Welcome to Girl Scouts Guide

Welcome to Girl Scouts!

Your go-to guide to getting the most out of Girl Scouts!

Welcome to Girl Scouts Welcome to your year of wonder and discovery!

Greetings New Girl Scout Families, As we embark on this journey together, I am overjoyed to welcome you to our organization. By working collaboratively with each of you, we will come together to build a strong foundation of holistic support for all Girl Scouts and their families. Through education, mentorship, professional skill building, socio-emotional support, and access to resources needed to promote lifelong success; we will ensure that the Girl Scout in your life can fulfill their dreams! Whether they’re watching a shooting star in the sky, creating art, or making new friends, as a Girl Scout, with the guidance and support of caring adult volunteers by their side, they’ll grow as they discover, imagine, and create together. This is a pivotal time for our organization, as now, more than ever, the world needs us. We are focused on eliminating barriers and creating transformative programming for all girls to become the purposeful leaders of today and tomorrow. We have been a safe space for girls growing up—a century in the making—and your family is now a part of our long-standing community. I am excited for the Girl Scout year ahead—let’s soar higher! Much success,

The Girl Scout Impact Girl Scouts shine above their peers in leadership, academics, career aspirations and hope for the future. Compared to non-Girl Scouts, Girl Scouts are more likely to:

✓ Exhibit strong leadership outcomes

✓ Earn excellent grades

✓ Expect to graduate from college or a trade school

✓ Aspire to STEM and business careers

✓ Feel hopeful about their future

✓ Actively seek and participate in a variety of fun and challenging activities in the outdoors

✓ Display an interest in civic engagement

Dr. Natissia Small, CEO Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri

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Your Year Begins Here!

Girl Scouts is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. We offer every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure and success!

Since 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA has provided girls the tools to lead, break barriers and create positive change. When you take the potential every girl has within her and add our girl-led, skill-building programming; unmatched leadership experiences; and caring adults whose networks can truly open doors, you get the power of Girl Scouting. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit that fundraises to manage the operation of programs and Council-led activities, three camps spanning more than 1,500 acres, a state-of-the art program center and service center. Of every dollar raised, 90 cents is invested in our girls supporting their leadership development. Chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA, a national organization, GSEM administers the Girl Scout program in 28 counties in eastern Missouri including the City of St. Louis. Within Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri there are neighborhoods and districts—entities governed by Girl Scout policies, and managed by volunteers who support the day-to-day operations of our troops. Troops are groups of girls led by adult volunteers who have been background checked and registered as members.

Girl Scouts Is Accessible, and Valuable The annual membership for Girl Scouts is $25 and paid directly to Girl Scouts of the USA. All girls and adult volunteers are required to hold a membership in the national organization in order to participate in local Girl Scout programming. Financial assistance is available to help with the cost of membership, program and camp fees, and even uniform components.

To request financial aid, visit girlscoutsem.org/financialaid .

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What We Value Being “good” at everything isn’t the goal here. It’s the willingness to put yourself out there and really make an effort that will give you the fullest, funnest, and most successful life. That’s why both the Girl Scout Promise and Law—which members of all ages recite—start with the idea of trying to do your best.

Girl Scout Promise On my honor, I will try: To serve God* and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law. Girl Scout Law I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do,

and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

Girl Scout Family Promise On my honor, I will try: To support my Girl Scout and her troop, To help girls lead at all times, And to always keep it fun!

*Members may substitute for the word God in accordance with their spiritual beliefs.

*Members may substitute for the word God in accordance with their spiritual beliefs.

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Activities to Keep Her Engaged

Girl Scout troops spend time outdoors, test the latest in STEM, learn to run a business and gain invaluable life skills that will see them through thick and thin.

Stand out in STEM Studies show that girls are more likely to go into STEM fields if they have STEM role models. Not every girl will want to pursue a career in STEM, but every girl should be encouraged to try her hand at STEM skills, get comfortable with those Outdoor Adventurer Outdoor adventures have always been an important part of Girl Scouting. Beyond helping girls understand and appreciate the need to protect the earth, time spent outside helps girls thrive physically and emotionally.

concepts, and learn how they apply to all kinds of surprising fields—from fashion to finance, and beyond.

Other Membership Opportunities Some other great opportunities that are offered to Girl Scouts include:

Juliettes Individually registered members are also

known as Juliettes, named after our founder, Juliette Gordon Low. Juliettes choose how to participate based on their schedule and interests.

From learning about bugs to zip-lining to survival camping to horseback riding, our Council offers many outdoor experiences to suit the needs and interests of your Girl Scout.

Mariners Make a splash with Mariner Girl Scouts!

Cadette, Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts discover and develop their water-sport skills through canoeing, sailing and swimming. From mastering canoeing strokes to navigating a sailboat as a team, Mariner Girl Scouts conquer the open waters through this special interest program! Robotics GSEM encourages girls to become science and technology leaders through participation in the FIRST® (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science andTechnology) and SeaPerch Robotics programs. Each team member gains hands-on STEM experience along with problem-solving, teamwork and other important life skills.

Be a Cookie Champion

All Girl Scouts learn business skills like goal setting through the Girl Scout Cookie Program. It’s the

largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world! When a Girl Scout participates, her troop earns proceeds from each package sold, which funds their field trips, supplies, programs and more.

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Wear It Where? You’re earning badges, patches, and awards—but where do they belong? Here’s the rundown on what goes where on your tunic, sash, or vest. Flag patch, council name patches, and troop numbers go on the front right, in that order, starting at the top. Badges and Journey awards always go on the front, starting at the bottom. On a vest, badges go on the right and Journey awards on the left. On a sash, badges go below Journey awards. Fun patches from trips and experiences always go on the back.

Daisies Grades K–1

Brownies Grades 2–3

Need more help? Go to girlscouts.org/ placement.

Juniors Grades 4–5

Cadettes Grades 6–8

Just for Juliettes

A Juliette, or individually registered Girl Scout, has the same Girl Scout experience as other girls, just without being in a troop. If you’re a Juliette family, connect with

your council for support and to

stay up-to-date on exciting events for the whole family.

Seniors Grades 9–10

Ambassadors Grades 11–12

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And the Award Goes to… From protecting our environment and supporting communities to changing laws, we know you shine brightest when you’re making the world

a better place. That’s why we have three separate awards—the Girl Scout Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards —to honor Girl Scouts who take their passions and turn them into actions in big ways. ⇨ Daisies and Brownies learn the

basics of what it means to be a good neighbor and how they can be helpful. ⇨ Juniors can earn the Bronze Award by

teaming up with other girls to make a difference in their towns. ⇨ Cadettes can earn

the Silver Award by researching an issue, making a plan, and taking action to improve their communities.

⇨ Seniors and Ambassadors can earn the Gold Award by developing and carrying out lasting solutions to issues in their neighborhoods and beyond.

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The Benefits of Being a Girl Scout Volunteer Ways to Volunteer

Through volunteering with Girl Scouts, troop leaders experience the following benefits:

If you’re ready to engage with your community, grow your skills, and show Girl Scouts what it means to be capable—you’re ready to be a volunteer. • Troop leaders engage regularly with their Girl Scouts and guide them through activities, like earning badges, exploring the outdoors or running their own business through the Girl Scout Cookie Program. • Troop family and friends assist with driving, activity planning, snacks, money management or other tasks to keep the troop running oh-so smoothly from week to week. • Service unit volunteers are the network of support throughout your community. They empower troop leaders and troop volunteers to be the role models that Girl Scouts need and connect them with the resources for unforgettable troop experiences. The best part? There’s no one type of volunteer. If you believe that Girl Scouts can change the world, you belong here.

90% feel they make a difference in the lives of girls

83% say they gain a sense of purpose volunteering with Girl Scouts

76% make friends through their service as a troop leader

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Give a Little, Get a Lot Just like at a potluck, where you only bring one dish but get to munch on a full feast, Girl Scouts works best with a community. When each family pitches in just a little or steps up to take on one or two tasks, everyone benefits big time.

Short on time? Here’s a few ways to help out: •

Organize a troop snack calendar Manage a troop carpool calendar Put together badge supply kits

• •

• Set up and maintain a troop social media account • Volunteer to take pictures or videos at troop meetings

Volunteer at a recruitment event To learn more about how to volunteer, visit vr.girlscoutsem.org/ become-a-volunteer

Volunteer’s Responsibilty to the Girl Scout Troop When you think of your girl a year from now, or even ten years from now, you likely picture a confident thinker and doer who does her best and makes the world a better place. Basically, you’re picturing her as a Girl Scout. Not just this year, but next year and beyond. That’s a good thing, because the longer she’s in Girl Scouts, the brighter her future will be. Secure her spot for the upcoming Girl Scout year and consider becoming an adult member at the same time! Head to girlscoutsem.org/join to learn when and how to sign up.

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Daisy Drop Box

Every Daisy Meeting Is Filled With Giggles, Energy and Excitement! Welcome to Girl Scouts! We would love for you to join us as a troop leader and will support you every step of the way in kindergarten and first grade with our complimentary Daisy Drop Box program. When troop leaders register for our program, they receive a “meeting in a box” in the mail each month during the school year. The box provides the resources needed to hold an engaging troop meeting, including step by-step scripted meeting instructions and activity supplies for each registered Daisy. The focus of the first year Daisy Drop Box program is earning all the special Daisy badges called petals that create the Daisy flower on their uniform! Each petal is connected to a part of our Girl Scout Law, helping Daisies discover the ideals and values shaping what it means to be a Girl Scout. When they earn the red Daisy petal linked to the part of the Girl Scout Law “I will do my best to be courageous and strong”, Daisies explore ways they can be a “shero” in their daily lives, be strong in more than a physical way, and create a medal of courage they award to someone they think is courageous. During the second year of Daisy Drop Box, Daisies earn eight badges, providing experiences across the four Girl Scout program pillars: Outdoors, Life Skills, STEM and Entrepreneurship. When they earn the Trail Adventure badge, Daisies have fun together learning to use a troop compass to find the four basic directions. They engage their senses and observation skills on a mindfulness hike, giving them a feeling of connection to the natural world.

Your Next Steps • Register as a Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri troop leader.

• Join | Girl Scouts (girlscoutsem/join.org)

• Visit our Daisy Drop Box website: Daisy Drop Box (girlscoutsem/daisydropbox.org) • Register for the Daisy Drop Box program using the instructions and links provided. • Look through the 2024-2025 schedules on the website to see all the Daisy petals and badges your troop will earn! • Read the FAQs on the website to find answers to frequently asked questions about the program.

Have other questions? We’re happy to help!

Contact Pam Johnson, Daisy Drop Box Program Manager at pjohnson@girlscoutsem.org

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Brownie Bundle

One Box. Big Adventure. The Brownie Bundle is the second level in our “meetings in a box” program that is complimentary for second and third grade Brownie troops. Leaders who register for the program will receive monthly support through the school year with our Brownie Bundle, which includes the resources needed to hold an engaging troop meeting. This will include step-by-step meeting instructions and activity supplies for each registered Brownie Girl Scout. Each year, through the Brownie Bundle program, Girl Scouts can earn Journeys and badges from all four Girl Scout program pillars; STEM, Outdoors, Life Skills, and Entrepreneurship. Girl Scouts will be excited to earn badges like the Leapbot Design Challenge, Bugs, Celebrating Community, and Cookie Decision Maker. Sneak Peak of Brownie Activity When Brownies earn the Leapbot Design Challenge badge, they create their very own Leapbot – while learning basic engineering concepts in a fun way! Brownies learn about force, potential energy, features, and how springs work. They create their own Leapbot using wooden dowels, wooden spools, pipe cleaners, markers, and googly eyes that they get to take home with them at the end of the meeting. Brownies also use their critical thinking skills to make guesses on how they can get their Leapbot to jump higher and utilize an observation chart to track their progress!

Your Next Steps • Register as a Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri troop leader.

• Join | Girl Scouts (girlscoutsem/join.org)

• Visit our Brownie Bundle website: Brownie Bundle (girlscoutsem/browniebundle.org) • Register for the Brownie Bundle program using the instructions and links provided. • Look through the 2024-2025 schedules on the website to see all the badges and awards your troop will earn! • Read the FAQs on the website to find answers to frequently asked questions about the program.

Have other questions? We’re happy to help!

Contact Meredith Dean, Brownie Bundle Program Manager at mdean@girlscoutsem.org

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Your Year in Check out important dates, then add your own troop meetings

October Official start of the Girl Scout Year, Oct. 1 International Day of the Girl, Oct. 11 Treats & Reads Program GO Day, Oct. 5 Girl Scout Roundup, Oct. 26 Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthday, Oct. 31 February Girl Scout Cookie Booths Begin National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend World Thinking Day, Feb. 22 Dessert First

November End of Treats & Reads Program Cookie Run Camp Adventure Guide available online

March Women’s History Month End of Girl Scout Cookie Program Girl Scout Week

June Girl Scout Overnight and Day Camp Begins Highest Awards Ceremonies

July Girl Scout Overnight and Day Camp Continues

Questions about these events? Contact the Answer Center at 314.400.4600 or answercenter@girlscoutsem.org. 12

Girl Scouts and activities you can do as a family or with your troop.

December Troop Cookie Manager Training Camp Registration Opens Girl Scout Office Closed for the Holidays

January Girl Scout Cookie GO Day, Jan. 11 Spring Lead & Learn Publication Online

April Spring Renewal Pre-K Registration Opens April Showers Weekends, April 4-6 and April 12

May Spring Renewal Continues

Troops Conduct Bridging Ceremonies Representative Assembly and Volunteer Recognition Ceremony

Volunteer Appreciation Month Girl Scout Leader’s Day, April 22

August Back to School and Girl Scouts Inspire Discovery and Fall Lead & Learn Publications Available Online

September Troop Meetings Begin Girl Scouts Love State Parks

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Ready. Set. Register.

Ready to start your story with Girl Scouts? Follow the steps below to get registered!

Step 1:

Scan the QR code or visit mygs.girlscouts.org and select FIND TROOPS.

Step 2:

Let’s pick a Girl Scout Troop.

On the next screen, if the Troop number is known, you can search by Troop name or description, then enter how many Girls and Adults you would like to register into the troop. ☙ Search for a troop in your location by entering your zip code under Location . ☙ Under Membership Year , choose Next Year (until Oct. 1, then choose This Year). ☙ Under Grade Level , click the grade your girl is in and then click Search .

Step 3:

Add Membership Details.

☙ Girl’s First Name ☙ Girl’s Last Name

☙ Zip Code ☙ Grade of Fall 2024

☙ Caregiver First Name ☙ Caregiver Email

☙ Caregiver Email Confirmation ☙ Caregiver Phone

☙ Membership ☙ Street Line 1 ☙ Date of Birth

☙ City ☙ Zip Code ☙ Ethnicity

☙ State ☙ County ☙ Race

☙ Country ☙ Custodial Care Info ☙ School Attending

Girl Scouts respects and welcomes people from all backgrounds and abilities. By completing the above information as defined by the US Census, you ensure support and funding for girls in your community. Hispanic/Latina is defined as an ethnicity, not a race, therefore is reported separately. This information is used for statistical purposes only.

Step 4:

Choose your payment type. If financial assistance is needed, please select Apply for Financial Aid and allow 3-4 days for processing.

Click Submit Member Details to review cart and finalize payment. Be sure to check the box to agree to the Girl Scout Promise and Law (required) and then submit.

Step 5:

Step 6:

Congrats! Girl Scout membership registration is complete.

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Come See Us There’s a whole world of Girl Scouting to explore at your local council store. The staff is your support team when it comes to finding the right badge booklet, making your Girl Scout smile with the perfect gift,

or staying up on community and family events. Visit the St. Louis Girl Scout Shop, adjacent to our Service Center, located at 2300 Ball Drive, St. Louis 63146 or shop online at girlscoutsem.org/shop.

Have Questions? Well, we have the answers! Our friendly staff at the Answer Center are ready to assist you. Call or email them with your question and our Girl Scout experts will help guide you through registration, signing up for programs and so much more! Phone: 314.400.4600 Email: answercenter@girlscoutsem.org

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That Girl Scouts Glow Up

Girl Scouts have fun learning new skills, earning badges, and testing their abilities— but it’s our community that makes us a must for your family.

In good times and bad, Girl Scouts is your:

FRIEND CIRCLE 83% of Girl Scouts have a best friend in their troop. Girl Scouts stick together, stand up for one another, and are sisters for life.

LAUNCH PAD 99% say Girl Scouts helps them try new things. If a girl can dream it, Girl Scouts can forge the path to do it.

SAFE SPACE 94% agree that Girl Scouts is a place to be themselves. Girls thrive in a supportive environment with peers.

150 schools with members in St. Louis City & County

377 schools with members in eastern Missouri

110 schools with members in rural districts

@girlscoutsem

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri

@GirlScoutsEM

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