Spring 2022 Inspire Discovery

Inspire Discovery Spring 2022 Registration opens March 9!

Inspire Discovery Spring 2022 1

Her Future is Our Future

Inspire Discovery Spring 2022

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Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s Comprehensive Campaign H Futur is Our Futur

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Her Future is Our Future

Spring 2022 Inspire Discovery

Girl Scout Families,

Welcome to the spring 2022 edition of Inspire Discovery ! As we look forward to the changing seasons and warmer weather ahead, I am pleased to share with you a plethora of new programs and opportunities that provide a space for her imagination to grow, her dreams to develop and her world to broaden through hands-on adventures. Each year, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri executes its mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. Through Girl Scouting, girls develop the skills needed to lead today and in the future. It is no coincidence the vast majority of women in leadership roles—in business, in government and in the sciences—were Girl Scouts as kids. There is no greater investment than in the next generation and I am honored to share with our Girl Scout families a big announcement! Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri has launched the largest-ever investment in girl leadership development in our region designed to ensure that every girl, today and for generations to come, has the opportunity to be the leader she wants to be. I invite you to turn to pgs. 5-11 to learn more about the Her Future is Our Future Campaign and be inspired by some of the investments that have already been made by our generous community supporters. During the coming weeks and months, we will keep our Girl Scout families updated with announcements on the exciting new projects that lay ahead and will enhance the Girl Scout experience for years to come.

Our team of Girl Scout staff, volunteers and Her Future is Our Future committee members are committed to ensuring we build a talent pipeline filled with girls who will make our world a better place. Our collective future depends on it. I encourage you to set aside time in your busy family schedule to peruse the upcoming programs with the Girl Scout in your life. From space camp to archery to photography, there is an adventure for every girl and with your encouragement she will experience more and dream bigger!

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Bonnie Barczykowski CEO, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri

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Her Future is Our Future Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s Comprehensive Campaign

Campaign Overview There is no greater investment than in the next generation. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri develops and delivers relevant programs that help girls build the skills they will use to lead in their homes, our workplaces and our communities. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s $50 million Her Future is Our Future Campaign will help ensure that every girl in the eastern Missouri region has an opportunity to participate in Girl Scouts.

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Her Future is Our Future

Our Campaign Priorities We believe the possibilities for what each girl can accomplish are endless. With Girl Scouts supporting her every step of the way she will do more, dream bigger and make the world a better place for herself and others. The Her Future is Our Future Campaign ensures each girl in our region has an opportunity to be the leader she wants to be—and the one the world needs her to be. For over a century, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri has developed girls to be drivers, designers and makers of the future. Our campaign, the largest-ever investment in girl development in the eastern Missouri region, will continue that work for generations to come. With a goal of $50 million, the campaign has raised more than $45 million to date and includes investment in capital projects, program support, scholarships and endowments. Read the full case for support here.

$6.5 Million

$30 Million

$3.5 Million

$10 Million

Bringing unrivaled innovation, creativity, and growth to Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri programming. Program Support

Endowment

Expanding opportunities so Scholarships that no girl is turned away, regardless of family income or strife.

Constructing relevant, 21st century tech-friendly and accessible facilities that provide hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. Capital Projects

Securing the future of Girl Scouting in eastern Missouri.

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Her Future is Our Future Campaign Committee

Patty Arnold Beth Bender Cathy Berges* Carolyn Kindle Betz Kimmy Brauer Cynthia Brinkley Christine Chadwick Laura Ellenhorn Lelia J. Farr Alison Ferring June McAllister Fowler Laurna C. Godwin Lisa Hawkins

Jan Holloway Elizabeth Mannen Berges

Sue McCollum Kim McCurdy Traci O’Bryan Kathy Osborn Penny Pennington Kitty Ratcliffe Annie Schlafly Suzanne Sitherwood Diane Sullivan Mimi Twardowski

Cynthia G. Heath Ali Kindle Hogan

Jo Ann Taylor Kindle Campaign Chair

*Dearly missed, never forgotten

“Girl Scouts is dedicated to building our future leaders. Together we can match the dreams and ambitions of girls with the resources they need to be successful. The time is now!”

Jo Ann Taylor Kindle. Campaign Chair

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Her Future is Our Future An Investment in Outdoor Adventure

Each year, eastern Missouri Girl Scouts take advantage of camping and other outdoor adventure programs at Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s three camp properties: Camp Cedarledge in Pevely, Camp Tuckaho in Troy and Camp Fiddlecreek in Labadie. Collectively spanning more than 1,300 acres, these camps offer challenging environments where girls find the courage to try activities like low and high-ropes courses, archery, horseback riding, swimming and other activities, many of which are first-time experiences. One of the main goals of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s camp programs is to build environmental stewardship in girls. The Her Future is Our Future Campaign includes a detailed Camp Master Plan outlining aesthetic and structural renovations to each location that will enhance the outdoor experiences of Girl Scouts, while improving the safety, accessibility and capacity of the onsite facilities. We are pleased to share some of the enhancements that are already underway at our camps. As the campaign progresses, more information and exciting updates will be shared with our Girl Scout families. Spire Supports Trail Restoration at Camp Fiddlecreek In January 2022, Girl Scouts and Spire broke ground on a 2.5 mile trail restoration project at Camp Fiddlecreek. When complete, the restored trails will offer a variety of experiences for all skill levels. Included in the design is an ADA accessible trail that is easily navigable by explorers of varying experience and ability. Restoration is expected to be completed by April 2022. As part of Spire’s ongoing commitment, the energy provider will also offer their employees the opportunity to volunteer with the trail maintenance program, helping to ensure the sustainability of these trails for girls long into the future.

“We’re so proud to be part of this project for the community, supporting our girls,” said Jessica Willingham, Spire senior vice president, chief communications and marketing officer. “I’m a lifelong Girl Scout, and I know having opportunities to have adventures, be outside and be connected to the planet is part of who I am. The Girl Scouts build girls of courage, confidence and character— that’s what it’s all about.”

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Endowment Gift to Support Mariner Program To ensure all girls can discover the joy of outdoor exploration and develop 21st century skills, Keri Westland, Girl Scout volunteer, life-long Mariner and Gold Award Girl Scout made a generous $500,000 gift to support Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s Mariner program in perpetuity. The Mariner Program has been a part of Girl Scout history since 1934. Developed as a special interest program for Girl Scouts in 7th through 12th grade, the Mariner Program offers adventures on, in and near the water. While on the water, Mariners gain a unique perspective that encourages them to think critically while actualizing their potential as leaders.

Girl Scouts and Edward Jones Partner to Expand Outdoor Adventure Experiences Through the generosity of Edward Jones, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri has recently opened a new Outdoor Adventure High-Course Challenge, located at Camp Tuckaho in Troy, Mo. For close to 30 years, this course has been an iconic team building and leadership program for girls ages 12 through 18. In 2019, the course was retired with plans to rebuild. The new Outdoor Adventure High-Course Challenge was designed and built by ABEE, Inc. “Edward Jones is proud to partner with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri to support their mission to help girls build courage, confidence and character,” said Edward Jones Managing Partner Penny Pennington. “We invested in the new Outdoor Adventure Course at Camp Tuckaho to create opportunities for girls to learn leadership skills, discover the value of teamwork and build confidence by taking on new challenges. These are skills that will serve them throughout their lives and we’re excited about the new adventures that await Girl Scouts across our region at Camp Tuckaho.”

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Her Future is Our Future

ADA Accessible Archery Range at Camp Cedarledge Archery is an important Girl Scout outdoor activity that provides girls with opportunities to sharpen skills, improve hand/ eye coordination and enjoy friendly competition with one another. Girls can participate in archery activities while attending Resident or Troop Camp. At Camp Cedarledge a new Archery Range is currently being constructed in the area near Conestoga and Daisy Dell. This range will be ADA accessible making the activity available for girls of all abilities.

The new Archery Range will be open in early April 2022.

Prairie Grass Development at Camp Fiddlecreek The hillside outside the Dining Hall at Camp Fiddlecreek is the site of the Prairie Grass Development Project. Over the next few years it will be transformed into gathering places for the many activities that take place there including a lane for sled riding in the winter, walking paths and border areas. Over the course of several years this area will come alive with native plants such as Yarrow, Prairie Coreopsis, Coneflower, Indian Paintbrush, Rattlesnake Master, Wild Bergamot, Gray Golden Rod as well as Witch Grass, Little Bluestem and Fescue to name just a few of the hundred or more varieties of seeds that will be spread to create the Prairie Garden. The project will include informational signage and provide many program and learning opportunities for girls to come and watch the prairie grow. This new site will become home to insects, small mammals, birds, butterflies and frogs that will work together to help the Prairie Garden thrive. Girls will have the opportunity to be a part of the planting and upkeep of the area through planned programs that will be offered throughout the year. Each season in the prairie will bring something new and beautiful to experience.

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We invite you to be a part of the Her Future is Our Future Campaign! Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s $50 million Her Future is Our Future Campaign will help ensure that every girl in the eastern Missouri region has an opportunity to participate in Girl Scouts and become the leader she wants to be. You can support the campaign with a one-time gift, a multi-year pledge, or a planned gift. Visit the campaign page on our website or contact Janine Lawler, Chief Development Officer, at jlawler@girlscoutsem.org or 314.592.2367. We will also be sharing information on exciting donor recognition opportunities available at all three of our camp properties, including your family name or troop number on a brick paver, bench, picnic table, or special place at camp.

We’ll Be In Your District This spring and summer Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri plans to host events across the region to share all that this campaign will make possible for our eastern Missouri girls. Please watch for more information on when we will be in your area and plan to join us for one of these exciting events.

Exciting News! $2.5 Million “Dreaming Green” Challenge Match Thanks to the generosity of life-time Girl Scout Nance Frost, ALL new gifts and pledges received in support of the campaign will be MATCHED! Your gift will have DOUBLE the impact and make a lasting impact on the future of our girls.

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Around Council Early Bird Renewal 2023 Renew Your Membership Starting April 1! New experiences, strength and the support of

Renew memberships starting April 1 at girlscoutsem.org/renew .

community—that’s what Girl Scouts is all about! In this uncertain world, you can count on one thing for sure: today, tomorrow, together we are on your family’s team! When families stand with Girl Scouts, you’re not just giving your girls something to do, you’re giving them someone to be: the boldest, bravest and best version of themselves.

Check out our tiered incentives on the next page! Early birds have access to awesome perks from Girl Scout Round Up registration to an adorable patch or vinyl sticker for water bottles and laptops.

But don’t wait—these incentives will fly away on June 30!

Need Renewal Assistance?

Contact our friendly Answer Center staff at 314.400.4600 or answercenter@girlscoutsem.org.

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NEW THIS YEAR! District Incentive

Districts that re-register 60% of girls by July 1 will receive money for a Plan Your Own Adventure event for the district.

The reimbursement amount based on number of troops as of March 31, 2022 • Districts with 1-99 Troops: $100

• Districts with 100–199 Troops: $200 • District with 200-300+ Troops: $300

April 1-30

Individual Incentives (GIRLS) Girls that renew have access to register for the exclusive Girl Scout Round Up event in Oct. 2022 Vinyl Early Bird sticker and Early Bird patch Individual Incentives (ADULTS) Adults that renew have access to register for the exclusive Girl Scout Round Up event in Oct. 2022 Adults that renew will receive a 15 percent discount to use at the Council Shop from May 2-June 30.

2023 Early Bird Patch

Welcome Back Troop Wagon

2023 Early Bird Vinyl Sticker

Includes: Sturdy wagon, canopy tent, lantern set, cold compress, Girl Scout bandaids, poncho, first aid kit, flashlight, Girl Scout purse and a GSEM tablecloth

May 1-31

June 1-30 Individual Incentives (GIRLS)

Individual Incentives (GIRLS)

Vinyl Early Bird sticker and Early Bird patch

Vinyl Early Bird sticker and Early Bird patch

Troop Incentives T roops that renew 70% of their girls and two adults will be entered into a drawing to win a troop supplies wagon. Each district will have one winning troop. Wagon and supplies valued at over $200!

Early Bird patch

Individual Incentives (ADULTS)

Individual Incentives (ADULTS)

Vinyl Early Bird sticker and Early Bird patch

Early Bird patch

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Around Council

Girl Scout Round Up 2022 New Name. Same Awesome Tradition.

Girl Scout Round Up, formerly Troop Round Up, is open to all members re-registered for the 2023 Girl Scout year. Girls and adults can participate with their troop or individually! Registration opens April 1 and cost is just $7 per person. Start: 10 am End: 5:30 pm Participants arriving in three different waves throughout the day All participants, both girls and adults, must be registered for the event AND the 2023 Girl Scout membership year. Girls must be accompanied by an adult if not participating with their troop. No refunds or tagalongs. Bus Transportation/Parking Daisies through Cadettes will be shuttled into camp with their adults by bus. Participants will choose from three pickup times and will be assigned to a bus so there won’t be any delay in getting to camp! After arriving at camp, groups will rotate between three different program areas, a special activity of their choice and a snack/lunch break. They will catch the bus back to their car at the assigned departure time. Seniors and Ambassadors will be given parking passes so their group can drive into camp and skip the bus! Parking passes will be issued to the adult registered to attend with the girl(s). They will choose a time to participate in their program area, along with the Juniors and Cadettes. They can also choose to volunteer for part of the day, helping with the Daisy and Brownie activity stations.

2022 Dates

Saturday, Oct. 1 Camp Cedarledge

Saturday, Oct. 8 Camp Tuckaho

Camping Overnight We are thrilled to reopen our camping option for this event! On June 7, participants registered as a Junior, Cadette, Senior or Ambassador for the event will receive a special sign up for camping. All participants at these program levels are welcome to camp the weekend they are registered to attend the event, it can be a whole troop or just a girl and her adult!

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Event patch included in price!

New This Year • New name, to represent all of our girls and adults who attend outside of the troop experience • Seniors, Ambassadors and their adults will have the option to drive into camp and skip riding the bus • Seniors and Ambassadors can participate as a volunteer for the younger program levels. Participants will choose their time slot and special activity this summer to allow more families to know schedules

Returning From 2021 • Arrival waves for participants with three arrival times that will be selected by participants this summer • Two separate program areas based on age, Daisies and Brownies will participate in their own programming geared to their level. Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors will have their own programming as well • Camp will be divided into program areas and groups will be escorted to each of these areas throughout their time at camp

closer to the event. A Sign-Up Genius will be sent on July 12 with detailed instructions

• Event T-shirt will be available for purchase during registration

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Around Council

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. Introducing Community Service Partners Community Service Partners are organizations looking for Girl Scouts 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. Stay tuned to the upcoming newsletters for more information when the Community Service Partner webpage launches. Have you worked with any agencies that regularly need volunteers and would recommend them to your fellow Girl Scouts? Please send your Community Service Partner suggestions to Heather Eyster at heyster@girlscoutsem.org for consideration.

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All items donated through the online registries will be delivered to our camps. Girls will have the opportunity to assist with counting and sorting items donated through the registries. More information is available in the Troop Participation Guide. All registered Girl Scouts are expected to participate in April Showers through door-to-door distribution, donation collection or Showering the Community. District and Neighborhood Events scheduled for either weekend of April Showers should plan to incorporate April Showers as part of their event plans. Troops camping are expected to participate on the alternate weekend. We encourage families and friends to participate too! April Showers is a great community service project for the whole family. Non-member insurance will be provided by Girl Scouts for family and friends who volunteer for April Showers. Together we can help empower girls to team up and make the world a better place. Be on the lookout for more information from your Neighborhood April Showers Coordinator.

April Showers Girl Scouts, their troop leaders, families and friends can help individuals and families in need by participating in Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s largest community service program, April Showers. For 24 years, Girl Scouts, their families and neighbors have collected more than 25 million personal care items. We are excited to be offering the community multiple ways to participate in April Showers. We will again be utilizing online registries in addition to the traditional in-person aspects of the program. Girls will place self-adhesive notes door to-door throughout eastern Missouri the weekend of April 1-3, 2022. The note will encourage households to purchase items and reuse a bag or box of their own for pick up on April 9 or to donate through our online registries which will be available April 1-17. Showering the Community is back for 2022. On April 2, girls will be stationed outside of local stores to encourage customers to purchase additional personal care items for donation.

Door-to-Door Distribution: April 1-3

Showering the Community: April 2

Donation Collection: April 9

Registries Available: April 1-17

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Around Council

Girl Scout Cookie Program Flat Adventurefuls Contest Winners

During this year’s cookie program, you’ve put your

Congratulations to our 2022 Flat Adventurefuls contest winners! They used their creativity and ingenuity to share our new cookie with their friends and family!

entrepreneurship skills to the test, prepared for your next big challenge and funded adventures for yourself and your whole troop. You’ve Climbed with Courage and reached tremendous heights!

Here are some tips to help you wrap up cookie season this year:

• Expecting a cookie reward that needs a size selected, like a T-shirt? Be sure to let your Troop Cookie Manager know what size you need before March 20 • Collect money from your customers by your troop’s deadline—your cookie volunteer will thank you

• Thank your cookie customers for their patience this season and for supporting you

• Look for cookie rewards in late April/May

• Put those troop proceeds to good use for your troop—fund a service project, have an awesome troop experience, go camping with your troop; the opportunities are endless!

For more information visit girlscoutsem.org/cookies !

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Climb On!

Set your sights, track your progress and keep climbing!

Check your order card for this year’s rewards!

Cookie Experience Coupon 280+ pkgs

Koala Bracelet 30+ Project Thank You Donations

Bubble Pop Fidget 100+ pkgs Digital Cookie

Koala Plush 145+ pkgs

Project Thank You 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. Each $5 donation will gift one package 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 are USO of Missouri and Operation Food Search.

Last year the community donated 92,906 packages of cookies. In 2022, Girl Scouts across eastern Missouri can help our communities with the gift of cookies, and earn special Project Thank You rewards.

2022 Project Thank You Goal: 100,000 packages

Gift of Caring Patch 12+ Project Thank You Donations

Koala Bracelet 30+ Project Thank You Donations

ReversibleBucketHat 300+ Project Thank You Donations

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Around Council

adventure together. This adventure starts with you. When your Girl Scout joins us for camp this summer, our focus is completely on her. Camp life is unique from home and school—here she will hone positive characteristics that are hard to develop anywhere else. When girls are allowed time to focus on themselves and foster authentic and organic relationships with peers and adult role models, it is easier for girls to move out of their comfort zones and advance important competencies they need to be successful adults, including a sense of self.

We can’t wait to adventure together with you this summer!

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2022 Camp Adventure Guide The 2022 Camp Adventure Guide is here and bursting with camp fun! Registration for 2022 summer Resident and Day Camps is now open!

New this year! Many of our Resident Camps will offer badge earning opportunities so girls can further deepen their skill building and discovery this summer. Badge opportunities are noted in green throughout the 2022 Camp Adventure Guide!

Health and safety will always be our top priority at camp and 2022 protocols will continue to be based on recent guidance from the Center for Disease Control, American Camp Association and local health authorities.

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Around Council

Climbing Wall and Zipline at Camp Fiddlecreek Get ready for an exhilarating experience at Camp Fiddlecreek! This is the perfect activity for troops looking for a high adventure experience or a unique bonding activity. The climbing wall and zipline are open to any troop or individual Girl Scout. Participants are also welcome to pack a picnic and enjoy the other activities at Camp Fiddlecreek like climbing on the spider net, taking a hike or playing GaGa ball. The climbing wall and zipline are operated by trained facilitators who assist campers on their memorable outing. Participants must climb the wall in order to zipline.

Grades 2-12, adults Dates: Open on select Saturdays and Sundays from April 10-December 18, 2022 Visit mygs.girlscouts.org for available days and times Check-in: 10 minutes prior to scheduled time

Cost: $15 per participant for a 90-minute program Registration Deadline: Two weeks before each date

For details and more information, visit girlscoutsem.org/highadventure . Individuals or groups can register for a 90-minute session, which has a 10-person limit. Troops who exceed the 10-person limit can choose two time slots. If a camper is registering to attend as an individual, an adult must accompany them to camp and be present during the program. Adults are welcome to register and participate. Event directors wishing to reserve the climbing wall and zipline for an event at camp will need to contact the Answer Center at 314.400.4600 or answercenter@girlscoutsem.org .

Badge Opportunities Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri offers fun badge programs at the climbing wall and zipline. Campers can sign up as a troop or an individual and the price includes a badge and climbing wall patch.

Practice with Purpose Badge Program Sept. 25 Start: 12:30 pm End: 2:30 pm Grades: 3-4 in 21/22 Cost: $20 per individual Registration Deadline: Sept. 11 Staying Fit Badge Program Sept. 25 Start: 3 pm End: 5 pm Grades: 3-4 in 21/22 Cost: $20 per individual Registration Deadline: Sept. 11 Field Day Badge Program Sept. 25 Start: 8:30 am End: 11 am Grades: 5-7 in 21/22 Cost: $20 per individual Registration Deadline: Sept. 11 Interested in becoming a trained facilitator at the climbing wall and zipline? Paid and volunteer positions available. Training is provided and takes place in March 2022. New in 2022, volunteers may keep their volunteer role and have a paid position at camp! Contact Melissa Niedermann at 314.592.2346 or mniedermann@girlscoutsem.org for additional information.

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2022 Camp Open House Events Bring your family and join us for an open house at Camp Cedarledge and Camp Tuckaho. Meet camp staff, explore what living in a camp unit is like and see the amazing activity areas on our camp properties! Camp Cedarledge Sunday, May 1, 2-5 pm New this year, the Cedarledge Equestrian Center will be open for campers and their families to tour, talk with our wranglers and meet the camp horses. Camp Tuckaho Sunday, May 15, 2-5 pm There is no cost to attend an open house, but please register prior to attending. To register, please visit mygs.girlscouts.org

Labor Day Family Camp 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. Sept. 3-5 Cost: $50 per person at Camp Cedarledge, $25 per person at Camp Tuckaho and $25 per person at Camp Fiddlecreek • Camp Cedarledge: Registration includes lodging, all activities and 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, bring cold food or cook over a campfire • Camp Fiddlecreek: Registration includes lodging and activities. All meals are up to individual groups, bring cold food or cook over a campfire. Climbing wall and zipline registration additional $15 per person for 1-11 th grade and adults for the 2021-2022 school year At all three 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 and all adults will have to complete a background check before attending. To register campers age 4 and under, please email the Answer Center at answercenter@girlscoutsem.org .

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Around Council Daisy Day & Dottie Cox Daffodil Day

Daisy Day May 14 9:30 am-2 pm

Dottie Cox Daffodil Day Oct. 22 9:30 am-2 pm Camp Fiddlecreek $10 per person, includes lunch and patch Daisy Girl Scouts and their special male role model (father, uncle, grandfather or adult brother) will help beautify camp by planting daffodils in remembrance of long-time volunteer Dottie Cox. Registration will open on April 1 and requires a 2023 membership to register.

Camp Tuckaho $10 per person, includes lunch and patch Daisy Girl Scouts and their special male role model (father, uncle, grandfather or adult brother) will help beautify camp with flowers. Campers and their role models will enjoy lunch outdoors and time to explore camp.

Oct. 14-16 $40 per person; includes lodging, fall crafts and activities, snacks and special patch Bring out your troop and/or family for a fall festival at Camp Fiddlecreek! Participate in different fall activities* including archery, hatchet throwing, decorating pumpkins, climbing wall and zipline and much more! Troops and/or families must meet adult to-girl ratio and provide a licensed troop camper for the event. All meals will be the responsibility of the troop and/or family, some snacks will be provided. Adults will be required to complete a background check to attend this event.

Fallin’ Into Fun at Camp Fiddlecreek

Registration will open on April 1 and requires a 2023 membership to register.

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*dependent on weather and age of participant

Outdoor Adventure Course at Camp Tuckaho Build team spirit, improve communication, inspire ingenuity and develop resourcefulness by participating in a fun and challenging low and high ropes course. In this extraordinary, interactive learning environment, campers are faced with decision-making situations that can be stimulating both mentally and physically as they navigate obstacles both on the ground and in the trees at the Outdoor Adventure Course (OAC).

Advanced OAC Challenge Dates: Sept. 30-Oct. 2, 2022 (offered in the fall season only) Registration will open on April 1 and requires a 2023 membership to register. $45 per girl Girls must be at least 12 years old and in the sixth grade or older Prerequisite: Individual OAC or Troop OAC Challenge Loved the Outdoor Adventure Course the first time around and want to try it again? Try out low and high rope elements again, but in new and challenging ways! • Girls do not have to be a member of a troop to participate • Girls will be supervised by trained adult OAC instructors throughout the weekend • Fee includes cost of food and program supplies

Troop OAC Challenge Dates: April 1-Oct. 2022 (select weekends) Troops will need a minimum of eight people, girls and/or adults to participate Prerequisite: Individual OAC or Troop OAC Challenge When troops participate in the Troop OAC Challenge, they build teamwork, develop self esteem and create memories that last a lifetime! • All people participating must be able to attend the entire program • Troops are responsible to ensure that adult-to girl ratios are met • Volunteers who accompany their troops are responsible for girls when they are not participating in the program • Once registration is received, we make every attempt to place troops interested • Instructors are contacted immediately and you will be notified about four weeks before your date. The Lead OAC Instructor will contact your troop prior to program participation to help prepare for this adventure • The troop is responsible for food costs for both the participants and the volunteer instructors while attending the program

New Instructor Training (NIT)

Dates: March 25-27, 2022 Camp Tuckaho, Cricket Corner

$40 per person; includes food and lodging Interested in becoming an OAC Instructor? Come to the NIT to learn about the low ropes course and team-building games. This training will be conducted by experienced OAC Instructors and will include both indoor and outdoor sessions.

Questions on the Outdoor Adventure Course Challenge? Please contact the Answer Center at 314.400.4600 or answercenter@girlscoutsem.org .

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Around Council

Camp Cedarledge – Pevely, MO 5-9 week positions available

At Girl Scouts, it’s more than a job—it’s an opportunity to make a real impact on girls’ lives and in the world! As a member of our camp team, you’ll experience the great outdoors while helping girls develop key leadership skills. Apply today at girlscoutsem.org/careers . Camp staff are needed to make memories that last a lifetime at Camp Cedarledge and Camp Tuckaho in 2022! Minimum age of hire is 17 years old.

Paid staff training starts on June 3, with camp sessions from June 12–Aug. 5. Camp staff will live in a camper unit and lead programs for girls grades K-12. Camp Tuckaho – Troy, MO 5 week positions available Paid staff training starts on July 5 with camp sessions from July 10-Aug. 7. Camp staff will live on site, leading programs for parent/child, troop and family programs. Activity Staff Positions Are you looking to join the camp team part-time throughout the year? We are hiring individuals, 18 years and older, as Camp Program Specialists to lead programs year-round with troops at our three camp properties. Training and certification are provided. Already a Girl Scout volunteer? New in 2022, you can keep your volunteer role AND be a paid staff member!

Open Positions Include:

Camp Cedarledge Director and Assistant Director

Unit Leaders

Counselors

Lifeguards

Wranglers

Activity Specialists

Junior Counselors

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Looking for badge/Journey workshops or fun field trip ideas for your troop? Look no further than our Program Partners! Program Partners are organizations approved to offer Girl Scout programs as a resource to members. 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. Or, click on a Program Partner below to visit their website!

Program Partners

2022 Program Partners Animal Protective Association of Missouri Cake Fusion Cake and Cupcake Design Studio Claster Educational Services Complete Harmony DaySpring Arts and Education Endangered Wolf Center

SPARK Business Academy St. Charles County Parks and Recreation St. Louis Cardinals St. Louis Symphony Orchestra STAGES St. Louis Performing Arts Academy Teen Tell All The Magic House Upper Limits Rock Gym Vertical Voyages Vine Images Youth Friendly Learning STL Z Total Body Fitness

Gateway Arch National Park Humane Society of Missouri Kraus Farms LabSpace Robotics Leftovers Etc. Little Medical School Mad Science Missouri Botanical Gardens Missouri Department of Conservation

MJ Performing Arts Academy National Inventors Hall of Fame Otto Orthodontics Photo Explorations Rooted Warriors Yoga Safety House Saint Louis Science Center

Saint Louis Zoo School of Rock

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Around Council

In September 2021, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri implemented two new enhancements to its financial assistance process for girls, designed with our families in mind. These enhancements provide new opportunities for girls who need financial assistance and make it seamless for families to apply. Activity Scholarship requests for programs costing between $10 and $50 can now be requested when families are completing their program registration online with no application required. Financial assistance requests should be completed by the individual, not the troop leader. Processing of these requests will typically occur within one business day. We ask that each participant utilize the fund for no more than 3-4 programs per year (on my honor). For programs $51 and greater, the applicant must register, pay the deposit and submit the application. Uniform Assistance Fund The Uniform Assistance Fund, introduced in 2020, makes available age-appropriate uniform pieces. Families who need assistance purchasing the uniform components that are available through the Uniform Assistance Fund: sash, troop numerals and American Flag patch and Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Council identification set complete an online application. This assistance enables girls to receive uniform components that are so important to enhancing a girl’s sense of belonging and identity as a Girl Scout. Through the generous support of donors, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri can provide financial assistance to our members. Programs such as Activity Scholarships and the Uniform Assistance Fund make it possible for girls to receive financial assistance to support participation in Girl Scout program activities and camp. Financial Assistance Update NEWMARCH 2022 Troop leaders may now apply on behalf of girls in their troop who need assistance purchasing the uniform components that are available through the Uniform Assistance Fund: sash, troop numerals and American Flag patch and Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Council identification set. Leaders must include an application for each girl requesting a uniform. Use the online application linked here.

Questions? Contact our Answer Center at 314.400.4600 or answercenter@girlscoutsem.org .

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Financial Assistance Updates

Financial Assistance is also available for the following:

Membership: Financial assistance can be requested online with no application needed. Processing is typically within one business day. If completing a paper application, select financial assistance as the payment type of the form. No additional applications are needed. Camp: Registration should be completed online and the deposit paid to ensure the spot. Then submit the Activity Scholarship application. Applying for L.E.A.P. (formerly Counselor in Training program) there are funds available to support girl participation specifically for this program. Programs: For programs over $50, registration should be completed online and the deposit paid to ensure the spot. Applying for Destinations There are funds available to support individual girl participation for this travel opportunity. Please see the Activity Scholarship Application to apply. Adult Education : For programs over $50, girls who apply for adult education opportunities should complete registration online and then pay the deposit to ensure the spot. Adults should complete registration online and pay the deposit to ensure the spot is held. Then, submit the Adult Scholarship application. Girls with Disabilities : Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri also provides assistance for troops that serve girls with disabilities, as well as individual girls who are requesting financial assistance to participate in council-sponsored events (individual or troop, and camp), District/ Neighborhood events, and Troop Camping.

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Around Council

Hi, Girl Scout! My name is Juliette Bow Bot and I’ve been part of the robotics program at Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri since I was in Kindergarten! You can be a part of a robotics team at every Girl Scout level, from Daisies through Ambassadors. I’ve already learned how to design, build and program LEGO robots. Once I’m in 7th grade, my team can even work with metal robots! Girls on our robotics teams learn more about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through fun, exciting hands-on activities. Continue reading to learn more about robotics!

What would I do on a Robotics team? You can do so many things! As a team member, you will: • Learn about designing, building and programming robots with your teammates • Get creative by making a team poster and even designing your own shirts • Earn robotics badges—every year, girls also receive a special robotics patch How can I get started? Start by asking other girls your age if they are interested in robotics! This could be members of your troop, friends from camp or other girls that you know. They don’t need to be involved in Girl Scouts as long as they become a registered Girl Scout when they join the team. You can learn more by emailing Miss Lauren at lkornegaydollar@girlscoutsem.org or Miss Brooke at bstochl@girlscoutsem.org . How can I learn more? There is more information about the robotics program on our website, girlscoutsem.org/robotics. On our page, we even have a video of our Girl Scouts in action with their very own robots!

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Applications and Early Team Registration Incentives Applications for the 2022-2023 season will be available for all FIRST® levels the beginning of May.

Team Spotlight

Sign up early and receive special early registration incentives!

FLL Explore Teams that apply by May 31 will receive a special invitation to Lights, Camera, LEGO. • This event is a special movie night at the Berges Family Program Center complete with snacks, LEGO building and other fun STEM activities! FLL Challenge Teams that apply by May 31 will receive a special invitation to a LEGO Lock-In. • This LEGO-themed lock-in at the Berges Family Program Center will include LEGO jewelry making, coding activities and delicious treats!

Meet veteran Girl Scout Robotics and Seaperch volunteer, Kelly Richter, and the amazing Girl Scouts from her FIRST® LEGO League Challenge team the Terrific Techies! Kelly is passionate about bringing robotics to girls in her area to expand their confidence in the STEM fields. Q.What inspired you to get involvedwithGirl Scout Robotics? Kelly: My troop enjoys exploring new things, so robotics was a great opportunity for them. We’ve enjoyed learning new things—coding, engineering, troubleshooting—and I’ve had a wonderful time watching these girls grow. Their creativity and confidence has expanded immensely, and I’m so proud to be a part of their journey. Q. Why is it important for girls to participate in STEM activities at a young age? Kelly: I think it is important for girls to try new things outside of their comfort zone. So often, girls are hesitant to participate in STEM activities, but Girl Scouts provides a place they can explore STEM activities without judgment. Q: Tell us about Community Robotics teams, what was the need and how do these teams help GSEM reach all girls, everywhere? Kelly: I wanted to help the Programs team ensure a team for those Girl Scouts who wanted to participate in the Robotics program. We are hoping to not only provide a team for these girls, but also a launch pad for troops who are considering starting a team. Without these Community Teams, these girls would likely miss out on all the fun and skill-building.

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Highest Awards

Highest Awards Intro

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Meet the Highest Awards in Girl Scouting

The Girl Scout Gold Award, Silver Award, and Bronze Award prove you’ve got what it takes to build a better today—and tomorrow.

This Girl Scout Bronze Award adventure is big— in fact, this award is the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior can achieve. As you and your team plan and complete your project, you’ll develop more confidence, meet new people, and have the kind of fun that happens when you work with other Girl Scouts to make a difference.

As girls bridge into Cadettes they can choose a small group or work independently on the Silver Award. They will find an issue they care about, create a solution to the root cause and then take action with their sustainable project!

Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts going for the Gold Award are rock stars, role models and real-life heroes in their community. How do they do it? By leading a team of adults and peers to help fix a problem in their community or make a lasting change in their world. You don’t have to be a seasoned activists or star student to get there. We provide training to get you started and mentors to help along the way!

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Highest Awards

Girl Scout Bronze Award

How Girl Scout Juniors Make the World a Better Place

Welcome to the Girl Scout Bronze Award, a leadership adventure for you and more than half a million Girl Scout Juniors across the country and around the world. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is extremely proud of our Bronze Award honorees and recognize these ground breakers at the annual Reflections Ceremony held in June each year. Once the girls have completed their Bronze Award Project, the leader will verified requirements have been met and submit the troop’s report online. Projects must be submitted online by March 1 in order to be recognized at that year’s Reflections Ceremony. Projects received after this date will be recognized at the following year’s ceremony.

The steps you take to earn the Bronze Award:

Complete a Junior Journey Review Bronze Award Guidelines Explore Your Community Identify a Need and Root Cause Make a Plan (Use the Bronze Award Rubric as a guide) Take Action Submit Your Final Project Online

The rubric and online project form can be found at girlscoutsem.org/bronzeaward .

Need Help Getting Started? Contact Whitney Fleming, Highest Awards Program Manager at wfleming@girlscoutsem.org .

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Bottle Cap Recycling and Garden Bronze Award Project

Issue: Bottle cap recycling program was not being maintained

Root Cause: COVID-19

Project Idea: Fox Elementary School has a plastic bottle cap recycling program, where students collect bottle caps and the caps are turned into useful products such as picnic tables and benches through a collaboration with Green Tree Plastics. Last year, the school was falling behind in its bottle cap sorting. Girl Scouts stepped up to help sort and weigh over 900 pounds of bottle caps. The caps were used to create raised garden beds and a bench. The girls assembled the raised beds and installed them and benches on the grounds at Fox Elementary. The girls lined the beds with weed blocker, filled the beds with compost, and planted flowers so that teachers and students can enjoy the garden, or use it as part of their science lessons.

restrictions caused the program to fall behind and no one was managing the donations.

Eliminating the Root Cause: Previous donations were sorted by the troop, weighed and turned in to get the program back on track.

Measurement of Success: Cap donations were all measured and weighed, garden beds were purchased and installed at the school

Sustainability: Students and teachers can benefit from the garden beds, not just something pretty to look at but also an option for teachers to use with science curriculum.

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Highest Awards

Girl Scout Silver Award

How Girl Scout Cadettes Make the World a Better Place

Have you ever looked around your community and saw something that didn’t seem to work right or was causing concerns? Did you think about things that could be done to improve the issue? Our Cadette Girl Scouts address these problems through earning the Silver Award. Our Silver Award honorees are celebrated by family, friends, volunteers, staff and special guests at the annual Reflections Ceremony held in June each year. Once girls complete their Silver Award Project, they should receive approval from their troop leader before submitting their final project online. Projects must be submitted online by March 1 in order to be recognized at that year’s Reflections Ceremony. Projects received after this date will be recognized at the following year’s ceremony.

The steps you take to earn the Silver Award:

Complete a Cadette Journey Review Silver Award Guidelines Explore Your Community Identify a Need and Root Cause Make a Plan (Use the Silver Award Rubric as a guide) Take Action Submit Your Final Project Online

The rubric and online project form can be found at girlscoutsem.org/silveraward .

Need Help Getting Started? Contact Whitney Fleming, Highest Awards Program Manager at wfleming@girlscoutsem.org .

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