Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council. Leader 101. Cholla Neighborhood

Transcription

1 Girl Scouts Arizona Cactus-Pine Council Leader 101 Cholla Neighborhood

2 WELCOME You ve agreed to take on a Girl Scout Troop! Congratulations and thank you. The development of strong, skilled girls is worth your time and effort, and you will develop a closeness with your own daughter(s) as you guide your troop over the years. This may well be one of the most rewarding adventures of your life! The most important thing is to remember that you are not alone. The parents in your troop want to develop that closeness with their daughters too, so give them the chance by having them help. There are lots of things to do with a troop so use this resource and then no one person is burdened. This Manual is meant to be a guide. We hope to provide you with a local, ever evolving, resource that will answer some of your questions. Also, the GSUSA (National Girl Scout organization) and the GSACPC (Girl Scout Arizona Cactus Pine Council) have a huge amount of information on their web sites. We hope to get you to resources easily and right away so you don t feel so overwhelmed. The GSUSA and Council materials are very helpful and thorough so be sure to access them as you progress. Thank You, The Cholla Neighborhood Girl Scouts Service team MAKE NEW FRIENDS Make new friends But keep the old. One is Silver But the other s Gold. A circle s round It has no end. That s how long I want to be your friend. A fire burns bright, it warms the heart. We've been friends, from the very start. You have one hand, I have the other. Put them together, We have each other. Silver is precious, Gold is too. I am precious, and so are you. You help me, and I'll help you and together we will see it through. The sky is blue, The Earth is green, I can help to keep it clean. Across the land, Across the sea, Friends forever We will always be.

3 GIRL SCOUT PROMISE On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And, to live by the Girl Scout Law. GIRL SCOUT LAW I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout

4 Table of Contents I. TERMINOLOGY... 1 II. GIRL SCOUT STRUCTURE... 8 III. CHOLLA NEIGHBORHOOD... 9 IV. YOUR TROOP A. Establish a Troop B. Choose a meeting place C. Choose a meeting time D. Choose a frequency E. Examples F. Go through Getting Started training G. More Training V. FIRST STEPS VI. UNIFORMS VII. BOOKS, BADGES & PATCHES VIII. MONEY EARNING PROJECTS IX. TRADITIONS AND CEREMONIES A. Investiture / Pinning B. Rededication C. Bridging D. Flag E. Friendship Circle F. SWAPS X. TRAVEL A. Traveling with girls B. Travel progression checklist i

5 C. Seeking council permission D. Involving chaperones E. Transporting girls F. Staying safe during the trip XI. CAMPING A. Progressive Camping B. Troop Camp Certification C. First Aid D. Permission (Also see Sec. X, Travel) E. Locations XII. SAFETY A. Manual B. Safety Checkpoints C. First Aid/CPR D. Troop Camp Certification XIII. RECOGNITIONS A. Girl Recognitions B. Adult Recognitions ii

6 I. TERMINOLOGY 01 - Leader- A member of the leadership team generally responsible for coordinating the troop and its members. The individual roles within a troop are determined by the troop s leadership team, but only the 01 can register girls and enroll the troop in council activities. 02 Co-Leader - A member of the leadership team. The individual responsibilities are determined within the leadership team. The co-leaders are equal in leadership to the leader, they have the same strength of voice and decision, implementation and attendance in the troop. These are registered volunteers taking an active role in the troop Troop Committee Member/Signer - Refers to troop volunteers that have a voice, but choose not to take a leadership role. Signers are on the troop bank account but not leading the troop. However, they can travel with the troop, lead a badge or activity from time to time, etc. Two unrelated troop 01 or 02 s need to be present at all meetings and activities whenever the troop assembles. 11 Service Team Member - Please check out the Service Team portion of the Neighborhood website to see who is currently serving in these roles. 19 Delegate Volunteers that go to the annual Council Meeting to be the representatives and voice for decisions within the council on behalf of our Neighborhood. (See also, Annual Meeting). Annual Meeting - A meeting held by the council once a year where program is discussed, council wide networking is available, guest speakers present, a financial report is given and delegates vote on any items the council presents. (See Council and Delegate) Badges - These are a patch that goes on the front of the uniform (vest/sash). Each badge has a specific placement uniform to all Girl Scouts in the council. Badges are always EARNED which differs them from Fun Patches. Each badge has a specific set of requirements that can be found in either the Girl Guide or a supplement to the Girl Guide. (See Girl Guide) Badges are not earned until ALL requirements have been accomplished. Not to be confused with fun patches (see Fun Patch). 1

7 Cookie Mom/Dad - The cookie volunteer in your troop in charge of all things cookie. Cookie Club - An online option for Girl Scouts and their parent geared to help girls sell more cookies. Cookie Manager - Neighborhood Volunteer to Coordinate everything leading up to, during and wrapping up cookie season. Please check out the Service Team portion of the Neighborhood website to see who is currently serving in this role. Cookie Season - The time when Girl Scouts, whether in troops or as IGM s, focus on the sale of Girl Scout Cookies. Generally January-March. Council - The geographical area that troops and neighborhoods reside in. The Council is a large area, and ours is the Arizona Cactus-Pine Council, covering most of Arizona and the entire Navajo Nation. Council Shop - A GS store run by the Council where you can purchase all of your GS needs. This is where you can get fun patches, badges, manuals, books, uniforms, t-shirts, gifts and more. This is in downtown Phoenix at 3806 North 3 rd Street, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85012, , or online at Ebudde - Online website used to implement the cookie program. This website is used on a national, council, neighborhood and troop level. This is where you order initial cookies, where you can find amounts due, cookies your troop is responsible for, a cookie calendar, communications, booth information and sign-up, and just about everything else cookie. The Neighborhood Cookie Manager and the Cookie Team run it, and they are who you would go to for all things Cookie. Encampment - An annual neighborhood-wide campout planned by the Girls and facilitated by the Service Team. Any planned encampment will be outlined for all who desire to attend within specified ages for the encampment. Girls must have completed their progressive camping to the appropriate level in order to attend. Event Coordinator - Volunteer in charge of overseeing the planning and implementation of neighborhood events. Please check out the Service Team portion of the Neighborhood website to see who is currently serving in this role. 2

8 Fall Product Manager - Volunteer in charge of all things Fall Product. She is your Go-To gal for all questions and implementation for Fall Product Season. Please check out the Service Team portion of the Neighborhood website to see who is currently serving in this role. Fall Product - The first of 2 fundraisers for troops during the year. This usually takes place in September. This is a more lucrative fundraiser per item than cookies, but not as well known. This fundraiser is highly encouraged. :-) Finance Consultant - Neighborhood volunteer to whom you will turn in yearly financials, and can assist with their preparation, if needed. Please check out the Service Team portion of the Neighborhood website to see who is currently serving in this role. Contact your MSE regarding information on bank accounts. Financials - A yearly, mandatory financial report of your troop turned in to the Neighborhood Finance Consultant and kept on file. Retain all receipts and a ledger to make this process easier. This is due by May 31 st to Council EACH year, so it is due to the Neighborhood Finance Consultant at the April Leader Meeting so there is time to review for accuracy prior to submission to Council. The Neighborhood Finance Consultant has a copy of the form or it can be found in the forms section at If you need help understanding or filling out financials, please contact the Neighborhood Finance Consultant to walk you through it. Fun Patch - Fun patches are patches that signify an activity, but have no earning requirement other than participation. Fun patches ALWAYS go on the back of the uniform and have no specific placement other than on the back. Do not confuse with Badges. (See Badges) Girl Guide Book (Manual) - A binder-style Book that can be purchased through the council shop or online. There is a separate Girl Guide for each level (Daisy through Senior Girl Scout). The Girl Guide is a plethora of information, including traditions, badges, awards, guidelines, history and so much more. These are very handy, and each troop should have at least one copy to make a smooth program. This can be purchased by the leaders, by the girls, or with troop funds. Council suggests each girl have their own, but if not financially possible or practical, there should be one available within the troop for reference. Additional badge sets can be purchased to add to the Manual. These are associated with the three Journeys per level. 3

9 Girl Scout Law - A law that should be memorized and recited at all meetings. All Girl Scout programming is geared to instill these values into Scouts and prepare them to be leaders. Girl Scout Promise - A memorized promise that girls recite to live the law. Should be recited at all meetings. GORP - Good Ol Fashioned Raisins and Peanuts (aka trail mix). This is a fun, old term referring to trail mix. It does not have to include Raisins or Nuts, and is fun to make for an activity at a meeting. IGM - Independent Girl Member. Also called Juliette s and named in honor of the GS founder, Juliette Gordon Low. An IGM is a registered Girl Scout that is not affiliated with any troop. They have different rules in certain areas to follow (think financial) but for the most part, are Scouts without a troop. Investiture - A ceremony in which a Girl Scout dedicates their life to living the Girl Scout Law and Promise. Once a girl has completed an Investiture Ceremony, they should annually complete a Rededication Ceremony dedicated to the same values. Journey - The GS curriculum. There are 3 core areas and a version for each level. There are specific requirements and lessons for each level and each journey. The council offers training and supplemental activities. If you need help, contact a member of the Service Team. Journey leader books and girl workbooks can be purchased at the council shop. Our Neighborhood Librarian also has Journey leader and girl books if you would like to check them out to see which one your troop would prefer. Girl Scouts that would like to earn their Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards must complete a Journey as the first step. (See the Manual for additional information). Additionally, Badge Kits can be purchased to increase involvement in the three core areas Juliette See IGM, and may also refer to Juliette Gordon Lowe the founder of Girl Scouts. Leader Meetings - Recommended meetings for ALL leaders and co-leaders. Each troop should be represented by a minimum of one registered adult from their troop. This is a place to have fun, ask questions, receive information, meet and 4

10 network with other leaders and reinvent your troops program. Neighborhood holds monthly meetings. See the website for a schedule. Cholla Member Levels - The age/grade-specific group a girl fits into. Levels are: Daisy (K-1st Grade) Brownie (2nd-3rd Grade) Junior (4th-5th Grade) Cadette (6th-8th Grade) Senior (9th-10th Grade) Ambassador (11th-12th Grade) IGM (all grade levels) Adult Member (Post Graduation or 18 and over) All registered adults are Adult Members Lifetime Member (18 and over) An adult member who has paid the fee for lifetime membership and does not have to pay any member registration fees again. MSE - Member Service Executive, this person is a Council employee that is an advocate, a go-between and a voice for all people in her designated area. Neighborhood - A specified group/area of troops. We reside in the Cholla Neighborhood (655), which covers part of Chandler. See also, Service Unit. Neighborhood Facilitator/Manager - Volunteer in charge of managing and facilitating the Neighborhood. This is the person that you go to if you need guidance not appropriate for the mentors. This person also oversees all Service Team and leader meeting functions. Facilitator works in conjunction with MSE to help leaders have the most effective and smooth process possible. Any volunteer that steps into the manager position is available to all leaders and co-leaders as a sounding board, a friend and advocate. Please check out the Service Team portion of the Neighborhood website to see who is currently serving in this role. Nut-E The online application used by leaders and troop product managers to order and track Fall Product Sales period. PAG/Program-At-A-Glance - Complete list of council run and sponsored activities with registration information. Found at 5

11 Recruitment Facilitator/Site Coordinator - Neighborhood volunteer/team that places all new girls looking for a troop. This is the person/team that you would go to if you would like to enlarge your troop. Please check out the Service Team portion of the Neighborhood website to see who is currently serving in this role. Rededication see Investiture. It s the same ceremony only with a girl or adult that has already been through Investiture and they re-dedicate themselves to keeping the Promise and the Law. Registrar - Volunteer in charge of helping troops new and returning to register. This is the person that you would go to with help and questions regarding registration, as well as getting the proper paperwork. Please check out the Service Team portion of the Neighborhood website to see who is currently serving in this role. Safety Checkpoints and Guidelines - If there is an activity, there are guidelines. This can be downloaded from online. Please know all safety requirements for all activities you participate in, including ratios of girls to adults, men/girl interactions, certifications, authorizations and safety knowhow. Service Unit- A large grouping of troops designated by the Council. Each Service Unit has a specific name, number and MSE. Ours is the Cholla Neighborhood. Two neighboring units also in Chandler are the Purple Sage and Ocotillo Neighborhoods. Situpons - An item that girls can make to sit on when sitting on the ground to keep themselves clean. SWAPS - Special Whachamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere. SWAPS are a fun GS tradition dating back to the earliest GS days. These are items that the scouts make and then hand out to new friends to pin on to a bag, hat or item to show that they matter. They are fun to make and fun to get. When making SWAPS, try to think of something, small, lightweight and signifying your group or activity. For ideas, you can Google SWAPS or talk to an experienced leader. Tagalongs - Non-registered people that Tag Along on activities. The cookie was named for this term, not the other way around. Lol. Tagalongs are not allowed at activities covered by our GS insurance unless specifically dictated on an activity by activity basis. Tagalongs most often take the form of siblings and unregistered adults. 6

12 TCC1/TCC2 - Troop Camp Certification Level 1 and 2 (separate certifications). These are required trainings provided through the council if you plan to participate in any outdoor activities, camping, outdoor cooking, knife skills and much more. If you do not have it, make sure at least one registered adult in your troop gets it! If you do not know if it is required for an activity, please ask your Service Team. There s even a TCC 3 if you re up for it! Thinking Day - A worldwide WAGGGS (World Assoc. of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) celebration where girls from all over the world have large, local gatherings to focus on the world we live in. This is a fun and eye-opening experience for girls of every age. This occurs in or near February of each year. Usually Cholla Neighborhood and our Council hold separate events to celebrate World Thinking Day. Troop Trip Form - A required form for all activities that are more than 250 miles away from your meeting place, any campout (even a backyard one), or any overnight activity. Troop Trip Forms can be downloaded from the forms section of or obtained from the MSE. It be filled out completely and turned into the MSE 6 weeks prior to the activity. WAGGGS - Worldwide Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. Girl Scouts of America are affiliated with this global girl program. Not all girl programs are part of WAGGGS. The ribbon on your uniform has a pin signifying your affiliation with WAGGGS. See for more information. 7

13 II. GIRL SCOUT STRUCTURE a. The girl b. Your troop c. Cholla Neighborhood (also called a Service Area) i. Approximately 9 schools located in Chandler ii. Approximately 500 girls iii. See section III for additional information d. Girl Scout Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) i. MSE Rebecca Smith Rebecca.smith@girlscoutsaz.org 1. Is our first contact with Council if we have questions or needs. 2. Attends most (if not all) of our monthly Leader Meetings ii. Council Store 3806 North 3 rd Street, Suite 200, Phoenix, AZ 85012; ; ; shop@girlscoutsaz.org; not a valid URL Open Tuesday through Saturday but check the website to make sure because of odd closures: not a valid URL iii. Council Offices: 119 East Coronado Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85004; Council help addresses: a. General council@girlscoutsaz.org b. Web Support tekcom@girlscoutsaz.org c. Registration Help follow this link and fill out the online form e. Girl Scouts of the USA i. Website is: f. World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, also called WAGGGS i. Website is: 8

14 III. CHOLLA NEIGHBORHOOD GIRL SCOUTS A. The best support for leaders comes from the leaders and volunteers in our Cholla Neighborhood (a/k/a Service Unit) and from our MSE (Member Services Executive) B. Monthly meetings for all leaders, co-leaders and anyone interested (like parents, volunteers, etc.) C. Website: D. Service Team serves as a bridge between Council and the neighborhood troops with Members that assist with any help you may need including, but not limited to: i. Registration ii. New Troops iii. Fall Product Sale iv. Cookie Sale v. Craft Ideas (at the meeting) vi. Training vii. Troop Events E. Great resource for local events for your troop, for example: i. G.E.A.R. day at ASU ii. Lock-in with the Phoenix Mercury F. Opportunities to serve other than with your troop (there are patches available for many of these events) i. Thin Mint Sprint ii. Susan G Komen 4-day Walk iii. Inchworm of Service iv. Girls Love Mail v. Adopt-A-Park vi. Birthday Boxes vii. Crafts & Games with Residents viii. Operation Stocking Stuffer ix. Food Drives x. Free Rice xi. Feed My Starving Children xii. Packages from Home G. Plans the following annual events (not limited to this list): i. Back to School Pool Party 9

15 ii. Leader Investiture iii. Fall Encampment iv. Chandler Parade of Lights v. International Thinking Day vi. Leader/Daughter Events (i.e. Bowling, etc.) vii. Happy Birthday Juliette (for Daisies and Brownies H. Size i. 500 girls ii. Approx. 12 schools 1. Elementary a. Basha b. Conley c. CTA Independence d. Fulton e. Hancock f. Jacobson g. Risen Savior h. Tarwater i. Tri-City Christian Academy 2. Junior High a. Bogle 3. High School a. Hamilton 10

16 IV. YOUR TROOP A. Establish a Troop You need a minimum of the following: i. 1 Leader (01) ii. 1 Co-Leader (02) iii. 5 girls iv. Other than the above, you re going to want parent involvement. The parents (meaning grandparents, aunts, uncles, older siblings, etc.) can participate as: 1. Additional Co-Leader (02) 2. Troop Fall Product Manager or helper (03) 3. Financial Coordinator (manages trips to the bank, writes checks, etc.) (03) 4. Cookie Sale Manager or helper (03) 5. Meeting helper (03) 6. Camping Leader (03) 7. And whatever it is your troop needs. B. Choose a meeting place i. Try the school - most Chandler schools will allow you to meet on campus for free (or near free) as long as you are off the premises by 4:30pm. If your school turns you down, try another one nearby as they may have space available. If you need to meet at night, churches are commonly available as long as someone in the group is a member. You can even meet in your home or the home of one of the troop members. ii. Contact our Service Unit Recruiter for additional resources C. Choose a meeting time iii. If at a school, try right after school (there s no charge if you meet right after school) iv. If most parents work, try an evening meeting after dinner v. If weekdays are too hard or full, try weekends vi. Pick a day that works for the most 1. You will never be able to please everyone 2. Consider trying one day and then review at mid- or end- of year for a possible change. D. Choose a frequency 11

17 i. The frequency should match the interest level of the girls, the leader s and co-leaders schedules E. Examples i. Daisy 1 day every other week for about 1 hour. ii. Brownie/Junior 1 day every other week for 1 ½ hours iii. Cadette/Senior/Ambassador Twice a month for 1 ½ to 2 hours or once a month for 3-4 hours be flexible this is when their social, school, and other extra-curricular activities begin to really grow F. Go through Getting Started training This is a requirement and you will find it really helpful. Cholla Neighborhood offers this training frequently in groups both large and small, and individually, as needed. Please contact the Welcome Specialist on the Service Unit Team. Also, check online for Getting Started G. More Training Take the opportunity to peruse the Council website and look for training opportunities. If you attend in person, you ll meet other leaders and be able to develop a network. If you just want the info, there s lots of training available as webinars or online training. 12

18 V. FIRST STEPS A. Agree to be a troop leader it s not as hard or time consuming as you might think! You will not regret it, we promise! B. Find at least 5 girls interested in forming a troop C. Find a parent willing to serve as co-leader D. Get everyone registered! The fee is $15 per person. It is recommended that you have at least one parent per girl register as well. This fee covers the person for the membership year (Sept. 1 through August 31) and provides secondary insurance for them while they are participating in any Girl Scout (troop, neighborhood, council) event or activity. The individual s insurance is always primary. E. Get your background checks completed. F. Open your bank account i. All accounts are with Wells Fargo ii. Work with the Registrar to get this done. iii. You ll need 3 troop signers 1. You 2. Co-Leader 3. Registered volunteer in your troop, the Neighborhood Finance Consultant or Registrar can be your third signer see the Cholla website for contact links) G. Have a Parents Meeting and discuss the following: i. Meeting place ii. Meeting day iii. Meeting time iv. Meeting frequency v. Dues for first year troops, you can ask for a small initial dues payment this can be weekly, monthly, by school quarter or semester, etc.) The girls can also earn their dues by selling Fall Product and GS Cookies. vi. Uniforms decide which one and how they will be purchased. vii. Your expectations of the parents. Consider a Parent Agreement for them to sign with your expectations. viii. Get volunteers for all of your positions remind parents that this is not a drop off organization unless that is what you want, but you ll end up with all the work 13

19 ix. Decide the best method of contact phone calls, s, troop website, etc. You can get a free website at and many other places. Make sure it s your parents that are accessing it and not the girls there are age-based restrictions for internet access related to Girl Scouts H. Schedule your first troop meeting 14

20 VI. UNIFORMS A. The GS Store has the uniform. B. Parents can also order them online or find most pieces at Sports Chalet, 2650 East Germann Rd., Chandler, AZ 85249, C. At the GS Store link you can find a chart by age level that shows the placement of the required uniform items D. Uniforms are a vest or sash E. Required items on a uniform are: i. US Flag ii. Council emblem iii. Troop Numbers iv. Ribbon Tab v. WAGGGS Pin vi. GS, Daisy or Brownie Pin (depending on level) F. Badges and Patches i. Badges go on the front these are the ones they earn ii. Patches for fun activities go on the back 15

21 VII. BOOKS, BADGES & PATCHES A. Manuals - There is a manual for each age level called The Girls Guide to Girl Scouting these run about $17 each. The girls can each purchase their own if they want to use it as a keepsake, they can share the book, or you can purchase one for the troop. It is recommended that at least the troop have a manual. It s a great tool for teaching and reference. Many of the age specific activities are listed only in this manual though they may be referenced elsewhere. B. Badge Kits these are a set of five additional badges that the girls can earn associated with each Journey. They are different from the Legacy Badges contained in the Manual. If you are interested in doing these, they work well into the Journey as little side activities to supplement the Journey process and can stand alone as Badges to earn outside of the Journey. C. Journeys There are three Journeys for each age level. This is how the girls progress through scouting and earn other awards. There is training online at the website under Volunteer Learning Center, some are available as webinars and online as well as classroom training. D. Badges & Patches i. Badges are earned when a requisite number of requirements are completed. These go on the FRONT of the vest, sash or apron. ii. Patches, also called fun patches, are given for participation in fun activities and events the troop attends. They are included in most Girl Scout organized events and leaders can purchase them for any special troop event or activity and sometimes the event provides a patch. Fun Patches go on the back of the vest. (Receiving the patch most leaders require attendance by the girl to receive the patch, but it s up to you.) Girls can also add patches to the back when they travel with their family like to museums, national parks, etc. iii. For placement, think MULLET business up front, party in the back! iv. Places to buy bulk orders of patches 1. Girl Scout Store (also check other councils and the National website) 16

22 VIII. MONEY EARNING PROJECTS A. As a reminder, the money earned by Girl Scouts belongs to the troop and not to each girl individually. B. There are certain requirements if your troop would like to undertake a money earning project. i. First, you must already be participating in the Council Fall Product OR Cookie Sales. ii. Second, you must complete the following forms located in the Council Forms Library: 2. Application for Money Earning Project (MS-24) and 3. Budget for Events & Money Earning Projects (PS-05). iii. These forms should be turned into the Neighborhood Finance Consultant at least twelve weeks prior to the money earning project. iv. Once you have approval to conduct the project and it is complete, you need to document the results on the bottom of the MS-24 form and return it to the Neighborhood Finance Consultant. C. Money earning projects should not compete with Council product sales. Additionally, troops are not allowed to sell other company s products. Here are some examples of money earning projects: i. Garage sale ii. Troop events (badge workshops, SWAP workshops, etc.) 17

23 IX. TRADITIONS AND CEREMONIES A. Investiture / Pinning Investiture and Pinning are done when a new troop is started for all new Girl Scouts. It is also done when a girl new to scouting is added to a troop. The examples provided under sections a. and b. of this chapter can be used for pinning, investiture and re-investiture and can be modified to suit your troop. Have girls do more than one part if needed, or share parts if you have lots of girls. Have leaders and parents take parts if this is what your troop wants. This ceremony can be a simple or as complex as you choose. NOTE: It is a tradition to pin the Girl Scout Pin on upside down until the girl does a good deed. Building the Girl Scout Pin (Traditional Pin) These are just ideas, searching the web can help you locate many, many more. As each girl says her part, lighting a candle can be symbolic of the three parts of the Promise and the ten parts of the Law. Girl 1: Our pin is symbolic of our fundamental beliefs. Beliefs which have not changed since our beginning, although methods change with the times. Beliefs which help each girl attain the highest development of which she is capable. This pin is in the shape of a trefoil, meaning three-fold, and reminds us of the three parts of the Girl Scout Promise. All: On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country... Girl 2: We learn to find God in nature, to recognize spiritual values as more important than material ones, to seek the beautiful, and to see God in other people. Girl Scouts learn devotion to and seek pride in their country. All: On my honor, I will try: to help people at all times... Girl 3: In her consideration for others, a Girl Scout learns to give generous, selfless service. She comes to realize that service to others is an expression of dedication to people. All: On my honor, I will try: to live by the Girl Scout Law. Girl 4: The Girl Scout Law is a guide for daily living - stated simply enough for 18

24 a young girl to apply to her own life, profound enough to serve as a measuring post for adults. Think about the people you admire; what makes you admire them? Friendliness, dependability, enthusiasm to serve. These are the qualities that the Girl Scout Law helps us attain. Girl 5: Tying together all parts of the Promise and serving as its foundation is the fact that we pledge on our honor to try. When we are discouraged, when we have made mistakes, our Promise reminds us that the best we can do is to keep on trying with a sincere effort. We do more than believe in our Promise, we try to live by it. Our pin is symbolic of our Promise, and we are here to explain the parts of our pin tonight. Girl 6: The eagle is a bird of great endurance and strength. It is used on the Great Seal of the United States to represent power and strength. We wear it on our pin because we are chartered by the Congress of the United States. Girl 7: The Shield represents protection. In the design of the Great Shield of the United States, it rests only on the eagle to show that we are a selfsufficient government. One of our aims in Girl Scouting is to become selfreliant citizens. Girl 8: In the right talon of the eagle is an olive branch representing peace. To show that we are a peace loving nation, the eagle s head faces the olive branch. Girl Scouting is similarly a peace- time movement. Girl 9: However, the arrows show preparedness to fight for our ideals. As Girl Scouts, we prepare ourselves to cope with every situation and emergency. Girl 10: On the scroll are the words E Pluribus Unum, meaning one from many. There are many states but one nation. In the United States we have three million in Girl Scouting. Each one is an individual personality, each one has her own place, but we are working in one organization toward one goal according to the ideals that we have in common. Girl 11: The G.S. on the pin stands for Girl Scout. It means many different things to many different people. All of us have to decide what it means to us new friends we have made, things we have learned, understandings about people we have gained, experiences we could have not have had except as a Girl Scout. The list is almost as endless as the number of people in the organization. 19

25 Girl 12: There is a destiny that makes us sisters. None goes her way alone. All that we send into the lives of others Comes back into our own life. Girl 13: Three candles lighted here represent the three parts of the Girl Scout Promise. Ten candles lighted here represent the ten parts of the Girl Scout Law. All rise and join us in singing Girl Scouts Together (or other appropriate song, if you like.) B. Rededication This ceremony is done each year to remind the girls that about the Promise and Law, what they hope to achieve together, etc. Here s a sample of a Candle Lighting Ceremony: Scene: A table, with 13-candle board/log on it; flanked by American and GSUSA flag. 1st Speaker: "Tonight we are here in to invest those who have joined Girl Scouts for the first time this year. We are also here to rededicate each member, new and old, to the Girl Scout Promise and Law. You should all understand that these are the ideals by which Girls Scouts try to live, and through which we, as leaders, help girls to gain worthy citizenship." [a large candle is lit, house lights are dimmed]. 2nd Speaker: "Before you, you see a golden flame The flame symbolizes a Girl Scout's honor, which must never be dimmed. When a Girl Scout makes a promise, she is placing her honor, the brightest thing in her life, before her fellow Girl Scouts, her leaders, her parents, and her friends. Girls should understand that giving the Girl Scout Promise on one's honor is a serious thing. " 3rd Speaker: "From this golden flame we light the flame of duty to God and country. "[light first small candle and say:] ON MY HONOR I WILL TRY: to serve God and my country 4th Speaker: "We light the flame of duty to people." [light second small candle and say:] ON MY HONOR I WILL TRY: to help people at all times 5th Speaker: "We light the flame of duty to self." [light third small candle and say;] ON MY HONOR I WILL TRY: to live by the Girl Scout Law 6th Speaker: "We now bring to light the flames of the Girl Scout Law, which make bright and clear the trail that leads from girlhood to womanhood. Let us all stand and repeat together the Girl Scout Law." Pause until all stand; then each of the 10 remaining candles is lit one at a time as the ten parts of the law are said. 20

26 7th Speaker: "These burning candles represent the points of the law and promise and how they brighten the life of the Girl Scout who observes them. When through practice they become a part of our daily lives, they also brighten the lives of all whom we come in contact." 8th Speaker: "We can too easily forget that the Girl Scout Promise is a serious pledge. We must guard against repeating the Promise and the Law in a parrot-like manner, as though the words were meaningless. " [Ceremony continues with house lights turned on. Each member present (who wishes to) is invited to say a few words about what being a Girl Scouting has meant to her.] [Song, such as "On My Honor", is sung, if you choose.] 9th Speaker: "Sisters, we are fortunate to be members of the greatest organization of women and girls: the World Association of Girls Scouts and Girl Guides. It is a privilege to wear the emblems of Girl Scouting. The whole world admires and respects us." [Participants stand while leader gives a rededication or investiture, etc to each one] Closing: "With our ceremony ended, we now put out these candles. But we do so with the certain knowledge that we carry the flame of Girl Scouting eternally with us, in our hearts." Both of the ceremonies above were borrowed from the Green Oaks Council website. They have a page with tons of ceremonies. C. Bridging When a Girl Scout is leaving one level and moving up to another level, she is offered the opportunity to bridge up to the next level. This is not a requirement but it is a chance for girls and their families to share in the joys of moving forward with Girl Scouts. Our Cholla Neighborhood plans an annual Bridging Ceremony that all eligible troops are invited to participate. There are requirements for participation in bridging whether you choose to do the neighborhood ceremony or one of your own. These are found in the manual for the level you are leaving but generally they include: i. Attend a meeting with a troop at the level you will be advancing to; ii. Host a meeting for girls younger than you even Daisies can do this by inviting pre-school girls or visiting with a daycare center to talk about Daisies, how much fun they have, and even share an activity they enjoy doing in Daisies; iii. Help prepare for and plan the Bridging Ceremony. 21

27 iv. When attending the Neighborhood Bridging, the following requirements are needed: 4. Troop to participate in the Committee meetings including girls, etc. 5. Participate in the event to make it successful 6. Everyone stays for the entire event 7. Clean-up is everyone s responsibility D. Flag i. See the Girl Scout website for the most current version of the official ceremony and preparation ideas and instructions. E. Friendship Circle Everyone stands in a circle side by side. Right arms are crossed over left and hands are grasped. The person assigned begins by using their right hand to squeeze the hand of the person to their left, then that person squeezes the hand of the person to their left, and so on until the squeeze makes its way back to the starting person. Then, everyone while still holding hands turns to their right at the same time until everyone is facing outward. There are more complicated versions, but this is easiest for the young girls to understand. F. SWAPS Special Whachamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere. SWAPS are a fun GS tradition dating back to the earliest GS days. These are items that the Girl Scouts make and then hand out at activities and event involving other Girl Scouts to new friends to pin on to a bag, hat or item to show that they matter. They are fun to make and fun to get. When making SWAPS, try to think of something, small, lightweight and signifying your group or activity. For ideas, you can google SWAPS or talk to an experienced leader. 22

28 X. TRAVEL A. Traveling with girls i. Short trips to points of interest in the neighborhood (Daisies and older): A walk to the nearby garden or a short ride by car or public transportation to the firehouse or courthouse is a great first step for Daisies. ii. Day trip (Brownies and older): An all-day visit to a point of historical or natural interest (bringing their own lunch) or a day-long trip to a nearby city (stopping at a restaurant for a meal)- younger girls can select locations and do much of the trip planning. iii. Overnight trips (Brownies and older): One (or possibly two) nights away to a state or national park, historic city, or nearby city for sightseeing, staying in a hotel, motel, or campground. These short trips are just long enough to whet their appetites, but not so long as to generate homesickness. iv. Extended overnight trips (Juniors and older): Three or four nights camping or staying in a hotel, motel, or hostel within the girls home region (for example, New England, the Upper Midwest, the Southeast, the Pacific Northwest, and so on). Planning a trip to a large museumand many offer unique opportunities for girls to actually spend the night on museum grounds- makes for an exciting experience for girls. v. National trips (Cadettes and older): Travel anywhere in the country, often lasting a week or more. Try to steer clear of trips girls might take with their families and consider those that offer some educational component- this often means no Disney and no cruises, but can incorporate some incredible cities, historic sites, and museums around the country. vi. International trips (Cadettes and older): Travel around the world, often requiring one or two years of preparation; when girls show an interest in traveling abroad, contact your council to get permission to plan the trip and download the Global Travel Toolkit. Visiting one of the four World Centers is a great place to start, but also consider traveling with worldwide service organizations. Recently, girls have traveled to rural Costa Rica to volunteer at an elementary school, to Mexico to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, and to India to witness the devastation of poverty in urban slums. 23

29 B. Travel progression checklist i. If your troop is thinking about travel, consider first whether the girls are mature enough to handle the trip. In determining a group s readiness for travel, assess the group s: 1. Ability to be away from their parents and their home 2. Ability to adapt to unfamiliar surroundings and situations 3. Ability to make decisions well and easily 4. Previous cross-cultural experiences 5. Ability to get along with each other and handle challenges 6. Ability to work well as a team 7. Skills and interests 8. Language skills (where applicable) C. Seeking council permission i. Before most trips, you and the girls will need to obtain council permission, although your council may not require this information for trips of one day with no overnight stay. ii. The General Permission Slip (MS-28) which is on the reverse side of the Girl Health History Form is used for all general types of activities, excluding those with more risk or are sensitive in nature. iii. Use the Specific Event Permission Slip (MS-41b) when: 1. Activities are high risk 2. Activities are more than 250 miles away from the regular meeting place (one way) 3. Activities involve a sensitive topic iv. Council approval is required for any overnight event. Submit a troop trip application (MS-50a) to your MSE D. Involving chaperones i. To determine how many volunteer chaperones the girls will need with them on the trip, see the adult-to-girl ratios. As you look for chaperones, be sure to look for ones who are committed to: 1. Being a positive role model 2. Respecting all girls and adults, equally, with no preferential treatment 3. Creating a safe space for girls 4. Prioritizing the safety of all girls 5. Supporting and reinforcing a group agreement 24

30 6. Handling pressure and stress by modeling flexibility and a sense of humor 7. Creating an experience for and with girls 8. Getting fit (appropriate to the troop) 9. Please note that all chaperones must have completed their volunteer application and background check, and must be a registered member 10. It is also important to have the person read the Chaperone Guidelines sign a Chaperone Agreement so that s/he knows what is permitted and what is expected during the activity E. Transporting girls i. For planned Girl Scout field trips and other activities- outside the normal time and place- in which a group will be transported in private vehicles: 1. Every driver must be a registered and approved adult volunteer, have a good driving record, a valid license, and a registered/insured vehicle 2. Due to liability insurance reasons, drivers in GSACPC must be 21 years old 3. If a group is traveling in one vehicle, there must be at least two unrelated, approved adult volunteers in the vehicle, one of whom is female, and the girl-volunteer ratios in Volunteer Essentials must be followed. 4. If a group is traveling in more than one vehicle, each vehicle must have at least two unrelated, approved adult volunteers, one of whom is female, and the girl-volunteer ratios in Volunteer Essentials must be followed. Care should be taken so that a single car (with a single adult driver) is not separated from the group for an extended length of time. F. Staying safe during the trip i. Be sure to discuss the following items with the girls and their parents before you leave on any trip (you may also want to put this information in writing and have the girls sign it): 1. Who her buddy is- and how the buddy system works (this is learned in TCC 1 and 2) 25

31 2. What to do if she is separated from the group, whether by accident of because of a crime 3. What to do if she loses something significant: money, passport, luggage 4. What to do in the event of a crime 5. How to report a crime 6. What to do if emergency help is needed 7. How to perform basic first-aid procedures 8. How to deal with a large crowd (if applicable) 9. What behaviors you expect- and what consequences exist for not living up to those behaviors 26

32 XI. CAMPING A. Progressive Camping There are steps to being prepared for camping. The basics are as follows: i. Indoor overnight basically a one-night sleep over at a leader s house. Remember to use Safety Checkpoint precautions. ii. Back yard campout use tents, etc. just like camping in the wilderness but it s in someone s backyard. iii. Wilderness camping 1 night first, then try 2. This allows the girls to become ready to leave their parents and stay away overnight. The worst thing is to get to some really great campground in say Prescott and find out that you have 2 girls that can t be away from their parents overnight. You can either (1) cancel the trip and take them home, or (2) have 2 sets of parents drive up to your campsite to pick them up in the middle of the night. B. Troop Camp Certification i. At least 1 leader needs to be Troop Camp Certified to Level 2 before you can take your kiddo s camping outdoors to work on Progressive Camping (except for the sleepover step unless they will be cooking outdoors). ii. It is recommended that at least 1 other registered adult be certified to at least Level 1. C. First Aid i. When camping, you need to have a First Aid Certified registered adult that is different from the person who should have the TCC Certification required for the event. ii. So, 1 person TCC Certified and camping Leader and 1 person for First Aid. iii. It is recommended that all leaders be First Aid Certified which includes CPR. Check the Council website for classes. D. Permission (Also see Sec. X, Travel) i. Use the permission to travel form for everything except the sleepover. The form is on the website. E. Locations 27

33 i. You can camp at any campground or any location where you have permission from the property owner so long as you have taken all of your Girl Scouts through Progressive Camping (see above) ii. Try the County and State Park Systems for locations as well. iii. GSACP Council Sites are: 1. Camp Shadow Rim Ranch, Payson (pond and archery) 2. Camp Maripai, Prescott (horses except for Winter) 3. Camp Willow Springs, Prescott (challenge courses) 4. Camp Sombrero, Phoenix (currently undergoing fabulous renovations) 5. Camp Stephens, Kingman (very rustic) 28

34 XII. SAFETY A. Manual i. You will be provided with safety and training at the Getting Started training. ii. The basic Checkpoint provides the adult-to-girl ratios needed for safety based on the age of your Girl Scouts and the activity. (see Section B, below) B. Safety Checkpoints i. At the Council website there are multiple checkpoint forms for every specific type of activity in which you will engage your girls. They contain detailed information about what you need to do before, during and after to assure the safety of the girls C. First Aid/CPR i. Every troop needs at least 1 registered adult that is Certified in First Aid and CPR ii. The class must be Girl Scout approved (see the Council website for locations or check with your MSE) iii. Follow this link to the Council First Aid/CPR page for additional information and training opportunities iv. Watch your Council s for opportunities to obtain your certification for First Aid and CPR D. Troop Camp Certification i. If you plan on taking your Girl Scouts camping, then at least one member of your troop leadership team needs to be Troop Camp Certified. 1. Level I indoor or cabin sleeping, cooking, dining and activities 2. Level II outdoor sleeping, cooking, dining and activities ii. The training is offered by Council throughout the year 1. TCC Level I can be done as an online course with a test 2. TCC Level II can be done in the valley and takes all day 3. TCC Levels I & II can be done in a weekend program done at one of the Camps 29

35 XIII. RECOGNITIONS A. Girl Recognitions In addition to the badges and patches, the girls have the opportunity to earn additional awards and recognitions i. Bronze Award the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can earn. Information is in the Junior Manual ii. Silver Award the highest award a Cadette Girl Scout can earn. Information is in the Cadette Manual iii. Gold Award the highest award a Senior/Ambassador Girl Scout can earn. Information is in both the Senior and Ambassador Manuals iv. Summit each level from Junior through Ambassador has a Summit Award (see the appropriate level Manual for more details) which is obtained when the Girl Scout earns all of the Journeys before completing that level. v. My Promise, My Faith is an annual faith-based award presented to the Girl Scout generally by her religious leader or at the annual celebration sponsored by the GSACP Council. Additional information can be found in the age-level Manual and here. vi. Other awards include: 1. Service to Girl Scouting 2. Torch Award 3. And more See the Girl s Manual for additional awards B. Adult Recognitions i. Girl Scout leaders and volunteers put in many, many hours in support of the girls in their troop, in our neighborhood and Girl Scouts, in general. Our Neighborhood puts on an annual event to thank our leaders, co-leaders, and other volunteers. Recognitions are also given at the Council and national level ii. Annual recognition forms are due to the Council and National Recognitions Coordinator in February every year. Local awards are due in April. iii. The awards are as follows: 1. Appreciation Pin Council Level 2. Honor Pin Council Level 3. Thanks Badge National Level 4. Thanks Badge II National Level 30