance together.

Kudos to all of these amazing and inspirational girls! Let's make sure the world knows the importance of The Girl Scout Gold Award and the impact Girl Scouts have on their communities.

Coca-Cola Foundation Donates $1M to Girl Scouts

This week Girl Scouts USA announced that it has received a $1 million grant from The Coca-Cola Foundation, a global foundation established in 1984 and funded by The Coca-Cola Company.

The bulk of the grant will help support healthy living programs with a portion of the grant going towards engaging Girl Scout alumnae as the organization prepares to celebrate its centennial in 2012.

Girl Scouts in The New York Times: Trying to Shed the Campfire Image

In August, the New York Times ran a story highlighting all of the changes going on in Girl Scouting. From the re-brand to new programming intended to bolster girls’ self-esteem and decision-making, the article covers quite a bit - definitely check it out.

Bringing Music for the Gold

California's Thousand Oaks Acorn has a story about Girl Scout Erica Williams, who is bringing her love of music to low income children as part of her quest for a Girl Scout Gold award. The high school senior-to-be knows she would not be the person she is if she hadn’t participated in music programs since elementary school. The article points out the money needed to fund such extracurricular activities is increasingly scarce, denying the next generation of students the same opportunities she enjoyed.

Fulfilling a project that’s been two years in the making, Williams has brought together three local nonprofit agencies to teach music to kids from lower-income families in Thousand Oaks.

Are there any Bronze/Silver/Gold Award projects you would like to share?


(via blog.girlscouts.org)

Girl Scouts With Guitars

In August, Daisy Rock Girl Guitars - the original girl guitar company - presented a girl guitar day to Girl Scouts during the week long Musicpalooza camp held at the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, CA.

The girl guitar day began in the Daisy Rock Girl Guitar museum exhibit with Daisy Rock Founder and President, Tish Ciravolo, showing the Girl Scouts her signature Daisy electric guitar that was inducted in 2006 as a landmark, culture-changing music product innovation. The campers learned about what makes the guitar a “girl guitar” - the “Slim & Narrow” neck that fits girls hands and is easier to play, the lightweight design that makes the guitar easier for girls to hold and play, and colorful inspiring designs. Campers then gathered around tables to draw their very own girl guitars. Sounds totally awesome to me!

More awesome is the evidence illustrating the positive effects children can gain from participating in music oriented programs. In an analysis of U.S. Department of Education data on more than 25,000 secondary school students, researchers found that students who report consistent high levels of involvement in instrumental music over the middle and high school years show "significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12." This observation holds regardless of students' socio-economic status, and differences in those who are involved with instrumental music vs. those who are not is more significant over time. For an in depth compilation of music related data, check out this run-down provided by The Children's Music Wokshop.


(via blog.girlscouts.org)

Building Homes with Cookie Cash

The Long Island Herald has a fantastic and extensive article about Valley Stream Girl Scout Troop 2053, who recently spent a week working for Habitat for Humanity in Salem, N.J. After years together as a troop, the girls decided that they wanted to do something meaningful as a group before they went their separate ways, and with everyone entering either college, or senior year of high school, this would be their last chance. They decided that after years of cookie sales, they wanted to do something with their money that would introduce them to a new experience while helping those in need at the same time.

The article relates that Habitat for Humanity was the obvious choice as it offered a great life experience as well as important lessons in home improvement, and gave the girls an opportunity to see their work materialized in the form of a house for a single mother of two young children. Definitely read the entire article!

Also, when I was reading this article and looking through the pictures, I was reminded of our new Brand Campaign - specifically the ad about building homes. Cool stuff indeed.

What did You do Today?

(via blog.girlscouts.org)

Once a Girl Scout, Always a Girl Scout!

Girl Scouts of the USA has recently launched an Alumnae Online Community. A fantastic resource for all Girl Scout Alumnae - it serves as a site for Alumnae to reconnect with and to rediscover Girl Scouting. Definitely check it out!

Since 1912, Girl Scouts has been dedicated to building girls of courage, character, and confidence who make the world a better place. In two years, 3.5 million active Girl Scouts and volunteers will join some 50 million Girl Scout alumnae in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouting. This momentous occasion provides a unique opportunity for alumnae to reconnect with each other, discover what today’s Girl Scouts are doing as well as learn about our plans for the 100th Anniversary. We invite all adult Girl Scouts (18 years and older), including former Brownies, former and current volunteers, and former and current Girl Scout staff to register for the New Girl Scouts Alumnae Association; Online Alumnae Community. This is the place to reconnect with old friends, make new ones and learn about our plans for the 100th Anniversary.

(via blog.girlscouts.org)

Camp Coleman Horseback Riding Lessons

It is not too late to register!

Horseback riding lessons at Camp Coleman begin September 7. Lessons are available for children (ages 5 and up) and adults of all riding levels. Classes of 3-6 students meet weekly afterschool for 1 1/2 hours. Students are assigned to classes based on age and ability. Lessons cost $120/month plus a $25 registration fee.

Join the equestrian team at Camp Coleman and work toward becoming the next Champion Equestrian.

For more information and to register, go to http://girlscoutsnca.org/camps and click on the link to register for select programs for individuals.

Can't Remember to Check the Blog??!?

Did you know that if you sign up to "follow" the blog you'll get a message in your email inbox whenever we've added a new post? It's a great way to keep connected and make sure you're not missing anything important.

If you have problems signing up to "follow" the blog, let me know and I'll walk you through the process.

- Tanya
tanyaott@gmail.com

Your Weekly Council Updates

Please visit the council website to view.

(via girlscoutsnca.blogspot.com)

Emily Grantham of Troop 451 decided to do an art project that she could donate to the children’s area of the new Vestavia Hills Library. She enlisted the help of her troop by taking pictures of businesses, schools and places in Vestavia Hills. She pasted all pictures to a canvas that she had painted beforehand. Emily also sought after donations to get the artwork framed and then donated to the new Vestavia Hills Library. Emily feels that her project creates awareness of her community, and will encourage other children to learn about the place they call home. She also found that while talking with people about her project, she learned valuable public speaking skills.

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can earn. This Award recognizes that a Junior Girl Scout has gained the leadership and planning skills required to follow through with a project that makes a positive difference in her community.

Photo: Emily and her artwork.

Girl Scouts Learn the #1 Rule about Living in Vestavia (oops!)

Vestavia Hills Troop 67 recently went on a "Get to Know Your Community Scavenger Hunt" as a part of their Bronze Award requirements. They toured Vestavia Hills and met Councilman Steve Ammons at City Hall for a private tour. They learned a lot about our city, it's sixty year history and several upcoming projects/events that they could be involved with.

If you'd like more information on the Scavenger Hunt field trip, contact leader Jennifer Ray at jray@StMartins.ws

(P.S. Jennifer says the #1 thing they learned is that you should never, EVER call Vestavia Hills by the shortened "Vestavia". Jennifer... why is that??!?)

Girl Scout Stories from Across the Country

(via blog.girlscouts.org)


In California, The Press-Enterprise has an article about over 600 Girl Scouts learning to garden this summer at Camp Garden. The hope is that the Orange County girls will go home and plant.

Kentucky's WKYT reports that Girl Scouts is undergoing a makeover.

Celebrate North Central Alabama's Girl Scouts!

Soiree@Saks will feature hors d'oeuvres, live music by Nathan Carter, a wine tasting from Wine'd Down and a silent auction, plus the chance to shop at Saks Fifth Avenue and have a portion of the proceeds go back to the Girl Scouts. Each $25 ticket includes a choice of wine tasting or two beverage tickets and a 15% off coupon for Saks to use that evening (5% of the sales go back to the Girl Scouts!). Additional wine tasting tickets can be purchased for $10, and there will also be a cash bar.

Hot new silent auction items include a Trish McEvoy make-up party for 10 with wine and cheese, a Comer Neal handmade necklace and an outfit from Leifsdottir.

Other items include a mini laptop, signed autobiography from Danica Patrick, hotel stays at the Wynfrey, Marriot Shoals Hotel & Spa in Muscle Shoals, photography sessions, exercise packages, dinner at fine restaurants, teeth whitenings, gift cards, massage packages, event tickets and much more!

This event is hosted by the Girl Scout Leadership Circle and proceeds will benefit the initiatives of the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama. For information, visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/soiree.php, or contact Hilary Perry at 205-980-4750 x1003 or hperry@girlscoutsnca.org.

Click here to purchase tickets! $25 eachmake sure you designate the donation for Soiree@Saks tickets. Your name will be put on the entry list - no ticket will be mailed.

Must be 21 or older to attend this event.

Weekly Updates are Available

If you want to know what's shaking at GSNCA, there's no better source than the weekly updates. Check out this week's.

What if Girls Ran the World?

Join us for an engaging discussion with ambitious young women who are leading in their communities and advocating for what they believe in. These leaders are starting their own non-profits, participating in local government, and connecting youth around the world.



Panel discussion will be moderated by the Girl Scout Research Institute on Wednesday, August 11, 2010, 1:30 PM–3 PM. The event will be available on USTREAM.

Changing Face of Fashion

This is just one of many videos in the Girl Scout YouTube Stream. View more at http://www.youtube.com/girlscoutvideos#. How can you use these videos in your meetings? Think of the possibilities and share your idea!

Community Service Opportunity

Vestavia Hill Troops -- here's a great volunteer opportunity:


"I am Rachel Sizemore and I am a board member of the Laura Crandall Brown Ovarian Cancer Foundation. I invite you to learn about us by going to our website, www.thinkoflaura.org. The foundation is in memory of my niece, Laura C. Brown who died last December at the age of 25 after a year long battle with ovarian cancer. Her dream was to spare other women from this disease. There is presently no test for early detection of this killer disease. We hope that our foundation can raise money for research that will lead to such a test.

September is ovarian cancer awareness month and we are planning a 5k family funrun/walk called Head Over Teal on September 18. It will be held in the Preserve in Hoover. My responsibility is to organize volunteers to help us on that day. We would very much like to include the help of the girl scouts."

If you'd like to volunteer, call Rachel at 621-6835 (home) or 542-5897 (cell) or email her at rjcsizemore@charter.net.

Life Saving Girl Scouts Strike Again

Head over California's The San Bernardino Sun and read the account of Girl Scout Staff at Camp Azalea Trails, who put their first-aid training into practice this month. Counselors Kathleen Crocker and Victoria Carroll, assistant camp director Jennifer Thomsian and camp nurse Christina Abraham worked together to stabilize a 27-year-old man who had fallen into a diabetic coma two miles from the camp in the San Jacinto Mountains near Idyllwild. The man's father had carried him for hours after he began feeling ill, Carroll said. He finally left him about two miles from the camp and sought help. Kudos to all involved!

Do you have stories of life saving Girl Scouts to share?

Tampa Bay Lightening Strikes Florida Girl Scouts

(via blog.girlscouts.org)

NHL.com reports that in Florida, Hockey team Tampa Bay Lightning has partnered with Girl Scouts of West Central Florida in an initiative to grow the sport of Hockey around the world, starting at the community level. The Lightning is a member of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL). They have one Stanley Cup championship in their history, in 2004. The team is commonly referred to as the Bolts.

Unlike the NHL’s regular season, which spans the first week of October to the beginning of April, the program will provide opportunities for youth and teenage girls year round. Areas of focus for in-season activities include educating girls about various aspects of the game including the rules, players, basic skills and proper nutrition, exercise and training techniques common to many athletes in the sport. The program will also encourage the demographic to pursue careers in the professional sports industry, affording them the opportunities to become strong leaders in the community and in business as well.

The Lightning organization will make trips to various camps to continue promoting the message during the summer months. The camps are scheduled to have two visits apiece with about 30-60 girls attending each session. The sessions themselves are designed to be both fun and educational, with the Lightning Fan Experience Truck scheduled to make appearances, while bringing street hockey gear on site to run girls through drills, practices, scrimmages and instruction. Fun!

Girl Scout to Testify at Congressional Hearing on Cyberbullying

(via blog.girlscouts.or)

In testimony to the U.S. House Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee, Girl Scout Dominique Napolitano, 15, from Long Island, New York, will discuss cyberbulling from a teenager’s perspective. As part of her presentation to the subcommittee chaired by U.S. Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY), Dominque will explore the challenges young people face in navigating life online and dealing with the bullying that takes place online and through social media. Awesome!

Girl Scouts of the USA is continuing to take the lead in highlighting the importance of online safety for girls, highlighting their innovative online safety campaign called LMK (Let Me Know), launched by Girl Scouts of the USA and Microsoft Windows. LMK (Let Me Know) has been previously featured at the California’s Women’s Conference in Long Beach, CA, and at the Family Online Safety Institute 3rd Annual Conference in Washington DC.

While the full scope of online threats, such as cyberbullying, are difficult to measure, we do know that nearly one in six U.S. children grades six to 10 (that’s 3.2 million students) are victims of online bullying each year, according to the National Council of Juvenile Court Judges. Bullying is not "just a phase" or behavior in which "kids will be kids." The repercussions of cyberbullying can be so grave that at least 13 U.S. states have passed or are proposing laws to make it a crime.
LMK includes an interactive Web site for parents and girls, as well as an e-newsletter for parents. The e-newsletter and parent site are designed to provide parents with guidance and also serve as a tool to help families have open and honest conversations about the dangers that lurk in cyberspace.

Kudos to Dominique!

Weekly Program Updates Available

New Phone System
GSNCA is in the process of installing new phone systems in each office to improve customer service and will eventually have one main number for the entire Council. Click here to see an updated staff directory with updated extensions as they are available.

STARTING TODAY!
Online Recognition Voting is available. Please forward to girls so they can select those recognitions that they would like to see as a part of the 2011 Cookie Sale Program. Voting closes June 30, 2010.

Call for Photos & Stories!
We need your extreme adventure, travel photos and service project stories and photos. Please submit to hperry@girlscoutsnca.org and include troop number, grade level, place traveled and girls identified from left to right by first name and last initial. Also please include where the troop is from - if from a large city, please also include area of town. These stories and photos have a chance to be part of our new branding coming late summer!

Matching Companies Enhance Giving to Girl Scouts!
Many corporations have established Matching Gifts Programs to encourage philanthropy among their employees. The list below is of companies who have at one time had matching gift programs and may currently match your gift to Girl Scouts. If your employer is on the list, please ask if your contributions are eligible for the matching gift program. If so, please obtain a matching gift form, complete the application and submit it to the Girl Scouts of North Central Alabama - 105 Heatherbrooke Park Drive - Birmingham, AL 35242. We will do the rest!

Alabama Power Company - Alcan Aluminum Corporation - AllState - Amoco - AT & T - Auto Zone - Blue Cross/Blue Shield - Chubb Life America - CIBA-GEIGY - Conoco Phillips - Cooper Industries Foundation - Dow Chemical - Duracell, Inc. - El Paso Energy - ENERGEN - Ernest & Young - Exxon - Exxon Foundation - Fidelity and Deposit - Ford Motor Co. - General Electric - Goodyear Hewlett-Packard - Hoechst Celanese - IBM - International Paper - James River - JC Penney - Johnson & Johnson - Kimberly Clark - K-Mart - KPMG Peat Marwick - Martin Marietta - Merrill Lynch - Metropolitan Life - Mobil Foundation - Monsanto Chemical Co. - Nabisco - New York Times Foundation - Paccar Foundation - Parker Hannifin Corporation - Pepsi-Cola - Philip Morris - Proctor & Gamble - R.J.R. Nabisco - Regions Bank - Russell Corporation - Shell Oil - Smith Kline Beecham - Sonat Foundation - Southern Nuclear Company - State Farm - State Farm Insurance - Temple-Inland Foundation - Tenet-Healthcare Corporation - Tenneco - Texaco - The Boeing Company - The Home Depot - Time Warner Foundation - Tom's Foods Incorporated - U.S. Sprint - U.S. Steel - United Parcel Service - United Technologies - Vulcan Materials - Wachovia/Wells-Fargo - Wal-Mart - West Point Pepperell - Westinghouse - Weyerhaeuser - Whirlpool Corporation - Winn-Dixie - Xerox - Xerox Foundation

If you think your company may match employee contributions but is not on the list, please ask at work and let us know!

Program Updates

Alabama Museum of Natural History Adventure Caving
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Time: 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Location: Russelville, Franklin County
Grade level: Seniors, Ambassadors
Min/max: 10/20 Cost: $22 per girl; $22 per adult
Registration deadline: June 30, 2010
Participants will meet and University of Alabama in Huntsville and will then be transported to Ed Johnson Caving in Russellville (Franklin County). Girls will be guided down into the cave for a two-hour adventure, eat lunch and swim in Bear Creek Lake.

Alabama Adventure Girl Scout Day
Saturday, July 24
Time: ALL DAY
Location: Alabama Adventure-Birmingham
Grade level: ALL
Min/max: N/A
Cost: $32 per girl; $32 per adult
Registration deadline: July 16, 2010
Includes: COMBO ADMISSION
All Day Admission to Magic City USA Theme Park and Splash Beach Water Park
All American Meal: Hotdogs, Chips, Baked Beans, Ice Cream Sandwiches, Soft Drink
Reservation for Picnic Pavilion
3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Concert (Colbie Caillat)
Alabama Adventure Scout Patch
*****Parking is not included*****
Tickets may be purchased in Council shops, online, faxed or mailed. Click here for the order form.

Alabama Adventure Any Day Fun Day Tickets or Season Passes
Time: ALL DAY
Location: Alabama Adventure-Birmingham
Grade level: ALL
Min/max: N/A
Cost: Any Day tickets$26 per girl; $26 per adult $26 per friend
Cost: Season Pass $ 53 per girl; $53 per adult; $53 per friend
Registration deadline: September 2010
All Day Admission to Magic City USA Theme Park and Splash Beach Water Park. *****Parking not included*****
Tickets may be purchased in Council shops, online, faxed or mailed. Click here for the order form.

Alabama Museum of Natural History-Inner Tubing trip on the Little Cahaba
July 13 or 22, 2010
Time: 8:15 a.m. at the University of Alabama and follow in personal cars or meet at site 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Brierfield Bibb County
Age Level: Grades 4 & up
Min/Max: None
Cost: $27
Registration Deadline: July 7, 2010
Enjoy a trip to Brierfield where girls will have a fun day of inner tubing. Bring friends and parents, anyone who can fit in the van can come! Old shoes are required and bring your own lunch. Register at Huntsville Service Center or fax 256 882-1750. Contact Beth Gable for more info at bgable@girlscoutsnca.org.

Down in the Bog
Saturday, July 17th 2010; Time: 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Location: Mary Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, Gadsden
Grade level: All Ages
Min/max: 15/60
Cost: $8 per girl; 2 adults free per Safety-Wise, extra adults $6 each
Registration deadline: Friday June 26, 2010
Because they are so sensitive to environmental changes, scientists often refer to frogs as a sort of ecological "Canary in a Coalmine." The rapid disappearance of many species of frogs is a sure sign that something is going very wrong on our planet. We are creating a museum instillation using recycled materials to help bring awareness to this problem and we are inviting Girl Scouts from all over North-Central Alabama to be a part of it. Our educators will give girls the facts about frogs and teach you some new ways to use old packaging materials before we create the "Forever Frogs Bog."

A Night at the Library NEW
Friday-Saturday, July 23-24, 2010
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 7 a.m.
Location: Huntsville Madison County Library
Grade level: All
Min/max: 50/150
Cost: $18 per girl; $ 18 per adult
Registration deadline: July 9, 2010
A FUN filled night! As you know books can take you anywhere! Where will this night take you??? There will be games, song, drama, food, scavenger hunt, and more. Daisies will earn a fun patch, Brownies Around the World Try It, Juniors Books and older girls Reading IP. Please bring a new book to be donated. What you ask is included Dinner, Snacks, Breakfast, Fun, T-shirt, backpack and the above grade level awards.

Alabama Museum of Natural History-Canoeing Trip Coosa River
July 29, 2010
Location: Coosa River Canoeing
Age level: Grades 8 & up
Min/ Max: 10/15
Cost: $27
Registration Deadline: July 21, 2010
Enjoy a trip to Coosa River for canoeing. A health form is required. Girls will enjoy a day of canoeing. The University of Alabama will provide the transportation and gear. Girls will need extra clothes, need to wear tennis shoes and bring lunch.

Alabama Museum of Natural History-Adventure Caving
August 7, 2010
Time: 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Location: Russelville, Franklin County
Grade level: Seniors, Ambassadors
Min/max: 10/20
Cost: $22 per girl; $22 per adult
Registration deadline: July 21, 2010
Participants will meet and University of Alabama in Huntsville and will then be transported to Ed Johnson Caving in Russellville (Franklin County). Girls will be guided down into the cave for a two-hour adventure, eat lunch and swim in Bear Creek Lake.

Murder Mystery Lock-In
Friday-Saturday, August 13-14, 2010
Time: Fri., 6 p.m.-Sat., 8 a.m.
Location: Christ Church United Methodist, Birmingham
Grade level: Seniors, Ambassadors
Min/max: 60/100
Cost: $35 per girl; $20 per adult; includes dinner, breakfast and snack
Registration deadline: July 30, 2010
Girls are invited to a mystery-filled overnight. Discover your detective skills under the cover of nightfall. Connect with other Girl Scouts and go undercover to solve the case. Start the year off right, meet your fellow Girl Scouts and learn about the fun activities available throughout the year.

Girlapalooza
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Time: 12-2 PM
Location: Fort Payne City Park
Grade level: All
Min/max: N/A
Cost: Free
Visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/girlapalooza.php for more information.

Girlapalooza
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Location: Annette Shelby Park, Tuscaloosa
Grade level: All
Min/max: N/A
Cost: Free
Registration deadline: N/A
This event is a Girl Scout sampling to share with the community. Bring the whole family and join the fun. Activities include moon walk, face painting, step show, musical entertainment, train ride and more. Troops are encouraged create a display to showcase their troop activities and/or do activities to earn a badge. Booth space will be provided; however, registrars are responsible for providing all materials needed to set up their booth including tables, chairs and tents if desired. Email Rosa Johnson at rjohnson@girlscoutsnca.org for more information or visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/girlapalooza.php.

T'ween Summit - Mix It UP!
Friday & Saturday, August 20th & 21st, 2010
Time: 5 pm Friday to 4 pm Saturday
Location: Camp Sumatanga
Grade level: Juniors (T'ween or Preteen)
Min/max: 20/60
Cost: $50 per girl $62 non registered girl $45 per Adult
Registration deadline: August 6, 2010
Enjoy a good time with your Girl Scout friends or bring your BFF even if she's not a Girl Scout. Let's Mix It Up! Friendships, Fashion, Money Money, and More!! Price includes: lodging, 3 meals, snacks and program supplies. You will need to bring your own bedding. (sleeping bag or bed roll) Program Contact: Beth Gable x104 or x104 or bgable@girlscoutsnca.org.


Camp Updates

You can still register for Summer Camp programs at Camp Coleman, KPC, Camp Anderel and Camp Tombigbee! Spend the night camp for girls, and Day Camp for boys and girls will be going on at KPC and Camp Coleman thru August 6. Camp Tombigbee and Camp Anderel will offer fun-filled troop and family programs in July and August. Online registration is the preferred method for registration. Online registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served, space-available basis at www.girlscoutsnca.org. No additional fee for online registration or you may mailed/faxed registrations to the Birmingham office .



Shop Updates

It's Your Game - Play It!
The 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!

Coming this Summer! See Our New line of Girl Scout logo tees! They come in 4 colors & 2 designs-In all sizes. Pre-orders taken in your local Girl Scout shop!


Other Updates

Graduating Senior Survey
We would like to have girls who will be graduating from High School this spring to provide the Council some information about their experiences in Girl Scouts. This survey may be completed online www.surveymonkey.com/s/CZJNM3C. Voting closes July 31, 2010.

Matnas Perform in Birmingham
Birmingham will welcome a group of talented teenagers from Rosh Ha'ayin, Israel called the Matnas. They are performers who sing and dance at the Kimerling Community Center in Rosh Ha'ayin. Their visit is part of Partnership 2000, a longstanding joint venture between Birmingham, New Orleans and Rosh Ha'ayin. The group's biggest performance will be Saturday, July 24, 9 pm in the Levite Jewish Community Center auditorium. Visit www.bjf.org for more information.


Adult Learning

Register by mail, email, fax only; no phone calls please. Please register at least two weeks before the course date. Volunteers and girls may register for learning sessions by sending registration forms and fees to:
Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama
ATTN: Registrar
1515 Sparkman Drive NW Huntsville, AL 35816 F
AX: Or E-Mail: registrar@girlscoutsnca.org
Register online at: http://www.girlscoutsnca.org/documents/0910Adult_RegForm3.pdf

Click here to see the Adult Learning calendar, and up-to-the minute class availabilities!


Girl Leadership/Awards

Please see our Program Planner for full course descriptions and dates of other upcoming courses.

Adult Leadership

Developing a Girl Scout Leader (formerly Leadership Essentials)
Saturday, July 24 - Huntsville, 9a.m. - 1 p.m.
Saturday, August 7 - Wedowee, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

This class is for new volunteers. Please see the full course description at:
http://www.girlscoutsnca.org/documents/2010-11PPGirlLeadershipAdultLearning0512.pdf

Service Unit Manager Training
Saturday, July 31 – Fultondale, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
This course is for new Service Unit Managers and returning managers who have not attended training. It will help understand the scope of your responsibilities, how to partner with the Community Development Manager to develop community resources, how to recruit and select team members, and resources available to assist you.
REMINDER: New troop volunteers (Troop Leaders, Assistant Troop Leaders, & Co-leaders must complete the following courses within six months of being appointed to their positions. (See "Training" on page 78 of Volunteer Essentials.)
-Discover Girl Scouting (GSUSA Online Orientation)
-Connect with Your Council (GSNCA Orientation by your Community Development Manager)
-Take Action-Leadership Essentials (4 hour class listed in the Program Planner)

If you have not completed your required training please contact your Community Development Manager.

Click here for GSUSA Online Orientation

Anne Frank and Me

Want to take your older (10+) scout to see an award-winning piece of theatre? Check out Anne Frank and Me at Children's Dance Foundation.

Shows are June 24-26 (7:30pm) and June 27 (2:30pm) at CDF Studio Theatre at
1715 27th Court South, Downtown Homewood.

Directed by Charla Cochran, the story is about the awakening of a modern teen Holocaust denier. Nicole Burns doubts the truth and cares even less, but ultimately comes face-to-face with the hell of the Holocaust, and—in an extraordinary sequence—meets Anne Frank on a cattle car to Auschwitz. We start out with Nicole in today's teen world of MTV. Hip-hop dancing, unfinished homework assignments, and young love are all transported with her to Nazi-occupied Paris, 1942-44, and then are brought forward again to the light and hope of the present.

This multiple national award-winning new American classic features 15 actors ages 10 to adult: Heather Burgess, Emily Donahue, Sadie Chapman, Trevor Clay, Michael Walters, Susan Cook, Kenny Morris, Caroline Slupe (Vestavia Girl!), Brittany Allen, Graham Dupont, Merri-Morgan Mattox, Maree Jones.

Girl Scouts in the News

Summer starts today - hopefully everyone is in good spirits! Regardless, let's take a look at a number of Girl Scout stories pooping up from the weekend:

■Tampa Bay Online has a story about Mary Jane Padgett, who after forty years as a Girl Scout Leader, is stepping down.
■In Chico California, The Enterprise Record reports that Girl Scouts, former Girl Scouts and leaders took part in the Chico Service Unit's annual June Jamboree - About 230 girls attended the annual event that offers younger girls a day camp experience and more experienced girls an overnight camping trip.
■The Milwaukee Journal Sentinal, WI, has a fantastic story on Camp Alice Chester's healthy habits focus.
■The Miami Herald has an awesome article on male Girl Scout Leader Angel Calzadilla -father of 3 Girl Scouts - he teaches Girl Scout Troop 975 what they need to know about cars to receive their "Car Sense" badge.
■The Boston Globe has an excellent piece on Frances Hesselbein, former Chief Executive Officer of the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.
■In Bingham, ME, Girl Scouts use local produce in food project. Read more.
Enjoy!

Girl Scouts Behind Bars

via blog.girlscouts.org

Corrections.com, a comprehensive news site dealing with prison and parole issues, has a fantastic look into Girl Scouts Beyond Bars in Idaho - which just celebrated it's one-year anniversary. Girl Scouts Beyond Bars was started at the Pocatello Women’s Correctional Center on April 11, 2009 with six inmates and 10 children. Since that time the program has seen a growth in the number of inmates who are anxious to become a part of this program. The program covers subjects such as healthy living, budgeting, making good choices, accountability, and communicating effectively. The girls are also offered the opportunity to earn Fun Patches based on turning in homework assignments.

Carly Sullivan, a Mother and inmate, sums it up nicely by saying:

“I wasn’t getting any visits from my girls prior to this program... now, my
girls are writing me and really talking to me when I call them. It has
reestablished my relationship with them and opened up lines of communication
with my whole family. It also gives me something to look forward to every month.”

(NOTE FROM TANYA: Anyone interested in exploring the idea of starting a program like this here in Alabama? I'd love to talk to you...)

Animal Lovers: Volunteer Opportunity this Weekend

The Nutro “Room To Run” project will be held at the Hoover Dog Park (Loch Haven Park map) on June 12th from 9am-3pm. They want everyone to come out and volunteer some time to get this dog park finalized (raking mulch, picking up trash, installing agility equipment). You'll get a sneek peak of the Hoover Dog Park and be registered to win free dog food for a year! For details, click here.

Is December Too Early for GS Cookies???

Hi SMSU Leaders,

GSNCA wants your feedback on the dates for cookies sales. Was December too early? Is January too late? We want to encourage you to fill out this survey to give them your feedback on when the Cookie Sale Program should begin.


Get Out and Vote!
~Tanya & Joan

Alabama Girl Scout Profiled in Newspaper Article

AL.com has a great article about a Huntsville-area girl scout who developed a children's library for her church. What's inspiring is that Lillian Wells never liked reading herself. She has dyslexia and always found reading a challenge. But when she finally found a book she really loved she also found the inspiration for her Gold Award project. Read all about it on al.com

Weekly Program Update

To receive this publication, visit the Volunteer Publications page of our website, and click on "Subscribe to Weekly Program Updates."

GSNCA is in the process of installing new phone systems in each office to improve customer service and will eventually have one main number for the entire Council. Please click here to see an updated staff directory with updated extensions as they are available. Thank you for your patience while we work to better serve you!

Family Giving Campaign
Have you chipped in yet? The Family Giving Campaign is in full swing, and this year is more exciting than ever. Service units reaching 100% troop participation will have a chance to win a service unit weekend stay at camp! By participating in the Family Giving Campaign you do more than help your service unit win a trip to camp. You help provide the necessary funds to continue offering quality Girl Scout programming and give other girls the opportunity to be a part of everything Girl Scouts has to offer. For your chance to win, fill out your family giving pledge form, make a donation online at www.girlscoutsnca.org/donate.php or mail a check to the office in Birmingham. Remember to list your troop and service unit when you send in your donation! For more information contact Julie Carter at 205-980-4750 x1030 or jcarter@girlscoutsnca.org.

Call for Photos!
We need your extreme adventure or travel photos. Please submit to hperry@girlscoutsnca.org and include troop number, grade level, place traveled and girls identified from left to right by first name and last initial. Also please include where the troop is from - if from a large city, please also include area of town.

Cookie Time/Date Survey
Please fill out this survey to give us your feedback on when the Cookie Sale Program should begin.


Program Updates

Gold Award Workshop NEW
Saturday, June 12, 2010 Time: 9 a.m. – Noon
Location: Birmingham Service Center
Grade level: Seniors & Ambassadors
Min/max: 6/20
Cost: $5.00 per person
Registration deadline: June 4, 2010
This workshop is for girls and adults who want to learn about the Gold Award requirements and steps to earn this top award. The workshop will guide girls to: Identify an issue; Investigate it thoroughly; Get help and build a team; Create a plan; Take action on the issue; and Education and inspire others about the issue. Troop volunteers are encouraged to attend the workshops with their troops.

Alabama Museum of Natural History Adventure Caving NEW
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Time: 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Location: Russelville, Franklin County
Grade level: Seniors, Ambassadors
Min/max: 10/20 Cost: $22 per girl; $22 per adult
Registration deadline: June 30, 2010
Participants will meet and University of Alabama in Huntsville and will then be transported to Ed Johnson Caving in Russellville (Franklin County). Girls will be guided down into the cave for a two-hour adventure, eat lunch and swim in Bear Creek Lake.

Alabama Adventure Girl Scout Day
Saturday, July 24Time: ALL DAY
Location: Alabama Adventure-Birmingham
Grade level: ALL
Min/max: N/A
Cost: $32 per girl; $32 per adult
Registration deadline: July 16, 2010
Includes: COMBO ADMISSION
All Day Admission to Magic City USA Theme Park and Splash Beach Water Park
All American Meal: Hotdogs, Chips, Baked Beans, Ice Cream Sandwiches, Soft Drink
Reservation for Picnic Pavilion
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Concert (Colbie Caillat)
Alabama Adventure Scout Patch
*****Parking is not included*****
Tickets may be purchased in Council shops, online, faxed or mailed. Click here for the order form.



Alabama Adventure Any Day Fun Day Tickets or Season Passes
Time: ALL DAY
Location: Alabama Adventure-Birmingham
Grade level: ALL
Min/max: N/A
Cost: Any Day tickets$26 per girl; $26 per adult $26 per friend
Cost: Season Pass $ 53 per girl; $53 per adult; $53 per friend
Registration deadline: September 2010
All Day Admission to Magic City USA Theme Park and Splash Beach Water Park. *****Parking not included*****
Tickets may be purchased in Council shops, online, faxed or mailed. Click here for the order form.

Alabama Museum of Natural History-Inner Tubing trip on the Little Cahaba
July 13 or 22, 2010
Time: 8:15 a.m. at the University of Alabama and follow in personal cars or meet at site 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Brierfield Bibb County
Age Level: Grades 4 & up
Min/Max: None
Cost: $27
Registration Deadline: July 7, 2010
Enjoy a trip to Brierfield where girls will have a fun day of inner tubing. Bring friends and parents, anyone who can fit in the van can come! Old shoes are required and bring your own lunch. Register at Huntsville Service Center 800-410-8338 or fax 256 882-1750. Contact Beth Gable for more info at bgable@girlscoutsnca.org.

Down in the Bog
Saturday, July 17th 2010; Time: 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Location: Mary Hardin Center for Cultural Arts, Gadsden
Grade level: All Ages
Min/max: 15/60
Cost: $8 per girl; 2 adults free per Safety-Wise, extra adults $6 each
Registration deadline: Friday June 26, 2010
Because they are so sensitive to environmental changes, scientists often refer to frogs as a sort of ecological "Canary in a Coalmine." The rapid disappearance of many species of frogs is a sure sign that something is going very wrong on our planet. We are creating a museum instillation using recycled materials to help bring awareness to this problem and we are inviting Girl Scouts from all over North-Central Alabama to be a part of it. Our educators will give girls the facts about frogs and teach you some new ways to use old packaging materials before we create the "Forever Frogs Bog."

Alabama Museum of Natural History-Canoeing Trip Coosa River
July 29, 2010
Location: Coosa River Canoeing
Age level: Grades 8 & up
Min/ Max: 10/15
Cost: $27
Registration Deadline: July 21, 2010
Enjoy a trip to Coosa River for canoeing. A health form is required. Girls will enjoy a day of canoeing. The University of Alabama will provide the transportation and gear. Girls will need extra clothes, need to wear tennis shoes and bring lunch.

Alabama Museum of Natural History-Adventure Caving UPDATED INFO
August 7, 2010
Time: 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Location: Russelville, Franklin County
Grade level: Seniors, Ambassadors
Min/max: 10/20
Cost: $22 per girl; $22 per adult
Registration deadline: July 21, 2010
Participants will meet and University of Alabama in Huntsville and will then be transported to Ed Johnson Caving in Russellville (Franklin County). Girls will be guided down into the cave for a two-hour adventure, eat lunch and swim in Bear Creek Lake.

T'ween Summit - Mix It UP!
Friday & Saturday, August 20th & 21st, 2010
Time: 5 pm Friday to 4 pm Saturday
Location: Camp Sumatanga
Grade level: Juniors (T'ween or Preteen)
Min/max: 20/60
Cost: $50 per girl $62 non registered girl $45 per Adult
Registration deadline: August 6, 2010
Enjoy a good time with your Girl Scout friends or bring your BFF even if she's not a Girl Scout. Let's Mix It Up! Friendships, Fashion, Money Money, and More!! Price includes: lodging, 3 meals, snacks and program supplies. You will need to bring your own bedding. (sleeping bag or bed roll) Program Contact: Beth Gable 800-243-1526 x104 or 256-543-8033 x104 or bgable@girlscoutsnca.org.

Council's own Web Programs (CWP/Box Programs)
The following CWP/Box Programs can be used in several ways! (Service Unit Events-Kick Off Events-Troop Meetings-Service Unit Camp Weekend and more) www.girlscoutsnca.org/web-programs.php

Princess Party/Tea Party-All Age Levels
Hoppin' and Boppin'- 50's Box Program
Penny Power/Brownie Box Program

What is CWP? It's programs or information on our Council's website that can be downloaded for use with service unit programs and troop/group programs.

What is a Box Program? A Box Program is information and materials. Box Programs may have all the information and materials for the program or may a list of supplies that are needed to complete the program. Some Box Programs have fees attached to them. The fee is to cover materials that are used and not returned.

Where can I find this information? Council Service Centers Visit our website: www.girlscoutsnca.org, click on Volunteer, and Web Programs.
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Camp Updates
Register now for Summer Camp! Online registration is the preferred method for registration. Online registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served, space-available basis at mailto:www.girlscoutsnca.org. No additional fee for online registration. Mailed/faxed registrations will be processed after those that are entered online. Space in all camp sessions is strictly limited. When submitting paper registration, please complete a separate form for each camper and for each program. Each resident camp registration form must be accompanied by a $100 deposit. Each day camp registration form must be accompanied by a deposit of $20 per week. The deposit is refundable only if the selected session is full or is cancelled due to lack of registrations. Registrations will continue to be accepted until all spaces in the session are filled or two weeks before the start of the session, whichever comes first. **Note this year we are using a new registration software called Camp Registrar. Old bookmarks will not work.**





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Shop Updates
In-Store Promos!
Does your Vest or Sash have the North-Central Alabama Council ID on it? If not, the Girl Scout Shop has a deal for you! For just 50 cents you can update your uniform to proudly reflect the name of your Council! This offer is good through June 2010. Valid in-store only.

Coming this Summer! See Our New line of Girl Scout logo tees! They come in 4 colors & 2 designs-In all sizes. Pre-orders taken in your local Girl Scout shop!

Shops Closed
All shops will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday on June 15 & 16.

topOther Updates
Graduating Senior Survey
We would like to have girls who will be graduating from High School this spring to provide the Council some information about their experiences in Girl Scouts. This survey may be completed online www.surveymonkey.com/s/CZJNM3C.




Outdoor Programs

Adult Learning
Register by mail, email, fax only; no phone calls please. Please register at least two weeks before the course date. Volunteers and girls may register for learning sessions by sending registration forms and fees to:
Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama
ATTN: Registrar
1515 Sparkman Drive NW Huntsville, AL 35816 F
AX: 256/882-1750 Or E-Mail: registrar@girlscoutsnca.org
Register online at: http://www.girlscoutsnca.org/documents/0910Adult_RegForm3.pdf

Click here to see the Adult Learning calendar, and up-to-the minute class availabilities!



Girl Leadership/Awards

Gold Award Workshop
Saturday, June 12, 2010- Birmingham 9 a.m. - Noon
Please see the description in Program Updates section above and our Program Planner for future workshops.

Adult Leadership Service Unit Manager Training
Saturday, June 19, 2010 - in the Gardendale or Birmingham area
Time: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
This course is for new Service Unit Managers and returning managers who have not attended training. It will help understand the scope of your responsibilities, how to partner with the Community Development Manager to develop community resources, how to recruit and select team members, and resources available to assist you.

Please see our Program Planner for full course descriptions and dates of other upcoming courses.
REMINDER: New troop volunteers (Troop Leaders, Assistant Troop Leaders, & Co-leaders must complete the following courses within six months of being appointed to their positions. (See "Training" on page 78 of Volunteer Essentials.)
-Discover Girl Scouting (GSUSA Online Orientation)
-Connect with Your Council (GSNCA Orientation by your Community Development Manager)
-Take Action-Leadership Essentials (4 hour class listed in the Program Planner)

If you have not completed your required training please contact your Community Development Manager.

Click here for GSUSA Online Orientation

Oldest Living Girl Scout Turning 110

Boston's Fox 25 reports that this month, Milly England - The oldest living Girl Scout - is turning 110 years old. Family and fellow Girl Scouts threw a big bash where she was honored as the oldest living Girl Scout. She recalled some of her Scouting memories from as far back as 1914 - almost as old as the organization itself! Check out the video for a peek inside her party. Happy Birthday, for sure!

Butterfly Garden for Silver Awards

(via blog.girlscouts.org)

Head on over to California's Inland Valley Daily Bulletin and read a story about two Girl Scouts working to improve the conditions at a local shelter that provides temporary housing and assistance to homeless families and their children. To acquire the Girl Scout Silver Award - which is the second highest award in the Girl Scouts - Veronica Osborn, 15, and Camille Goodwin, 13, spent a recent Saturday planting a drought friendly butterfly garden for residents and their children staying in the building. The award requires the girls - who are in Troop 12164 - to complete three projects for the community. The garden was the girls' main project.



Awesome work Veronica and Camille! Do you have stories you'd like to share about your Girl Scout Silver Award Project? Email tanya_ott@yahoo.com with details.

Summer Camp Programs

Camp Cottaquilla’s Summer Camp Programs will begin May 21, 2010 and run through June 18, 2010.

There is still time to register. Please go to our web site to view the Camp Brochure.

Hope to see you this summer!

Kay Henderson, Camp Director

Girl Scout Google Doodle Artist!

(via blog.girlscouts.org)

Looks like there is a Girl Scout Finalist in the Doodle 4 Google Contest! Her name is Indira and she is eight years old. Voting closed yesterday. No word yet on how she did!

Girl Scouts is "Getting Empowered"

Girl Scouts is partnering with the National Urban League on its “I am Empowered” campaign. The campaign is a yearlong public service initiative designed to rally millions of Americans around education, employment, housing and healthcare. It’s all part of the National Urban Leagues centennial celebration and anyone can take the “I am Empowered” pledge.

The pledge says, "I pledge to responsibly commit my time and talent to ensure that the nation is empowered to achieve the following goals by 2025:


•Every American child is ready for college, work and life.


•Every American has access to jobs with a living wage and good benefits.


•Every American lives in safe, decent, affordable and energy efficient housing on fair terms.


•Every American has access to quality and affordable health care solutions."
So take the pledge, and check out the National Urban League’s cool video below:



The National Urban League is the nation’s oldest and largest community-based movement devoted to empowering African Americans to enter the economic and social mainstream. Girl Scouts has partnered with the National Urban League in the past, and has a long history of diversity and inclusion. The first Girl Scout troop for African American girls was formed in 1917, and by the 1950s, GSUSA had begun a national effort to desegregate all Girl Scout troops. In 1956, Martin Luther King Jr. described Girl Scouts as “a force for desegregation.”

(via blog.girlscouts.org)

Defending Dignity, Fighting Poverty

The GSUSA blog has a letter from Hosanna Kabakoro - a 2009 National Young Women of Distinction. Hosanna recently attended the CARE Conference on Global Poverty and Women's Issues in Washington D.C. and below is her letter - enjoy:

This week, thanks to Girl Scouts of the USA, my fellow Young Woman of Distinction Vivian and I were privileged to attend the international CARE Conference on Global Poverty and Women's Issues in Washington D.C.

CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. It places special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty. Women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources. CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters, and helps people rebuild their lives.

The Keynote speaker at the conference was Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who encouraged conference participants to lobby Congress to authorize funding to campaign against child marriage, maternal death and hunger in developing nations. Mrs. Clinton took time to promote the administration's goals for eliminating poverty and disease through nutrition.

Other speakers and guests included the First Ladies of Sierra Leone, Kenya and Mozambique, who shared how they and their husbands are starting schools for girls, initiating village-level micro-financing projects and working to provide more effective pre and post natal care to rural and impoverished women. Christie Turlington and Maria Bello were also present, and awarded special recognition awards to women who are playing fundamental roles in reaching other women with solutions.

We learned that more than a billion people live in poverty. One in three children in the world live in an undernourished state. We also learned that there is hope. As we focus on women, and encourage them to join in initiatives directed at them, we will continue to see progress.

Girl Scouts was invited to share how youth are contributing and Vivian and I led a roundtable group where we were able to discuss how our Gold Award projects were birthed and what the results of our projects have been.

It was a wonderful time of sharing and getting to meet other female activists. I left feeling educated, informed and empowered to continue making a difference.

Girl Scouts & Families: We Need Your Help!

The 5th Annual End-of-Year School Supply Recycling Project

Scouts & Families: We need your help once again with this project, taking place throughout the Vestavia Hills school system, to sort through the students’ and schools’ donations on

Tuesday afternoon, May 25th
3:30-5:30
Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church

The work will be easy enough for Scouts of all ages -- sorting through the bags of pencils, papers, notebooks, and more, that are being collected from around the area schools to be donated to the students and classrooms in the heart of the Alabama Black Belt.

Did you know?

• The Alabama Black Belt consists of a group of primarily agricultural counties, with dark rich soil, extending east to west across Central Alabama, that currently experience high rates of poverty, illiteracy and infant mortality.

• Unemployment in Alabama’s Black Belt counties is 16.2%. More than a quarter of the work force (25.1%) is unemployed in Wilcox County alone.

• In Wilcox County (where Gee's Bend is located), the median household income is $16,646, compared to $50,233 for the country -- nearly 40% of the population is below the poverty level.

• In Selma (a prosperous community by comparison), the median household income is $21,261, while unemployment is at 18.2%, nearly twice the national rate.

• 8 Black Belt counties are among the 100 poorest counties in the United States.

• The state Education Budget cut money for classroom supplies; Black Belt schools will be especially hard hit.

We hope each of you can spend at least one hour helping out this very worthy cause—
IT WON’T HAPPEN WITHOUT YOU!

This community project is made possible by the cooperation of local businesses, schools and organizations including:

Publix; Vestavia Hills Girl Scouts; Two Men and a Truck; Friends of Hale County;
Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church;and the Vestavia Hills School System.

Any questions?
Susan Thomas @ 822-4852