GSCCC Offices Closed Monday, Dec 14 for Quarterly All-Staff Meeting

All GSCCC offices will be closed Monday, December 14th for our Quarterly All-Staff Meeting. The GSCCC retail shops will also be closed (per their normal schedule).

If you need to reach Council on Monday, please call our after hours number: 800 340-7179. Our website (including the online store) will also remain available http://www.girlscoutsccc.org

GSCCC Winter Holiday Office and Shop Closures

Council offices will close at Noon, December 24 and remain closed through January 1, 2016. Offices will reopen Monday, January 4, 2016.

Council Retail Shops Closures

The GSCCC Retail Shops will be closed Christmas Eve, December 24 - Tuesday, January 5, 2016.

GSCCC wishes you a wonderful holiday season and joyous New Year!

Shopping Online? Use the GSCCC AmazonSmile Link

Holiday shopping? Support a cause you love while shopping for those you love!

AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support Girl Scouts of California's Central Coast every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate 0.5% of your eligible purchases to GSCCC.

Shopping with AmazonSmile is easy - and you can use your same Amazon log in - just start your shopping by visiting: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/94-1567162

What's New - December GSCCC eBulletin

HAPPY HANUKKAH! MERRY CHRISTMAS!  HAPPY KWANZAA! GOOD WINTER SOLSTICE! 

However you celebrate the holidays, we wish you joy and happiness together with friends and family!

Council offices will be closed beginning Wednesday, December 24, at noon and reopening on Monday, January 4, 2016.

 

WELCOME TO NEW STAFF

Jody Skenderian, Chief Development Officer based in Ventura. Jody is responsible for fund development strategy, expansion of public support, stewardship of planned and major gifts, and grant administration with a team stretching from Ventura County to Santa Cruz County. Previously, Jody held the position of Director of Community Relations for University of Phoenix Southern California Campus where she lead strategy and implementation of alumni, community and faculty engagement while also directing local giving efforts. Read more here...

Kim Summers-Everett, Membership Manager in San Luis Obispo County. Kim brings lots of great experience in camp and volunteer program with Campfire and YWCA. She worked for Girl Scouts NorCal at their camp in the Santa Cruz mountains.  She supervised both staff and volunteers to create programs and events for many years. Kim and her family recently moved to SLO from Oregon. Kim registered her daughter for a new Daisy troop at Girls Night Out.  She has a very unique perspective on youth development and volunteer management, and has a love for Girl Scouts. 

FAREWELL AND GODSPEED

• Pat Soulliere-Ochylski left the council after 21 years of serving volunteers and girls in San Luis Obispo county.  Thank you for your passion and dedication.
• Jenn Kurtz left her position as Membership Manager based in Castroville after 5 years.
• Jeanne Llewellyn left her position as Program/Volunteer Services Specialist based in Ventura.

NEW ATASCADERO OFFICE Open by appointment. (SLO office moved to this location.) 8405 Morro Road (Rt. 41) Atascadero, CA  93422

SAVE THE DATE - ANNUAL MEETING, Saturday, April 9, 2016, Ventura County location TBD.  Theme: Celebrating 100 years of the Gold Award.  If you earned, or know someone who earned the Gold Award, or its predecessors First Class, Curved Bar, or Golden Eaglet, please let us know.  Contact: Sheila swalsh@girlscoutsccc.org

SUPPORT FOR USA GIRL SCOUTS OVERSEAS IN PARIS

USA Girl Scouts Overseas (USAGSO) brings Girl Scouting to American families in U.S. Department of Defense schools, and to girls enrolled in American and international schools in 97 countries worldwide. Paris, France, is a USAGSO location that serves nearly 400 girls in 33 troops in 21 schools. As you know, Paris sustained a series of terrorist attacks on November 13. Our Paris-based volunteers reported that all USAGSO members and their families are accounted for and safe.  GSUSA CEO Anna Maria Chávez sent a letter to our overseas members on behalf of the Girl Scout Movement, expressing our collective condolences and support.

For your information and in case you would like to reach out, USAGSO Paris is posting updates and receiving words of support on its Facebook page. Also, in times like these, Girl Scouts often wonder how they can help. As a reminder, we have two resources that address this -"What a Girl Can Do When Disaster Strikes" for girls and "What Girl Scout Leadership Looks Like in Times of Disaster" for adults-both of which can be found on girlscouts.org.

PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARDS 

Congratulations to GSCCC local honorees: Caitlyn Fastenau, Ventura; and Amina Ghorob, Westlake Village. Thank you for making a difference by volunteering in your communities, and best wishes as you move into state-level judging!

GETTING READY FOR COOKIES AND HONOR TROOP

December is full of activities and family, so make your life easier by checking-off your registration for the 2015-2016 Girl Scout year now. That way you'll be ready to go for cookie sales, and help your troop earn Honor Troop status all at the same time. Honor Troop Program PDF.

Questions? Contact Camille cjaque@girlscoutsccc.org

DISCOVER, CONNECT, TAKE ACTION...

UPCOMING PROGRAM EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

The following is just a partial listing of the many programs happening in December and coming months. Be sure to visit the GSCCC Events Calendar for more information, and to register!

• Designs on Chocolate, December 5, Salinas
• What's the Scoop...Girl Scouts Highest Awards Workshop, December 11, Orcutt
• Digital Movie Maker, December 12, Capitola
• Sub Sea Tour, December 12, Morro Bay
• Native Garden Planning Workshop, December 12, Arnaz
• Tidepool Trek, December 13, Carpinteria State Beach
• Cookie U, January 9, variety of locations
• Archery - Level 1, January 10, Arnaz
• Cookie U, January 16, variety of locations
• Dive DEEP at the Mariners Club meeting, February 9, Ojai
• Dive DEEP at the Conejo Gem and Mineral Club meeting, February 11, Thousand Oaks

COOKIE U

Cookie U is coming to a location near you in January. Events are being held throughout the council on January 9 and 16. Please check the Events Calendar and sign up. Hurry! Registration closes December 16.

We are also seeking volunteers to help stage the Cookie U events. If you would like to volunteer, please email Melissa Baffa:  mbaffa@girlscoutsccc.org 

Register via the GSCCC Events Calendar

Questions? Contact: programs@girlscoutsccc.org  

TRAVEL

Learn more here about exciting council travel and GSUSA destinations trips and deadlines. Plan now for summer, or for summer 2017!

KALEIDOSCOPE 2017

Kaleidoscope Committee Members Needed! 

The Committee will meet once a month starting in January. Generally, meetings are held alternating in a northern/central area and then in a southern area.  Needed: Parking Chair, Scheduler Chair, and Webmaster Chair.  Other positions are also open.

Questions? Contact: Volunteer Co-Chairs:  Marsha Hill, thehills@sbceo.org or Holly Nishida,gollyholly@aol.com.  Thank you.

AREA TRAINING COORDINATOR (ATC) NEEDED IN

SANTA BARBARA, MONTEREY, SAN BENITO,

AND SANTA CRUZ COUNTIES

ATCs coordinate local GSCCC trainings.  They understand the overall process of current council trainings, assist staff with keeping training kits current, assist with organizing area trainings, and speak at Service Unit Meetings.

Current ATCs are:

• Ventura County: Debi Dyer. Training questions?  Contact Debi: elfgsccc@gmail.com
• SLO County: Cindy Barcelona. Training questions? Contact Cindy: biglittle@charter.net

Interested? Contact Sheila at swalsh@girlscoutsccc.org.  An ATC is a current GSUSA member, has completed a Volunteer Application and background check, Learning Facilitator training, and at least one other current GSCCC training.

ADULT TRAINING

Did you know that GSCCC offers a variety of training opportunities throughout the year? A sample of programs coming up in December and future months include:

• First Aid & CPR, December 6, Conejo Valley
• First Aid & CPR, January 23, Camp Arnaz
• Learning Facilitator Training, March 5, Castroville
• Learning Facilitator Training, March 19, San Luis Obispo

Register via the GSCCC Events Calendar. Questions? Contact programs@girlscoutsccc.org

2015 FALL PRODUCT SALE

After giving thanks with our families, we want to give thanks to all of our wonderful volunteers and parents who supported girls in reaching their goals through the Fall Product Campaign.  We are still crunching the numbers, but it's shaped out to be one of our best starts to the Girl Scout Year. We can't wait to see or hear about how troops will use their proceeds to FUNd their Girl Scout journey. 

Thanks to the 480 troops and over 2,750 girls who participated, we will also be sending 2,750 Care2Share items to the military and veterans.

Please Remember:

• Parents/Troop Leaders MUST make Rewards choices in M2 by December 7.
• Final ACH Withdrawal from Troop accounts will be on December 7.

 

 

COOKIE SALE PROGRAM 2016 starts January 23, but our staff and volunteers are already working hard to get ready! GSCCC is joining the rest of California and increasing cookie package prices to $5. Read CEO letter here...

Hopefully, you had a chance to join our Intro to Cookies 2016 webinar on November 18.  If you missed it, here are links to view the recording and the presentation slides.

PDF: http://1drv.ms/1QQ6uMW

Recording: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/recording/3386816142098652418

Questions? Contact: cookies@girlscoutsccc.org

                    

COOKIE U: Save the date, Cookie University is coming to a location near you, January 9 or 16 -

register here: GSCCC calendar.

Questions? Contact: Carol cchavez@girlscoutsccc.org  

RETAIL SHOP

UNIFORMS, PROGRAM MATERIALS, GARMENTS & GIFTS The holidays are packed with Girl Scout fun: Caroling, Parades, Winter Wonderland events... we have a patch for that!  Visit us or email your orders to shop@girlscoutsccc.org.  December 4 is the last day to place special orders for guaranteed delivery by December 22.  Don't miss the Holiday Gift Sale and Year-End Clearance in the Ventura Shop - Saturday, December 5, 10AM-2PM  Come in and shop for holiday gifts, or get all your uniform essentials and a free girl drawstring bag. Ventura & Castroville Holiday Shop Closures Closed December 24 - January 4; Reopens - Tuesday,  January 5 Read the full newsletter here.

GSCCC Holiday Office and Shop Closures

In honor of Thanksgiving, Council offices will be closed November 26 and Friday, November 27.

In December, Council offices will close at Noon, December 24 and remain closed through January 1, 2016. Offices will reopen Monday, January 4, 2016.

Council Retail Shops Reduced Hours and Closures

Wednesday, November 25 shop hours are 10 am - 2 pm.

Shops will be closed Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 26 through Tuesday, December 1.

The GSCCC Retail Shops will also be closed Christmas Eve, December 24 - Tuesday, January 5, 2016.

What's New - November GSCCC eBulletin

VOTE FOR THE NEXT GIRL SCOUT BADGE!

Announced yesterday through November 15, GSUSA released that girls can vote for their favorite of three awesome badge categories, and one topic under that category. That's right. It's Girls' Choice, and we can't wait to find out who the winner is!  Will Outdoors, STEM, or Financial Literacy win? The choice is hers. Encourage every Girl Scout you know to speak up and vote today. Learn more & vote!

FORK IT OVER IS A SWEET AND SAVORY SUCCESS FOR ARNAZ

Fork It Over GSCCC cookie culinary competition and fundraiser was a lot of fun and we are very grateful to all the sponsors, chefs, wine, beer and spirit providers, judges and attendees who came out to benefit the Arnaz Program Center where over $25,000 was raised. You can still read about the event here:  www.forkitovergsccc.com. 

FIO Winners:

Twenty88 Wine Bistro, Assisted Home Care and Hospice, Brendan's Irish Pub and Restaurant, and The Cave inside Ventura Wine Company. 

THANK YOU!

I CAN'T WAIT TO... REFER-A-FRIEND VOLUNTEER PROMOTION THIS MONTH

During the month of November 2015, we are asking volunteers to recruit a friend to start a new K-5 troop. Every existing volunteer who recruits one to two new volunteers, will receive $50 each, for the Girl Scout online shop from GSUSA. Each new volunteer will receive a coupon code for a Volunteer Resource Pack.  Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of the fun! Share now! girlscouts.org/inviteafriend Questions? Camille cjaque@girlscoutsccc.org

DISCOVER, CONNECT, AND TAKE ACTION UPCOMING PROGRAM EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

The following is just a partial listing of the many programs going on in the months of November and December. Be sure to visit the GSCCC Events Calendar for more information, and to register! 

• Girl Scout Star Party, San Luis Obispo, November 6
• Girl Scouts visit Sea Star Stable, Watsonville,  November 8
• Level One Archery Certification, November 14, Santa Cruz
• PA Core Training, November 14, Salinas
• Creek Defenders, November 14, Agoura Hills
• First Aid/CPR Certification, November 14, Goleta
• Public Speaker Badge Workshop, November 14, Conejo
• Level One Archery Certification Training, November 15, Buellton
• Digital Photographer Badge Workshop, November 15, San Fernando Valley
• Designs on Chocolate, December 5, Salinas
• Public Speaker Badge Workshop, December 5, Arnaz
• Daisy Artist Workshop, December 5, Avila Beach
• First Aid/CPR Certification, December 6, CLU
• Digital Movie Maker, December 12, Capitola
• Making Friends Brownie Badge Workshop, December 13, Conejo
• Tidepool Trek, December 13, Carpinteria State Beach  

A DAY OF BIRDS FOR EVERYONE AT CAMP ARNAZ - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22

Daisies, Brownies and Juniors are invited to register for Feathered Friends in the morning. Girls will earn a Feathered Friends patch by participating in this program. Girls will meet wildlife biologists, see live birds of prey up close during a presentation conducted by the Ojai Raptor Center, make crafts and a take-home STEM craft/activity, and dissect an owl pellet and learn all about how (and what) birds eat! 

Older girls (Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors) are encouraged to register for the California Clapper Rail: Nest Construction workshop on the same day. Girls who participate will also work with wildlife biologists and participate in the Ojai Raptor Center presentation. Additionally, older girls will construct floating nests for the California Clapper Rails that roost within a lagoon in Ventura County. Girls will also be able to add a personal touch that will identify their team's nest! This exciting program is a collaboration between GSCCC, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Audubon Ventura, and Naval Base Ventura County. Don't miss it!

Register via the GSCCC Events Calendar.  Questions? Contact programs@girlscoutsccc.org  

PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARD DEADLINE NOV 3

There are still a few days left in which to apply for the Prudential Spirit of Community Award. Youth grades 5-12 as of November 3, who participated in a volunteer activity after September 1, 2014 are eligible to apply for a Prudential Spirit of Community Award. Youth may be recognized at the local, state, or even national level for their volunteer service! Go to the Prudential Spirit of Community Award website to find out more and to submit an application. The deadline to complete your application is November 3, 2015. When filling out your online application, direct it to GSCCC Council Contact Melissa Baffa at mbaffa@girlscoutsccc.org

ADULT TRAINING

Did you know that GSCCC offers a variety of training opportunities throughout the year? A sample of programs coming up in November and December include:

• Level One Archery Certification, November 14, Santa Cruz
• First Aid/CPR Certification, November 14, Goleta
• Level One Archery Certification Training, November 15, Buellton
• First Aid/CPR Certification, December 6, CLU

Register via the GSCCC Events Calendar. Questions? Contact programs@girlscoutsccc.org

2015 FALL PRODUCT SALE PROGRAM IS WELL UNDERWAY!

2,743 Girls and 476 Troops Participating; 1,990 Created Avatars

Troops earn funds for troop activities at the start of the Girl Scout year. Girl Scouts ask friends and families to help support their troop and council by renewing their favorite magazines, subscribing to new ones, and ordering nuts & candy items.

ONLINE SALE CONTINUES THROUGH NOVEMBER 27: Newly formed troops can still participate in the online magazine and nut e-commerce product sale. Also, there are items available through the Trophy Nut website that we did not have available through the GSCCC Order card, such as chocolate covered pretzels in a holiday tin, or large party baskets.  

To learn more, visit the Fall Product Sale page

RETAIL SHOP

SHOP HOURS Tuesday and Thursday: 10 am - 4 pm; Wednesday 10 am - 6 pm  No Saturday Shop in November We have all of your basic uniform needs in addition to fun items for every Girl Scout in your home/troop. Visit us at our two council retail stores in Ventura and Castroville, or shop online.    Read the full newsletter...

Free Shipping, Sale & Clearance!

Trick or Treat? Free shipping & a Sale and Clearance are Treats for you! Get Free shipping on orders of $75 or more, now through October 31. A Sale and Clearance on Sportswear, Fun Patches, and more are also going on now! Shop online at http://www.girlscoutshop.com/COUNCIL-OWN-MERCHANDISE/CALIFORNIAS-CENTRAL-COAST-COUNCIL

What's New - October GSCCC eBulletin

HAPPY NEW GIRL SCOUT YEAR! The official Girl Scout membership year begins October 1.  Here's wishing you and your girls a year full of new adventures, fun, and friendship. SAVE THE DATE! GSCCC Fundraising Event, Fork It Over, to benefit Camp Arnaz!   October 28 from 6-9 pm Palm Garden Hotel, Thousand Oaks Fork It Over is a Girl Scout Cookie culinary competition that will feature savory appetizers and sweet desserts made by noted chefs in our community. Attendees will be able to taste the entries, enjoy samplings of beverages from local vendors, and will receive a recipe book featuring the event entries. For more information and to purchase tickets, please go to www.forkitovergsccc.com.  Please come and support our cherished Camp Arnaz! GIRLS NIGHT OUT: Councilwide Success!  Over 500 girls and 150 adults joined Girl Scouts forming ~50 new troops during the two Friday Girls Night Out events. Thank you to the huge role that the SU volunteers played in these 24 events.  We reached girls from over 500 different elementary schools.  Watch for an evaluation survey in your email soon. Comments and/or questions? Contact: Karen Skole kskole@girlscoutsccc.org I CAN'T WAIT TO... REFER-A-FRIEND VOLUNTEER PROMOTION During the month of November 2015, we are asking volunteers to recruit a friend to start a new K-5 troop. Every existing volunteer who recruits one to two new volunteers, will receive $50 each, for the Girl Scout online shop from GSUSA. Each new volunteer will receive a coupon code for a Volunteer Resource Pack.  Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of the fun! Share now to get ready for November 1! girlscouts.org/inviteafriend Questions? Camille cjaque@girlscoutsccc.org DISCOVER, CONNECT, AND TAKE ACTION UPCOMING PROGRAM EVENT HIGHLIGHTS Gauchos Women's Soccer, Santa Barbara, October 15 Moonlight Madness,  Girl Scout Star Party, Felton,  October 16 The Sound of Music, Ahmanson Theater, October 17 LEGO Animal Robotics, Capitola, October 17 Skating For Daisy's Girls, Santa Maria, October 25 Girl Scout Star Party, San Luis Obispo, November 6 Hooked on Fishing, Ventura, November 7 Artist Legacy Badge Workshops, Goleta, November 7 Girl Scouts visit Sea Star Stable, Watsonville,  November 8 See all Events/Register via the comprehensive GSCCC Events Calendar.   Questions? Contact programs@girlscoutsccc.org TRAVEL WITH GSCCC  A variety of travel experiences are available through the Girl Scouts. Girls interested in troop travel with council can visit several amazing places with other Girl Scouts. Here are a few upcoming trips where you can join us. LONDON TO LUCERNE - JULY 2016  Visit two Girl Scout World Centres (London's Pax Lodge and the Swiss Chalet).  We'll go to London, Paris and Lucerne, Switzerland. You'll earn patches and pins that can ONLY be had by attending these very special WAGGGS ceremonies onsite. We'll see the Eiffel Tower, Versaille (side trip), the London Eye, Big Ben, the Queen's palace and so much more! SAVANNAH, GA - June 2016  Visit the birthplace of GSUSA and visit the homes of our founder - Juliette Gordon Low! You'll earn special patches and a unique Daisy Pin that can ONLY be earned at her beautifully restored home. Girls will also visit historic Fort Jackson, see the Atlantic ocean, eat with pirates, sail with dolphins and much more!  COSTA RICA - July 2017  Environmental service trip -- help the local economy and the rain forest of Costa Rica with other Girl Scouts. Plan ahead for this trip in two summers - join now to save $200 and start money earning now. This trip with allow girls to see monkeys, alligators, and much more. Kayaking, hiking and visiting with locals to learn their customs and folklore are highlights of this service-oriented trip to the jungle.  To find out more about these trips and the GSCCC Travel program in general, please visit the GSCCC Travel page. DESTINATIONS For girls 11-17 interested in individual travel (separate from their troops), the GSUSA destinations program is the way to go. Facilitated by Girl Scouts of the USA and hosted by individual Girl Scout councils, GSUSA, and contracted organizations, such as Outward Bound, Girl Scout destinations travel opportunities opens the door to a world of travel and life-changing experiences. For more information about the destinations travel program, please visit the GSCCC Destinations page. PRUDENTIAL SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARD Youth grades 5-12 as of November 3 who participated in a volunteer activity after September 1, 2014 are eligible to apply for a Prudential Spirit of Community Award. Youth may be recognized at the local, state, or even national level for their volunteer service! Go to the Prudential Spirit of Community Award website to find out more and to submit an application. When filling out your online application, direct it to GSCCC Council Contact Melissa Baffa at mbaffa@girlscoutsccc.org SAVE THE DATE: ADULT VOLUNTEER TRAINING EVENTS Formerly called Leaderama, this workshop is open to all volunteers, including new and experienced leaders. Please join us for fun, training, and networking. Check the GSCCC Events Calendar and register today. Saturday, October 10 - California Lutheran University, Thousand Oaks Saturday, October 17 - San Luis Obispo Saturday, October 24 - Castroville  WELCOME TO THE 2015 FALL PRODUCT SALE PROGRAM! Troops earn funds for troop activities at the start of the Girl Scout year. Girl Scouts ask friends and families to help support their troop and council by renewing their favorite magazines, subscribing to new ones, and ordering nuts & candy items. HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS  Two components (Magazines and Nuts & Candies); girls are encouraged to offer both products to friends and family. To Learn more, visit the Fall Product Sale webpage and make sure a troop representative attends Service Unit Training. RETAIL SHOP HOURS OPEN Tuesday and Thursday: 10 am - 4 pm; Wednesday 10 am - 6 pm  SATURDAYS: Due to lack of interest, the Castroville Shop will NOT be open on Saturdays. The Ventura Shop will be open Saturday, October 3 from 10 am - 2 pm. NEW FALL APPAREL Click to view online. BACK-TO-TROOP Starter/Essentials Kits  Visit GSCCC shops or shop online for your back to troop needs. Starter Kits (Vests, Insignia, GSGLE & Journey Books) are all available, and you receive a free backpack with every starter kit purchase.  With any purchase of $75.00, from September 1 - October 15, you will receive a $10.00 coupon for a future purchase.

Read the full newsletter here.