Volunteer Connections by Girl Scouts of Nassau County

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 ...

Meet the “Golden Girls” of Girl Scout Troop 520 of Girl Scouts of Nassau County. Not only have most of the girls been together since Daisies, but 10 of the 11 girls earned the Gold Award this year— and the 11th is currently waiting for final approval on her completed project. 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 a...

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...

Congratulations to the Top Selling Girl Scouts Congratulations to this year’s top sellers in GSNC’s Mags&Munchies Program.  All of the girls were invited, with an adult guest, to the very special (and yummy!)  CEO Brunch at The Swan Club in Roslyn on December 5.  Girls who sold 50+ subscriptions or 150+ nut/snack items also participated in a fun-tastic “Made in Brooklyn” tour.  And, our tippy top sellers, Kimberly from Merrick Troop 2554, Isabella from Massapequa Troop 2185 and Melanie from Bellmore Troop 941, each selected a camera or Kindle for their special reward for selling over 75 subscriptions or over 200 nut/snack items. Samantha M* - Troop 225 Sera M - Troop 922 Melanie M*  - Troop 941 Sofia M*  - Troop 3020 Amanda I*  - Troop 66 Isabella Q* - Troop 3740 Carly S* - Troop 1134 Rosemary C* - Troop 2127 Lauren Y - Troop 2178 Julia C* - Troop 547 Sarah W - Troop 563 Isabella I* - Troop 2185 Kimberly F* - Troop 2454 Olivia N - Tr...

We have an exciting year ahead! Throughout 2016, we will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouting’s top award, the Girl Scout Gold Award. Across our Movement and over the years, millions of alumnae have earned the Golden Eagle of Merit, the Golden Eaglet, the Curved Bar, First Class and the Gold Award. Over one hundred of our girl members are currently working to attain the Girl Scout Gold Award. During this centennial year, we will focus on the many benefits of earning the Girl Scout Gold Award. According to the GSRI study Girl Scouting Works: The Alumnae Impact Study (2012), Girl Scout Gold Award recipients reap greater benefit from their time and experiences in Girl Scouting than non-alumnae. Comparatively, these individuals display more positive life outcomes pertaining to sense of self, life satisfaction, leadership, life success, community service, and civic engagement. Girl Scout Gold Award recipients represent our most successful and engaged—and happiest—Gir...