January 2014

New adventures on the horizon

Happy New Year! A look at our best-of-2013 album shows Girl Scouts growing in courage, confidence and character. Divya and team climbed Mount Whitney. Jane starred in Seussical: The Musical. Abby honored 9/11 heroes, while Devon collected food for needy families. Teens like Kendall and Elizabeth guided Brownies and Daisies through science experiments and financial literacy games. During career workshops, Naomi and Mila imagined themselves as pilots … and Rebecca (pictured above) dove into the world of marine biology. These experiences empower leaders-in-the-making!

Perhaps fifth-grader Samantha summed it up best. “Since joining Girl Scouts, I feel like I can do anything!” she exclaimed, after conquering a challenge course with help from new friends.

There’s plenty more excitement in store for our 30,000 local Girl Scouts in 2014. Girls just can’t wait for what’s next — from exploring their futures to mastering skills. Please help us continue to change girls’ lives by volunteering or donating.

Jo Dee C. Jacob
Chief Executive Officer

Super study
A new report from the Girl Scout Research Institute provides an unprecedented, in-depth look at the physical, social and psychological well-being of today’s girls. The State of Girls: Unfinished Business examines key issues and trends influencing leadership and healthy development. Topics range from demographic shifts (by 2020, nearly half of American girls ages 5 to 17 will be racial/ethnic minorities) to educational statistics (while women outnumber men in college, men are twice as likely to major in science and engineering fields.) This information will help us plan programs to ensure Girl Scouts reach their full potential.

Going greener by the minute
Julian update: Wind-powered machinery
We’re taking our planet-loving practices up a notch! Our newly installed windmill will keep Camp Winacka’s Upper Lake full for canoeing and other girl activities. (The lake will also provide a possible emergency dipping station for aerial firefighters.) Sitting atop a 140-foot-deep well, the towering windmill pumps 14 gallons of water per minute, using clean, free energy from mountain winds to propel a 12-foot “sail.” Other environmentally friendly efforts at our Julian properties include transitioning to drought-resistant native plants, recycling air conditioner wastewater for irrigation, and installing a new solar pool heater that has eliminated a $6,000 annual propane expense.

Making her world a better place
Ambassador Haven Nisly wowed attendees at the Social Innovation and Sustainability conference in San Diego, a regional discussion about environment and community. The program was designed to galvanize sustainability initiatives — and that’s just what Haven is doing as she works toward her Girl Scout Gold Award. Through her project, she’s educating others about California’s water issues and exploring ways for San Diegans to step up their game and adopt daily conservation habits.

Daisy's Big Adventure
Our tiniest leaders learned to love the Earth at the recent Daisy’s Big Adventure event (see photos). More than 100 giddy Girl Scouts descended on our Balboa Campus to dig into exciting activities. Payton (left) made a friendly earthworm as she discovered the importance of composting and gardening. She and other kindergartners-through-first-graders also waddled like penguins, roared like tigers and crawled like ants during an animal play-acting game.

Get ready for cookies!
Girls are gearing up to launch the Girl Scout cookie season on Sunday, Feb. 2. All proceeds stay local. Here’s the breakdown of where your $4 goes: The troop earns 65-90¢ per box for community service projects, camp, travel and other activities. In addition, $1.84 supports councilwide needs for local girls, including programs, camps, properties, volunteer training and financial assistance. The remainder covers cookie program costs (product, girl rewards and events such as financial literacy workshops and the Cookie Rally).

“We’re going to donate some of our cookie money to help teach kids to be kind to each other,” said nine-year-old Nailah of Junior Troop 8906 (center, pictured last year with Reese, left, and Brooklyn). The troop’s goal is to raise $100 for Adobe Bluffs Elementary’s Ability Awareness Action Celebration, which focuses on anti-bullying, inclusion and respect.

Sharing ideas with sister Girl Scouts
At our annual Assembly Meetings, adult and girl delegates will gather to represent their regional service units, giving voice to the opinions and ideas of our membership. Topics will range from technological improvements and property resources to girl programs and trainings. All members ages 14 and up are welcome to attend any of the meetings: our Balboa Campus on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 6:30 p.m.; Escondido Program Center, Thursday, Jan. 30, 6:30 p.m.; or Imperial Valley Service Center, Saturday, Feb. 8, 10 a.m. Contact Heather Mournian, (619) 610-0748, by Friday, Jan. 17 to RSVP.

And the winner is ...
Congratulations to Anamaria of Troop 5969, whose cheerful colored pencil drawing of butterflies in a sunny field of flowers won the SHARE patch design contest. Everyone who donates $25 or more to our Share Her Annual Real Expense (SHARE) campaign receives the patch. Funds collected help bridge the gap between $15 membership dues and $298, the actual cost of providing a girl with great Girl Scout programming year-round. Please consider contributing! Visit our website to learn more — and to see runner-up entries from young artists Tracie, Teresa, Ava and Emily.

'Twas the spirit
In the midst of Black Friday, Cyber Monday and other post-Thanksgiving shopping discount days, many of our members and supporters opted to give back on the second annual #GivingTuesday. Girl Scouts San Diego was among 10,000 partners worldwide who took part in the national event by donating time or dollars. Local members joining the conversation included Brownies pledging to help their friends or solicit donations for needy children, as well as volunteers promising to continue to support worthy causes. Thanks to all who participated! 

Lillie Baca’s #GivingTuesday post on our Facebook page went viral, garnering 55 shares and 15,312 views.

Save the date for these upcoming events
Summer camp registration opens Saturday, Feb. 1
Finish Chelsea’s Run in partnership with Girl Scouts San Diego — Saturday, March 1
Teen Summit — Friday-Sunday, March 7-9

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