Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama

Anna Maria Chavez To Be Honored by US Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

2012-01-18T09:41:00.000-06:00

Hispanic Business reports that The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce today announced it would honor Anna Maria Chávez with its 2012 Chairman's Award at an event titled "A Celebration of Women Entrepreneurship in America" during the Chamber's Legislative Summit gala. The Summit will take place in Washington, D.C., on March 21-23, 2012.

The annual gala honors and recognizes the affect that Hispanic businesswomen have in America.

The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Nina Vaca said: "The annual Chairman's Award is presented to an individual who stands out as a leading advocate of Hispanic entrepreneurship in America. Through her work with the Girl Scouts, the nation's largest organization for girls, Anna Maria Chávez is a true inspiration for young women in America and continues to help shape tomorrow's leaders through innovative and supportive programs."

Chávez said that she is "deeply honored to accept the The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's 2012 Chairman's Award."

"I am especially honored because entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills are essential components of the Girl Scout experience," she added. "The Girl Scout Cookie Program alone is the largest girl-led business in the country providing immeasurable benefits to girls and their communities. We reach girls from every sector of society and empower them to realize their full potential as leaders—as young women who have the courage and confidence to make our world a better place. I look forward to a future in which our young girls will be standing in my place for their remarkable and meaningful achievements."

The Girl Scout Cookie Program generates more than $750 million in sales. It aims to teach the Girl Scouts five essential business skills: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. The Girl Scouts organization says that it has nearly 325,000 Hispanic Girl Scouts and adult volunteers, an increase of more than 50% in the past decade.

Girl Scouts Introduce New Cookie for 100th Anniversary

2012-01-02T08:30:00.000-06:00

In honor of Girl Scouting’s 100th anniversary, customers can expect to see an old favorite, with a new name: Savannah Smiles. These lemon-flavored cookies, along with seven other varieties, will be on sale December 30 through March 3.

Cookies offered include all-time favorites: Thin Mints, Samoas, Trefoils, Tagalongs, Do-si-dos, Savannah Smiles (100th anniversary cookie), Dulce de Leche and Thank U Berry Munch. Each box sells for $3.50. All eight varieties of Girl Scout Cookies contain zero grams of trans fat. Girl Scout cookies are a low-sodium treat, and some varieties weigh in at only 28 (Savannah Smiles) and 40 (Thin Mints) calories per cookie!

Through the Girl Scout Cookie Sale Program, an integral part of Girl Scouting’s Financial Literacy initiative for girls ages 5 to 17, girls manage inventory, set goals, learn money management, and develop their own personal leadership style. Essentially, the girls run their own business. The entire troop sets a goal and creates an action plan leading toward that goal. Girl Scout troops use funds from the cookie activity to fund a service project or to plan an exciting trip. Cookie funds are also used for council programs.

“Girl Scouts teach the importance of health and wellness every day,” says Trish Coghlan, CEO of the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama (GSNCA). “Even if you are participating in a weight loss plan, you can still participate in this important program by purchasing cookies as part of our Cookies for Troops campaign, and have your cookies sent overseas to brighten a soldier’s day.”

Girls will take pre-orders for cookies beginning December 30, with deliveries after February 3. Booth sales at many local stores and supermarkets will start February 10. If eager customers have trouble finding cookies near them, they can visit www.girlscoutsnca.org and use the Cookie Locator button or call 800-734-4541. Customers may also download the free Girl Scout Cookie Locator App for iPhone or Android. The app tells customers when and where sales will take place in their area, and map them to the location.

Girls in Lamar, Fayette, Marion, DeKalb, Lauderdale, Colbert, Marengo, Green and Sumter counties will take place in the Direct Sales Pilot Program this year. Instead of taking pre-orders, Girl Scouts in the above counties will have their cookies at the beginning of January to sell immediately. Booth sales at many local stores and supermarkets will start February 10.

Important Safety Notice: Girl Scout Cookies should be purchased only from someone affiliated with the Girl Scout organization to ensure safety and freshness.

About the Girl Scout Cookie Sale Program
Since 1917, the Girl Scout Cookie Sale Program has become a famous annual event that has helped girls develop important leadership skills they will use throughout their lives. Whether they are dreaming of becoming a doctor, teacher, businesswoman, CEO of a Fortune 500 company or an engineer, the Girl Scout Cookie Program helps to build the self-esteem they need to reach for the stars.

About Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama
For 100 years Girl Scouting has given every girl access to life-changing experiences that inspire her to do something BIG! For more information about how you can get involved, visit our 100th anniversary link at www.girlscoutsnca.org/100.Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama is a United Way community partner and serves more than 15,000 girls ages 5-17, and 5,000 volunteers in programs across 36 counties. For more information, call 800-734-4541 or log on to www.girlscoutsnca.org.

Town Hall Property Assessment Meetings

2011-12-20T13:11:00.004-06:00

If you did not have a chance to participate in the Property Assessment survey, there will be other opportunities to provide feedback. In January, we will hold town hall meetings through the Council area. Everyone is invited to attend.

Thursday, January 5, 2012 | 6 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church
Room 203
900 Greensboro Avenue
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 | 6 p.m.
First United Methodist Church
109 Gayle Avenue SW
Jacksonville, AL 36265

Thursday, January 12, 2012 | 6 p.m.
Bluff Park United Methodist Church
733 Valley Street
Birmingham, AL 35226

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 | 6 p.m.
Huntsville Service Center
1515 Sparkman Drive
Huntsville, AL 35816

Thursday, January 26, 2012 | 6 p.m.
TBD
Florence, AL

Please plan to attend and let your voice be heard!

Ashlyn Earns P.R.A.Y Four-Star Award

2011-12-14T16:43:00.000-06:00

GSNCA would like to recognize Ashlyn, a member of Girl Scout Troop 10737 and a 10th grader at Bob Jones High School, who was recently awarded the Four-Star Award from the Programs of Religious Activities with Youth (P.R.A.Y.) To be a Four-Star recipient in the P.R.A.Y. Program of Religious Emblems, a person must complete every program of the P.R.A.Y. series from God and Me through God and Life. Ashlyn and her family are members of Messiah Lutheran Church in Madison.

For more information about the P.R.A.Y. Program, please visit www.praypub.org.

About P.R.A.Y.
P.R.A.Y. is best known for religious awards programs. The P.R.A.Y. program helps young people to develop a deeper relationship with God and to understand how God is active in their lives and in the world around them. It is a Christian Education resource that uses Bible lessons paired with service projects to help young people not only to grow in Christian faith but to also express their faith by reaching out in love and in service to others. P.R.A.Y. encourages families, youth agencies, and Protestant congregations to use the P.R.A.Y. series to foster spiritual growth in children, youth and families.

Girl Scouts Give Lovelady an Extreme Room Makeover

2011-12-12T10:42:00.002-06:00

Pictured: Kensie, Mackenzie, Olivia
and Maizie

Girl Scout Troop 2610 members Kensie, Mackenzie, Anna Lee, Maizie, Katie, Anna and Olivia, recently earned their Silver Awards after bringing their version of Extreme Home Makeover to the Lovelady Center. To complete the project girls sent letters asking people for donations. Through those contributions, the girls were able to paint the walls and bedframes, caulk the bathroom, hang new blinds and curtains, and purchase new bedding. The troop said they wanted to give the women and children a pretty space to rebuild their lives. This project was completed while the girls were in the eighth grade at Homewood Middle School and Altamont.

Troop Gets Into Christmas Spirit with a Little School Spirit

2011-12-05T10:24:00.001-06:00

Junior Girl Scout Troop 19 decorated Auburn/Alabama pine cones for a tree that St. Vincent's will donate to a family this Christmas. Didn't it turn out cute?

Pictured L to R: Sarah, Avery, Lexy, Amanda
Not pictured: Christina and Logan

Girl Scouts Challenge 100 Girls to Earn Religious Awards for 100th Anniversary

2011-11-15T16:14:00.000-06:00

The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama encourages Girl Scouts to pursue religious awards to help them explore their faith. These religious scouting awards are offered to all girls and include God and Me, I Live My Faith Award, God and Life and Mary, the First Disciple Award – each badge offering age-appropriate material and activities. There are also awards for adults.

“Girl Scouting encourages girls to grow strong in faith,” says Trish Coghlan, chief executive officer of GSNCA and member at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. “We hold up three fingers when we make the Girl Scout Promise because there are three parts to the promise. The first part of the promise is to ‘serve God.’ One way a Girl Scout can ‘serve God’ is to earn the religious award of her faith and to wear the award on her uniform.”

Additionally, GSNCA would like to challenge 100 girls to earn their religious awards in honor of our 100th anniversary. There is a kindergarten through 5th grade workshop planned for the morning of January 7, 2012 at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in Shelby County. Additional workshops will be scheduled upon request of Girl Scout leaders and parishes. This may be done as a troop or as individuals. There are virtual opportunities available for older girls as well.

For information on the workshop, or if you are interested in older girl opportunities, contact Mary Jo Cree at maryjo@me.com.

For a listing of PRAY awards, please visit our website at www.girlscoutsnca.org/volunteers/forms-and-resources/patch-programs and click on PRAY Awards or www.praypub.org to view all of the awards available for different denominations. There are also awards available from the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministries at www.nfcym.org/gscf/recognitions.htm.

Girl Scouts Paint Pumpkins with Kappa Delta Sorority

2011-11-02T10:00:00.000-05:00

Pictured: A Kappa Delta sorority sister and Girl Scout Ashton Anthony

By: Brittney Knox

Volunteer Writer

Indians, cows, power rangers and many other characters ran down Sorority Row at the University of Alabama late Monday evening on October 24 during the annual Sorority Row Trick or Treat.

Girl Scouts attended the festivities and painted pumpkins with members of Kappa Delta Sorority.

“We were excited the sorority members prepared this for the girls,” said Lori Walters, Troop 12 leader.

Girls in Troop 12 painted faces on pumpkins, while other participants painted pumpkins different colors.

Margaret Prester, president of Kappa Delta, said their community service chair helped to coordinate the event with the Girl Scouts, one of Kappa Delta's philanthropy partners.

“We wanted to have fun with the girls and be sure they had a good time,” she said.

Even though Walters has a full-time job and her daughter is older now, she still enjoys her time with the Girl Scouts and remains devoted to her troop.

“I hope the girls have fun with the event and enjoy themselves,” Walters said.

Local Girl Scouts and AT&T Unite to Advance Underserved High School Girls in Science and Engineering

2011-11-01T16:23:00.000-05:00

Pictured: Margaret Ritchie, GSNCA VP of ResourceDevelopment;

Terri Gualano AT&T Alabama; and Trish Coghlan, CEO of GSNCA.

BIRMINGHAM--As minority students and women are gravitating away from science and engineering toward other professions, and employment in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields are increasing at a faster pace than in non-STEM fields, educational experts say the U.S. must increase proficiency and interest in these areas to compete in the global economy. Today, the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama (GSNCA) and AT&T announced a new program to help 500 Birmingham and Huntsville high school girls gain interest in STEM classes and future careers.

The local initiative, called “IMAGINE Yourself, Alabama,” is funded through an AT&T Aspire contribution designed to expose young women to a variety of career options in the science, technology, engineering and math fields.

The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama will receive a $45,000 grant to conduct the program from November 2011 through summer 2012 and is one of 18 councils, selected through a national competitive grant process, to participate.

“We have some of the most promising young women eager to learn and make a positive impact in both their personal lives and future careers, said Trish Coghlan, chief executive officer of GSNCA. “AT&T’s contribution enables us to expand our focus to help them explore educational and workforce options.”

“IMAGINE Yourself, Alabama” program offers opportunities for high school girls to team up with AT&T employees and other volunteers to participate in interactive activities and visual experiments, such as extracting DNA from a banana. These activities are designed to help students imagine a future STEM career and spark interest in taking additional STEM courses in high school and college, while opening doors to new career options.

Experts say the country’s need for a world-leading STEM workforce will continue to grow. Recent research from the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce predicts 2.8 million STEM job openings by 2018, including 1.2 million new jobs and an additional 1.6 million replacement openings.

“The STEM disciplines are at the heart our business and we understand how essential they are becoming to every business and the growth of our economy,” Terri Gualano, Regional Director of Legislative and External Affairs for AT&T Alabama. “We are committed to helping teens succeed and are excited that Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama has been selected to participate in this program and will help these young women develop more skills to enjoy productive and rewarding careers.”

The contribution was made through AT&T Aspire, a $100 million commitment with the goal of helping students achieve their best possible futures. Launched in 2008, AT&T Aspire is one of the largest-ever corporate commitments to address high school success leading to college and career readiness.

As an additional contribution, AT&T will match employee gifts to the Girl Scouts up to $500,000 until December 31, 2011.

Girl Scouts Meet America Ferrera

2011-10-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors met America Ferrera a few weeks ago after hearing her lecture at a UAB Latin Heritage Month event. Ferrera is best known for her roles in "Ugly Betty" and "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants." Ferrera also served as a spokesperson for the Girl Scouts/Dove self-esteem program, uniquely ME!.

To read more about Ferrera's lecture click here.

Girl Scouts Celebrate Founder's Birthday

2011-10-25T10:00:00.000-05:00

Allison, a Brownie, and Kalli, a Daisy after
participating in the "cupcake smash."

By: Brittney Knox
Volunteer, writer

Girl Scouts from around Tuscaloosa filled First Presbyterian Church on Saturday, October 15 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts by having a birthday party for founder Juliette Low.

“The girls had a chance to interact with other Girl Scouts and have a day of fun,” said Cortnie Morrow, program/camp specialist for the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama.

The day included activities such as learning “Happy Birthday” in sign language, singing songs and activity stations.

“I think the girls really enjoyed the activities and participated in them very well,” said Meredith McDonald, volunteer for the program, and elementary education major at the University of Alabama.

Cadette Hannah Foster said she enjoyed the activities and furthered her Girl Scout knowledge.

“I learned more about Juliette Low and more about being nice to people,” she said.

Tammy Foster, parent, said she attended with her two daughters to help celebrate the birthday of the founder.

“My girls have learned so much about working in teams and increased their leadership skills,” she said. “They have had the opportunity to go so many places with Girl Scouts such as Ruby Falls and Lookout Mountain.”

Call for 2012 Women Who Serve West Alabama

2011-10-24T13:04:00.001-05:00

Event Part of Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary

The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama (GSNCA) is now accepting nominations for the 2012 Women Who Serve West Alabama. Nominations are open to all women in Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Hamilton, Lamar, Marengo, Perry, Pickens, Sumter or Tuscaloosa counties who have made significant contributions in the aftermath of the April 2011 tornadoes. We are honoring women who served in the relief efforts and made a difference in the lives of the survivors and well-being of the community.

Nominations may be submitted by any individual, employer, civic organization or agency in West Alabama. Selection of awardees will be in December by a group of community leaders from across our Council.

Women chosen for this award will be recognized at the Women Who Serve West Alabama event in May. GSNCA will also present the Karen LaMoreaux Bryan Lifetime Achievement Award to a woman who has demonstrated a lifelong dedication to making the world a better place through service to her community. Prior affiliation with Girl Scouts is not required.

Application forms are available online at www.girlscoutsnca.org/womenwhoserve. The deadline for nominations is November 21, 2011. Girl Scouts has a history of honoring women who make the world a better place and hope you will join us as we recognize Women Who Serve.

For more information, please contact Leah Beth Downs at 800-734-4541 x1030 or ldowns@girlscoutsnca.org.

About Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama
For 100 years Girl Scouting has given every girl access to life-changing experiences that inspire her to do something BIG! For more information about how you can get involved, visit our 100th anniversary link at www.girlscoutsnca.org/100. Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama is a United Way community partner and serves more than 15,000 girls ages 5-17, and 5,000 volunteers in programs across 36 counties. For more information, call 800-734-4541 or log on to www.girlscoutsnca.org.

###

City of Birmingham Recycles Day, October 26 at Linn Park

2011-10-21T12:20:00.001-05:00

The City of Birmingham Recycles Day Committee will host an event to allow citizens to recycle their Electronic Waste (including televisions) and Yellow Pages, taking place Wednesday October 26 from 6 a.m.–2 p.m. at Linn Park.

Accepted Items for Recycles Day:
Yellow Pages, Personal Computers, Televisions, Monitors, LCD TVs, Flat Screen Monitors, VCRs, Radios, Stereos, DVD players, Microwaves, Power Supplies, Rechargeable Batteries, Vacuums, Banking Equipment, Telephones, Pagers, Networking Equipment, Laptops, Keyboards, Mice, Power Cables, Non-Hazardous Medical Equipment, Printers, Copy Machines, Servers, Hubs, Ink Cartridges, Toner Cartridges, Remotes, Modems, Projectors, Cameras

Unaccepted Items for Recycles Day:
Refrigerators, Washers, Clothes Dryers, Dish Washers, Mercury Containing Devices (Thermometers, Fire Alarms), Hazardous Chemicals/Materials, Light Bulbs, Florescent Bulbs, Bio Waste

A drive-thru for recycling e-waste, Yellow Pages telephone books and cellular telephones will be available.

Linn Park is located at 710 20th Street North in Downtown Birmingham.

Do you know of opportunities like this happening in your community? Let us know, and we'll post the information here!

Republished from www.mygreenbirmingham.com/my-city.

Laura Earns Silver Award

2011-10-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

Troop 177 member Laura earned her Silver Award after establishing a eighth grade volunteer team to help out with school registration at Brocks Gap Elementary School (BGES). Laura was responsible for coordinating volunteers, registration day set-up, and communicating with the principals and the PTO. Through this project Laura improved her communication and public speaking skills.

The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest award a Cadette Girl Scout can earn. This award symbolizes a Cadette Girl Scout's accomplishments in Girl Scouting and community activities as she matures and works to better her life and the lives of others.

How 18 Girls Became 50 Million Women

2011-10-20T16:02:00.003-05:00

The Girl Scouts organization has shaped the lives of more than 50 million alumnae alive today, among them many of our nation’s female leaders. A national poll of American women, in fact, found that two-thirds of women of professional achievement, and more than three-fourths of those who were deemed “women of distinction” had been Girl Scouts in their youth. The same poll found that more than four out of five successful professional women who had been Girl Scouts rated their Girl Scout involvement as helping them achieve later success.

In other words, the Girl Scouts stand for much more than cookies, camping and crafts. There is no other organization remotely comparable in size, experience and resources devoted to developing the leadership in girls. Kathy Cloninger, former CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, tells her story in the new book Tough Cookies: Leadership Lessons from 100 Years of the Girl Scouts.

Tough Cookies addresses one of our nation’s most underused resources: girls, and the women they ultimately can become. Kathy Cloninger makes a convincing case for the enormous untapped potential of America’s girls and issues a ringing call to action to girls, boys, parents, the business community and public to help females make a better, stronger and more prosperous future for all.

The Tough Cookies story is not only a celebration of leadership, citizenship, service, confidence and character, but a testament to a movement that continues to transform lives and multiply across the globe. The proceeds from Tough Cookies go to Girl Scouts of the USA. By buying your copy today you are helping us support our nation’s girls and our nation’s future. For more information, visit www.girlscouts.org/toughcookies.

Troop 87 Earns Bronze Award

2011-10-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

Troop 87 members Grace, Kailian, Anna, Abby, Christina, Erin and Carolyn earned their Bronze Awards after they collected supplies for the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. Not only did the girls collect items from designated donation sites, but they also added a personal touch to the project by making dog treats, cat toys and dog beds.

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can earn. This Award recognizes that a Junior Girl Scout has gained the leadership and planning skills required to follow through with a project that makes a positive difference in her community.

Troop 364 Members Earn Silver Award

2011-10-19T10:00:00.000-05:00

Troop 364 members Julia and Shelby earned their Silver Award after creating no-sew blankets for chemotherapy and blood transfusion patients at Children’s of Alabama. To raise money for the project, the girls held a lemonade stand. Each girl was able to make & donate 11 blankets to the hospital.

The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest award a Cadette Girl Scout can earn. This award symbolizes a Cadette Girl Scout's accomplishments in Girl Scouting and community activities as she matures and works to better her life and the lives of others.

Troop 524 Earns Bronze Award

2011-10-18T10:00:00.000-05:00

Troop 524 members Carrie, Lillian, Becca, Abby, Alex and Elizabeth earned their Girl Scout Bronze Award after giving the Crestline Girl Scout House a much-needed facelift. To raise money for the project, the troop participated in a charity garage sale benefiting Children’s of Alabama. With the funds raised through the garage sale, the girls were able to repair the ceiling, paint the walls, and replace broken soap and paper towel dispensers. In addition, each troop that uses the house was given their own wall panel for displaying artwork and projects. Other organizations that also use the house now have individual storage shelves.

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can earn. This Award recognizes that a Junior Girl Scout has gained the leadership and planning skills required to follow through with a project that makes a positive difference in her community.

Troop 529 Members Earn Bronze Award

2011-10-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

Troop 529 members Hannah and Isabelle earned their Girl Scout Bronze Award after completing a service project for Hannah Homes Campus of King’s Home. After the girls determined which items were most needed by the women and children, the girls used their cookie sale profits to purchase toiletries and put together age-appropriate goodie bags for the children.

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can earn. This Award recognizes that a Junior Girl Scout has gained the leadership and planning skills required to follow through with a project that makes a positive difference in her community.

Mini Space Day Offers Opportunities for Girl Scouts

2011-10-10T10:22:00.000-05:00

Girl Scouts recently participated in a mini-space day at the U.S. Space and Rocket center in Huntsville. They received a guided tour of Saturn V Hall and Rocket Park, a Discovery Theater presentation, watched an Imax movie and participated in a hands-on lab. They were also able to enjoy the climbing wall, Mars ride and hands-on Spark Lab. To see photos, click here.

Girl Scouts Cook Up a Tasty Treat

2011-10-06T15:17:00.000-05:00

Girls from Troop 531 and Troop 501 spent the afternoon at Jones Valley Urban Farm learning about plants and healthy eating. Girls made pizzas and smoothies from fruits and vegetables found on the farm.

To view the full album, click here.

CALL FOR 2012 EAST-CENTRAL ALABAMA WOMEN OF DISTINCTION NOMINEES

2011-10-03T15:44:00.000-05:00

The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama (GSNCA) is now accepting nominations for the 2012 East-Central Women of Distinction Awards. Nominations are open to all women in Blount, Calhoun, Cherokee, Chilton, Clay, Cleburne, Etowah, Jefferson, Randolph, St. Clair, Shelby, Talladega and Walker counties who have made a special contribution to their community through civic, academic or professional efforts.

In recognition of our 100 years, we will honor our East and Central Women of Distinction with one combined celebration on March 9, 2012. Nominations may be submitted by any individual, employer, civic organization or agency in East or Central Alabama. Selection of awardees will be in December by a group of community leaders from across our Council.

Women chosen for this award will be recognized at the annual Women of Distinction Luncheon in Birmingham on Friday, March 9, 2012. GSNCA will also present the Mildred Bell Johnson Lifetime Achievement Award for Central Alabama and the Frances E. Couch Lifetime Achievement Award for East Alabama. Each of these awards honors the memory of a beloved community leader whose contributions had far-reaching impact in their respective communities of Alabama. Prior affiliation with Girl Scouts is not required.

Application forms are available online at www.girlscoutsnca.org\wodeastcentral. The deadline for nominations is November 21, 2011. The Women of Distinction Awards Program is the premier fundraising event for GSNCA. All proceeds from the Luncheon directly support the Girl Scouts’ mission to build girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place.

Nominations for North Alabama will open in January. Details for West Alabama coming soon.

For more information, please contact Margaret Ritchie at 205-453-9525 or mritchie@girlscoutsnca.org.

Girl Scouts Learn to Save Savvy

2011-10-03T11:46:00.001-05:00

Representative Paul DeMarco visited the Girl Scouts’ Saving Savvy: Hands on Banking program on October 1 at the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama headquarters in Inverness. Girls learned the fundamentals of savings accounts and interest and were taught the importance of money management skills, the role of banks in helping people save money and understand interest and saving. To understand the interest in savings, girls make “monster” banks, performed a skit about how money changes hands, and held discussion using Wells Fargo’s Hands on Banking materials.

Pictured R-L: Front Row: Sophia, Campbell, Ella Katherine, Ren, Maris and Allison. Back Row: Katherine Ann, Mary Morgan, Representative DeMarco and Patsy. Girls attend St. Francis Xavier Catholic School and are part of the Mountain Brook Service Unit.

Troop 1061 Earns Silver Award

2011-09-30T10:00:00.000-05:00

Troop 1061 members Rebecca, Carmen and Kimmi of Helena decided to turn an empty field at the Shelby County Humane Society into a playground for dogs to earn their silver awards. The girls held a fundraiser at a local restaurant to help collect funds for supplies and dog obstacles. Through their efforts the girls were able to repair the fence, add a dog tunnel, a small pool, a dog run and a tetherball.

The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest award a Cadette Girl Scout can earn. This award symbolizes a Cadette Girl Scout's accomplishments in Girl Scouting and community activities as she matures and works to better her life and the lives of others.

Troop 364 Earns Silver Award

2011-09-29T14:54:00.005-05:00

Troop 364 members Gabrielle and Kaleigh of Oak Mountain decided they wanted to help children in the Kids First Awareness afterschool program prepare for the new school year by collecting school supplies and building backpack racks. The girls were responsible for determining what supplies were needed based on monies available and donations received. With help from Asbury United Methodist Church members, the girls were able to donate 50 backpacks. The girls then installed racks sturdy enough to support the weight of heavy backpacks.

The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest award a Cadette Girl Scout can earn. This award symbolizes a Cadette Girl Scout's accomplishments in Girl Scouting and community activities as she matures and works to better her life and the lives of others.

Help Girl Scouts Reduce Plastic Waste

2011-09-28T12:17:00.000-05:00

The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama (GSNCA) will launch its year-long campaign to Reduce Plastic Waste on October 1. This campaign is in conjunction with the Girl Scouts of the USA’s (GSUSA) Forever Green Take Action Project.

GSNCA invites the community to participate in the project by reducing the number of single-use water bottles and replacing them with reusable water bottles. You may register, track and share your monthly impact by logging on to www.girlscoutsnca.org/forevergreen.

Break the bottled water habit: Facts

Every second of every day in the United States, 1,000 people buy a plastic bottle of water, and every second of every day, 1,000 more throw one of those bottles away. That adds up to more than 30 billion bottles and tens of billions of dollars a year.
Plastic bottles are produced from fossil fuels, typically natural gas and petroleum. More than 1.5 million tons of plastic are used to just bottle water.
Most plastic bottles are not recycled, and plastic bottles and caps often end up in the ocean.
Cleaning up plastic trash is expensive for our communities, but reusable bottles save money and protect our planet and our health.
If half a million Girl Scouts each recycled five plastic containers, they could save enough energy to power a compact fluorescent light bulb for 6,849 years.

You can also help reduce plastic waste by replacing plastic bags with reusable bags.

Bag the plastic bag habit: Facts

It is estimated that Americans go through about 100 billion plastic bags a year, or 360 bags per year per every man, woman, and child in the country.
If everyone in the United States tied their annual consumption of plastic bags together in a giant chain, the chain would reach around the Earth's equator 776 times!
Every reusable bag used takes the place of 600 single-use plastic bags.
Once used, plastic bags may last for up to 1,000 years; every single piece of plastic ever manufactured is still on the planet: in use, in landfills, as wind-blown litter on land, or as toxic contaminants in water like global river systems and oceans.
Paper bags are not a good alternative to single-use plastic bags. Stores typically pay more for paper bags than plastic, anywhere from 5 to 23 cents per bag; these costs are then embedded in food prices, which are eventually passed on to consumers.
Plastic pollution is found floating in all the world's oceans, everywhere from the polar region to the equator. It can take hundreds of years or more to break down, and some types never truly biodegrade at sea.
An estimated 100,000 marine mammals and as many as 1 million sea birds die every year after ingesting or being tangled in plastic litter. At least 267 different species are known to have suffered from entanglement or ingestion of plastic marine debris.
In the environment, plastic breaks down into smaller and smaller particles that attract toxic chemicals. These particles are ingested by wildlife on land and in the ocean, and can contaminate our food chain.
Plastic affects human health: Harmful chemicals leached by plastics are already present in the bloodstream and tissues of nearly all of us, including newborns.

Girl Scouts Awarded NASA Grant

2011-09-21T14:30:00.001-05:00

The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama was awarded a $2,500 NASA Summer of Innovation Grant for GSNCA’s Robotics Series that took place this summer and will continue through Fall 2011. This series introduces girls to STEM (Science, Technology Engineering and Math) using LEGO MINDSTORMS® and interactive NASA curriculum-based activities. The girls will gain hands-on STEM experience while learning the basics of how to design, build and program a robot and participate in a robotics challenge competition. They will engage in activities which test technical skill and creative thinking with design and programming activities while also exposing them to leadership skills through team challenges. Girls will be asked to explore how similar products and designs would be applicable to the real-world, promoting awareness of current issues and industries.

About GSNCA STEM Advocacy
GSNCA was recently selected as a STEM Advocacy Champion by Girl Scouts of the USA. This new national initiate equips and empowers Girl Scout councils to lead efforts at the local and state level to increase girls’ involvement in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by addressing and ultimately changing an issue that impacts the lives of girls in our area.

Postal Service to Salute Girl Scouts in 2012

2011-09-14T10:40:00.001-05:00

The Postal Service recently announced that it will salute the Girl Scouts in 2012 by commemorating the 100th anniversary of an organization credited with helping girls build character and leadership skills. The Celebrate Scouting Forever Stamp can be seen on social media and will be issued next year as part of the centennial celebration.

Using social media to reach broader, more diverse audiences is an initiative that began this month to engage more interest in stamp collecting. Select stamps from the 2012 commemorative program will be previewed one at a time throughout the summer.

"Celebrate Scouting, the 'sister' stamp to the 2010 Scouting stamp, pays tribute to scouting organizations for the opportunities and pleasures they have provided millions of youths worldwide," said Stephen Kearney, manager, Stamp Services.

The stamp art was created by Craig Frazier of Mill Valley, CA; under the guidance of art director Derry Noyes of Washington, D.C. Customers may preview the stamps on Facebook, through Twitter @USPSstamps or on the website Beyond the Perf.

Republished with permission from Jamil Green, Marketing Assistant, GSUSA.

Girls Only! STEM Survey

2011-09-13T10:00:00.003-05:00

In October the Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI) will release the results from its national STEM report. Please take a moment to fill in this survey, so we can better understand the girls we serve.

Erecycling & Shredding Event

2011-09-12T10:00:00.000-05:00

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011 9 A.M. to 1 P.M.

WHERE: Exchange Field at Wald Park in Vestavia

The City of Vestavia is holding a erecycling & shredding day on Saturday, September 17, at Wald Park. See the list below for items they are accepting.

Computers, monitors, desktop CPUs, LCD display laptops, notebook computers, CD & DVD players, scanners, printers, fax machines, adding machines, cell phones, corded phones, cordless phones, answering machines, pagers, pocket PCs, digital cameras, routers, remotes, PDAs, stereos, discmans, walkmans, VCRs, radios, tape players, keyboards, cables, mice, game hardware, modems, external drives, small kitchen appliances, including can openers and blenders, large white goods, including refrigerators, dishwashers, stoves, washers, dryers and microwaves.

Call 205.978.0100 or 205.823.5011 for more information.

Molly Earns Gold Award

2011-09-09T10:45:00.000-05:00

Molly of Troop 371 earned her Gold Award after she realized the dire need for a food pantry in Wylam, Alabama. Molly worked with Acknowledge Outreach Ministries (AOM) to build a pantry on its campus. After educating students at her high school about the community’s needs, she organized a food drive to stock the new space. Molly also worked with a local church to make sure the pantry continues to stay full.

Molly graduated from Hoover High School in May 2011 and is currently a freshman at Harding University. Molly’s parents are Danny and Melanie.

The Girl Scout Gold Award is highest level of Girl Scout achievement. This award recognizes the Senior & Ambassador Girl Scout’s commitment to herself, her community, and her future. The girl who goes for the Gold embraces challenges, achieves excellence, and works diligently to make the world a better place, in her own unique way. Her leadership, vision and boundless energy is an inspiration to all Girl Scouts. Each girl earning her Gold Award demonstrates excellence through a leadership project totaling more than 65 hours. Girls who earn their Gold Award are also recognized by the President of the United States, the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Armed Services, state legislatures, colleges and universities for admission and scholarship opportunities, and the American Legion.

September 11 - Week of Service

2011-09-02T10:27:00.002-05:00

In the days and months that followed September 11, 2001, our country came together in a magnificent way. As we move into a week of remembrance, GSNCA encourages all of you to honor the victims of 9/11 through service. Hands on Birmingham is just one organization with several planned events beginning Tuesday, September 5 through Saturday, September 10. For service opportunities in your area please visit one of the following websites:

If you know of additional opportunities and would like them posted here, please email Meredith Foster at mfoster@girlscoutsnca.org.

Troop 710 Helps Glenwood

2011-08-31T15:38:00.000-05:00

Girl Scouts Troop 710 of Liberty Park Middle School received the Silver Award for their assistance to the Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Center. The girls wanted to give something creative to the kids attending the center. Over the course of several months, six Girl Scouts created and distributed French Memory Boards and held a game drive. For the final phase of their project the Girl Scouts created a mural. Troop 710’s goal was to contribute to the improvement of living area at Glenwood. Members of this troop include Isabella Trienweiler, Paris Malensek, Emory Anne Shaw, Daria Hart, Maggie Cleary and Katie Sneed.

The Silver Award is the highest award a Cadette Girl Scout can earn. This Award symbolizes a Cadette Girl Scout's accomplishments in Girl Scouting and community activities as she matures and works to better her life and the lives of others.

Troop 10088 Shows Off Their Wearable Art

2011-08-31T08:57:00.002-05:00

Daisy Girl Scout Troop 10088 in Decatur attended the Fancy Nancy program in Huntsville on Saturday, August 27. Daisy and Brownie troops spent two hours learning about different artists and making wearable art!

Pictured: (3rd R) Troop Leaders Heather Lawson and Lynne Cauthen; (2nd R) Samantha Borglum, Jada Burks, Alyssa Jones, Zoey Organ, Mollie MacIlveen; (1st R) Rachel Lawson Quinn Cauthen Chloe Williams, Anna Hyder, Elizabeth Crumrin

Girl Scouts Host Sixth Annual Girlapalooza

2011-08-25T10:00:00.012-05:00

The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama (GSNCA) and Lt. Colonel Don Groom will host the sixth annual Girlapalooza: Girl Scouting, It’s a Community Thing on Saturday, September 10 from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. at the McFarland Mall in the old Sticks ‘N Stuff location.

This FREE family event will include live entertainment by the Alabama Blues Project Band, Carroline Shines and Urban Theater League. Kip Tyner, TV personality and Tuscaloosa Councilman, will be the guest speaker. Other activities include moonwalks, face painting, train rides and Games 2 U mobile unit. Concessions are available for purchase from the BBQ Man and Kona Ice.

During this event GSNCA will collect new or gently used coats for its “Coat with Love” drive. All donations will be given to Temporary Emergency Services to disperse to the West Alabama tornado survivors. Georgia Troop 1616 will join GSNCA for Girlapalooza and will bring with them school supplies to share with schools affected by the April tornadoes.

Special thanks to Stan Pate of Pate Holdings for his generous donation of McFarland Mall for our venue. Other participating organizations include: Child Abuse Prevention Service, Barnes YMCA, Bama Extreme Cheer, Turning Point, Kid One Transport, Tuscaloosa Police Department, Big Brothers Big Sisters, “Sparky” the Fire Dog, Arts ‘n Autism, Parenting Assistance Line and Whatley Health Services Mobile Unit. Businesses or organizations can register to set up a FREE booth during the event to provide information about their group and give out promotional items.

For more information about Girlapalooza and becoming a sponsor contact Rosa Johnson at (800) 734-4541 ext. 1423 or email rjohnson@girlscoutsnca.org.

GSUSA Announces New CEO

2011-08-24T14:46:00.005-05:00

New York, N.Y.—Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) announced today that Anna Maria Chávez, who grew up in a small town in southern Arizona and rose to become deputy chief of staff to that state’s then-Gov. Janet Napolitano, has been appointed to the top post at the iconic organization. Chávez is set to officially assume her new role at the Girl Scouts National Council Session/52nd Convention in November.

Chávez’s appointment as the 19th chief executive of Girl Scouts, among the largest and most widely recognized nonprofits in the country, comes as the organization readies to launch a national celebration as part of its 100th anniversary designed to honor its legacy and create urgency around girls’ issues. She will replace Kathy Cloninger, who is retiring after leading the organization for eight years.

“Girl Scouts is the premier leadership organization for girls with a trailblazing legacy that stretches nearly 100 years,” said Chávez, who currently serves as chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas. “The country has never needed Girl Scouts more than it does today. What girls accomplish in Girl Scouting is inspiring. I have seen it firsthand in Texas, and I intend to tell that story far and wide. I’m eager to work with our partners across the country as the organization embarks on a new century of empowering girls to take the lead in their own lives and make a difference in their communities and across the world.”

Connie Lindsey, National President of Girl Scouts of the USA, said: “Anna Maria is the right person at the right time for our organization. She has a tremendous track record, and her visionary leadership is going to be invaluable as we work to fulfill our mission to be the premier leadership experience for girls in ways that are relevant, engaging and meaningful.”

Chávez was appointed chief executive of the Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas in 2009 after serving as deputy chief of staff for urban relations and community development for former Arizona governor and current U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano. As deputy chief of staff, she promoted the governor’s policies, programs and initiatives through coordination and partnership with city, county, and tribal governments, federal agencies and community organizations. In addition, she served as the governor’s policy advisor to the Arizona Department of Housing and advised Napolitano on strategies for coordinating housing and economic development.

Prior to being appointed as deputy chief of staff, Chávez served as Napolitano’s director of intergovernmental affairs from 2003 to 2007. She also served as in-house counsel and assistant director for the Division of Aging & Community Services (DACS) at the Arizona Department of Economic Security. Chávez entered state government after serving as senior policy advisor to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Rodney E. Slater. Previously, she had been chief of staff to the deputy administrator at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in Washington, D.C. Chávez also served as chief of staff for SBA’s Office of Government Contracting and Minority Enterprise Development.

Chávez will take over as chief executive after a dramatic period of change for the organization. Cloninger has led Girl Scouts through a historic transformation designed to ensure that the organization delivers the best leadership experience for a new generation of girls whose lives—and the opportunities they face—are ever changing. The wide-ranging effort has included consolidating councils from 312 to 112, as well as developing a nationally consistent program portfolio for girls that includes a series of leadership journeys, or coordinated series of activities grouped around a theme, and a revamped system of badges and awards that align with the leadership program.

Troop 979 Earns Bronze Award

2011-08-19T09:37:00.007-05:00

Troop 979 members Catherine Florence, Jane Beck, Caroline Perkins, Amelia Patrick, Jocelyn Dye, Gabby Holt, Kayleen Holt and Alexis Gorham of Oak Mountain Middle School earned their Bronze Award for volunteering at Special Kids night at Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church. This is an evening where parents of special needs children can spend the evening alone doing something for themselves while volunteers look after the kids. The girls were told what to expect and discussed ways to help out. The girls coordinated fun activities and games, and performed a puppet show for the kids.

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can earn. This Award recognizes that a Junior Girl Scout has gained the leadership and planning skills required to follow through with a project that makes a positive difference in her community.

Courtlyn Earns Gold Award

2011-08-17T16:00:00.006-05:00

Courtlyn earned her Gold Award by organizing the Girls Minority Achievement Council (GMAC) at Vestavia Hills High School. Courtlyn wanted to empower young black females to be leaders in the school and to serve as mentors to girls at Vestavia Hills Elementary Central. School counselors identified which girls would benefit the most from a mentor and were paired with a GMAC member. One morning each month, the GMAC girls would travel to the elementary school to visit with the younger girls and to participate in a group discussion on a particular topic. “I learned that even the simplest plans take a lot of time and preparation if you want it to turn out well,” she revealed.

Courtlyn is the daughter of Michal and is a freshman Berea College in Berea, Kentucky.

The Girl Scout Gold Award is highest level of Girl Scout achievement. This award recognizes the Senior & Ambassador Girl Scout’s commitment to herself, her community, and her future. The girl who goes for the Gold embraces challenges, achieves excellence, and works diligently to make the world a better place, in her own unique way. Her leadership, vision, and boundless energy is an inspiration to all Girl Scouts. Each girl earning her Gold Award demonstrates excellence through a leadership project totaling more than 65 hours. Girls who earn their Gold Award are also recognized by the President of the United States, the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Armed Services, state legislatures, colleges and universities for admission and scholarship opportunities, and the American Legion.

Cullman Girl Scouts Swim For A Cause

2011-08-17T12:00:00.006-05:00

On Monday, June 27 Girl Scout members of the Cullman Service Unit gathered for an Ice Cream Sundae and Pool Party at Nesmith Park in Cullman. Over 60 girls participated in the event and donated school supplies for tornado victims in the area.

Pictured Left to Right: Mariah, Madison, Cydni

Project Provides Shoes For Foster Children

2011-08-17T09:00:00.008-05:00

Wren Thornton of Troop 1150, and an 8^th grader at St. Bernard Preparatory School, collected shoes for several years to help foster children in Cullman. She planned to collect shoes for another year, but in light of the recent tornadoes, and the fact that she had already collected over 400 shoes, she decided to distribute the shoes this year just in time for school. Working with the Cullman Department of Human Resources (DHR), she set up a day for foster parents and DHR workers to come and “shop for shoes” for their children.

Wren’s idea for the project stemmed from her family’s own involvement as foster parents, when children often arrived without the basic necessities. The family started keeping extra shoes for the foster children that would stay with them, even if the stay was brief. Wren has been a Girl Scout for eight years.

Troop 532 Earns Bronze Award

2011-08-15T10:00:00.004-05:00

Troop 532 members Avery Perry, Brayden Williams, Mackenzie June, Taylor Truitt, Kaitlyn Gurosky, Madison Calvano, Kristen Gurosky, Ellie Robinson, Grace Heglas, Hanna Collums and Emily Reznicek of Trace Crossings Elementary recently received their Girl Scout Bronze Award for making a difference at the Hispanic Outreach Center run by the Catholic Diocese. The Diocese needed volunteers to help collect donated food to disperse to Hispanics that come to the Outreach Center for help. The girls created flyers and distributed them door to door. They collected food donations, assembled the bags, and helped give out the bags.

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can earn. This Award recognizes that a Junior Girl Scout has gained the leadership and planning skills required to follow through with a project that makes a positive difference in her community.

Pictured Above
Top Row Left to Right: Avery Perry, Brayden Williams, Mackenzie June, Taylor Truitt, Kaitlyn Gurosky, Madison Calvano
Bottom Row Left to Right: Kristen Gurosky, Ellie Robinson, Grace Heglas, Hanna Collums, Emily Reznicek

Troop 447 Earns Bronze Award

2011-08-15T09:00:00.006-05:00

Troop 447 members Sarah Bradley of Rocky Ridge Elementary and Lupita Contreras, Anna Douglas, Clara Miller, Grace Miller, Jane Linley Roberson, Katy Smith, Kyra Walls and Shion Yoshida of Greystone Elementary planned an afternoon of crafts and activities for Jessie’s Place. The girls decorated flower pots for the children to give to their mother’s for Mother’s Day. They also donated boxes of Girl Scout cookies, paper goods and craft supplies. The girls learned they enjoyed helping others and that it feels good to help those in need.

Troop 455 Earns Bronze Award

2011-08-12T16:00:00.004-05:00

Troop 455 members Kate Armbrester, Claire Brewster, Eva Crawford, Zoe Donahue, Mackenzie Harlow, LeeAllyn Harper, Reagan Harris, Ellen LaRock, Victoria Peters, Anne Sherman, Christina Till, Adison Welborn and Kayla Wiggins of Our Lady of the Valley (OLV) Catholic School and Kelsey Danielszyk of Oak Mountain Intermediate School created a food pantry for OLV Catholic Church. Members of the church purchased the cabinets to store the food, and other OLV troops helped stock the pantry. Each troop is responsible for maintaining the donated items. When the pantry runs low on supplies, Troop 455 lets the other troops know what items need replacing. The girls learned many valuable lessons including how circumstances can instantly place a strain on a family’s financial situation.

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can earn. This Award recognizes that a Junior Girl Scout has gained the leadership and planning skills required to follow through with a project that makes a positive difference in her community.

Troop 199 Earns Bronze Award

2011-08-12T12:00:00.004-05:00

Troop 199 members Dylan Lather, Grayson Bartlett, Gabrielle Ritchie, Katharine Turnbull, Neha Jammohammad, Claire Kendall and Carlie Foust of Riverchase Elementary School and Jackie Dick of Evangel Classical School recently received their Girl Scout Bronze Award for creating a Reading Corner for Jessie’s Place in downtown Birmingham. The girls collected over 500 gently used books from students at Riverchase Elementary School and purchased a rug and some bean bag chairs to brighten up the space. The girls also participated in a babysitting/CPR class at the Red Cross. The girls learned how to perform CPR on infants, children and adults. They also learned how to care for smaller children. Each girl received a CD with information about how to create a business flyer and how to budget monies earned from babysitting.

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can earn. This Award recognizes that a Junior Girl Scout has gained the leadership and planning skills required to follow through with a project that makes a positive difference in her community.

First you take the ‘mallow…

2011-08-10T08:57:00.004-05:00

August 10 is National S’mores Day. A day entirely devoted to everyone’s favorite fireside treat. Although its origin is unknown, the first recipe for “Some Mores” appeared in the 1927 Girl Scout Handbook, “Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts,” and somewhere along the way the name was shortened to s’mores.

So celebrate this occasion by gathering your best girl friends and creating your own version of this fun and tasty summertime dessert.

What you’ll need:

A campfire or fireplace

A long stick for roasting the marshmallows

Ingredients:

4 marshmallows

4 graham crackers

2 oz chocolate bar

(serves 4)

Girl Scouts Offer Affordable & Fun Activities in Centennial Year

2011-08-05T08:46:00.003-05:00

Volunteers Also Needed for 2011-2012
For 100 years, Girl Scouts have been having fun while learning. Through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, girls have opportunities to travel all over the country and internationally, explore science and technology, learn about finances and a healthy lifestyle, and build valuable leadership skills. The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama (GSNCA) offers age-appropriate programs with real experiences that prepare Girl Scouts for all aspects of life. Girl Scout experiences are also, as much as possible, girl-led and encourage learning by doing.

Any girl age 5-17 can have opportunities like these by registering to be a Girl Scout! Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama invites girls of all ages to join. Girl Scouting is one of the most affordable extracurricular activities for girls, at only $12 a year for membership. Scholarships are available for uniforms, programs and materials. Individual troop dues are determined by the troop leaders and parents.

Now is a great time to join Girl Scouts! In honor of our 100th anniversary, GSNCA has created some new activities for girls, including the ability to earn a 100-year patch for participating in specific centennial programs, and new travel opportunities including trips to southern California, Pennsylvania and even a cruise!

Also, GSNCA is in need of troop leaders and other volunteers. Adults over 19, both male and female, can help with programs, lead troops, volunteer with events, serve on committees, help at camps or work with girls virtually.

Visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/girlscoutsrock for more information and to contact your local staff member at 800-734-4541.

GSNCA Destinations Surveys - Girls Only!

2011-08-02T11:27:00.007-05:00

We are beginning to plan our GSNCA destinations trips listed in the 2011-2012 Program Planner and we would like girls' input. If you are interested in going on the trip to Hershey PA, Washington DC (Rock the Mall), or to Southern CA, please click on one of the links below and let your voice be heard. This survey opportunity is for girls only. Remember, the price for the trip will be determined based on the activities chosen. Deadline for filling out surveys is September 1, 2011.

Hershey, PA:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HersheyPA

"Rock the Mall" Washington, DC:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RockTheMall

Southern California:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SouthernCali

GSNCA Selected as National STEM Advocacy Champions

2011-07-26T11:21:00.003-05:00

Girl Scouts of the USA recently announced that Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama (GSNCA) has been selected as a STEM Advocacy Champion. The honor was bestowed upon 17 councils nationwide by GSUSA’s Public Policy and Advocacy Office. This new national initiate equips and empowers Girl Scout councils to lead efforts at the local and state level to increase girls’ involvement in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by addressing and ultimately changing an issue that impacts the lives of girls in our area.

“Girl Scouts is committed to ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to explore and build an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics,” says Trish Coghlan, chief executive officer of GSNCA. “The strength of our nation depends on increasing girls’ involvement in STEM, to develop critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration skills that are important throughout life. While the percentage of careers that require advanced STEM education increases, an alarmingly high percentage of girls lose interest in STEM subjects early in their development. If the United States is to maintain its competitive advantage in the global economy, we urgently need to ensure that our entire population of young minds, and especially girls, are educated in STEM fields.”

As a STEM Advocacy Champion, Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama will build awareness and educate girls in their 36 counties on the important issue of increasing girls involvement in STEM and look for policy solutions to the problem. Together, STEM Advocacy Champions will help advance the Girl Scout Movement and improve girls’ lives.

American Family Care To Host Soiree@Saks

2011-07-14T17:03:00.006-05:00

The Girl Scouts Young Professionals Society will host the second annual Soiree@Saks will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2011 at Saks Fifth Avenue at The Summit from 6:30-9 p.m. Being introduced this year is a Role Model Runway. This fashion show will feature professional community leaders wearing some of Saks’ hottest fashions.

Tickets are just $30/individual and $50/couple and include beverage tickets. Tickets may be purchased on the event website.

The event will feature hors d’oeuvres by Café IZ, live music by the Jason Bailey Band, plus a silent auction. Flip Burger Boutique will serve their liquid nitrogen cocktails, while other beverages have been donated by Good People Brewery.

Also, all in attendance will get the chance to shop at Saks Fifth Avenue! With a portion of the sales going back to the Girl Scouts. The first 50 guests will receive Super Swag Bags filled with goodies, and the next 100 will receive regular swag bags. There will also be a door prize drawing for all guests to include a great Saks Fifth Avenue item!

Silent Auction items include baby packages, hotel stays, event tickets, dinner dates, fitness packages, spa days, Saks merchandise and much more!

Participating as models in the Role model Runway are Amy Bailey of MyScoop Media; Courtney Bascom Truss of the Birmingham Business Alliance; Keith Brashier of Gregory, Burns & Brashier; Jason Gardwood of Moore Chiropractic; Tate Maddox of Live Design Group; Audrey Pannell of STYLE Advertising; Mary Potter Cummings of the Frost Cummings Tidwell Group; Marc Raby, a local playwright and author; Juliana Ramirez of the Hispanic Interest Group; Shanon Raine of Protective Life; Janine Smith of Burr Forman; Dafina Ward of AIDS Alabama; Elena White of The Green Way and Coordinator of Green Drinks; and Walker White Dorman of Summer Classics.

Chairing the event is Sarah Moran. Vivian Yeilding is the Co-Chair. Other committee members include Ben Goldman, Stephanie Hutcheson, Lindsey Mann, Melissa May, Rukiya McClain, Rachel McElroy, Colleen Mullins, Wynona Raby, Jen Ruiz, Susan Sheilds and Tiffany Story.

Soiree’s presenting sponsor is American Family Care. Other event sponsors include Hand Arendall, Infomedia and Regions Bank.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the initiatives of the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama.

For more information, contact Liz Furst at 980-4750 x1023 or email lfurst@girlscoutsnca.org. You can also visit the event website at www.girlscoutsnca.org/soiree. Must be 21 or older to attend.

Barber's Dairy Wins GSNCA Fishing Tournament

2011-07-06T10:56:00.001-05:00

The second annual Bill Ireland Invitational Fishing Tournament was held June 24-25 on Lake Alice at Kanawahala Program Center (KPC) located in Chelsea, AL. Proceeds benefited the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama.

The tournament kicked-off Friday, June 24 with a Captain’s Party on the deck of Lake Alice at KPC. The Captain’s Party included appetizers, a Cajun dinner and beverages with a silent auction. Following the 6 a.m. breakfast on Saturday, June 25, the tournament began with a shotgun start on Lake Alice at KPC and other private, local lakes.

Lynn Holt and Brent Suggs of Barber’s Dairy took home the first place trophy for the second year in a row with 24.97 lbs of largemouth bass caught on Strong Lake. Coming in second was Regions Bank team, Gabe Hulbert and David Lewis with 21.1 lbs of largemouth bass on Thompson Lake. Capturing third place was O’Neal Steel team, Henley Smith and John Hudson with 17.06 lbs on Collins Lake.

Bill Granberry of the RICOH team won the largest bass with a weight of 7.92 lbs caught on Lake Alice. Bill Granberry and David Lewis tied for the most bass, each with 17 filling their ice chests. Coming in first for all other species was Bo Pugh and Stevie Robertson with 20.8 lbs caught on Brock Lake.

The fishing tournament, started in 2004, was revived in honor of a wonderful Girl Scout supporter, Bill Ireland, Sr. This year’s event was chaired by Gabe Hulbert. Other committee members include Tahiera Brown, Tom Clark, Phyllis Davis, Marjorie Davis-Trimm, April Deal, Joel Goldstein and Alice Williams. Major sponsors included Alabama Power, EBSCO Industries and Barber’s. Special thanks to Harry Brock, Hank and Irene Collins, EBSCO, Jim Parsons, McDonald Strong and Lucy Thompson for donating their private lakes.

Photo: Brent Suggs, GSNCA CEO Trish Coghlan and Lynn Holt

Madison County Girl Scouts Earn Bronze Award

2011-06-20T17:34:00.003-05:00

Catherine Cecilia Pearson of Troop 10476 saw that her school was lacking in first aid supplies due to budget cuts. Catherine decided to collect necessary first aid items for her school. She made donation boxes and put them out at churches, the library and her local Girl Scout Service Center. Catherine saw this important need and truly wanted to help. Catherine learned that she can do anything when she puts her mind to it and stays focused.

Amanda Ashby, Alison Glover, Betty Hadley, Elizabeth Paladino and Mary Faye Potter of Troop 11283 planned and organized a Fall Craft Day event held at Hazel Green United Methodist Church. Girls who attended got to make bracelets, a picture frame and designed a pumpkin. There were games, and sugar cookies that the girls baked themselves. The girls learned to explore their creativity and learned cooking skills, and also taught others about cooperation and good manners while playing games.

Katelyn Bailey, Kiana Battle, Annie Beeson, Katy Hardin, Nicole Horvath, Caitlyn Murphy and Laura Weber of Troop 10669 worked to collect books, toys, board games, action figures and dress-up clothes to donate to the YMCA and Richard Showers Recreation Center to help children. The girls each took on different roles including: project manager, collector, contractor, sorter, cleaner, deliverer and event planner to help make this a well-planned, well-executed project.

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can earn. This Award recognizes that a Junior Girl Scout has gained the leadership and planning skills required to follow through with a project that makes a positive difference in her community.

Pictured: Members of Troop 10669 with their Book Bundle: Nicole Horvath, Katelyn Bailey, Laura Weber, Katy Hardin, Annie Beeson, Erin Ledet [Director of YMCA Downtown Childcare services], Caitlyn Murphy; Kiana Battle

Randolph & Clay County Volunteers Earn Awards

2011-06-14T12:39:00.004-05:00

Several volunteers in Randolph and Clay Counties earned volunteer appreciation awards on May 13, 2011 at Wedowee Methodist Church.

Pictured from left to right are Misty Mitchell of Randolph County (Treasured Volunteer Award), Michelle Newman of Randolph County (Outstanding Leader), Audrey Ferguson of Randolph County (Treasured Volunteer Award), Tracy McCain of Clay County (Treasured Volunteer Award), Kathy Smith of Clay County (Outstanding Volunteer) and Lori Walker of Randolph County (Leadership Development Pin and Trained Volunteer Certificate).

Girl Scouts Induct Legislative Troop 1912

2011-06-09T16:47:00.002-05:00

The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama and the Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama inducted a bipartisan delegation of legislators into the Alabama Honorary Girl Scout Troop 1912 on Thursday, June 2. The ceremony took place in the Capitol Auditorium.

“In honor of Girl Scouts’ 100th anniversary, this honorary legislative troop is called Troop 1912 for the year Girl Scouting was founded,” said Trish Coghlan, chief executive officer for the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama. “Troop 1912’s purpose is to be the voice for girls in the legislature. We’re excited to have a diverse group representing Alabama’s girls.”

Senate members include Linda Coleman (D), Priscilla Dunn (D), Vivian Figures (D), Mark Keahey (D), Hank Sanders (D), Bobby Singleton (D), Harri Anne Smith (I) and Cam Ward (R)

House of Representatives members include Mike Hubbard, Speaker of the House (R), Alan Baker (R), Elaine Beech (D), Barbara Boyd (D), Terri Collins (R), Merika Coleman (D), Paul DeMarco (R), Juandalyn Givan (D), Laura Hall (D), Jamie Ison (R), Yvonne Kennedy (D), Mary Sue McClurkin (R), Joseph Mitchell (D), Mary Moore (D), Becky Nordgren (R), Patricia Todd (D), Mark Tuggle (R), Pebblin Warren (D), Kurt Wallace (R) and April Weaver (R).

Additionally, Representative Paul DeMarco presented a resolution recognizing June 2 as Girl Scout day and the formation of Troop 1912.

Troop 1912: Pictured L-R: Kurt Wallace, Mary Sue McClurkin, Jamie Ison, Paul DeMarco, Terri Collins, Barbara Boyd, Elaine Beech, Cam Ward and GSSA Board Member Marian Loftin

For more photos, click here.

Madison County Girl Scouts Earn Silver Award

2011-06-09T13:54:00.003-05:00

Shelby Travis of Madison noticed that many girls in her apartment complex were left alone without adult supervision and thought Girl Scouts could make a difference to these girls. They would see Shelby in her uniform and ask questions, she would tell them about Girl Scouts and invite them to a meeting. The girls explained that they had no one to drive them, so Shelby held meetings at the complex. She provided the girls with registration forms and scholarship applications. She made needed arrangements with the Council representative, the apartment complex and her family. After all was approved she sent e-mails to Girl Scout leaders in the community to see if they could help her. She created flyers and an advertisement for the apartment’s newsletter. Shelby organized the meetings and her mom and another adult ran the meetings every week.

Kasey Griffin, Kayla Harris and Kathryn Packard of Huntsville had fond memories of the outdoor garden used as an outdoor classroom at Williams Elementary School. Since the teacher who cared for and maintained the garden retired 4 years ago, the garden has not been maintained and is not useable. The girls wanted the students to have the same experiences they remembered, so they received permission from the principal to revitalize the garden. They contacted the Botanical Gardens to ask for help in what to plant. After many hours of weeding, raking, painting and planting, the girls were proud that the garden was how they remembered it. They put an article in the school PTA newsletter letting everyone know about the garden and held a Grand Reopening Party.

Morgan Baldwin, Sarah Haidar, Leah Plume, Ashlyn Perry and Madison Smith of Madison and Leah Simms of Harvest decided to provide assistance to a local after school program held in the Lincoln Village area of Huntsville. The girls set up a plan to provide resources for the after school program. They decided to provide new playground equipment, spruce up the recreational grounds and hold a sports day. They each took a list of people to call, send letters or visit. They worked with vendors in the community, helped to clean the grounds and construct a badminton/volleyball court. The girls reached out to local businesses, schools, church and their families for support with this project. The children attending the after school program were very excited about the wonderful changes to their playground and the fun Sports Day.

The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest award a Cadette Girl Scout can earn. This Award symbolizes a Cadette Girl Scout's accomplishments in Girl Scouting and community activities as she matures and works to better her life and the lives of others.

Girl Scouts Distribute Tree Seedlings to Cullman

2011-06-07T10:33:00.003-05:00

Leader Gayla Robbins, Olivia, Maisie, Shay and Kaitlyn from Troop 10215 in Cullman, decided to help rebuild their community by distributing tree seedlings. Many of the trees located near the resident’s homes in east Cullman were uprooted and blown down from the recent tornadoes. The girls partnered with Wallace State’s Horticulture Department and were able to get 100 seedlings donated.

Pictured (front to back): Olivia, Maisie, Shay, Leader Gayla Robbins and Kaitlyn holding tree seedlings.

Book Drive Earns Oneonta Girl Scouts Bronze Award

2011-06-06T08:33:00.004-05:00

Josie Young, Rachel Price, Jessie Rivas, Rebecca Kennedy, Katherine Kennedy, Julie Bailey, Jaden Bailey, Jasmine Garcia, Sydney Gibson and Audrey Gibbs of Troop 483 from Oneonta received the Bronze Award for conducting a book drive through the H.U.G.S program at Blount County’s Children’s Advocacy Center. The program is geared towards child abuse prevention and preparing at-risk children for kindergarten as well as other pre-school development needs. Since Girl Scouts’ main focus was literacy, they decided to hold a book drive to collect reading material to donate to the Advocacy Center. They enjoyed the experience of helping the children so much, they have partnered with the Blount County Children’s Center as volunteers to assist with various needs and events.

Shelby County Girl Scouts Earn Bronze and Silver Awards

2011-06-06T08:29:00.004-05:00

Proper Retirement of American Flag Earns Girls Bronze Award

Ashlynn Hamm, Braelyn Douglas, Nicole Harelson, Skye Ingram, Emma Townsend, Savanna Young, A’Kia Lowery and Sonya Wynn, Girl Scouts of Troop 343 of Calera wanted to educate their community on the proper retirement of the American flag for their Bronze Award project. Adhering to the Girl Scout Law that states “On my honor, I will try to serve my country” the Girl Scouts placed boxes around their town to collect flags in poor condition. Several hundred flags were collected, and the girls held a ceremony demonstrating the proper disposal of the flags. Through this experience, the Girl Scouts as well as community members learned the true importance of the American flag.

Christmas at Children’s Hospital Earns Pelham Girl Scouts Bronze Award

Sarah Nix, Caroline Doughty, Savannah Dodson, Mallory Waggoner, Isabella Finley, Molly Crawford, Aleisa Hulcher, Kaylee Orr, Shaleynn Hopwood and Robbie Hansen of Troop 969 of Pelham earned the Bronze Award for their desire to make a difference in the lives of children being treated through the outpatient physical and occupational therapy at Children’s Hospital. The Girl Scouts hosted a Christmas which included a puppet show, ballet dancing, ornament making and cookie decorating. The girls enjoyed planning the activities for the children and bringing Christmas to them but most importantly, loved seeing the smile on their faces.

Recycling for Women’s Health 5K Run Earns Pelham Girl Scouts Bronze Award

Girl Scout members Emily Toole, Lindsey Waggoner, Kacie Maher, Morgan Mullimax and Sara Grier of Troop 501 of Pelham wanted to do a project focusing on both healthy lifestyles and caring for the environment. To complete this project, the girls recycled water bottles used during the 2nd Annual Women’s Health 5K run. Prior to collecting the bottles, they established a contact with waste disposal to determine the best ways to recycle, gather supplies, and were able to find a local recycling facility. Although the girls wished they would have had more help during the race, they enjoyed this experience and contributing to their environment, and hope that it encourages others to recycle as well.

ShoShanna Edwards from Girl Scout Troop 208 of Alabaster Earns Bronze Award

ShoShanna Edwards from Girl Scout Troop 208 in Alabaster earned the Bronze Award for her project, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun and Learn.” While attending the Girl Scout National Convention in Indianapolis in 2008, ShoShanna created a DVD capturing all that she had learned and seen including pictures of the events she participated in as well as the people she met from across the country. Shoshanna implemented this project to demonstrate to her fellow Girl Scouts regarding the significance of Girl Scouting and the influence it has on their community in addition to the educational messages that can be learned from attending the convention. Shoshanna had a great experience at this event, and encourages her fellow Girl Scouts to attend their next convention in November.

“Bring A Smile” Earns Girl Scout Haley Seay Bronze Award

Haley Seay of Girl Scout Troop 387 of Montevallo, earned the Bronze Award for her “Bring A Smile” project. Haley created Christmas cards along with treat bags for the residents at the Assisted Living Center in Montevallo. To prepare for this project, Haley drafted various designs for the cards, and purchased fruit and candy for the treat bags. Judging by the smiles on their faces, Haley realized how grateful they were. Haley enjoyed this experience because she learned the importance of giving to others and to her community.

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can earn. This Award recognizes that a Junior Girl Scout has gained the leadership and planning skills required to follow through with a project that makes a positive difference in her community.

Advocating for Art Activities Earns Girl Scout Silver Award

Lita Waggoner from Girl Scout Troop 386 in Pelham received the Silver Award for organizing activities in the arts for her community as well as the Alabama School of Fine Arts, where Lita is a student specializing in Creative Writing. After hearing about Alabama’s plan to cut funding in areas of the arts, Lita wanted to create more outlets for students to express their talents. She partnered with her school and fellow students in developing activities in creative writing, theater, music and dance, visual arts, along with math and science. Lita’s goal for this project was to educate her peers as well as her fellow Girl Scouts regarding the importance of art and its many forms. Through this experience, Lita was able to enhance her confidence as well as her leadership abilities.

The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest award a Cadette Girl Scout can earn. This Award symbolizes a Cadette Girl Scout's accomplishments in Girl Scouting and community activities as she matures and works to better her life and the lives of others.

Over the Mountain Girl Scouts Earn Bronze and Silver Awards

2011-06-06T08:25:00.003-05:00

Book Drive Earns Vestavia Girl Scouts Bronze Award

Reyna Harris, Hannah Bogard, Dekiyah Brooks, Samantha Ferguson, Rileigh Kurre, Barrett Moran, Anna Ray and Hannah Trummell of Girl Scout Troop 67 of Vestavia earned their Bronze Award for conducting a book drive for Better Basics, an organization that works to make a positive difference in the lives of children and their families by advancing literacy through enrichment and intervention programs. The Girl Scouts researched various schools in their community and learned that many of them did not have enough books in their libraries so the girls hosted a book drive to collect books for Better Basics. The girls enjoyed having the opportunity to give to the children and their families.

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can earn. This Award recognizes that a Junior Girl Scout has gained the leadership and planning skills required to follow through with a project that makes a positive difference in her community.

Supply Drive for Humane Society Earns Vestavia Girl Scouts Silver Award

Emily Patton, Debbie Van Camp and Abby Colbaugh from Troop 215 in Vestavia earned the Silver Award for their project to donating items to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society. The girls partnered with their local library to hold a supply drive to collect items. In addition, they made blankets for the animals to sleep on, and also organized a Halloween event where they charged a pet entry fee. The girls enjoyed their experience because there were able to work as a team and use their community resources to contribute to this worthy cause.

Visit to Family Services Center Earns Mountain Brook Girl Scouts Silver Award

Riva Cullinan, Jessica Azrin, Grace Findley and Michelle Wu from Girl Scout Troop 231 of Mountain Brook, earned the Silver Award for their project with Collat Jewish Family Services (CJFS), an organization dedicated to providing services to senior adults, transportation, counseling, food for those in need and to teach ESL (English as a Second Language). The girls created documentaries of the lives of the individuals connected to CJFS. Through this project, the girls met people from different countries, learning about their cultures, childhood memories and their arrival in Alabama. This organization touches the lives of many and the girls were honored to be a part of this experience. The girls hope that their project will help CJFS acquire community recognition to encourage others in need to join.

The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest award a Cadette Girl Scout can earn. This Award symbolizes a Cadette Girl Scout's accomplishments in Girl Scouting and community activities as she matures and works to better her life and the lives of others.

Marion County Girl Scouts Earn Silver Award

2011-06-02T11:53:00.003-05:00

Guin Girl Scout Hannah Barrett Earns Silver Award

Hannah Barrett of Girl Scout Troop 494 in Guin earned the Silver Award for her “Fans for the Fans of Jesus” project, developed to donate more fans to a small local country church for the summer. Although there were already a couple of fans in the church, Hannah decided to build more for the church members. After getting approval from church leaders, Hannah purchased supplies to produce a prototype. She then designed patterns along with scriptural verses and the church name to be displayed on the fans. Hannah is an example of the Girl Scout Law that states “I will try to be considerate and caring.” Hannah had a great learning experience while implementing this project and enjoyed giving back to her community.

Winfield Girl Scouts Justice Black Burn and Luzena Donell Earn Silver Award

Justice Blackburn from Girl Scout Troop 394 earned the Silver Award for using her creative talents to design T-shirts for her fellow members. She developed a variety of designs as well as use of colors that would be appropriate for members to wear to share their faith. Justice is a true example of the Girl Scout law that states “I will try to be friendly and helpful” for volunteering to assist her church members in this importance cause. Through this project, Justice was able to fulfill her true potential as a leader and give back to her community.

Luzena Donell from Girl Scout Troop 494 earned the Silver Award for educating her local community regarding the many resources available through their library. Luzena realized that people are in need of help with their finances, employment and even child care. To implement this project, she purchased supplies along with a corkboard to post announcements of resources to alert others of how to acquire the help they need. Luzena developed her abilities of a leader by organizing all the valuable information into one location, making it more convenient for others to access it. Through this project, Luzena was able to give back to her community and establish a good rapport with them.

The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest award a Cadette Girl Scout can earn. This Award symbolizes a Cadette Girl Scout's accomplishments in Girl Scouting and community activities as she matures and works to better her life and the lives of others.

“Daisy/Brownie Day” Earns Sylacauga Girl Scouts Bronze Award

2011-06-02T11:51:00.003-05:00

Marly Bailey, Katie Calkins, Sydney Conville, Krista Kromer, Caitlyn McTier, Kelsey Robinson, Hannah Smitherman, Kathie Thornburg and Savannah Varnado from Girl Scout Troop 218 in Sylacauga earned the Bronze Award for their “Daisy/Brownie Day” project. In preparation for the event, the girls first created a venue and distributed flyers around the neighborhood. They also brainstormed activities for their fellow Girl Scouts to enjoy such as making pieces of jewelry and constructing paper dolls. The girls identified new talents such as working with children, leading songs and organizing games. Most importantly, these girls learned to compromise with others. The girls hoped that this project would enhance their abilities to be a leader as well as being a role model for their fellow Girl Scouts.

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can earn. This Award recognizes that a Junior Girl Scout has gained the leadership and planning skills required to follow through with a project that makes a positive difference in her community.

Educational Preparation for Children Earn Girl Scouts their Silver Award

2011-06-02T11:49:00.003-05:00

Courtney Larkin, Makayla Archie, Meagan Howard of Birmingham, along with Taryn Sharpe of Adamsville, from Girl Scout Troop 528 received the Silver Award for their “Storyboard for Children” project. The girls wanted to prepare pre-school children for Kindergarten by helping them with their reading and counting skills through the use of stories. In addition, the girls wanted to draw public attention to their county’s education system. To implement their project, the girls met with a classroom instructor and even requested a follow-up to gauge whether or not their project made a difference. The girls enjoyed serving as role models for the children as well as being leaders of change.

The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest award a Cadette Girl Scout can earn. This Award symbolizes a Cadette Girl Scout's accomplishments in Girl Scouting and community activities as she matures and works to better her life and the lives of others.

Books on Tape Earn Girl Scouts of Troop 2280 Silver Award

2011-06-02T10:16:00.004-05:00

Kyra Perkins (Hoover), Alyssa Barefield (Vestavia Hills), Morgan Freeman (Pinson) and Meghan Marks (Hoover) from Girl Scout Troop 2280 earned the Silver Award for their project to encourage reading to pre-school children at the Wee Care Academy in Birmingham. Most of the children that attend the Academy do not have parents to read to them every night so the girls made books on tape for the children to listen to at night. They read popular stories expressing animation and excitement to make the characters come to life. The girls enjoyed being able to give the children the chance to have a story read to them each night.

The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest award a Cadette Girl Scout can earn. This Award symbolizes a Cadette Girl Scout's accomplishments in Girl Scouting and community activities as she matures and works to better her life and the lives of others.

Troop 10150 in Madison County Earn Bronze Award

2011-06-01T14:35:00.003-05:00

Jaynie and Katie Beach of Troop 10150 loved to dance and wanted to use their skills and talents to make other people happy. The girls practiced tap, jazz, ballet and hip hop for several months and choreographed a dance. They wrote letters to the residents of senior citizens communities to let them know they would like to come and visit. The girls did their hair, makeup and even got new shoes so their performance would be very special for the seniors. The girls said the best thing about their project was to see the senior citizens smile.

As a person with asthma, Becca Norton of Troop 10150 wanted to help others understand asthma and how to handle an emergency for someone with asthma. Becca created a power point entitled, “What is Asthma?” that explained how to spot warning signs of asthma, and how to help someone who is having an asthma attack. Her presentation included visual items such as inhalers, epi pens and nebulizers. The 25 girls and adults who attended participated in experiments on what it feels like to breathe normally and what it feels like to breathe with limited air in your lungs. She provided information on how to call 911 in an emergency. Becca says she learned a lot about public speaking, computers, asthma and organization by completing this project.

Emma Wilson from Troop 10150 decided to focus her project on gathering blankets for the homeless people in the area. She decided to hold an art show and charge an admission fee of blankets. Once the show was complete, the blankets were donated to the shelter. Emma loved the project and enjoyed the work. She said she realized that helping others isn’t hard and doing it can be fun.

Lynn Elementary Students Earn Bronze Award

2011-06-01T10:05:00.003-05:00

Troop 10922 members, Jessica Arias, Candice Boyd, Hannah Boyett, Jessica Earnest, Sidnie Estes, Joanna Hall, Ann Grace Mobley, Savannah Rennicker, Jessica Taylor, Celeste Wills and Dixie Wills held a food and toy drive to help local families in need during the holidays to earn their Girl Scout Bronze Award. The girls made and posted flyers, decorated and placed collections bins throughout various locations within Winston and Walker County, and even made their Christmas Parade Float in the Lynn Christmas Parade a place to give items. The donations were give to the First United Methodist Church. The girls truly enjoyed helping others.

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can earn. This Award recognizes that a Junior Girl Scout has gained the leadership and planning skills required to follow through with a project that makes a positive difference in her community.

Makeover to Chilton County Hut Earns Kayla Endress Girl Scout Silver Award

2011-05-31T14:51:00.003-05:00

Kayla Endress from Girl Scout Troop 467 in Jemison earned the Silver Award for her “Extreme Hut Makeover” project. Kayla recognized that the Girl Scout hut in Chilton County was in need of a renovation. With Kayla’s painting and designing skills, she knew that she could definitely make the Chilton County hut a place to enjoy. Kayla demonstrated her abilities as a leader by organizing this event and recruiting neighborhood volunteers to help. Kayla was delighted to have given back to her community as well as her fellow Girl Scouts.

The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest award a Cadette Girl Scout can earn. This Award symbolizes a Cadette Girl Scout's accomplishments in Girl Scouting and community activities as she matures and works to better her life and the lives of others.

“Kid Konnect” Project Earns Glencoe Girl Scouts Bronze Award

2011-05-31T11:30:00.003-05:00

Kelsey Gable, Jordan Gray, Jessica Mobley and Mckenna McClellan of Girl Scout Troop 641 of Glencoe earned the Bronze Award for their work with a Glencoe kindergarten teacher and classroom. Entitled “Kid Konnect,” the girls were eager to implement their project in hopes to help students as well as their teachers and parents become more involved. In addition, the girls developed hands-on activities to help students learn their alphabet, numbers and reading, at a faster rate in a way that was more enjoyable. The Girl Scouts wanted to make learning a more fun experience for the students and had a great time helping everyone become more successful in their learning skills.

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest award a Junior Girl Scout can earn. This Award recognizes that a Junior Girl Scout has gained the leadership and planning skills required to follow through with a project that makes a positive difference in her community.