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August 2015
More than just a lake
Girl Scouts and SDG&E team up to make the world a safer place
Our newly renovated Upper Lake at Camp Winacka is making a big splash with girls this summer, as they enjoy catch-and-release fishing, canoeing and kayaking.
Importantly, the lake is also now a vital resource for firefighters and other emergency responders. Thanks to a 2013 joint grant from SDG&E, the County of San Diego and CAL FIRE to seal and restore it, the lake is ready to serve as a dipping station for CAL FIRE helicopters.
SDG&E recently partnered with us again, providing $150,000 in funding to build a helicopter landing pad adjacent to the lake. The helipad provides a strategic landing area for aircraft protecting Julian and other high-risk fire areas, as KPBS, NBC 7 and other media outlets reported.
The helipad doubles as a program platform for Girl Scout STEM activities, like stargazing and shooting water rockets. When they’re not at the lake, our girls are exploring the high ropes challenge course, learning to care for and ride horses, and putting their outdoor survival skills to the test … among countless other camp adventures (photos).
Jo Dee C. Jacob
Chief Executive Officer
Girl Scouts take the stage
New shade of Girl Scout green: Shrek!
You know it’s a great day when everyone’s favorite ogre (played by Kelsey) teams up with Donkey (Maile), Princess Fiona (Molly) and pals to help the fairy tale creatures. Just ask the 2nd- to 4th-graders who honed their theater, voice, dance and teamwork skills at our CYT Presents Shrek day camp. On the last day, campers staged a lively musical in our Open Circle Amphitheater for families and friends (photos).
Young thespians focus on justice
The teens in our Empowerment Theatre group (made possible by the Favrot Fund; led by La Jolla Playhouse instructors) use theater practices, art and discussion to find themselves and cultivate courage, confidence and character. This year, the girls concluded the three-week program with a showcase titled Women Determined to Rise. Through improvisation exercises, dance and monologues — including Ernestine L. Rose’s 1851 “Address on Women’s Rights” and Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman”— participants explored human rights issues that affect women and girls around the world.
Scaling new heights
Local athletes Tatiana, Katrina, Makayla and Danielle (left to right) rocked the U.S. Adaptive Climbing National Championships in Atlanta, GA as a Girl Scout team (girl-captioned photos). Danielle, who is blind, and the other girls, who are living with cerebral palsy, trained together for months. Their hard work paid off: All four placed in the competition, with Makayla bringing home the Junior Gold.
Space campers take flight
Destination of a lifetime
Seven future astronauts recently completed an out-of-this-world experience! Local Cadettes Maria, Dani, Emma Rose, Sophia, Paige, Carly and Presley attended the acclaimed Space Academy at the U.S. Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama (photos). Several of them used Girl Scout Cookie Program earnings to help fund the opportunity. At the academy, girls explored the science and technology of space and trained to become astronauts. Girl Scouts of the USA co-hosted the session as part of its Destinations travel program. “I had the chance to command the International Space Station,” reports Sophia (pictured). “I communicated through headsets to help other girls on the orbiter control levers and switches to fix their spacecraft. I also repaired broken panels on a damaged ship and did a moon walk while harnessed in the air!” Another camper, Maria, shares her own space camp stories in a video she produced.
Hot off the press
Giving Wisely, our newsletter for Girl Scout supporters, includes the inspiring story of Legacy Circle member Kelly Waggoner (left, with her daughter Katie). Kelly is an attorney, former troop leader and longtime Girl Scout supporter. Other highlights include tax-smart giving tips, news about our Girl Scout Outreach Program, and insights from San Diego Unified Superintendent Cindy Marten about the power of Girl Scouting.
Blazing a trail to Cabin 3
We’re moving forward with exciting plans to construct Cabin 3 — a spacious new facility on level three of our Balboa Campus. Envisioned as a place where girls will thrive, the cabin will include a commercial grade kitchen, sleeping loft with skylights, state-of-the-art technology and wrap-around porch. Many friends of Girl Scouts San Diego (see article, page 7) are making that dream possible. Several sponsorship and naming opportunities remain. Read on for another great way to help build Cabin 3: Attending Urban Campout!
Urban Campout: Island Treasures … join us Sept. 11
Early bird discounts for two tickets to paradise (or a table for 10)!
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone on Friday, Sept. 11, 6-10:30 p.m. for Urban Campout: Island Treasures. Early bird discounts end on Sunday, Aug. 16, so secure your tickets or table now. Proceeds from our 18th annual fun fundraiser for grown-ups will help fund Cabin 3.
Opportunity drawing of a lifetime: Win a seven-day cruise!
Why wait until August to embark on your Urban Campout tropical adventures? Wade into our opportunity drawing now. Tickets are available at our retail stores for a suggested donation of $10 each or six for $50. Top prizes include a cruise for two aboard one of Holland America Line’s five-star ships, a treasure from Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers and two passes for Urban Campout 2016.
Applause to our sponsors
We are extremely grateful to the organizations and individuals who help fund local Girl Scouting by underwriting Urban Campout! Qualcomm is the 2015 silver level sponsor. Wells Fargo, Holland America Line, Southwest Airlines and Nadine and Carlo Daleo are bronze level supporters, while trailblazer level contributors include Business Complete Solutions, Chevron, Cox Communications, Cubic, Barbara and David Groce, Patti Roscoe and Jim Tiffany, San Diego Chargers, SDG&E, Sharp Health Plan, Stone Brewery Katie and Dan Sullivan, Sycuan Casino, Tipton Honda and Union Bank.
Girl Scouts of the USA news
First-ever White House campout
Coinciding with the debut of Girl Scouts of the USA’s Girls’ Choice Outdoor badges, a lucky group of Girl Scouts recently camped on the White House South Lawn (USA Today). They met the president and first lady, climbed rock walls, tied knots, competed at orienteering and roasted marshmallows for s’mores. Later, a surprise storm prompted them to shift the sleepover indoors. The history-making campout was part of the Let’s Move Outside campaign launched by Michelle Obama, honorary co-chair of GSUSA.
Anna Maria Chávez visits Pope Francis
During the International Catholic Conference on Guiding World Council in Rome, Anna Maria Chávez met the Pope — helping reaffirm and strengthen our organization’s 100-year-old relationship with the Catholic Church (blog). As Girl Scouts’ CEO, she attended the benchmark conference to spotlight our renewed commitment to providing a wide range of faith development opportunities.
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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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