The New GSCM.ORG is Coming Soon!

Change is on the horizon! As we continue to move towards totally integrating GSCM into the new CEI system, the first phase of the change is almost complete. The new gscm.org will be up and running at the end of July. The new website will have a fresh look and streamlined information, all designed to make access to the information you need and want easier. Here’s what CEO, Violet Apple has to say about it:

It’s Cookie Time! Get Ready for the 2016-2017 Cookie Kick-Off Rally!

GSCM is calling all Girl Scouts to attend the new and exciting 2017 Be Unique, Be You Cookie Kick-off! Tickets can be purchased on the GSCM registration site. During the event, girls and their families will learn about the 5 Skills girls gain from participation in the largest girl-led business in the world, the Girl Scout Cookie Program: Goal Setting, Decision Making, Money Management, People Skills and Business Ethics.

At the event girls will discover the fun of dreaming big while setting realistic and attainable cookie-selling goals. Girls can practice hands-on activities to help market and promote their cookie business. Tips and techniques will be shared to help connect girls to more customers while learning how to communicate their goals and gain customer support.

Register today! It’s a great opportunity for girls to meet new friends and share cookie sale success stories! Girls will leave with a renewed excitement about the Girl Scout Cookie Program and the valuable skills they gain by participating in it.

When: September 18, 2016
Time: 1- 5 PM
Cost: $10 in advance (online) $20 at the door
Where: GSCM 4806 Seton Drive Baltimore, MD 21215
Register: GSCM Registration Site

Volunteers are Needed for the Cookie Kick-Off Rally

The Cookie Kick-off Rally will be held Sunday, September 18th at 4806 Seton Drive Baltimore, MD 21215. We are seeking volunteers to help run girl activities. Below is a sample of activities for which we need volunteers. We are seeking troops, groups or individuals. If you are interested in volunteering to help during this event, contact gscmcookierally@gmail.com, or Pat at dpheinr@gmail.com.

Cookie Kick-off Volunteer Opportunities:
• Goal Setting: Activity on troop goal/individual goal/cookie share goal
• Cookie knowledge games
• Learn about your cookies: Box information, serving sizes, ingredients etc.
• Developing a business plan
• Developing a budget
• Mock Booth sales/ Mock Door- to – Door sales/ Mock Phone sales
• Nail painting (colors of cookie boxes)
• Girl Recognitions Booth
• Living the promise and law during Girl Scout Cookie Sales (Business ethics)
• Marketing skills
• Thank You cards craft
• Button making
• How to Design a Successful Booth
• Booth “Set-Up” Races
• Selfie Booth
• Llama Craft
• Recycling Cookie Box – Craft ideas

Lifetime Membership Discount Available for Girls Scouts Graduating from High School

We hope that Girl Scouting will continue to be a part of your future. Whether you are going off to college, business school, trade school, or taking on your first full-time job, we hope you will stay connected with Girl Scouts – as a Girl Scout alumnae member or adult volunteer — Girl Scouts needs young adults like you who have a passion for and knowledge of the Girl Scout program.

In order to maintain your membership in Girl Scouting, Girl Scouts of Central Maryland would like to offer you a free $15 adult membership for the 2017 membership year so that you can maintain your Girl Scout membership. If you are ready to make the commitment to be a Lifetime Girl Scout member, you can sign-up today for a reduced cost of $180. This one-time offer is for Girl Scouts who are registered at the time of their high school graduation, or the equivalent, provided you apply for Lifetime Membership before your current membership expires.

If you are interested in becoming a lifetime member at this special reduced rate, Girl Scouts of Central Maryland will apply the free $15 membership fee mentioned above to your lifetime membership. This will allow you to purchase a lifetime membership for only $180. In order to receive this discount, you must return the adult registration form with the $180 payment to Girl Scouts of Central Maryland no later than August 20, 2016. After that date, the cost of lifetime membership will be $375.

To begin the process, complete this registration form.

Save the Date for Upcoming Events!

Adult Learning Roundup
On May 14, over 50 adults enjoyed a fun-filled day of learning at Camp Conowingo.  Workshops included Rock Wall Certification, Ceremonies and Traditions, Geocaching, Games, Songs, and much more.  Please plan to join us at next year’s Adult Learning Roundup on May 13, 2017, at Camp Conowingo. More information will be available in early 2017.

Women in STEAM Festival
GSCM’s annual Women in STEAM Festival will take place in November. Stay tuned for more details, you won’t want to miss it!

Adult Learning News

Training for New SUMs 

If you’re a new Service Unit Manager (less than two years in the position), who hasn’t had
a chance to be trained, or a Service Team Member considering the position, this one is for you!  Topics will include an Overview of the Position Description, Responsibilities of a Service Team, How to Build Your Team, Goal Setting, Meet and Greet review, and review of Service Team paperwork.

When: Tuesday, August 9^th from 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Where: GSCM Seton Drive Location
Details: Includes a light dinner. Register online (Registration required)
Questions? Contact Valerie Brooks at vbrooks@gscm.org

Upcoming Trainings
Summer is an excellent time for new leaders or leaders changing grade levels to take training.  Please visit GSCM’s online registration for upcoming trainings in July, September, and October.  Home Studies are available year round.

Basic Troop Camp Training
Beginning in August, there will be a nominal $5 fee for Basic Troop Camp Training.  The fee will cover the cost of training supplies.  The fee will be non-refundable once registration closes.  The only other cost for the training is for food and personal supplies that each individual patrol will decide at the planning meeting.  Basic Troop Camp Training is required when planning to take your troop camping or when using an open fire for cooking.  Outdoor 101, a self-study, is the pre-requisite for Basic Troop Camping and is a great resource for progression in the out-of-doors. Both of these courses are available via online registration.

If you are planning camp activities in the spring, please arrange to take training in the fall.  There are Basic Troop Camp Trainings scheduled for the fall and three in the spring.  Space is limited, so please plan ahead.