Council News

Survey results from Girl Scout Voices 2012

Survey Results from Girl Scout Voices 2012
508 girls, from all grade levels, responded to this survey last year (our goal for 2013 is to double this number!).

  • Girls ARE using the Journeys (an average of 65% of girls reported using a Journey)
  • Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors who used a Journey reported higher satisfaction with their Girl Scout experience*
  • Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors who reported that they used a Journey demonstrated higher achievement of every outcome measured
  • 50% of Seniors report they are staying in Girl Scouts to earn the Gold Award
  • Across all age levels, girls are reporting high satisfaction with their Girl Scout experience (an average of 70% report very high satisfaction)
  • * Daisies and Brownies were not asked about whether or not they used a Journey
  • We also learned some amazing things about the 3 Processes of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Not familiar with the processes? Watch this new video to help you use the 3 processes with your troop: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnStDynsIng.
  • Girl-Led
  • 76% of Daisies and 51% of Brownies say in Girl Scouts they get to do things themselves
  • 63% of Cadettes and 47% of Seniors agree that adults listen to them more in Girl Scouts than they do in other places
  • Learning By Doing
  • 50% of Brownies say that they get to make things with their hands
  •  76% of Ambassadors report that in Girl Scouts they learn by doing things in the real world
  • Cooperative Learning
  • 92% of Daisies report that in Girl Scouts, they learn by working with other girls
  • 76% of Juniors say that in Girl Scouts, they explain their ideas to other girls so they can learn from each other
Camp

A Knight’s (Winter) Life at Magic Sky Ranch

DSC05202 DSC05214 DSC05225 DSC05246 DSCN0955The February 22-24 Junior Rendezvous at Magic Sky Ranch started with the “Knight Life” theme – all things castles, queens, jesters, and jousting. The weather added a new element – SNOW!

Troops 73582, 73131, 50986 – along with the planning troop 71106 (GECCCOs) enjoyed creating a Knight Life at MSR including learning new plate spinning skills, jingling with new bells, masks, and playing games to please the queen (whomever was in the red & gold dress). Even though the storm cut the weekend short – it will be a long time before anyone forgets the Knight’s (winter) Life Rendezvous at Magic Sky Ranch!
Thanks so much to the GECCCOs for planning and running another great weekend.
Thanks so much to the troops who attended.
Thanks to everyone for your flexibility and enjoyment of the (much needed) snow, and to all the MSR staff – for food, plowing and support!
You can check out some pictures from the weekend here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gscolorado/sets/72157632849668800/

Camp

Girl Scout Family Memorial Weekend Camping at Meadow Mt Ranch

Memorial Weekend GSCO Family Camping at MMR100_6473c

Come visit us for a DIY camping available at Meadow Mountain Ranch all weekend May 24 -27.  Sign-up for your tent or Tabin campsite via property reservations.

Go to http://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/meadow-mountain-ranch then click on reserve now to start the reservation.  

Each tabin can sleep a family of 6-8 people, you’ll be able to cook for yourselves, go hiking into Rocky Mountain National Park Wild Basin, go sightseeing in Estes Park (14 miles north of camp) and hang out in the mountains for the long weekend.    Space is limited so reserve your spot now!

Girl Scouts News

Troop 10107 learns about Stranger Danger

Submitted by Virginia Brown
Rifle

Troop 10107 and their parents from Rifle recently visited with the Garfield County Sherriff’s department about Stranger Danger. Corporal Megan, Community Relations Assistant Jennifer and Deputy Amy all spent time talking with the girls.

Girls learned it is OK to listen to the “tummy feeling” of something does not seem right. Corporal Megan told us, when our tummy says that to “Look Up, Look Around, and Look Down”. It is good to look people in the eye, and acknowledge that we see them. Apparently abductors don’t want a target that has a voice and isn’t afraid to use it. Abductors also don’t want a victim that might be able to identify them.

Girls learned about their personal “hula hoop” space, being aware of their surroundings, observation skills, and strangers aren’t always where danger comes from. Rather than walking home, talking or texting on their phones (appearing to be distracted to their surroundings) the girls were encouraged that if they must talk on the phone while walking that they put the phone on speaker and talk about the details of what they see. Such as “Oh, a guy in a grey sweatshirt just passed me” or “Mrs. Jones is out walking her dog.”

We also learned we should never ever help someone who says their dog is lost and can we help them find their dog. If someone asks you to help, it is OK to say “No.” Be sure to go tell an adult that someone lost their dog and asked for help. And, never ever give directions to someone who asks! Tell them to ask an adult!

What about those people that give gifts to kids without their parents knowledge or consent? What about “secrets”? We learned that children should never take gifts from anyone without their parents’ knowledge. Parents in attendance were told “If someone is giving your child presents that make you or your child uncomfortable, ask them to stop. People who are honest folks will understand you are protecting your child. People with dishonest intentions will come up with all sorts of reasons why they should be able to give your child presents.”

Can you keep a secret? No. We learned that children should be taught that there should not be secrets ever. “Don’t tell your parents, this is a secret.” Secrets make it so that people who need help can’t get it. Surprises are OK – such as “Next week we are going to Disney World. It is a surprise for your brother’s birthday”. A trust statement “Can I trust you if I tell you that I think that boy is cute?” is also OK.

Girls attending received a booklet titled “Your Child’s Personal Safety – Tips to prevent abduction” published by Prevent Child Abuse America; Child Identification kits for their parents to use, and a really cool backpack filled with a coloring book, water bottle and a Junior Deputy badge.

Thank You to Corporal Megan, Community Relations Assistant Jennifer and Deputy Amy for spending time with Troop 10107. Thank you also to Garfield County for supporting Girl Scouts.

This story was submitted via the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments too.

Council News, Uncategorized

A Tribute to Sandy Taylor, a member of the Girl Scouts of Colorado family.

On February 28, 2013, long-time Girl Scout staff member, Sandy Taylor, retired after more than 36 years of service.

Girl Scouts of Colorado CEO Stephanie Foote honored Sandy with an award which recognizes her many contributions to Girl Scouting including as a GSUSA representative, CEO of Wagon Wheel Council and Executive Vice President for Membership for GSCO. The Sandy Taylor Distinguished Community Service Award will be presented annually to a woman in the Pikes Peak Region at the Women of Distinction Thin Mint Dinner – this year on September 12, 2013.

Girl Scouts of the USA will also present Sandy with a first-issue of the Girl Scout Silver Dollar when it is released on her retirement day. You can honor Sandy with a gift to the Sandy Taylor Opportunity Fund which will enable Pikes Peak girls to benefit from the Girl Scout Leadership Experience Sandy has embodied.

“Tonight is very special”, Sandy said. “A warm and sincere thanks to all who had a part in the evening.  I am touched by the Community Service Award and hope I can be
involved in helping to present future awards. Thanks again for recognizing my service to Girl Scouts. I am truly honored and touched by the whole evening.”

Thank you, Sandy, for 36 wonderful years and we wish you well on your next journey!

Events

Cool Volunteer Opportuntity!

Image

7733843734_c25aaa9c8e_n[2]

As a volunteer organization, we are always in need of trainers to help provide the most accurate information to our new leaders. If you enjoy working with adults and love Girl Scouting, this is a great way to volunteer. Trainers are needed in all areas of the council to bring training closer to our volunteers. Train the trainer events are scheduled several times a year and rotate locations.

The next Train The Trainer will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2013 from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm in Colorado Springs.

This is an 8.5 -hour course to prepare volunteers and staff to become Adult Trainers for Girl Scouts of Colorado.
In order to become a Girl Scouts of Colorado Trainer, you will need:
1. a completed volunteer application
2. a completed background check (current leaders should have this on file)
3. to schedule an interview with Maureen Lienau, prior to attending this training

By the end of the session, participants will be able to describe at least 5 basic skills and knowledge needed to facilitate adult learning. The content will cover:
. Definitions of Adult Learning
. Roles and responsibilities of a Trainer
. Traits of a Successful Trainer
. How adults and groups learn
. Learning Preferences
. A sample of one GSCO Training design
. Managing group and individual behaviors
. “Must Dos” for a Trainer

Saturday’s materials, lunch, and snacks will be provided for a cost of $30.00. Please note in “Comments” any food allergies or avoidances or other ways Council Staff may accommodate you. For more information, please contact alli.oswandel@gscolorado.org.

Girl Scouts News

Cadette Troop 256 hosts Mardi Gras dance party

[slideshow]
Submitted by Cindy Orton
Littleton

Cadette Troop 256 hosted a Mardi Gras Dance Party for the Mountain Breeze Service Unit. The eighty girls in attendance made their own Mardi Gras Masks, learned about the history and tradition of Mardi Gras, cornonated a Mardi Gras queen and her court, ate scrumptious Mardi Gras snacks and danced to fun Mardi Gras and modern dance music.

Daisy Melissa, from troop 4549, was the fortunate Girl Scout to find a toy baby in her Mardi Gras cupcake, making her the Queen of Mardi Gras. Her coronation included the offical crowning, pinning her sash, adorning her with jewels and parading her around the room while the rest of the Mardi Gras krewe threw beads and chocolate coins.

It was a great party and we hope to see even more of you next year!

This story was submitted via the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments too.

Camp

Check out these great volunteer-led Day Camp programs

 

Be sure to check out our additional volunteer Day Camp programs this summer!

KIWA: Outwit, Outplay, Outcamp at Kiwa Korral 2013 is a Survivor themed camp that promises to be a lot of fun. Camp is held June 24th – 28th, 2013. Registration period is March 1- 29, 2013. Our popular PA training program will be offered to girls eligible for PA training (completed grades 6 and over). Please contact Siobhan Murtha by email siobhan@Q.com or phone 303-772-7006 for more information and a camp registration packet.

LOVELAND: The 2013 Loveland Day Camp will be July 15th through the 19th and will be titled “Amazing Animal Adventure.” Contact Amber at (970-669-4450) and the website is www.lovelandgsdaycamp.info

SWIFT PONDS: Livin’ in the Wild Wild West Day camp is a wonderful opportunity for young girls, ages 6 to 12 to experience group living in a natural environment with the security of their own beds at night. Girls over 12 enjoy leadership activities as Program Aides. Girl Scouts and non-Girl Scouts are welcome! Camp hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., every day. http://fortcollinsgirlscoutdaycamp.info/

Camp

The last Basic Program Aide training until September

The final Basic Program Aide training will be held March 9th at the Nature and Raptor Center of Pueblo (www.natureandraptor.org ) with a special service project at the Raptor Center at the end of the training.  Program Aides can mentor younger girls, help plan and run Girl Scout events or help at Day or Resident summer camps.  You must be in the 7th -12th grade to attend this training.  Questions? Contact Kim.Petau@gscolorado.org

Cookies, Girl Scouts News

Thin Mints make connections

Submitted by Marnie Walsh

Girl Scouts in Troop 50301 from Lakewood are making connections in their community to support the Outdoor Lab program in Jefferson County. Holly H. recently learned that Concordia Lutheran Church had a surplus of 60 used, metal, folding chairs. She is making arrangements to deliver the chairs to the Outdoor Lab Foundation. Holly explains, “Since I’m in Girl Scouts I can help other people more than if I weren’t in Girl Scouts because I know how to communicate with people and connect and take action for others. The chairs that are being donated to the Outdoor Lab Foundation have to do with taking action because I am taking the chairs from Concordia and finding them a home.”

Last Fall, the Girl Scouts spent about 15 percent of the Troop’s proceeds from their famous Girl Scout Cookie sales to use for Outdoor Lab. Several members of Troop 50301 delivered two “Thin Mint” laser pointers and a case of copy paper to the Outdoor Lab Foundation at the Education Center for Jefferson County Schools. The Outdoor Lab Schools were in need of laser pointers for their astronomy classes. The Outdoor Lab Foundation was in need of copy paper for ongoing communications and outreach. The Girl Scouts Troop 50301 provided just a few of the items from Outdoor Lab’s wish lists, but it made all of the difference.

The principals of Windy Peak and Mount Evans are excited to use the new “Thin Mint” lasers (named after the delicious, minty chocolate, cookies now available for sale from Girl Scouts throughout Lakewood) in their astronomy classes held on Mondays, all year round. When the principals showed the scouts the way the lasers worked, he explained how the beam of light bounces off of the water vapors in the air so vibrantly that it forms a line that looks like it reaches to the stars. Jolene J. comments, “The show was impressive, but we hear it is so much more amazing to actually see it in the sky at night.”

Troop 50301 is still trying help the Outdoor Lab Foundation locate 12- 18 stackable, padded, armless, banquet chairs for use at the Mount Evans Outdoor Lab School. Aisha C. remarked, “The chairs for the Lab are important so that the students in class could sit and enjoy the class rather than stand up.” To add to the need of chairs, Annie J. said, “We, our Troop, are hoping that by writing this article that hotels and/or other organizations will have it in their hearts to donate chairs because we haven’t been able to contact anybody yet who had been willing to give to the Outdoor Lab the chairs that they need.”

The Girl Scouts would like anyone with stackable, armless, padded, banquet chairs to please contact the Troop 50301 Leader, Marnie Walsh, 720-446-9257, so they can donate them to this amazing organization so children can continue to learn in this unique environment the Outdoor Lab Schools provide.

Article written by 8th grader, Jolene J.

This story was submitted via the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments too.

Girl Scouts of Colorado