Dear GSWNY Members,
REMINDER: Our shops are currently open for curbside pickup ONLY. At this time, you cannot come and shop in-person. Check out our blog for more information about curbside pickup.
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.
Halloween Guidelines & Event Planning Checklist
We know Halloween may look different this year, but we also know that many girls and troops still want to have fun! To assist troops and service units in planning their events, we have created Halloween Event Guidelines which are aligned with the CDC recommendations for holiday celebrations.
Our Halloween Event Guidelines includes a new resource – the Troop & Service Unit Event Safety Plan Planning Checklist, which will assist troops and service units in designing any in-person events.
If you have questions, please reach out to Customer Care so we can assist you in working through the guidelines.
Introducing the new Troop Leader Blueprint
You’ll find tips and resources for safe in-person and virtual meetings, as well as badges, Journeys, and activities for every grade level. All made especially for today’s constantly changing world. It’s everything you need to be the support your girls need, no matter where or how your troop meets this year.
- High-quality troop time
- A simple plan for getting started
- All the tools to map out your year
Stay safe while going virtual!
Many of our girls and troops are enjoying virtual programming this year. Some of these programs are being run by GSWNY, others are vendor-run. Just like when preparing for an in-person event, discussing behavior expectations and safety guidelines before the event ensures everyone has a great experience. Prior to virtual programs, families and troops leaders should review the GSUSA Online Safety Guide and Virtual Meeting Safety Tips, and girls should sign the Online Safety Pledge.
Reminder: Member Halloween Fun Party this Thursday!
Girl Scout members are invited to join us for a free virtual Halloween Fun Party Thursday, October 22, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Costumes are encouraged, and we’ll play games and have a scavenger hunt! RSVP is required.
Do you have friends who aren’t Girl Scouts? Invite them to our recruitment events happening during Halloween Week, October 19 to 26. There may just be some prizes in it for you if they join! Stay tuned for more information and check upcoming sign-up events here.
New Democracy Badge in a Box for all levels!
Now is a great time for girls to learn about government and have a chance to participate in the Promote the Vote national service project. To help you, we have new $10 Badge in a Boxes available.
- Democracy (all Girl Scout levels): Learn about how government works through games and activities. Also be part of the Girl Scouts national service project Promote the Vote and receive a fun patch.
Grant funds available for some areas of our Council reducing the cost of boxes down to $5.00. If there is not a grant available in your area, members can apply for Council Opportunity Funds.
Face to Face with GSWNY: New Leader Welcome Meeting
The Volunteer Experience Team is hosting a New Leader Welcome Meeting via Zoom “Face to Face with GSWNY!” for new co-leaders on Thursday, November 12, 2020. The purpose of the virtual meeting will be for them to meet GSWNY staff face to face, learn about our council’s various departments and what they do through a series of short presentations, and network with other volunteers. Service Unit Team members are also invited; come meet and greet your new volunteers.
Meeting Agenda
6:00 – 6:10 Welcoming remarks
6:10 – 7:00 Support Department presentations
7:00 – 7:30 Q & A Please sign up to attend using the Zoom registration link.
Registration will be open through the start of the meeting! Please come join us for the evening – an opportunity for YOU to have some Face to Face Time with GSWNY and new co leaders in your Service Unit!
If you have any questions contact our Customer Care Team at 888-837-6410 or customercare@gswny.org.
Retail Item of the Week: Anti-Racism Patch
As seen in last week’s Member Essentials, GSWNY premiered our Girl Scout Values: Anti-Racism Patch. The Anti-Racism patch represents the first Girl Scout Values patch created by GSUSA to reflect the values of the Girl Scout Movement.
Girl Scouting prepares girls to be leaders in our world, to speak up, speak out, and take action for fairness, equality, civility, and compassion for all people, and to arm them with the courage, confidence, and character they need to make the world a better place.
This patch is $1.50 and available TODAY for CURBSIDE PICKUP ONLY at your local GSWNY shop or online. Please email or call your local with your order. Interested in how your troop can engage in an activity to earn this patch? Click the link below for the information!
Trail Service Day at Seven Hills
We’re looking for some troops to help us maintain one of our Seven Hills trails. Come and enjoy some time outdoors while helping to improve our outdoor spaces! We’ll be meeting from 10-2pm on Saturday, October 24. All ages are welcome to participate. If you’re interested, please RSVP to Karen.lundgard@gswny.org. Hope to see you out there!
Get your Skills and Chills 50th Anniversary Hoodie today!
The hoodie color is dark heather gray with a left chest embroidery of the 50th Skills and Chills patch and the back is a white silkscreen of the Campsick definition. Hoodies youth medium to adult extra large are $26.00 per hoodie. A 2X hoodie is a $3.00 additional fee, 3X is a $4.00 additional and 4X & 5X is a $5.00 additional fee. All hoodie pricing includes shipping and handling.
The deadline date to order is THIS Friday, October 23, 2020.
Registration closes tonight – H20: Beyond the Tap (Ambassadors)
H2O! It’s an important natural resource we can easily forget because it’s readily available to us. Some countries have free water, limited clean water, or pay for water. Water is part of our world; how can we help to keep it clean? We will find out why water can taste different and explore different ways to treat water. 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.
Saturday, October 24 | 10-11 a.m. | Register Now!
| Wondermakers Pumpkin Patch D/B – Virtual Celebrate autumn and Halloween with fun stories from England, Puerto Rico, Turkey, and the African American tradition. Children from the audience will be invited to help The Wondermakers act out the folk tales. Saturday, October 31 | 11-11:35 a.m. Deadline to Register Extended! Register Here | Championship Martial Arts J – Virtual This is an opportunity for Girl Scouts to learn some basic self-defense in a positive and safe environment. The class will focus on martial art exercises and self-defense drills. This program will include a fun patch. Sunday, November 1 | 12-12:45 p.m. Registration closes October 24 Register Here |
| Activism for Animals S – Virtual In this badge we will discuss worldwide animal issues and things everyone can do to help. Seniors will earn their Voice for Animals Badge. Wednesday, November 4 | 6-7 p.m. Registration closes October 27 Register Here | Healthy People, Healthy Planet S – Virtual Girls will explore environmental issues they feel strongly about, play Carbon Budget Monopoly to demonstrate consumption patterns in the United States versus other countries, and learn how human health and wildlife conservation are interconnected. This program focuses on the empowerment of women and girls to advocate for a healthier planet. Tuesday, November 10 | 6-8 p.m. Registration closes November 4 Register Here |
Introduction to Quilling
S/A – Virtual
What is quilling? It is art of thin strips of paper rolled, shaped, and glued that result in creating a decorative design. Learn the basic steps and different types of rolls to craft a unique creation. Once you know the steps and rolls the possibilities are endless; from intricate designs to monograms. These make great gifts for all occasions or a something special for you.
Wednesday, November 11 | 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Registration closes TODAY
Register Here
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
Rush-Henrietta Senior Girl Scout Lauren W. made book-themed benches for her Silver Award project for the Henrietta Public Library patio! Looks like a lovely place to kick back with a good book!
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.
Categories: Member Essentials
GSWNY Blog 