Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Register for Cookie U!

Learn how to be a business SAVVY cookie seller at Girl Scouts of California's Central Coast 1st Annual COOKIE UNIVERSITY! You will join hundreds of Girl Scouts who will kick-off the 2013 Cookie Season with a series of hands-on and interactive booths that will help add the WOW to your sale.

At Cookie U, students will learn: how to set goals, plan a budget, practice managing money and valuable customer service skills. You will also have the opportunity to create fun cookie marketing crafts, as well as, learn more about Operation Gratitude and how they can help send more boxes of cookies to deployed military personnel. An adult booth will also be available for troop volunteers and parents to obtain age-specific information and ask questions.

DATE: Saturday, January 5, 2013 - three regional locations.
TIME: 9:00am-2:00pm - girls will have staggered start times. Daisy girls/troops will start first, all start times will be listed on final reminder email sent one week before event.
FEE: $5.00 for Girls
Free for Adults (must still register for event)
 
REGISTRATION CLOSES December 22:  www.girlscoutsccc.org/events
 

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

GSUSA: Sandy Hook Girl Scouts


From Anna Maria Chavez, CEO, GSUSA --
As more details have emerged about the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, we were saddened to learn that eight Girl Scout Daisies and sons of two Girl Scout families have died as a result of the shootings. We are devastated by these losses and will keep the families in our hearts.

From Girl Scouts of Connecticut
Many sister Girl Scouts have asked what they can do to help. Currently, Girl Scouts of Connecticut is planning a memorial service with the Newtown Service Unit in mid-January. At that time, they will be presenting thoughts, prayers, and well-wishes on trefoil art. If you or any of your troops would like to participate, please send these trefoils to: Hartford Service Center, c/o Trefoil Project, 340 Washington St., Hartford, CT 06106.




Wednesday, December 5, 2012

How to Call Council During Phone Conversion

Our apologies for any disruptions during the council phone system conversion. Please note ways to reach the council during this temporary time period if you encounter difficulties when dialing: 800-822-2427 or either of the local Castroville or Ventura office phone numbers:

  • Help Desk:  info@girlscoutsccc.org
  • Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey Counties: 703-304-1958 (cell)
  • San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties: 805-345-1374 (cell) 
  • Camp Arnaz:  805-649-8860
  • Emergency and After Hours:  800-340-7179
General council information:  www.girlscoutsccc.org

Friday, November 30, 2012

Castroville Office Closing at 2:00 Today,11/30


Due to heavy rain, flooding and road closures in the Castroville area, the office and shop will close at 2:00 today, 11/30.  Please contact cortiz@girlscoutsccc.org in the Ventura office if you need immediate assistance this afternoon through 4:30. After that time, please dial 800-340-7179 to reach the council's after-hours emergency answering service. A staff member will return your call as soon as possible. Thank you.
 

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

New Council Phone System + Holiday Closure

This week marked the conversion to a new council phone system. The conversion process will continue over the next week. As with any largescale technology project, there are stages, testing and fine-tuning, so thank you for your patience.

When using the new phone system, you will experience a new voice recognition system whereby you can simply say the name of the staff member you wish to speak with, dial that extension, or be routed to a department contact.

For a directory of staff names and extensions, please visit our website CONTACT US page.

Holiday Reminder/Emergency Number:  The council and shops are closed November 21-23 for the Thanksgiving Holiday. If you need urgent support during the holiday closure, please dial the after-hours answering service:  800-340-7179 and the staff member on- call with contact you shortly.

Happy Thanksgiving, and thank you for your support!

www.girlscoutsccc.org


Monday, November 12, 2012

Girl Scouts Hurricane Sandy Support Efforts

Eight Girl Scout councils suffered damage from Hurricane Sandy and are working to recover while also supporting their communities. We know how much Girl Scouts young and old want to help, so we urge you to give to the councils that were affected. Learn how troops can help...

Friday, November 9, 2012

Girl Scouts Arnaz Program Center Receives $420,000 Endowment

Girl Scouts of California's Central Coast has announced a bequest of over $420,000 from the Pennington Family Trust to establish an endowment for the maintenance of the Arnaz Program Center.  Read more...

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Girl Scouts + GOT MILK? Photo Contest


GSCCC Girl Scouts! Submit your photo + caption showcasing how Girl Scouts and MILK has helped you become strong, healthy and confident, and you could be one of three Girl Scouts in California featured in a GOT MILK? print campaign and win a $500 U.S. Savings Bond!!  Three finalists from each California council will win a $350 camp/travel scholarship!*
Learn more....

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Storm Update from GSUSA


GSUSA and several sister Councils have been severely impacted by Hurricane Sandy; the full impact has yet to be assessed. We thank you for all the heartfelt notes sent after our update to you yesterday.
 
GSUSA and Support to Councils
Our GSUSA 420 Fifth Ave offices and our New Jersey Distribution Center will remain closed for the week; we have a several day estimate before power will be restored. More importantly our employees are still personally impacted by the storm and public transportation is very limited and being restored slowly. Their safety is our first concern.  

Sister Councils
Know that we are working to reach the several New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Maryland, Connecticut and Rhode Island Councils impacted by the storm. As we learn from them how they can best be supported through the recovery we will reach out to you for sister to sister support.

Communications
As we continue without power and our servers at GSUSA are down, you can track our status on blog.girlscouts.org or www.facebook.com/GirlScoutsUSA or Twitter.com/girlscouts.

Please contact Girl Scouts of California's Central Coast at 800-822-2427 or info@girlscoutsccc.org.

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Blaze a New Trail: KALEIDOSCOPE 2013 Info

KALEIDOSCOPE is a weekend camporee for Girl Scout Junior, Cadette, Senior and Ambassador Troops which takes place every two years in the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley. Event date: April 26-28. Nearly 2,000 girls and adults attend this amazing outdoor program event. Registration opens December 10. Read more....  

KALEIDOSCOPE Book

Friday, October 12, 2012

What Can a Girl Do with the Fall Product Sale?

The Fall Product Sale is a friends and family sale that helps troops earn start-up money. It is an exciting time for girls, not only is this sale a way to promote a love of reading, but also a way to learn great life skills. For many girls this is a first opportunity to learn and practice valuable skills such as Goal Setting, Time and Money Management, Communication skills, Business Ethics, Teamwork and Responsibility. Read more...

See Nut & Candy items.  Forward to friends and family!


Friday, October 5, 2012

Register Now for 2012-2013 Program Events

Check-out new programs and trainings for girls, troops and Leaders: First Aid, Archery, STEM Conference, Cookie U, Kaleidoscope, Leaderama + more!  Event calendar...

Questions:  programs@girlscoutsccc.org

Who's on First of the Month!

October Leader eBulletin

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Automatically Enter with your Girl Scout Registration by 9/30!


JOIN/RENEW

LOG-ON FOR YOUR CHANCETO WIN 10 STARTER KITS
OR A $250 GIFT CERTIFICATE.
To help make volunteering easier for you—we’ve prepared a personalized Tool Kit.

Log-on today, discover the digital tools and added value to help you plan for your next Girl Scout adventure—and you’ll be entered for a chance to win!
TODAY!
CONSUMER DISCLOSURES—ABBREVIATED RULES: No Purchase or Payment of any Kind is Necessary to Enter or Win. You Have Not Yet Won. Purchase Will Not Increase Chance of Winning. The Girl Scouts of the USA, “The Girl Scout Leadership Experience” Sweepstakes begins 12:00:00 AM ET (“Eastern Time”) 4/1/12 and ends 11:59:59 PM ET 9/30/12. Open only to legal residents of the US, DC and PR, 18 years of age as of 4/1/12, except for employees of Sponsor, their respective parent companies, subsidiaries, agencies and affiliates and their immediate family members or household members. There are two ways to enter: 1) You are automatically entered into the Sweepstakes when you register as a Girl Scout member with your local council by 9/30/12, at www.GirlScouts.org/Tools4U and in the space provided enter your official code along with additional contact information and payment requested. Your 4-digit code can be found on your mailer/email or online during registration. To find the website for your particular local council go to www.GirlScouts.org/councilfinder; 2) To enter without making a payment/registering, send a postcard with your complete name, address, city, state, zip, daytime phone number and email to: Girl Scouts Leadership Experience, c/o QFA, 115 E 55th St., New York, NY 10022. Mail-in entries must be postmarked by 10/1/12 and received by 10/4/12 to be eligible. Limit of one entry per person, regardless of method of entry. A random drawing will be held on or about 10/8/12, from among all eligible entries received under the supervision of Marden-Kane, Inc., an independent judging organization whose decisions are final and binding on all matters relating to this Sweepstakes. This Sweepstakes is subject to complete Official Rules available at www.GirlScouts.org/Tools4U and all applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. There will be a total of ten (10) Sweepstakes Prizes offered. Prize 1: (5) Prizes to be awarded, each consisting of a set of 10 Starter Kits (customized to Troop Volunteer’s required level or selection made by write-in winner) which may include 10 of each of the following items; troop level guide, troop membership insignias, an American flag patch, a Girl Scout canvas drawstring bag, plus a sash or tunic. Approximate Retail Value (ARV) $590 each. Total ARV of Prize #1: $2,950. Prize 2: (5) Prizes to be awarded, each consisting of a $250 Gift Certificate redeemable for Girl Scout merchandise of your choice at your local Council Store. Retail Value (RV) $250 each. Total RV of Prize #2: $1,250. Total ARV of all Prize offered in this Sweepstakes is $4,200. Odds of winning a Sweepstakes Prize is dependent upon the number of eligible entries received. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Winners’ names will be posted on www.GirlScouts.org/Tools4U for 30 days following awarding of Prize. Sponsor: Girl Scouts of the USA, 420 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10018-2798. To opt-out of receiving future promotion communications from Sponsor, please write to Sponsor at the address provided.


Tuesday, September 4, 2012

GSUSA CEO Featured Speaker at LinkedIn “inDay Speaker Series”


On Wednesday, September 5, at 2:00 p.m. PT, Anna Maria Chávez, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of the USA, will be the featured speaker at the LinkedIn “inDay Speaker Series” in Mountain View, California. Following Anna’s presentation, Marina Park, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Northern California, will join Anna for a Q&A session. The event will be streamed live.

LinkedIn “inDay Speaker Series” featuring Anna Maria Chávez and Marina Park

Wednesday, September 5, 2:00 p.m. PT

 
Note:  You will need to sign-up and create a log-in to view USTREAM TV:  http://www.ustream.tv/login-signup
 

 
.

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Girl Scout Membership Reaches 10,000 with Santa Barbara Programs

Two Santa Barbara programs for youth have bumped Girl Scout membership on the Central Coast to over 10,000 girls.  “More than 150 girls joined Girl Scouts as part of their participation in two landmark Santa Barbara programs,” said Sherry Sybesma, CEO for Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast.  “The council was proud to once again be part of both United Way of Santa Barbara’s award winning ‘Fun in the Sun’ program, and the City of Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Department’s great ‘Summer Fun’ project."  Read more...

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Ventura Shop Closed Friday, August 10

Plan to shop Tuesday-Thursday this week as the Ventura council shop will be closed on Friday, August 10. The Castroville shop will be open for orders or questions on August 10: 800-822-2427, or shop@girlscoutsccc.org  Thank you. 

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Early Bird Registration Extended to 7/18


Internet Explorer, or Firefox Internet Browsers Required to Access eBiz
The Early Bird Registration deadline has been extended to 7/18/12 due to an unexpected change in browser requirements for the eBiz system. GSCCC was notified of this change on 6/14/12, the same day it was implemented by GSUSA. eBiz now only supports Firefox and Internet Explorer. Those using other browsers are unable to use the site.

To accommodate this change, we are providing a link to download Firefox below. Additionally, we are offering personal support to users of other browsers (e.g. Google Chrome, Safari, Opera, etc.) 

Below are links to Firefox so you may install the browser on your computer:  

WEBSITE LINK 
  
DOWNLOAD LINK - Clicking launches an immediate download of the application.

Please email Tanya Carelli at tcarelli@girlscoutsccc.org for support, with your name, troop number and daytime phone number in the body of the email. Requests for support will be executed in the order they are received.

We apologize for the unexpected change and hope that the extension of the Early Bird deadline, and the personal support option will accommodate your needs. Thank you.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

GSCCC Unveils New Computer Lab at East Salinas Program Center

Girl Scouts East Salinas Program Center has been serving girls for half a century and provides after school programming for over 60 girls with a focus on healthy living through activities such as aerobics, yoga, sports, healthy cooking and self-expression through the arts.  In the works is a collaboration with CSUMB that will allow the girls, with the help of mentors, to use the lab for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). Thanks to funding and set-up from GTECH, the new computer lab will help get her there!  See the coverage:

KSMS-TV/Univision


Monterey Herald

Thursday, June 7, 2012

GSCCC Board Chair & CEO Brief Congress on STEM Initiatives


Participates in Event with Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus in DC on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math


Washington — June 7, 2012 As part of a national leadership conference, Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast Board Chair Heather Vesterfelt, and CEO Sherry Sybesma participated in a briefing on Capitol Hill this week with Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.  The briefing was designed to alert Members of Congress and their staff about the robust agenda of Girl Scouting, specifically focusing on Girl Scouts Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) initiatives and the Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary.  Read more...

Who's on First of the Month!

June LEADER eBulletin

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Kimberly Coley to Lead New Girl Scout External Affairs Office


Girl Scouts of California's Central Coast appoints Kimberly Coley as Vice President of External Affairs to head-up new Santa Barbara Office. 


    May 23, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The latest in a series of events marking the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouting will be a May 24 reception introducing Kimberly Coley who has recently been appointed Vice President of External Affairs for Girl Scouts of California's Central Coast (GSCCC). Coley, who brings a wealth of experience in community advocacy, volunteer coordination, youth program, and marketing and public relations, will head-up a new Girl Scout office in Santa Barbara. Ms. Coley's primary responsibilities will be to serve as a Girl Scout leadership liaison for Santa Barbara, and to oversee community engagement and resource development across the six counties that make up the council.  Read more...

Friday, May 18, 2012


Below is a link for girls and adults to vote for the recognitions for the 2012-2013 cookie sale. Please encourage the girls in your troop to vote. The recognitions chosen for the 2011-2012 sale were items that the girls in our council voted for. Plus, when you're voting, you get a sneak peak at the possible recognitions for the next cookie sale! Please take a few minutes to go online, take a look, and vote for your favorite items. The Voting deadline is June 15.



Questions? Contact dstillwell@girlscoutsccc.org

Who's on FIRST of the Month!

May LEADER eBulletin

Monday, January 9, 2012

GSCCC to Sponsor Two Delegates for GWF 2012 - CHICAGO

Event Dates: July 14-16, 2012 
Application Deadline: Feb 5, 2012

The Girls' World Forum (GWF) is a conference jointly hosted by GSUSA and WAGGGS at which girls, ages 14 to 18 years old, from all over the world will come together to discuss and develop action steps to address the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG) of eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, promoting gender equality and empowering women, and ensuring environmental sustainability. Girl participants will be given an opportunity to meet and interact with a global girl audience and to look at the role they can play as global citizens. Specifically, girls will:
  • Develop advocacy, leadership and communication skills;
  • Identify viable solutions to MDG issues and incorporate them into designs of personal action plans;
  • Exchange ideas with external partners;
  • Participate in local Take Action projects;
  • Review and incorporate action plans developed at Forums held in 2010 and 2011; and
  • Participate in Girl Scout 100 Anniversary celebrations.
Each Girl Scout council may send two girls and a young adult chaperone to the conference.
GSCCC will pay the registration fee of $650 (includes food accommodations, and all activity and program costs), as well as $350 toward airfare and other expenses for each girl. Any additional costs will be the responsibility of the girl.

GIRLS INTERESTED IN ATTENDING THIS AMAZING EVENT...
...need to complete the application and return it to: GSCCC, 801 S. Victoria Avenue, Ste. 202, Ventura, CA 93003. Applicants must be registered Girl Scouts between the ages of 14 and 18 in July 2012, and must be willing to share their experience with other girls in our council through a blog and/or other activities. Application deadline is February 5, 2012. Participants will be selected by a committee of staff and volunteers.