Girl Scouts take lead on camping, one step at a time
As they do with every new skill, Girl Scouts learn about camping by moving up from one level of experience to the next. A recent weekend packed with events at our properties illustrates that progression.
First-time campers attended our Brownie Sleepover at the Balboa Campus and adjacent Adventure Zone. Another Girl Scout staff-led campout took place at Camp Winacka (pictured), where girls in grades 4-8 tried their hand at archery, fishing and the high ropes challenge course. Nearby, Girl Scouts from San Diego and Temecula camped independently at Camp Whispering Oaks, planning and coordinating everything from cooking to nature hikes. Meanwhile, older girls from Mira Mesa held their annual encampment at the Escondido Program Center.
With key support from volunteers, Girl Scouts build confidence during these camping trips and outdoor activities (video). Thank you to all the caring adults who help girls learn to overcome obstacles and blaze trails to new horizons.
Best wishes for a joyful holiday season!
Carol M. Dedrich, MBA, CFRE
Chief Executive Officer
On my honor, I will try ...
By reciting the Girl Scout Promise, our members pledge to serve their country. Many take that commitment to heart by honoring military personnel. Dozens of Girl Scouts saluted the men and women of our armed forces on Nov. 11 by marching in the 30th annual San Diego Veterans Day Parade. Others will take part in Wreaths Across America on Saturday morning, Dec. 17, placing evergreen wreaths on graves at the Miramar and Rosecrans national cemeteries and Greenwood Memorial Park.
Report: Scouting reduces risk of mental health issues
New evidence supports what we knew all along: Girl Scouting is good for girls! Researchers in Scotland have discovered that participating in scouting lowers the risk of mental illness as adults, and increases the likelihood of developing strong teamwork skills and self-reliance (article). "Scouting helps children embrace adventure and succeed in life," according to the new report. The findings were drawn from the National Child Development Study — a lifelong analysis of nearly 10,000 people born in 1958.
Leading like a G.I.R.L.
Our new public service announcement spotlights Girl Scouting's purpose: preparing girls to lead! Part of our G.I.R.L. (Go-Getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ initiative, the PSA features Girl Scouts who are ready to tackle the big and small challenges in life. They are equipped to solve any problem, try new things and break out of their comfort zones.
You can help local girls grow as leaders! As 2016 comes to a close, please consider making a year-end gift to Girl Scouts San Diego. For details, contact Interim Chief Development Officer Merle Brodie at (619) 610-0804.
Girl Scout Ambassador Amira Walia (center) receives a scholarship from Identity Theft 911's Mat Culina and Eva Valesques of Identity Theft Resource Center.
Identity theft essay nets national award
Congratulations to Amira Walia, who won the 2016 Girl Scout Privacy Essay Scholarship Competition organized by our community partners Identity Theft Resource Center and Identity Theft 911 (article). To qualify, the Girl Scout Ambassador and nearly 150 other local girls also earned a Mobile Privacy patch and attended a Hands-on Privacy workshop. Amira accepted the $2,500 scholarship prize at the recent PrivacyXChange forum in Arizona. She spoke to 200-plus industry experts about her winning essay and shared ideas about preventing identity fraud.
For information about future workshops and activities, contact STEM Program Specialist Michaela Butler at (619) 610-0813.
Water day makes a splash
During "Water Journey Girl Scout Day," girls learned about our region's drought, the need for conservation, and technology's role in keeping people hydrated. The free event took place at the East County Advanced Water Purification Demonstration Facility. Through games and experiments, participants discovered how state-of-the-art filters can purify recycled water to meet consumer needs. Older girls also explored careers in hydrological engineering. Girl Scout volunteer Teresa Leader-Anderson facilitated the session with our community partner Padre Dam Municipal Water District. The next Water Journey workshop is scheduled for Sunday, April 30, 2-4 p.m.
Troop 5047 donated a portion of last year’s cookie proceeds to Ronald McDonald House.
Handy guide for cookie families
Our annual Family Cookie Guide hits Girl Scouts' mailboxes this week. The publication is a go-to primer for the Girl Scout Cookie Program — which empowers girls to gain valuable business and life skills while funding their Girl Scouting adventures. Filled with helpful information, the guide covers goal-setting, marketing tips, rewards, the 100th anniversary of cookie sales, how girls invest cookie proceeds and so much more. Troop 5047 (pictured) used its cookie money to buy new uniforms for girls who were "bridging," or transitioning to the next program level. Their earnings also covered field trip expenses, a donation to Ronald McDonald House and a pool party.
Featured events
Councilwide Cookie Rally — Sunday, Jan 22
Finish Chelsea's Run — Saturday, March 4
Operation Thin MintSM Sendoff — Friday, May 5
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