For the second year, you’re invited to join Girl Scouts of all ages from around the country who are also getting out and exploring State Parks near them. You can join your sister Girl Scouts as they head to their local state parks the weekend of September 12 and 13!
Leading up to the event, you can earn your Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors patch through a fun and interactive challenge. Complete the requirements for your level, and then plan a fun filled day at the park with your family, share pictures of your adventures, and earn yourself a couple of awesome patches designed by GSUSA.
This FREE program includes: Girl Scouts Love Outdoors Challenge Worksheet, and a “How to Plan a Park Visit” Info Sheet. We just ask that you register so that we can see how many folks are getting out there and participating in this amazing challenge. ALSO, please wear something that identifies you as a Girl Scout to the Park. There is a possibility that it may allow you free admission to the park, but no guarantees.
After you register, you’ll receive an exclusive info sheet to help you plan your trip to the State Parks, which includes information about park suggestions, where to learn more, how to pack, how to submit photos, and more! Below is a highlighted look at what you can expect, but register today for the full document!
STEP #1: Earn your Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors Challenge patch!
STEP #2: Research a State Park to visit. Girl Scouts all across the country will be visiting their local State Parks on September 12 and/or 13.
STEP #3: Visit a State Park on September 12 and/or 13 to earn your Girl Scouts Love State Parks patch. By registering for this event and visiting a State Park, you will unlock this limited edition Girl Scouts Love State Parks 2020 patch which can be purchased at our GSWNY shops.
Please see the important announcements below and for questions, please contact Customer Care customercare@gswny.org or call 1-888-837-6410. In an emergency, please call 1-800-882-9268.
It’s time to renew!
Did you know that the Girl Scout membership year runs October 1 through September 30? That means current memberships will be expiring soon. We make it so easy using our online system, and we’ve got some great giveaways. We’ll be giving away one $50 Amazon or Target gift card every Wednesday in August and September – one for girls and one for leaders, so the sooner you renew, the better chance you have to win!
Last chance to register for alternative summer camp!
We only have two weeks left for our camp, reimagined, which means Next week is our final session of alternative camp, focused on taking action,=and registration closes in just two days on Thursday, August 6. Don’t miss your last chance to experience camp right from your home . Each week is $60 and includes a Camp Activity Kit, three virtual sessions, a virtual dining hall experience, virtual campfires, self-led activities, and more!
Starting kindergarten is a big step, and you obviously want your girl to feel as comfortable and confident as possible from day one. Let Girl Scouts stand with you to support and inspire her as she makes new friends, meets new teachers, and tests out new ideas. Our girl-centered kindergarten readiness series are free and open to any girl entering kindergarten this fall.
Sign her up for Make New Friends—a fun, four-part online series designed to boost your girl’s social skills and self-confidence while she learns to focus and thrive in a classroom or virtual setting. Make New Friends provides opportunities to girls to strengthen four competencies as they enter kindergarten. This series allows her to connect with the same friends each week, as well as Girl Scouts staff who lead her through sessions around language & literacy, cognition, approaches to learning, and social & emotional learning.
Sessions will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays in August. Sign up your girl today!
We’ve found a new way to bring Girl Scouting home.
If circumstances make it difficult for a girl’s troop to meet in person, if she is a Juliette Girl Scout, or if you simply want to have some additional Girl Scout fun and learning experiences as a family, the new Badge in a Box program might be a good fit for your family.
For $15 you can purchase a Badge in a Box designed to make Girl Scouting at home stress-free, the Badge in a Box includes the supplies needed to complete a badge at home, an easy to follow activity guide, and the badge itself!
Current badges include the Daisy Outdoor Art Maker, Brownie Senses, Junior Independence, and Cadette Special Agent.
The boxes will be available for curbside pick-up, beginning August 10 at the Buffalo, Rochester, and Jamestown Service Centers. There are a limited number of boxes available and will be for curbside pick-up only.
Retail Item of the Week: Camping Scene Water Bottle
With it being the last week of camp next week, we wanted to feature our online only exclusive Camping Scene Water Bottle for just $10!
Hydrate safely and in campsite friendly style! BPA/DEHA/DEHP free, 20 oz. water bottle with adorable camping scene imprint. Teal wide mouth twist off cap. Push/pull spout. Recyclable HDPE. Made in USA.
Even better, online is featuring FREE SHIPPING on all orders! Get yours today using the button below.
Curbside Pick-up is open Monday & Wednesday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the following locations: Buffalo, Jamestown, Lockport & Rochester. Email your shop orders to the email address below, a retail staff member will call you to confirm your order for payment and schedule your curbside pick-up date and time.
Do you need a special fun patch order for your troop, we encourage you to get them submitted by Monday, August 10, 2020 to arrive before we close for inventory.
All Shop locations will be CLOSED for our annual physical inventory from Monday, August 24, 2020 through Friday, September 4, 2020; we will reopen to curbside pick-up service on Monday, September 7, 2020.
Girl Scouts Love State Parks is back!
Join Girl Scouts of all ages from around the country who are also getting out and exploring State Parks near them. Complete the requirements for your level, plan a fun filled day at the park with your family, share pictures of your adventures, and earn yourself a couple of awesome patches designed by GSUSA!
We ask that you please register so that we can see how many Girl Scouts are getting out there and participating in this amazing challenge!
STEP 2: Research a State Park to visit. Girl Scouts all across the country will be visiting their local State Parks on September 12 and/or 13.
STEP 3: Visit a State Park on September 12 and/or 13 to earn your Girl Scouts Love State Parks patch. By registering for this event and visiting a state park, you will unlock this limited edition Girl Scouts Love State Parks 2020 patch which can be purchased at our GSWNY shops.
Looking for ways to stay involved with Girl Scouts? Check out our Girl Scouting at Home page today! New resources are added regularly.
Looking for more options? Head to girlscouts.org for even more at-home opportunities for your Girl Scout by grade level, and check out some of the online opportunities below:
Upcoming Virtual Events Posted Below are our nationally produced virtual events scheduled over the next two weeks for girls, parents, volunteers, alums, and other supporters. All events are recorded and can also be accessed after the event via playback.
Awesome Girls: Engineer Your World Wednesday, August 5, 2020 2:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
A Show and Tell with Mary Barra, Chairman & CEO of General Motors, and Sylvia Acevedo, CEO of Girl Scouts.
Mary and Sylvia will share stories and show photos, tools, and videos that tell their stories about becoming both engineers and leaders. They’ll tell girls how they can follow in their footsteps with the new Automotive Engineering three-badge series for Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors. The event will wrap up with a live Q&A for girls to ask Mary and Sylvia questions. Girls will leave with next steps to dive into automotive engineering!
Let’s help her bridge to the next level in her Girl Scout journey in style—one filled with new badges, new experiences, and new discoveries! Bridging is a beloved Girl Scout tradition that honors girls’ achievements throughout the year and celebrates their “crossing the bridge” to the next Girl Scout level. It involves a special ceremony for the whole family to enjoy as you reflect on the past and prepare for all the amazing things to come.
If you can’t safely participate in an in-person ceremony this summer, register today for an upcoming National Bridging Ceremony!
Events Scheduled for this Saturday, August 8:
Bridging to Brownies and Juniors 2:00 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. Register Here
Ceremonia nacional de “bridging” o graduación en español – “Bridging” a Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors y Adultas/Exalumnas 3:30 p.m. to 4:10 p.m. Register Here
Bridging to Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors, and Adult 5:00 p.m. to 5:40 p.m. Register Here
Girl Scouts Doing Good Things– Gold Award Edition
We’re highlighting the more than 30 Girl Scouts who earned their Gold Award this past year! Below are this week’s featured Girl Scouts, but you can read about all the Gold Award Girl Scouts at gswnyblog.com.
Avery Roberts
Roberts’ project is called Park Benches at Martin Rd. Soccer Park. She received donations from Home Depot and the Soccer Club so she could purchase the materials needed to create the park benches. Read More
Caroline Kowalski Kowalski’s project, Therapy and Rehabilitation Garden, which focused on creating two wheelchair-accessible garden beds. The beds are made of cedar wood, which is naturally bug and rot resistant, meaning they can last up to 15 years without wood treatment. Read More
Rachel Bernstein Bernstein’s project, creating a sign and benches for a community garden, involved first contacting the Conservation Board as well as her high school’s Green Team. Together, they worked out the details and ended with a successful project that raises awareness for the garden itself, as well as involvement opportunities for the community. Read More
We are #GirlScoutStrong! Looking forward to talking to you next Tuesday! In the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Customer Care customercare@gswny.org or call 1-888-837-6410. In an emergency, please call 1-800-882-9268.
Starting kindergarten is a big step, and you obviously want your girl to feel as comfortable and confident as possible from day one. Let Girl Scouts stand with you to support and inspire her as she makes new friends, meets new teachers, and tests out new ideas. Our girl-centered kindergarten readiness series are free and open to any girl entering kindergarten this fall.
We’ll help prepare her for all the new friends, new responsibilities, and for the big changes school will bring.
Sign her up for Make New Friends—a fun, four-part online series designed to boost your girl’s social skills and self-confidence while she learns to focus and thrive in a classroom or virtual setting.
Make New Friends provides opportunities to girls to strengthen four competencies as they enter kindergarten. This series allows her to connect with the same friends each week, as well as Girl Scouts staff who lead her through sessions around language & literacy, cognition, approaches to learning, and social & emotional learning.
We began our curbside pick-up for our Buffalo & Rochester Shop locations on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 AND added in the Jamestown and Lockport Shop locations on Monday, July 27, 2020.
Please read and follow the instructions belowso we can provide you with the best service and protect your health and safety, as well as our staff. Your cooperation, patience and understanding with our new process is greatly appreciated.
Step 1: Place your order via email by emailing the shop location you want to pick it up from. Include a daytime phone number for the shop staff to contact you.
Step 2: – Await confirmation from the shop staff that your order is complete with the total amount due.
Step 3 – Make payment via debit or credit card and choose pick up day and time with retail staff during confirmation call. Current Pick up hours: Monday & Wednesday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Step 4 – Arrive at scheduled location on pick up day and time. When you arrive please park in the designated area and do not leave your vehicle. Please call the shop location that you have arrived and remain in your vehicle. The retail staff will bring your order to you. When the staff approaches your vehicle, please roll down a window where there is not a passenger, or pop your truck and your order will be placed in your vehicle for you.
*For the Rochester office we will place the order on the table outside the office door. Please follow Al Sigl office procedure. You must enter from Door #5. You will be asked to sign in and you must wear a mask.
Q: Can I use any program cards for payment?
A: Yes you can please have it ready with your credit card when the retail staff calls with your confirmation and you make your payment.
Q: What if you don’t have what I need?
A: At this time, our in store selection may be limited. If we don’t have the quantities or the items that you need, you can access our online shop 24/7 for a full selection, including online only specials at https://www.girlscoutshop.com/. All purchases made through the online retail website support the Girl Scouts of Western New York and currently standard shipping is free on all orders. OR we can process the remaining of your order at a later date if those arrangements are good with you.
Q: How can I order Fun Patches?
A: All Fun Patches from our vendor Advantage Emblem can be ordered with your shop order. These items will take an additional time frame for delivery. Special orders for fun patches will be placed twice a month on the 1st and the 15th – order can take up to 7-10 business days to arrive.
Q: Can I return or exchange any items during this curbside service?
A: Temporary we are not allowing any returns or exchanges during this curbside service time. Once we are reopen for in-person shopping we will revisit this option for our customers. More to come soon, we appreciate your patience and understanding. For questions, please contact Customer Care customercare@gswny.org or call 1-888-837-6410. In an emergency, please call 1-800-882-9268.
WESTERN NEW YORK (July 28, 2020) – Girl Scouts of Western New York is proud to announce that 34 Girl Scouts from the Western New York area have received a total of 38 scholarships worth $36,000 at the annual Girl Scout Gold Award Celebration.
Thirty-one Girl Scouts received $1,000 each from the Educational Scholarship Fund. To earn this scholarship graduating girls were required to have completed their Silver Award and/or Gold Award along with a combination of academic achievements as well as Girl Scout involvement and accomplishments.
Education Scholarship Fund Recipients:
Danielle Bellis, Akron
Rachel Bernstein, Honeoye Falls
Shauna Blochwitz, Akron
Annabella Bogart, Amherst
Sophia Braithwaite, Webster
Rachel Burt, Webster
Diega Ciraolo, Niagara Falls
Justine Cole, Livonia
Jessica Dawson, Macedon
Maeve Devine, Lancaster
Elizabeth Fairchild, Honeoye Falls
Christy Faller, Sanborn
Zaria Gibson-Stevenson, Rochester
Angelina Gonzalez, Buffalo
Caeley Harsch, Akron
Kaylin Hoffman, Williamsville
Kaitlyn Hoitt, Fairport
Amber Hornquist, Glenwood
Elizabeth Humphrey, Wilson
Olivia Kisiel, Lewiston
Zoe Lucyshyn, North Chili
Morgan Mahoney, Hamburg
Hope Marshall, Jamestown
Rylee Penders, Honeoye Falls
Leah Rosen, Rochester
Olivia Rosen, Rochester
Isabella Sherron, Rochester
Alexandra Snow, Buffalo
Nicole Spiegel, East Amherst
Julia Wasley, Sanborn
Renee Wright, Holland
Four Girl Scouts received the Kim Welsh Memorial Scholarship awarded at $500 each. The Kim Welsh Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 1998 through the generosity of Carol and Allan Welsh in memory of their daughter, Kimberley, to be awarded to Girl Scouts who completed their Girl Scout Gold Award.
The Kim Welsh Memorial Scholarship Recipients:
Danielle Bellis, Akron
Annabella Bogart, Amherst
Zaria Gibson-Stevenson, Rochester
Hope Marshall, Jamestown
Hans and Charlene Schoenenberger offer one $1,000 scholarship to a girl receiving her Girl Scout Gold Award. All girls who were receiving their Gold Award in 2020 were entered in the pool of candidates. The recipient was awarded the Hans and Charlene Schoenenberger Golden Opportunity Scholarship.
Hans & Charlene Schoenenberger Golden Opportunity Scholarship Recipient:
Alexandra Wilczek, Kenmore
The Ralph and Mary McLean Wilson Scholarship offers two $1,000 scholarships to Girl Scouts receiving the Girl Scout Gold Award. All girls who were receiving their Gold Award in 2020 were entered in the pool of candidates.
Ralph & Mary McLean Wilson Scholarship Recipients:
Jessica Breth, Orchard Park
Aniyiah Harris, Buffalo
All 2020 Gold Award Girl Scouts from across Western New York received acknowledgment of their achievements at the virtual Gold Award Celebration on June 16. All the 2020 recipients will be included in the 2021 in-person ceremony next June. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the most prestigious award in the world for girls.
The Gold Award project is the culmination of all the work a girl puts into “going for the Gold.” A Girl Scout’s project should be something that a girl can be passionate about—in thought, deed, and action that encompasses organizational, leadership, and networking skills. The project should also fulfill a need within a girl’s community (whether local or global) and create change that has the potential to be on-going or sustainable. Approximately 80 hours of community service are involved in the project. Completion of the Gold Award also qualifies the Girl Scout for special scholarship opportunities and she can enlist in the military at a higher starting pay grade.
The Girl Scout Gold Award, the most prestigious award in the world for girls, acknowledges the power behind each recipient’s dedication to not only empowering and bettering herself, but also to making the world a better place for others. These young women are courageous leaders and visionary change makers.
The Gold Award requires a Girl Scout to identify an issue and investigate it to understand what can be done to address the problem. The girl then forms a team to act as a support system, including a project advisor close to the issue who is not a troop leader or family member, while she leads the project. The Girl Scout creates a plan to ensure they know what steps they must tackle while working on the project. The Girl Scout submits a proposal for her project to her local Girl Scout council. After acceptance, the girl begins to work through the steps of their plan utilizing the assistance of her support team where necessary. Lastly, the project is used to educate and inspire others about the cause they are addressing.
Please see the important announcements below and for questions, please contact Customer Care customercare@gswny.org or call 1-888-837-6410. In an emergency, please call 1-800-882-9268.
Only two sessions left! Register your girl today!
We only have two weeks left for our camp, reimagined, which means only two more opportunities for your girl to experience camp right from your home . Each week is $60 and includes a Camp Activity Kit, three virtual sessions, a virtual dining hall experience, virtual campfires, self-led activities, and more!
Registration for next week’s session on exploring closes Thursday, July 30. Our final session, happening August 10-14, is about taking action and registration closes Thursday, August 6.
Only a few more days left to order your camp T-shirt! We extended the deadline to this Friday, July 31, so there’s still time to get yours! T-shirts youth medium to adult extra large are $15.00 per T-shirt. A 2X T-shirt is a $2.00 additional fee, 3X is $3.00 additional and 4X & 5X is a $4.00 additional fee. All T-shirt pricing includes shipping and handling.
All girls and adults who participate in our alternative camp programming are invited to earn our 2020 Summer Camp Patch! Girls who attend weekly sessions can order theirs here, but those who do not attend weekly can earn through this checklist!
We’ve created a unique summer of 2020 camp patch program. Girls and adults can complete a list of outdoor themed challenges to earn the patch.
We have seven sites open across our four camps open on Saturdays through August 14. Families and troops are invited to reserve a site and head to camp from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out the sites below and head to gswny.org to reserve your spot today! on Doubleknot today! View volunteer guidelines for in-person meetings.
Did you miss last week’s Camp Seven Hills 90th Anniversary Celebration? Check out the slideshow that was shared featuring photos from over the years here!
Want to help shape creative, new ideas for how girls and families can engage with Girl Scouts?
Girl Scouts is thinking about how best to address the needs of girls and their families during this increasingly virtual world and we want to hear from you!
We are looking for Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors to join us in a small group, panel discussion to provide input about current and future Girl Scout experiences – especially about some new, digital options!
The session will take place later this week. Please sign up at the forms below and indicate which times of the week would work for you.
The session will be scheduled and a Zoom link sent out for the time that works for the majority of respondents.
Please note that we want to hear from girls directly. As such, girls should be comfortable talking in an online group setting and with new people.
As a thank you, everyone who participates in the focus group will receive a participation patch! We really value your opinions. Thank you in advance for your participation!
Troop Co-Leaders, if you have yet to submit your TFAR for your troop this is the last week to do so. Submit your TFAR as soon as possible. The submission window deadline was June 30. Due to COVID-19, GSUSA extended the access to the Finance Tab on the VTK through July 31, 2020. Non-compliance of this mandatory submission will lead to a bank audit and possible suspension. If you have any questions, please reach out to your Service Unit Finance Consultant.
New Girl Scout Badges: STEM
Let her passion become a career that helps her change the world! With the new STEM Career badges, she’ll create a plan to turn her dreams into a reality.
Our Meet-ups are four-week long interactive programs offering all girls a taste of the Girl Scout experience. Girls will meet new friends, tap into their creativity, and discover how to take the lead in her own life and the world. Both current and non-Girl Scouts are invited.
The meet-ups are held weekly, with Daisies meeting Tuesdays and Brownies meeting Thursdays through August 6. Use the links below to invite your friends and sign up your girls for upcoming meet-ups.
REMINDER: Our Feed the Need Food Drive runs through August 31
According to nokidhungry.org, 1 in 4 kids could face hunger this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. By helping to keep our community food banks, pantries, and cupboards stocked, the Girl Scouts of Western New York can help make a difference in our communities.
Looking for ways to stay involved with Girl Scouts? Check out our Girl Scouting at Home page today! New resources are added regularly.
Looking for more options? Head to girlscouts.org for even more at-home opportunities for your Girl Scout by grade level, and check out some of the online opportunities below:
Upcoming Virtual Events Posted Below are our nationally produced virtual events scheduled over the next two weeks for girls, parents, volunteers, alums, and other supporters. All events are recorded and can also be accessed after the event via playback.
We’re highlighting the more than 30 Girl Scouts who earned their Gold Award this past year! Below are this week’s featured Girl Scouts, but you can read about all the Gold Award Girl Scouts at gswnyblog.com.
Ava Giangrasso
Giangrasso’s project, Music and Memories, involved visiting nursing homes to perform violin versions of songs popular during the residents’ youth in the 1950s and ‘60s to promote memory recall and improve their moods.
Jessica Breth Breth’s project, Totes for Turtles, involved creating 200 reusable bags to put into circulation, as well as educate the public on how to sew their own before the March 1, 2020, plastic bag ban in New York. Read More
Nora Klipfel
Klipfel’s project, Happy Caps, involved sewing caps and donating them to children at Oishei Children’s Hospital of Buffalo.
We are #GirlScoutStrong! Looking forward to talking to you next Tuesday! In the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Customer Care customercare@gswny.org or call 1-888-837-6410. In an emergency, please call 1-800-882-9268.
This week we will begin with our Buffalo & Rochester Shop locations on Wednesday, July 22, 2020 AND add in the Jamestown & Lockport Shop locations on Monday, July 27, 2020.
Please read and follow the instructions belowso we can provide you with the best service and protect your health and safety, as well as our staff. Your cooperation, patience and understanding with our new process is greatly appreciated.
Step 1: Place your order via email by emailing the shop location you want to pick it up from. Include a daytime phone number for the shop staff to contact you.
Step 2: – Await confirmation from the shop staff that your order is complete with the total amount due.
Step 3 – Make payment via debit or credit card and choose pick up day and time with retail staff during confirmation call. Current Pick up hours: Monday & Wednesday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Step 4 – Arrive at scheduled location on pick up day and time. When you arrive please park in the designated area and do not leave your vehicle. Please call the shop location that you have arrived and remain in your vehicle. The retail staff will bring your order to you. When the staff approaches your vehicle, please roll down a window where there is not a passenger, or pop your truck and your order will be placed in your vehicle for you.
*For the Rochester office we will place the order on the table outside the office door. Please follow Al Sigl office procedure. You must enter from Door #5. You will be asked to sign in and you must wear a mask.
Q: Can I use any program cards for payment? A: Yes you can please have it ready with your credit card when the retail staff calls with your confirmation and you make your payment.
Q: What if you don’t have what I need? A: At this time, our in store selection may be limited. If we don’t have the quantities or the items that you need, you can access our online shop 24/7 for a full selection, including online only specials at https://www.girlscoutshop.com/ . All purchases made through the online retail website support the Girl Scouts of Western New York and currently standard shipping is free on all orders. OR we can process the remaining of your order at a later date if those arrangements are good with you.
Q: How can I order Fun Patches? A: All Fun Patches from our vendor Advantage Emblem can be ordered with your shop order. These items will take an additional time frame for delivery. Special orders for fun patches will be placed twice a month on the 1st and the 15th – order can take up to 7-10 business days to arrive.
Q: Can I return or exchange any items during this curbside service? A: Temporary we are not allowing any returns or exchanges during this curbside service time. Once we are reopen for in-person shopping we will revisit this option for our customers. More to come soon, we appreciate your patience and understanding.
For questions, please contact Customer Care customercare@gswny.org or call 1-888-837-6410. In an emergency, please call 1-800-882-9268.
July is Disability Pride Month and the 30th Anniversary of the ADA!
Girl Scouts of Western New York is proud to celebrate the Americans with Disabilities Act’s (ADA) 30th Anniversary. July 26th marks the anniversary of this important civil rights law that works to ensure all people with disabilities have the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.
GSWNY members can participate in Rochester Accessible Adventures #WeWillInclude! Ambassadors Training which is a free 3-hour training & certification for youth and adults to support people with disabilities in recreation and sports.
Have you participated in our alternative camp programming? Whether you sign up for our weekly programs modeled after the traditional camp experiences, come visit one of our properties with your troop or family, or work on the summer camp checklist, we have options for you!
We still have three weeks open for our camp, reimagined, which means three more opportunities for your girl to experience camp right from your home. Each week is $60 and includes a Camp Activity Kit, three virtual sessions, a virtual dining hall experience, virtual campfires, self-led activities, and more!
The final day to order is this Friday, July 24! This navy blue t-shirt features a glow in the dark design and is a perfect way to remember The Summer We Camped at Home.
T-shirts youth medium to adult extra large are $15.00 per T-shirt. A 2X T-shirt is a $2.00 additional fee, 3X is $3.00 additional and 4X & 5X is a $4.00 additional fee. All T-shirt pricing includes shipping and handling.
All girls and adults who participate in our alternative camp programming are invited to earn our 2020 Summer Camp Patch! Girls who attend weekly sessions can order theirs here, but those who do not attend weekly can earn through this checklist!
We’ve created a unique summer of 2020 camp patch program. Girls and adults can complete a list of outdoor themed challenges to earn the patch.
We have seven sites open across our four camps open on Saturdays through August 14. Families and troops are invited to reserve a site and head to camp from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Check out the sites below and head to gswny.org to reserve your spot today!
BIG NEWS: 24 NEW Girl Scout badges are officially here!
From topics like automotive engineering and STEM careers to civics education and entrepreneurship, these badges prioritize preparing the next generation of girls to face the challenges of the future!
Check out these upcoming new program rollout events! > July 22—Awesome Girls: Meet a Toy Business Boss (girls in grades 2–5) > July 23—Awesome Girls: Meet a Toy Business Boss (girls in grades K–1) > July 24—Awesome Girls: The Business of Big Ideas (girls in grades 6–12)
Upcoming Adult Recruitments
We have one session left of ‘Tell Me S’More about Girl Scouts,’ information sessions designed to talk to adults all about Girl Scouts and volunteering! Our final meeting for adults is next Monday, July 27, at 8 p.m. If you know someone who is interested, invite them using the link below!
Our Meet-ups are four-week long interactive programs offering all girls a taste of the Girl Scout experience. Girls will meet new friends, tap into their creativity, and discover how to take the lead in her own life and the world. Both current and non-Girl Scouts are invited.
The meet-ups are held weekly, with Daisies meeting Tuesdays and Brownies meeting Thursdays through August 6. Use the links below to invite your friends and sign up your girls for upcoming meet-ups.
REMINDER: Our Feed the Need Food Drive runs through August 31
According to nokidhungry.org, 1 in 4 kids could face hunger this year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. By helping to keep our community food banks, pantries, and cupboards stocked, the Girl Scouts of Western New York can help make a difference in our communities.
Looking for ways to stay involved with Girl Scouts? Check out our Girl Scouting at Home page today! New resources are added regularly.
Looking for more options? Head to girlscouts.org for even more at-home opportunities for your Girl Scout by grade level, and check out some of the online opportunities below:
Global Gender Equality Series Tuesday, July 21 | 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Have you ever found yourself wondering how you can make the world a better place? Do you want to raise awareness and learn how to advocate for gender equality? This series is a wonderful place to start. Fourteen Girl Scouts from across the country devised a six-part virtual series covering the most pressing issues facing girls today.
Topics include Girls’ Access to Education, Girls in Leadership, Girls in STEM, and Gender-Based Violence. You’ll learn about what’s happening around the world and how we can make a difference here in the United States. Girls will also earn the 2020 Global Action Award that will be mailed to participants at the end of the program.
This series has a $25 registration fee and will be held weekly on Tuesday evenings from 4:00–6:00 p.m. EDT 6/30/2020 through 8/4/2020. Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email with details about the activities and what you’ll earn.
Girl Scouts and the Troop 6000 Book: A Conversation with Author Nikita Stewart Tuesday, July 21 | 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Join us for an important discussion about finding community despite challenging conditions, and experiencing joy and success in the face of hardship. These are themes exemplified in Nikita Stewart’s book, Troop 6000: The Girl Scout Troop That Began in a Shelter and Inspired the World (Ballantine Books, 2020), which was called “A powerful book full of powerful women” by Chelsea Clinton.
We’ll hear from:
Nikita Stewart, author of Troop 6000: The Girl Scout Troop That Began in a Shelter and Inspired the World
Meridith Mascara, CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater New York
Giselle Burgess, the parent who established Troop 6000 while living with her five children in the shelter system
Moderator: Nikole Hannah-Jones, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist at The New York Times Magazine
Girl Scouts Doing Good Things– Gold Award Edition
We’re highlighting the more than 30 Girl Scouts who earned their Gold Award this past year! Below are this week’s featured Girl Scouts, but you can read about all the Gold Award Girl Scouts at gswnyblog.com.
Audrey Huff
Huff’s project, Girls on the Run 10-Hour Relay, was an event she used to fundraise for the purchase of running gear and running event fees for girls at Young Women’s College Prep (YWCP), a charter school in Rochester.
We are #GirlScoutStrong! Looking forward to talking to you next Tuesday! In the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Customer Care customercare@gswny.org or call 1-888-837-6410. In an emergency, please call 1-800-882-9268.
As you may know, on 7/7/20 we released our GSWNY COVID-19 Guidelines for In-person Girl Scout Activities and Meetings. To accompany those guidelines, we also hosted webinars for service unit managers and troop leaders on 7/9/2020.
Based on questions from those webinars, we have updated our guidelines to reflect CDC guidelines for fever threshold; this is the only update to the original guidelines released on 7/7/20. We have also created a set of FAQs that arose during the webinars. We continue to evaluate and reassess and will inform you if anything changes.
As the risk of COVID-19 is still present in our community, we continue to promote and encourage virtual and at-home programming as the safest option, and there is no expectation that any volunteers or members will participate in person at this time. For those who wish to meet in person we have safety guidelines in place to reduce the risk. There are many ways to participate in Girl Scouting, so please choose the way that works best for you.
Western New York has now reached Phase Four for reopening, and we are pleased to be able to resume some limited in-person Girl Scouting activities and events. The information below is current as of July 7, 2020 and will be in place through August 31, 2020. We continue to evaluate and reassess and will inform you if anything changes.
As the risk of COVID-19 is still present in our community, we continue to promote and encourage virtual and at-home programming as the safest option. For those who wish to meet in person we have safety guidelines in place to reduce the risk. There are many ways to participate in Girl Scouting, so please choose the way that works best for you.
Before leading any in-person Girl Scout activities, volunteers must review the Safety Activity guidelines for in-person meetings, and review one of the two July 9, 2020 webinar recordings below:
For questions, please contact Customer Care customercare@gswny.org or call 1-888-837-6410. In an emergency, please call 1-800-882-9268.
Thank you for all you do!
Our alternative camp programs are designed to bring the fun of camp directly to you, and now with new guidelines we have sites open on our properties on Saturdays through August! Check out the information below for more ways to get involved.
We also still have our weekly camp, reimagined programs that you can register for today! Each week is $60 and includes a Camp Activity Kit with invitations for three virtual meetings, program supplies, self-led activities, and more! These are a great way to get connected with old and new friends and get the camp experience from your home.
Family & Troop Property Visits
Open as of last Saturday, July 11, we have sites at all four of our camp properties open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit our Camp Property Rentals page for more information and to reserve your spot on Doubleknot.
Summer Camp Checklist
We have an exclusive patch for The Summer We Camped at Home, and you can earn it too by earning points on our Summer Camp Checklist. View the form here.
Order a Camp T-Shirt Today
The perfect complement to your camp shirt collection! This camp shirt is navy blue and features a glow in the dark design! Get yours by Friday, July 24 using this link to order.
Yesterday we had our first round of ‘Tell Me S’More about Girl Scouts,’ information sessions designed to talk to adults all about Girl Scouts and volunteering! We have two sessions left, Monday July 20 and 27 at 8 p.m. If you know someone who is interested, invite them using the link below!
Our Meet-ups are four-week long interactive programs offering all girls a taste of the Girl Scout experience. Girls will meet new friends, tap into their creativity, and discover how to take the lead in her own life and the world. Both current and non-Girl Scouts are invited.
The meet-ups are held weekly, with Daisies meeting Tuesdays and Brownies meeting Thursdays. Use the links below to invite your friends and sign up your girls for upcoming meet-ups.
Looking for ways to stay involved with Girl Scouts? Check out our Girl Scouting at Home page today! New resources are added regularly.
Looking for more options? Head to girlscouts.org for even more at-home opportunities for your Girl Scout by grade level, and check out some of the online opportunities below:
Global Gender Equality Series Tuesday, July 7 | 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Activities, inspired by our Girl Scout STEM Have you ever found yourself wondering how you can make the world a better place? Do you want to raise awareness and learn how to advocate for gender equality? This series is a wonderful place to start. Fourteen Girl Scouts from across the country devised a six-part virtual series covering the most pressing issues facing girls today.
Topics include Girls’ Access to Education, Girls in Leadership, Girls in STEM, and Gender-Based Violence. You’ll learn about what’s happening around the world and how we can make a difference here in the United States. Girls will also earn the 2020 Global Action Award that will be mailed to participants at the end of the program.
This series has a $25 registration fee and will be held weekly on Tuesday evenings from 4:00–6:00 p.m. EDT 6/30/2020 through 8/4/2020. Upon registration, you will receive a confirmation email with details about the activities and what you’ll earn
LIVE! Awesome Girls: Behind the Scenes-How Women in Congress Get Things Done Tuesday, July 14 | 6:15 p.m.
Have you ever wondered how a law is passed or change is made in government? Now’s your chance to explore the ins and outs with Girl Scouts of the USA’s “Behind the Scenes: How Women in Congress Get Things Done” virtual event on July 14, 2020.
This event for Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors (girls in grades 6 through 12) will include a panel of female congressional representatives. They’ll share stories for how they work to create change through their roles. They’ll discuss the importance of collaboration and standing for your beliefs. After the panel, the event will open to a Q&A for girls to submit questions for the Congresswomen to answer live during the webcast.
Tips for Troop Leaders: Navigating Challenging Conversations with Your Girls Wednesday, July 15 | 8:00 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
This has been a difficult year, and Girl Scout troops weren’t excluded. With families stressed by COVID-19 changes and violent racism, how can you be prepared for any difficult conversations that may come up in your troop? On this webcast, we’ll talk with Valerie Weaver, a social worker from Girl Scouts of Greater New York, about how you can prepare yourself to best support your girls.
QuestFest Saturday, July 18, at 10 a.m. to Sunday, July 19, at 5 p.m.
Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia is excited to present virtual QuestFest to you this summer from the comfort of your own home! Join us on July 18th for a day full of fun challenges and experiences! Using a smart phone, your team will choose challenges to submit on our QuestFest app and receive points – the more creative, the more points awarded!
Wrap up the event with us during the virtual closing celebration on July 19th. During this celebration, competitive team winners will be announced and prizes will be given to the best of the best!
We’re highlighting the more than 30 Girl Scouts who earned their Gold Award this past year! Below are this week’s featured Girl Scouts, but you can read about all the Gold Award Girl Scouts at gswnyblog.com.
Arielle Tyrpak
Tyrpak’s project, Saving the Unborn, involved increasing education and reflection around the Pro-Life movement at her high school, St. Mary’s in Lancaster.
Emma Smith Smith’s project, Mural for the Children at the Monroe County Visitation Center, involved working with multiple county agencies and painting her approved design at the visitation center in Rochester to welcome visitors, especially children, and foster a positive environment. Read More
Mallory Edgell
Edgell’s project, Inspiring Through Art: Perinton Pedestrian Bridge Mural, involved collaborating with the Fairport Public Arts Committee, Fairport Public Works, and local mural artist Lorraine Staunch to create a work of public art for the community.
We are #GirlScoutStrong! Looking forward to talking to you next Tuesday! In the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Customer Care customercare@gswny.org or call 1-888-837-6410. In an emergency, please call 1-800-882-9268.
Pop in while we talk about all things Girl Scouts!
The benefits of Girl Scouts for your family
How to be a community leader as a Girl Scout volunteer
Understand how Girl Scouting fits into a virtual world
What troops can do when the pandemic restrictions are lifted
Hear about the 1:1 support from GSWNY throughout your first volunteer year
After you register for the Zoom meeting, you’ll receive an email with a password to login as Girl Scouts keep safety in mind all the time. We’ll also share some fabulous summer recipes with a s’mores theme! We hope you’ll join us!
