Happy National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend!

Guess what? National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend officially kicks off today! Following are a few creative ways to show your cookie-love and join the FUN.

But first, did you know the Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest, most successful girl-led business in the world? Every year, nearly 1.5 million Girl Scouts sell about 200 million boxes of cookies—that’s close to $800 million worth! And the power of our cookie program to teach girls business and financial skills to serve them throughout their lives is unrivaled.

Here’s the best part: Our young cookie entrepreneurs reinvest their cookie earnings into troop activities and projects that make their communities and our world a better place. So when customers buy Girl Scout Cookies, they’re empowering girls to do amazing things in their communities and beyond.

Got all that? The Girl Scout Cookie Program is about helping girls become rock-star entrepreneurs, reach their goals, create change, and learn five essential life skills, preparing them for bright, successful futures in the process. Awesome!

And now, hungry for some good-deed-doing deliciousness? We’ve got you covered.

First…

Find a cookie booth near you.

• Just enter your zip code to get dates and locations for Girl Scout Cookie sales in your area.
• Get going with our mobile app, too! The official Girl Scout Cookie Finder app makes finding your favorite Girl Scout Cookies a snap. Plus, it’s the only app that features every delicious cookie from each of our bakers. Download it for free on your IOS or Android mobile device.

Buy cookies online, from a girl you know.

If you know a Girl Scout, tell her you’re interested in becoming a Digital Cookie customer and she’ll take it from there! Note that as we launch Digital Cookie nationally, girl participation will depend on market area and not all girls will be participating right away.

Once you’ve scored your favorite treats, get creative, Girl Scout Cookie style!

The National Girl Scout Cookie Recipe Contest, sponsored by Taste of Home™, is back! We invite chefs of all levels—from home cooks to established professionals—to submit Girl Scout Cookie-inspired recipes in one of four categories. Get the full scoop.

Then, love to Instagram as much as we do? If so, the Girl Scout Cookiegram Photo Challenge is for you!

And remember, this weekend and all year long, share your inspiring cookie stories with us so we can share ‘em with the world. Doing something truly awesome for your community or beyond with your cookie money this year? We want to hear all about it!

If you’re a parent or volunteer with a great Girl Scout Cookie success story, submit it today for a chance to be featured throughout the year on girlscouts.org, right here on the Girl Scout Blog, on our Facebook and Twitter pages, and more.

Join us in celebrating the most courageous, purpose-filled—and let’s not forget delicious—cookies out there.

Ready, set, go—enjoy cookie weekend!

GSCCC Offices Closed Monday, Feb 15 for President's Day

All GSCCC offices will be closed Monday, February 15 in observance of President's Day. 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

Girl Scout Tradition: World Thinking Day February 22

February 22, celebrates the birthdays of Girl Guides/Girl Scouts founder Robert, Lord Baden-Powell (1857-1941) and World Chief Guide Olave, Lady Baden-Powell (1889-1977). 

Each year on February 22, girls participate in activities and projects with global themes to honor their sister Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in other countries. It is a special day in the Girl Scout year when we remember we are part of a worldwide movement. The day is also a time to donate funds to the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund.

How is your troop celebrating Thinking Day? Send photos to media@girlscoutsccc.org Commemorative patches are sold online or in the shops.

This year's World Thinking Day theme is "Connect". 

Still need ideas for World Thinking Day? You can...

1. Make new friends! Hold a “bring a friend” event with the girls in your troop or group. You might plan a trip to a local park or museum and have each girl bring someone to join in on the fun. Make sure to think of some cool games everyone can play to get to know one another better!

2. Spread good vibes! Send positive messages to Girl Scouts and Girl Guides all over the world by posting to social media with the hashtag #WTD2016. Let them know how much they’re appreciated, and encourage all your followers to donate to the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund!

3. Honor through service! Get together with a group of family members or friends and plan a service project to honor all the amazing things Girl Scouts and Girl Guides do for their communities every day. Share a fun pic on Facebook and Instagram, along with a summary of what you did. Don’t forget the hashtag #WTD2016!

Have a cool idea for connecting this World Thinking Day? Comment below or share it with us on Facebook and Twitter today!

What's New - February GSCCC eBulletin

USNS MERCY SPECIAL EVENT - Friday, February 19, Ventura

The  United States Naval Ship Mercy provides rapid, flexible, and mobile acute medical and surgical services to support U.S. forces deployed ashore and afloat. It also provides support for disaster or humanitarian operations during peacetime.

We have a very special opportunity to meet with the Commanding Officer of the USNS Mercy Medical Unit, Captain Melanie Merrick USN, at Camp Arnaz on Friday, February 19, to learn about the Mercy, its role in world relations, and lessons in leadership. This will be followed up by a very special opportunity to travel to San Diego in April to tour the USNS Mercy in person! Participants in one program are not required to sign up for both. Visit the GSCCC Events Calendar for an opportunity to register for one or both programs.

ANNUAL MEETING: Celebrating 100 Years of the Highest Honor in Girl Scouting  Saturday, April 9, 2016, Wyndam Garden Pierpont Inn, Ventura  6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

GSCCC will present the legacy of these highest medals while spotlighting past, present and future Girl Scout Gold Award recipients and predecessor awardees at a special Annual Meeting to honor the Gold Award Centennial. 

Girls and women will be recognized who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership through their projects. A brief business meeting of the council will also be conducted by the GSCCC Board of Directors.  

All members are invited to attend. Registration begins this week and the cost to attend is $10. Gold Awardee and predecessor awardees are free. If you know of Girl Scout alumni who have earned Girl Scouting's highest honor, please share the event and have them contact Sheila Walsh: swalsh@girlscoutsccc.org  

Camp Arnaz rustic (cot/mat) overnight lodging will be provided to Gold Award recipients' troops at no charge if they would like to attend. A block of rooms have been reserved for GSCCC at the Pierpont Inn for $139 + tax - must reserve by March 25.

GOLD AWARD VIDEO CASTING CALL Girls who have earned, or are earning the Gold Award this Centennial year, are invited to participate in a video production scheduled for Saturday, February 20. Please contact Sheila as soon as possible if you are interested. 

 

COOKIE SALE PROGRAM 2016  BIG thanks! to everybody who participated in the initial cookie deliveries. At the start of the sale, we had 907,500 boxes of cookies in the hands of 6,441 girls. More cookie sale info here.

We are incredibly grateful for all of the time and space you are giving to your troop's successful cookie sale program. We are having delivery and technology problems due to issues outside the council's control, and are working diligently to resolve them. This is causing a high volume of phone calls and emails. We appreciate your patience. Thanks again for all you do for Girl Scouts!

GIRL SCOUT TRADITIONS:  World Thinking Day

February 22, celebrates the birthdays of Girl Guides/Girl Scouts founder Robert, Lord Baden-Powell (1857-1941) and World Chief Guide Olave, Lady Baden-Powell (1889-1977).   

Each year on February 22, girls participate in activities and projects with global themes to honor their sister Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in other countries. It is a special day in the Girl Scout year when we remember we are part of a worldwide movement. The day is also a time to donate funds to the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund.  How is your troop celebrating Thinking Day?  Send photos tomedia@girlscoutsccc.org Commemorative patches are sold online or in the shops.

DISCOVER, CONNECT, AND TAKE ACTION

UPCOMING PROGRAM EVENTS

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

• Dive DEEP at the Conejo Gem and Mineral Club meeting, February 11, Thousand Oaks
• USNS Mercy: Compassion and Leadership Around the World, February 19, Camp Arnaz (see above)
• Engineering Challenge, February 27, San Luis Obispo
• Monarch Monitoring Program, first meeting March 12, Camp Arnaz (see below)
• Sand Dune Restoration, March 12, Pacific Grove

MONARCH MONITORING PROGRAM AT THE ARNAZ PROGRAM CENTER

Come learn all about how you can help the declining Monarch butterfly population by attending the Arnaz Program Center's Monarch Monitoring Program. This program is scheduled every second Saturday from March through December 2016. (*EXCEPTION - September 2016, 3rd Saturday) Register viaGSCCC Events Calendar.

All information and data collected will be submitted to the University of Minnesota's Monarch Larvae Monitoring Project (MLMP). Questions? Contact: Amanda ahofmann-handy@girlscoutsccc.org for more information.

CAMP ARNAZ RECEIVES AMERICAN CAMP ASSOCIATION ACCREDITATION

Camp Arnaz has been recognized by the American Camp Association (ACA) for its dedication to excellence and safety. ACA Accredition means that the policies and procedures in place at the camp help to ensure a very high level of safety and security for you and all camp visitors!

CAMP ARNAZ MASTER PLAN

There are many ways that you can contribute to the development of a Master Plan for Camp Arnaz.

1. Send us your input no later than February 29, 2016 online athttps://www.cognitoforms.com/Camparnazgirlscoutscccorg/CampArnazMasterPlan
2. Come to the community meeting at Camp Arnaz on February 17, from 6:00-8:00 pm to lend your voice to the discussion. Please RSVP to camparnaz@girlscoutsccc.org
3. Join the Camp Arnaz Master Plan Task Force. Email camparnaz@girlscoutsccc.org if you are interested. The Task Force will meet in March to review responses from the online form and community meeting, and determine next steps (and further meetings) at that time.

KALEIDOSCOPE 2017 A weekend camporee for Junior, Cadette, Senior and Ambassador Troops that includes outdoor skills challenges, tent camping, fun & friendship. Planning has begun. Committee Members Needed! Committee meetings will be held monthly at the Goleta Girl Scout office. Needed: Parking Chair and Scheduler Chair.  Other positions are also open. Questions? Contact: Volunteer Co-Chairs:  Marsha Hill, thehills@sbceo.org or Holly Nishida, gollyholly@aol.com.

ARBOR DAY - April 30, 2016 

Arbor Day is all about planting, nurturing, and promoting education about trees. Celebrate the day at Camp Arnaz and help plant 100 trees!

Girls will also learn:

• The proper way to plant a tree from a landscape architect; who also happens to be our very own GSCCC Director of Properties!
• About the seasons and why it is important to plant trees at the right time.
• Proper watering techniques and tree wells.
• Staking a tree correctly so it won't blow over!

Register via GSCCC Events Calendar.

VOLUNTEER ADULT AWARDS - DEADLINE FEBRUARY 19

Has an adult volunteer really gone the extra mile in serving girls, fellow adults, the needs of the council, or the movement overall? Recognize those tremendous efforts by submitting a nomination for an adult award! There are many different kinds of awards. Nominations for awards should be in recognition of efforts during the 2014-15 Girl Scout year. Adult Awards Guide answers most questions. To make the process a bit easier, Nomination and Endorsement forms can be filled out online and printed.

Applications that require council approval must be received by February 19, 2016. Questions? Contact: Melissa mbaffa@girlscoutsccc.org

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 council offers a variety of training opportunities throughout the year? A sample of programs coming up includes: 

• Learning Facilitator Training, March 5, Castroville
• Outdoor Training, March 10, Hollister
• Learning Facilitator Training, March 19, San Luis Obispo
• First Aid & CPR, March 20, Simi Valley 

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

PRODUCT SALE PROGRAMS

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND - Mini Order-Tracking Card (download, print, and go)

EL NIÑO PATCH Let it rain. Let it rain. Let it rain. El Niño shouldn't dampen the Cookie Sale.  Infact, your girls can earn an El Niño patch if they brave the elements to sell those Thin Mints. Send us a picture of how you stand tall against El Niño and your patch is free.  Send to media@girlscoutsccc.org Include your Troop # and contact information. In addition, Girl Scout rain ponchos will be available for purchase from the Service Unit.

NATIONAL GIRL SCOUT COOKIE WEEKEND, FEBRUARY 26 - 28, 2016  

Girls around the country will be celebrating all of the amazing things they do with their cookie earnings every year, while highlighting the importance of the 5 Skills they learn through the Girl Scout Cookie Program! Submit your awesome cookie earnings stories at www.girlscouts.org/shareyourstory , and let the "cookie bosses" shine bright. Select stories will be featured during National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend!  Commemorative patches are available in the stores and online. 

FOR THE TROOPS COOKIE DONATIONS SUGGESTION... 

Troops could contact their local VFWs and American Legions to promote Troop to Troops cookie sales.

 

DATES TO REMEMBER

• Monday, 2/8 - Initial ACH withdrawal from Troop bank accounts
• Friday, 2/12- Cookie Booth Sales Begin
• Monday, 2/15 - Webinar: Booth & Finances
• Monday, 2/22 - Second ACH withdrawal from Troop bank accounts
•  February 26-28 - National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend
• Monday, 2/29 - Webinar: Rewards & Final Issues
• Sunday, 3/6 - Cookie Sale Ends
• Monday, 3/14 - Final ACH withdrawal from Troop bank accounts.

Register for upcoming webinars on the GSCCC calendar

COOKIE SUPPORT - Email: cookies@girlscoutsccc.org  

• Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties: Christina cortiz@girlscoutsccc.org or 805-232-3985

• SLO, Monterey, San Benito & Santa Cruz counties: Rebecca rjones@girlscoutsccc.org or 831-632-9782

• Director of Sales: Carol cchavez@girlscoutsccc.org or 805-232-3977

Shop on-line or visit our council shops to get all of your Cookie promotion and fun needs. New cookie merchandise and council's own items available at both store locations.   Click here to view the GSUSA Cookie Promotion Flyer. Drawstring or Reusable Bag - free with minimum purchase. AROUND THE CORNER Girl Scout Week is March 6 - 12, 2016 Girl Scouts' Birthday, March 12, commemorates the day in 1912 when Juliette Gordon Low officially registered the organization's first 18 girl members in Savannah, Georgia. Girl Scout Week is celebrated each March, starting with Girl Scout Sunday and ending with Girl Scout Sabbath on a Saturday, and it always includes Girl Scouts' Birthday, March 12. Girl Scout Sunday and Girl Scout Sabbath give girls an opportunity to attend their place of worship and be recognized as a Girl Scout. Read the full newsletter here.