Girl Scouts Remember

We are all so saddened by the tragic event that took place at Sandy Hook in Newtown, CT. We will be collecting trefoil art with thoughts, prayers, kind words, written on them to send to the Girl Scouts of Connecticut, for use at their memorial service to be held mid-January. Our hearts go out to the families and friends and the whole town of Newtown. For more information please visit our facebook page or Girl Scouts of Connecticut.


Submitted by: Jennifer Alvarez

Fort Polk Girl Scout Brownie Troop 2058 met Tuesday December 18th for their regular weekly meeting at the Fort Polk Girl Scout hut.  Due to recent events, the meeting was unlike what the troop has ever done, or even prepared for.  With hearts breaking around the world due to the recent tragedy in Connecticut, more information has been learned about the twenty children who perished because of a lone shooter in an elementary school.  Out of the twenty children; eight were boys, twelve were girls, and out of the girls, eight were Girl Scout Daisies, and two of the boys were part of a Girl Scout family. 

Even though we live hundreds of miles from Connecticut, our hearts have been touched by these events and the affected families.  Brownie Troop 2058, joined by members from Senior/Ambassador Troop 2178, took some time to pay respects to our Girl Scouts sisters and their families, as well as all who are affected by the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary school.  The girls wore green and were able to ask questions and express their feelings with their girl scout sisters.  Senior/Ambassador troop leader Cathy Scott expressed that "The girls are there for each other and the younger girls are free to talk to the older girls.  That is what we are sisters for."  The girls lit a candle representing our girl scout sisters, and said a prayer for the families of all twenty-six children and adults who are no longer with us.  

 Each girl expressed their sadness, prayed silently, or prayed for the group.  Julie Samples, Brownie Troop 2058 leader, stated "We needed to show our respect and sadness and have a safe place to do so."  Jennifer Alvarez, co-leader troop 2058, stated "We let the girls know that we have to move forward and not allow tragedies scare us from continuing our movement.  If anything, this had made us more determined to lead young girls to become strong, independent adults."  Some girls expressed their fear for going to school, and all troop leaders present  maintained that schools are a safe place, and that they will continue to lead girls to becoming future leaders through courage, character, and confidence.  One Brownie, age 8, had suggestions as to how to make our schools safer.  She suggested no student should be allowed to go to the bathroom without a "battle buddy".  "These young girls are our future leaders, policy makers, law makers, and security.  We have a big job to do to teach them to remain strong and looking forward", stated Jennifer Alvarez.

Let's Get Pinning

This is such a fun time of year. Everything is shiny and bright and it is a great time to be inspired. That is exactly what we're hoping will happen with our "12 days of courage, confidence, and character" adventure on Pinterest. We've got just a few rules though.

1.    The contest runs from December 14-25. All boards must be submitted by December 25.

2.    Although we welcome your pins and thoughts, you must be a registered member of Girl Scouts of Louisiana-Pines to the Gulf to be eligible to win the prize pack. (Sorry sister councils). Please don't let it discourage you from participating just for the fun of it.

3.    You must make a board titled 12 days of the 3 C's and then post the link to that board on the original pin announcing the contest no later than December 25.

4.    You can pin from anywhere or submit your own photos as pins. You must have all twelve pins on your board to be eligible to receive the prize pack.

5.    The boards will be judged by a panel of staff judges in the categories of Most Creative, Girl Scout Spirit and Holiday Spirit. One prize will be awarded for each category (three prizes total will be awarded).

6.    The winners will be notified by January 5, 2013.

That’s it. Let’s have a little fun and get pinspired!! Hope this gets you in the holiday spirit!.

-Erin 

"Tis the Season to Be Giving Back

Guest Submission

By: Laura Faulk

The Louisiana Pines to the Gulf Girl Scouts have really embraced a “service with a smile” attitude towards helping others.  These girls have get-up-and-go to get-out-and-give.

          The girls and their chaperones went “Trick or Treating for the Needy” on October 27^th, 2012.  They turned what is traditionally a time to indulge in a bit of gluttony on candy collected from strangers into a time to give generously to strangers from food they collected themselves.  Girls dressed in their Halloween costumes went door-to-door to gather canned goods and other non-perishable items for the needy.  Eleven girls collected 300 pounds of goods in just two hours and donated the haul to Foodnet.

          “I couldn’t believe how much fun the girls had going door-to-door and NOT collecting candy,” said Chantal Saucier, mother of Brownie Troop 79 member Karima Duhon.

          “It means a lot to have the young kids in the community understand what it means to help others,” said Mel Jones, Executive Director of Foodnet-The Greater Acadiana Food Bank.  “This makes a difference for our organization.  This is the difference that allows our organization to keep our doors open.”

          The girls walked the walk for a Halloween service project, and then it was time to talk the talk at “Talking Turkey,” a Thanksgiving-themed service project.  Troops made Thanksgiving cards and met at the Cornerstone South Assisted Living/Nursing Home in Lafayette on November 19, 2012.

          There the girls donned turkey hats and danced to “The Chicken Dance,” which was aptly renamed “The Turkey Dance” to better suit the day.  The cards were passed out to the Cornerstone residents following the dance, and the girls were encouraged to sit and talk with the people who had come to watch them.

          “It was a wonderful experience for the girls to get to meet and get to know some of the residents,” said Maria Felton, leader of Brownie and Junior Troop 374.

          “They had a wonderful time,” said Lisa LeBlanc, Cornerstone Activities Director.  “The way they performed, it was awesome.  The girls were very friendly.”

          Cornerstone residents enjoyed receiving the handmade cards and watching the “tiny turkeys” dance.

          “They were darlin’,” said resident Frances Syfan, 90. “It really gave everybody a lift, I think, for them to come in there. I know it did me.”

          “It was very exciting,” said Ariana Felton,7, a member of Brownie Troop 374.

          The next service project is called “Holiday Hospitality.” Girl Scouts will meet at the Girl Scout office on Kaliste Saloom on Saturday, December 15^th from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Girls will spend time making original Christmas cards. The finished products will be given to an individual who will distribute them to people who have to spend Christmas in the hospital.

          Girls attending this service project are encouraged to bring crafting supplies, old Christmas cards, scraps of wrapping paper, glue, and other items that can be used in the construction of the cards. Girls will also need to bring their own drink and a nut-free snack to share.

The Girl Scout Law says, “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.” The Louisiana Pines to the Gulf Girl Scouts are living out this law in their actions and know that it is not enough for us to be go-getters. We must be go-givers as well.

 Photos from community service.

All those good deeds...

As promised I want to share what some of the girls and troops from around the council are doing to help others this holiday season. There have been so many troops doing their part to make the world a better place over the last few weeks. It really is a special thing for girls to help out in their communities and do service to others. It shows them they are not too small to make a difference. Please share your story with us. You can post pics and tidbits to our Facebook wall.

Glad Tidings We Bring…

Troops 259 and 3155 in Morehouse Parish participated in the Christmas Parade in Bastrop on December 1 and their float won first place! Congrats on that girls.

Troops 2135, 406, 030, 304, and 374 all marched in the Sonic Christmas Parade in Lafayette on December 2.

Troop 424 had a float in the Sulphur Parade.

Troop 87 in Westlake will be participating in the Christmas Parade there.

SU 253 and 254 will participate in the Winter Festival at Fort Polk and the parade in Leesville.

A Caroling We Will Go…

Troops 87, 86, 94, 104, 142, 741, 2034, 2375, 2703, 2704, and 2850 lit up the city of Lake Charles and caroled for all to hear. (They must have a struck a chord with someone because they made the front page of the paper!)

Troop 83 will be going to carol at the Avalon Place Nursing Home.

It’s the Little Things…

Troop 2375 baked several hundred cookies and served them at the Community Thanksgiving in Sulphur.

Troop 291 spent 3 hours making scarves, decorated spoons and other holiday items to give to the residents of the VA nursing home.

Troop 332 collected wipes, germ-ex and other similar toiletries to send to the military unit that one of the girl’s father’s in. He and his unit are stationed in Afghanistan and desperately want those items.

Troops from Service Units 204,206,207 and 208 have been very busy! You can see more of their Community Service Efforts. Also, coming soon you can read more about them, from a guest blog from volunteer Laura Faulk.

A Delhi troop has decided to adopt a police department. Stay tuned for more details!

-Erin

Holiday Helpers

Service to others is one of the pillars of Girl Scouting. In fact, the third line of the Promise, which we recite at every Girl Scout meeting, reminds us, “To help people at all times.” This sentiment is echoed in the Girl Scout Law, in more than one line. Being helpful to others and making the world a better place are the epitome of Girl Scouting. Although, these actions can take place at any time during the year, it is especially important around the holidays.

Many people are separated from family (doctors, police, firefighters, EMT’s/First Responders, military, the elderly, people from broken or abusive homes, or people without homes) and it can get particularly lonely for those folks. Even the smallest Girl Scout can make a difference and help to make the world a better place. Sometimes all you have to do is look inside your home and find things that could be of better use to someone else. Clean out your closet and send unworn/outgrown clothes to Goodwill, your local Children’s Shelter or the American Red Cross for disaster relief. If your pantry is full of non-perishable items and you have some to spare send them to the local food bank or host a food drive with your troop. There are many more ways to help out, for more ideas check out Community Service Ideas.

Over the next few weeks I will be highlighting girls and their community service efforts. This is your chance to show everyone what great Girl Scouts you are! Please share with the rest of the council what you as individuals or as a troop are doing in your community to help out. You can send them directly to me at eturner@gslpg.org, post them to our facebook wall or send them to us on twitter with the hashtag #GSLPGservice.

Central Louisiana Girl Scouts seeking donations for annual food drive 

-Erin

NUTS about Girl Scouts

QSP, QSP, QSP! QSP is an easy way for your girls to earn a little start up money for your troop. It is timed to coincide with the beginning of the new Girl Scout year and it is easy to do. There is no door to door involved, just ask your friends and family. Easy as that. The trainings are being held now and if you are a leader or service unit coordinator be sure to check them out. I personally, cannot wait to try ALL the yummy nut combos and maybe even get some magazines. If you have questions on anything involving QSP be sure to call your local office and we will be glad to help you out.
-Erin

2012 Fall Product Program

October 8 - November 4, 2012 Magazines delivered 6-12 weeks The 2012 Fall Product Program is a council-sponsored money-earning opportunity that enables Girl Scout troops to earn funds at the beginning of the Girl Scout year. Participation is voluntary. The theme of this year's sale is What Can a Girl Do? Get Connected! Keeping girls connected for over a century, Girl Scouts has encouraged girls to stay connected – to family, friends, community and the world. The Fall Product Program is an integral part of a Girl Scout's journey toward leadership development. Through this program girls develop five business skills used throughout their adult life: Goal-Setting, Decision Making, Money Management, People Skills and Business Ethics! Participation is easy! Read the Parent Responsibility and Permission Form. Sign and return it to your daughter's troop leader before taking orders. Ask friends and family members to purchase or renew magazine subscriptions. Email customers using our "online ordering” for magazines.  Girls may complete ten postcards in the Step 2 booklets that will be sent to out-of-town relatives, friends and customers. They will be able to purchase magazines or renew current subscriptions. NOTE: names are not sold to a mailing list. Take orders for nuts and candy with decorative tins perfect for gift giving. Customers may donate to "Treats for Troops” through virtual order donations for the military. Money is collected from customers when the order is taken. 2012 Product Line Who do I call if I have questions? Contact your Troop Leader or the council service center at 1-800-960-2093.

The New Girl Scout Year is Here

School has started and recruitment is in full swing. Soon we will see many new Girl Scout faces. This is such an exciting time. There are undoubtedly some questions about the start of a new year.  How do I host a first meeting? What things should my girls be doing throughout the year? How do I find important information? What do the girls need as a uniform?

Have no fear. Over the next few weeks, I will be answering those questions. Also, be sure to check out our September newsletter which will be full of helpful hints to get your Girl Scout year off to a great start! First tip to get you started: The Girl Scout Leadership Experience is built into the Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting and the Journey Books. Be sure to get your copy.

 Emily's invite to join.

The Best in Me (60sec)

Can't wait to see you again!

This week is national friendship week. We are on the lookout for pictures of friends you made in Girl Scouts. Old or new, we don't care. Show us how you met, your story, or where you are now. It's just a little bit of curiosity and a lot of fun! It is always exciting to hear how people met in Girl Scouts and have maintained a 1, 5, 10, 50 year relationship.  I wonder what the longest will be? Be sure to post yours to our facebook wall. 

-Cheers!
  Erin

Friends since Kindergarten

National Friendship Week is just around the corner. Over the next few weeks we will be making lots of new friends as new members join. How great would it be if everyone shared their favorite Girl Scout story or tale of friendship? I spent so many wonderful years in Girl Scouts and met amazing friends. I am so happy to say that I still stay in touch with some and am delighted when I run into one unexpectedly after all these years.

Just recently on one of my trips to camp I ran into a Girl Scout mom who happened to be in my first ever Girl Scout troop. We started as Daisies and her mom was leader, my mom was co-leader. I moved in first grade, but we stayed in touch with my old troop because they were only 15 minutes away. Then as we got older we lost touch, but she is now mom to her very own Girl Scout.

It was such a nice surprise to see her and know that her daughter is now having similar experiences to the ones we had.  Just thought I'd share. Would love to hear your story or even better see it! Feel free to post your pictures to our facebook wall.

-Cheers!
  Erin

The “Real” Reasons Women Aren’t Making it to the Top | Trends

The “Real” Reasons Women Aren’t Making it to the Top | Trends

Friendship Week

August 5-11 is National Friendship Week. Girl Scouts is the perfect place to make new friends! This is the time of year when school is about to start back up and more than likely there will be new girls joining your troop.  It's awesome that girls get the opportunity to make new friends in Girl Scouts and of course to keep the old friends that they have.
One way to encourage the girls to make new friends is to host a friendship meeting. That way each girl can bring a friend and show them just what fun there is to have in Girl Scouts. Friendship Meeting

Communications Survey Results

Louisiana Boardwalk :: Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary Bear is back! at Build-A-Bear Workshop® :: 07/15/2012 to 07/15/2012

Louisiana Boardwalk :: Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary Bear is back! at Build-A-Bear Workshop® :: 07/15/2012 to 07/15/2012

Got a girl going into middle school?

Got a girl going into middle school?  Check out this new summer series from GSLPGSurvivor Middle School Girl Scouts Edition | KATC.com | Acadiana-Lafayette, Louisiana

Hotter than Hot!

It is some kind of hot outside in Louisiana. Nevertheless, the girls are happy campers (don't mean to be so punny). There have been summer camps going on since beginning of June and they are still taking place. The volunteers who put them on have done a wonderful job of creating fun, exciting programming for the girls and I have heard nothing but great comments.

Several directors that I have spoken with told me that the older girls (program aides) are fantastic this year and had a ton of input and ideas to make the camps even more memorable. So, thanks to you older girls that are working so hard to make the younger girls camping experiences amazing! Don't forget to stay hydrated and check in for more photos and exciting news from other camps.
Indian Creek Overnight Camp
Pine Wood -Time Travel
Camp Bon Temps - Party of the Century

Do what you got to do...

Since I have been here I have met some brave little girls. I have also met some on the shy side, but they are coming around for sure. In this council we have over thirty girls that stepped up and said they want to share their Girl Scout story with the world around them. They are our Socialites. These girls are amazing and though shy at first, are really stepping up to the task at hand. They represent the girl population from this council. Some have already had spots on TV, radio, and in the newspapers where their faces beam back at us as a symbol of Girl Scouts of Louisiana-Pines to the Gulf.

They have worked really hard and had to do some practicing. Practice consisting of speaking in front of each other and practice in front of a video camera. That can be quite intimidating. They are refining their public speaking skills and I must say these girls have some potential. In the spirit of teaching them and giving them experience into real life situations where public speaking may come in handy…I invited TV personalities out to speak with them about obstacles, triumphs, goals, and more in the world of media.So far the girls in north Louisiana have done this and the girls in south Louisiana will do have that chance here soon. It was such a pleasure to hear them speak to the girls and see the girls listening so intently. It was obvious they were really paying attention and making mental notes of the advice.

When asked if they ever got nervous, one women said she used to all the time. She assured them that it is only human nature to be a little intimidated by the unfamiliar setting, but that she learned to speak only to the camera early on and now it is like talking to a good friend. I loved that! It was such a little thing really,  so simple. Here was this very successful TV anchor that has interviewed hundreds of celebrities and world figures (she is a Girl Scout alum I might add), and she needed practice to make her better at what she did. She did her best keep it simple and not over think things and then it came naturally to her. She found her courage the best way she knew how and one day…she just wasn’t nervous anymore.

Our Socialites are going to make us proud. I am already so proud of these fun, exemplary young women. Keep your eyes out for them in the media and around your community at recruitment time. They are giddy with the thought of helping to introduce all the wonderful opportunities in Girl Scouting to others.

        

-Erin

Summertime! Summertime!

It is officially summertime! That could mean many things, but right now it means it is camp time. This is the best time of year to head outdoors and discover nature, make new friends and do a little self-discovery (find your leadership skills). Camp is the perfect place to learn about team building and cooperation. Beginning this week girls from around this council will be swimming in the lakes or pools, canoeing, hiking, making crafts, singing songs, performing skits …shall I go on?  Keep your eyes peeled for pictures of the fantastic times they will be having.

Happy Camping!

-Erin

Homesick At Camp

Yesterday's post mentioned a few reasons that summer camp is the best thing ever. I still believe wholeheartedly that is the truth. There are some things to consider though and be prepared for especially if you are sending your child to an overnight/resident camp. 

One very important thing is homesickness. After talking to a co-worker about our experiences in summer camp and Girl Scouts we both laughed at how silly it was that we got so terribly homesick while away. One particular moment I was rehashing was a trip to Michigan I took when I was twelve years old.  I was having a wonderful time, making new friends and trying new things, but I missed my mama something fierce. I had been to sleepovers and such, but had never been away for more than a few days and here I was 1,200 or more miles from home and phone calls were definitely discouraged. About halfway through the first week I was faced with the very real and non - diminishing fear that I was NEVER going to get home to see my family.

Of course, looking back I see that is nonsense, but at the time I was certain that would be my fate. My mom had complete faith in me and never once mentioned that it might be hard for me to be away that long. Honestly, I am glad she did. Looking back I probably would have second guessed myself if she had given me the chance. The good news is it definitely made me stronger and now I can laugh at how scary it was at the time, but I persevered and gained a love of travelling that is still strong in me today. By the end of the week I was back to having fun and so glad that my parents didn’t give in to my request to be rescued immediately.

I do think it is important to be prepared in case it happens to your child though. Most of the camps Girl Scouts offer are only one week so it is probably not a problem. Here are a few pointers from someone who’s been there to ease some of the anxiety for longer stays away.

·         Believe in them. Just like my mom did for me, she knew I could do it even when I didn’t know. Extended trips away may seem daunting, but it is how we learn to be independent and grow.

·         Send them with something familiar from home if you can (photos, favorite blanket or pillow, snacks specific to home).

·         Write to your child if camp allows it. Most camps do and also discourage phone calls so, that is often the only form of communication. Remind her of all the mundane things that are happening and home and that what she is doing has got to be more exciting.

·         Have siblings write to her. Although she may miss them just seeing their words in writing may remind how happy she was to be getting away from them. 

·         Don’t give in to pleas for rescue. These are typically written in the heat of the moment and then regretted. More than likely if there is a family fun day (visitation day) you will discover that she is in fact having the time of her life.

Happy Camping!                                                                                                                               -Erin

Why Should I Send My Child To Camp?

Summer is fast approaching and things are getting ready to heat up. Most of the schools only have a week or two left. Then what? 

Well, one option is the classic notion of sending the kids to camp. There are many options for summer camps now. You can choose day or overnight, activity specific (soccer, theater, music, etc), or group specific. The options are there you just need to pick which one(s) best suit the needs and desires of your child. 

I attended camp every summer for more than twelve years. I had the best time! Every year it would come I would hardly sleep a wink the night before and the morning of I was the first to rise. The friends I made at camp, I will never forget. The skills I learned I still use often. The fun I had…well enough about me. You are probably wondering-Still need convincing that camp could be the quickest route to summer bliss. Why should you send your child to camp? I can name a few reasons, though in my opinion there are a million more.

·         They will make new friends- Kids will expand their social circle by meeting new faces, often times the only people they see are family or school friends and camp is the perfect opportunity to meet new people.

·         They will gain independence- Kids learn that they can do things on their own, they learn to cope with being away from mom and dad, they are forced to step out of their comfort zone to try new things and make new friends.

·         Skill building – Among confidence, cooperation, respect for self and others, and decision making, skills can range from outdoor education and fire building, to hiking and learning about nature, swimming, canoeing, archery, crafts and so much more. They will always have the skills once learned and it is most likely something they would never have gotten the chance to do otherwise.

·         They stay physically active- Camp provides opportunities to reconnect with nature. They can hike through the woods, play a game of volleyball, go canoeing or swimming and participate in other activities that require physical activity.

Want to learn more about how a Girl Scout camp can benefit your daughter?  Check it out!

Happy Camping!

-Erin

Our girls are doing great things this year. They are becoming more courageous and confident and definitely making the world a little bit better of a place. For example we had 7 girls that earned their Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can earn. We also had two troops that earned their Bronze Award.

These girls are doing amazing things. A Girl Scout is a friend indeed. Last year after the floods they filled a Walgreen's parking lot with donations for families that had lost everything in the floods. Some girls hand made quilts to provide warmth to those that needed it. Others decorated nursing homes for the holidays when things can get a bit lonely.  We are so proud of all their efforts. More importantly they should be proud of the fine example they are setting for society. They have raised the bar. Will you rise to the challenge?

Girl Scouts Prepare to Rock the Mall

On June 9, 2012 over 200,000 Girl Scouts, family, alumnae, and friends will gather at the National Mall at the base of the Washington Monument to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouting. Girl Scouts was founded in 1912 in Savannah, GA by Juliette Gordon Low. In one hundred years it has evolved from 18 girls to 3 million current members. It is estimated that over 50 million American women were Girl Scouts in their youth. The Girl Scouts of Louisiana-Pines to the Gulf serves over 8,000 girls in 42 parishes. From that council more than 100 girls are travelling to the nation’s capital to participate and demonstrate the strength of the Girl Scout movement. “I celebrated the 75th (have the patch) with my daughter as her troop leader, now I am celebrating the 100th with my granddaughter as her leader,” says Versa Dore of New Iberia.
Early in the year the girls set the goal and decided to travel to Washington, DC. They are using money raised from the cookie program, other fundraisers throughout the year and contributions from local businesses. Many of the Girl Scouts participating earned enough money from cookie proceeds to cover the entire cost of the trip. Dodi Boutin, an adult volunteer from Opelousas says, “We received donations from businesses and cookie sales, a couple of girls are using cookie dough money (the girls’ individual proceeds from cookie revenue) – Each girls trip is paid for 100% and I will have money to buy them food while we are there. We had an AWESOME year!” The cookie program teaches the girls five essential business skills: goal setting, money management, decision making, business ethics and people skills. Girl Scouts has provided opportunities for girls to explore, travel, develop self-reliance and leadership for 100 years.
Some of the activities planned for the event are the 100th Anniversary Sing Along, where there will be educational, program tents sponsored by Dove, K12, GEICO, EF Tours, Nestle, Wells Fargo, Hard Rock Café, and Purple Promise. There will also be a girl-led song festival with dynamic audience participation, Girl Scout Choruses from around the country, DC Girl Scout Step Showcase performers, vintage uniform fashion show and much more. The Girl Scouts will also have the chance to meet and speak with their US legislators who have been invited to join them.
For more information on Rock the Mall please visit Girl Scouts Rock the Mall.

Volunteer Palooza

 Volunteer Appreciation Week has come and gone, but the Girl Scouts of Louisiana- Pines to the Gulf dedicated an additional weekend to the devoted volunteers that dedicate hours of their lives to improve the lives of girls. There are 42 parishes that make up the council and from those there are over 3,000 adult volunteers and approximately 1,000 of them are troop leaders or troop co-leaders and are extremely involved.  All council volunteers were invited to camp out and discover firsthand what fun and friendships there are to be had in Girl Scouts.

            The fourth annual Volunteer Palooza weekend was held at Camp Wawbansee in Simsboro, LA April 28-29, 2012.  Adult volunteers were able to participate in archery, canoeing, campfire cooking, hiking and crafts including making aromatherapy bath fizzy bombs. “Volunteer was my first ever to attend and it was AMAZING!!!  My favorite was the Mystery Craft,” says Leslie Glatt of Bossier City.  It was also an opportunity for them to come together and discuss best practices, ideas and take additional training to help improve the girls’ leadership experience. Karen Gallaspy, Volunteer Services Director said, “Once again, Girl Scout volunteers had a great time getting to know other volunteers from across our council at our Volunteer Palooza weekend at Camp Wawbansee.  Each year this event travels to a different camp in our council and volunteers can enjoy the camp and each other and get trained in skills they can take back to their troop.”

Preceeding National Volunteer Week, Girl Scouts of Louisiana-Pines to the Gulf held the Annual Meeting where several volunteer awards were presented. The awards included Years of Service given to Leslie Glatt (10 years), Zelda Doucet (15 years), Marianne Colvin (20 years), and Marleen Thompson (30 years). Appreciation Pins were given to Sarah Diffy, Leslie Glatt, Anita Manuel, Stephanie Speights, and Shannon Watson. In addition to those the most coveted award and the highest award a volunteer can receive in the organization The Thanks Badge II was awarded to Gay Brantley.

           

Girl Scouts is a volunteer run organization and has been for 100 years. The organization celebrates its 100^th Anniversary this year. It would not be possible without the many dedicated volunteers who give selflessly of their time. Volunteer Palooza is just one opportunity for the organization to give a little something back to those volunteers. Gallaspy adds, “This year’s Palooza was the biggest ever, with 48 participants coming from as far as 300 miles away. If you have not experienced Volunteer Palooza, you should plan now to go next year.”

For more information on how to become a volunteer please visit http://www.girlscoutspinestogulf.org/   Volunteer Palooza Pics

Bio-Blitz...lots of life

Check out Program Specialist Katherine Stagg and Thanks Badge II Recipient Gay Brantley on Good Morning ArkLaMiss  and NBC 10 Mornings talking about Bio-Blitz that is coming up this weekend.  I personally cannot wait to see what is in store. Hoping to learn some new things about nature and if not at least spend some quality time outdoors. There will be pictures...don't worry.
-Erin

Celebrating 100 Years

Check out the cover of Red River Moms. The magazine is published in Shreveport, LA and is designed for none other than...you guessed it, Moms. The April issue featured one of our very own Socialites (Emily) and some other girls from our council. They are celebrating 100 years of Girl Scouting and helping us to get the word out. It also has our summer camp dates listed for moms that are looking for something for the kids to do this summer. 

Annual Meeting Photos

As promised I am delivering a link to the photos from the annual meeting held Saturday March 31.  There were seven Gold Award recipients and several adult volunteers recognized for years of service. We even had one Thanks Badge II recipient. We would not be the organization that we are without the help of those caring volunteers who give selflessly of their times and the girls that do amazing things! Happy Easter weekend. See you on the flip side.

-Erin

New Study Shows Girl Scouts Impact is Good

GSUSA blog states that the alumnae impact study shows benefits of time in Girl Scouts. Check it out.Alumnae Impact Study

Annual Meeting to Come

This weekend is our Annual Meeting. Since I am a newbie (just started in October) there are still so many volunteers and board members that I have not met yet. I am eager to meet them all and hope that this weekend will present that opportunity.  We will also be presenting Gold Award recipients with their awards.Follow on twitter @GSLPG this weekend to keep up with updates from our Annual Meeting. 

 Also, happening is the next installation of Socialites training. As of April 12 we will wrap our first round of training for our media girls. They have been excellent so far and very excited to share their Girl Scout story. We all have a story and we have to find our voice to tell it.  One of our Socialites will appear on the cover of Red River Moms in the April issue, due to come out next week. Cannot wait to see her smiling face and read what she had to say.

It's Outdoor Time

It is that time of year and we are gearing up for outdoor activities. We have already had one Family Fun Day at our camp property - Wawbansee up in Northwest Louisiana. There are three more and we hope they are just as much of a success.

Family Fun Days allow the public, that may not know about Girl Scouts and what we are all about to come out and experience first hand the outdoor fun and education to be had when the weather is nice.  This will be our second Family Fun Bio - Blitz sponsored by Angus Chemical up in Northeast Louisiana.  Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge will have volunteers on hand to teach about native plants and animals and give guided nature hikes.  It is only two weeks away and the anticipation is killing me.  I so need some fresh air and some nature in my life right now. 

Family Fun Days

Our Family Fun Days are upon us. This weekend is the first at our camp property in Simsboro, LA - Wawbansee. There will be archery, canoeing, crafts and so much more fun for the whole family.  The good thing about these Fun Days is that you don't have to be a Girl Scout to enjoy them. Anyone can come out and discover the fun and friendships to be found in Girl Scouting.  Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we will have tons of good pictures to share with everyone. Because after all...a picture says 1,000 words. Enjoy your weekend!

video making magic

I am trying to make a video. I should start off by saying I have little to NO experience in this area. I can point the camera and click the button, but after that I rely almost entirely on technology to take over for me. Then the processing comes which of course I am spectacular at...upload, order, pick up at the drug store. Easy enough! This video making is I am afraid, foreign territory.  With that said we have tons of pictures from our fabulous 100th Anniversary Celebration and while we have shared the link to the album. I really want to make something the girls can enjoy that coincides with the theme of the event. So please keep your eyes out over the next few days and hopefully there will be an amazing video to view. In the meantime please enjoy the raw data (photos) http://www.flickr.com/photos/gslpg/sets/72157629153627464/.

Revamp

So, here at GSLPG we are tweaking our social networks. This blog has been forgotten and left in the dust. Very soon we will have a newly designed blog site to share all of our wonderful stories.  I just cannot wait to regale you all with the tales of our council. I am going to start with our fabulous 100^th Anniversary Party that we held last month.  It was a huge success and I have pictures galore.  Please stay tuned for more great info to come.