It's COOKIE time! Check out the
2021 Cookie Page for more info!

February 2021

THANK YOU to our very own Troop 44451 for this fabulous Flag Ceremony! This video kicked off the 2021 GSWW Annual Meeting this month!

announcements

GSWW Horse Herd Update
January 14, 2021
Dear Girl Scouts of Western Washington Community,

In light of Governor Inslee announcing the “Healthy Washington- Roadmap to Recovery” earlier this month, we want to provide an update about where our council currently stands with our COVID-19 Member Safety Guidelines. The Healthy Washington- Roadmap to Recovery guidelines allow us some additional flexibility, but still limit gathering sizes, which in turn limit GSWW program operations.

Recently, members of our Executive Team met with the Governor’s Office Human Services policy lead to discuss Scouting-specific guidelines and policies so we could explore new program operations for 2021. The fact that our operations are volunteer-based complicates how these guidelines apply to us. After much discussion, we were pleased to learn that the Governor’s office has qualified GSWW programs under the following categories: Youth Development, Day and Overnight Camp, Outdoor Recreation and Retail. Each category has varying COVID-19 regulations that allow for modified program operations that are not contingent on the state’s phase guidelines. This was great news and allows us to think through new in-person program operations.

Below is a high-level plan of our own “Roadmap to In-Person Girl Scouts.” This roadmap will guide our organization to modified in-person programming starting as early as this spring. Here are our next steps:

Review:
Washington State Youth Development, Camp and Outdoor Recreations guideline and policy changes
Girl Scouts of the United States of America Operational Recommendations
American Camp Association COVID-19 Guidelines and Restrictions

Align:
Determine which guideline will be used and followed for all program operations

Create:
Draft new policies and procedures for all indoor and outdoor programming
Gather feedback from member stakeholder groups

Publish:
Update & share GSWW COVID-19 Guidelines with Membership

Given the continued rising rate of COVID-19 infections in our region, plus the above work, ALL in-person programming will continue to be suspended until our new guidelines are ready for publishing. Our goal is to have our new modified program plans in place by early spring. Of course, we remain committed to the health and safety of our members and will continue to provide virtual opportunities as we finalize our new operations plan. Please check out our GSWW program calendar to see all the virtual program opportunities available for each program level. In the fall, we hosted more than 2,000 Girl Scouts in virtual programs and look forward to offering many more exciting programs this winter and spring!

As always, we want to thank you for your patience and for being such dedicated advocates and participants as we finish coming through this challenging time.

Yours in Girl Scouting,
Megan Ferland, CEO
Girl Scouts of Western Washington

Key2Prepaid Cookie Dough Card UpdatesJanuary 26, 2021Hello Girl Scout Family,
Your Girl Scout, {Girl Scout first name}, was previously issued a Key2Prepaid Cookie Dough rewards card for their participation in previous Fall Product and/or Cookie Programs. KeyBank has notified us that your Girl Scout’s account currently has a balance but has not had any transactions for 2+ years.
Accounts that have not had transactions are at risk of being reported as dormant, with the potential for funds to be issued to the state as unclaimed property, per state guidelines for such accounts. The IRS provides guidelines for how non-profits manage funds provided to members, which includes ensuring funds are utilized for programmatic purposes and not issued as cash. We have developed new processes to ensure we stay in compliance with these guidelines.
To ensure Cookie Dough funds remain in your Girl Scout’s account, a transaction must take place at least every 2 years. We are approaching the deadline in which accounts would be reported as dormant and want to support your Girl Scout in ensuring their funds remain available.
For funds to remain available, a transaction would need to be processed using your Girl Scout’s Key2Prepaid Cookie Dough rewards card by March 1, 2021. Accounts that do not have a transaction completed by that date will have the balance pulled and used to support local Girl Scout programming.
Girl Scouts have several options for processing a transaction by March 1, 2021:
Register for GSWW events through MyGS
GSWW store purchase – Call or visit one of our locations
GirlScoutShop.com purchase – Key2Prepaid Cookie Dough card balance must cover full order total
Donation to GSWW
If your Girl Scout is saving their funds for a future purchase, we have set-up a system that allows for a refundable transaction to be completed. To select this option, please visit the Cookie Dough Transaction form to process a $1 transaction from your Girl Scout’s account. The $1 will be refunded to your Girl Scout’s account in 4-6 weeks.
If your Girl Scout’s card has been misplaced, a replacement can be requested with KeyBank’s Key2Prepaid team by calling 1-866-295-2955. Their customer support team will be able to process the request and issue a new card. As a reminder, if they request your Girl Scout’s social security number, a formula was used to fulfill that data point in their system, as we do not have access to that information for our members. For Key2Prepaid’s system, your Girl Scout’s SSN is 555-55-xxxx, where the last 4-digits are the last 4-digits of the phone number on file for your family in our membership database.
Girl Scouts of Western Washington does not have access to card balances but balance information, transaction history and the address associated with your Girl Scout’s card can be accessed and managed at www.Key2Prepaid.com.
If you have any questions, please contact our Customer Care Team at CustomerCare@GirlScoutsWW.org or 1-800-541-9852.
Please note: This e-mail was sent from an auto-notification system that cannot accept incoming e-mail. Please do not reply to this message.

Today's Black History Month illustration is of Josephine Holloway, the first black Girl Scout Troop Leader. In 1933, she attempted to form a Girl Scout troop for black girls, but the Nashville Girl Scout Council denied her request. In 1942, after lobbying for about 10 years, the first black Girl Scout troop was established. Holloway was such an expert of girls issues that the Girl Scouts hired her as a field advisor for all black troops. Over her time as a field advisor, she supervised over 2,000 black girls and adults. #blackhistorymonth
2015 Blog Article: Honoring Josephine Holloway during Black History Month

Events & Badge Opportunities

Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity for you and your troop to reach out and show others that you care—especially those who may be alone on a day that’s all about connection!
This year, Girl Scouts is teaming up with Wish of a Lifetime from AARP for Cupid Crew 2021, a volunteer-driven effort to create cards and safely send some love to tens of thousands of older adults who are socially isolated.

January 20th - February 14th @ 10AM PST

This high-definition, four-camera streamed performance from Theatre Squared (T2) is available from January 20th through February 14th (despite our calendar listing for only Feb 14th) for ages 13+. Girl Scouts get a special discount code! Upon ticket purchase, you will have access to view the performance as many times as you’d like between 10 AM on the day you register for, and 10 AM the following day.
Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors, Volunteers

February 4th @ 5PM (Registration CLOSED)

In times of stress or uncertainty, Girl Scouts can “Remain Calm” and use their skills to process feelings in a healthy way. Join fellow Daisies and Girl Scouts Staff as we earn a fun patch!

February 5th @ 4PM (Registration CLOSED)

Join fellow Girls Scouts as we learn how to plan and prepare for a snowy adventure! You’ll do the first four steps needed to get yourself ready for a trip to earn your Snow Adventure Badge.

February 5th @ 4:30PM (Registration CLOSED)

What images come to mind when you picture your goals, desires, and everything you want to accomplish in your life? Come join your fellow Cadettes for a Vision Board party where you will create a tangible manifestation that can help make your dreams come true!

February 6th @ 1PM (Registration CLOSED)

Become the hero in your own story, and then become a hero for someone else! Help teach others how to solve problems by creating a 2-D animation video that shares what you have learned! Workshop runs 1:00pm to 4:00pm on February 6, AND 9:00am to noon on February 20, 2021.

February 7th @ 11AM (Waitlist)
March 21st @ 10AM

Discover what it takes to become a fossil and what fossil types can tell us about ancient life. Multiple activities will be offered as we discuss events paleontology, excavate real fossils from sand, uncover ammonite pairs and make casts out of modeling clay. Can you dig it? **material kit and fossil hunter patch included

February 8th - 15th @ 4:30PM PST
(Registration Deadline 2/7/2021)

Join us for this two-part training. Both sessions and homework are a mandatory part of this virtual PA training via Zoom.
Program Aide training is for girls in sixth-, seventh-, or eighth- grade who have completed or is currently working or planning her Leadership in Action (LiA) award and are interested in serving as champions for the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. This training will guide the girls through activities to understand the keys of leadership, explore how leadership relates to everyday life, and inspire girls to think about ways to serve as leaders in the world.

February 9th @ 4PM PST

Earn your Rosie Petal with fellow Daisies in a hands-on session led by Girl Scouts Staff!

February 9th @ 5PM PST (Registration CLOSED)

Senior Girl Scouts are invited to complete step one of the new Business Startup badge with VicTreeFi. This workshop will be held virtually using Zoom. Following the workshop, Girl Scouts can complete the remainder of the badge using VicTreeFi virtual courses. The workshop will last approximately 45 minutes.

February 9th @ 4:30PM PST (Registration deadline 2/4/2021)

What images come to mind when you picture your goals, desires, and everything you want to accomplish in your life? Come join your fellow Seniors and Ambassadors for a Vision Board party where you will create a tangible manifestation that can help make your dreams come true!

February 10th @ 3:30PM PST
March 19th @ 4:30PM PST

Learn about our local wildlife and the habitats they call home through engaging activities in this live workshop led by PAWS Educators! Learn about the PAWS Wildlife Hospital, explore some endangered habitats, and dive into what you can do to protect wildlife and their habitats in your community.

February 11th @ 4:30PM PST

In this badge workshop, you are the test subject and your life is your laboratory! Find out how scientists measure happiness, and put their results into action. Come join your fellow Cadette Girl Scouts to earn your Science of Happiness badge and learn how to use the science of happiness to make your world the happiest place it can be.

February 11th @ 5PM PST (Registration CLOSED)

How can a hobby or interest turn into a career? Join Council Staff and guest speakers to earn your STEM Career Exploration Badge and find out!

February 12th @ 5PM PST

Join fellow Girl Scouts in a fun celebration of friendship! With crafts, cupcakes, games, and Girl Scouts from all over, we’re bound to have a good time!

February 12th @ 5PM PST

Join fellow Girl Scouts in a fun celebration of friendship! With crafts, cupcakes, games, and Girl Scouts from all over, we’re bound to have a good time!

February 13th @ 10AM PST (SOLD OUT)

Join Morgan Stanley experts to earn your Junior Business Owner badge. This workshop, made possible by Morgan Stanley, will help you turn something you love into a successful business, and could help you take your cookie business to the next level! Family members are encouraged to attend with you.

February 13th @ 2PM PST (Registration CLOSED)

During this fabulous event, Micheal Anderson, author of Zoey Lyndon's Big Move to the Lou, will meet with us virtually to talk about the writing process and to answer your letters!

February 15th @ 1PM

Join UW Pharmacy students to learn about pharmacy and medication safety!
Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors

February 15th 7:00-8:15PM

Are you ready to change the world? Learn about the Take Action process and Gold Award requirements, and begin exploring project ideas. Participation is strongly encouraged before starting the Gold Award. This is a virtual workshop for Seniors and Ambassadors.

February 16th 1PM PST

We are offering the Cadette Girl Scout Tree Badge as an online workshop. Together, we will explore the evolution of trees, tree art, new technologies in the forestry industry, as well as related career and local service opportunities. Scouts will learn tree identification skills and how to grow their own tree to plant. We do not supply the official badge, but leave that up to a parent or leader. We will have at least two background checked adults on the online meeting. Questions? Contact Kate at KSorensen@bellevuewa.gov or 425-452-5273.

February 16th @ 5:30PM

Learn the fundamentals of coding and programming using the 3D Virtual Simulator Dash's Neighborhood and earn your Coding 1 and Robotics 1 badges!
Brownies & Juniors

February 17th @ 4:30PM PST

How can you go from identifying a social problem to developing a social solution? Girl Scouts Seniors will explore their answers to this question and will complete the necessary steps to earn their Senior Social Innovator Badge.

February 17th @ 4PM PST

Earn your Sunny Petal with fellow Daisies in a hands-on session led by Girl Scouts Staff!
Patch sold separately by Destination: Imagination!

February 18th @ 11:15AM - 1:30PM PST

NASA Social participants will get a chance to:- Connect virtually with like-minded space enthusiasts- Receive a NASA Social badge to share online or print at home- Ask questions and get answers direct from NASA experts- Get notified about images, videos, online tools and NASA news- Watch live as Perseverance lands on Mars!------No registration is necessary. By attending this virtual event, you are agreeing to the event’s moderation policy as set forth by NASA.

February 18th @ 4:30PM PST

In this badge workshop, Girl Scouts Cadettes will find out how people in democratic governments make trade-offs, giving up some things they favor to gain support for others. Come earn your Finding Common Ground badge and learn strategies for bringing people together to find common ground.

February 19th @ 4:30PM PST

In this badge workshop, Girl Scouts Ambassadors will gain the knowledge they need to speak up about and act on issues that are crucial in their world. Come earn your Public Policy badge as you learn about public policies and how you can advocate for issues and legislation that matter to you!

February 19th @ 7PM PST

Adult Advisors - Come to this Information Session to learn about how we are implementing this outdoor adventure program for Teen Girl Scouts across the Pacific Northwest!

February 20th @ 10AM PST
March 5th @ 4PM PST

Pets have many of the same needs that we do. Through engaging activities, learn about what it takes to care for a dog or cat and how to keep them happy, healthy, and safe. Learn about how PAWS helps cats and dogs, and how you can too.

February 22nd

On February 22, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides across 150 countries celebrate World Thinking Day – but you can celebrate all year long! Check out this World Thinking Day packet for Girl Scouts, their families, and troops. It will guide you through the GSUSA World Thinking Day patch program and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts patch program in about 90 minutes.

Pinwheels for Peace
As part of the World Thinking Day activities, Girl Scouts of all age levels are encouraged to participate in the council-wide Pinwheels for Peace campaign. Choose from a 2-D or 3-D pinwheel, color in bright colors, and write words on your pinwheel that help to build peace. Girl Scouts can then paste in their windows or outside in their yards.

February 24th @ 4PM PST (SOLD OUT)

With cookie sales coming up, we need to brush up on our financial skills! Let's practice handling money and making smart financial decisions through some playful activities!

February 24th @ 5PM PST

Join your fellow Girl Scouts on the journey to becoming an entrepreneur. We will be exploring the skills needed to take your innovative ideas to the next level! Seniors and Ambassadors will all earn corresponding entrepreneurship badges to the workshop material.

February 25th @ 4PM PST (FREE)

Money Smart financial literacy event presented by Banner Bank. Money saving tips and tools to budget all of that cookie money!
Ambassadors, Seniors, Cadettes

February 25th @ 5PM PST

Find out what it takes to turn a great idea into a successful business! Girl Scouts Cadettes will learn how to think like an entrepreneur and discover ways to take their innovative ideas to the next level.

February 25th @ 5PM PST

Join fellow Girl Scouts to earn a Cookie Business-related badge as we find new ways to connect and sell cookies.

February 26th @ 4PM PST
March 27th @ 2PM PST

Learn about our local wildlife and the habitats they call home through engaging activities in this live workshop led by PAWS Educators! Learn about the PAWS Wildlife Hospital, explore some endangered habitats, and dive into what you can do to protect wildlife and their habitats in your community.

February 27th @ 10AM PST

This virtual introduction to photography workshop, hosted by Lens and Learn, provides a thorough and comprehensive overview of the fundamentals and basics of photography, geared for young beginners ages 11-17. Taught by an award-winning and professional freelance photojournalist, Moriah Ratner, the 2-hour course covers composition basics while expanding creative practices and strengthening critical thinking skills. Students will begin exploring photography through a historical lens by learning influential photographers who have paved the way for photography as we know it today. Through exploring common styles of photography and fine-tuning technique, students will come away from the Lens and Learn workshop with an understanding of how to create robust and dynamic images. Digital cameras are not required!

February 27th @ 10AM PST

Join experts from Morgan Stanley as together we earn your Cadette Financing My Dreams badge. This workshop, made possible by Morgan Stanley, will help you turn something you love into a successful business, and could help you take your cookie business to the next level! Family members are encouraged to attend with you.

February 27th @ 1PM PST

Come join your fellow Girl Scouts for a day of inspiration and expertise at the She's The Expert Career Panel! Girl Scouts will have the opportunity to express their passions and hear from women in a variety of fields and professions.
Ambassadors, Seniors, Cadettes

JUNIORS: February 28th @ 11AM
BROWNIES: March 7th @ 11AM

Discover the magic of rocks, minerals, and wonders of geology in this fun hands-on class for Girl Scouts! We’ll dig into earth science concepts, explore natural resources, and interact with exciting geologic specimens that are yours to keep! Material kit includes a variety of rocks and minerals, identification card, geology patch, and a colorful agate slab that will be inspiration for an art project. Pairs well with Outdoor Art Creator badge.

January/February 2021 (Registration Closes 2/28)

In 2020, we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the passage and ratification of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, which granted women the right to vote. The 19th Amendment states: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.”

Ongoing throughout February & March

Rumor has it that there has been some foul play on the planet Mars! After a secret mission went awry, an astronaut has gone missing. The final transmission was concerning and you were hired to investigate. Can you solve the mystery and find a way home?
Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Volunteers

Ongoing throughout February

Rhythmic and artistic gymnastics teacher Rebecca Eliav has trained for 15 years at a USA Gymnastics National Team Training Center with an Olympic coach, and is now bringing her expertise to you! Her flexibility program provides a comprehensive and well-rounded workout regime combining stretching, coordination, and strength. Classes enhance each participant’s health, self-image, and well-being through personalized coaching. Participants do not need a particular skill level for this course, as they will go through exercises and techniques dependent on their abilities.
Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors

Ongoing throughout February, March & April

A well-loved castle owner has mysteriously died. You have been tasked with exploring her castle and finding out who the murderer is. Only if you can solve all of the castle's mysteries in time will you discover the culprit and escape. If not, you may just end up as their next victim!

Ongoing Patch Program - February Registration Deadline 2/28/2021

Learn principles of Claymation storytelling through this digital lesson! Create a clay character, tell a great story, throw in a few animation principles, and you’re a Claymation pro in no time. Need some inspiration? Check out this video!
Ambassadors, Seniors, Juniors, Cadettes

Ongoing Patch Program - February Registration Deadline 2/28/2021

Learn to make a short (and we mean super short) film, completely in stop motion! You’ll be guided through every step of the process—from coming up with the idea to uploading the final product—so you can tell your story in under 30 seconds. What's the most important thing you need to bring? A creative brain and a good attitude! Need some inspiration? Check out this video!
Ambassadors, Seniors, Juniors, Cadettes

Anytime

Take a look and if you have any questions, here is the information for our contact:
Jordan Belcher
Education Outreach Coordinator
Trust Board of Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve
162 Cemetery Road, Coupeville, WA 98239
The activities can mostly be done individually and Jordan is also available for Zoom meetings if you'd like.

Anytime

With this fun, tasty, and varied patch program, all age levels can take a Global Girl Scout tour of tea from the perspective of a simple leaf that changed the course of history and, thousands of years later, remains a much-loved beverage today!

Anytime

The Great Cascadia Zombie Survival Challenge: COVID-19 will give her the tools to be prepared, not scared, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The original survival challenge requirements are also available.

Anytime

The 19th Amendment, which was ratified in 1920, removed the gender restriction to voting—a significant milestone for democracy! Before this groundbreaking amendment, women couldn’t vote in national elections. In some states, women were also banned from voting in local elections. However, even after the 19th Amendment, many states passed laws discriminating against women of color—laws that were not eliminated until the Voting Rights Act of 1965.Today, in 2020, in some states voting laws and barriers remain in place that impede women, especially women of color, from participating in elections. And yet women continue to demand their right to vote in elections and are running for office in higher numbers than ever before.The Girl Scout Suffrage Centennial patch gives you and your troop a chance to explore this important history through simple guides and fun activities.

Anytime

One in seven Americans will need a blood transfusion at some time in their lives; however, only one in ten donate blood. To maintain a viable blood bank, Bloodworks Northwest, our program partner, requires 1000 donors every day. This patch program is designed for all age levels, for those who are old enough to donate, as well as those who cannot donate blood but who can make difference by sharing what they learn.
In a partnership with Bloodworks Northwest, through this patch program curriculum you will learn about blood types, blood components, the science of blood and blood donation, the history of blood donation, and what our local needs for blood donation are in the Pacific Northwest.

Calling all Fifth Graders! For the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year, U.S. fifth graders can bring their families to national parks, wildlife refuges, and other U.S. Department of the Interior managed public lands and waters for free! Learn more at: https://www.nps.gov/kids/fifthgrade.htm

Patch programs & Kits

Mt Vernon

February 6, 17
BellinghamFebruary 7, 9

Entrepreneurship & Financial Literacy Virtual Workshops for Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors & Ambassadors

Winter Badge Workshops

Our friends at PAWS will continue to offer virtual badge programs for Brownie through Cadette Girl Scouts this Winterl! Options include the Brownie Pets Badge, Junior Animal Habitats Badge, and Cadette Animal Helpers Badge.

February 6 - Cadettes (SOLD OUT)February 20 - Junior Outdoor Art ExplorerFebruary 27 - Cadette TreesMarch 6 - Daisy Outdoor Art MakerMarch 13 - Brownie BugsMarch 27 - Cadette Special Agent (NEW!)

February Workshops

Brownie World of Girls JourneyJunior Think Like a Programmer JourneyCadette Think Like a Programmer JourneySenior Mission Sisterhood JourneySenior Ambassador Think Like a Programmer Journey


The Northern Wave GSWW Team creates, hosts, and implements programming for Girl Scouts of all ages in the North Region. Keep an eye out for badge kits and wonderful virtual events hosted by Northern Wave. Take a moment and fill out their Badge Interest Survey to help determine which badge kits will be available ASAP!

Calling all Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors: G-Team TV is for YOU! This Girl Scout-led, produced, and directed talk show is packed with gems from powerful women and girls who improve the world around us every day. Pop over to Girl Scouts’ Instagram (@GirlScouts) and tune in!

Introducing the new Cadette, Senior, Ambassador uniforms and official apparel collection for girls in grades 6-12. Inspired by today’s Girl Scouts, this versatile collection was created in coordinating colors and silhouettes so you can mix, match, and make it your own.

volunteer corner

GS Zoom for Volunteers

Beginning in February 2021, we are excited to extend the opportunity to obtain a gsZoom license to assist with your virtual Girl Scout experience. Zoom provides a teleconferencing platform that will allow participation of up to 500 individuals with audio and video sharing, including break-out room functionality for larger events.
When it becomes available in February, you may sign up by searching gsEvents for “PURCHASE ONLY- gsZoom License for Volunteers.” Due to launching this option mid-year, we are discounting our ongoing annual price of $40 to only $20 (for this year only) to ensure that our members have easy access to this new tool. Purchasing gsZoom through this event will grant you access to the platform through the end of June 2021.

COVID-19 Participation Waiver/Acknowledgement

**Must be completed by ALL volunteers before in-person meetings can resume.**

Log into MyGS, then go to gsLearn. If you do not already have it on your dashboard, search for 688 COVID-19 and you will find the Member Guidelines and Policy Updates.Complete the course to be eligible to resume in-person meetings once the Skagit County Health Department and GSWW authorizes in-person meetings again.

February 6th @ 1PM PST

The Girl Scout Annual Meeting is an opportunity for Service Unit Delegates to come together with Girl Scout staff for a 'State of the Council.' Delegates and attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of the CEO and Board Chair as well as hear updates from the council.

February 11th 6:30PM PST

Keeping your troop connected to the outdoors may seem like a daunting task but it doesn't have to be! Let's learn tips & tricks for keeping troops connected to outdoor experiences.

February SU144 Meeting

February 11th 7-8pm

Join us to chat about GSWW Council updates on programming and current Anacortes/La Conner events and news. Please make sure to have a representative for your troop there. Thank you!
Council Updates- Feb 2021 PDF.pdf

Apply for the Camp Property Advisory Group

January 28, 2021

Dear Valued Girl Scout Members,


In the coming months GSWW will be evaluating our properties through the lens of sustainably meeting our mission. Because of the impact of Covid-19, our strategic focus, our membership, how we serve members, and how our staff are working are all very different now more than ever before. We are taking the time to consider how best to support our members as well the communities we intend to serve and focus our dollars to best meet our mission and vision. As always, it is important that we maintain the financial stability of GSWW so that Girl Scouts continues for generations to come.


The next several months will be dedicated to developing recommendations for our Camp property portfolio. We will be evaluating:

Strategic Sustainability: Analysis will allow us to ensure that decisions we make support a diverse set of experiences across our camp properties, optimizes the diversity of our camps’ natural features, and is mindful of the need to support equitable access.

Financial Sustainability: Includes an analysis of our current and future expenses to identify what changes need to be made to ensure we can both sustain and continue to maintain our camp properties while maximizing their use.

We are creating a Board & Volunteer Camp Property Advisory Group to support this effort. This team will be comprised of geographically representative volunteers with relevant skills who are passionate about the outdoor experience for Girl Scouts and understand the importance of maintaining sustainable GSWW camp operations. Through June 2021, the members of the Camp Property Advisory Group will help to inform our assessment analysis and recommendations for any camp property portfolio changes that may be necessary.


We are looking for volunteers who understand how much all our camp properties mean to our Girl Scouts. These volunteers are dedicated to providing Girl Scouts with the best outdoor experience possible while keeping in mind that, as responsible stewards of Girl Scout opportunities and resources, we must continually adapt our program and property needs for Girl Scouts today and in the future.


To apply, please complete the Camp Property Advisory Group Application by Saturday, February 6.

Applicants should be able to attend the first Advisory Group meeting the evening of Thursday, February 11. Please hold this date on your calendar if you are applying.

We will hold online monthly meetings, lasting no more than 2 hours.

The CEO, Board Chair, and Board Finance Committee chair will make the final committee selection.

Those selected will be contacted via email on February 9.

We are committed to transparency and engagement with our members, volunteers, donors, and staff throughout this process. Our objective is to create a robust input process to inform decisions regarding our camps. These decisions in turn, impact camp properties, budgeting, operations, programming, and staffing.


Please keep an eye on our e-newsletter for updates on the work of our Camp Property Advisory Group. Additional information will be coming soon on how you can stay connected to this important work.


Questions? Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions document or contact Nichole Franko, VP of IT & Property Strategy at nfranko@girlscoutsww.org.


With great respect,

Megan Ferland

CEO

looking ahead to March

March 3 @ 7-8:30pm

Do you have questions about working on your Highest Awards project? Are you a parent or leader with questions about how to support the process? Join this casual call-in to ask Girl Scout staff questions about the process and projects. Register to receive the Zoom call-in information.

March 3rd @ 4PM PST

Earn your Clover Petal with fellow Daisies in a hands-on session led by Girl Scouts Staff!

save the date

The Big Deal Conference for Volunteers & Older Girl Scouts

The Big Deal Conference for volunteers and older girls will be held Spring 2021. This revamped conference will feature traditional workshops and exciting new opportunities. Outdoor Weekend of Learning - GSWW's Spring Outdoor Conference - will be held in June 2021 this member year. Learn new outdoor skills and take other enriching workshops.

Global Action Summit

June 4 - 6, 2021Cadettes, join the Global Action Team 2021 as they present this opportunity to learn about action and advocacy while gaining a better understanding of Global Health and Nutrition. This event will be held at Camp River Ranch. Registration will open in early 2021 .

OWL - Outdoor Weekend of Learning 2021

June 2021This weekend of workshops will equip leaders, outdoor specialists and other adult volunteers to take girls camping, explore nature, plan outdoor programs. Due to COVID-19, OWL has been moved from March to June 2021. A decision on whether this conference will be in-person or virtual will be made based on Safe Start guidelines before registration opens. More information coming soon!

"Hello Cadette, Senior, Ambassador Leaders of GSWW. Cascade Challenge, hosted by SU245 and a community of volunteers, will be held in 2021. This is an annual weekend outdoor skills completion event. However, like all other programs…we too are going online, and you will be in your own at home outdoor space! This is NOT a sit in front of your screen all day event; the Scouts have plenty of that. Instead it's post a photo of their individually completed 'challenge' and then be online for three-30 minute segments to hear our resident subject matter expert explain how they would do that task! FREE. April 17th, 2021. PATCH TOO*. Then stick around for CAMPFIRE FUN."

Please use the link below to register for the event. If you have any questions about registration, please email Bodhi at Cascadechallengejudges@gmail.com.

https://forms.gle/Q6j3XAWeHccd7df88

join the party to learn about girl scouts!

You're invited to try Girl Scouts at one of our upcoming parties. Bring a friend, make new ones, and have FUN: it's all free!

The Girl Scout membership year ended on September 30th! Renew now to be eligible to participate in all our 2020-2021 adventures!

are you a girl scout that loves to write?!

Is there something happening locally we should all know about? Something interesting happening with Girl Scouts worldwide? We would love to include girl-written, Girl Scout related articles in our newsletter every month! If you're interested, email su144newsletter@gmail.com to get started!

Questions?

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about Girl Scouts in Anacortes & La Conner, email su144cookiemom@gmail.com.