The Cool Women Class of 2015: (back row, from left): Carol Lazier, Rabbi Cantor Arlene Bernstein, Carmen Vann, Awetash Keflezighi, Sue Swenson, Girl Scout Elena Crespo and Lesley Cohn; (front) Karen Archipley, Susan Salka, Reena Horowitz, Rose Schindler and Dr. Karen S. Haynes.

May 2015

Cool agents of change

Congratulations to Girl Scouts San Diego’s Cool Women and Cool Girl 2015! We applauded these extraordinarily accomplished leaders during a luncheon celebration co-chaired on April 14 by board members Julie Dubick and Lori Walton. (Photos, bios, videos and news articles.)

We were truly inspired by our honorees’ creativity, courage and conviction. Many of the Cool Women are Girl Scout alumnae — evidence of the power of our organization!

That’s also the case for Cool Girl 2015 Elena Crespo. Described by the U-T San Diego as “one smart cookie,” this Girl Scout Ambassador recently returned from Panama, where she developed a school computer lab. Elena is working on a Gold Award project to educate youth about disparities in education between Californian and Latin American schools. She is a member of Girl Scouts’ Global Arms of Advocacy group and a Girl Scouts of the USA delegate. Elena received the Prudential Spirit of Community award with a President’s Volunteer Service award certificate signed by Barack Obama.

Elena is definitely cool … and so are all our 2015 honorees.

Jo Dee C. Jacob
Chief Executive Officer

OTM Sendoff 2015 showcases Girl Scout pride
More than 2,300 attendees boarded the USS Midway Museum for our Operation Thin Mint_® (OTM) Sendoff to celebrate sending the 2.5 millionth box of cookies to deployed U.S. troops since 2002 (photos, TV spots and press release.) Festivities began with an all-woman color guard representing the U.S. Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy. Military personnel saluted top Girl Scout Cookie sellers, who arrived and departed by helicopter. Other highlights included performances by the San Diego High School JROTC drill team and the Faultlines band featuring The Voice contestant Ashley Morgan.

Making cookies bloom
While walking home from school, Poway Junior Troop 8157 — led by Lisa Suzuki — spotted an opportunity for a service project at a group home for women with special needs. The girls decided to use their cookie earnings to plant a garden for the residents, who have autism and/or Down syndrome. The future horticulturists recently completed the yard beautification job, gaining lessons about disabilities and drought-resistant plants in the process. (Poway News Chieftain article.)

Spotlight on Girl Scout Outreach supporters
We’re taking Girl Scouting to the edges of the earth with help from the generous community partners who sponsor our Girl Scout Outreach (GSO) team. Our GSO program benefits girls from under-served schools, homeless shelters and the County’s Girls Rehabilitation Facility. To learn how to help, contact Outreach Manager Lucy Esparza, (619) 610-0788.

Grants fund mountains of adventures
During our 15th annual Mountain Adventure Weekend hosted by our Outreach team, 104 girls (mostly first-time campers) built leadership skills while exploring nature at our beautiful Camp Whispering Oaks property. Undeterred by rain showers, the fourth- and fifth-graders followed deer tracks, hiked, examined trees and plants, engaged in teambuilding activities and played basketball. They also produced skits, and — of course — made s’mores! (Facebook album.)

The San Diego Foundation provided key support with a $40,000 grant through its Opening the Outdoors program. The gift supports a range of outdoor education programs and other leadership experiences. Other contributors included the San Diego Rotary Club and Community Service Association.

Thank you, Soroptimist International of Coronado!
Cheers to our sisters at the Soroptimist International of Coronado (SIC), part of a worldwide organization of volunteers working together to transform the lives of women and girls. The Coronado chapter’s recent $10,000 contribution covers the cost of backpacks for after-school program participants and funds three events for girls in grades 2-5 and the moms, aunts, grandmas and other female adults in their lives. The next session, “Yoga and Zumba with Girl Scouts,” is set for Euclid Elementary.

Girl Scout Junior Shalene — pictured with Cool Woman 2013 Ellen Whelan — represented our organization at SIC’s recent Legends Luncheon.

Helping Feed America
Eighty Girl Scouts teamed up with State Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins to volunteer for Feeding America San Diego. Together, they helped sort, bag and box food for hungry children, families and seniors. Speaker Atkins later tweeted: Helping @FeedingSanDiego w/ @sdgirlscouts, giving up their Sat. to put food on local tables. Thx all! #WeSparkChange

Earth Day fest opens doors to Girl Scouting
The planet-loving members of Junior Troop 6059 recently hosted an Earth Day and Songfest celebration at our Balboa Campus, attended by more than 200 Girl Scouts of all program levels. (Facebook album.) Participants sang traditional songs and took part in games and activities about water and energy conservation, recycling and nature. The newcomers look forward to more Girl Scouting adventures. Troop leader Jennifer Chavarria organized the girl-led recruitment event as part of our Spring Membership Campaign.

Gold Award scholarships join Chelsea King's legacy
During Finish Chelsea’s Run in Partnership with Girl Scouts San Diego, we celebrated the life of a college-bound girl whose memory continues to inspire others to dream big. In that spirit, the Chelsea's Light Foundation recently opened applications for scholarships providing Girl Scouts the funds to pursue the Gold Award projects of their choice. The first one granted is for a project that will provide art lessons to senior citizens. To learn more, contact Steph Dawes, (619) 610-0792.

Featured events

• Girl Scout camp — June 15-Aug.14
• Volunteer Conference and Celebration — Saturday, Aug. 15
• Urban Campout: Island Treasures — Friday, Sept. 11
• Additional events for girls and volunteers: GS Bi-Weekly

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About Girl Scouts
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouting provides the nation’s best leadership experience for girls. Through Girl Scouts, girls discover themselves, connect with others, and take action to make the world a better place.

Girl Scouts San Diego provides activities for 43,000 local girl and adult members, trains volunteers, and maintains two camps and four program and service facilities.

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