Notes from the CEO

Dear GSWNY Members,

We have had an amazing summer at Girl Scouts of Western New York, and celebrated the return of summer camp at our four camp properties, filled with friendship, fun and adventure.

We are also excited to welcome back Girl Scout members for another Girl Scouting year, and welcome new members to join us. Please save the date for September 25th for a Welcome Back & Join Event at 4 of our Service Center locations: Buffalo, Rochester, Jamestown and Lockport.

Highlights include shop discounts, department displays, and the chance to try the new Girl Scout cookie – Adventurefuls™. Girl Scout members can register and renew on the spot. We hope you enjoy the remaining days of summer and look forward to see you at one of our programs and events in the fall!

Council Updates

Renew your Girl Scout membership today
Congratulations to last week’s On Time Weekly Drawing winners–Judith from Troop 42056 (girl winner) and Ayanna from Troop 30284 (leader winner)! They both won $50 GSWNY Gift Certificates.

Want a chance to win this week? We’re drawing winners every Wednesday from all girls and leaders who purchase their 2022 membership by midnight the day before. And don’t forget about our $500 Mega Gift Card drawing happening at the end of August! RENEW TODAY >>>

Your girl is invited to join our Girl Advisory Board
Girl Scouts who are 13 and older are invited to apply to be a member of our Girl Advisory Board. This team helps guide girl experience at GSWNY, including advising council staff and designing girl program. Download the application today to learn more!

Get your gsZoom license today
Keeping your Girl Scouts inspired from home? We’ve got you and your virtual meetings covered! Zoom licenses are now available through the Girl Scout Shop. It’s never been easier to stay connected and keep the fun going with your troop, no matter where everyone is. ORDER TODAY >>>

Programs & Events

Program on Demand: Fleet Feet Sports
Fleet Feet Sports Girls Run the ROC Program is designed to teach Girl Scouts goal-setting and to empower them to make positive changes in their lives! Through this 8-week Healthy Living program, girls will Discover, Connect, and Take Action!

Our Programs on Demand (POD) provide additional Girl Scout experience opportunities for girls and troops throughout our nine counties. These businesses and organizations feature programs designed to appeal to a wide array of interests, including STEM, art, animals, and many more. Even better, you work directly with these collaborators to determine the specific program and date that fits your schedule. Visit gswny.org/pod to learn more!

Camp & Outdoors

Save the Date: Skills and Chills at Camp Seven Hills
It’s that time of year again! Skills and Chills, our yearly competition that gives Cadette, Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts the opportunity to test their outdoor abilities and earn awards, is scheduled for September 24-26. Girls face off in events such as one girl saw, jack knife safety, orienteering, archery, kayaking, fire building, tent pitching and more! Stay tuned for more information.

Girl Scouts Love State Parks – September 11 and 12, 2021
Girl Scouts of Western New York is joining GSUSA for the 3rd Annual nationwide initiative to get Girl Scouts outdoors and into our beautiful New York State Parks. Event is FREE.  Some parks may have a vehicle use fee to enter the park. Visit gswny.org/lovestateparks to learn and more and register today!

Volunteers

Upcoming First Aid/CPR Trainings
An adult certified in First Aid/CPR is required if a troop leaves their meeting place and/or if an activity’s Safety Activity Checkpoint indicates a First Aider is required. With our partner agency, EPIC Trainings, Inc., we offer full day and blended learning First Aid/CPR classes.

These courses include adult and child CPR and basic first aid. Certification is valid for 2 years. Blended learning classes are NOT recommended if this is your first time taking First Aid and CPR training.

A complete schedule of our offerings for the 2022 program year will be posted soon on our website. In the meantime, we do have offerings in September so you can be ready for the start of the new Girl Scout year.

• Wednesday, September 1, 5 p.m. | Buffalo Service Center
• Wednesday, September 15, 5 p.m. | Rochester Service Center
• Saturday, September 11, 9 a.m. | Buffalo Service Center
• Saturday, September 11, 11 a.m. | Rochester Service Center

Take advantage of these early sessions by calling EPIC Trainings Inc. at 585-615-4379 for questions and to register.

Product Program

Troop leaders: Pre-Order your Gluten-Free Cookies today
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. If your troop would like to order Gluten-Free Caramel Chocolate Chip cookies, please submit your order by October 22, 2021. Payment will be due in March at the same time as all other varieties. PRE-ORDER NOW >>>

Retail

Shop Hour Update
The Jamestown & Lockport Shops will bring back being open on Monday; please see our updated schedule for All GSWNY SHOPS listed below. More details soon for our Fall Shop Hours that will start in October 2021.

Buffalo, Jamestown, Lockport & Rochester Shop Hours:

• Monday 1:00-4:30 Curbside Pickup & In-person Shopping
• Wednesday 1:00-4:30 Curbside Pickup & In-person Shopping

To place a curbside pickup order please email the shop location, a retail staff member will call you to confirm your order for payment and schedule your curbside pick-up date and time.

Get Connected to GSWNY

Catch up with past Member Essentials on our blog and make sure you join our Members Group on Facebook for the latest updates. 

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at customercare@gswny.org or 1-888-837-6410. In an emergency, please call 1-800-882-9268.

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