Badges, Patches & Awards: May 2011 Archives

Girl Scouts of the USA is on track to deliver new program resources in time for the 2011 membership year.  The new books will be available for purchase  in our council shops in September.  At this time, we do not know exactly when we will receive them, but will let you know as soon as we have the books in hand.
 
Below are some FAQs regarding these new resources:

• What will happen to the current resources, such as the Junior Badge book or the Cadette Handbook? GSUSA is currently working on a new "Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting" for each program level.  It will provide updated badge activities and handbook information for girls and will be available in September 2011, when girls can begin enjoying the new badges in the guide.
• What do we do between now and September 2011?  Leaders/advisors can help girls choose a Journey and continue enjoying the current badge activities.  Check out the online "Journey Maps" for examples of using journeys and badges together for a great Girl Scout experience.  Click here <http://www.girlscouts.org/program/journeys/maps/>  for the maps.  Here's a graphic that shows the connection between the Journeys and the Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting.
• Will we still be able to purchase older resources and insignia? As part of the roll-out of the Journeys and the new guide, the GS Shop will begin to streamline existing inventory by retiring certain merchandise this summer.  This will affect the availability of certain patches, books, and other merchandise.  To check on item availability, please contact the shop at 1-800-239-6636.  
  

We encourage you to share this information with other Girl Scout members.  Additional information will be announced as it is released.  

The end of the school year is quickly approaching, and with it comes Girl Scout award ceremonies. Please remember that Bronze, Silver and Gold award paperwork must be turned into the council for review in order to purchase award pins.

Send planners to Jeannie Napper at the Mobile Service Center. If you have any questions, contact Jeannie or Mary Anne Brutkiewicz at 251-344-3330 (or 800-239-6636), ext. 1202. If you are interested in having representation from the council at your ceremony, please contact Jeannie or Mary Anne at least a week before the event. We love to attend ceremonies to see the culmination of the girls' hard work!

It's not too late to register to "Adopt A Distinguished Young Woman" for this year. Formerly known as Adopt an America's Junior Miss, this program allows Girl Scout troops to interact with contestants over the time that they are in Mobile for the national finals, June 12-25.

At this point, we still have 19 out of the 50 girls without troops. We want this to be a great experience for all of the girls. We've extended the deadline (again) until May 20, 2011.

If your troop can host, please contact Jeannie Napper at 251-344-3330, ext. 1202.

Check out the Be Your Best Self patch program. If your troop completes the patch program by June 12, your troop will be recognized in a special ceremony at one of the events.

Be sure when you turn in your Event Registration Form to list which states you would like to adopt. Keep in mind, 31 of the states have already been assigned. The young women who are coming are really impressive! See what great role models your girls can interact with if you participate in this program.

Still aren't sold? Look at the photos from last year's program, and we're sure you'll adopt a Distinguished Young Woman!