CEO: August 2011 Archives

I recently was invited to attend a Bronze Award Ceremony.   Always a welcome invitation in my world, as I enjoy having an opportunity to see what girls can do.   It was a great evening. The girls had done three different projects, demonstrating their troop leader was clearly sensitive of affording girls the opportunity to chase their own passions.     Each of the projects were about giving back to the community and being grateful for what they had.   It was great to see the mayor and other dignitaries from their community were there. The most poignant part of the event, however, was not the slide show, not each one acknowledging their accolades, but each of the girls thanking their troop leader and giving her a gift.   I'm sure she was surprised, but each thanked her for what she had given to them.   This is the type of gift to these girls that is never forgotten.   The gift cards are transitory, but giving your time and caring to others is permanent.   Thank you to all our volunteers for sharing their wealth with the girls of this council.

After summer camp is over, we take some time to catch our breath and start planning for fall.   The time between camp and school beginning isn't long, but we have been busy, working toward everyone having a fantastic 100^th anniversary year!   The membership staff had their retreat, and they are off and running, working to increase the number of girls whose lives are changed through interaction with our wonderful volunteers and opportunities being a Girl Scout has to offer.   The council goal for girl members is 9,500 this year.   Although secretly, the membership staff is aimed at 10,000!

We have made some positive changes in our fall product sale.   For starters, we've added a component for those who have new troops, so they can sell magazines after the sale to raise funds if they are formed after fall product is completed.   We've also changed the vendor and added incentives for girls who are top sellers to that program.

The cookie program is moving to a direct sale, which we hope will be easier on our volunteers.   We made this change to cut steps out of the sale process, and the majority of the feedback we've received on that discussion has been positive.    We have worked to address the comments that shared concerns about that change.   For that program, we've added incentives for adults who work with this, since many of you do a great deal of work to make that program a success.

We are fortunate to have both purchased and received lots of equipment this summer to enrich the girls' experience.   We have a bass boat, sailboats, stand up paddle boards and GPS units.   The next task on my list is to get that out, so the girls can use these items during the course of the year.    All of this was used during the summer, and the girls gave all of it rave reviews.   So those who didn't get a chance to attend summer camp should have an opportunity to test their skills, as well.

This is the year of the 100^th anniversary.   As usual, we have great programs planned for the year, but there are added programs because of the 100^th anniversary celebrations, making it even more special.   We hope you are as excited as we are for a fantastic year for the girls!

The council has three advance copies of the new Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting, which integrates with the Journey books. The council staff who have read these new materials LOVE them!   They come as a notebook with age level materials, new badges and badge requirements.   The books are colorful and include some fun things.   The Brownie book has fun paper dolls in the back and money so they can learn how to grocery shop.   We will be previewing the books at fall kick-off.   Kick-off is Saturday, August 13, for the Mobile area and Sunday, August 14, in Montgomery for the River Region/Wiregrass area.   We hope you can attend, so you can learn about our new fall product vendor, QSP/Ashdon Farms and see the new books. They are scheduled to be in the council shops in mid September!

Check out our post from June 23, 2011 about the Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting for more info, and be sure to watch the video produced by Girl Scouts of the USA!