Spring 2021 Inspire Discovery

INSPIRE DISCOVERY REGISTRATION OPENS FEB. 3!

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EXPLORE GIRL SCOUTS

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Early Bird Re-Registration

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Live from Girl Scouts, Season 2

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Troop Round Up

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April Showers

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Girl Scout Cookie Season

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Girl Scout Camp

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Highest Awards

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Girl Programs

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At-A-Glance

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Registration

Photos used in this publication were taken before the outbreak of COVID-19 in the United States.

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T Dear Girl Scout Families,

he new year is a natural time for reflection. When I look back at 2020, I see a year where our Girl Scouts

Our first season of Live from Girl Scouts successfully garnered more than 6,000 registrations during it’s initial run and I am excited to announce that Season 2 of Live from Girl Scouts will commence on March 2! With 10 weeks of programs to choose from, she is sure to find a topic that sparks her interest and imagination! Turn to pg. 6 for all the details and be sure to watch your email for registration information. As we look toward the arrival of spring, I encourage you to participate in early bird registration. The benefits are many—including being the first to know about exciting developments and programs at Girl Scouts. Turn to pgs. 4-5 to check out our awesome incentives and be sure to re-register you and your Girl Scout on April 1 so she doesn’t miss a minute of the fun! Our girls did not stop growing during the pandemic and Girl Scouts stayed strong in the face of obstacles! The creativity and innovation displayed by our volunteers and families have allowed girls to continue to

represented our core values of courage, confidence and character more than ever before. As girls adjusted to virtual learning, limited access to social engagements, and cancellation of extra-curricular activities, it became more important than ever for Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri to find creative and innovative ways to bring the best leadership development To that end, in October 2020 we launched Live from Girl Scouts—a brand new series of interactive programs delivered in-person and online. Live from Girl Scouts offers girls the opportunity to combine leadership and growth in a fun, flexible and informal environment featuring in-person and virtual experiences that support girl-driven exploration and learning. program for girls to each Girl Scout in our region.

build skills, grow in confidence and challenge themselves in a safe, girl- led environment. Thank you for choosing Girl Scouts for your family! Together, we will make 2021 a year like no other!

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Bonnie Barczykowski CEO, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri

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R L SPRING 2021 EARLY BIRD RE-REGISTRATION S C O O U U T S For more than 100 years, Girl Scouts has given girls the tools to lead, break barriers and create positive change. These are the girls and young women who dream big and do bigger! It’s our mission to provide you with fun, social and unique opportunities so your Girl Scout can create their own personalized experience. Along the way, she’ll see just how awesome she is at being herself, being a leader and being a change-maker. Find out about our early bird registration incentives below and join us for another amazing year of Girl Scouting in eastern Missouri. Financial and uniform assistance is available. Questions on re-registration? Contact our friendly staff at the Answer Center at 314.400.4600 or answercenter@girlscoutsem.org . Re-register beginning April 1, 2021! Visit girlscoutsem.org/renew for additional details.

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BE AN EARLY BIRD! DON’T MISS A MINUTE OF THE FUN! RE-REGISTER APRIL 1-30.

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2022 Early Bird Patch! Girls will receive a special early bird patch that when joined with the upcoming 2023 and 2024 re-registration patches will create an adorable spring scene!

GIRL INCENTIVES Limited-Edition Patch Girls will receive a special early bird patch that when joined with the upcoming 2023 and 2024 re-registration patches will create an adorable spring scene! Troop Round Up 2021 This annual event is a great way to kick off the Girl Scout year in the fall! Girls will have the opportunity to explore camp and participate in fun program activities.

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Camp Tuckaho: Oct. 2, 10 am-4 pm Camp Cedarledge: Oct. 9, 10 am-4 pm

GIRL SCOUTS OF EASTERN MISSOURI

GIRL SCOUTS OF EASTERN MISSOURI

GIRL SCOUTS OF EASTERN MISSOURI

All girls must be re-registered for the 2022 membership year in order to purchase tickets for Troop Round Up. Space is limited for each camp! Re-register beginning April 1 to lock in your program options and date! Ticket price is $10 per person.

ADULT INCENTIVES Limited-Edition Mug Troop leaders who re-register 70 percent or higher of their troop will receive a limited-edition early bird mug! Shop Discount* All adult members (including Lifetime members) enjoy 15 percent off a one-time purchase May 3-June 30, 2021

*Shop discount is valid only on full price merchandise through the Girl Scout Shop in St. Louis. Valid on phone and email orders through the Girl Scout Shop in St. Louis. Offer not valid online. Discount excludes previously reduced (sale) merchandise.

Inspire Discovery Spring 2021 5 JOIN US FOR ANOTHER AMAZING GIRL SCOUT YEAR!

6 Inspire Discovery Fall 2020

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G I SEASON 2 COMING MARCH 2 Live from Girl Scouts is back for Season 2! Delivered in- person and live-streamed, eastern MIssouri girls will love earning new badges through these interactive programs this spring. R Registration for all Season 2 Live from Girl Scouts programs opens on February 3. With 10 weeks of programs to choose from, she’ll enjoy building new skills with her Girl Scout sisters. Turn to pg. 10 for calendar of program listings. Registration deadline is two weeks prior to the program date. For questions about registration, please contact our Answer Center at 314.400.4600 or answercenter@girlscoutsem.org .

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PARTICIPATE IN THE LIVE EXPERIENCE! One lucky troop will be selected to star in each Live from Girl Scouts episode! If three or more members of your troop registers to participate in a Live from Girl Scouts episode, then your troop will be entered into a drawing to become the on-site Live from Girl Scouts troop. The selected troop will participate LIVE in our skill-building, one-of-a-kind programming in the Berges Family Girl Scout Program Center, as we professionally live-stream the fun! The troop, selected by random drawing, will be notified and will have 24 hours to accept the invitation. If you cannot attend, another troop will be chosen. PARTICIPATE FROM HOME! Shown in real-time, troops and Girl Scouts from across eastern Missouri can tune-in and complete the activities from the comfort of their homes. Supplies for each program will be delivered right to their door! All programs are recorded to allow girls the flexibility of participating in the program when it’s convenient for them! How it Works

SKILL-BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES

Each program is designed specifically for our Girl Scouts by age level. With special mystery guests and interactive activities that help her build essential skills, your girls are going to LOVE what we have in store for them. Turn the page for a week-by-week breakdown of program offerings.

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Incredible Value for Only $10!

AWESOME SUPPLY BOXES, DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR DOOR The cost, including all program supplies, patch or badge, and shipment directly to your home is valued at $20-25. Thanks to generous community support, each registered Girl Scout pays ONLY $10!

Live from Girl Scouts has helped my daughter develop independence and social interaction. She is always excited when the Live box arrives and can’t wait for the event night to come. Watching her find some independence in Girl Scouts is wonderful for a leader to see of her own child. I have watched her transition over several events from a shy girl who wanted mommy to stay right next to her to an independent Brownie who most recently sent me away, “I’m good mom, I can do it alone.” Thank you for a program that has shown her it’s okay to do Girl Scouts without mom right next to her. Katherine Van Horn, Troop Leader & Mom

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LIVE FROM GIRL SCOUTS SEASON 2

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Week-by-Week Overview Register beginning Feb. 3 at girlscoutsem.org/gsLive

WEEK 1 Program Cybersecurity Basics

Date

Grade Levels

March 2

Grades K-1

My Best Self

March 3

Grades 2-3

Business Plan

March 4

Grades 6-8

WEEK 2

Program

Date

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Junior First Aid

March 9

Grades 4-5

Science of Style

March 10

Grades 9-12

Girl Scout Birthday Celebration

March 11

Grades K-1

WEEK 3 Program Philanthropy for Brownies

Date

Grade Levels

March 16

Grades 2-3

Crane Design Challenge

March 17

Grades 4-5

Book Artist

March 18

Grades 6-8

WEEK 4

Program

Date

Grade Levels

Business Etiquette

March 23

Grades 9-12

Daisy Safety Pin

March 24

Grades K-1

Space Science Adventurer

March 25

Grades 2-3

WEEK 5 Program

Date

Grade Levels

Animal Habitats

March 30

Grades 4-5

Cadette Chopped Challenge

March 31

Grades 6-8

High School Chopped Challenge

April 1

Grades 9-12

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Check out the charts below for a week-by-week breakdown of our brand-new Live from Girl Scouts programs! Each program is designed specifically for our Girl Scouts by age level. With special guests and interactive activities that help her build essential skills, your girl is going to LOVE what we have in store for her! For complete program descriptions and registration instructions turn to the Girl Program section, beginning on pg. 38. WEEK 6 Program Date

Grade Levels

Programming Robots for Brownies

April 6

Grades 2-3

Savvy Shopper

April 7

Grades 4-5

Cadette Cybersecurity Basics

April 8

Grades 6-8

WEEK 7

Program

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High School Outdoor Art

April 13

Grades 9-12

How Robots Move for Daisies

April 14

Grades K-1

Disability Awareness

April 15

Grades 2-3

WEEK 8 Program

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Paddleboat Design Challenge for Juniors

April 20

Grades 4-5

Digital Movie Maker

April 21

Grades 6-8

Bodies and Minds

April 22

Grades 9-12

WEEK 9

Program

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Bugs

April 27

Grades 2-3

Space Science Investigator

April 28

Grades 4-5

Cadette Outdoor Art

April 29

Grades 6-8

WEEK 10 Program

Date May 5

Grade Levels

Board Game Design Challenge for Daisies

Grades K-1

Buddy Camper

May 6

Grades K-1

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This annual event is a great way to kick off the Girl Scout year in the fall! Girls will have the opportunity to explore camp and participate in a variety of fun activities. To keep all participants and event staff safe, we will be introducing a new format and options for participation. We will offer the event in-person at camp where girls and adults will arrive in waves and travel to separate program areas with a small group. Each wave will end their time at camp with their choice of special activity, including archery, canoeing, hiking or horseback ring rides at Camp Cedarledge. We will also offer an ‘at-home’ kit that will be mailed to each girl who would prefer to participate at home. All participants must be re-registered for the 2022 membership year in order to purchase tickets for Troop Round Up. Space is limited for each option and each camp so save your spot beginning April 1. Ticket price is $10 per person for both the in-person experience and the ‘at-home’ kit. Camp Tuckaho: Oct. 2, 10 am-4 pm Camp Cedarledge: Oct. 9, 10 am-4 pm Check out the 2021 Troop Round Up T-shirt! Don't forget to purchase yours at the time of registration.

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All registered Girl Scouts are expected to participate in April Showers. Due to COVID-19 protocols, girls will not be collecting items through Showering the Community. However, there will be new and exciting ways for girls to get involved through assisting with counting and sorting items donated through the registries in addition to the door-to-door campaigns. We encourage families and friends to participate! April Showers is a great community service project for the whole family. Non-member insurance will be provided by Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri for family and friends who volunteer for April Showers. 2021 APRIL SHOWERS DATES April 16-18 Door-to-Door Distribution April 24 Donation Collection April 16-25 Registries Available

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. Through programs like Seasons of Giving and April Showers or by earning a Girl Scout Bronze, Silver or Gold Award, girls are making a difference each day. Need ideas for community service projects? For a list of agencies and their current needs, visit girlscoutsem.org/communityservice . April Showers 2021 For 23 years, Girl Scouts, their families and neighbors have collected more than 24 million personal care items. Though April Showers may look a little different this spring, we are committed to offering our girls the opportunity to support our communities, safely. Anyone participating in our personal care item drive will be expected to adhere to current COVID-19 protocols including face masks, social distancing and limiting group size. Girl Scouts are committed to the environment and using resources wisely. In 2020 Council made the decision to replace the traditional plastic bags with sticky notes that girls will post when going door-to-door. Unfortunately, since the drive was canceled last year due to the pandemic, we were not able to implement this new concept. This spring we are excited to have the opportunity to fully implement the use of sticky notes to support the collection of April Showers items. Self-adhesive notes will be made available to troops to place door-to-door throughout eastern Missouri the weekend of April 16-18. These notes will encourage households to purchase items and reuse a bag or box of their own for pick up on April 24. Due to the success of the online registry we utilized to support Autumn Showers in the fall, we will now promote an online option during the door-to-door campaign. This will allow the community to either place their donated items on their porch for pick up or donate directly to the campaign through the online registries. Returning from Autumn Showers will be Walmart’s Registry for Good and new this year is Amazon’s Charity List. These options will be available by scanning the QR code or visiting the link on the sticky note. These registries will be available April 16-25 and promoted online as well as on the sticky notes. Items received through the online registries will be used to help support the agencies served by Showering the Community which will not be held in the same format as prior years.

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The Girl Scout Cookie program is a fun way for girls to earn money and power awesome Girl Scout adventures, and it’s a hands-on leadership and financial literacy program unlike any other in the world. Best of all, girls love the Cookie Program and look forward to it each year! 2021 Girl Scout Cookie Season

“To me, selling cookies is an important part of the Girl Scout leadership experience. I like to get creative with my marketing and communication skills to try and find new ways to market my products each year!”

Right now, with your support, our young innovative entrepreneurs are helping power amazing Girl Scout experiences all across eastern Missouri! This year Girl Scouts are reaching their goals with:

Digital Cookie®

Virtual Cookie Booths

MAK B., GIRL SCOUT CADETTE

Contactless Payment and Delivery Options

Innovative Marketing Ideas

For more information visit girlscoutsem.org/cookies or visit our Product Programs Rallyhood !

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WE’VE GOT THIS! There are still many ways for girls to participate in the Cookie Season to earn rewards and help customers looking for delicious cookies!

Digital Cookie ® : Continues through March 14 Digital Cookie® sales continue through March 14 to help girls reach big goals! Online girl delivery option is available through March 5.

Goal Getter Feb. 1-March 7 Goal Getter order cards for new customers or re-orders from those who just need one more box of their favorite treat are available in your cookie materials packet or at girlscoutsem.org/cookies .

Troop Cookie Booths: Feb. 12-March 7 Check out the Cookie Booth Toolkit at girlscoutsem.org/cookies for more information about participating with your troop or setting up a lemonade stand style pop-up booth in your neighborhood.

Golden Go-Getters Contest For every Digital Cookie® order placed between Feb. 12-March 7, you will be entered to win an awesome Golden Go-Getters contest prize! Eight lucky winners will join Disney for a unique virtual experience and explore the world of Broadway. Plus, each winner gets Disney swag! More information available at girlscoutsem.org/cookies .

©Disney

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Project Thank You is Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s service project that provides our community the chance to donate treats to one of our nonprofit partners. With each $5 donation, we will gift one box of cookies to organizations that serve military personnel and veterans, those in need and those who help our community stay safe.

Our Project Thank You partners include USO of Missouri and Operation Food Search.

Last year the community donated more than 89,000 packages of cookies through this program. Now more than ever, Girl Scouts across eastern Missouri can help our communities with the gift of cookies, and earn special Project Thank You rewards

• Gift of Caring Patch (12+ PTY packages)

• Glitter Horse Charm (30+ PTY packages)

• Journal with Pouch (75+ PTY packages)

• Photo on 2022 Box Wrap + Backpack Purse (top PTY seller)

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Cookie Entrepreneur Family pins recognize the five skills girls learn as they begin to think like entrepreneurs through the Girl Scout Cookie Program. It’s never been easier to support your girl as she develops business skills, makes amazing memories, and earns a different pin for her uniform every cookie season. The simple, age- specific guidelines have been tailored for her developing skill set, making success a snap. SKILL BUILDING IS MORE FUN WITH FAMILY! Support Your Cookie Entrepreneur Help your Girl Scout shine a spotlight on her goals using the Girl Scout Cookie Program® Business Branding Toolkit. Visit girlscoutsem.org/cookies for more information. Be a champion for your girl! Let her make the ask but help her connect with family and friends. Learn more at girlscouts.org/ entrepreneurfamily.

National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri will participate in National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend Feb. 19-21, celebrating the power of the Girl Scout Cookie Program and the good it creates in our communities.

To give back to our front-line workers, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri will donate hand-made cards and packages of cookies to provide a bright spot in the lives of local healthcare workers who have sacrificed tirelessly for eastern Missouri during the pandemic. To help Girl Scouts with this important initiative, we are asking troops to help us make encouraging cards for healthcare workers! Mail or drop off your cards to Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri by Feb. 12:

Practice safety!

Send to Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Attn: Product Programs 2300 Ball Drive St. Louis, MO 63146

Drop off There will be a designated drop-off box for cards at the Council office, 2300 Ball Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146. The box will be located at the back side of the office building, by the warehouse garage door, in a bin marked “NGSCW Card Collection.” The box will available Jan. 29-Feb. 12.

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Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is excited to welcome our girls, troops and families back to camp in 2021! The health and well-being of our girls, volunteers and staff is our top concern. Our camp guidelines are based on the most recent guidance from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and American Camp Association (ACA) as well as state and local authorities. Though camp may look a little different this summer, we are committed to providing our Girl Scouts an exceptional and safe outdoor leadership experience.

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When a Girl Scout embraces the camp life, she truly has a transformative experience. While growing her passions, she takes healthy risks each day and returns home with a better understanding of herself and her abilities. Registration for 2021 Camp opportunities is now open! Visit girlscoutsem.org/campadventureguide for more information and to check out our one-of- a-kind leadership development program and girl-led adventures. 2021 CAMP REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

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SPRING EQUESTRIAN OPPORTUNITIES Enjoy a unique horseback riding experience at Camp Cedarledge. Located in Pevely, Mo., approximately 45 minutes from the Girl Scout Service Center, our equestrian program is run by experienced wranglers who help girls of all levels discover the joy of horses. All programs have an eight-person limit. Troops who exceed the eight-person limit can choose two time slots or contact the Answer Center for assistance in scheduling a program. Adults are welcome to register and ride, but are not required to as wranglers secure ratios on the trail ride.

Program Details

Description

Hoofprints Length: 90 min. Dates: April 24, 25 May 1, 2, 8, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 Times: 9 am, 11 am, 2 pm, 4 pm Cost: $30 per rider

Offered to: • 45-minute trail ride where girls grow in independence • Learn the value of good horsemanship

The Extreme Team is back for 2021 with new high adventure opportunities! High adventure programming teaches girls there are no limits to what they can achieve as they get out of their comfort zone and build confidence with new extreme challenges. All adventures include a T-shirt and patch, exclusive to Extreme Team members.

Offered to: Grades 6-12 Registration Deadline: Two weeks before each date

Target Shooting Day March 7

Twilight Tree Climb April 24

Survival Skills Day May 22 Start: 8 am End: 5 pm Cost: $60 per girl; includes lunch Location: Camp Cedarledge Girls will discover many survival skills including hammocking, building a survival shelter, fire building, outdoor cooking and more!

Float Trip June 13

Start: 9 am End: 5 pm Cost: $60 per girl; includes lunch Location: Camp Tuckaho Girls will participate in air rifle, compound bow archery, slingshot paint ball and hatchet throwing provided by Axe House STL.

Start: 7 pm End: 10 pm Cost: $50 per girl; includes snack Location: EarthDance Farms Girls will climb trees in the moonlight while learning basic climbing techniques with Adventure Tree.

Look for more details online at girlscoutsem.org/ programs after May 1!

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CLIMBING WALL AND ZIPLINE AT CAMP FIDDLECREEK The climbing wall and zipline is the ultimate high-adventure experience! Girls summon their inner strength to scale the climbing wall and then fly down the zipline—all while they enjoy a breathtaking view of Camp Fiddlecreek. The climbing wall and zipline are staffed by trained facilitators who will assist girls on their memorable outing. Participants must climb the wall in order to zipline. Offered to: Grades 2-12 Dates: Open most Saturdays April-December 2021 Check-in: 15 minutes prior to scheduled time Cost: $14 per girl for a 90-minute program Registration Deadline: Two weeks before each date Individuals or groups can register for a 90-minute session, which has a 10-person limit. Troops who exceed the limit can choose two time slots. If a girl is registering to attend as an individual, an adult must accompany her to camp. Adults are welcome to register. Visit girlscoutsem.org/highadventure for available dates and times. All climbing wall and zipline participants must wear or bring: • Cloth mask • GSEM COVID-19 Participant Screening Tool (will be collected and not returned) • COVID-19 Participant Screening Log • Health History, F-57 (will be collected and not returned) • Climbing helmet (provided) • Safety harness (provided) • Sturdy, closed toe athletic shoes, no sandals • Close-fitting clothing, shirts with sleeves and long pants (recommended) • Sunscreen (climbing wall is not in the shade)

PACK THE CREEK 2021

May 15 and 16

Join us for our sixth annual Pack the Creek program and spend the day at Camp Fiddlecreek while experiencing all camp has to offer. Brownies through Ambassadors will have the opportunity to experience the thrill of the climbing wall and zip line, archery, canoeing and program activities. Girls must be Brownies or older and do not have to be a member of a troop to participate. A registered adult must accompany individually registered girls. Troops must meet girl/adult ratio.

Turn to pg. 48 for all the details!

Want to be a trained climbing wall and zipline facilitator and help girls reach new heights? Contact Melissa Niedermann at 314.592.2346 or mniedermann@girlscoutsem.org . Paid and volunteer positions available.

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family camp

Dates: Sept. 4-6 All ages Cost: $50 per person at Camp Cedarledge $25 per person at Camp Tuckaho and Camp Fiddlecreek Free for ages 2 and under

Camp Fiddlecreek: Registration includes lodging and activities. All meals are up to individual groups to bring cold food or cook over a campfire. At all camps, families can request to stay in a permanent platform tent, lodge or cabin. Each family group attending must include at least one registered Girl Scout.

Celebrate the end of summer with your family at Girl Scout Camp! The weekend will be jam-packed with activities like swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts, campfires, games, fishing and more. Camp Cedarledge: Registration includes lodging, all activities, lunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday, and brunch on Monday. Camp Tuckaho: Registration includes lodging and activities. All meals are up to individual groups to bring cold food or cook over a campfire.

For more information, please visit girlscoutsem.org/familycamp .

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2021 UNIFORM ASSISTANCE FUND For more than a century, Girl Scouts have proudly worn distinctive uniforms that symbolize the high ideals for which the organization stands. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri intends to remove financial

barriers so all girls everywhere can develop essential leadership life skills while looking—and feeling—their best! That’s why, the Girl Scout Council has made available a Uniform Assistance Fund to all eligible eastern Missouri Girl Scouts who qualify to purchase age- appropriate uniform pieces. These pieces include the sash (or tunic for our Daisy Girl Scouts), troop numerals, our Girl Scout Council identification set and an American Flag patch. NEW THIS YEAR: • All uniform assistance fund recipients will receive complimentary heat press services so the uniform will be ready to wear

• Payment by phone of any balance due is accepted

• For more information and an application, visit our website at girlscoutsem.org , Uniform Assistance Fund or contact the Girl Scout Shop at 314.592.2300.

PATCH PROGRAMS Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri offers patch programs and awards that cover a wide range of topics and provide unique learning experiences for girls. Patch program booklets and activities are available online at girlscoutsem.org/patchprograms or in the Emerson Resource Center. Once girls have completed the activities, troop leaders or parents/guardians purchase or pick up patches at the Girl Scout Shop.

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L S SPRING 2021 GIRL SCOUT ROBOTICS Since the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s robotics program began in 2009, it has grown from five teams to 91 teams in 2021! Currently, there are multiple teams at every age level (FLL Discover, FLL Explore, FLL Challenge, FTC and FRC), from Daisies through Ambassadors. Girl Scouts of the United States (GSUSA) has partnered with For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST® ) to offer program opportunities around the country in these areas. The mission of the FIRST® program is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills. The experience also inspires innovation and fosters well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication and leadership. AROUND COUNCIL S

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Through participation in robotics programs, Girl Scouts: • Are confident they can solve real-world problems • Develop awareness of careers in the STEM fields • Develop and apply specific strategies to promote cooperation

• Identify ways in which science can help solve a problem • Learn valuable life and employment skills by solving problems and overcoming obstacles • Gain confidence in their abilities to use technology

SEAPERCH Since 2016 the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri have been participating in the international underwater robotics program known as SeaPerch. SeaPerch is an innovative underwater robotics program where girls can build a submerged Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV). This program is for girls in 2 nd -12 th grades (Brownies through Ambassadors). Teams need to submit a SeaPerch team application by March 1, 2021. The season began in January and runs through April. Plans are underway to hold a regional competition at Pattonville High School and more details will be provided regarding competition COVID-19 guidelines as they become available.

For more information, please contact Lauren Kornegay Dollar, Robotics Program Manager, at 314.592.2376 or lkornegaydollar@girlscoutsem.org.

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FAQ’s

How do I sign up to start a Girl Scout robotics team? Applications can be found under the “Special Interests” page on the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri website. Fill out the application and submit to Lauren Kornegay Dollar at lkornegaydollar@girlscoutsem.org or Denise Sallee at dsallee@girlscoutsem.org . Faxes can be sent to 314.214.3076. Interested groups will need two unrelated adults to sign up as coaches and at least three girls to start a team. Only a limited number of teams will be accepted. How will I know if we receive funding? The team will receive notification within 24-28 hours of applying. What are the grade levels? FLL Discover (K-1 st grade) Max of 6 girls and 2 coaches FLL Explore (2 nd -4 th grade) Max of 6 girls and 2 coaches FLL Challenge (4 th -8 th grade) Max of 10 girls and 2 coaches FTC (7 th -12 th grade) Max of 15 girls and 2 or more coaches FRC (9 th -12 th grade) Max of 50 girls and 2 or more coaches This sounds like fun, but I don’t have any programming experience or technology experience. What should I do? It’s okay if you don’t have a background in programming or engineering! Girl Scouts offers comprehensive training in August to teach FLL Explore and FLL Challenge rookie coaches how to program the robot, but don’t worry—the girls will pick up the programming aspects really quickly! Feel free to recruit colleagues and friends who are interested in technology to help mentor the team.

What if my daughter is interested in being on a team, but no one else in the troop is? Extend the invitation to other girls in her school and community! They don’t need to be previously involved in Girl Scouts as long as they become a registered member when they join the team.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s Robotics program is made possible through generous community support from our partners including:

Bayer The Berges Family Foundation Employees Community Fund of Boeing

Clifford Willard Gaylord Foundation Millipore Sigma

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Anticipated Resumption of Troop Travel on May 1, 2021 (guidance released Jan. 28, 2021) While travel is not currently permitted for GSEM members beyond some overnight activities of no more than two nights within Council boundaries (such as overnight activities on Council property, backyard camping, non-camping local overnights and camping at non-Council-owned sites), troop travel has an anticipated resumption date of May 1, 2021. GSEM will continue to monitor the state of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as guidance from GSUSA, the CDC and St Louis County, and may modify this guidance and permitted activities as circumstances change. Troop travel will be approved on a case- by-case basis, considering several factors including health and safety guidance for both our area and the destination. All GSEM COVID-19 Response Guidelines should be followed while traveling—in particular, the guidance as outlined in the “Camp Protocol” chapter, including, but not limited to, guidance for Initial and Continued Screening, Face Coverings, Hand Washing, Use Social Distancing and Sleeping Arrangements. If any guidelines at your stops/destinations are more restrictive, follow the local restrictions. It is the responsibility of the trip leader to know what the local restrictions are at the troop’s stops and destinations. The troop should not make any non-cancelable or non-refundable arrangements or payments for transportation, accommodations, activities, etc., until the trip receives final approval. Even after receiving approval from GSEM, contingencies for rescheduling or canceling, as well as knowledge of the cancellation and refund policies of the vendors the troop plans to utilize, should always be considered, recognizing that the risk posed by COVID-19 is fluid and may force a change in plans. Additionally, it is recommended that the trip leader clearly communicate with troop members any important dates or deadlines by which members are expected to make a firm commitment to the troop’s travel plans.

As always, participants must follow the guidance in Safety Activity Checkpoints and continue to practice the Hygiene and COVID-19 Risk Mitigation, Transportation and group size guidance outlined in the most recent release of the GSEM COVID-19 Response Guidelines for the foreseeable future.

All troop travel must be approved by Council. To review what is required for troop travel approval, or to begin planning a trip to depart on or after May 1, please visit GSEM’s Travel page. If your troop plans to travel, please submit your Troop Trip Application to Senior Manager of Risk Management Jen Robertson at jrobertson@girlscoutsem.org at least six months prior to your departure date if domestic or 18 months prior to your departure date if international. If your departure date is less than six months away (i.e. your troop plans to travel in May, June or July 2021) and you have not yet submitted an application, please do so by February 15.

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issues of the world, meet your match Bronze. Silver. Gold. These represent the highest honors a Girl Scout can earn. All three awards give girls the chance to do big things while working on an issue that’s captured their interest in a big way.

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irl Scout Juniors make a difference in the Girl Scout or local community when they work together to achieve the highest honor a Junior can earn—the Girl

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Scout Bronze Award. Girls will have fun along the way as they bring their own creativity to all they do and discover. Girls earn the Girl Scout Bronze Award by completing a Journey, and then creating a Take Action project based on their observations of a local issue. As the girls pursue their project, they put the Girl Scout Promise and Law into action. They also develop an understanding of sustainability and gain an understanding of the wider world by discussing how others may experience the same problem their project helped resolve.

Girl Scout Junior Troop 440 earned their Girl Scout Bronze Award by doing their part to make a difference and bring their community closer together during a time of isolation. Serena, SaMya and Kamdyn felt disconnected from their Girl Scout sisters, family members and friends as their school and Girl Scout activities went virtual. The girls recognized the impact quarantine has had on them and wanted to do their part to make others feel less lonely. These go-getters decided to spread some holiday cheer for the residents and staff at Stonebridge Senior Living and Grand Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. The young leaders each created holiday ornaments and notes for the two nursing homes. The girls also recorded themselves singing a Christmas carol. Serena, SaMya and Kamdyn plan to continue their project for future holidays and are currently creating special Valentine’s Day cards for the residents. BOLDLY BRONZE—SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER DURING QUARANTINE

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Project, and will develop more confidence, meet new people, and have the kind of fun that happens when girls work with other Girl Scouts to make a difference in the world. Going for the Girl Scout Silver Award gives girls the chance to show they are a leader who is organized, determined and dedicated to improving their community.

SILVER LINING—CAMP TUCKAHO RENOVATION PROJECT

Reese, Abby S., Abby W., Lucy, Kathryn, Anna and Bella from Troop 1247 decided they wanted to have an impact on an important tradition at Girl Scout Camp. To earn their Silver Award, these girls took action and helped renovate a special area at Camp Tuckaho. Located in Troy, Mo., Camp Tuckaho is one of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s three camp priorities where Girl Scouts and their troops can enjoy the Outdoor Adventure Course, canoeing, archery and so much more. Now, Girl Scouts visiting camp can enjoy the newly-renovated outdoor theatre made possible by Troop 1247. These young change-makers started by clearing out the leaves and cleaning up the area. They then replaced the bench tops and podium with waterproof tops to last for years to come in the outdoor environment. Next, the girls built a mini bridge over a small creek to provide easy access to the campers. Finally, the girls put down new mulch around the benches and up the trail that leads to the theatre.

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he Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest and most prestigious award Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors can earn. When girls decide to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, they are on their honor to uphold the Standards of Excellence. These standards set a high benchmark for everything they do and invite girls to think deeply, explore opportunities and challenge themselves. Following the Standards of Excellence helps girls to develop as a leader, achieve the Girl Scout Leadership Outcomes and make a mark on their community that creates a lasting impact on the lives of others. 1. Identify and issue: Girls use their values and skills to choose a community or global issue they care about. 2. Investigate it thoroughly: Girls use their skills to learn everything they can about the issue they have identified. Seven Steps to the Girl Scout Gold Award:

4. Create a plan: Girls identify the root cause of an issue and then creates a plan to tackle it. This is where girls may decide to benefit the Girl Scout community, if Girl Scouts or a Girl Scout facility is the most logical beneficiary of the project. That decision should not happen before this step. 5. Present your plan and gather feedback: Candidates submit a Project Proposal Form to the Girl Scout Council for approval, clearly identifying how the project will address the issue in a sustainable way.

6. Take action: Girls take the lead, manage their team and carry out their plan.

7. Educate and inspire: The Gold Award Girl Scouts tells their story and shares their results, while ensuring the project will have an lasting impact.

3. Get help and build your team: Girls form a team to support her efforts and help her take action.

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GOING FOR THE GOLD—THE MARK OF THE TRULY REMARKABLE

Kashish has recently earned the mark of the truly remarkable —the Girl Scout Gold Award. After Kashish helped a family member complete a community service project at a local homeless shelter, she saw a need to provide additional comfort to those lacking provisions. So, Kashish partnered with St. Patrick’s Center to ensure more individuals had access to life’s basic necessities to earn her Gold Award. After learning some of the center’s visitors required further sources of warmth, Kashish made more than a dozen fleece blankets. This young leader then led a team to make 542 sandwiches that were given to the St. Patrick Center’s Mobile Outreach team for their lunch program. Finally, Kashish created plarn, plastic yarn, to knit into a mat. This helped reduce the number of plastics in landfills by

collecting 600 plastic bags, which was then cut into strips and knitted together. Kashish has provided a presentation and instructions to the Resource Outreach Club at Ladue Horton Watkins High School, who will continue to sustain her project through their community service efforts. The Gold Award is earned by a high-school-aged Girl Scout who has dedicated on average more than 80 hours to address an issue she’s passionate about in a way that produces meaningful and permanent change. Whether it’s on a local, national or global level, Gold Award Girl Scouts, like Kashish, provide innovative solutions to pressing and relevant challenges.

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This course is for Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors interested in pursuing the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest community service award a high-school-aged girl can earn. Parents, caregivers and troop leaders are welcome to attend, too! Girls going for the Gold Award are required to attend this training; they’ll learn the seven steps necessary to complete their Take Action project. Before attending this training, girls must complete the following prerequisites: Earn the Girl Scout Silver Award and complete one Senior or Ambassador Journey, at program level take the first step

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Complete two Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador Journeys, at program level

Upcoming Gold Award Trainings April 21, 6-8 pm Online course

May 11, 6-8 pm Online course June 24, 6-8 pm Online course Aug. 19, 6-8 pm Online course Sept. 13, 6-8 pm Online course

For any questions, please contact Jessica Illert at jillert@girlscoutsem.org .

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Gold Award Boot Camp

Want to earn the Gold Award, yet apprehensive about where to begin?

The Gold Award Boot Camp will provide the necessary tools so girls can identify the root cause to an issue they are passionate about, decide what is a long-term benefit associated with tackling the issue and ways to achieve sustainable support. Attending the Gold Award Boot Camp fulfills the required Gold Award Candidate Training. March 13 or July 17, 10 am-2 pm Berges Family Girl Scout Program Center OR Virtual $7 per girl Registration Deadline: March 6 or July 10

scholarships Dessert First Scholarship National Gold Award Girl Scout

Prudential Spirit of Community Awards

At Dessert First, Girl Scouts celebrate the leadership and service of two outstanding Girl Scouts by awarding scholarships of $5,000 to be used for higher education. Additional $500 scholarships will be awarded to semi- finalists. Scholarship recipients must be working on, or have completed, their Girl Scout Gold Awards. Awardees are selected through an application and essay process. Applications are available at girlscoutsem.org/DessertFirst .

This is the designation given by Girl Scouts of the USA to the top ten Gold Award Girl Scouts in the country each year. A Gold Award Girl Scout earns the title of National Gold Award Girl Scout by implementing an exceedingly awesome Gold Award project—one that reflects extraordinary leadership, has a measurable and sustainable impact, and addresses a local challenge related to a national and/or global issue. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri can submit three nominations to Girl Scouts of the USA. Girls must use the GoGold Online system to be considered for nomination. The National Gold Award Girl Scouts are then honored at a national ceremony.

Each year, Prudential Financial offers the Spirit of Community Awards in partnership with the Prudential and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the program honors middle level and high school students for outstanding service to others at the local, state and national level. Girls wishing to apply should visit spirit.prudential.com for application procedures and deadlines.

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