Member Essentials – 9/29/20
Dear GSWNY Members,
GSWNY COVID-19 guidelines through 9-30-20 will remain in effect until the updated guidelines are released on 10-6-20 in Member Essentials and on our website. Please continue to follow the current guidelines and check out M.E. and our website for the updated guidelines next week. Thank you for your diligent efforts to keep our members safe.
Our NEW Customer Care Council Hours will start on Monday, October 5th. You can call 1.888.837.6410 or email us 24/7 at customercare@gswny.org for support.
Our Customer Care phone lines will be open
- Monday 8:30-12:00 (closed 12-1) 1:00-4:30
- Tuesday 8:30-12:00 (closed 12-2) 2:00-4:30
- Wednesday 11:00-1:00 (closed 12-1) 2:00-6:00
- Thursday 8:30-12:00 (closed 12-2) 2:00-4:30
- Friday 8:30-12:00 (closed 12-1) 1:00-4:30
Our NEW Retail Shop curbside pickup service open hours:
- Monday 1:00-4:00
- Wednesday 2:00-6:00
Email the shop with your order: shop.buffalo@gswny.org, shop.jamestown@gswny.org, shop.lockport@gswny.org and shop.rochester@gswny.org. The retail team will contact you to make payment arrangements and schedule your curbside pickup date/time.
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.
2020-2021 Programs Update
Given these uncertain times, there will not be a printed program guide this year. All programs and events can be found on our website. Check back regularly for new opportunities for your girl and troop!
We are excited to offer programs scheduled for the fall through May 2021 and we will continue to add programs throughout the year.
ONLY 1 DAY LEFT FOR RENEWAL INCENTIVES!
You must renew memberships by Wednesday 9/30 @ midnight to qualify for our great renewal incentives!
Girls earn:
- Girl Scout-branded face mask
- 2,500 SAGE Tuition Rewards Points
- Chance to win 1 of 3 laptops
- Chance to win a $300 gift card
Leaders earn:
- 3,500 SAGE Tuition Rewards Points
- Chance to win a $300 gift card
Those who have already renewed have already qualified for these great incentives. Remember that financial assistance is available as well!
Virtual Meetings: Adapting Badges and Journeys
Check out our newest training video! We walk you through our existing badges and journeys tailored for virtual meetings and share some tips on adapting badges and journeys for online.
October 2, 2020 is Girl Scout Spirit Day!
Every year on the first Friday of October, we celebrate Girl Scout Spirit Day! October is the start of the Girl Scout membership year and we want the world to know how proud we are to be Girl Scouts!
Wear a piece of Girl Scout attire to work, school, or even kicking around home on that day. Share your photos on Facebook and Instagram, or by emailing communications@gswny.org to show the world you’re part of something awesome!
Zoom Into Fall
TWO SESSIONS | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1
Join us for one of our FREE adult training sessions to learn all about how you can use Zoom this Fall to run your Girl Scout Troop and Service Unit meetings. We will walk you through setting up a Zoom account, how to schedule meetings, and how to run a Girl Scout meeting virtually.
Questions? Contact Customer Care at 1-888-837-6410 or customercare@gswny.org
MORNING SESSION 11:30 AM | EVENING SESSION 6:30 PM
GSUSA has subsidized the cost of professional Zoom licenses for troops. The monthly fee will be $3 per month ($36 per year).
Licenses can be purchased by troops using troop funds, or troops can request financial aid support through the Council Opportunity Fund.
There is only one license per troop available, and the license is good through July 31, 2021. Use the button below to request your Zoom license today.
Retail Item of the Week: New 2020 Council Patch
As stated in last week’s Member Essentials: We have a new 2020 Council Patch! Mariana, a 6th grader, and her patch design was among seventy other hand drawn entries that went through a voting process to become a finalist and then the winner.
The Council Patch is a major symbol that celebrates Girl Scouts’ mission and unity across GSWNY’s nine counties twelve years ago when multiple, individual Girl Scout councils from across the region merged into one, to become Girl Scouts of Western New York.
This patch is a store exclusive and available by emailing your local shop today! For ONLY $2 this LARGE patch is a MUST HAVE! Email your shop TODAY to arrange pick up!
First Aid/CPR Training Schedule
If you need to renew your First Aid and CPR certifications, EPIC Trainings, our FA/CPR course providers have got you covered. We have hybrid trainings scheduled every month, trainers and students alike will be required to be masked at all times, equipment is sanitized after each student, and students will be assigned individual assessment times in 6 minute blocks – all will be COVID safe. (students who arrive before their assigned time are asked to wait in their car until their block begins.) Check the Volunteer Resources page on our website for the scheduled for each office – Buffalo, Rochester and Jamestown.
FIRST AID/CPR TRAINING SCHEDULE
NCS Keynote Speaker Event, Register by September 30
The GSUSA Board of Directors invites all Girl Scout members to attend the National Council Session keynote presentations being delivered by National Board Chair Kathy Hopinkah Hannan, interim GSUSA CEO Judith Batty, and the founding chair of the Juliette Gordon Low Society, Dianne Belk, on October 3 from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. ET.
A virtual reception for Juliette Gordon Low Society members will follow the keynotes, from approximately 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. ET. This event is free of charge.
Girl Scouting at Home
Looking for ways to stay involved with Girl Scouts? Check out our Girl Scouting at Home page today! New resources are added regularly.
Celebrating The World-Changing Power of Girls
Join Girl Scouts as we celebrate the world-changing power of girls on Saturday, October 10, at 4:00 PM EST, for an International Day of the Girl party. The first 1,000 currently registered Girl Scouts who attend the event will get a FREE exclusive World Changer patch to wear with pride.
Upcoming SPCA programs
The SPCA Serving Erie County offers a variety of virtual programming for Girl Scouts. Watch for live virtual badge workshops for individual Girl Scouts listed on our GSWNY Events calendar such as:
- Junior Animal Habitats Badge Workshop on October 27, 2020
- Cadette Animal Helpers Badge Workshops on October 24 and November 21, 2020
- Senior Voice for the Animals Badge Workshop on November 21, 2020.
In-person and/or virtual tours and patch programs (fee based & on demand) for Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors also available. Your troop can complete simple activities in your virtual troop meetings or individual scouts and then invite the SPCA Serving Erie County to your troop meeting for a virtual field trip and animal meet and greet. Suggestions for which activities work best virtually are made for each age group below.
- Daisy Patch Program Activities 1-3 and 6 are easiest to do virtually.
- Brownie Patch Program Activities 1, 3, and 6 are easiest to do virtually.
- Junior Patch Program Activities 1, 3 and 6 are easiest to do virtually.
Please see www.yourspca.org, email KatherineG@yourspca.org or call (716) 875-7360×234 for more information or to set up a program.
Cost: $50 per troop for a 30-minute virtual tour and animal encounter. Patches cost $2 per participant and will be mailed to the troop leader following completion of the evaluation form. Programs are available Monday-Saturday afternoons and evenings.
Begin setting up your virtual or in-person field trips: https://forms.gle/vC6SSzsLRixJoNuV8
The SPCA Serving Erie County is not affiliated financially in any way with any other animal agency, including the Niagara County SPCA, the ASPCA, or any other humane society or animal welfare group. Our protocols, policies, and procedures are unique to this organization, a completely independent humane society that does not receive any city, county, state, or federal tax dollars. The important programs and services of the SPCA Serving Erie County are possible only due to the caring people and organizations that support us.
Pen Pal Program Full!
We put the call out and you answered! Thank you for helping to fill our Pen Pal Program in just one week! Over 20 residents from Kaleida Health’s HighPointe on Michigan and DeGraff Skilled Nursing facilities were paired with a Girl Scout and will start exchanging letters in October. At this time, the program is not accepting new inquiries.
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:
Girl Scouts Doing Good Things
Girl Scouts Mackenzie, Maya, and Jessica finished their Girl Scout Silver Award. The 3 Girl Scouts are making 100+ fidget/busy blankets for Strong Behavior Health and collecting infant to toddler toys for Strong and The Pirate Toy Fund.
These 3 have been in Girl Scouts since Brownies, already earned their Bronze Award, and will be inducted into the Junior National honors society. Troop co-leaders Shannon Wynne and Anne Leibeck are very proud of their girls!
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.
Upcoming SPCA programming for Girl Scouts!
The SPCA Serving Erie County offers a variety of virtual programming for Girl Scouts. Watch for live virtual badge workshops for individual Girl Scouts listed on our GSWNY Events calendar such as:
- Junior Animal Habitats Badge Workshop on October 27, 2020
- Cadette Animal Helpers Badge Workshops on October 24 and November 21, 2020
- Senior Voice for the Animals Badge Workshop on November 21, 2020.
In-person and/or virtual tours and patch programs (fee based & on demand) for Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors also available. Your troop can complete simple activities in your virtual troop meetings or individual scouts and then invite the SPCA Serving Erie County to your troop meeting for a virtual field trip and animal meet and greet. Suggestions for which activities work best virtually are made for each age group below.
- Daisy Patch Program Activities 1-3 and 6 are easiest to do virtually.
- Brownie Patch Program Activities 1, 3, and 6 are easiest to do virtually.
- Junior Patch Program Activities 1, 3 and 6 are easiest to do virtually.
Please see www.yourspca.org, email KatherineG@yourspca.org or call (716) 875-7360×234 for more information or to set up a program.
Cost: $50 per troop for a 30-minute virtual tour and animal encounter. Patches cost $2 per participant and will be mailed to the troop leader following completion of the evaluation form. Programs are available Monday-Saturday afternoons and evenings.
Begin setting up your virtual or in-person field trips at: https://forms.gle/vC6SSzsLRixJoNuV8
The SPCA Serving Erie County is not affiliated financially in any way with any other animal agency, including the Niagara County SPCA, the ASPCA, or any other humane society or animal welfare group. Our protocols, policies, and procedures are unique to this organization, a completely independent humane society that does not receive any city, county, state, or federal tax dollars. The important programs and services of the SPCA Serving Erie County are possible only due to the caring people and organizations that support us.
Troop 60462 volunteers at the historic Rapids Cemetery
The following is a submission from Troop 60462 co-leader Carol Yacono-Harrison. If you would like to submit your troop story, please email communications@gswny.org.
Our merry band of Girl Scouts has been volunteering at the historic Rapids Cemetery since July, 2017, starting as Brownies/Juniors, and now as Cadettes. We were invited to assist by Mr. John Curran, who is a member of our parish, St. Monica’s, and part of a group working to restore and protect this piece of Rochester history. Graves in this cemetery, in the middle of a residential area of Congress Ave. in the city of Rochester, are dated from 1842 to 1908.
The first year, after a tour of the grounds and a little history lesson, we helped clear the northeast corner of wild garlic and other weeds, and that area, free of graves, is now a meditation garden. That same year, we helped pick black raspberries in the “edible forest” in the northwest corner, also free of graves, to take to a soup kitchen in the city.
Each year since, we, along with other community groups, have returned to continue helping in any way possible. For our girls, that has meant picking an ever-growing amount of black raspberries for the soup kitchens. This year, we also helped clear dirt and debris from three newly discovered graves from the mid-1800s, and will be returning this Sunday, September 27th, to help lay mulch and prepare the grounds for the winter.
We see this as a “sustainable” project, a community service, and a part of our BREATHE journey and Trees badge work. We have contacted the city regarding planting a tree on the grounds. We heard back from Brian Liberti, Forestry Department, this past week! The city has a shipment of trees due to be delivered some time in April 2021, and he has agreed to reserve one for our girls to plant and help maintain. We’re hoping to do this as part of an Earth Day celebration!
Member Essentials – 9/22/20
Dear GSWNY Members,
Over the weekend we had a lot of news that I wanted to acknowledge as we settle into our week.
My heart and my prayers go out to the victims and families, and to our Rochester community, after the mass shooting that left 14 people injured, and two 2019 high school graduates, Jaquayla Young and Jarvis Alexander dead. This was also in the midst of the community already reeling from Daniel Prude’s killing and the pandemic. I am so sorry to learn of this tragic event.
We also lost Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg on Friday evening. Many Girl Scouts and Girl Scout alums saw RBG as a role model and a gender equality icon.
We lost another champion for rights, earlier this year, Representative John Lewis, civil rights icon on July 17, who devoted his entire career to fighting for equality and justice.
Their legacies can be examples for us and our girls, as we work together to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made”, and “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
John Lewis: “If you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have a moral obligation to do something about it.”
This continues to be a challenging time for so many, here in our WNY community, nation, and world. Please reach out if you ever need someone to talk to, need support, and know that as Girl Scouts, our mission is a bright light to many, and an empowering space for girls who are learning how to lead today and tomorrow. You are giving back to the world in amazing ways and thank you for all you do!
Thank you,
Alison
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 one week left for great renewal incentives!
Renew by 9/30 for great incentives!
There’s still great incentives for renewing by 9/30 including:
- Girl Scout-branded face mask for all girls who renew by 9/30
- Laptop drawing for girls – 3 girls will win!
- $300 gift card drawing for girls and leaders
- SAGE Tuition Rewards – 2,500 points for girls and 3,500 points for leaders
Financial assistance is available for girls and leaders, and you still qualify for all incentives. Troop leaders, remember that it’s a great use of troop funds to renew girls.
Even if you’re not sure what your Girl Scout year will look like, renew by 9/30 so you don’t miss out on these great incentives!
Contest opens when the Fall Product Sale begins on Sept. 28, 2020!
Excited for another year of Girl Scouts?
Renew your membership today to confirm your commitment to another year of Girl Scouting and help us celebrate the Fall Product Program 9/26 kickoff! Show your Girl Scout Spirit by creating your own unique Fall Product Program inspired avatar!
Create your personal avatar:
Create Adult Avatar
Create Girl Avatar
Want to learn more about the Fall Product Program? Visit gswny.org today!
Congratulations to Mariana from Troop 60117 of Rochester as the winner of the New 2020 Council Patch Contest!
Mariana is in the 6th grade and her patch design was among seventy other hand drawn entries that went through a voting process to become a finalist and then the winner. You can view her congratulatory call with our CEO Alison Wilcox below.
The Council Patch is a major symbol that celebrates Girl Scouts’ mission and unity across GSWNY’s nine counties twelve years ago when multiple, individual Girl Scout councils from across the region merged into one, to become Girl Scouts of Western New York.
Zoom Into Fall
TWO SESSIONS | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1
Join us for one of our FREE adult training sessions to learn all about how you can use Zoom this Fall to run your Girl Scout Troop and Service Unit meetings. We will walk you through setting up a Zoom account, how to schedule meetings, and how to run a Girl Scout meeting virtually.
GSUSA has subsidized the cost of professional zoom licenses for troops and GSWNY will soon be sharing how you can sign up for one. The monthly fee will be $3 per month ($36 per year). Licenses can be purchased by troops using troop funds, and for troops who need it, financial aid will be available to cover the cost. More details to come!
Troop leaders interested in free rentals of GSWNY properties for troop meetings on Monday-Thursday evenings please contact customercare@gswny.org if interested.
Questions? Contact Customer Care at 1-888-837-6410 or customercare@gswny.org
MORNING SESSION 11:30 AM | EVENING SESSION 6:30 PM
Retail Item of the Week: Girl Scouts of Western New York Baseball Hats
This week we are featuring our Girl Scout WNY Baseball Caps! They are perfect to keep the sun out of your eyes, sweat off your brow or just for a bad hair day! The rustic look is on trend and the perfect look for any aged Girl Scout. They feature an adjustable strap in the back!
Blue is available ONLINE with FREE SHIPPING! Don’t like Blue? In Store only for CURBSIDE PICKUP is a rustic PURPLE color as well! Contact your local GSWNY Shop via email to order today!
Girl Scouting at Home
Looking for ways to stay involved with Girl Scouts? Check out our Girl Scouting at Home page today! New resources are added regularly.
UPDATE: We put the call out and you answered! Thank you for helping to fill our Pen Pal Program in just one week! Over 20 residents from Kaleida Health’s HighPointe on Michigan and DeGraff Skilled Nursing facilities were paired with a Girl Scout and will start exchanging letters in October. At this time, the program is not accepting new inquiries.
New Pen Pal Program for 5th Grade Girls
The pen pal program connects girls in 5th grade with residents at Kaleida Health’s HighPointe on Michigan and DeGraff Skilled Nursing facilities.
Given the current state guidelines due to COVID-19, these residents are not allowed any visitors. We are hoping this program will help lift some spirits and form new friendships with our girls.
The commitment required is a letter a month for a year starting mid-October. Handwritten letters are preferred.
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:
Girl Scouts Doing Good Things
Brownie Troop 34187 participated in GS Loves State Parks weekend and earned their “Take Action” badge to complete their Outdoor Journey. They collected two bags of litter in the rain at Knox Farm State Park, and learned more about the Park’s history.
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.
Only two weeks left in On-Time Renewal!
Whatever the upcoming year has in store—she’ll get the tools she needs to learn new skills and grow now and in the future as Girl Scouts evolves to meet her needs. From home and online (and for as long as it’s needed), we’re here to help your girl reach her potential.
By renewing her membership and giving your girl another year in Girl Scouts, she will boost her confidence, improve her outdoor skills, and prepare her to be a champion for the environment—yes, even through virtual events!
Our membership year ends Wednesday, September 30, which means our On-Time Renewal campaign is ending in just two weeks. That means only 14 days left to qualify for our amazing incentives, include gift cards, troop incentives, and SAGE Tuition Rewards Points.
Every Wednesday (only THREE left!), we’re giving away two $50 gift cards for either Target or Amazon – one for renewed girls and one for renewed co-leaders. On top of that, you have another chance to win one of two $300 gift cards – one for renewed girls and one for renewed co-leaders. All you have to do is renew today!
Member Essentials – 9/15/20
Dear GSWNY Members,
We are so excited to launch back into another Girl Scout membership year! While there are many challenges facing families this fall, Girl Scouting remains a fun and engaging space for your girl to connect with friends, and stay active and involved.
Please read below for additional resources for leaders and for families to “Choose Your Own Girl Scout Adventure” this year! These resources will continue to be updated including property rentals for events and troop meetings, Zoom license accounts for troops, and more.
If you haven’t yet renewed your or your girl’s membership, please take a few minutes to complete this by 9/30 so that you do not miss out on incentives including SAGE college tuition rewards! (more details below). Financial aid is available and can be requested in the renewal process.
Please note that the GSWNY Council & Shops will CLOSE from 12:00-3:00 pm on Monday, September 21, 2020 for a Staff Development Training.
- Customer Care phone lines will be open 9:00-12:00 pm and 3:00-4:30 pm
- Shop Curbside pickup service open 10:00-12:00 pm and 3:00-4:00 pm
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.
Thank you for all you do!
Alison
Two weeks left to renew your Girl Scout membership!
Girl Scouts may look different this year, but unlike so many other activities, we are still going strong! In these uncertain times, Girl Scouts is here to provide consistency and stability for your girl, and will continue to adapt to meet her needs.
We have supports for troops and individual girls to make sure they all have a great membership year.
No matter how your girl participates this year, renewal by 9/30 ensures you don’t miss out on our signature Renewal perk, SAGE Tuition Rewards – girls earn 2,500 points and leaders/SUMs earn 3,500 points. Each point equals $1 in tuition/scholarship that you can use at over 400 colleges and universities, including Canisius, St. Bonaventure, Daemen, the University of Rochester, and RIT. Learn all the details on our SAGE page.
Zoom Into Fall – New Round of Trainings!
TWO SESSIONS | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1
Join us for one of our FREE adult training sessions to learn all about how you can use Zoom this Fall to run your Girl Scout Troop and Service Unit meetings.
We will walk you through setting up a Zoom account, how to schedule meetings, and how to run a Girl Scout meeting virtually. We will also go over some of our great resources to help you run virtual Girl Scouting easily and successfully!
GSUSA has subsidized the cost of professional zoom licenses for troops and GSWNY will soon be sharing how you can sign up for one. The monthly fee will be $3 per month ($36 per year). Licenses can be purchased by troops using troop funds, and for troops who need it, financial aid will be available to cover the cost. More details to come!
Questions? Contact Customer Care at 1-888-837-6410 or customercare@gswny.org
MORNING SESSION 11:30 AM | EVENING SESSION 6:30 PM
Choose your own Girl Scouting Adventure!
How to have a great Girl Scouts Year in one document! This resource is your one-stop-shop for resources on leading a troop this year in-person, virtually, or both! Learn more about: safety guidelines, how to run a troop meeting virtually, badge-in-a-box, events, and Council patches and badges tailored for a virtual environment.
Virtual Video Backgrounds
With back-to-school season, we thought it might be fun to create some versatile new Zoom backgrounds for adults and girls to enjoy!
Retail Item of the Week: Western New York Duffle Bag
This adorable lightweight smooth duffle bag is perfect for an overnight trip or gym bag! It’s the perfect size for a sleeping bag and set of clothes to spend the weekend at Girl Scout Camp OR Grandma’s house! We love the GSWNY details and thick straps!
The bag is only $10 and available for FREE SHIPPING or Curbside Pick-up at your local WNY Girl Scout Shop!
Camp Windy Meadows has a new mascot!
Girl Scout Cyrene says, “I picked a baby fox as the animal because every time we go to Camp Windy Meadows, my mom and I get there first to set up and we ALWAYS see a fox in the field. I named her after Juliette Gordon Low. I love watching a TV show called Psych and one of the main characters is named Juliette and they calls her Jules for short. So, I thought Jewel would be the perfect nickname for the fox.”
Troop leaders: Pre-Order your Gluten Free Cookies NOW!
Girl Scouts of Western New York will offer a gluten free Girl Scout Cookie again this year. Troops must let us know of their intent to participate in advance of our normal ordering and selling period. Pre-order is required by ABC Bakers due to the special requirements of gluten free products. We will have extremely limited quantities available at the cupboards during the 2021 program, so to guarantee you’ll receive cookies, please be sure to pre-order!
If your troop would like to order Gluten Free Caramel Chocolate Chip, please read ALL the details below and submit your order by October 23, 2020. Payment will be due in March at the same time as all other varieties.
- Pre-orders are in CASE AMOUNTS only. (12 packages per case)
- The gluten free cookies will retail for $5.00 per pouch. Troop proceeds will follow the same plan as all other cookies sold.
- We can only guarantee product to troops who special order the gluten free cookies by October 23, 2020.
- Cases that are pre-ordered will be distributed with the troop’s initial cookie order at Service Unit (or Mega Drop) delivery.
- Caramel Chocolate Chip will not appear on the cookie order card.
- Submit your troop order by visiting the Girl Scouts of Western New York’s website: www.gswny.org. Order link is on the home page or you can click the link below.
- Caramel Chocolate Chip sales count toward girl recognitions.
Questions? Contact us at 1.888.837.6410 or customercare@gswny.org.
We know you love Girl Scouting, so your opinion is important to us! Let us know your thoughts!
Girl Scouts of the USA partnered with F.I.T student designers to create a student-designed collection in an attempt to make the Girl Scout uniform more versatile and relevant — to infiltrate the modern teenage wardrobe with scout swag. With a new vest designed for the modern Girl Scout that has pockets, it’s large enough to fit the largest model of the iPhone. There are more than a dozen separates for Girl Scouts in grades six through twelve, including things that are likely already in their closets, like black spandex leggings and a denim jacket.
Please take this 2 minute survey and help us decide what to bring into our Girl Scout Shops!
| Skills and Chills Hybrid Event C/S/A – Virtual + Camp Seven Hills Five activities will be held at Camp Seven Hills Goodyear and seven will be done as a team, virtually. We will gather for a virtual opening campfire on Oct. 2 and wrap up with a virtual campfire ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 13. October 3-4, 2020 Registration closes 9/30 Register Here | Skills and Chills Virtual Event C/S/A – Virtual Not comfortable meeting in person yet? You can opt out of the in-person portion of our hybrid Skills and Chills. Seven activities will be done as a team, virtually. The opening virtual campfire is Oct. 2 and a closing ceremony will be held Oct. 13. October 3-4, 2020 Registration closes 9/30 Register Here |
| Archery and Orienteering Adventures J/C/S/ A – Camp Piperwood During this fun-filled day you will learn about archery safety from certified instructors, and then how to use a compass to navigate the trails. Saturday, October 3 Registration closes 9/28 Register Here | Archery and Orienteering Adventures J/C/S/ A – Camp Piperwood During this fun-filled day you will learn about archery safety from certified instructors, and then how to use a compass to navigate the trails. Sunday, October 4 Registration closes 9/28 Register Here |
Looking for more to do? Check out our Programs & Events at gswny.org
If you haven’t completed the September survey yet, please take 2 minutes to provide feedback to GSWNY – and help us be even better!
- Troop Leader Survey – What supports do you need this fall?
- Parent Survey – What programming do you want to see for your girl?
Girl Scouting at Home
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:
Girl Scouts Doing Good Things
Girl Scout Troop 70214, 8th grade Cadettes, started their silver award by cleaning up Starpoint nature trail, clearing out garbage, and trimming branches last week!
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.
GSWNY Zoom/Video Backgrounds
With back-to-school season, we thought it might be fun to create some versatile new Zoom backgrounds for adults and girls to enjoy!
To save any of these images:
- From your computer, right-click and “Save image as” then choose where you want to save it on your computer. Most people find it easiest to save it to their desktop so they don’t lose it.
- From your phone, hold your finger on the image until additional options pop up. Depending on the type of phone you have, you can save to Camera Roll or open in a new window and save that image to your phone’s photos.
For instructions on how to use Zoom backgrounds, please read this page directly from Zoom. Adding a virtual background in Zoom or other video conferencing apps is fun and easy! Not only can you share your Girl Scout pride, but it allows you to be online a little more safely as people won’t be able to see your home.
Upcoming Recruitment Event: Drive-Thru Fall Fest
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
ATTENTION: The Jamestown location for the Drive-Thru Fall Fest has been cancelled due to low registrations. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Girls and their families who are interested in registering for or renewing their Girl Scout membership are invited to this FREE unique fall festival experience. As families drive thru, they will visit different tables for fun activities and treats and there will be an opportunity for girls and adults to join Girl Scouts! In these uncertain times, Girl Scouts is here to provide consistency and stability for your girl. Girl Scouts isn’t cancelled and we continue to adapt to meet the needs of girls today.
This is also an opportunity for current Girl Scouts who need to renew for the upcoming membership year (starting October 1!), as well as for new families who want to find out more about Girl Scouts (who can win prizes when registering!). This event is not recommended for current, registered Girl Scouts please. If looking for more programming for a registered Girl Scout, head to gswny.org.
Please note: We are still accepting registrations for new girls who want to join Girl Scouts for the first time and Girl Scouts who will be renewing their membership at the event! Due to the overwhelming response, we have filled all available event registration slots for families and girls currently renewed for the 2020-2021 year.
Our Drive-Thru Fall Fest is designed to deliver the fun of fall and Girl Scouts in a safe manner, keeping in mind all COVID-19 precautions and guidelines.
Events will be held at the same date and time at two (2) locations in Western New York, including Buffalo and Rochester. Anyone who registers and attends the event will receive a special thank you from the Girl Scouts of Western New York!
- Buffalo Location: Calspan Business Park, 4433 Genesee Street, Buffalo, NY 14225
- Rochester Location: Al Sigl Center, 1000 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY 14620
Stay tuned for more information, including activities and more! Email join.us@gswny.org with any questions.
We are happy to offer the Girl Scout Shop to you during the Fall Festival! Here are two ways to shop:
- You can place a pre-order with the shop location before the event by emailing it by Monday, September 21, 2020 to the location you plan to participate at. This includes if you would like to order your girl’s uniform! The shop staff will contact you to take your payment and it will be ready for pick up during the drive thru experience. Email orders to: Shop.Rochester@gswny.org or Shop.Buffalo@gswny.org. If you wish to see the merchandise available to you please visit us online: https://www.girlscoutshop.com
- We will have available on site a few select Girl Scout shop merchandise items for you to purchase during your drive thru experience.
VIEW THE DRIVE-THRU FALL FEST EVENT RULES & EXPECTATIONS: http://bit.ly/fallfestexpectations20
Member Essentials – 9/8/20
Dear GSWNY Members,
As our girls and families settle into a school year that is much different than usual, we welcome you back to another Girl Scout year. We are so glad to continue to be GS strong and to be here for girls. Thank you so much to our volunteers who give tirelessly to ensure that girls have access to this important program, and to the sisterhood and belonging that Girl Scouts does best.
We know that our members and families are facing so many challenges right now – with the pandemic, racial injustice, financial insecurity, and disruptions to school and business, among others.
Please know that at Girl Scouts of Western New York we continue to seek to be a safe place for our members, and an important resource as the expert on girls.
For financial resources, we offer financial assistance through our Council Opportunity Fund, generously funded by community donors and supporters. Adults and girls may apply for financial aid for Girl Scout membership, troop dues, uniforms, program supplies and program fees. We never turn a girl away, and there are resources to help if you need (financial aid form).
Our thoughts are also with Daniel Prude’s family, and our Rochester community, as news was released this past week that Daniel Prude was killed by police in March in Rochester, NY, and community members have been protesting this senseless act for several days. At Girl Scouts, racism and hate have no home here, and we stand up for and with our Black girls, Black members and the Black community and affirm that Black Lives Matter.
Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee will soon be releasing a patch program for girls to learn about racial justice and equality.
In the interim, for resources on how to help your girl with the issues of today, GSUSA offers articles and resources through Raising Awesome Girls here, including taking action against racism, girls’ mental health, and school success.
We will continue to share more details about our 2020-2021 program and next week will have updated COVID-19 resources to help volunteers and families’ choose the best way to participate in Girl Scouts this year.
Girl Scouts is not cancelled – we continue to be here for our girls and for you. Our mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place remains as crucial as ever.
Thank you,
Alison
For social media, we are currently accepting photos of in-person meetings and events again, but all submissions MUST show girls, families, and vendors following all safety guidelines regarding COVID. You can read the FAQs here .
Due to the fact that it is often impossible to tell who is in the same household visually, we are only accepting photos that show all girls and adults properly wearing masks and social distancing. We understand this limits the number and types of photos that can be submitted and will be accepted for posting, but due to the number of questions we have received about what is being depicted in photos we can currently only use photos clearly following the above rules.
We apologize for any confusion and for the limitations this imposes, but we want to make sure we are clear about the safety of our members. We reserve the right not to post any photos for any reason. Photos can be sent to communications@gswny.org. For questions about guidelines, please contact Customer Care at customercare@gswny.org or 1-888-837-6410.
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 the last month of the membership year–have YOU renewed yet?
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! Renew now!
We need your vote for the Fall Product Program website!
Help us decide the top choice for the M2 Artwork Contest for the Fall Sale. The top voted artwork will be featured larger than others in the final collage on the M2 landing page for GSWNY. Voting ends September 10.
Every year, Girl Scouts explore the natural wonders found across our country during the Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend. This weekend, September 12 and 13, you’re invited to join your fellow Girl Scouts in celebrating our shared love for the outdoors with your local state parks, along with your troop, friends, and family.
| Beyond the Tap A – Virtual Event What can the power of water do? In this program, you will gain knowledge about water you didn’t know before. Ambassadors will earn part of the Water badge. Wednesday, September 16 Registration closes 9/13 Register Here | Archery and Orienteering Adventures J/C/S/ A – Camp Piperwood During this fun-filled day you will learn about archery safety from certified instructors, and then how to use a compass to navigate the trails. Sunday, September 20 Registration closes 9/14 Register Here |
| Staying Fit & Eating for You J/C – Virtual Event Join us to learn about getting healthy through managing our stress, getting better sleep, what foods are healthy and which ones are not, and fun ways we can get exercise! Monday, September 21 Registration closes 9/9 Register Here | Voting 101 S/A – Virtual Event Join the League of Women Voters of Buffalo/Niagara and the NAACP Buffalo Branch to learn the ins and outs of voting! Girls will discuss the importance of voting, how to become informed voters, and will fill out their own voter registration form! Tuesday, September 22 Registration closes 9/9 Register Here |
| GS 101: College Knowledge Parts 1&2 S/A – Virtual Event Throughout this two-part program you will explore which colleges are best suited for your interests and then develop a financial plan to pay for your education. Wednesday, September 23 & 30 Registration closes 9/20 Register Here | STEM Career Exploration J/C – Virtual Event Girls will participate in virtual learning to explore different STEM careers while earning the new 2020-2021 STEM Career Exploration Badge! Wednesday, September 23 Registration closes 9/9 Register Here |
| Daisy Sun Catcher D – Virtual Event During this program daisies will work towards earning the Outdoor Art Maker badge where they will learn about the sounds of nature, observe the colors of nature, and showcase their nature art skills by making their very own sun catcher. Saturday, October 10 Registration closes 9/18 Register Here | Change Around the World Journey B – Virtual Event Girls will take a journey around the world to learn about other girls that are making impactful change, not just in their community, but globally. Girls will hear stories and brainstorm how they can make change in the world. Saturday, October 10 Registration closes 9/18 Register Here |
Looking for more to do? Check out our Programs & Events at gswny.org
If you haven’t completed the September survey yet, please take 2 minutes to provide feedback to GSWNY – and help us be even better!
- Troop Leader Survey – What supports do you need this fall?
Parent Survey – What programming do you want to see for your girl?
Retail Item of the Week: Girl Scouts of Western New York Trefoil Buff
This week’s item is the Girl Scouts of Western New York Trefoil Buff! It’s available online (with free shipping) OR email your local shop for Curbside Pick-Up!
This buff can be worn 16 different ways, including as a face mask!
The Rochester & Lockport Shops will reopen to curbside pick-up service on Wednesday, September 9th – 1:00 – 4:00 pm
- These two locations are open to take shop orders from all areas. If you do not live close enough for curbside pick-up service please ask for your order to be mailed, there will be no shipping charged (unless your order includes books)
- Curbside Pick-up is open Monday & Wednesday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. 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.
The Buffalo & Jamestown Shops will reopen to curbside pick-up service on Monday, September 21st – 1:00-4:00 pm
- These two locations need additional time to get organized after some exciting things have happened; Buffalo moved into a new beautiful building and Jamestown received new paint and flooring.
- Curbside Pick-up will be open Monday & Wednesday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. 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.
The Batavia Shop will not reopen at this time for any curbside pick-up service; we ask for you to please contact the Rochester Shop to place your orders. There will be no shipping charged unless your order includes books.
You’re invited to attend the Girl Scouts of Western New York, Inc. Virtual Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 17, 2020. The Annual Meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m.
Please RSVP your attendance for the Annual Meeting using the link below no later than September 10, 2020. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Blair at Blair.yaiser@gswny.org or 716-935-6076.
We look forward to seeing you on September 17, 2020.
Girl Scouting at Home
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:
Girl Scouts Doing Good Things
Reaching a milestone: Cadette Troop 70090 from Nicowe-Penpoint completed their silver award paperwork while maintaining social distancing by sitting outside at separate tables (with parents). They are officially seniors now! And lined up for a photo while maintaining distance.
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.
Member Essentials – 9/1/20
Dear GSWNY Members,
A few upcoming dates to remember:
- All Shop locations are currently CLOSED for our annual physical inventory through Friday, September 4, 2020; we will reopen to curbside pick-up service on Wednesday, September 9, 2020. Please note that due to our Buffalo office moving, curbside retail will re-open later in September – TBD
- GSWNY will be CLOSED next Monday, September 7, 2020 in observance of the Labor Day Holiday. We will reopen to our virtual council hours on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at 9:00 am.
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.
TWO MINUTE SURVEY FOR SEPTEMBER
Take 2 minutes to provide feedback to GSWNY – and help us be even better!
- Troop Leader Survey – What supports do you need this fall?
- Parent Survey – What programming do you want to see for your girl?
It’s the last month of the membership year–have YOU renewed yet?
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! Renew now!
Upcoming Event! Skills and Chills 2020 Hybrid and Virtual Only Event
Like everything in 2020, Skills and Chills is going to look a little different but we’re still excited for another exciting year. The hybrid version will feature activities that are in-person and online.
Attached you will find the Information Packet for the Skills and Chills 51st Annual Event. It details the breakdown of activities and different safety measures that will be taken at Camp Seven Hills during the event.
Retail Item of the Week: Food Drive Fun Patch
Did your Girl Scout or Troop participate in this summer’s “Feed the Need” Campaign? Don’t forget to pick up your Food Drive FUN PATCHES to add to their uniform! The Food Drive Patch is free shipping from the GSUSA Web site.
Looking for more Food Drive patches options? Email your local Girl Scouts of Western New York Shop and we can arrange pick up after reopening on Wednesday, September 9 (all shops will reopen with the exception of Buffalo).
Tenure and Years of Service: GSWNY Adult Recognition Award Monthly Highlight – September 2020
Every month this year, we’re highlighting the different adult awards that Girl Scout volunteers can earn. To start things off we are going to focus on Years of Service and Tenure pins! These are an easy first step to recognizing volunteers.
Tenure and Years of Service pins are given to recognize volunteers for the time they have been registered Girl Scout members, given in 5-year increments.
You’re invited to attend the Girl Scouts of Western New York, Inc. Virtual Annual Meeting on Thursday, September 17, 2020. The Annual Meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m.
Please RSVP your attendance for the Annual Meeting using the link below no later than September 10, 2020. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Blair at Blair.yaiser@gswny.org or 716-935-6076.
We look forward to seeing you on September 17, 2020.
Approved Troop Fundraiser: Courageous and Strong Virtual 5K Sponsored by Troop 70085
You’re invited to participate in Troop 70085’s Courageous and Strong Virtual 5K! The cost is $25/person and includes a medal, patch, and virtual bib (plus shipping).
Any profit from the 5K will go to the troop’s Silver Award efforts and then upcoming troop travel (in that order). Girls can walk, run, bike, or hike the 3.1 miles.
To register, use the button below. If you have additional questions, you can reach out to the troop directly at gstroop70085@hotmail.com.
Girl Scouting at Home
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:
Girl Scouts Doing Good Things
Troop 60812 made art for the Kirkhaven Nursing Home to spread cheer among the residents. Click the link below to watch the video and read the story!
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.
