Fall 2021 Lead & Learn

Fall 2021 Lead & Learn

Course Registration Opens Aug. 24!

Fall 2021 Lead & Learn

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Volunteer Resources

Troop Camping

12 14 18 19

Emerson Resource Center

Girl Scout Robotics Community Service Program Partners

22 26 32 34 35 36 38 39 40 56

Around Council Product Programs

Girl Scouts GO

All Leader Season Opener

PEP Sessions Highest Awards

Adult Courses

gsLearn

Course Listing

Course Registration

2 Lead & Learn Fall 2021

Lead & Learn Fall 2021 3

Yours in Girl Scouting

Dear Girl Scout Volunteers,

Dear fellow Girl Scout Volunteers,

Welcome to another edition of Lead & Learn and a new Girl Scout year!

Welcome back to another great year in Girl Scouting!

As a volunteer, when you embrace leadership in all forms and show girls what it means to be resilient during the challenging times, they learn to lead on their own terms. Before you know it, you’ll be trying to keep up with your unstoppable Girl Scouts! That’s the power of being a Girl Scout volunteer. I know volunteering takes time and commitment, so I can’t thank you enough for all the energy you give every day. Guiding your Girl Scouts—as you figure things out yourself— is nothing short of amazing. I see you, and I appreciate you. Please take the time to invest in and care for yourself this school year. You’re their hero— and mine too. From everyone at Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri: thank you.

The past 18 months have brought about many changes to the way we have to lead our girls into the future. I’ve been so impressed reading posts on Marvelous Mentoring and seeing how many of you thought outside the box to continue to bring quality programming to the girls in eastern Missouri. From baking wars to paint nights to virtual Day Camp, Girl Scouting continued in our region despite not being able to meet in person. Leaders overcame the challenges presented by a worldwide pandemic and local mandates and continued doing what they do best—building the leaders of tomorrow! As we begin a new year, my hope is that we can get back to our ”normal” way of doing things. No matter what this year looks like for you as a leader, I am confident that each one of you will shine!

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Liz Trimble Field Committee Chair

Bonnie Barczykowski CEO

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Did the summer fly by or what? Girl Scouts is ready to jump back into the school year with some awesome trainings, and activities. From Troop Round Up to Treats & Reads, there’s a lot to look forward to in the coming months. Keep this calendar handy as a reference to help you map out your fall. Let’s Have Some Fun.

Sept.

Re-register for the 2022 Girl Scout membership year

Council Conversations, Sept. 8 or Sept. 11

Girl Scouts Love State Parks, Sept. 11-12

Treats & Reads GO Day, Sept. 25

Nuts & Bolts Virtual Treats & Reads Session: Getting Your Troop Ready for GO Day, Sept. 22

New Girl Scout Leader Season Opener Virtual Event, Sept. 23

Returning Girl Scout Leader Season Opener Virtual Event, Sept. 25

Oct.

Troop Round Up, Camp Tuckaho, Oct. 2

Troop Round Up, Camp Cedarledge, Oct. 9

Nuts & Bolts Virtual Treats & Reads Session: Submitting Troop Order and What’s Next, Oct. 14

Virtual PEP Session: Digital Tools for Troop Leadership, Oct. 27

Nov.

Nuts & Bolts Virtual Treats & Reads Session: Product Delivery, Nov. 4

Nuts & Bolts Virtual Treats & Reads Session: Closing Out Treats & Reads, Nov. 17

Virtual PEP Session: Conflict Resolution Strategies for Daisies-Juniors, Nov. 23

Girl Scouts GO: Run for the Cookies, Nov. 27

Dec.

2021 Digital Cookie Access Opens for Girls and Volunteers

Girl Scout Office Closed for Holidays, Dec. 24-Jan. 1

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Troop Camping

Take your troop on an adventure they’ll remember for the rest of their lives! Troop Camp is an opportunity to bond, work together and support one another as girls build campfires, hike, practice archery and more!

Girls are ready to get back

outside this fall! And, we are here to help you get them there.

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Not an outdoor expert? It’s ok, we are. Adult volunteers who plan to camp with girls on or off Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri-owned property must be Troop Camp Certified. Troop Camp Certification courses ensure adult volunteers know how to plan a troop camping experience that is safe and everyone enjoys. All adults attending training must be registered members with a background check. Troop Camp Certifications never expire, so take the training once and you are set for life!

This fall, two Troop Camp Certification trainings will be offered: Troop Camp Fast Track and Troop Camp A-Z.

• Troop Camp Fast Track: This course is designed especially for adult volunteers who have basic camping skills, are experienced in accompanying girls to camp, and are planning to camp with girls on or off Eastern Missouri property. This course is at a faster pace.

• Troop Camp A-Z: In this course, volunteers receive hands-on, in-depth camp training. This is the perfect course for adults who have little to no camping experience, but are eager to learn!

For complete details on the Troop Camp Certification trainings being offered this fall, please turn to pg. 52.

Advice from a Camp Supervisor Cyndi Wollard, also known by her camp name, Honey Bee, has volunteered as a Girl Scout Camp Supervisor for the past 15 years. She has seen it all and has a relentless passion for the outdoors.

What advice do you have for troops camping for the first time? Be prepared. Get trained, ask questions on the Facebook page “Marvelous Mentoring”, and ask your Camp Supervisor if you still have questions. There are lots of people in Girl Scouting who are willing to help ensure you have a fabulous first experience. What is your favorite activity at each camp and why? I love it all! I love swimming in the pool at night at Tuckaho. I have enjoyed canoeing at Fiddlecreek with bats flying overhead. And, I have enjoyed hiking through the woods at Cedarledge. Why is the outdoor experience valuable for girls of any age? It provides an experience unlike any other so girls can grow in their independence and leadership skills. There will be times when they need to be brave and/or problem solve. It’s a reset, a get- away from the technology-filled world that seems to be normal for most of them. And, they make memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.

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Volunteer Resources

Get to Know Camp Fiddlecreek Located in Labadie, Mo., our smallest camp is nestled on 83 beautiful acres. Girl Scouts of all ages love this camp for its rich history and wide variety of activities like archery, swimming, geocaching and the climbing wall and zipline.

High Adventure

Rich History

Peaceful Trails

Whether Troop Camping or just coming out for the day, the climbing wall and zipline are open to any group or individual in grades 2-12. Open select weekends April through December, and operated by trained facilitators, this is the perfect challenge for girls who love high adventure.

Purchased from Benedictine Monks, Girl Scouts acquired Camp Fiddlecreek in 1956. Monk’s Bathtub, located above Trefoil Inn, is a circular low stone wall where generations of troops have enjoyed Scout’s Own ceremonies, skits and sing- alongs. It was previously used as a swimming pool by the monks residing on the property.

Camp Fiddlecreek has a variety of trails that girls as young as Kindergarten can enjoy. Camp Supervisors can provide troops with a backpack of activities for the Whitaker Woodland Wonders Interpretive Trail or troops can check out geocaching equipment to use during their adventure on the trails.

Camp Fiddlecreek has a variety of units including modern lodges and primitive tents.

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Meet Ranger Kyle My name is Kyle Reynoso. I am the Senior Ranger at Camp Fiddlecreek. I have a wife and two sons, age 7 and 2. I grew up in Troy, Mo near Camp Tuckaho. I met my wife in school and through extension, her father, Ranger Rick. Most of my career has been spent building and fixing military aircraft. I have served with the Air Force National Guard which lined me up into the trade with Boeing and Lockheed Martin. I have the ability to serve the Girl Scouts in an amazing way! Being a Ranger is awesome! I’ve already found a couple really neat places here at Camp Fiddlecreek. If you get the ability to go on the Whitaker Woodlands Wonder trail, take a moment to stop at the different stations. The dining hall has one of the best views and is so easy to get to. Overlooking the lake, there’s always a great picture ready to be taken. I’d love to see you out here to experience camp with us. Being able to work as a teamwith your troop family will help each of you grow in many ways. Camp is also a great way to challenge yourself. Our climbing wall can be intimidating, but I know you can do it! Archery can be tricky—with a little practice and good instruction that bull’s eye is yours! Canoeing isn’t so bad—just don’t lean too far! Also, I can play a mean game of GaGa Ball— can you? The best tasting s’more is an art, do you have the finesse? There’s so much fun to be had, especially on the path to becoming a leader.

Look for me next time you visit, I always love great friends and good company!

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Volunteer Resources

Add Target Sports To Your Next Troop Camp Adventure

Hatchet Throwing Target sports can foster teamwork, responsibility, and focus while teaching important life lessons. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is excited to introduce a new activity to camp! Hatchet throwing will be making a debut at all three camps in November 2021 for Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors. Troops camping during an activity staffed weekend November through March will be able to sign up for hatchet throwing. Not camping during an activity staffed weekend? Look for target sports programs being offered in the Spring 2022 Inspire Discovery !

Air Rifles Air rifles have arrived at Camp Tuckaho for Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors. Troops camping at Camp Tuckaho during an activity staffed weekend in December through April can sign up for Air Rifle as one of the offered activities. Compound Bows Compound Bows will be made their debut at all three camps in March 2021 for Brownies through Ambassadors. Troops camping during an activity staffed weekend March through November will be able to sign up for archery which includes compound, recurve, and long bows.

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Delicious Memories Meals are an important part of the Troop Camp experience. By cooking over a campfire, girls learn creativity, ingenuity and basic culinary skills. Check out a fun recipe below to try out at your next Troop Camp adventure.

Swirl Bread Campfire French Toast

Easy Serves 6 45 mins.

Ingredients Cooking spray 2 eggs

2 tablespoons milk 2 teaspoons sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 loaf of cinnamon swirl bread 1 cup sliced strawberries 1/4 cup powered sugar, for serving Maple syrup, for serving

Directions Step 1: Prepare a campfire with hot coals and low flames.

Step 2: Grease a large piece of aluminum foil with cooking spray and shape it into a boat. Place bread loaf inside, standing up to keep its loaf shape. (Add another piece of foil underneath for extra support.)

Step 3: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, sugar and vanilla. Carefully pour over bread, making sure to get between each slice.

Step 4: Wrap entire loaf in foil. Place over campfire, directly on hot coals, but not over the flame. Cook until egg mixture is cooked and bread is toasted, about 40 minutes. Rotate occasionally.

Step 5: Let sit for 10 minutes before serving. Unwrap loaf, dust with powdered sugar and garish with sliced strawberries. Serve with syrup.

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Volunteer Resources

Your Resource for All Things Girl Scout! Located in the Girl Scout Service Center at 2300 Ball Drive, our Emerson Resource Center and Girl Scout Shop are designed to help busy volunteers with their planning, materials and apparel/uniform needs.

Emerson Resource Center The Emerson Resource Center is a funded library of resources to support girl ambition. Our resources include official Girl Scout program publications, topical books, flags for official ceremonies, novelty props for bridging ceremonies, kits with activities for skill building such as knot tying or knife safety, and various pro- gram boxes developed by the GSEM Program Department. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri also offers Programs in a Box to make planning your Girl Scout year much easier. Troops or in- dividual volunteers/parents can check out Programs in a Box to help earn a badge, use as activities at troop meetings, enjoy at troop camp, or as a service project to work with a younger troop. Each box includes most of the supplies needed to complete the activities—other supplies are listed separately. While the boxes have a target age level, you are welcome to check out a box at another level if available.

Visit the Emerson Resource Center page of the Council website to review current equipment and program box offerings.

Emerson Resource Center and Girl Scout Shop Hours

Monday: 10 am-5 pm Tuesday: 10 am-6:30 pm Wednesday: 10 am-5 pm Thursday: 10 am-6:30 pm Friday: 10 am-5 pm

Questions? Contact us! 314.592.2378 gsemshopanderc@girlscoutsem.org

Shop online 24/7 at girlscoutshop.com!

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A New School Year Starts at the Girl Scout Shop We stock the essentials for Girl Scouts of all ages! Our assortment includes uniform components and apparel, accessories, official insignia, earned awards, national program publications, fun patches, small camping equipment, novelty gifts and GSEM logo merchandise. Services offered: • UniformHeat Press Service: Every order is custom— contact us directly for details and a cost estimate • Uniform Scholarships: Visit this link for details and to apply. Contact us once you’ve been approved and are ready to build your uniform • Contactless Orders: Email and phone orders are accepted M-F 10 am-4 pm and will be ready the following business day. You can select to pick-up in store or curbside, or have your order mailed (standard $2.95 shipping fee applies to all orders under $99; orders $99+ ship for no fee)

Encore! Did you miss out on LIVE! from Girl Scouts virtual programs offered last year? Program boxes from the 2020-2021 season are available now Cost is $10 each and includes the link to the recorded program session. Contact the Emerson Resource Center to purchase. Supplies are limited! Daisy • Board Game Design Challenge • How Robots Move • Safety Pin

Brownie • Bugs

Junior • Animal Habitats • Crane Design Challenge • First Aid • Paddleboat Design Challenge • Savvy Shopper • Space Science Investigator

New Older Girl Collection is in stores now!

Cadette • Book Artist • Business Plan

• Cybersecurity Basics • Digital Movie Maker

Senior • Business Etiquette • Science of Style

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Volunteer Resources

Discover Girl Scout Robotics Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri has a proud history of supporting all-girl robotics teams across various levels of competition. Since the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s robotics program began in 2009, it has grown from five teams to 75 teams in 2021 at every age level.

GSUSA has partnered with For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology ( FIRST® ) to offer STEM program opportunities around the country. Girl Scout robotics programs inspire young girls to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs. Through participation in robotics programs, Girl Scouts: • Are confident they can solve real- world problems • Develop awareness of the careers in the STEM fields • Develop and apply specific strategies to promote cooperation • Identify ways in which science can help solve a problem in the real world

I’m interested! How do I start a Girl Scout robotics team? Visit girlscoutsem.org/robotics to view the application. Submit it to Lauren Kornegay Dollar at lkornegaydollar@girlscoutsem.org . You will need two unrelated adults to sign up as coaches and at least two girls to start a team. This sounds like fun, but I don’t have any programming experience. What should I do? It’s okay if you don’t have a background in programming or engineering! We offer training to teach FLL Explore ® and FLL Challenge® rookie coaches how to program the robot. Howmuch does it cost? If accepted for funding, Girl Scouts will cover the major expenses (including the robot, software, field kit, and T-shirts) but the teamwill be responsible for a portion of the overall cost. The team registration fee is different for each Robotics level.

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More than LEGOs: The Building Blocks of Robotics Join us to learn about the LEGO Robotics Programs offered by Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri and how participation can benefit and inspire your girl. There are opportunities for Daisies through Ambassadors (K-12) to get involved with robotics and gain confidence in their abilities to positively use technology. This informational session will overview the GSEM Robotics Program, FIRST ® Robotics, and what to do next if you or your girl are interested in becoming a member of the robotics program.

By participating in a Girl Scout robotics team, girls learn valuable life and employment skills by coming up with ideas, solving problems and overcoming obstacles!

Dates: Sept. 15 or Oct. 7 Time: 6-7 pm Cost: Free Location: Virtual Register today at: girlscoutsem.org

What is the difference between a team and a troop? A robotics team is an activity your troop or Juliette does. Team formation options include:

• A robotics team can be the entire troop • A robotics team can be part of the troop • A robotics team can be made up of Girl Scouts frommultiple troops When are robotics teams active? • FLL Discover – Active September through March. Celebration held in March • FLL Explore – Active September through March. Expos held in February and March • FLL Challenge – Active August through January. Competitions held in December and January • FIRST ® Tech Challenge – Active September through March. Competitions held November through March • FIRST ® Robotics Competition – Active January through March. Competition held in March • SeaPerch – Active January through April. Competition held in April

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Volunteer Resources

Getting Crafty Girls love to unleash their creative side during Girl Scout troop meetings and outings! Check out our idea for an adorable canteen SWAP that your girls can make this fall. What is a SWAP? Get the low-down on this Girl Scout tradition below!

Girl Scout Canteen SWAP

Materials Needed White, plastic lids (2 per girl)

1/4” green satin ribbon Pony beads (1 per girl) Round green stickers with GS printed on them or plain green stickers the girls can decorate (1 per girl) Size 2 safety pins (1 per girl) Hot glue

SWAPS: Bridging Friendships One Small Gift at a Time

SWAPS, the tradition of Girl Scouts exchanging handmade keepsakes, started long ago when Girl Scouts and Girl Guides first gathered for fun, songs and making new friends. SWAPS were first widely exchanged at national Girl Scout Senior Roundups in the 1950s and 1960s. Today, SWAPS are still the perfect way for Girl Scouts to meet one another and promote friendship. Each one reflects a memory of a special event or occasion. SWAPS should tell something about the givers or their group and represent the givers’ community or Girl Scout Council. Be creative and take time to make handcrafted SWAPS. Try not to spend much money, and use recycled materials!

Instructions Step 1: Hot glue two lids together.

Step 2: Cut an 8” piece of ribbon.

Step 3: Hot glue the ribbon around the glued seam of the canteen, leaving about half way unglued.

Step 4: Hot glue a pony bead to the top.

Step 5: Peel and stick the stickers.

Step 6: Add the pin.

Note: This SWAP uses hot glue. Please have adult supervision for girls when operating the hot glue gun.

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Family Ties — How to Get Parents Involved You want the girls in your troop to have fun, be inspired, take risks and learn about themselves and the world—that’s why you’re a Girl Scout volunteer! The thing is, parents and caregivers want the same thing for their girls, but often times getting families to pitch in and play an active role in the troop can be tricky, but it doesn’t has to be!

Build A Troop Committee

The term “troop committee” describes the adult leadership team for a Girl Scout troop. There’s no one specific makeup of a troop committee; it’s flexible based on your troop’s needs! Common roles in a troop committee include troop leaders, troop cookie managers, drivers and chaperones, troop treasurers and snack coordinators. Have parents complete a short survey that asks about their talents, skills and tasks they may want to help out with. From this survey, you can learn a lot about who’s on your team! Use a Family Talent Survey When you host a fun family event, you’ll quickly learn a lot about the parents in your troop. It will give everyone an opportunity to have fun together—make sure to have a mix of team-building games and activities! Plan a Family Event Once someone says they will help, make sure you thank them. Write a personal note and hand it to them at the next meeting. Also, in front of all the parents and girls, announce the volunteer’s new role or responsibility. This makes the newcomer feel great about supporting the troop and makes it a bit tougher to back out. It also lets the girls know they have a team supporting their leadership development! Recognize Them

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Volunteer Resources

Community Service Girls who engage in community service develop a strong sense of responsibility for others. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri provides girls with opportunities to serve, to connect with their communities and to reflect on their experience to better understand themselves, area needs and their role in making the world a better place.

April Showers April Showers, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s largest community service program is important to the Girl Scout program and the community at large. Girl Scouts, their troop leaders, families and friends help people in need by collecting personal care items that are distributed to agencies throughout our jurisdiction. All troops are expected to participate in the April Showers program through door-to-door distribution, donation collection or Showering the Community.

Community Service Partners

Coming in 2022, GSEM will highlight community service agencies that are looking for Girl Scout troops to provide service to their organization. These partners will be listed in future publications and on our website for easy access when your troop is looking to do a service project.

Mark your calendar for April Showers 2022

Have you worked with any agencies that regularly need volunteers and would recommend them to your fellow Girl Scouts?

• April 1-3: Door-to-Door Distribution • April 2: Showering the Community • April 9: Donation Collection

Please send your Community Service Partner suggestions to Heather Eyster at heyster@girlscoutsem.org for consideration.

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Try a New Troop Activity This Fall with a Girl Scout Program Partner

Program Partners are organizations approved to offer Girl Scout programs as a resource to members. These partners provide options for badge workshops, field trips, activities to fulfill badge requirements and Journey-based programs. These opportunities can be scheduled directly with the organization. We are always adding new Program Partners. Visit girlscoutsem.org/programpartners to find the most updated list of Program Partners and information on the activities they are offering.

Animal Protective Association of Missouri Cake Fusion Cake and Cupcake Design Studio Claster Educational Services Complete Harmony DaySpring Arts and Education Endangered Wolf Center Gateway Arch National Park Great Skate

STAGES St. Louis Performing Arts Academy Stemily Studios, LLC STL Cake Pops

The Coder School The Federal Courts The Magic House TNT Painting Palooza Twists N Turns Upper Limits Rock Gym Vertical Voyages Youth Friendly Learning STL Z Total Body Fitness

Healthworks! Kids Museum Humane Society of Missouri Impact Life Karate Life Studios

Kraus Farms Leftovers Etc. Little Medical School Mad Science Missouri Botanical Gardens Missouri Department of Conservation MJ Performing Arts Academy Otto Orthodontics Perennial Photo Explorations Rooted Warriors Yoga Safety House Saint Louis Zoo School of Rock St. Charles County Parks and Recreation St. Louis Symphony Orchestra

Lead & Learn Fall 2021 19

Volunteer Resources

Be Your Best Self and Troop Leader As a Girl Scout volunteer, you give tirelessly to your community. Each day you share your time, talents, treasure and energy with your girls to give them the best leadership experience possible. But, the hustle of Girl Scouts can quickly become stressful if we forget to take care of our own needs along the way!

Self-care is more than eating an entire sleeve of Thin Mints in one sitting (no judgment). It’s about paying attention to your needs and taking care of yourself mentally, physically and emotionally. It is easier said than done, of course, but if we don’t take care of ourselves, how can we best care for our families and our troops?

In practicing self-care, you are demonstrating for your girls what it means to be your best self. Troop leader, you are enough! Whatever you need to feel balanced in this crazy, busy world is the right kind of self-care for you. And, please know, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, your girls and your parents appreciate you!

If you are feeling pressure about Girl Scout activities and details, the best thing you can do for your girls, and yourself, is to inject some fun back into your sessions. Play silly games or have a laugh-a-thon. It’s scientifically proven that laughter reduces stress! Make Time for Fun

Manage Expectations

Temper your Girl Scout families with a dose of reality. Attending

every program and completing every badge can drive you to exhaustion! Communicate with your families so they know what to expect, that way everyone will be on the same page and you will feel less stress about meeting unreachable expectations. Lean on your social circles—your fellow troop volunteers or friends, for instance. Meet up for coffee or ice cream with other volunteers in your area and talk about personal and Girl Scout topics. Knowing that others are also struggling and finding their own unique solutions can help you power through. Keep Connections

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Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) is more than a program—it is a community. As the premier women’s network in the region, the WLN provides women the opportunity to support one another on their own leadership journeys while working with Girl Scouts to encourage and inspire the next generation of leaders, today’s Girl Scouts. “The WLN grew from a seed,” says WLN president, Jenny Bartlow. “It was this idea of having a forum for women, who weren’t typically engaged with Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, to get connected with our girls and programs. What emerged was a diverse community of women who came together to share common experiences, both personally and professionally, and become more involved with Girl Scouts to give of their time, talent and treasure.” The WLN is open to all adult women in the region and there is no fee to join the network. Featuring several networking events throughout the year, the popular Mindful Mornings are scheduled quarterly and feature round-table discussions on a variety of leadership topics. “I love the positive energy, passion for fostering our future leaders and support for each other that each and every woman who is involved in the WLN brings,” says Bartlow. “That’s why I’ve chosen to be, and stay, involved in this premier women’s organization.”

Grow Your Network with Girl Scouts

When women come together for a common goal, they are unstoppable. Through the Women’s Leadership Network, members connect with each other and help Girl Scouts reach all girls, everywhere.

To learn more about the WLN, visit girlscoutsem.org/wln

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Around Council

Because of You, She’s Got This Today’s girls need inspiration. They need role models and mentors. Girl Scouts is able to give them this and so much more, thanks to the incredible efforts of our volunteers. We are honored and grateful to have you representing the Movement every single day. Highlighted on these pages are the incredible volunteers who were honored with the Thanks and Thanks II Badge in 2021. They are our everyday heroes!

Dolores Duncan District 18

Stacey Thater District 4

Liz Trimble District 1

Tara Thater District 4

To see the complete list of 2021 Volunteer Recognitions Honorees, please visit girlscoutsem.org/adultrecognition.

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Congratulations! 2021 Thanks Badge Honorees

Gigi Krumlinde District 14

Debbie Lieberman District 12

Keri Speh District 10

Melinda Orskog District 15

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Around Council

Way to Go! 2021 Thanks Badge II Honorees

Barb Gable District 12

Linda Wiedermann District 1

Save the Date!

Rep Assembly and Volunteer Recognitions will be held on March 28, 2022.

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Forms of Recognition

Girls Scout of Eastern Missouri places a high value on recognizing the adults who make a difference in girls’ lives. Appreciation for these contributions is expressed in many ways to recognize individuals or groups, in or out of Girl Scouts, for their unique service. 2022 Volunteer Recognitions

Recognition comes in many forms throughout the year.

Thank You: Everyone should get one! Informal recognitions, like thank you’s, should be used throughout the year. A thank you could include a greeting card, note or certificate (certificates can be secured by Girl Scout staff ). Special Thank You: These are reserved for a job well done. A special thank you could include a bouquet of flowers, small gift or a cake.

Service Awards: Service Awards are given for years of service with the organization.

Adult Recognitions: Adult Recognitions are given for outstanding service that leaves a lasting legacy or impact.

The Adult Recognitions Program offers a variety of distinguished awards to recognize individuals or groups at the Council, District and Neighborhood levels. Nominating volunteers for recognition has never been easier. Visit the Adult Recognition section of our website at girlscoutsem.org/adultrecognitions for more information about our streamlined award nomination process and instructions for electronic submission of award applications and nomination forms. Adult Recognition applications for the 2022 Volunteer Recognitions Ceremony are due on Feb. 7.

Questions about Adult Recognitions? Contact Shaun Lindhoff, Adult Education Coordinator at slindhoff@girlscoutsem.org .

Lead & Learn Fall 2021 25

Around Council

Your Girl Scout Adventure Starts Here From investigating distant ecosystems to starting your troop’s next service project, the Treats & Reads program can take your troop where you want to go. Join us for Treats & Reads starting September 25. Treats & Reads is not just a nut, candy and magazine sale, it’s an opportunity for her to start working towards her dreams. Earn proceeds on all items sold to outfit your adventures.

Treats & Reads 2021 The fall Treats & Reads Program offers a wide selection of high-quality candy and nuts that arrive in plenty of time for the holidays, plus new and renewed magazine subscriptions and ebooks through the online platform. Participating in Treats & Reads allows your troop to earn money and start your Girl Scout year strong, and connects important entrepreneurial skill building to a conservation focus.

“Our troop loves learning how to be entrepreneurs. They like using this money earning opportunity to fund activities like camping and other special outings. As a troop leader, I look forward to how creative each girl gets with how they promote their store.”

- Meagan Jobin, Troop 2705

This year’s mascot—the Emperor Penguin—is determined and inventive, just like Girl Scouts!

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“The Treats & Reads Program is very good practice to help them prepare for the cookie season. They feel more confident that they can sell a lot of cookies after practicing with the fall treats.

Important Dates Sept. 25: GO Day for Treats & Reads (start taking in-person & online orders) Oct. 17: Order cards due to troop through M2 by 11pm. Girl-delivery available online through October 21 Oct. 22–Nov. 21: Online orders accepted for direct ship, donations and magazines/ ebooks

- Ashley Landers, Troop 1719

Nov. 8-11: Product distributed to troops

Nov. 21: Program ends

New This Year

Getting Started

• Four new products and new holiday tins

Complete the Troop Treats & Reads Manager orientation in gsLearn; available Sept. 3 Follow the link emailed Sept. 16 to access the M2 programmanagement site. Then set up your troop and create your volunteer avatar Pick up your troop material packet from your Neighborhood Treats & Reads Manager Send the parent/guardian email blast by Sept. 25 so your girls can all set up their online site and parents can enter their order card orders Host a troop meeting and assist families with setting up their online site, hand out materials, remind girls to create their Girl Scout Avatar and send emails to their customers

• Troop orders picked

up from Neighborhood Treats & Reads Manager

• Virtual Nuts & Bolts Instructional Sessions

• Treats & Reads Take Action Rally on Sept. 18—get excited for Treats & Reads and learn more about the importance of penguin conservation

• One M2 storefront for girls to share for nuts and magazines

• New Share My Site options for girls

• Printable door hanger and personalized QR code in M2

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Around Council

Personalized Patches for Volunteers and Girls Personalized Avatar patches are exclusive to Treats & Reads for volunteers and Girl Scouts who participate in Treats & Reads. Choose from two scene options: research station or an ocean: • Troop Treats & Reads Manager earns in fall when they send the M2 Parent/Guardian email blast and troop sells $1,700+ in product • Troop Leader earns crossover patch when the troop sells $1,000 in Treats & Reads and has a 145+ troop PGA in cookies

Girl Scouts Give Back The Project Thank You program is a Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri service project that gives our community the chance to donate treats to the USO of Missouri and Operation Food Search. For each $5 donation, we will gift a treat to these partner organizations on your troop’s behalf! Plus, Girl Scouts can earn special Project Thank You rewards by selling 10 or more Project Thank You items.

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2022 Girl Scout Cookie Program

It’s not just a cookie, it’s the stepping stone to her next great adventure. In 2022, Girl Scouts are ready to reach new heights and Climb With Courage during the Cookie Program!

Dates to Remember

New Chances to Build Skills with Cookie Business Badges Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri and Girl Scouts of the USA have announced new Cookie Business badges for all grade levels releasing this fall that focus on entrepreneurship. With business shifting their models and relying even more on technology, girls learn to think beyond the storefront. The new Cookie Business badges help girls think like entrepreneurs as they run their own cookie businesses and incorporate online sales via the Digital Cookie® platform. Learn more at girlscoutsem.org/whatsnew .

Oct. 5: New Troop Cookie Volunteer Information Session

Oct. 15: Troops and girls must be registered in the membership system to have cookie materials mailed directly to cookie volunteer’s address; registering by this date will also allow troops to be able to get a sample of the new Adventurefuls cookie. Designate and assign a Troop Cookie Manager in MyGS so they receive cookie materials Week of Nov. 22: Cookie packets begin mailing to Troop Cookie Managers registered as members as of Oct. 15

Dec. 3: Troop Cookie Manager Orientation available on gsLearn

Dec. 3-4: Edward Jones Cookie College, see pg. 31 for additional information

Jan. 3: Digital Cookie opens for online orders

Jan. 8: Cookie GO Day!

Jan. 30: Girl order cards due to Troop Cookie Manager

Feb. 18-20: National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend; first weekend for troop cookie booths

March 20: Cookie Program Ends

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Around Council

Meet Our Delicious New Cookie, Adventurefuls! An indulgent brownie-inspired cookie with caramel-flavored crème and a hint of sea salt, Adventurefuls take cookie lovers on a delicious taste adventure. Girl Scouts in eastern Missouri and across the United States will offer the Adventurefuls cookie this season alongside favorites like Thin Mints®, Samoas®, and Girl Scout S’mores®. Every cookie purchase fuels local Girl Scouts’ adventures throughout the year: exploring what interests them, discovering their passions, and taking action on issues they care about.

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Edward Jones Cookie College Edward Jones Cookie College is a unique opportunity for girls and their adult to sharpen their five essential skills! Girls will receive a special cookie spirit box in the mail before our virtual orientation on Friday, December 3 to help them explore goal setting and learn about the 2022 Cookie Program. On Saturday, December 4. Girl Scouts and their adult will dive deeper at the Berges Family Girl Scout Program Center and build skills as a Cookie Entrepreneur Family!

Check out girl programs in the Fall 2021 Inspire Discovery for more information.

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Around Council

Girl Scouts GO: Run for the Cookies is Back with In-Person and Virtual Opportunities We are excited to announce that the sweetest race in St. Louis will be back in-person this November! Once again, you can join us for a 5k or 1-mile run/walk and once you cross the finish line, you can reward yourself with a helping of delicious Girl Scout Cookies. What are you waiting for? Dust off those running shoes and register today!

In-Person Event – Sat., Nov. 27 5K or 1-mile Run/Walk Girl Scout Service Center 2300 Ball Dr., St. Louis 6314 6

Virtual Event – Nov. 19-28 Whether you want to run on the treadmill, jog around the neighborhood or walk a local trail, our virtual event is a great option to participate in our annual event. Grab your family and friends for a 5K or 1-mile run or walk anytime from Nov. 19-28. Race packets will be mailed to all virtual participants. Shipping is included in your registration fee. Register by November 8 to guarantee packet delivery by November 26.

To limit the gathering of participants at the start line we will offer multiple start times for both the 5K and 1-mile options. 5K waves will begin at 8 am and 1-mile waves will begin at 9 am.

Packet pick up information can be found on the event registration page, ffstl.com/girlscouts .

We will be holding a winter coat donation drive for Operation Food Search. Please bring new and gently used coats to support those in need.

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Run Registration Visit ffstl.com/girlscouts to register online. Registration is required for both the in-person and virtual event options. Registration is open now through November 27. Register by October 11 to lock in a lower price and guarantee your t-shirt size. More information on swag options and deadlines can be found on the registration page. Registration Fees • $25 (5K) or $15 (1-mile) through Oct. 11 • $30 (5K) or $18 (1-mile) through Nov. 8 • $35 (5K) or $20 (1-mile) through Nov. 27

Event Sponsorships Available Sponsorships are available to support this fun event! Contact Kate Tichelkamp, Director of Fund Development for more information at ktichelkamp@girlscoutsem.org or 314.592.2373.

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Virtual All Leader Season Opener

New Leaders: Sept. 23. 6-7:30 pm Returning Leaders: Sept. 25, 10:30 am-12 pm

Prepare For Your Best Girl Scout Year Yet

2021 All Leader Season Opener Topics Include: Program Update • Overview of the 28 new badges and global awards launched on August 3, 2021. Troop Trips • Plan a Girl Scout approved troop trip and get tips on choosing a destination Taking Girls to Camp • What you need to know about planning a camp adventure for your Girl Scouts Plan a District or Neighborhood Girl Scout Event • Learn what to do when, how to incorporate girl input throughout the planning process, how to budget and fun event theme ideas

Register Today! It’s easy to register for this virtual event, just click the links below!

New Troop Leader Virtual Season Opener Registration Link

Returning Troop Leader Virtual Season Opener Registration Link

All participants will be entered into drawings to win fun GSEM swag. At least two drawings per session!

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Perfectly Effortless Programming Sessions

Sessions

Aug. 24, 6 pm Robotics 101

Oct. 27, 6-7 pm Digital Tools for Troop Leadership Nov. 23, 6-7 pm Conflict Resolution for Daisies, Brownies and Juniors

Jan. 19, 6-7 pm Tact 101 for Older Girls

Robotics 101 Available to girls of all Girl Scout levels, Robotics inspires girls to become science and technology leaders. Want to know more about this innovative opportunity? Don’t miss out on this informative Robotics PEP session where you’ll learn all about the Robotics program and come away with a few fun activities to try with your troop.

Digital Tools for Troop Leadership We want our adult volunteers to be confident, knowledgeable, and well prepared to lead girls at any level. With digital tools like gsLearn, Volunteer Toolkit, Troop Leader Blueprint, Zoom, and Rallyhood, you have local support and training, meeting planning tools, badge requirements, communication tools, and so much more right at your fingertips!

Conflict Resolution Strategies for Daisies-Juniors Knowing how to resolve conflicts with their friends is a valuable skill for girls, but knowing how to teach conflict resolution skills in a fun way can be challenging. You will receive instructions for a conflict resolution toolkit craft, along with flexible lesson talking points and a fun scenario activity to help girls practice their conflict resolution skills using the toolkit.

TACT 101 Tact is the ability to tell the truth or share information in a way that considers other people’s feelings and reactions. Being considerate and tactful when speaking to others is an important social-emotional skill to have, and helps girls live by the Girl Scout Law. This PEP session demonstrates a variety of engaging activities to illustrate to girls how to be a tactful person when the situation calls for it.

All sessions are virtual. Click the link above to register. Zoom links will be sent with course registration.

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Around Council

Encourage your Girl Scout to research the many scholarships available to Girl Scout Gold Awardees, visit girlscouts.org/scholarships

Girl Scout Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards

Bronze Award: By taking action to improve their communities, Juniors gain important leadership skills and learn that even seemingly small actions can make a big impact! Silver Award: Cadettes flex their leadership muscles by doing research and taking action on issues of their choice. Through their commitment to their communities, girls gain skills that will catapult them to Gold Award success. Gold Award: To earn this special award, Seniors and Ambassadors change the world for good by tackling issues dear to their hearts while driving lasting change.

The Mark of the Truly Remarkable When your troop or girl earns one of Girl Scouts’ highest awards, they will change their corner of the world—and beyond. The possibilities are endless, but to get started they need your support and mentorship.

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Advice From Our Highest Award ProgramManager

Troop leaders, parents, guardians and family friends play a huge role in a Girl Scout’s decision to go for a Highest Award. While earning a Highest Award is an individual or troop accomplishment, girls still need support and guidance from the adults around them. With initial adult involvement, the girls will feel more secure to propose an idea and be able to take the project and run with it independently. Girls going for Bronze and Silver may need help brainstorming project ideas or organizations to work with. Girls going for Gold may need someone to proofread their proposal or give them feedback on their presentation.

Ally Roehl, Girl Scout Highest Award Program Manager

Why should you encourage your Girl Scout to earn a Highest Award? • University research indicates that adding the Gold Award to a college application is a critical element in the admissions decision process • Gold Award Recipients who join the armed services enter one rank higher than other recruits • Higher Awards are a progression of passion and drive that challenges the girls to dig deeper into their passion and drive to create something amazing and impactful in their own community • Girls who earn the Highest Awards in Girl Scouts develop courage, self-confidence, leadership skills and inspiration for future community service • The skills they earn in the award will serve them in their professional development and the small percentage of girls who complete it form a community of like-minded sisters that connects across the country and back again

Written by Ally Roehl with contribution from Gold Award Committee members Dora Tabachnick and Pat Puller

Be the Support She Needs As She Strives to Earn One of Girl Scouting’s Highest Awards As an adult supporter, your role, whether you are a troop volunteer, parent or project advisor, is to encourage your Girl Scouts to think critically, be open to multiple perspectives, investigate thoroughly, work cooperatively, and identify resources within and beyond their local communities. You are supporting girls as they develop into leader for today and tomorrow. When supporting your Girl Scouts as they earn one of Girl Scoutings Highest Awards, it is important to have the right tools and knowledge. By attending one of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s online Highest Award courses you will learn how to prepare girls to earn their Bronze, Silver or Gold Awards, what the awards are and what steps are involved in completing it.

Turn to pg. 44 in this publication to read complete details on our Highest Award trainings and instructions for accessing the courses on gsLearn.

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Adult Courses

Troop Camp Certification Courses Adult volunteers who plan to camp with girls on or off Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri-owned property must be Troop Camp Certified. Troop Camp Certification courses ensure adult volunteers know how to plan a Troop Camping experience that is safe and that everyone enjoys. American Red Cross Certification Courses A qualified First Aider must accompany a troop when they participate in certain activities. American Red Cross certification courses that provide this qualification include Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/ AED and Wilderness and Remote First Aid. Program Levels Letters following course titles refer to Girl Scout program levels. Adults working with the level indicated would benefit the most from the course:

The past year offered many challenges to provide the training support our volunteers need to give girls the best possible Girl Scout experience, but created new opportunities to bring valuable training and engaging programs to more adult members throughout the Council. Virtual learning, in the form of online courses and live virtual events on Zoom, allowed volunteers who often found it difficult to attend in-person courses and programs to fully participate. Recordings of live virtual events could then be made accessible to even more volunteers through gsLearn or on our website. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri plans to fully embrace virtual learning in the future to make volunteer training more convenient and accessible to as many people as possible. Because our volunteers’ time is valuable, we hope to create more blended learning opportunities for our skills-based courses, so that volunteers may complete the knowledge portion of the course online at their convenience while completing skills practice in-person. We know that in-person training and adult programs provide a sense of community that many of our adult members enjoy, and these in-person experiences will still be part of our adult learning curriculum. Our goal is to build upon this and expand our curriculum to include more online courses and live virtual events so that we can efficiently and effectively reach the widest audience possible within our Council and help our volunteers achieve their learning goals. Core Curriculum Courses These courses provide volunteers with important information, ideas, and procedures to fulfill various Council roles. Note that the New Troop Leader Training is a required course for all new leaders and assistant leaders and must be completed within 30 days of it being assigned in gsLearn. Archery Certification Courses This section outlines the new USA Archery procedures for the registration and completion of USA Archery Level 1 and Level 2 Instructor courses. Courses are grouped in the following categories:

Senior, Grades 9-10 Ambassador, Grades 11-12

Daisy, Grades K-1 Brownie, Grades 2-3 Junior, Grades 4-5 Cadette, Grades 6-8

All: All grade levels

Seniors and Ambassadors are welcome to attend courses in this publication, unless otherwise indicated. They would register as an adult but must bring a signed parent permission form. Course Registration For detailed online registration instructions and how to register via paper application, see page 58.

For Assistance with registering, please contact the Answer Center at 314.400.4600 or answercenter@girlscoutsem.org .

For information about our Council’s COVID-19 protocols, including course cancellation and refund policies, please refer to the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri COVID-19 Response Guidelines.

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