Girl Scouts and Sigma Gamma Rho Help Girls Imagine Engineering Careers

Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) has joined forces with Sigma Gamma Rho, one of the nation’s largest African American sororities, to help build awareness of career possibilities in science, technology, and engineering among girls and parents in the African American community.

Working with local Girl Scout councils around the country, Sigma Gamma Rho’s alumnae chapters have made GSUSA’s Imagine Engineering initiative, funded by the National Science Foundation, a focus of the sorority’s annual National Youth Symposium.

“Girl Scouting and Sigma Gamma Rho have the same goal: to build the nation’s future leaders by helping girls dream big and accomplish much today,” said GSUSA Chief Executive Officer Anna Maria Chávez. “We are delighted to be part of this partnership to help girls do great things in critical fields such as science, technology, engineering and math.”

“Response to Imagine Engineering has been terrific,” said Sigma Gamma Rho National President Bonita Herring. “We surveyed 250 girls who took part in the initiative, and more than two thirds of them said they now understood how ‘someone like me’ could become an engineer.”

“We will not only expand our efforts with this initiative, but we will  reach out to girls nationwide in our communities with a combination of our own healthy living program, Project Reassurance, and the Girl Scouts’ initiative for middle-school girls on healthy relationships and bullying,” Herring said. “Through this continued partnership, we are going to do great things together for girls.”

Season's Greetings

As many of us are taking some time to rest and enjoy the company of our loved ones, your devoted staff here at the Girl Scout Blog will be relatively quiet for the next few days. Enjoy!

Girl Scout Research Institute Contributes to a 'Kinder and Braver World'

The Girl Scout Research Institute was recently commissioned to write a paper for the Kinder and Braver World Project Research Series, out of the Berkman Center for Internet and Society at Harvard University. It is a collaboration with the Born This Way Foundation (Lady Gaga) and supported by the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.  The subject of the paper is on the role of youth organizations and youth movements for social change.

The paper, “Youth Organizations and Positive Development: Lessons Learned from a Century of Girl Scouting” was written by Kamla Modi, Judy Schoenberg, and Kallen Tsikalas of the Girl Scout Research Institute.

“No organization can do it all alone or meet the needs of all girls. At a time when funding for youth programs is scarce, it is becoming wiser for organizations to join forces with other like-minded groups to bring services and programs to our youth,” concludes the Girl Scout Research Institute. “The potential for impact grows when youth organizations join forces with industries, non-profits, schools, and universities in a given community. Our goal in the next decade to is to further expand our partnerships so that through collaboration and knowledge sharing, we can work with other organizations to best serve girls, as well as youth, families, and communities in our country.”

A little context— On February 29, 2012, the Born This Way Foundation launched with a mission to empower youth and inspire bravery in order to make the world a kinder, braver place. The first papers in this series were developed to provide the new Foundation with grounded insights.  At the launch event ­ held at Harvard in collaboration with the Graduate School of Education, ­ Lady Gaga asked a room full of researchers to share scholarly insights in an accessible form with her, the public, and other advocates working to build a kinder, braver world ­ and GSRI's paper does exactly that!

Read the paper here.

Girl Scouts Coast to Coast - December 20, 2012

Today's Coast to Coast illustrates the magnitude of good Girl Scout deeds underway around the country. Check it out!

• In Texas, Austin Culture Map reports that a lot about Girl Scouts' programming has changed over the past 100 years, but one thing has not: its mission. The Girl Scouts of Central Texas will face the new year with new leadership. Long-time CEO Etta Moore recently retired and the board is searching for her replacement. As she pioneered many cutting edge programs, Garcia-Baab says Moore's innovative leadership will be missed, but the organization looks forward to continued success in shaping the lives of young girls.
• In Maryland, The Gazette reports that about 40 Girl Scouts from southern Prince George’s County met Saturday at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital in Clinton where they crafted greeting cards and stuffed bags full of toys for sick children at the hospital.
• New York's Times Union reports that Girl Scouts from Cohoes, Green Island and Watervliet partnered with Santa Claus to raise money for their programs and to help the Marine Corps League with its annual toy drive this past weekend. Families from the area joined the Girl Scouts on Saturday at Shawn P's restaurant at Van Schaick Island Country Club for a breakfast buffet.
• Virginia's Belvoir Eagle reports that Fort Belvoir Girl Scouts brought holiday cheer to shoppers on the installation by singing holiday carols at the Commissary and Post Exchange Saturday evening. Close to 50 Scouts of all ages, representing 11 different troops on Fort Belvoir, heralded Families with “Frosty the Snowman,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” and other seasonal favorites as they navigated through the stores, while Family, friends and Scout leaders joined in.
• The Times and Democrat, SC, reports that CSX Railroad and North Girl Scout Troop 196 have agreed to partner to landscape the railroad’s property in the town. Councilwoman Patty Carson updated North Town Council on the project during the December meeting. As a result of that meeting and subsequent meetings, CSX Regional Vice President John Dillard and North Girl Scout Troop 196 agreed to landscape the property owned by the railroad that is located within the town limit.
• New Mexico's Silver City Sun-News reports that Girl Scouts Troop 142 recently visited the Emergency Medical Services at the Gila Regional Medical Center. The girls got to get inside the ambulance and see what supplies are carried and the staff told them about the care they give on the truck and attached the some the girls to the cardiac monitor on the truck and let them take tracing from the monitor home with them.

Connecticut Council Creates Fund in Honor of Girl Scouts Who Died at Sandy Hook Elementary

Girl Scouts of Connecticut has set up a fund in honor of the Girl Scouts who died during last week's school shooting, and the fund will assist girls in attending Girl Scout summer camp. If you would like to give, please visit www.gsofct.org, and on the online giving form linked from the site, indicate “Sandy Hook Girl Scout Campership Fund” in the “What is this gift for?” box. See here for instructions.

In addition, Girl Scouts from across the country are encouraged to write thoughts and prayers, or to create art in the shape of the Girl Scout trefoil, and send them to Girl Scouts of Connecticut Hartford Service Center, c/o Trefoil Project, 340 Washington St. Hartford, CT 06106. In mid-January, the council will present them to the Newtown Service Unit during a memorial service.

REMINDER: Calling All Girl Scouts: The White House Equal Futures App Challenge

Do you know any Girl Scouts who use apps on their smartphones, tablet computers, or other mobile devices? If you do, the White House has a fun and educational challenge for them! The Equal Futures App Challenge asks girls to create an app that promotes civic education and/or inspires other girls to serve as leaders in our democracy.

Anna Maria Chávez, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, will serve as a judge in the White House's Equal Futures App Challenge, alongside some great people like Jack Dorsey, creator and co-founder of Twitter, Representative Barbara Ballard, Andrew Shue, co-founder of dosomething.org, Senator Lisa Murkowski, and many more. Notable apps will be highlighted on the White House website and in the White House blog. For more on the challenge, go tohttp://equalfutures.challenge.gov/

Building on President Obama’s challenge at the UN General Assembly in September 2011, the United States will be working with countries around the world as part of a new international effort – the Equal Futures Partnership – to politically and economically empower women.

Individuals can submit their app on http://equalfutures.challenge.gov/ until January 12th, 2013 at 12:00am EDT.  Individuals whose app will be hosted in an app store must submit the app to the store by January 12th, 2013 at 12:00am EDT.  Individuals should submit screenshots or video of their working app as well as a link to the app itself.  Please provide continuous access to the app, a detailed description, and system requirements.

Girl Scouts Coast to Coast - December 18, 2012

Today's Coast to Coast has robots, random acts of kindness and much more. Check it out!

• The Associated Press reports that a group of Girl Scouts were a bit hesitant to approach "Dylan" and "Peyton", life-like patient simulators at Columbus Community Hospital in Nebraska. But before long, the girls were checking the simulation mannequins for pulses and using stethoscopes to hear heartbeats. The Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska launched the outreach program this year to help meet the needs of more girls in the community.
• Alabama's OANow reports that Girl Scout Sara Koran installed bat houses at Pioneer Park in Loachapoka and educated the public on their purpose as her Girl Scout Gold Award project. Koran, a Girl Scout for 13 years, has already completed the Bronze and Silver Girl Scout Awards, and is working toward the Gold Award with this environmental community awareness project.
• Tennessee's WMC-TV5 reports that DeSoto County soldiers will have some extra care this holiday thanks to some area Girl Scouts from Olive Branch. The girls sent 125 Christmas Care boxes to deployed service men and women from DeSoto County.
• Alaska's Anchorage Daily News reports that A Girl Scout troop from the Bristol Bay village of Naknek is the top-selling troop for the Girl Scouts of Alaska's nut and candy sale for the second year in a row. KAKN-FM reports that the troop is trying to raise enough money to attend a Girl Scout camp in the Mat-Su Valley.
• In Arkansas, The Baxter Bulletin reports that five Mountain Home Girl Scouts are taking the phrase “random act of kindness” to heart this Christmas season. They devised a list of 25 kindnesses they could do for individuals and groups of people in this community from Dec. 1 to Dec. 25. Jamie Bohannon knows all the girls well and is their chauffeur to accomplish their kindnesses after school on weekdays when the act of kindness is a group presentation — like poinsettias for police and deputies, or baked goodies for firefighters.
• The Register-Mail in Illinois reports that members from three different Girl Scout troops joined up to form a local team, the Robo Scouts, which will compete Saturday in the Quad City Engineering and Science Council’s fourth annual First Lego League regional qualifier in Davenport, Iowa. This year, the First Lego League competition focused on Senior Solutions, and each team was tasked with creating a gadget to solve a problem senior citizens face. The teams also built robots that can navigate through a senior citizen-themed obstacle course.

A Group of Girl Scouts Celebrated 12 on 12.12.12 at Good Morning America!

Yahoo! News ran a picture of a group of Girl Scouts who celebrated their 12th birthday in Times Square at a Good Morning America in New York on December 12, 2012. Check it out!

A Message from Anna Maria Chávez, Chief Executive Officer

I write to all of you with a heavy heart. Indeed, words cannot express the sorrow I feel over the loss of life as a result of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. I, like everyone across the country and around the world, was shocked by the terrible tragedy and have grieved for the children and educators who lost their lives, and for the entire Newtown community.

On Sunday, I learned that eight of the twelve girls who died were Girl Scouts and that two Girl Scout families lost sons. The girls were Girl Scout Daisies who wore their uniforms proudly. The loss of any child brings with it an especially hollowing pain; to know that all of us in our Movement shared with those girls a love of Girl Scouting makes it all the more personal—and heartbreaking. Yet I know that all of us stand with our sisters at Girl Scouts of Connecticut as they endure with courage and strength this unspeakable tragedy, and I am heartened by the fact that we are developing girls who will lead our society to solutions and approaches that will prevent such tragedies in the decades ahead.

So we forge ahead, now more than ever committed to our mission of serving girls, and we do so even as we mourn this devastating and unfathomable loss. May those who perished and their families always remain in our thoughts and prayers, especially as we gather with our own families during this holiday season.

Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles Hosted the 2012 ToGetHerThere Luncheon

On December 5, 2012, Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles (GSGLA) hosted the 2012 ToGetHerThere Luncheon. The luncheon gave GSGLA the opportunity to conclude an extraordinary year celebrating Girl Scouts' 100th anniversary, while bringing awareness to the national ToGetHerThere campaign, highlighting the importance of achieving gender-balanced leadership in one generation. The event honored three distinguished Girl Scout alumnae as ToGetHerThere Women of Distinction for their dynamic contributions as leaders and as role models: SunAmerica Retirement Markets Inc. CEO Jana Waring Greer, Sempra Energy CEO Debra L. Reed, and DineEquity, Inc. CEO Julia A. Stewart. Additionally, nearly 100 outstanding Los Angeles area Girl Scouts were celebrated and recognized at the luncheon as tomorrow's Emerging Leaders for their extraordinary accomplishments, demonstration of high leadership potential, and dedication to the values of Girl Scouting.

More than 750 Girl Scout alumnae, Los Angeles' business and community leaders filled the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland to celebrate these phenomenal alumnae and outstanding Girl Scouts. The morning of the event, Emerging Leader Girl Scouts had the opportunity to take part in a panel discussion with event honorees and Girl Scout alumnae. These selected Girl Scouts also participated in minute-mentoring sessions where each Emerging Leader had the opportunity to chat with the honorees and several other successful Girl Scout alumnae from around the Los Angeles area about their career paths, goals, and what it means to be a woman and a leader in today's society. The afternoon luncheon featured an inspiring address by GSGLA CEO Lise L. Luttgens, Emerging Leader Girl Scout pin presentations, and Women of Distinction Award presentations to the three honorees.

Girl Scouts Coast to Coast - December 12, 2012 - STEM Edition

Today's Coast to Coast highlights many fantastic Girl Scouts STEM stories across the country. Check it out!

Mississippi's Southern Sentinel reports that the “BentonBots”, a team of girls comprised of Hickory Flat Girl Scouts, traveled to Starkville recently to participate in its first competition.

The team joins competitions that require them to build a robot and then program it to complete different challenges, such as obstacle courses. The competitions help girls gain an understanding and interest in engineering, computer programming and other skills. Competitions also are team-building exercises, in which the strengths of each member can be emphasized. Before each competition, the team designs and builds its own robot and programs it to complete missions.

In Wisconsin, Real Milwaukee reports that the girls of the "Einsteinbots" will compete in the FIRST LEGO League competition, a state robotics tournament. The team, sponsored by Girl Scouts of the USA and Time Warner Cable, is exploring how to improve quality of life for senior citizens through robotics.

Also in Wisconsin, Wauwatosa Now reports that six girl members of Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast placed second in the Gracious Professionalism category at the December 8 FIRST ® LEGO® League “Senior Solutions™” Challenge State Competition held at Mukwonago High School. The team also received an award for Robot Design at a recent regional competition. Applying research and robotics to explore improving quality of life for seniors, the "LOL Team", were among the twenty-six girl members of Girl Scouts Wisconsin Southeast that competed on four separate teams incorporating creativity and science to help seniors stay independent, engaged and connected.

Arizona's Tucson Citizen reports that Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona is one of 17 nonprofits to be awarded funding in the 2012 Tucson Electric Power (TEP)’s Grants That Make a Difference grant cycle. Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona will receive $10,000 for its science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) enrichment programs. The award will greatly enhance the Council’s robust STEM programming.

Idaho's Fox 14 reports that Girl Scouts of Silver Sage hosted a day of fun and learning for girls in their community. "STEM Day" was a way to teach fourth grade girls from multiple schools about science and math. The girls learned about energy using light bulbs, recycling and more.

Colorado's Daily Camera reports that the "Banana Bots" took first place in a regional LEGO League competition with their custom robot designed to assist senior citizens.

In January, they'll head to a state championship -- a slot in the competition earned after they beat two dozen other teams. Hannah, who lives in Englewood, takes electives at her middle school that include "robotics engineering" and "industrial tech using Google SketchUp." When she grows up, she said, she wants to be a science adviser to the White House.

Girl Scouts Coast to Coast - December 11, 2012

Today’s Coast to Coast highlights some groundbreaking research, reports on Girl Scouts spreading Christmas cheer and ends with a very homecoming story. Check it out!

• The Boston Globe reports that a new study by Simmons College finds that Girl Scouts are more self-confident and have broader career aspirations — less limited by gender stereotypes — than girls who are not involved in similar organizations. The report, done in conjunction with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, shows that organizations that serve girls boost their confidence and should be part of a larger effort to improve women’s participation in top roles in society. (WOW).
• In Iowa, The Gazette reports that Girl Scout trio Jenna, Isabelle and Megan, worked to create a prayer garden and labyrinth at their former elementary school. The project was to earn their Girl Scout Silver Award — the highest a Girl Scout Cadette can earn.
• The Southeast Sun in Alabama reports that Girl Scouts recently performed “Feliz Navidad,” “Silver Bells,” and “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” to the crowd at the annual Fort Rucker Christmas Tree lighting.
• The Girl Scouts of Colorado Blog reports that Kim Crawford, a Girl Scout from Brighton, has earned Girl Scouts’ highest honor, the Gold Award, for a project she did to collect 600+ toothbrushes and toothpaste for those in need in Africa. What makes this accomplishment even more special is Kim, who is a junior in high school, is developmentally delayed (she only reads at 1st grade level), but hasn’t let her disability hold her back. Additionally Kim’s inspiration for her project came from her cousin, Kerri, who earned her Gold Award when she was a Girl Scout and worked for the Peace Corp in Africa.
• Virginia's WTKR News 3 reports that a local sailor surprised his daughters with an early homecoming during Girl Scout Night at an Old Dominion University women’s basketball game. Video below.

Lidia Soto-Harmon, CEO of Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital, Honored by Mujer Awards

WUSA9 News reports that the National Hispana Leadership Institute presented Lidia Soto-Harmon, CEO of Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital, with its annual Mujer Award at the Executive Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., on Monday, December 10, 2013. The Mujer Awards pay tribute to the lifetime achievements of Hispanic women who have made significant contributions to the empowerment and well-being of the Hispanic community.

Lidia Soto-Harmon is the Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital. She is responsible for delivering a leadership experience to over 90,000 girls and adult members in the Greater Washington Region.

"Lidia Soto-Harmon is a living symbol of NHLI's philosophy of creating positive change through personal integrity and ethical leadership," said Marieli Colon-Padilla, Chair of the Board of Directors.

2013 Color of the Year is Green

In 2012, as Girl Scouts celebrated 100 years of being the preeminent leadership organization for girls, the world joined our party! From celebrations in Savannah, GA, a lighting ceremony at New York's Empire State Building, Rock the Mall in D.C. and everywhere in-between, Girl Scouts were everywhere.

As we look to launching into our next 100 years, the world is ready. The Los Angeles Times reports that Pantone has announced the 2013 Color of the Year, and it is Emerald, a jewel-tone green. While Emerald might not exactly be Girl Scout Green, we at Girl Scouts of the USA do feel partially responsible for 2013’s Color of the Year, and are thrilled that the rest of the world is catching up.

Girl Scouts Coast to Coast - December 7, 2012

Today's Coast to Coast features a town called Latch Key, and much more. Check it out!

• The Garden City News in New York reports that Forty-six enthusiastic Girl Scouts from various troops in Garden City and some tagalongs rallied to escape the continuing after-effects of Hurricane Sandy and the Nor'Easter for a fun-filled weekend of bravery and fun organized by Brownie Troop 1567. The happy campers attended the Adventure Sports Weekend at Frost Valley YMCA in Claryville, NY.
• In West Virginia, The Journal reports that local Girl Scouts were busy packing thousands of food items in "Bags of Love" for area school children. It was a powerful sight to see what children can do for their friends so that no child goes hungry.
• Brownwoodtx.com reports that Girl Scout Troop 84302 from Latch Key recently participated in the Girl Scouts of Central Texas Fall Product Sale. With only eight girls selling, their troop was the highest selling troop in Brown County. The money raised from the sale helps pay membership fees, program supplies, and parties throughout the year. Also, if any girls who want to go to camp, it will help pay a portion of camp fees.
• “In an era when symbols and slogans grab more media attention than substance and success, Girl Scouts of the USA have quietly wrapped up a year of meaningful and measurable service to the communities they serve,” reports YES! WEEKLY. 2012 marked the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouting in America, and was declared “Year of the Girl.”
• New Jersey Hills reports that  Girl Scout Troop 81285 has been busy performing an important service for the community: Cadet Scouts Elizabeth Kapral, Kathleen Hogan, Daniela Roman and Camryn Burns have been marking storm drains that direct untreated stormwater into the water supply. The girls, who are in grades 6 through 8, are working toward achieving their Silver Award, the highest a cadet can earn in Girl Scouts.

CBS News Catches up With Anna Maria Chávez to Discuss the Healthy Media Report

On Monday, November 12, 2012, the Healthy Media Commission launched The Report and Recommendations of the Healthy Media Commission for Positive Images of Women and Girls at the Geena Davis Institute’s Third Symposium on Gender in Media in Los Angeles, California. This report outlines recommendations that support a more positive and gender-neutral media environment for women, and promotes the healthy development of a girl’s social, emotional and physical well-being.

CBS News caught up with Girl Scouts' CEO Anna Maria Chávez to discuss the initiative.

"The Commission intends this report not as a final solution to the Healthy Media issue, but rather to further the conversation about how individuals in media, academia, advocacy, and non-profit groups can better work together to further the cause of healthy media images," said Chávez. "As children's media use continues to increase, all youth would benefit from seeing healthy and positive messages about girls and women. We have a collective responsibility to empower young people through positive and healthy media that values women and their accomplishments."

Read the entire article here.

The Healthy Media Report is unique and innovative because it provides a detailed blueprint of recommendations and strategies for four different categories of stakeholders who impact the media culture. From the media creators themselves, to parents, educators, and youth – the belief is that each player has an equal role and responsibility in facilitating change.  For each category, recommendations are organized and tailored to empower individuals with the ability to learn and to be aware of the depiction of women and girls in the media, to choose media that uphold high standards, and to educate others on the importance of the issue. This report is the crucial first step in creating a more positive media environment for women and girls. It identifies emerging best practices, and establishes a climate for change. To access the report and learn more about how you can make a difference, visit www.fchiase.com/HealthyMedia

Girl Scouts Coast to Coast - December 5, 2012

Today's Coast to Coast spans the entire country with fantastic Girl Scout stories. Check it out!

• Wyoming's Casper Star Tribune reports that Wyoming Girl Scouts pen holiday cards for troops. Hundreds of thousands of veterans and soldiers will — through the effort of volunteers like the girls of Troop 1582 — get a small reminder that someone, somewhere is thinking of them. Appreciates them.
• California's Calabasas Patch reports that Calabasas Girl Scout Bailey Higa has been named one of 94 Emerging Leaders by Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles in recognition of her outstanding extra-curricular and academic accomplishments.
• Wisconsin's Wausau Daily Herald has a column by Jess Radke with the Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes titled, Girl Scouts raises self-esteem, awareness. Radke cites The Girl Scout Research Institute’s recent study Real to Me: Girls and Reality TV in her column.
• PYMNTS.com reports that WEX President, The Americas, Melissa Smith, Named 2013 “Woman of Distinction” by Girl Scouts of Maine.
• Florida's Bloomingdale-Riverview Patch reports that six teens in Girl Scout Troop 707 have been busy saving their pennies and hosting fundraisers in the hopes of touring Scotland this summer.
• 5280 THE DENVER MAGAZINE urges people to visit the Girl Scouts Thursday during their Cool Science event at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. Sign up to watch the girls discover the magic science.

Girl Scouts in Colorado: Live Healthy Lead Healthy Denver

Three remarkable 8th and 9th graders from Troop 3810 in Colorado Springs spent their summer documenting their peers and some Women of Distinction’s thoughts on what it means to Live Healthy and Lead Healthy, focusing on body image.  The girls led the entire production – from conception, interviewing and filming; to production, editing and music. Check it out!

The Girl Scout Cookie Program Benefits Service Members

Girl Scout Cookies are an icon of American culture. For nearly 100 years, Girl Scouts, with the enthusiastic support of their families and communities, have helped ensure the success of the Girl Scout Cookie Program. When a Girl Scout sells you cookies, she's building a lifetime of skills and confidence. She learns goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics—aspects essential to leadership, to success, and to life. Did you know that Girl Scouts across the country give back to service members overseas through the Girl Scout Cookie Program?

Boston's ABC News 5 reports that Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts give back to others during the sale through a program known as Cookies for a Cause. Girls sell boxes of cookies that are set aside to be donated to soldiers overseas or to a local food pantry. This meaningful element of the Girl Scout cookie program helps girls develop business ethics and feel that they are helping others. 

New York's Orchard Park Bee reports that Brownie Troop 909 recently boxed nearly 300 Girl Scout cookies to send to people serving in hospitals in eastern Afghanistan. 

“We’re always grateful that people are thinking of us and wanting to do their share of taking care of the soldiers,” said Dr. Lawrence Bone, a lieutenant colonel in the Reserve Medical Corps and orthopedic surgeon at Erie County Medical Center, who will be returning to Afghanistan in March, “because it’s an indication somebody back home cares, and when you’re over there, it’s very rewarding to know someone back home cares.”

Maryland's Severna Park Patch reports that Oak Hill Girl Scout Troop 1771 has been participating in the Gift of Caring program, which allows Girl Scout cookie customers to buy cookies for someone else, such as a serviceman or servicewoman serving overseas. Donating the cookies to military troops has a special meaning for the Oak Hill Girl Scouts—one girl's father is currently serving in Afghanistan.

The Henry County Times in Georgia reports that last month, World War II veteran Cecil Hand, along with approximately 75 veterans and their spouses, dined on homemade soups and chili for the fourth annual Veteran’s Appreciation Dinner hosted by local Girl Scouts. Girl Scout Troop 474 and Brownie Troop 11306 served dinner for the fourth annual Veterans’ Appreciation Dinner.

Members of the American Legion presented the girls with certificates of appreciation for their service and efforts on behalf of local veterans.

Central Illinois Proud reports that Operation Santa is in full packing mode. Operation Santa is getting ready to send at least 20,000 stockings overseas filled with Girl Scout Cookies, candy, beef jerky, tissues and other items aimed at raising the spirits of service members overseas.

California's Pomerado News reports that Operation Stuff-A-Stocking, founded by Poway resident Sammy Lizarraga, is returning because her older brother, Joey, is once again stationed overseas during Christmas.

His presence in the Middle East not only inspired the project, but without her brother and his C-130 crew flying to Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait, the stockings could not get distributed. The 15-year-old mails them to her brother who leaves the stockings with various American units.

She first organized the project three years ago to earn her Girl Scout Silver Award. That time, her goal was to collect 300 filled stockings, but received 639 due to the efforts of local children, teens and adults who embraced the endeavor.

Girl Scouts Coast to Coast - November 30, 2012

Today's Coast to Coast highlights the many different ways Girl Scouts are active across the country. Check it out.

• Florida's Naples Daily News reports that local Girl Scout leaders created new pathways that trade the traditional "troop" meeting method for a series of standout projects that appeal to a new generation of young female leaders. Funding from the United Way of Collier County helps the organization reach girls in high-risk areas and allows this life changing opportunity for all girls.
• Virginia's Sun Gazette reports that to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts in the United States, Association 60 of Alexandria-Arlington voted to pool their service hours as part of “100 Service Projects for Girl Scouts’ 100th Birthday.
• The Community Voice, CA, reports that Girls Scout troops from Sonoma and Marin counties hosted scouts from the United Kingdom in honor of the organization's 100th anniversary. The girls embarked in a number of activities around the Bay Area and Sonoma County.
• NorthJersey.com reports that Amanda Swajger, a 2012 graduate of Jefferson Township High School and member of Girl Scout Troop No. 1764, recently completed her Girl Scout Gold Award by giving handmade stuffed penguins and storybooks to children at Goryeb Children’s Hospital in Morristown. Through earning the Girl Scout Gold Award, Amanda said she learned the value of perseverance and hard work.
• California's Mission Times Courier reports that local Girl Scout troops have been busy cleaning up the coast, sending care packages to military units overseas, and earning top honors along the way. The article is a run-down of Girl Scout activity benefiting the community.

Girl Scouts Coast to Coast - November 29, 2012

Today's Coast to Coast has so many great stories, it's almost unfair to afford them only one post, but we will try! Check it out.

• Michigan's WDIV TV reports that Detroit's own "America's Thanksgiving Parade" is one of the oldest and most celebrated parades in the country and second in size only to the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade in New York City. Girl Scouts had an awesome 100th Anniversary Float. Video at the link.
• What would the world be without life-saving Girl Scouts? Milwaukee's FOX 6 NOW reports that seventh-grader Arianna Carella was awarded with the Girl Scouts National Lifesaving Medal of Honor for demonstrating courage, confidence and character. She saved her Grandmother's life - video below.
• CBS Sports reports that The San Diego State women's basketball team will conduct its annual Girl Scouts Night when it faces USC on Friday, Nov. 30. All fans wearing Girl Scouts attire will be given a free general admission ticket when checking in at the Girl Scouts' table. In addition, the Girl Scouts are scheduled to present colors and perform the national anthem prior to the game.
• In New York, The Citizen reports that a half dozen Girl Scouts ranging in age from 9 to 13 were beaming with excitement and laughter over their annual Thanksgiving activity. Two Girl Scout troops gathered to help those in need and lend a hand to a local cause that they said means so much to them.
• Also in New York, the Tarrytown-Sleepy Hollow Patch reports that The Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson enjoyed a memorable visit recently from Air Force Tech Sergeant, Kim Overturf, who came in person to thank GSHH for sending over cookies to the USO and their unit through Operation Cookie Drop program. Overturf is a Girl Scout alumna herself, and presented the GSHH with a U.S. flag.
• Last but not least, Forbes has an article titled, "5 Lessons Girl Scouts Can Teach Women Entrepreneurs About Social Media". It's fantastic! Also fantastic is the announcement on Yahoo! that Girl Scouts of the USA has been selected Overall Grand Champion and Category Champion in the large business division, nonprofit category, as part of the 2012 Social Media Leadership Awards, the first global competition to honor organizations that have overcome challenges through the use of social media.

Girl Scouts Coast to Coast - November 28, 2012

From a new CEO in New Jersey to an inaugural Glow Dance in Iowa, there is no shortage of Girl Scouts in the media today. Check it out!

• In New Jersey, The Star-Ledger reports that Betty Garger of Sparta has been named president and CEO of Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey. Garger has worked for the Girl Scouts for 25 years, holding positions as assistant executive director, communications director, fund development director, product sales director and membership manager. She is currently the chief operating officer of GSNNJ.
• Ohio's Dayton Daily News reports that U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East received sweet treats thanks to the efforts of the Tipp/Bethel Junior Girl Scout Troop 30732 and Jim Mason, a pediatric dentist. The troop collected 150 pounds of Halloween candy from the fourth and fifth grade students at L.T. Ball Intermediate School. The project earned the troop a Bronze Award.
• In Missouri, St. Louis Today reports that local Girl Scouts will learn leadership skills as they begin the Fall Products Program booth sales. The Girl Scouts will sell candies, nuts and magazine subscriptions and learn skills necessary for leadership including goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics. They also will learn about online business as they sell products online that will ship directly to the customer or gift recipient.
• New York's Democrat and Chronicle reports that Taylor Frankenburger is on track to become a top-seller with more than 850 boxes of cookies sold, the most of any Rochester-area Girl Scout this year. Frankenburger gets satisfaction out of knowing the proceeds from her sales go a long way toward funding the troop’s activities, trips and merit badges.
• Iowa's De Moines Register reports that Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa held their first Glow Dance at the mall. Under a disco ball and sporting glow-in-the-dark bracelets, the girls enjoyed a chocolate fountain, cotton candy, popcorn and door prizes. The event celebrated the Girl Scouts’ goodwill and hard work throughout the past year.

Calling All Girl Scouts: The White House Equal Futures App Challenge

Do you know any Girl Scouts who use apps on their smartphones, tablet computers, or other mobile devices? If you do, the White House has a fun and educational challenge for them! The Equal Futures App Challenge asks girls to create an app that promotes civic education and/or inspires other girls to serve as leaders in our democracy.

Anna Maria Chávez, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, will serve as a judge in the White House's Equal Futures App Challenge, alongside some great people like Jack Dorsey, creator and co-founder of Twitter, Representative Barbara Ballard, Andrew Shue, co-founder of dosomething.org, Senator Lisa Murkowski, and many more. Notable apps will be highlighted on the White House website and in the White House blog. For more on the challenge, go to http://equalfutures.challenge.gov/

Building on President Obama’s challenge at the UN General Assembly in September 2011, the United States will be working with countries around the world as part of a new international effort – the Equal Futures Partnership – to politically and economically empower women.  

Individuals can submit their app on http://equalfutures.challenge.gov/ until January 12th, 2013 at 12:00am EDT.  Individuals whose app will be hosted in an app store must submit the app to the store by January 12th, 2013 at 12:00am EDT.  Individuals should submit screenshots or video of their working app as well as a link to the app itself.  Please provide continuous access to the app, a detailed description, and system requirements.

Quotable: Anna Maria Chávez in Fast Company

When asked by Fast Company's Anya Kamenetz about the role of innovation in Girl Scouts centennial year, Girl Scouts Of The U.S.A. CEO Anna Maria Chávez states:

"The biggest lesson I learned in my first full year in office was that even a 100 year old organization can innovate. Our anniversary could have been a few birthday cakes, but what we wanted to do was go external in a big way for the first time, be a convener and engage a national conversation around girl leadership. Girls continue to sit in classrooms and opt out, not raising their hands because of the perceptions it may create. They continue to get bombarded by unhealthy media messages about how they should look or act. We launched a cause campaign called To Get Her There, to create balanced leadership across all sectors in one generation of girls. We're asking adults to educate themselves on the issues impacting girls, and then advocate: stand up and volunteer, or donate. We have 59 million women alumni--70% of women in Congress, 80% of small business owners, and almost every single woman who's flown in space."

Read more here: Fast Company

Girl Scouts of Greater New York Marched in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

Twenty-five members of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York marched near the front of the 86th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on Thursday, November 22, 2012.

They were selected because the Girl Scouts of Greater New York is about to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2013. The group included girls from across the city. You can learn more about the Girl Scouts of Greater New York here! at www.girlscoutsnyc.org.

Girl Scouts Coast to Coast - November 26, 2012

From coat drives to science workshops, Girl Scouts are active across the country. Check it out!

• In Texas, Your Houston News invites people to experience fun and amazing science at the “The World of Science” – a free Family Science Night at on Jan. 18, 2013. The event, sponsored by SMS Science and Robotics Club in conjunction with Girl Scout Kalpana Vaidya’s Girl Scout Gold Award project, aims to introduce families to science and how much fun science can be. The World of Science will feature at least 15 hands-on activities focusing on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Activities are designed to engage children and their families in science exploration.
• In Connecticut, The Hartford Courant reports that until last month, many gravestones lay buried under dirt and grass behind the Connecticut Humane Society's headquarters on Russell Road. That's when Girl Scout Troop 10487 launched a community service project to unearth the memorials and clean up the pet cemetery.
• WNEP 16 NEWS, PA, reports that a local Girl Scout troop is doing its part to keep drivers awake and alert on the roads. Girl Scouts from Troop 1116 set up shop at a rest stop off Interstate 80 west near Danville Sunday, serving food and drinks to those who were driving home from visiting friends and family on Thanksgiving.
• Also in Pennsylvania, My Pequea Valley News reports that Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania has awarded Erika Phillips, of Gap, the Girl Scout Gold Award. For her project, Erika cleaned, sanded and refurbished 32 picnic tables and benches in the Salisbury Community Park. Read more here.
• Georgia's Newnan Times Herald reports that Girl Scout Troop #12345 of Coweta needs help in collecting new or gently used winter coats to help those in need. Coats may range in size from infants to adult sizes. The Girl Scouts will also accept hats, mittens and gloves, and scarves.

Girl Scouts Coast to Coast - November 21, 2012

Today's coast to coast is as heavy on text as it is on substance. Check it out!

• Ohio's Pickerington Sun-Times reports that each year at this time, the Violet Township Fire Department and the firefighters' union, IAFF Local 3558, through their "Annual Holiday Toy Drive," call upon the goodwill of Pickerington-area residents and businesses to help put smiles on the faces of area children in need. Girl Scout adult volunteer Rhonda van Arsdale said her troop, comprised of eighth-graders, is participating in the event as part of its requirement to-wards obtaining the Silver Award, the highest award a Cadette troop can earn at their level.
• Also in Ohio, Dayton Daily News reports that U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East received sweet treats thanks to the efforts of the Tipp/Bethel Junior Girl Scout Troop 30732 and Jim Mason, a pediatric dentist. The troop collected 150 pounds of Halloween candy from the fourth and fifth grade students at L.T. Ball Intermediate School. The project earned the troop a Bronze Award.
• Maine's WABI TV5 reports that Girl Scouts from seven central Maine troops rolled up their sleeves in a kitchen recently to help others. They met at Messalonskee high School to bake 200 pies, many from scratch. The treats will be served at the annual public Thanksgiving feast served at the high school on Thursday.
• The Northwest Indiana Times reports that Twenty-five years ago, local Girl Scouts placed a time capsule packed with memorabilia at the Hammond Public Library in honor of the organization's 75th anniversary. Now as Girl Scouting turns 100, four of the Scouts involved with the capsule project in 1987 gathered at the library Tuesday to open it.
• The Cassville Democrat reports that local Girl Scouts recently participated in a founder's day birthday celebration for Juliette Gordon Low, which included Dr. Seuss-themed activities. Girls also participated in the council-wide community service project, Birthday in a Bag." The evening ended with a viewing of "The Lorax" and treats.

Girl Scouts Selected Grand Champion of the 2012 Social Media Leadership Awards

Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) has been selected an Overall Grand Champion and Category Champion in the Large Business division in non-profit category of the 2012 Social Media Leadership Awards, the first global competition to honor organizations that have overcome challenges through the use of social media. The Social Media Leadership Awards, presented by Knowledge@Wharton and Social Strategy1, and supported by Ernst & Young, announced the category winners and overall grand champion of the competition, which honored 18 organizations that demonstrated success in overcoming a challenge through the use of social media, including Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, The Vanguard Group Inc., Adobe, and others.

“This award is wonderful acknowledgement of GSUSA’s increasing efforts to utilize technology and social media to further engage girls, and I am so proud of our team and their work,” said Anna Maria Chávez, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA. “We know that girls are deeply invested in the digital space, and social media enables us to foster a greater sense of community among Girl Scouts around the country and globe.”

Not only are today's girls actively engaged online, they also aspire to someday be at the forefront of the rapidly evolving technological business landscape. According to the Girl Scout Research Institute study Generation STEM: What Girls Say aboutScience, Technology, Engineering, and Math, 74 percent of teen girls are interested in STEM subjects and the general field of study. Further, a high 82 percent of girls see themselves as "smart enough to have a career in STEM."

During its monumental 100^th anniversary year, GSUSA has committed itself to building girl leadership in the next century. This year, GSUSA launched ToGetHerThere, the largest, boldest advocacy and fundraising cause dedicated to girls' leadership in the nation's history. To match, Girl Scouts has launched a $1 billion philanthropic campaign for girls to fuel this effort and to fund opportunities that enable girls to lead.

"In 2012, we decided to step up our social media strategy," said Philip Bae, director of interactive marketing at GSUSA. "During our 100^th Anniversary year, we consolidated our efforts, expanded our engagement in the digital space, and used social media to increase membership and start a national conversation about our girl leadership program."