Girl Scouts of Nassau County's Blog offers the latest news, trends and fun happening within Girl Scouts! Girl Scouting Builds Girls of Courage, Confidence and Character Who Make the World a Better Place.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
2016 Year in Review
As Girl Scouts of Nassau County
closes out 2016, we look forward to 2017 and give thanks for the time and work of our volunteers who are the
mainstay of Girl Scouting!
This past year we celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Girl
Scout Gold Award with an extra fancy Gold Award Ceremony for 101 recipients
at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, with Captain Cynthia Robson, Gold Awardee
and a professor at the Academy, as our keynote speaker. In November we concluded our 100th Anniversary
Celebration with our Golden Flight to
Leadership Conference that included noted women as keynote speakers and
panelists. Geared to both adults and
older girls, the Conference provided information and inspiration on the skills
and traits one needs to be a leader.
The Girl Scout Cookie Program once again took the lead from January
through March with our girls mastering the 5
Skills and showing their support for
Operation
Cookie. Camping also saw a slight uptick in the number of girls
participating at Camp
Blue Bay proving that girls love going on adventures in the outdoors…
especially when there is boating involved.
This year’s Annual Meeting brought us a new group of Members-at-Large for our Board
of Directors, and the Delegate body passed six proposals that will allow
our Council to govern more effectively and to be in accord with the New York
State Not-for-Profit Corporation Laws.
The biggest news for GSNC this past
year was the actual start of renovations
on the Girl Scout Service Center at Ring Road in early July. The staff has been temporarily relocated to
325 Duffy Avenue in Hicksville while the building has been gutted to allow for
all-new updates to insulation, room configuration, electrical, HVAC, technology
as well as adding a 1600 square foot extension on the north side of the
building. The first floor of the
building will be almost totally devoted to the needs of our girls and
volunteers with an expanded Girl Scout Shop with attached Volunteer Resource
Center, more meeting space, designated space for Entrepreneurial Programs, and designated
public space for our Living History collection. We expect to be back in our
newly renovated space by late spring 2017.
Also coming in 2017, Girl Scouts of
Nassau County is following the lead of our national organization in
implementing the new Customer Engagement
Initiative [CEI] that will allow us to use
technology and personal connections to better serve our girls, parents and
volunteers. Members will be able to
register and complete applications online for both girls and adult volunteers
and Volunteers will have more program planning and Troop management resources
available to them.
There are so many exciting things
already happening in Girl Scouts that we can’t wait to… see what else 2017 has
in store!
Friday, December 16, 2016
Why Sell Girl Scout Cookies?
You may know that your Troop earns proceeds from Cookies and
girls earn patches and rewards, but did you also know the Girl Scout Cookie
Program teaches girls essential skills that will last a lifetime….and it’s fun?
Every year, Girl Scouts of Nassau County (GSNC) asks our girls and families for
their feedback about the Girl Scout Cookie Program.
What you told us you liked most* about selling Cookies was:
1. It’s fun
2. People love buying Girl Scout Cookies
3. The excitement of striving to reach sales goals
4. Earning rewards and patches
When the Girl Scout Research Institute measured the impact
of the Girl Scout Cookie Program, they found that a majority of Girl Scout
“Cookie Entrepreneurs” are developing the five essential skills of goal
setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics. Learning
valuable life skills via the Girl Scout Cookie Program helps girls become
successful community and business leaders, now and in the future.
*Not surprisingly, what our girls like least about selling
Girl Scout Cookies was the cold and snowy weather!
Friday, December 9, 2016
by girls, FOR GIRLS by Alexa B., Girl Scout Ambassador
“I will do my best to be:
Honest and fair,
Friendly and helpful,
Considerate and caring,
Courageous and strong, and
Responsible for what I say and do,
And to
Respect myself and others,
Respect authority,
Use resources wisely,
Make the world a better place, and
Be a sister to every Girl Scout.”

At the age of seventeen, I have been a Girl Scout for more
years than I have been anything else; nearly thirteen years of my life have
been dedicated to not only my Troop, but also to myself, in the sense that
everything that I’ve done in Girl Scouts has helped mold me into a better
person. And, earning my Gold Award has been an achievement for which I am most
proud because it constantly reminds me that I can accomplish anything I wish to
do. Being in Girl Scouts has given me friendships that will last a lifetime, as
well as skills and strengths that I will take with me into college and into the
workforce when the time comes. Having been a part of a strong, united group for
so long makes me look forward to joining student organizations and civic
organizations in the future. It makes me look forward to finding others who
share my values of service and community.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Giving Thanks!
Giving Thanks!
By Donna C.
Gratitude
should be an active part of everyone’s life, year round. Keeping a gratitude
journal can make you happier, healthier and even help you to sleep better! Having
our girls learn how to appreciate and value the many blessings that they have
in their lives can help them to live richer lives.
I am grateful each day for my privilege to have this job. I
am grateful I work for an organization with such a compelling mission as the
Girl Scouts, and where I am surrounded by so many good people – girls,
volunteers and our staff team.
Here are few things on the top of my “THANKS LIST” this week
…
- Our GIRL SCOUTS who are out there taking risks and making a difference in their community. They are the leaders of tomorrow.
- Our VOLUNTEERS who make Girl Scouting possible by sharing their time, talent and treasure…Girl Scouts runs on Girl Scout VOLUNTEERS!
- Our Girl Scout PARENTS who help their girls to choose Girl Scouting, and who support their girls and their Troop Leaders with their time and support.
- Our DONORS and COMMUNITY PARTNERS whose support allows us to provide program enrichment, financial assistance to girls in need, and so many fantastic opportunities for girls to have fun and learn thru STEM, Financial Literacy, Outdoor experiences and by developing skills for healthy living.
When you count your blessing this year, I hope the Girl Scouts are on your
list!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, October 21, 2016
What is a Troop Crest?
Did you know… the first Girl Scout Troops reportedly did not
have Troop numbers, they had Troop crests to identify themselves? Today, Troop
crests are used as a symbol of a Troop's goals or main interests. Once a Troop
chooses a crest that has special meaning to them, it is used for the life of
that Troop and can be placed on the uniform of each girl in the Troop.
This is a good way to bring scouts together in a Troop
around a common goal, particularly if the Troop is multi-level, or made up of
girls from different schools, etc.
Who can have a Troop
Crest?
All Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Troops.
How do we choose
which Troop Crest we should have?
The girls in the Troop should vote on which crest meaning
describes the Troop the best. We suggest to read the meanings of each crest out loud to your Troop,
but don't tell them what the crest is or show them a picture of the crest.
Where can I purchase
the Troop Crest for my Troop?
Once your Troop has selected their Troop crest, visit us at
the Girl Scouts of Nassau County Shop or visit your local Girl Scout Shop to
make your purchase.
Labels:
Girl Scout Crest,
Troop Crest,
What is a Troop Crest
Friday, October 14, 2016
Linking Girl Scouts and their Faiths
On
my honor, I will try to serve God and my country…
The foundation of Girl
Scouting is the Girl Scout Promise and Law – which links to and reinforces many
of the principles and values common to most faiths. While Girl Scouts is a
secular organization, it encourages girls to grow stronger in their own
spiritual beliefs while respecting the beliefs of others. Today there are a
number of awards girls may earn that help them to do this.
GSUSA My Promise, My Faith
pin (Girl Scouts and Faith): Girl Scouts of all grade levels can earn this pin
once each year (individually or with their Troop). It complements
faith-specific recognitions (see below) and encourages girls to further
strengthen the connection between their faith and Girl Scouting. Find
requirements in The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting for all levels, or
online (see GSUSA link below).
Faith-specific religious recognitions are created/offered by
national faith-based committees, and have been approved by GSUSA for wearing on
the front of the Girl Scout uniform.
Helpful Links/Resources
- P.R.A.Y.: view a brochure with information about the awards for all faiths (with contact information), a video that explains the religious recognitions programs, and resources for collaborating with the faith community. You’ll also find information about additional patches the girls may receive.
- The Catholic Committee on Girl Scouting: At present this is the only organized Faith Committee in Nassau County. Visit their website for information about awards, publications and a variety of special events specific for girls of the Catholic faith: www.gsdrvc.org. Members of the committee will also help non-Catholic girls/families get started on the appropriate awards for their faiths.
Help Wanted!
If you would like to become
a local contact for/representative of one of the many faiths represented in
Nassau County, please contact Joyce Wagner at 516.741.2550 ext. 225 or wagnerj@gsnc.org.
Friday, October 7, 2016
Camping at Blue Bay in the winter is crazy you say?
Troop 1025 from West Hempstead/Franklin Square Association
doesn’t think so. It is one of our most favorite activities every year. We have
had pajama fashion shows, nail polish parties, and this year paint night. No outside
activities you say? We take hikes, go to the beach, build snowmen and even have
compass races for prizes. The wildlife is abundant and fun to watch. The activity
building is a favorite hangout where we play volleyball and other sports. The
cabins are warm and comfortable and the perfect venue for badge work and
crafts. The kitchen is great for cooking our meals but we have been known to
cook out on the campfire when the weather permits. We love making fires in the
fireplace and of course sharing S’mores. We have been going for many years and
hope to go many more!
Whether earning badges, working on a Journey or just having
fun, Girl Scout Troops have a blast when they go Troop Camping at Camp Blue
Bay.
Traditional
Troop Camping is a unique experience planned and carried out by a group of
girls and their camp-trained volunteers/leaders. Under the guidance of trained
and enthusiastic adults, girls may take their first hike, build their first
campfire and sleep under the stars for the first time—so cool! Girls take part
in planning of meals and activities, learn outdoor skills and work as a team to
enjoy a fun outdoor adventure. These opportunities are available year round and
registration is ongoing.
Applications
for Winter 2016/2017 Troop Camping are now being accepted and processed.
Friday, September 23, 2016
Why Participate in the Mags&Munchies Program?
1. Because
you will learn great entrepreneurial skills like Goal Setting, Decision Making,
People Skills, Money Management and Business Ethics.
2. Because
you'll get to run a real online store (sign up at: girlscouts.qspgao.com/gsnc)
3. Because
your Troop will earn funds to do exciting girl-led events, community service
and take action projects.
4. Because
you’ll have an opportunity to earn special patches and cool rewards.
5. Because
it’s great practice for Girl Scout Cookie season!
Did you know
that once the product is paid for, all of the remaining revenue stays in Nassau
County to help our girls explore and do great things?
How can you Participate?
You can get a packet of information and an order
card from your Troop’s Mags&Munchies Manager. You can also sign up directly
for the online program at: girlscouts.qspgao.com/gsncFriday, September 16, 2016
What do Girl Scouts really do?
This is a true story shared by one of our Program Specialists.
One day a girl asked me, “What do Girl Scouts really do?” She said “I know they sell cookies, go camping, make crafts and they do nice things for people. Why do I have to become a member to do any of those things, especially when one of those things is just being what you should be…helpful?”I am not sure if she expected the answer she got, but I do know that she did not want to be convinced or cajoled. She wanted the facts. I am sharing the facts with you as I did with her at the start of the summer.
This past
school year girls from all over Nassau County participated in programs where
they explored the barrier islands and dissected dog sharks at the Sports
Fishing Alliance Center. They learned proper archery form at C & B Archery;
having seconds to prepare for a target game that challenged their newly
acquired skills. More than 180 girls prepared themselves for summer jobs by earning
their Babysitter badge at Saint Joseph Hospital. Still others learned how to
build and launch rockets and interpret authentic human skeletal remains for
gender, age, trauma, and disease at Garvies Point Museum and Preserve. They built
robots, operated flight simulators and they packed their bags for an advocacy
trip in Albany. Girls choose to do all sorts of things to explore the world
they live in because at Girl Scouts they can; their voice counts, their
decisions matter, their actions are impactful. It doesn’t take long for them to
understand that their experiences make them interesting, unique and are the foundation
for their life choices.
Most Girl
Scouts take pride in selling cookies because they know where cookies come
from... Girl Scouts was established in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low. This being
an election year, I must tell you that Girl Scouts existed eight years before
women had the right to vote in 1920. Juliette was notorious for refusing to
accept no for an answer and in this capacity her tenacity served women and
girls quite well. Getting back to the cookie business. Juliette quickly
realized that the girls needed money to fund their experiences. Most of the
girls lived on farms. They had access to eggs and farm animals. So, first they
sold eggs. Then they sheared their sheep and Juliette sold the wool to local
merchants. They sold other things too, but with farm fresh ingredients at their
disposal, cookies became their top selling product and still is! Today, girls
run a $700 million cookie business. Girls fund their fun all year with a
percentage of the profit. For many, this experience is their first memory of
their desire to be a leader with business skills.
Many Girl
Scouts camp. Girl Scouts of Nassau County owns the magnificent Camp Blue Bay in East Hampton.
Camping wasn’t our idea, it was Juliette’s. Juliette wanted girls to have the opportunity
to appreciate and explore the outdoors in a time period when girls spent much of
the time indoors doing things like cooking, sewing, and reading. Juliette
herself grew up doing all kinds of things inside and out; climbing trees,
fishing, painting and sliding down the spiral bannisters in her family’s home.
Most girls did not have that exposure. Today, we encourage girls to embrace the
outdoors; learning everything from kayaking and swimming to rock climbing and
repelling. And that is why Girl Scouts camp!
Crafting is
a special part of our history. Juliette Gordon Low was a talented artist. She
painted, sculpted and even tried her hand at welding the gates that she
designed for her home. Juliette used her talent to cope with her disabilities.
She was a positive person who knew how to work smart rather than hard--- long before
that phrase was coined.
Girl Scouts
share our founder’s attitude of gratitude and embrace her take charge spirit.
They volunteer their time, energy and skills to those in need just as Juliette
did when she cared for soldiers with her mother during the Spanish American
War. Juliette was a little girl during the Civil War. She was not a stranger to
hunger, sickness and sacrifice. She learned what was important early on… God,
country and people. Juliette’s goals are embedded in the Girl Scout Promise and
her values, simply written in the Girl Scout Law, are timeless, tried and true.
That same
girl responded to me with another question “okay, I get all of that and it
sounds really fun, but why do I have to be a member?”
I answered
her last question this way. Because membership is a commitment to our mission,
our sisterhood and our values. We are not alone, we are part of a community and
once you are a Girl Scout, you are always a Girl Scout. A girl with a mission
working together with a group of girls who share their beliefs succeeds at
building courage, confidence, character and relationships that last a lifetime.The last thing the young girl said to me was “great, thanks, I’ve got enough stuff to convince my mom and dad that Girl Scouts is for me.”
I believe that Girl Scouts make the world a better place and she will too.
Friday, September 9, 2016
A Leaders NEED-TO-KNOW Guide for a successful Girl Scout Year
Not sure what resources you need make your year as a Troop
Leader strong? Here are all of the basics to get you started:
TIP #1: Know the 2 staff people that represent
your area
Our Girl Scouts of Nassau County staff is here for you! There are
two staff people, one from our Volunteerism team and one from our Membership
team that will help you start your Girl Scout year right. Our Volunteerism
staff person will make sure you are provided with all of the information you need
like trainings, background checks, etc. Our Membership staff person will make
sure they guide you with registering all of the girls in your Troop, etc. To
find out the two staff members that are assigned to you call 516.741.2550.
TIP #2: Know who your Service Team is
A Service Team is a group of Volunteers that
are trained to help all Leaders in an Association (group of towns that are
close to each other). A Service Team is comprised of Volunteers with many
different roles to help you with various things in your Troop. To find out who
the members of your Service Team are call 516.741.2550.
TIP #3: Know what resources are available to you and how to plan your
year
The Volunteer Resource Center (VRC) is a place where you can
come to learn about what your Troop can take part in. You will learn the
current Girl Scout program, different ceremonies to do with your Troop, what
trips to take and much more. Plan ahead, Volunteers! If you need help planning
any Troop activities, such as mapping out your Girl Scout year or if you just
need ideas for a meeting, book an appointment with Cathy Ciccone, MVP Volunteer
Resource Specialist at cicconec@gsnc.org. Remember- starting July 5th we are
now located at our new temporary location at 325 Duffy Avenue in Hicksville.
Check out the VRC’s hours below:
Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm Thursday: 9am-8pm
(excluding July & Aug) 2016 Fall Hours: September 10 and October 1 the VRC
will be open from 10am-1pm
TIP #4: Explore our website and Social Media pages
Our website, gsnc.org has all of the programs
available for girls to participate in, explanations of awards and patches girls
can earn, all of our shop’s online merchandise, etc. Our social media pages
including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram will show you Troops that are
learning and having fun in Girl Scouting and what your Troop can look forward
to!
ARE YOU
A NEW TROOP LEADER?
Did you just move up from a Troop
Committee position to become a Leader or a Co-Leader? If this sounds like you,
then don’t forget to complete your paperwork process! All Troop Leaders MUST
fill out an Adult Volunteer Application AND complete the background check, and
take the Welcome to Girl Scouts and Girl Scouting 101 trainings. You can’t be
appointed as a Leader until you complete these steps. Don’t delay! Girls are
waiting on YOU!
*Please note, these tips and contact numbers are geared to Girl Scout Leaders in Nassau County, NY. If you volunteer for a different council, please contact your council service center to inquire about resources specific to your area.
Friday, September 2, 2016
Banking Tips for Girl Scouts of Nassau County Troop Leaders
Don’t Leave Home Without Them!
To save time and
extra trips to the bank make sure you have done the following BEFORE opening
your account:
- Choose a Bank – (consult your Association Service Team for bank suggestions)
- Decide who will be on the account - Required is a minimum of 2 signatures –one of the Troop Leaders and the other a member of the Association Service Team (Treasurer or CAV).
- Request a letter from Council on Council letterhead: Once you have the names of the signers, the bank you wish to open the account in, and your Troop number, go to our website’s Forms/Documents Library and click on Bank Account Request Web Form. Or, contact your volunteerism or membership staff person to assist you.
- Once you receive the letter (which also indicates the Council’s ID number) you can go to the bank and get signature cards for your new account.
IMPORTANT: Remember to indicate that all bank statements be mailed to the Leader’s address - not the Council’s address.
*These Banking Tips are specific to Girl Scouts of Nassau County Council.
Friday, August 26, 2016
The Golden Girls of Troop 520

Connie, mother and adult Girl Scout
Volunteer, has led her Troop of girls from Girl Scout Daisies into mature Girl
Scout Gold Award honorees.
“I watched these girls grow up. It’s an amazing commitment on their part — they have stuck with the program since they were in kindergarten. To watch their progress has been an amazing experience,” said Connie, whose daughter, Amanda was one of the recipients. “Most Troops don’t stay together; many groups shrink after the girls enter middle school or high school,” Fratianni-Wysota said. “With high school graduation, tests and getting ready for college, it takes a lot of effort to do this.”
Congratulations to Connie and girls on a job
well done!
Learn more about the Girl Scout Gold Award and Girl Scouts' Highest Awards.
Learn more about the Girl Scout Gold Award and Girl Scouts' Highest Awards.
Friday, August 5, 2016
My Girl Scout Internship Experience
by Katie Genari
My time at Girl Scouts of
Nassau County as an intern was less about having an internship for the summer
and more about being able to take an opportunity to continue my Girl Scout
journey and give back to an organization that had a profound impact on my young
adult life. Being able to work as an intern for the summer in the Marketing and
Communications Department has allowed me to experience Girl Scouts in a new
light and from a different perspective. As a current college student with a
Broadcasting Major and Minor in Business Marketing I looked forward to learning
about Media and Marketing from a not for profit perspective, a perspective
different from what I am studying in school.
Coming into the start of
my internship, I was unsure of what to expect as there are many tasks and
responsibilities that are taken care of each day and week within the Marketing
Department. To my surprise and liking, I was able to experience and learn about
the many different aspects that take place on the business side of Girl
Scouting each day. Describing my tasks and responsibilities as an intern can be
summed up as being able to showcase what Girl Scouting is all about through the
use of media and marketing and there were many ways I was able to do so.
Writing blogs about Girl Scouting events and experiences allowed me to
communicate to girls the amazing opportunities that await them when they join
Girl Scouts. In writing and publishing such blogs, I learned how powerful words
can be and how using the right words can make a difference and impact the
person reading them.
Publishing blogs was not
the only thing that allowed me to showcase the Girl Scout experience, in fact
being able to prepare for and help run the Girl Scout Gold Award ceremony was
an amazing opportunity in which I was able to showcase all the incredible
things a young woman can accomplish if she stays with Girl Scouts. From helping
to write Gold Award biographies, to making presentations for the ceremony, I
learned all about the preparation and behind the scenes work that goes into
hosting a ceremony on a large scale. Working with the project was a great way
for me to see all the incredible ways Girl Scouts have been and will continue
to help their communities and make a difference in the world. Learning about
the awardees’ projects also allowed me to effectively communicate to others
what it takes and means to earn the highest award in Girl Scouting. As a past
recipient of the Girl Scout Gold Award, I knew how earning the Gold Award can
have a tremendous impact on the community and myself, but what I did not
realize was how preparing for and hosting a ceremony to honor all the
recipients can also have a profound impact on all those attending. In preparing
for the ceremony I learned what it takes to plan an event on a grand scale and
being able to see everyone’s hard work come together was truly special.
The time spent preparing
for the Gold Award ceremony was the most intensive part of my internships, but
my work and experience did not stop there. Throughout my entire internship I
was able to learn more about Girl Scouting in many different ways whether it
was listening to communication webinars, interacting/meeting with employees
from other departments or working on projects that not only impacted the
Marketing department, but other departments as well. Taking a trip out to
GSNC’s Camp Blue Bay was one of the many opportunities that gave me the chance
to work on a project that impacted departments beyond Marketing. In
collaborating with the Program department, specifically Camp within that
department, I was able to take photos of camp life that will help advertise and
draw girls to sign up for camp sessions. Taking photos and helping to create
editorial videos of camp life are just some of the many ways that marketing and
media can be and are applied to other departments apart from their own.
Taking this internship was
an incredibly influential experience. The skills I learned and enhanced, the
projects I was a part of and worked on and the relationships I have built
throughout my internship are all things that I can and will take with me back
to school and to future internships and or jobs. Interning with Girl Scouts was
a rewarding experience and it’s an internship I would definitely recommend to
my peers who are studying Media and or Marketing. Girl Scouts is a place that
aims to help build girls of courage, confidence and character, which is what
they helped me with as a Girl Scout, throughout my internship and it is
something that Girl Scouts will continue to as I continue my journey as a
lifetime member.
Friday, July 8, 2016
Girls Scouts of Nassau County Celebrates 100 Years of the Gold Award With the Help of Zimmerman/Edelson Inc
A Proud Moment for #ZimmCasters and the Girl Scouts of Nassau County
By Marisa Drago and Marissa Kelly
The two of us are currently interning at Zimmerman/Edelson Inc (Z/E), a public relations firm that has the Girl Scouts of Nassau County as a client. This summer, as part of our season-long intern project, we were tasked with becoming “ZimmCasters.” This means we must challenge ourselves by becoming reporters and social media handlers for Z/E and several of its clients. As #ZimmCasters, we wanted to experiment with live steaming videos at different events. When we found out about the 100th Gold Award Ceremony, we recognized that it had great potential to be shown live on social media.
First, the two of us took a tour of the facilities at the Marine Academy that were being used for the event. Throughout the night, we would be traveling back and forth between two buildings: Wiley Hall and the auditorium. Wiley Hall is where this year’s Gold Award projects were on display for families and friends to observe. We held several interviews in this building, some of which were with Girl Scouts Bianca, Maribel and Chloe, all of whom were receiving their Gold Awards. The ceremony took place in the auditorium, where we caught footage of the 101 Girl Scouts receiving their Gold Awards, the Girl Scouts of Nassau County’s Chorus performing, and several speakers proudly talking onstage.
We were lucky enough to sit down with Donna Ceravolo and ask her some questions. She opened our eyes to what an accomplishment the Gold Award truly is, and she beamed with pride speaking about the girls earning their Gold Award this year. Her evident passion and excitement for the event and for the Girl Scouts of Nassau County showed us how remarkable the girls who complete their Gold Awards projects truly are. “This project is a symbol of the tangible steps that girls have taken to make the world a better place,” said Ms. Ceravolo.
We extend our true congratulations to all of the girls that earned their Gold Award this year and would like to thank the Girl Scouts of Nassau County for letting us be a part of this wonderful event!
Friday, June 24, 2016
What Does it Mean to Earn the Gold Award?
Girl Scouting is full of unique, incredible, and life
changing opportunities for all girls involved, but earning the Girl Scout Gold
Award is a life changing experience in itself. Going for the Gold is so much
more than earning a prestigious
award; it gives girls the opportunity to find themselves while also making
a difference/impact in their community. While the journey in earning the Gold
Award is unique for every Girl Scout because of the many different take action
projects, the skills, connections and feelings that come out of earning the
Gold are very similar.
As a lifetime Girl Scout who earned her Gold Award as an
Ambassador, I know from experience that earning the highest award in Girl
Scouting is an enriching and unforgettable journey. It all started with an idea
and identifying how I wanted to help my community. Over the course of a year
and half I watched what started out as an idea, blossom into a project that
helped make my community a better place, and that is what all girls completing
the Gold Award aim to do. There is a great sense of pride and satisfaction in
knowing you created a project that helped impact and change the lives of those
in your community and beyond. Thousands of girls each year embark on the
journey to earn their Gold Award, all looking to change their community and
inspire change around the world.
The Girl
Scout Gold Award is not an easy accomplishment; it takes hours upon hours
of planning, brainstorming, communicating, and when ready executing and
implementing the project. But the fact that earning the award isn't a smooth
sailing, easy process, is what makes the award that much more meaningful. Because the process is long and requires a
large time commitment and a lot of hard work and dedication, girls who complete
the award, learn about skills and qualities they had, but were not aware of
prior to completing the award. In the midst of planning the project,
communicating with advisors and community members to help with executing the
project, girls are able to discover and learn about themselves in new ways.
Earning the Gold Award allows girls to discover the leadership skills they may
have been too shy to show before, the organization and planning skills they
thought they did not have and the communication skills that showed them they
have a voice that can make a difference. The practical life skills discovered
in earning the Gold Award help build girls of true courage, confidence and
character, and they are skills that can be use/applied beyond the Gold Award
and Girl Scouting
While earning the Gold Award means something different to
each Girl Scout, the thing that all Gold Award recipients share, is the
strength that comes from completing their project and in earning their award. Earning
the Gold Award leads to a stronger and more confident sense of self, in which
girls feel empowered to make a difference. Their project does not end with
them, but instead carries on to continue to reach their communities and inspire
change. Because girls know they can use their voice to make a change as a
result of earning the Gold Award, they are more likely to take on new projects
and find new ways to help their communities, all while trying to make the world
they live in a better place. The Gold Award is one example of the many amazing
things Girl Scouts are capable of, but the journey in earning the award is a
timeless and rewarding experience that all Girl Scouts are encouraged to
complete.
Friday, June 17, 2016
Are You Man Enough to be a Girl Scout?
Men Volunteer
Their Time to Help Their Daughters Get the Girl Scout Experience
In honor of Father’s Day, the Girl Scouts of Nassau
County (GSNC) are commending the fathers who make being a Girl Scout possible
and invite other Dads to step up to the challenge. Our male Troop Leaders,
council members, Cookie Dads and behind-the-scenes volunteers are crucial to
the success of each Girl Scout experience. The organization creates openings
for fathers to be a part of their daughter’s lives and strengthen their
relationships with one another through participation in numerous activities. We
encourage fathers to be involved and on this holiday, thank the unsung heroes
who load the camping gear into the truck, build “bridges” for our bridging
ceremonies and lend a hand when needed.
The Girl Scouts of Nassau County considers itself
lucky to know numerous fathers interested in volunteering their time to
contribute to their daughter’s, and other Girl Scout’s, experiences. These
include Angelo A. and Jon W. of Bellmore, NY; Jeff S. of East Meadow, NY; Wayne
G. of Jericho, NY; and Clyde R. Jr. of Baldwin, NY; who are committed to
further carrying the spirit of the Girl Scouts. When a group of hopeful Girl
Scouts were in risk of being put on a waiting list to find a Troop Leader,
Angelo and Jon stepped up to the plate as co-Leaders.
“My involvement started when my wife asked if I wanted
to enroll Ella in Daisy’s, and I said sure, what is a Daisy?” said Angelo.
“When I attended the recruitment meeting I was told that due to an extensive
waiting list in the area, Ella wouldn’t be placed in a Troop for about a year.
Once I realized the opportunity in front of me I became a Troop Leader and I
wouldn’t trade it for the world.”
“This experience has made me realize how precious the
time I spend with my daughters is. More importantly, my daughters know that
they can count on me as both a parent and a leader,” said Jon. “I enjoy knowing
all the skills I am able to teach my daughters through the Girl Scout program
will serve them well as they grow up.”
However, the ways in which Dads can contribute to the
success of the Girl Scouts is not limited to becoming Troop Leaders. The
seamless execution of the numerous events and activities would not be possible
without the support of hundreds of men who volunteer throughout the year.
Retired New York City Police Office Jeff utilizes his expertise to play a
crucial role in event logistics, such as directing traffic at the recent GSNC “Girls Go the Distance” Walkathon.
“I enjoy working with the Girl Scouts and witnessing
it help young girls build their self-esteem and develop problem solving
skills,” said Strauber. “I appreciate that Girl Scouts is a healthy outlet for
girls to work on their self-image and eventually allows them to become
wonderful young women. I always jump at the opportunity to be involved with
anything that my girls are a part of; it is a rewarding experience to see how
much Girl Scouts has positively influenced them, and it is great to see that
they are all still involved in one way or another.”
When GSNC Dads are not leading a Troop or volunteering
at events, they are raising the world’s next greatest entrepreneurs by
assisting with annual Girl Scout Cookies® sales. The GSNC is lucky to have
fathers like Wayne G who was more than willing to help his daughter succeed in
selling over 650 Girl Scout Cookies™ for a good cause. Wayne’s daughter Alexia,
along with her troop, was able to use funds collected from the sales to donate
three “Buddy Benches,” which serve as common meeting places for kids
to make friends on the playground.
“It was very inspiring to
watch Alexia work towards her goal of selling enough cookies to purchase and
donate ‘Buddy Benches’ to the three Jericho School District elementary schools,
“ shared Wayne. “She was highly motivated. I enjoyed supporting my daughter and
offering her guidance. Then after someone on the ‘Massapequa Moms’ group on
Facebook challenged me to wear a Thin Mint Cookie costume, I did not hesitate.
Alexia was able to boost sales by an additional 150 boxes and we personally
delivered the cookies together, me in full costume.”
The GSNC has the
opportunity to watch Girl Scouts grow and develop from a Daisy to an Ambassador
alongside their parents. Clyde of Baldwin reflects on the memories he has
shared with his daughter, now 18 years old, over the last 13 years she has been
involved in the GSNC. As a supportive father, he has continuously volunteered
his time to help with activities, and is known in his office as the “go-to-guy”
during Girl Scout Cookie™ Season.
“I have always been willing
to offer any type of support, whether it has been helping prepare for meetings,
transporting girls to activities or helping with cookie sales,” shares Clyde.
“I have enjoyed watching my daughter grow and exhibit the confidence she has
gained from her journey as a Girl Scout. I’ve witnessed her take risks and lead
events and discussions with younger girls. Girl Scout’s has encouraged her to
find her voice and speak up for herself and those are skills she will carry
into adulthood.”
Thank you, thank you, thank you to all the dads and father-figures who help make Girl Scouting possible for their girls. We wish you all a Happy Father's Day!
Friday, June 10, 2016
Be a Buddy, Not a Bully!
Buddy Bench Bronze Award Project
by Girl Scout Troop 3095Hi! We are Troop 3095 from Jericho. This year we worked on our Girl Scout Bronze Award, the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can earn. For our Bronze Award, we decided to address the issue of loneliness on the playground. We didn’t want to see children afraid to join in with a group or to feel left out. So, we decided to donate a Buddy Bench to each of our 3 Elementary Schools. A Buddy Bench prevents bullying and is a great way to make new friends.
In order to pay for our benches, we had to sell A LOT of Girl Scout Cookies. Our goal was to sell 2,500 boxes and we actually sold 2,822 boxes!! We sold to our family and friends, went door to door and had a lot of booth sales. With our cookie money, we were able to buy 3 Buddy Benches and 3 plaques to put on the benches. The plaque says, “Buddy Bench donated by Girl Scout Troop 3095”. We even had some money left over to have a pizza party to celebrate all of our hard work!!
The Bronze Award was the biggest project we have participated in so far as Girl Scouts. We each had to put in a minimum of 20 hours to complete this project! Some of us were even able to put in more than the required 20 hours. To get the hours we did things like attend our meetings, attend booth sales, put together the benches and make a video. Putting together the benches was a lot of fun and challenging at the same time. We loved seeing the finished project when we were done!
To spread the word, we decided to make a YouTube video with the help of our Principal and Music teacher. That was A LOT of fun and we LOVED making it!! Once the benches are installed at the schools, the video is going to be shown to all of the students. It will teach them about the purpose of the Buddy Bench. This video will be shown to the students every year so incoming students always know about it. To watch the video click on the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-PcN5Jk1fyw
We also attended our District Board of Ed meeting where we explained our project and were recognized for our efforts. It was fun to stand on stage in front of everyone and we think we did a great job!
By completing this project, we hope that students in the Jericho Elementary Schools will continue to be kind to each other and include others at recess. We want to inspire all of the students to help make a difference and to prevent bullying from happening. We also discovered that we can do anything that we put our minds to and we can make a difference! So, let’s go out and “Make New Friends”!!
BE A BUDDY, NOT A BULLY!!
Friday, June 3, 2016
Girl Scouts of Nassau County's First Annual Bake Off
A taste of the many things Girl Scouts can do.
by Katie G.
Girl Scout Daisies through Ambassadors put their baking skills to the test at the first ever Girl Scouts of Nassau County bake off. Fifty-five Girl Scouts from twelve different Associations went head to head on May 13th to challenge one another in creating tasty treats and desserts, all of which had to be made by scratch. The bake-off which took place at the Cradle of Aviation, consisted of each level baking a different treat which would be competing against the other desserts in their level. The Daisies were required to make cookies, the Brownies, well to no surprise brownies, Juniors made single layer cakes, Cadettes stirred up some tasty pie recipes and last but not least, the Seniors and Ambassadors who made an assortment of baked breads. Each girl earned her spot in the GSNC bake-off by winning her association's bake-off.
The assortment of delicious baked goods were premade and brought in the day of to be reviewed by eighteen judges. The girls were rewarded points based on the taste, texture, appearance, and originality of the dessert they worked hard to make.
Even though there could only be one winner of each level, all the girls who participated received metals and patches. All the treats and desserts presented were award worthy, however there were five that came out on top. The five first place winners were as followed; in Daisies Gabriella from Troop 1088 in Floral Park made a lasting impression with her Twix thumbprint cookies, in Brownies Hannah from Troop 931 in Bellmore rose to the top with her Sinkers brownies, in Juniors Samantha from Seaford/Wantagh spiced things up with her brown sugar, caramel bundt cake, in Cadettes Riley from Troop 1254 in Garden City whipped up a delicious caramel cheesecake and in Seniors and Ambassadors, Rebecca from Troop 1280 in Floral Park stirred up the competition with cinnamon, banana swirl bread.

While the judging took place the girls and their families were given the chance to explore the museum. Girl Scouts were also given the chance to both, take a lesson on cake/cookie decorating from Christine Bernhard, owner and head chef of "Honestly Delicious Bakery" in Garden City, as well as create 350 non-perishable snack packs for less fortunate children at the Mary Brennan Inn, which will be handed out on Memorial Day. The event was a major success and was a taste test for the many more they plan to hold in the future.
Friday, May 27, 2016
The Museum of American Armor’s Girl Scout Leadership Challenge Essay Contest
A few weeks ago we posted an opportunity for girls to enter The
Museum of American Armor’s Girl Scout Leadership Challenge, which encouraged
girls to submit essays that would highlight a better understanding of the
heroes within our own families and those throughout our communities. Lauren’s
essay received the First Place Award. The other winners are listed after the
essay. We are very proud of all the girls who entered this essay contest.
Please take a few minutes to read the essay – We hope you’ll find
it as inspiring as we did! And, most importantly, keep those who served - and
those who still serve - our country in your thoughts over the weekend.
Lauren’s Essay:
OO-RAH was a call I heard since I was a baby. Every
holiday with my Pop Pop and uncles, this call was always shouted
as soon as they saw each other. It took me years to understand what
it truly meant though. It was used as a battle cry many years ago
but today is used almost as a brotherhood type greeting.
My Pop Pop was a Marine and
couldn't have been prouder when his two sons later joined the
Marines. Arriving from Ireland, Pop was ready to serve a
country that would give him opportunity and allow him a new life. He
wasn't in the US for very long before he had his paperwork
in. The poverty and despair that he left in Dublin would
be replaced with service and exotic travel. He loved every day of
his service and loved his new country even more. His fellow marines
called him Ireland and many were shocked when at the end of
their service they heard him called by his real last name,
Byrne. They always thought it was Ireland. He never did see
action but was prepared to defend his new nation as he was stationed
on a ship ready to invade during the Cuban Missile crisis. Only
years later did he find out that this was part of a Navy and Marine planned strategy that
would have been even larger than the Allied invasion force on D-Day.
Many years later my two uncles would also
join. My Uncle Jack served his four years without seeing any
action but was called back months after his discharge to serve in Dessert
Storm. Off he went to train for this war; my family saw him go with
heavy hearts and prayers. They were proud of him and silently knew
what an honor it was to defend our nation. The war soon ended just
as his unit was next for deployment and he too arrived back without seeing
action.
Uncle Robert is the youngest in the Byrne family. He
was the last to enlist, and saw the most. He and his Marine expeditionary unit
were sent to Mogadishu Somalia Africa as part of Operation Restore
Hope. There they provided security for both American and United
Nation forces while running patrols throughout the Mogadishu International
Airport and its surroundings. He was the last American
force there and ensured everyone was pulled out safely.
Years later it was Uncle Robert's military training that allowed
him to save himself and several people when the Trade centers
fell. His firehouse was the first called to the scene when the
building was attacked. He was in building one when the second building
fell. Again, he was one of the last to leave and pulled people to
safety.
It is instances like that, where I realize how much of an
appreciation I have for the brave men and women who serve in the military. Many
men and women devote countless amounts of their time to serve our country and
protect our rights, and even risk their lives. For this we must appreciate them
and do our part to make the time they spend to protect us worth it. My
family works closely with the American Legion Hall in my community, in order to
give back to those who serve us. My older brother collected
over 800 books for American soldiers and mailed them out to distant troops as
his personal project to the service men and women. My personal
project took place this past Fall. I collected over 300 new and lightly
used suits and jackets as part of Nassau's Veteran Stand Down
fair. We believe that in addition to regularly helping support our
veterans through care packages and collections organized in town, we should
also personally support our current and former soldiers. They
dedicated years protecting my freedom, I can certainly dedicate a few
weekends of my time supporting them. I'm proud to be
a Junior member of the American Legion Women's Auxiliary also. To
all our service men and women out there, Semper Fi and of course
OO-RAH!
The other winners of the contest:
Second Place: Jillian K. Oceanside Troop 2228, and has earned her
Silver.
Third Place: Julia C. East Meadow Troop 2033, and has earned
her Silver.
Honorable Mentions
Jillian P., WH/FS 1025 – has earned Bronze and Silver
Asmita J., Oceanside 2228, has earned Silver
Bianca L., Bellmore 971, earned Silver and is receiving her Gold in June.
Janine B., ELLM 2458, earned Silver and receiving Gold in June
Hannah T., East Meadow 3174
Amanda W., Manhasset 520, earned Silver and receiving Gold in June
Dessie D., Garden City 1488, ran our Girls Who Code program
Asmita J., Oceanside 2228, has earned Silver
Bianca L., Bellmore 971, earned Silver and is receiving her Gold in June.
Janine B., ELLM 2458, earned Silver and receiving Gold in June
Hannah T., East Meadow 3174
Amanda W., Manhasset 520, earned Silver and receiving Gold in June
Dessie D., Garden City 1488, ran our Girls Who Code program
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