Volunteer Connections by Girl Scouts of Nassau County

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 their experiences and adventures, and we’re sharing those stories. Girl Scout Alum Bonnie was a Girl Scout for 8 years and continues to volunteer with Girl Scouts of Nassau County in a variety of ways. As a Gold Award Mentor, she guides Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors as they work toward the highest award a Girl Scout can earn, the Girl Scout Gold Award. Name: Bonnie Parente 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: If I had to pick a memory that sta...

Picture this… You’re spending the weekend camping at Camp Blue Bay with your Girl Scout troop. Your troop is sitting around the campfire at Romany Wood. You’re sitting on a bench, but it is a little dewy from the day. Wouldn’t it be awesome if you had a sit-upon? Sit-upons are exactly what they sound like; something you sit upon. A sit-upon provides a dry, slightly cushioned barrier between you and the ground, a bench, bleachers, or whatever else you might be sitting on. They can be store bought or hand-made (hint, hint: hand-made sit-upons make a great troop activity leading up to a camping weekend). And, remember although you can make sit-upons that aren’t waterproof (they are useful because they provide comfort), waterproof sit-upons are a great idea because we don’t want a little rain to dampen a camping weekend. Check out some of these sit-upons ideas… Make a sit-upon using an old vinyl tablecloth .  Make a sit-upon using some leftover wallpaper, newspaper and yar...

The end of summer doesn’t mean the end of camping and being outdoors! Fall is a great time to get your troop active outside and have them earn a badge or two. Camping Fall is a great time for your troop to go camping. 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. And, if you’ve never been to Camp Blue Bay before and want to check it out? We have a Council Camp opportunities available for those troops that don’t have camp trained volunteers, for those troops who are new to the camping experience, and for those who just want to try a new camping experience! With our Council programs, no tra...

Girls don’t like camping . Our first myth is far from the truth. Girls aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves, build a fire, pitch a tent or explore the outdoors and nature. Sixty-two percent of girls said they enjoyed almost all of the outdoor activities they participated in through Girl Scouts , with camping ranking in the top three activities. Girls described camping as “fun.” They enjoy the opportunity to overcome challenges, and the feelings of accomplishment. Girls use this time to build and strengthen social bonds and hang out with friends. Girls will get bored at camp . This is not the case at all; finding the time to fit in all your favorite activities is actually the problem. Taking a break from technology might scare some girls… and the volunteers who agreed to take them to the woods. Including the girls in the planning will keep them enthusiastic and engaged. Go for a hike, collect shells on the beach, play a game of GaGa, roast marshmallows or star gaze. The oppo...

~ by Madison S. Presenting my Cookie website at the Digital Cookie Launch Party I have been involved with many activities through my school and church, but none of them are better than being a Girl Scout! When people hear of Girl Scouts, most think of the little girls selling delicious cookies and going camping. Yes, we love our cookies and enjoy camping trips, but we are so much more than that! When I think of Girl Scouts, I think of young leaders changing the world. These girls have diverse interests from helping others to learning about Science, Technology, Engineering, and math. As a Girl Scout, I have learned so many new things and I have experienced so many amazing "Possibilities". Some of my favorite memories would never have been created if I wasn't a Girl Scout. In a group called Girl Speak, I have led a community service project with some of my new best friends. Girl Speak even went to Albany to present to Senators and Assemblymen about our pro...