Dear GSWNY Members,

We have a few updates related to COVID-19, the Buffalo Service Center and a new training session.

COVID-19 Update
GSWNY formed a COVID-19 Task Force in March devoted to safety guidelines which is currently developing a plan for moving forward with in-person programming and council operations when it is deemed safe to do so.  GSUSA released new guidelines to councils this week regarding in-person Girl Scout activities for both volunteers and staff.  We are reviewing those guidelines as well as those from NYS.  We will provide guidance to troops, service units, and families as we prepare for reopening when it is deemed safe to do so.  Currently Girl Scout offices and retail shops are considered to be Phase 2 and we are planning when we can expand our services.  Girl Scout in-person meetings, events and activities are considered to be Phase 4 which is not yet open in Western New York counties. Girl Scout in-person activities continue to be cancelled through June 30, 2020.  We will provide any updates for future planning when available.

Buffalo Service Center Update
Given the expiration of our lease at the Buffalo Service Center, we’re excited to announce that we have signed an 11-year, 6 month lease for the new GSWNY Buffalo Service Center located at Calspan Business Park, 4455 Genesee Street, Buffalo, NY 14225. We are grateful to Uniland for being our home for the past 10 years. Our current 10-year lease with Uniland will complete in August 2020 and we assessed our needs for our members in the future and based on those needs, decided to make a change. We’re planning to move in September 2020 and will host an open house in the fall when it is deemed safe, to welcome our members to the new Buffalo Service Center.

We are planning for a smooth process moving – members should not feel a disruption to our councils’ operation beyond the actual move dates when we will be closed. We’re enthused about the new amenities and opportunities for our girls, volunteers, and staff at Calspan Business Park. It’s a convenient location, right off of the 33 and the 90 – for girls in Erie County and across the council, and is also accessible by public transportation.

Calspan Business Park allows us to offer programs and meetings for larger groups – this will give additional training and program opportunities for girls and volunteers, including an expanded retail program space. Onsite event space and catering will allow for expanded program and event opportunities at a lower cost with more efficient operation. There is 24/7 security, janitorial and plowing with plenty of free parking for staff, volunteers, and retail customers. It’s on the bus route – across from airport with ample transportation options.

Save the Date
Join us with special guest speaker Karl Shallowhorn, M.S., CASAC, for one of two sessions on Youth Mental Health Strategies for Girls on June 18th at 11am or 6pm. More information coming soon.

For questions, please reach out to us at Customer Care customercare@gswny.org or call 1-888-837-6410. 

New Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Resources

We’ve gathered resources to help you talk to your children about race, racism, and injustice. The section on our Girl Scouting at Home page contains resources from GSUSA, the American Academy of Pediatrics, Sesame Street, and many more.

View the Resources

Happy Pride Month!

“Showing the diversity among us will not only help more people feel seen, but could help break down harmful stereotypes.”

— Phoebe, National Gold Award Girl Scout

Have you renewed yet?

During the month of June, we have a number of incentives for our members who renew, including exclusive patches for girls and Best Year Ever pack drawings for girls, co-leaders, and troops. As always, financial assistance is available for girls and volunteers.

If you or your girls are not in a position to renew right now, don’t worry – our signature Renewal perk, SAGE Tuition Rewards points, can be earned by girls, co-leaders, and service unit managers who renew by September 30. 

Renew when you’re ready

The Annual Troop Financial Activity Report Submission Window is Open! 

Co-Leaders! The time to submit the annual online Troop Financial Activity Report, or T-FAR, is here! June 1–30 is 2020 T-FAR Time!

A new T-FAR Training Slideshow PowerPoint has been created.  Even if you aren’t new to T-FAR submission, please review it – there are updates as well as information regarding the GSUSA Covid-19 troop fund extension guidelines you won’t want to miss.  Don’t forget you will need to attach your May bank statement to the report.

If you have any questions – please reach out to Customercare@gswny.org or 1-888-837-6410.

Check out our new video series, The Cookie Jar! 

These videos are meant to be virtual food-for-thought designed for women as they navigate these uncertain times. Last week featured videos on financial FAQs during COVID-19 and a self-care checklist. Monday featured a tutorial on hand lettering and tomorrow we’ll learn tips for a well-balanced life.

These videos premiere every Monday and Wednesday at 9 a.m. on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram. If you haven’t checked them out, we highly recommend you join in.

Women in STEM Coloring Pages from GSUSA

GSUSA has released coloring pages exploring different STEM-related fields with women in the roles. The options to color include baker, sound engineer, chemist, and more!

Download STEM Coloring Book

Tune in to our last full week of Trefoil TV (for now!) We’re taking a summer break, but we have new and exciting virtual content coming your way!  Please look for our updates on our virtual and at-home summer camp programs which will be released next week!

Make sure you check in every day at 3:12 to catch us live. Can’t make the live broadcast? View all our Trefoil TV videos on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. 

THIS WEEK: Girl Scout High Awards and Other Service Ideas

Make sure you check in every day at 3:12 to catch us live. Can’t make the live broadcast? View all our Trefoil TV videos on Facebook, Instagram, and  YouTube. 

THIS WEEK: Staff Choice

• 6-8-20: Kitchen Science Fun: Making Elephant Toothpaste
• 6-9-20: Intro to Gardening: Planting Hostas
• 6-10-20: Origami Shirt & Tie Father’s Day Card
• 6-11-20: Archery
• 6-12-20: Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors Challenge

GET CAUGHT UP: View previous videos on YouTube, including the videos from our week on Girl Scout High Awards and Other Service Ideas.

• Fitness & Nutrition in Female Youth: A Gold Award Project (Eating for Beauty Worksheet)
• Bronze and Silver Awards
• Making Masks (Part 1 | Part 2)
• Anniversary of the 19th Amendment
• What is a Girl Scout Gold Award?

Girl Scouting at Home

Looking for ways to stay involved with Girl Scouts? Check out our Girl Scouting at Home page today! We regularly add new resources, including new Virtual Badge Work for all Girl Scout Levels on Thursdays!

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! 

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.