Volunteer Connections by Girl Scouts of Nassau County

by Guest Blogger Madison S. I have participated in research activities with Nobel Prize-winning scientists at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center. I traveled to Albany to advocate for the homeless in New York State. I mentored a group of young women with special needs — all as a Girl Scout! My name is Madison S, and I’ve been a Girl Scout since kindergarten. Now, I’m a senior in high school, member of Girl Scouts of Nassau County’s Board of Directors, and have earned my Gold Award. Since becoming a Girl Scout almost twelve years ago, I’ve been asked the same two questions countless times: "Which is your favorite cookie?" and "What do you do as a Girl Scout?" The first question is simple, because the Samoas are obviously superior, but unless you have all day, it's impossible to answer the second. I've had so many unique experiences and opportunities to discover myself and my passions, impact meaningful change, and serve my community, all while fostering life...

Girl Scouts around the world are counting down the hours until our 55th (and first-ever virtual) National Council Session (NCS). Held every three years, NCS brings Girl Scouts’ democratic process to life in a big way. Starting Friday, October 23, through Sunday, October 25, 1,300 delegates from every council across the nation and USA Girl Scouts Overseas, will discuss, debate, and vote on issues important to the Girl Scout Movement and elect national leaders for the 2020–2023 triennium. This year, a record number of girl members—approximately 400 from across the country—aged 14–17 will represent their councils as delegates. Meet the delegates who will be representing Girl Scouts of Nassau County. Delegates Melanie Sinesi, Bay Service Unit Girl Scout Gold Award (2008) Lifetime Member Madeline K, Seaford/Wantagh Service Unit Girl Scout Ambassador Bronze Award Girl Scout and Silver Award Girl Scout   Lisa Burke, Bay Service Unit Member-at-Large, Girl Scouts of Nass...

SWAPS   What is a swap? Swaps are S pecial W hatchamacallits A ffectionately P inned S omewhere or sometimes you may have heard them referred to as something you can S hare W ith A P al! Either way you describe it, SWAPs are FUN! SWAPS are small crafts that Girl Scouts give as gifts or trade with other Girl Scouts when they meet each other to promote friendships! Some Girl Scouts include their first name, troop number, or email address to stay in touch with the new friends they meet, but that is optional! Each SWAP represents a special memory of an event or a fellow Girl Scout sister! SWAPS can tell something about the giver, or the troop or they can just be something cute you found on Pinterest that you want to put your own flare on! SWAPS can also be created to represent your country, community or your Girl Scout Council, depending on where you are going or what you are planning for! When I was a young Girl Scout, SWAPs were a really big part of my tro...

Saying ‘Thank you’ to Cookie Customers There's more to Girl Scout Cookies than what is in the cookie package! When your Girl Scout sells Girl Scout Cookies , they’re learning skills which can be used in business and in everyday life. Whether she is interacting with past customers or new ones, make sure she practices good customer service! For example, when a Girl Scout says “thank you” to her cookie customers, she is learning about business ethics , communication skills , and how to be professional and polite. Saying thank you is so important! By saying thank you, you show how much you value them helping you reach your goals. Here are some unique ways that our Girl Scouts say thank you to their cookie customers. Sarah from troop 2232 and Emily from troop 2531 show their neighbors, family, and friends that they appreciate their support during cookie season by placing fulfilled orders in a hand crafted paper bag that includes a thank you note and a business card. ...

Who are Girl Scouts? Girl Scouts are Go-getters, Innovators, Risk-takers, and Leaders. They’re girls who design robots, learn life skills, improve our neighborhoods, and go on amazing adventures. They’re making a difference. Girl Scouts is a lifelong adventure full of friendship, connection, service, and fun! Every Girl Scout has a unique story to tell, and we’re sharing those stories. Girl Scout Lifetime Member , Dienamarie was a Girl Scout for 12 years and has been volunteering with Girl Scouts of Nassau County in a variety of ways for 17 years. Currently, she is a troop leader in the Merrick Service Unit and she mentors Girl Scouts in our council who are working toward earning their Girl Scout Gold Award. Name: Dienamarie G. Council: Girl Scouts of Nassau County Tell us about your time as a Girl Scout. Looking back, what were some highlights, important moments, life lessons, and/or favorite memories? Girl Scouts has given me a well-rounded experience from the begi...

Different Ways to "Bling Your Booth" and Stay Within Your Booth Sale Location’s Guidelines Today (January 31, 2020) is the official start of Girl Scout Cookie Booth Sales here in Nassau County! One of the fun things for your Girl Scouts to do during booth sale season is to “Bling your Booth.” But, how can you “Bling Your Booth” when your booth sale location has guidelines. Try some of these ideas: Girl Scouts can set up the cookie packages and cases in a fun, decorative way.  Have each of the Girl Scouts in your troop come up with a unique "elevator" pitch. Then let the girls take turns trying out their “elevator” pitch on customers. This gives each girl the opportunity to practice their marketing and people skills while at the booth sale.  Make sure their vests/sashes are Girl Scout Cookie Season ready. The GSNC Shop even has a patch for that! When you go into the GSNC Shop for a uniform checkup, you will receive a free patch with you...

Who are Girl Scouts? Girl Scouts are go-getters, innovators, risk-takers and leaders. They’re G.I.R.L.S who design robots, learn life skills, improve our neighborhoods and go on amazing adventures. They’re making a difference. Girl Scouts is a lifelong adventure full of friendship, connection, service, and fun! Every Girl Scout Alum has a unique story to tell about her experiences and adventures, and we’re sharing those stories. Girl Scout Alum Raven was a Girl Scout for 7 years and continues to volunteer with Girl Scouts of Nassau County in a variety of ways.   Name: Raven Brewington Council: Girl Scouts of Nassau County Tell us about your time as a Girl Scout. Looking back, what were some highlights, important moments, lif e lessons, and/or favorite memories? To say Girl Scouts changed my life is an understatement. My fondest memories revolve around Camp Blue Bay . I can remember the songs, campfires, swimming and crafts, not to mention all of the friendships I ga...