Service Unit Kick-Off 

Get ready to celebrate the power of G.I.R.L. at the annual Service Unit Kick-Off!

Join us on Saturday, August 26^th from 9:00 am to noon at the GSCM Program Center to get the inside scoop on:

• G.I.R.L. 2017 (National Convention)
• New Badges and Journeys
• Improvements to the VTK
• New policies and procedures
• Updates and Improvements to Programming

You’ll also get a chance to interact with other SU team members, explore opportunities for your community with our program partners and talk with GSCM staff members about your upcoming year.

Each Service Unit should be represented by the SU Manager, a SU team member or some other designated representative who will report back to the community.

Registration goes live on July 17!

Stand Up, Stand Out, Kick-off!

Save the date for the 2017-2018 Cookie Kick-off!

Join us on September 9, 2017 at the GSCM Program Center to get ready for our best Girl Scout Cookie Program yet! 

During the event, learn about the 5 Skills girls gain from participation and how financial literacy, a skill that will surely help them now and in the future, is reinforced throughout the cookie program.

At the Cookie Kick-off, 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.

You don’t want to miss it! Plan to attend and earn the Kick-off patch pictured above!

Free G.I.R.L. Patch Offer EXTENDED!

Did your Girl Scout miss out on the Early Bird t-shirt and patch incentives? We’ve got great news! Any girl that renews for 2018 before September 1^st, will receive the Power of G.I.R.L. patch for free.  This offer is good while supplies last. Girls that renew before August 18^th  will have their patches delivered to their troop leaders at the September service unit meetings.

Leading Challenging Conversations with Girls

Sometimes girls just need to talk it out. 

Current events can be unsettling for kids. Maintaining friendships and getting along at school can be tough. And because you’re a trusted role model, girls may turn to you as a friendly confidant or adviser when they have concerns or questions.

These kinds of conversations can be challenging, but they are also essential. It’s important that girls feel comfortable and supported throughout. When they are at ease, girls can more easily come up with their own viewpoints on difficult and complex subjects.

These newly developed resources can help volunteers, parents, and other caregivers guide the conversation, while keeping it girl-led.

• Teaching kids to appreciate and value others
• Timely Resource Guides for Volunteers and Troop Leaders

Wishing Long-Time Staff Member, Valerie Brooks a Happy Retirement

Girl Scouts of Central Maryland is sad to announce that Valerie Brooks (center), Service and Troop Support Specialist, is retiring after nearly 36 years of working for Girl Scouts.

She began work in September of 1981 at Talus Rock Girls Scout Council in Johnstown, PA after graduating with distinction from Penn State University in 1981 with a BS degree in Administration Justice.

Valerie worked as a Field Director and remained at Talus Rock until May 2, 1994 when she began employment with Girl Scouts of Central Maryland as a Membership Specialist.

She has held numerous roles in our council including Area Director of Membership, Manager, Volunteer Services, Adult Learning Specialist and most recently, SU and Troop Support Specialist.

Throughout her career, Valerie’s contributions and actions have all been focused on supporting GSCM’s mission of building girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.  Valerie will certainly be missed by volunteers and staff alike.