The Voter Engagement Project
The Voter Engagement Project, a collaboration between GSACPC, The O’Connor House and other community organizations, hopes to inspire Arizonans to be among the best informed and engaged people in the country.
Why is this important? Did you know…
- Arizona ranks among the bottom 10 states in all aspects of voter participation
- Arizona ranked 32nd in the nation for discussing politics with family and friends
- Arizona ranked 43rd for turnout in the 2008 presidential elections
- Only 47% of younger Arizonans voted in the 2008 elections
Our ultimate goal is to transform the State of Arizona into a top-ten state in all aspects of voter participation!
We want YOU to help us get there! We are looking for Cadette, Senior and Ambassador-level Girl Scouts who will form a committee, and create a take-action project that will reach out and inspire future voters, young voters, parents and teachers.
GSACPC Kicks Off The VOTER ENGAGEMENT PROJECT!
The Voter Engagement Project kicked off on Thursday, March 29, 2012! Girl Scouts from Arizona Cactus-Pine Council came together to show their support for this Global Citizenship project! At the meeting Girl Scouts learned how they can contribute to this statewide initiative to change the future of democracy. Girls participating also learned about i-civics and brainstormed ideas for take-action projects.
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There is still time to be a part of this effort! Contact Viviana Reyes at 602-452-7072 for more information.
GSACPC Voter Engagement Project Committee and The O’Connor House NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Volunteers are needed to man voter registration booths at various statewide locations including: grocery stores, shopping centers, farmers markets, sporting events, community fairs, events and neighborhood meetings.
This volunteer opportunity is open to:
- Girl Scouts
- Parents
- Troop Leaders
- Troops
- Juliettes
- Staff
For more information and to register as a volunteer contact Viviana Reyes at 602-452-7072 or vreyes@girlscoutsaz.org.
Resources
- Voter Engagement Project Flyer
- The O’Connor House
- I-Civic-It
- Kids Voting
This project is made possible by The O’Connor House.
Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council Pluralism Statement
Create a video to celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month!
Check out a local Girl Scout troop talk about their experiences, being Muslim and a neat pen pal project they are involved in with Girl Scouts overseas!
Looking for an example of a video you may want to submit? Check out the videos below!
For more information, contact Sam Sanchez-Perez at ssanchezperez@girlscoutsaz.org or 602.452.7025.
Asian Pacific Heritage Month Patch Program
Please click here, to access their online store. For more information on the patch program, click here.
Asian Pacific Heritage Month Suggested Reading List
Fly Free!
Author: Roseanne Thong, Illustrator: Eujin Kim Neilan
Grades: K-2
Description: Set in Vietnam, Fly Free! tells the story of a chain of good deeds beginning with a young girl, Mai.
New Clothes for New Year’s Day
Author and Illustrator: Hyun-Joo Bae
Grades: K-2
Description: This beautifully illustrated story depicts a young Korean girl dressing in traditional clothes in anticipation of the New Year. Translated from the Korean.
Hiromi’s Hands
Author and Illustrator: Lynne Barasch
Grades: K-3
Description: A young woman bucks the all-male tradition to become a sushi chef at her family’s restaurant in New York. Based on a true story.
My Name is Yoon
Author: Helen Recorvits, Illustrator: Gabi Swiatkowska
Grades: K-3
Description: Yoon’s name means “Shining Wisdom,” but she hates the way it looks when written in English. She misses her home in Korea, and at her new American school tries out different names – maybe Cat or Bird. Maybe Cupcake!
Nadia’s Hands
Author: Karen English, Illustrator: Jonathan Weiner
Grades: K-3
Description: Henna is used to decorate the hands of a Pakistani American girl for her aunt’s traditional wedding. How will her classmates react when she returns to school?
Mama’s Saris
Author: Pooja Makhijani, Illustrator: Elena Gomez
Grades: 1-3
Description: A 7 year old girl learns about her culture when dressing up in her mama’s saris.
A Place Where Sunflowers Grow
Author: Amy Lee-Tai, Illustrator: Felicia Hoshino
Grades: 1-4
Description: Heartfelt story about a young girl who grows sunflowers to brighten the barren desert landscape of her Japanese internment camp during World War II. Bilingual English-Japanese.
Yasmin’s Hammer
Author: Ann Malaspina, Illustrator: Doug Chayka
Grades: 1-4
Description: In Dhaka, Bangladesh Yasmin dreams of going to school while she works at the brickyard to support her family.
The Gold Threaded Dress
Author: Carolyn Marsden
Grades: 2-4
Description: In America, her teachers call her Olivia, but in Thailand her name was Oy. She struggles with fitting in and finding friends.
The Jade Dragon
Authors: Carolyn Marsden and Virginia Shin-Mui Loh
Grades: 2-4
Description: Ginny and Stephanie are both Chinese-Americans, but have very different attitudes about their cultural heritage.
Ruby’s Wish
Author: Shirin Yim, Illustrator: Sophie Blackall
Grades: 2-4
Description: Ruby wants a university education, not just a husband. Her grandfather, who returned to China from Gold Mountain, carefully considers the unusual request.
Silk Umbrellas
Author: Carolyn Marsden
Grades: 2-4
Description: In Thailand, 11 year old Noi is learning to paint like her grandmother until she is told she must work at the local factory to help support her family.
When Heaven Fell
Author: Carolyn Marsden
Grades: 2-4
Description: 9 year old Binh sells refreshments to girls whose parents can afford to send them to school, returning at the end of the day to her one-room home in Vietnam. She learns she has an aunt she never knew existed and when her mysterious aunt arrives from America, everything changes.
Year of the Dog
Author: Grace Lin
Grades: 3-5
Description: During the Chinese Year of the Dog, Pacy discovers she is supposed to “find herself.” The story includes universal themes of friendship and family.
Tofu Quilt
Author: Ching Yeung Russell
Grades: 4-6
Description: A collection of poems telling the story of a young girl in 1960s Hong Kong who aspires to be a writer.
The Breadwinner
Author: Debra Ellis
Grades: 5+
Description: Parvana lives with her family in a one-room apartment in Kabul, Afghanistan. When her father is arrested by the Taliban, she hatches a plan to help her family survive.
1001 Cranes
Author: Naomi Hirahara
Grades: 5-8
Description: When a 12 year old Angela visits her relatives for the summer, they put her to work folding origami. The visit helps Angela cope with her parents’ divorce.
Weedflower
Author: Cynthia Kadohata
Grades: 5-8
Description: The attack on Pearl Harbor disrupts the life of 12 year old Sumiko, who is forced to relocate to an internment camp in the desert.
Good Enough
Author: Paula Yoo
Grades: 6-9
Description: Patti Yoon’s parents want only the best for their daughter. Her mother expects her to attend an Ivy League school, but all Patti is interested in is playing her violin.
Roots and Wings
Author: Many Ly
Grades: 6-9
Description: After Grace’s grandmother dies, Grace and her mother travel to Cambodia to give her a proper funeral. Grace decides to use the journey to solve a few family mysteries!
Keeping Corner
Author: Kashmira Sheth
Grades: 7+
Description: 12 year old Leela doesn’t care for school and has been spoiled all her life. She doesn’t even notice the unrest between the British colonists and her fellow Indian countrymen. When her husband dies, her entire life changes. She is considered unlucky and will have to be confined to her home for a year.
Everything Asian
Author: Sunj J. Woo
Grades: 8+
Description: David Kim is 12 years old and only arrived in America from his home in Korea a month ago. He hasn’t seen his father in five years and although he can’t speak English, he’s suddenly working his father’s gift shop.
Shanghai Girls
Author: Lisa See
Grades: 10-12
Description: Pearl Chin and May are sisters in 1937 Shanghai. When Japan attacks their city, they decide to make a journey of a lifetime – from China to the shores of America.
Non-Fiction
Vera Wang: Queen of Fashion (Amazing Chinese Americans Series)
Author: Ai-Ling Louie, Illustrator: Cathy Peng
Grades: K-3
Description: Biography
Indira Ghandi (World Leaders Past and Present Series)
Author: Francelia Butler
Grades: 4-6
Description: Biography
Willow Tree Shade: The Susan Ahn Cuddy Story
Author: John Cha
Grades: 5+
Description: Biography of the first female Gunnery Officer in the U.S. Navy
Angel Island: Immigrant Gateway to America
Authors: Erika Lee and Judy Yung
Grades: 9-12
Description: The Angel Island immigration station in San Francisco served as the processing center for over 1 million immigrants from 1910-1940. These are their stories.
I am Nujood, Age 10 and Divorced
Author: Nujood Au
Grades: 9-12
Description: The true story of Nujood Au who was forced at just 10 years old to marry a man 3 times her age, and sent to live in an isolated Yemeni village. This account depicts her tenacity and courage as she fought for her freedom.
The Latehomecomer: A Hmong Family Memoir
Author: Kao Kalia Yang
Grades: 9-12
Description: The story of a family who traveled from war-torn Laos to the refugee camps of Thailand and onward to America.
You Have Given Me a Country
Author: Neela Vaswani
Grades: 10-12
Description: Memoir, tracing the journey of her Irish-Catholic mother and Sindhi-Indian father.
Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books
Author: Azar Nafisi
Grades: 11-12
Description: The story of Azar Nafisi, an inspired teacher, and the secret gatherings of her most committed female students as they read Western classics forbidden by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
***Please Note***: The Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Reading List was compiled with the assistance of local librarians and teachers. It is not intended to be inclusive or fully comprehensive on the subject of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month or related topics. Inclusion of a work on this list does not imply endorsement by Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council. These titles serve as suggested starting points for those seeking to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month through literature. As always, we strongly encourage parents, guardians, and Troop Leaders to research selections for quality and appropriateness prior to providing books to girls.
For more information, please contact Amanda Martin at amartin@girlscoutsaz.org or 602.452.7056
Celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month!
Celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month!
Saturday, May 19 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Camp Sombrero
1611 E Dobbins Road, Phoenix, AZ
Saturday, May 19 | 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Camp Sombrero
1611 E Dobbins Road, Phoenix, AZ
- Sing Traditional Chinese Songs
- Try Your Hand at Calligraphy
- Learn a Traditional Dance
- Earn an Asian Heritage Patch
- and much more!
for more information and to RVSP...
Amanda Martin at 602.452.7056 or amartin@girlscoutsaz.org.
During May our nation recognizes the valuable contributions of Asian Americans and Asian Pacific Americans. Check out the links to the left to find a suggested reading list, patch program and video opportunity. And be sure to visit every week to learn about amazing women who are making a difference in our world (profiles to rotate weekly). It's fun to celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with your troop or on your own!
Marion Nakamura Masada
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Over the years, a member of the Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council’s (GSACPC) Historical Society has been on a mission to learn about Girl Scout history, and the many amazing people who were once Girl Scouts. The journey of the President of the GSACPC Historical Society, Nancy Buell, has led her to a woman named Marion Masada. She is a former Girl Scout, but more importantly, she is an example of strength. She is a survivor. We are honored to have Marion as part of our Girl Scout sisterhood: she represents the courage, confidence and character that we all stand for here at the Girl Scouts. During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, let us celebrate her strength and accomplishments. Here is her story.
Marion Masada, born Marion Nakamura, was born on January 13, 1933, in Salinas, California, where her family leased land and sold vegetables to stores as successful farmers. Everything changed for her family when the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred on December 7, 1941. Soon after the attack, yet another tragedy began to unfold, when President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which authorized the forcible removal of 120,000 people of Japanese descent from their homes. Men, women and families living on the West Coast of California, Oregon, Washington and Southern Arizona were incarcerated into 10 concentration camps scattered in desolate areas across the country.
Marion and her family were among those 120,000 people.
Marion was only 9 years old when her family was sent away from their home to the Poston Concentration Camp II in Arizona. For the next three and a half years, her family of nine lived in a tar-papered barrack, enduring summer heat as high as 120 degrees and choking down dust storms. The family had to use a community toilet and shower with no partition and no privacy. The family had to eat in a mess hall, resulting in a devastating impact on family life, for her father and mother both worked in the kitchen. They were not able to eat as a family, so family life thereafter was not the same.
Marion reflected, “I don’t know how we handled it. There is a Japanese word that we used to get us through: ‘Gaman,’ which means to just go on, to learn to take what comes…to grit our teeth and take it.”
It may come as a surprise that organizations like the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts were present at these camps, and provided the children with some activities. Although the Girl Scout’s presence at the concentration camps is controversial to many, it perhaps allowed children, like Marion, with some momentary relief from the difficulty of life in the camps.
“It took my mind off of what was happening–made me be a young girl instead of a girl with a great number of family responsibilities,” said Marion. “My mother had a baby in camp, so my sister below me took care of the baby, and I did all the family laundry for 9 people. There was no Laundromat. I had to go to the laundry room in the middle of the block.”
Marion’s memories of Girl Scouting at the camp are few—she recalls a vague memory where she did a project on leaves in Poston, and received first prize.
Marion Masada, born Marion Nakamura, was born on January 13, 1933, in Salinas, California, where her family leased land and sold vegetables to stores as successful farmers. Everything changed for her family when the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred on December 7, 1941. Soon after the attack, yet another tragedy began to unfold, when President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which authorized the forcible removal of 120,000 people of Japanese descent from their homes. Men, women and families living on the West Coast of California, Oregon, Washington and Southern Arizona were incarcerated into 10 concentration camps scattered in desolate areas across the country.
Marion and her family were among those 120,000 people.
Marion was only 9 years old when her family was sent away from their home to the Poston Concentration Camp II in Arizona. For the next three and a half years, her family of nine lived in a tar-papered barrack, enduring summer heat as high as 120 degrees and choking down dust storms. The family had to use a community toilet and shower with no partition and no privacy. The family had to eat in a mess hall, resulting in a devastating impact on family life, for her father and mother both worked in the kitchen. They were not able to eat as a family, so family life thereafter was not the same.
Marion reflected, “I don’t know how we handled it. There is a Japanese word that we used to get us through: ‘Gaman,’ which means to just go on, to learn to take what comes…to grit our teeth and take it.”
It may come as a surprise that organizations like the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts were present at these camps, and provided the children with some activities. Although the Girl Scout’s presence at the concentration camps is controversial to many, it perhaps allowed children, like Marion, with some momentary relief from the difficulty of life in the camps.
“It took my mind off of what was happening–made me be a young girl instead of a girl with a great number of family responsibilities,” said Marion. “My mother had a baby in camp, so my sister below me took care of the baby, and I did all the family laundry for 9 people. There was no Laundromat. I had to go to the laundry room in the middle of the block.”
Marion’s memories of Girl Scouting at the camp are few—she recalls a vague memory where she did a project on leaves in Poston, and received first prize.
Marion and her Girl Scout Troop in Poston. Marion is second from the left in the back row
After being released from the concentration camp in 1945, her family tried to return to Salinas, but was unwelcomed because, as Marion recalls, “many young Salinas men were killed in war.”
Their struggles continued: Housing was difficult to find after the war. Nobody would rent to them, and the Nakamura family had to live in a “smelly” abandoned house, shacks, and whatever other shelter they could find.
“We went to Watsonville for one year. Our main goal was survival. I worked as a maid for seven years. I was in 8th grade, and made 50 cents an hour. In 9th grade, we moved to San Jose. I was an in-home maid. Living away from home, it was one less mouth to feed, one less body to house.”
In San Jose, the Nakamura family members found a variety of work and survived.
“We started from scratch and kept going until we earned enough money to buy a car. It took us 15 years to buy a house.”
At the age of 23, while living in San Francisco, Marion got married. As an adult, Marion became an accomplished mother and worked as a secretary but not without continued struggle. She has three daughters: the oldest has schizophrenia, the youngest is mentally challenged, and the third daughter is an optometrist with two sons. She considers her greatest accomplishment to be the raising of her three daughters.
“I raised 3 girls successfully—but I had to really hang in there, keep going and plug ahead. Now, they are all doing well.”
Through her experience with her daughters, Marion was inspired to start a camp program for mentally challenged individuals in 1975. After 15 years as the director, she passed the project along.
“We had young adults take over, and today it continues successfully,” said Marion. “The camp is called JEMS Special Camp and is a part of the Summer Conference sponsored by the Japanese Evangelical Missionary Society. The Conference has programs for all ages, infants through adults, including programs for Japanese speaking conferees.”
Through all her struggles, Marion credits her strong family, faith and culture as making the biggest impact on her.
There was another Japanese saying that helped her through her struggles: ‘Shikata ga nai.’
“This means that things can’t be helped sometimes, that’s the way they are. You either go on with your life or complain, grumble and become a miserable human being,” said Marion. “When things get tough, you make the best of it.”
Their struggles continued: Housing was difficult to find after the war. Nobody would rent to them, and the Nakamura family had to live in a “smelly” abandoned house, shacks, and whatever other shelter they could find.
“We went to Watsonville for one year. Our main goal was survival. I worked as a maid for seven years. I was in 8th grade, and made 50 cents an hour. In 9th grade, we moved to San Jose. I was an in-home maid. Living away from home, it was one less mouth to feed, one less body to house.”
In San Jose, the Nakamura family members found a variety of work and survived.
“We started from scratch and kept going until we earned enough money to buy a car. It took us 15 years to buy a house.”
At the age of 23, while living in San Francisco, Marion got married. As an adult, Marion became an accomplished mother and worked as a secretary but not without continued struggle. She has three daughters: the oldest has schizophrenia, the youngest is mentally challenged, and the third daughter is an optometrist with two sons. She considers her greatest accomplishment to be the raising of her three daughters.
“I raised 3 girls successfully—but I had to really hang in there, keep going and plug ahead. Now, they are all doing well.”
Through her experience with her daughters, Marion was inspired to start a camp program for mentally challenged individuals in 1975. After 15 years as the director, she passed the project along.
“We had young adults take over, and today it continues successfully,” said Marion. “The camp is called JEMS Special Camp and is a part of the Summer Conference sponsored by the Japanese Evangelical Missionary Society. The Conference has programs for all ages, infants through adults, including programs for Japanese speaking conferees.”
Through all her struggles, Marion credits her strong family, faith and culture as making the biggest impact on her.
There was another Japanese saying that helped her through her struggles: ‘Shikata ga nai.’
“This means that things can’t be helped sometimes, that’s the way they are. You either go on with your life or complain, grumble and become a miserable human being,” said Marion. “When things get tough, you make the best of it.”
Marion Masada (present day) holding a photo of her Girl Scout Troop
*** The United States Government justified the mass incarceration on the rationale of “national security” but had to apologize forty years later following a Congressional Commission’s finding that it had nothing to do with national security, but was instead caused by racial prejudice, war hysteria and failure of political leadership. Two thirds of the 120,000 people incarcerated were American citizens and most were children. During WWII, only ten Americans were arrested as spies, none of whom were of Japanese ancestry. ***
Girl Scout Promise & Law
On my honor, I will try:
To serve God and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
The Girl Scout Law
I will do my best to be
honest and fair,
friendly and helpful,
considerate and caring,
courageous and strong, and
responsible for what I say and do,
and to
respect myself and others,
respect authority,
use resources wisely,
make the world a better place, and
be a sister to every Girl Scout.
Summer Camp Staff Info – Day Camp
Summer Camp Staff Info – Willow Springs
Summer Camp Staff Info – Shadow Rim
Summer Camp Staff Info – Maripai
The Green School Movement
Welcome and thank you for your participation in our council’s GSFG community action project!
Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. The Green School Movement is an opportunity for girls to come together and demonstrate those values as they work together to improve their schools and communities. Girl Scouts in Arizona will work together with their WAGGGS sisters from another country and together will take action as they create change in their communities to ensure that our schools are a healthy place to learn, work and play.
We welcome any senior or ambassador Girl Scouts and adults to be a part of this global movement to create environmental change for our schools, communities and our beautiful planet!
Help empower our girls as they lead The Green School Movement in your communities!
Kick-off Meeting
The Green School Movement kicked off on Monday, April 23! Girl Scouts from Arizona Cactus-Pine Council came to show their support for eco-friendly schools in Arizona and abroad! At the meeting Girl Scouts learned about sustainability from our guest speaker, Auriane Koster, a committee member and Green School Advocate with U.S. Green Buildings Council’s Arizona Chapter. Girls also learned they would be partnering up with their WAGGGS sisters from Suriname in this effort to leave a meaningful and lasting impact in our communities. Thank you to U.S. Green Building Council and ALCOA for your support!
*There is still time to be a part of this effort! Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors are invited to participate. Contact Viviana Reyes at 602.452.7072 for more information.
Together Green
In 2012, Girl Scouts will celebrate its 100th anniversary. To mark this milestone and to honor our founder Juliette Gordon Low, who loved nature and the outdoors, Girls Scouts, volunteers and alumnae are taking part in Together Green. This global, take-action project offers a meaningful leadership experience that makes a huge positive impact on the environment and our communities. Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council invites girls to take action and GET INVOLVED in any of these exciting projects taking place NOW!
REMINDER: Part of your participation in Together Green involves taking the pledge to show your support of our council and Together Green. Please take the pledge by [clicking here].
100th Anniversary Take Action Projects
- It's in the Bag!
- Reduce Waste
- Earth Hour
- Rain Gardens
- The Green School Movement
- Centennial Tree Planting Project
How will you make a difference?
As girls all across Arizona get involved in the many green actions; Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council will keep track of our local efforts and share the impact we are making together.
Tell us what Together Green acts you have participated in HERE!
Resources
Reduce Waste
Girl Scouts Forever Green Project Instructions
Welcome and thank you for your participation in our council’s GSFG community action project!Girl Scouts, from our council, will join forces with Girl Scouts and Girl Guides to Reduce Plastic Waste during the weeks of April 1-30. This project will feature the use of a council issued or favorite water bottle, for all liquid intakes of participants, for the duration of the project timeline. The use of reusable water bottles will eliminate the need to purchase and dispose of plastics.
The outcomes of our water bottle project will be combined with the results of other U.S. and WAGGGS councils, across the world, to underscore our organization’s commitment to saving our planet.
Reduce Plastic Waste Community Action Project Procedures
- Use the Girl Scouts Forever Green (GSFG) sign up form to register your troop/group/IGM to participate in this project.
- Project Coordinator visits the GSUSA Girl Scouts Forever Green site to register the troop/group/IGM project online.
- All participants, girls and adults, are required to visit the site to take the GSFG Online Pledge. GS Daisy and GS Brownie levels should be assisted, by adults, to complete this very important step.
- The Project Coordinator will supply a copy of the I Refilled My Water Bottle log form to each participant.
- During the month of April, participants track the number of refills (any liquid) by completing their form daily.
- At the end of the project cycle, (April 30), all participants return completed log sheets to the Project Coordinator.
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Upon receipt of log sheets, the Project Coordinator will:
- Total all log sheet numbers and complete the Reduce Plastic Waste Final Roster/Refill Totals form.
- Return to the GSUSA GSFG site, to record the total results of troop/group/IGM project.
- Fax or email completed Reduce Plastic Waste Final Roster/Refill Totals form to: 602.452.7100 or karencunha@girlscoutsaz.org.
Girl Scouts Forever Green patches and certificates will be distributed to troops/groups/IGM’s in order of receipt of final paper work. (Note: Reduce Plastic Waste Final Roster/Refill Totals form must be emailed to council office in order to receive GSFG patches and certificates)
Project Timeline
- March 30 – GSFG Community Action Project Form due to council
- April 1-30 – Take Action project start and finish
- May 15-30 – Final paper work due to council office
- May 30 – Patch & certificate distribution to participants begins
Forms
Don't forget to have fun while learning new ways to Reduce and Reuse. Good luck and please send us pictures, stories etc. of your troop/group/IGM working on their Reduce Plastic Waste project. Email Karen Cunha with question or concerns.
Women’s History Month Art Project
Women’s History Month Reading List
Fiction Selections
Apple Pie 4th of July
Author: Janet S. Wong, Illustrator: Margaret Chodos-Irvine
Grades: K-2
Category: Contemporary American Life (First generation American girl)
Abuela
Author: Arthur Dorros, Illustrator: Elisa Kleven
Grades: K-3
Category: Contemporary American Life (A girl and her grandmother)
The Ballot Box Battle
Author: Emily Arnold McCully
Grades: K-3
Category: History (Women’s Suffrage Movement)
Emma
Author: Wendy Kesselman, Illustrator: Barbara Cooney
Grades: K-3
Category: Women in the Arts
The Keeping Quilt
Author: Patricia Polacco
Grades: K-3
Category: History (Immigration to America from Russia)
Miss Bridie Chose a Shovel
Author: Leslie Connor, Illustrator: Mary Azarian
Grades: 1-4
Category: History (Immigration to America from Ireland)
The Best Eid Ever
Author: Asma Mobin-Uddin, Illustrator: Laura Jacobsen
Grades: 2-4
Category: Contemporary American Life (Holiday)
Alice Yazzie’s Year
Author: Ramona Maher, Illustrator: Shonto Begay
Grades: 3-7
Category: Contemporary American Life (Navajo Nation)
Bloomers!
Author: Rhoda Blumberg, Illustrator: Mary Morgan
Grades: 3-5
Category: History (Women’s Suffrage Movement)
Morning Girl
Author: Michael Dorris
Grades: 3-6
Category: History (Native American Experience in 1492)
Even A Little Is Something: Stories of Nong
Author: Tom Glass, Illustrator: Elena Gerard
Grades: 3-6
Category: Contemporary Life (Thailand)
You Want Women to Vote, Lizzie Stanton?
Author: Jean Fritz
Grades: 3-7
Category: History (Women’s Suffrage Movement)
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry
Author: Mildred D. Taylor
Grades: 3-7
Category: History (The Great Depression, Racism in America)
Zora and Me
Author: Victoria Bond
Grades: 4-7
Category: Women in the Arts (Zora Neale Hurston)
Number the Stars
Author: Lois Lowry
Grades: 5-8
Category: History (Holocaust)
Prairie Songs
Author: Pam Conrad
Grades: 5-8
Category: History (Pioneer Life in America)
The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
Grades: 9-12
Category: History (World War II Germany)
Copper Sun
Author: Sharon Draper
Grades: 9-12
Category: History (Slavery in America)
How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents
Author: Julia Alvarez
Grades: 9-12
Category: Contemporary American Life (Sisters, Immigration to America from the Dominican Republic)
To Kill A Mockingbird
Author: Harper Lee
Grades: 9-12
Category: History (1930s America, Racism in America)
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Author: Betty Smith
Grades: 9-12
Category: History (early 19th century America)
The Awakening
Author: Kate Chopin
Grades: 11-12
Category: History (early 19th century America)
Non-Fiction Selections
My Name is Georgia: A Portrait by Jeannette Winter
Author: Jeanette Winter
Grades: K-2
Category: Women in the Arts (Geogia O’Keefe)
Mama Miti: Wangari Maathai and the Trees of Kenya
Author: Donna Jo Napoli, Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Grades: K-3
Category: Biography
Meet My Grandmother: She’s A Supreme Court Justice
Author: Lisa Tucker McElroy , with Courtney O’Connor
Grades: 1-3
Category: Biography (Sandra Day O’Connor)
Shining Star: The Anna May Wong Story
Author: Paula Yoo, Illustrator: Lin Wang
Grades: 2-5
Category: Biography
Books in a Box: Lutie Stearns and the Traveling Libraries of Wisconsin
Author: Stuart Stotts
Grades: 3-6
Category: History (19th century America)
Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery
Author: Russel Freedman
Grades: 3-6
Category: Biography
Looking Like the Enemy: My Story of Imprisonment in the Japanese-American Internment Camps
Author: Mary Matsuda Gruenwald
Grades: 3-6
Category: History (World War II America)
Through My Eyes
Author: Ruby Bridges
Grades: 3-6
Category: History (American Civil Rights Movement)
Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World’s Fastest Woman
Author: Kathleen Krull, Illustrator: David Diaz
Grades: 3-6
Category: Women in Sports
Rosie the Riveter: Women Working on the Home Front in World War II
Author: Penny Coleman
Grades: 4-7
Category: History (World War II America)
Something Out of Nothing: Marie Curie and Radium
Author: Carla Killough McClafferty
Grades: 5-7
Category: Women in Science
Girls Who Rocked the World: Heroines from Sacagawea to Sheryl Swoopes
Authors: Amelie Welden, Jerry McCann
Grades: 5-8
Category: History (Biographies of Women)
The Road From Home: A True Story of Courage, Survival and Hope
Author: David Kherdian
Grades: 6-9
Category: History (Immigration to America from Turkey)
Zlata’s Diary: A Child’s Life is Sarajevo
Author: Zlata Filipovic
Grades: 6-9
Category: Memoir
The Diary of a Young Girl
Author: Anne Frank
Grades: 6-12
Category: Memoir
Silent Dancing: A Partial Remembrance of a Puerto Rican Childhood
Author: Judith Ortiz Confer
Grades: 9-12
Category: Memoir
The Complete Persepolis
Author: Marjane Satrapi
Grades: 11-12
Category: Memoir
***Please Note***: The Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Reading List was compiled with the assistance of local librarians and teachers. It is not intended to be inclusive or fully comprehensive on the subject of Women’s History Month or related topics. Inclusion of a work on this list does not imply endorsement by Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council. These titles serve as suggested starting points for those seeking to celebrate Women’s History Month through literature. As always, we strongly encourage parents, guardians, and Troop Leaders to research selections for quality and appropriateness prior to providing books to girls.
For more information, please contact Amanda Martin at amartin@girlscoutsaz.org or 602.452.7056
Test Page Feb 24
5K Thin Mint Sprint
Girl Scouts and family members will participate in a 5k run or a 1 mile walk. Then take a symbolic walk over a bridge from the first 100 years of Girl Scouting to the next 100 years. At the end of the bridging ceremony, there will be a variety of booths/events.
- Program Pathway/Focus Area: Events/Healthy Living
- Location: Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix
- Date: March 10, 2012
- Time: check in: 8:00am / race: 9:00am / community booths: 10:30am-12:00pm
- Cost: 5K - $12pp/1M - $10pp (incl: entrance fees, t-shirt, winner prizes, patch and bridging activities)
- Capacity: 500+
- Registration Open: December 1, 2011-February 29, 2012
- Visit our website to sign up at: http://www.girlscoutsaz.org/100th-anniversary
- Contact: MargaretSpicer@girlscoutsaz.org
NOTE - Registration for this event is now closed as we have reached capacity.
Annual Meeting 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa
2400 E Missouri | Phoenix, AZ 85016
Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa
2400 E Missouri | Phoenix, AZ 85016
Check out the video below for a recap of the 2011 Annual Meeting.
Volunteer Recognitions Luncheon
The Volunteer Recognition Luncheon honors outstanding volunteers. Please submit your reservations early. If you would like to obtain more information call the council office at 602.452.7053 or 800.352.6133, ext 7053.
Reservation deadline is Friday, April 20, 2012.
To download a reservation form [click here].
Year of the Girl
Girl Scouts of the USA has declared 2012 the Year of the Girl. After 100 years of helping develop girls of courage, confidence and character, the Year of the Girl is our moment in time to rally our community around the cause for girls’ leadership.
Why now? There is something stopping girls from reaching their full potential.
- Only one in five girls believes she has what it takes to lead.
- 59% of girls say the fashion industry makes them feel fat.
- 85% of middle-school students say they've been cyberbullied at least once.
- Although more than 90 percent of girls in fourth grade want to continue studying math, by twelfth grade that number drops to 50 percent.
We believe that by encouraging girls to lead today, they can become the leaders we'll need for a better tomorrow. We believe we can help girls reach their potential. We can get her there.
As part of the Year of the Girl, Girl Scouts of the USA has launched the ToGetHerThere initiative. At ToGetHerThere.org, you can help us raise awareness, raise expectations, and raise $1 billion to make the world a better place for this generation of girls.
Together, we can help girls reach their full potential.
Together, we can get her there.
Communications
As a Board, part of our work is to share accurate information about Girl Scouting. As you may have noticed, rumors have been circulating – mainly via websites – based on information that is false. Although we have not received an extraordinary number of inquiries, it’s important that you have the correct information at your fingertips. That data is attached here. If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to call Jeanine L’Ecuyer at the Council office at 602-452-7077.
Rumor #1: That GSACPC and/or GSUSA have an affiliation with Planned Parenthood. This is FALSE. Here is the statement we use when this question arises:
“There is no relationship - financial or otherwise - between Girl Scouts - Arizona Cactus-Pine and Planned Parenthood. The Girl Scout organization does not take a position on abortion or birth control. Our membership is a cross-section of America with regard to opinions on religious and social issues and practices. We believe these matters are best decided by girls and their families."
Rumor #2: That GSUSA distributed pro-abortion material at a United Nations conference in 2010. This is FALSE. The best summary I’ve seen regarding the facts in this situation was prepared by the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministries. Their memo reads, in part:
“The Girls Only Workshop was hosted by GSUSA, UNICEF’s Working Group on Girls, Girls Learn International, and The Grail. The meeting was only open to the girls and participating sponsors. The girls received a copy of the only document they were working on, titled The Girls Statement. No other documents were given to the girls as part of the event. The room in question was also used to host other events over the course of the multi-day conference. Prior to our girls entering the room, we [GSUSA] did not “sanitize” the room to ensure that no trash or other items were left behind...”
“NFCYM was satisfied with the GSUSA account of the UN meeting.”
The full memo is lengthy, but enlightening – click here to read it.
We are also occasionally asked whether Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts are part of the same organization. We are definitely separate entities at the national and local level. Here is a bit of historical information that helps to make that point:
- Lord Robert Baden-Powell established Boy Scouts in 1908. Juliette Gordon Low knew Baden-Powell and hoped to create something similar for girls. She joined Girl Guides/Scouts in Scotland in or around 1910. She established Girl Scouts of the USA in 1912 in Savannah, GA.
Finally, per the request of Catholic parishioners in Gilbert, we have been in touch with the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, and have shared accurate information with them.
Again and as always – if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to be in touch. Thank you.
Best,
Margaret Serrano-Foster
All-Staff Materials
Katie Penkoff Presentation
- Childhelp USA – www.childhelp.org/pages/help-for-professionals
- Childhelp Arizona Affiliate – www.childhelpinfocenter.org
- Child Protective Services – https://www.azdes.gov/dcyf/cps/reporting.asp
- Child Abuse Report Form
- Mandatory Reporting Presentation
Create a video to celebrate!
For more information, contact Sam Sanchez-Perez at ssanchezperez@girlscoutsaz.org or 602.452.7025.
Black History Month Reading List
Fiction Selections
Amazing Grace
Author: Mary Hoffman, Illustrator: Caroline Binch
Grades: K-2
Category: Contemporary American Life
Cherries and Cherry Pits
Author and Illustrator: Vera B. Williams
Grades: K-2
Category: Contemporary American Life
I Love My Hair!
Author: Natasha Anastasia Tarpley, Illustrator: E.B. Lewis
Grades: K-2
Category: Contemporary American Life
Once Upon A Time
Author and Illustrator: Nikki Daly
Grades: K-2
Category: Contemporary South African Life
Show Way
Author: Jacqueline Woodson, Illustrator: Hudson Talbott
Grades: K-2
Category: Family/Slavery in America
Freedom on the Menu: The Greensboro Sit-Ins
Author: Carole Boston Weatherford, Illustrator: Jerome Lagarrigue
Grades: K-3
Category: Civil Rights Movement (1960s)
The Patchwork Quilt
Author: Valerie Flournoy, Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney
Grades: K-3
Category: Family/Contemporary American Life
Going North
Author: Janice N. Harrington, Illustrator: Jerome Lagarrigue
Grades: 2-5
Category: Family/Segregation in American (1950s)
The Village That Vanished
Author: Ann Grifalconi, Illustrator: Kadir Nelson
Grades: 2-5
Category: Community/Slavery
Ernestine and Amanda (Series)
Author: Sandra Belton
Grades: 3-6
Category: Friendship/Segregation in America
Francie
Author: Karen English
Grades: 3-6
Category: Family/ Segregation in America (1930s)
Philip Hall Likes Me. I Reckon Maybe.
Author: Bette Greene
Grades: 3-6
Category: Contemporary American Life
Clara and the Hoodoo Man
Author: Elizabeth Partridge
Grades: 4-6
Category: 19th Century Rural American Life
The Red Rose Box
Author: Brenda Woods
Grades: 4-6
Category: Family/American Life (1950s)
Yolanda’s Genius
Author: Carol Fenner
Grades: 4-6
Category: Contemporary American Life
The Other Side
Author: Angela Johnson
Grades: 5-7
Category: Poetry
Day of Tears
Author: Julius Lester
Grades: 6-9
Category: Slavery in America
For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow is Enuf
Author: Ntozake Shange
Grades: 10-12
Category: Contemporary American Life
The Bluest Eye
Author: Toni Morrison
Grades: 11-12
Category: 1940s American Life
Non-Fiction Selections
A Picture Book of Rosa Parks
Author: David Adler, Illustrator: Robert Casilla
Grades: K-2
Category: Biography
The Story of Ruby Bridges
Author: Robert Coles, Illustrator: George Ford
Grades: K-2
Category: Biography
An Apple for Harriet Tubman
Author: Tilley Turner, Illustrator: Susan Keeter
Grades: 1-4
Category: Biography
Vision of Beauty: The Story of Sarah Breedlove Walker
Author: Kathryn Lasky, Illustrator: Nneka Bennett
Grades: 2-4
Category: Biography
Let It Shine: Stories of Black Women Freedom Fighters
Author: Andrea Davis Pinkney, Illustrator: Stephen Alcorn
Grades: 2-6
Category: Biography
A Voice of Her Own: A Story of Phillis Wheatley, Slave Poet
Author: Kathryn Lasky, Illustrator: Paul Lee
Grades: 3-5
Category: Biography
Maritcha: A Remarkable Nineteenth-Century American Girl
Author: Tonya Bolden
Grades: 4-7
Category: Biography
African American Women of the Old West
Author: Tricia Martineau Wagner
Grades: 5-8
Category: Biography
The Voice that Challenged a Nation: Marian Anderson and the Struggle for Equal Rights
Author: Russell Freedman
Grades: 5-8
Category: Biography
African American Women Writers
Author: Brenda Wilkinson
Grades: 6-9
Category: Biography
Narrative of Sojourner Truth
Author: Sojourner Truth
Grades: 9-12
Category: Memoir
Wrapped in Rainbows: The Life of Zora Neale Hurston
Author: Valerie Boyd
Grades: 10-12
Category: Biography
Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl
Author: Harriet Jacobs
Grades: 10-12
Category: Memoir
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Author: Maya Angelou
Grades: 11-12
Category: Memoir
Zami: A New Spelling of My Name – A Biomythography
Author: Audre Lorde
Grades: 11-12
Category: Memoir
***Please Note: The Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Reading List was compiled with the assistance of local librarians and teachers. It is not intended to be inclusive or fully comprehensive on the subject of Black History Month or related topics. Inclusion of a work on this list does not imply endorsement by Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council. These titles serve as suggested starting points for those seeking to celebrate Black History Month through literature. As always, we strongly encourage parents, guardians, and Troop Leaders to research selections for quality and appropriateness prior to providing books to girls.
For more information, please contact Amanda Martin at amartin@girlscoutsaz.org or 602.452.7056.
Celebrate Black History Month!
Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by Black individuals and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. Check out three vignettes below of prominent African American women who have contributed greatness to our society.
Maya Angelou
“Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible.”
Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Ann Johnson on April 4, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri. At 13, she moved with her mother and brother to San Francisco where earned a scholarship to study dance and drama at the California Labor School. Although she left school at age 14, becoming the first African-American female cable car conductor, she later finished her high school education in the arts.
In the 1950s, Angelou found success: she trained with famed choreographers and, while singing at a nightclub in San Francisco, was scouted by Broadway producers and offered a role in the opera Porgy and Bess. After touring Europe on Broadway, Angelou returned stateside and released the album Miss Calypso.
In 1969, she penned her first work, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, which remained on the New York Times best-seller list for two years. Her book of poetry, Just Give Me a Cool Drink of Water ‘fore I Diiie, published in 1971, was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize, and in 1977, she wrote Georgia, Georgia, the first original screenplay by an African-American woman to be produced. In 1988, Angelou became the first African-American woman to direct a major motion picture.
In 1993, Angelou recited her poem On the Pulse of Morning at the inauguration of President Clinton. Angelou has earned three Grammy nominations for her spoken-word albums and has been inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame. She was awarded the Lincoln Medal, the National Medal of Arts and the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Gwendolyn Brooks
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In 1950, Brooks’ second book of poetry, Annie Allen, won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry, making her the first African-American woman or man to receive the honor. Brooks was also asked by President John F. Kennedy to read her work at the Library of Congress Poetry Festival.
Brooks began her teaching career in 1962 and worked at Columbia College Chicago, Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago State University, Elmhurst College, Columbia University, Clay College of New York, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. One of the most notable poets in contemporary literature, Brooks’ work is still innovative and groundbreaking today.
Ursula Burns
When Ursula Burns assumed the role of CEO at the Xerox Corporation in 2009, she became the first African-American woman to head a Fortune 500 company.
Born in 1958 to Panamanian immigrants, Burns was raised by her mother in a New York City housing project. Burns credited her mother as the greatest influence in her life: despite the poverty and gang life of her neighborhood, her mother encouraged her to see beyond her immediate environment.
Burns excelled in school, particularly in math and science, and after graduating high school, earned a Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from New York University’s Polytechnic Institute. She then earned a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Columbia University.
In 1980, she joined Xerox as an engineering intern. The following year, she was hired and worked in a variety of capacities until 2007, when she was named a President of the company. Two years later, history was made when Burns became CEO of Xerox, replacing Anne Mulcahy. It was the first instance of a woman succeeding another woman as CEO of a Fortune 500 company. In 2009, Ursula Burns was asked by President Obama to lead the national Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program and was appointed vice-chair of the President’s Export Council in 2010.
Information retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/21/business/21xerox.html?pagewanted=all
Troop Camp PreCourse Material
A Girls World Is Different Registration Form
Minutes
- Board Minutes 09/24/11
- Board Minutes 06/15/11
- Board Minutes 03/16/11
- Board Minutes 02/23/11
- Board Minutes 01/19/11
General Files
- 2012 Board Meeting dates
- Bylaws (updated April 25, 2009)
- Council Strategic Long Range Direction
- Conflict of Interest Statement
- GSACPC Fact Sheet
Enrichment Files
Finances
Campaign for Girls
Campaign Materials:
- Case Statement: A Case for Girls' Leadership
- Camp Sombrero Tour Dates
- Campaign Leadership Committee Roster
- Elevator Speeches
Current Rosters
- 2012-2013 Board Roster
- 2012-2013 Board Affiliations
- 2011-2012 GSACPC Committee Task Force
- GSACPC Staff Roster
Advanced Materials
- March 2012 Board Materials
- January 2012 Board Materials
- November 2011 Board Materials
- September 2011 Board Retreat Materials
- June 2011 Board Meeting Materials
- Executive Session Materials
- January 2011 Board Meeting Materials
- September 2010 Board Meeting Materials
- June 2010 Board Minutes
First Aid/CPR
First-Aider
A first-aider is an adult volunteer who has taken Girl Scout approved first-aid and CPR training, that includes specific instructions for child CPR. The Safety Activity Checkpoints tell you when a first-aider needs to be present.
There are two categories of first-aiders:
- First-aider (Level 1): The presence of a first-aider (Level 1) is required for many group activities. The course required to be a first-aider (Level 1) is one that offers standard first-aid and CPR, preferably with a focus on children. The Safety Activity Checkpoints state clearly when a first-aider (Level 1) is needed.
- First-aider (Level 2): The presence of a first-aider (Level 2) is required at resident camp, and at any camp activity with more than 200 participants. The Safety Activity Checkpoints state clearly when a first-aider (Level 2) is needed. First-aiders (Level 2) pass the same course as the first-aiders (Level 1), and also have emergency response/first response, sports safety, wilderness first-aid, and/or advanced first-aid and CPR training. Each organization has a different name for its training, so be sure to ask whether a training course fulfills the Level-2 requirements.
Girl Scout approved First-Aid/CPR Instructors
American Red Cross
www.redcross.org
First-Aid/CPR/AED, Wilderness and remote first-aid
Contemporary Enterprises Inc.
Authorized Red Cross Provider
Ruth Catalano
623-872-1277
5128 N. 81st Dr
Glendale, AZ 85303
First-Aid/CPR- Adult, Child & Infant
Elite Community Services
Claudia Heiskell
(480) 558-1275
First-Aid, CPR, Infant CPR
ProFirstAid
www.ProTrainings.com
First-Aid/CPR
Staying Alive – Arizona
Ron Anderson
(928) 533-6530
www.stayingalive-az.com
CPR/ Adult, Child & Infant, AED, standard First-Aid
T&J Instruction, LLC
Tom Van Tress
(602) 325-3046
www.tjinstruction.com
First-Aid/CPR- Adult, Child & Infant
HAASKEN Family CPR
Lyndsay Bly and Jerry Haasken
haaskenfamilycpr@yahoo.com
(480) 968-6568
(480) 726-7865
http://haaskenfamilycpr.schools.officelive.com/default.aspx
CPR and First Aid (American Heart Association)
Southern Arizona Family Services
Ashley Mckoin
(480) 285-1722
ashleymckoin@yahoo.com
southernarizonafamilyservices.com
CPR (adult, child, and infant), First Aid, Babysitter Training
Surveys
- 2010-11 Girl Survey
- Jamboree 2012 "It's All About U"
-
Jamboree 2012 "It's All About Our Girls" Volunteer & Parent Survey
Congratulations to our 2011 Promise Award Honorees!
At this year's Women and Young Women of Distinction: World Awards ceremony, the Girl Scouts—Arizona Cactus-Pine Council (GSACPC) will continue its tradition of honoring those who make our world a better place.
This year, GSACPC has created the Promise Award to recognize three community members—one woman, man and one organization – who, although not alumnae of Girl Scouts, model the values of Girl Scouting in their work.
Elva Coor
An Arizona native, Elva Coor has been a key civic leader in our state for years. From her work with Barry Goldwater to her role in developing the President’s Community Enrichment Programs at ASU, Elva has been committed to promoting the well being of Arizonans. Recently, Elva was a founding member of the committee that saved Sandra Day O’Connor’s home from demolition, reviving it as a place where societal problems are addressed through community collaboration. She is now co-chair of the O’Connor House Centennial Voter Engagement Project, “Vote for Arizona.”
[Click here] for more information about the O’Connor House.
Paul Luna
Paul Luna, the President and CEO of the Helios Education Foundation has been a leader in the non-profit community and an advocate for children and youth for over twenty years. He currently serves on the board of directors for a variety of community organizations, including the Center for the Future of Arizona, Arizona Community Foundation, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and is also the Chair of the Oversight Board for Expect More Arizona.
[Click here] for more information about the Helios Education Foundation.
The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
A great supporter of the Girl Scouts, the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust invests in non-profits whose work makes Maricopa County stronger. Among their many grant initiatives, Piper exhibits a commitment to programs that strengthen children’s potential to thrive in our community.
[Click here] for more information about the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust.
An Arizona native, Elva Coor has been a key civic leader in our state for years. From her work with Barry Goldwater to her role in developing the President’s Community Enrichment Programs at ASU, Elva has been committed to promoting the well being of Arizonans. Recently, Elva was a founding member of the committee that saved Sandra Day O’Connor’s home from demolition, reviving it as a place where societal problems are addressed through community collaboration. She is now co-chair of the O’Connor House Centennial Voter Engagement Project, “Vote for Arizona.”
[Click here] for more information about the O’Connor House.
Paul Luna
Paul Luna, the President and CEO of the Helios Education Foundation has been a leader in the non-profit community and an advocate for children and youth for over twenty years. He currently serves on the board of directors for a variety of community organizations, including the Center for the Future of Arizona, Arizona Community Foundation, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and is also the Chair of the Oversight Board for Expect More Arizona.
[Click here] for more information about the Helios Education Foundation.
The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust
A great supporter of the Girl Scouts, the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust invests in non-profits whose work makes Maricopa County stronger. Among their many grant initiatives, Piper exhibits a commitment to programs that strengthen children’s potential to thrive in our community.
[Click here] for more information about the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust.
Congratulations to our 2009 World Award honorees!
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Melinda Romero Chandler Unified School District "Melinda is an extraordinary educator and a dedicated professional whose advocacy for children is unprecedented. Her work in the district for the past 37 years has contributed immeasurably to the success of our students." Camille Casteel, Ed. D. Chandler Unified School District No. 80 |
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Alyssa Rollando Ahwatukee Neighborhood "It obvious that learning, for Alyssa, is more than a matter of memorizing historical facts … it is truly understanding the complexities of change over time and recognizing connections among seemingly dissimilar events, actions and ideas." Carol A. Hodus Social Studies Teacher Director of Student Activities Xavier College Preparatory |
Activity Photos
World of the Future
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Lisa Lee Love Arizona State University "Lisa understands well the importance of creating opportunity for women athletes. Her vision and personal leadership skills are laying a foundation for the sustained success of ASU’s student-athletes and the Athletics program. Her standards are high and her commitment is higher still." Michael Crow President, Arizona State University |
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Catherine Bina Ahwatukee Neighborhood "She is committed to the advancement of science, math and technology. She has a vision of encouraging women to pursue careers in technology, math, science and engineering. Her goal is to advance the space program by exploring outside the solar system." Cristi Swan Co-leader, Girl Scout Troop 592 |
World of the Arts
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Deborah Gilpin Children’s Museum of Phoenix "As a former board chair, I have been able to watch Deb mentor her staff and volunteers to be a part of making the museum a great place for our youngest children to experience play, art, and quality time together." Tom Ambrose Community Affairs Liasion Phoenix Suns |
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Sara Ellenberger Ahwatukee Neighborhood "She truly enjoys taking her musical skills of playing the harp to people in many different venues. Sara gives to others so that they can hear beautiful music and so that they can educationally edified." Dr. Shelley B. Wiest |
Activity Photos
World of Community Service
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Kay McKay Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff "She has fused her commitments to career, community, family and love of fellow Arizonans into a remarkable whole, seamlessly serving all facets of her commitments, benefitting all, and drawing strength and energy from them as she does so." Lattie F. Coor, Ph.D. Chairman and CEO Center for the Future of Arizona |
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Taylor Dawn Petersen Pima Neighborhood "As a Girl Scout, Taylor exemplifies what it means to be considerate and caring. She is a responsible young woman who does make the world a better place. Whatever future endeavors Taylor takes on, I know that it will somehow be related to helping others." Sr. Yolanda A. Mendoza, IBVM Notre Dame Preparatory High School |
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Hillary Jean Eder Two Rivers Neighborhood "I have been impressed with her understanding of self, motivation, and dedication to those around her … and the service to others with whom she has no personal bond in the community. Such commitment and understanding by a person of such youth is rare." Doug Combs, President The Luscombe Endowment |
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World of Humanity
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Marian Frank The Arizona Republic "Her advocation to shed light on the challenges facing the elderly, women and children can be seen on the pages of our community and living sections. Marian embodies the philosophy that The Republic can, and should do more than report on problems. We should be part of the solutions." Gene D’Adamo Vice President, Community Relations The Arizona Republic |
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Gabriela Marie Guerra Arcadia Neighborhood "Gabi has been active in supporting community issues and needs. She has been an active volunteer at the Phoenix Rescue Mission, providing valuable volunteer service to the homeless and underprivileged men, women and children." Teresa Ann Easley |
Activity Photos
World of Courage
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Leslie Mihata Bloom Partnership for Drug Free America–Arizona Alliance "Through her commitment and perseverance, Leslie has and continues to have an incredibly positive impact on our community and brings hope to those who are could be ravaged by the effects of drugs." Devon Engel Vice President and General Counsel General Dynamics, Scottsdale |
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Lt. Jacquelyn MacConnell City of Phoenix "Jacqui is not afraid to stand alone when helping others is not the popular, convenient, and is often the outside-the-box thing to do. Starting with herself, she is able to lead a change of approach, building ways to help others that become protocol." Georgia Secvov Phoenix Police Department |
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Kaitlyn Amanda Stone Sunny Peaks Neighborhood "I always enjoy Katie’s stories about assisting her parents on the ranch and helping to find lost cows. On one trip, her father had an accident that left him immobilized. She did what needed to be done and hiked ten miles for help … she saved her dad’s life that day." Rosemary Logan Museum of Northern Arizona |
Activity Photos
Leadership
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Lisa Keegan The Keegan Company "Her ability to collaboratively bring reforms to fruition, maintain her composure–even in the midst of vigorous debate-and tirelessly crusade for improving education reflect her fidelity to her passion and her calling." Dr. Carol G. Peck President and CEO Rodel Foundation of Arizona |
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Melanie Erin Picciano Fountain Hills Neighborhood "Melanie possesses quality leadership skills, has a driven passion of an artist and a large heart of an unselfish volunteer. It has been a pleasure to watch Mel develop into a great role model for younger girls and a young leader that adults admire and often seek her help." Nita Blose Girl Scout Service Team Member |
Activity Photos
Hear testimonials from current volunteeers!
Latina Leadership Series
Become a leader, change the world!
Welcome to the Latina Leadership Series! Here you can find all of the information you need to get involved! Whether you are interested in volunteering, or a girl interested in joining, you’ve come to the right place.
About the Series:
The Latina Leadership Series is a program for girls in the 6th-8th grades throughout Maricopa County who want to have fun, make friends, and discuss topics that are important to them. Each series includes four sessions of programming (excluding the May sessions, which are one-day events).
Topics:
- aMaze Series: Between friends and family, relationships are tough! At aMaze, you and your friends can chat about how to avoid the drama, and create peace in the most complicated relationships.
- Breathe Series: Keep hearing about how polluted our environment is? Let’s do something about it! At this series, you can hang out with friends and discuss ways to make our world healthier, starting with us.
- MEdia Series: Ever feel like what you see on TV and hear on the Radio is WAY different than real life? So do we! At our MEdia Series, you can discuss how you think the media influences people around you, and how you stay true to YOU!
Want to volunteer? Call 602 452 7000 for more informatio, and read about our volunteer positions:
Want to register? There are several opportunities to get involved through May of 2012:
Option 1: MEdia!
- Dates and Times:
January 9th, 2012 from 3:30-4:30 pm
January 23rd, 2012 from 3:30-4:30 pm
January 30th, 2012 from 3:30-4:30 pm
February 6th, 2012 from 3:30-4:30 pm
- Location: Barcelona Middle School (6530 N. 44th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85301)
- To register: stay tuned! Registration information will be posted as soon as it’s available. Call 602.452.7000 for information about registering for this series. When you call, mention you are calling in regards to the Latina Leadership Series.
Option 2: MEdia!
- Dates and Times:
January 31st, 2012 from 3:50-5:30 pm
February 7th, 2012 from 3:50-5:30 pm
February 14th, 2012 from 3:50-5:30 pm
February 21st, 2012 from 3:50-5:30 pm
February 28th, 2012 from 3:50-5:30 pm
February 7th, 2012 from 3:50-5:30 pm
February 14th, 2012 from 3:50-5:30 pm
February 21st, 2012 from 3:50-5:30 pm
February 28th, 2012 from 3:50-5:30 pm
- Location: Kino Junior High School (848 N. Home, Mesa, AZ)
- To register: stay tuned! Registration information will be posted as soon as it’s available. Call 602.452.7000 for information about registering for this series. When you call, mention you are calling in regards to the Latina Leadership Series.
- Dates and Times:
January 12th, 2012 from 5:00-6:00 pm
January 19th, 2012 from 5:00-6:00 pm
January 26th, 2012 from 5:00-6:00 pm
February 2nd, 2012 from 5:00-6:00 pm
- Location: To be determined
- To register: stay tuned! Registration information will be posted as soon as it’s available. Call 602.452.7000 for information about registering for this series. When you call, mention you are calling in regards to the Latina Leadership Series.
- When: May 2012 (one day event)
- Where: To be determined
- When: May 2012 (one day event)
- Where: To be determined
Thank You, Donors!
Please join us in recognizing the following supporters:
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TEST Forms Library
Congratulations to our 2008 World Award honorees!
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Governor Janet Napolitano State of Arizona "The values and leadership skills instilled by Girl Scouts have stayed with Governor Napolitano throughout her life and have been embodied through her public service to others, service to justice and the law, and as a volunteer for causes that she is passionate about ... she is not only a leader within the State of Arizona, she is one of the nation’s most innovative, influential and inspirational leaders." Lisa Glow • Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center |
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Allyssa Clark Click here to learn more about Allyssa "I have watched Ally has she indirectly influences other girls while she takes on more and more leadership roles inside and outside Girl Scouts. I believe she is a leader by example, one of the most important leadership styles. Adults around her are in awe of her passion to learn and lead! I feel very fortunate to have her as part of our troop and our neighborhood." Nita Blose • Troop Leader |
World of Community Service
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Jacquie Dorrance The Dorrance Foundation "Jacquie is the consummate volunteer and does not just lend her name to community efforts and events; she rolls up her sleeves and gets totally involved with the project. Her commitment and good counsel is exemplary in the volunteer world. Phoenix is most fortunate to have Jacquie involved in many worthy causes." Carol Waldrop • Arizona Science Center |
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Melissa Leneweaver Click here to learn more about Melissa. "Melissa's leadership and passion for humanitarian efforts drive her to challenge herself for the benefit of othres and she is definitely responsible and mature beyond her years. She serves as the chair of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Phoenix Youth Development Committee, organizing events, managing volunteers and promoting the tremendous efforts that our community supports." Shannon Anderson, M.Ed. • AP/IB English Educator |
World of the Arts
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Colleen Jennings-Roggensack Arizona State University Gammage "Colleen has been at the forefront of transforming Maricopa County and the State of Arizona into a vibrant arts destination with a national reputation. She serves (or has served) on the boards of several local and national arts advocacy and business groups. Colleen also speaks locally and nationally on the importance of the arts to our economy and how the arts in education are so vital to successful students." Barbara Lewkowitz • Girl Scout Community Partner Honoree 2004 |
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Jessica Scott Click here to learn more about Jessica. "There is no question that Jessica is certainly talented in the area of art...the most enjoyable part of Jessica and her artistic abilitiy is that she enjoys sharing her love of the arts, and is consistently seeking ways to develop her talents and help others find theirs." Emily A. Gabaldon • Bradshaw Mountain High School |
World of Courage
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Olga Aros Ora y Dia Management Group "A long time community activist, Olga was one of the first Latinas to assist the United Farm Workers of America. She was instrumental in arranging health centers for migrant farm workers and their families. She embodies the characteristics of women who have passion, fortitude and courage to make a difference in the lives of the needy." Loui Olivas • Arizona State University |
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Elisabeth Reil Click here to learn more about Elisabeth. "Elisabeth is a person who demonstrates selfless commitment of determination and hope. I have witnessed her growth as a student both academically and socially. Her involvement at German summer camp has been aplace where she not only learned her language, but also where she became a leader, assisting others to develop their own skills. Elisabeth demonstrates the traits called forth in the Girl Scout Promise and Law." Gail Hartman • Xavier College Preparatory High School |
World of Humanity
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Jean June "Whether it is finding housing, groceries, transportation, medication, furniture or clothing, there are no barricades too great for her to find a way over or around. I can’t even begin to imagine how many people she has helped in her lifetime. Jean is an advocate and often an army of one but this is her calling." Sue Glawe • Blue Cross Blue Shield |
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Katrina Hartzler Click here to learn more about Katrina. "Katrina was instrumental in collecting medicines, basic hygiene supplies and other essentials to take to a primary school and orphanage in Uganda. She used her spring break to accompany doctors, physician assistants, nurses and others to attend to the needs of the children. While in Uganda, she taught each group of students basic hygiene. She distinguished herself daily and undoubtedly won the hearts and gratitude of those she served." Brian H. Goodman • Foothills Baptist Church |
World of the Future
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Dr. Katie Barclay-Penkoff Arizona State University "Katie inspires all of us to strive for more in our lives. Motivated, by what is best for young women and young men who have not had the best opportunities or best support systems. There is no hidden agenda, no desire for recognition. In fact, she is always looking for ways to give credit to others." Kathy Twitchell • Arizona Department of Corrections |
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Kathryn Davis Click here to learn more about Kathryn. "Katie’s strengths are exemplified by her class rank, participation in extracurricular activities and myraid of community service organizations in which she is involved. I admire her for the balance she creates in her life, understanding the importance of excelling, but more importantly, seeking to share her gifts through volunteer efforts." Mrs. Shelley Hudson • Cactus High School |
World of Learning
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Sister Mary Norbert Long St. Mary-Basha Catholic School "Sister Mary Norbert Long has spent her life working tirelessly for the youth of our community, preparing them to be tomorrow’s leaders. Sister’s zeal and passion for her duty inspire the young people around her to feel that same zeal in their tasks. More than anything, Sister knows the needs of today’s youth and works heard to meet them in the safe environment provided by St. Mary-Basha Catholic School." Shauna Lynn Casey • St. Mary-Basha Class of 2004/Girl Scout IGM |
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Laura Hanson Click here to learn more about Laura. "I have known Laura for four years...during this time, I have watched her grow and mature academically and personally, and I can say without a doubt that she is one of our school’s most talented students. Her hard work and dedication has paid off, she currently ranks 4th in her senior class of 505. One of Laura’s best characteristics is her passion for learning." Paula Somers • Ironwood High School |
Resources
Click on the titles of the following resources to open them or save to your computer.
- Service Unit Cookie Manager manual
- Troop Cookie Manager manual
- Cookie Club PowerPoint
- VIP eTraining How-to
- Cookie Club How-to
- Cookie Club Facts for Parents
- Cookie Club Facts for Volunteers
- GSACPC Cookie Sale FAQs
- 2012 Booth Sale Worksheet
The 2012 Cookie Program webinars are underway! If you missed a webinar, click on the title below to watch a recording. As webinars occur, this list will be updated with links to the recordings.
- Placing orders through Cookie Club
- Setting up your troop in eBudde
- Cookie Sale Resources
- Gift of Caring Program
- Using the eBudde Booth Scheduler and driving sales!
- Inputting initial orders in eBudde
- Submitting the INITIAL incentive order
- Submitting the FINAL incentive order
- Troop cookie inventory control
Contact the Product Program Team with questions at productprogram@girlscoutsaz.org.
Activity Resources
- Activities and Games
- Recipes
- Family Guides
- Family Flyer
- Thank you card template
- 'Meet My Customers' Brownie Journal activity template
- 'Meet My Cutomers' badge template
Congratulations to our 2011 Women & Young Women of Distinction Honorees!
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Cindy Lee Christman Clinic Manager at Williams Health Care Center, Williams, AZ. View Video | Read Bio Through her tireless work and creative spirit, Cindy was able to transform the Williams Health Care Center from a small clinic on the brink of closure to a vital asset to the community. |
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Katie Lowry Dimpfel Sunnyslope High School View Video | Read Bio Kathryn envisions a community more aware of heart disease, and more prepared to save lives. Through her Gold Award Project, “Hands Saving Hearts,” she taught 1,000 people how to perform CPR, and raised funds to provide CPR manikins to the CPR Across America Project. |
Leadership Award
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Paulina Vazquez Morris Served as General Counsel and Deputy Director for the Arizona Department of Administration View Video | Read Bio Paulina’s exceptional intellect and leadership skills enabled her to help remedy the financial woes of the Maricopa Medical Center and its’ 11 health centers. |
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Emily Catherine Thornton Desert Vista High School View Video | Read Bio Emily exhibits her leadership in a powerful way - through service to others. From volunteering at homeless shelters to building homes for needy families, she is a cheerful, selfless and inspiring leader. |
Courage Award
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Rory Gilbert Manager of Diversity & Engagement at Maricopa Community College District, Tempe, AZ View Video | Read Bio Rory has fearlessly advocated for equality for various populations, including organizing a successful campaign titled “Not in our State” when a white supremacist leader attempted to develop a following in Arizona. This campaign empowered the members of the community and gave them a voice. |
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Hayleigh Anna Daugherty BASIS Scottsdale View Video | Read Bio Aside from her devotion to community service, Hayleigh has taken on the challenge of addressing Teen suicide by developing a prevention program “for teens, by teens.” |
Gift of Caring
The Council Gift of Caring Program is a cookie donation opportunity for customers to buy a box of cookies to be distributed to our Gift of Caring Partners: St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance, Arizona National Guard and USO Arizona.
Cookies donated to the Gift of Caring program are tax deductible.
St Mary’s Food Bank Alliance
St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization that alleviates hunger by gathering and distributing food to sites that serve the hungry. During the last eleven years,GSACPC has donated more than 105,000 boxes of cookies to St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance through the Gift of Caring program.
Arizona National Guard
In the first year of our partnership with the Arizona National Guard, Girl Scout Cookies will be shared with service men and women serving
our state and country.
USO Arizona
At Sky Harbor, USO Arizona provides military members and their families with a VIP area of their own, equipped with sofas and chairs, computers, large-screen televisions, games, a kitchen and children's play area. Girl Scout Cookies donated through the Gift of Caring program will be available as a special treat for servicemen and women.Ideas for Girl Scouts:
Troop Gift of Caring
Troop Gift of Caring packages are delivered by the Girl Scout troops to organizations chosen by the girls. To create a Troop Gift of Caring projects:
- Choose a group to receive donated cookies.
- Communicate to customers that they can buy cookies that girls will donate to this group.
- Deliver the cookies to the chosen group(s) at the end of the Cookie Season and provide additional community service throughout the year.
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During door-to-door sales, walkabouts or workplace sales:
- Create a troop flyer with the name of the group to receive donated cookies, and ask customers if they would like to purchase a box or two to donate.
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At booth sales:
- Display a sign that informs which group you are supporting
- Create a drop box where customers can place donated cookies, and watch the donated cookies stack up!
- Create a tally poster to track the number of donated boxes, so customers can see their donations making a difference
Cookie Line-Up
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Savannah Smiles Crisp and zesty! Our 100th anniversary cookie, named after the birthplace of Girl Scouting, Savannah, Georgia! This is a delicious lemon cookies dusted with powder sugar. Approx. Count per pkg: 28 (6 oz.) |
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Do-Si-Dos Peanutty excitement! Crisp and crunchy oatmeal cookies with creamy peanut butter filling. No artificial color or flavor. Approx. Count per pkg: 20 (8 oz.) |
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Trefoils Light and delicious! Delicate-tasting shortbread that melts in your mouth. Approx. Count per pkg: 36 (9 oz.) |
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Thin Mints Extra thin, extra minty! A thin wafer covered with a smooth chocolaty coating. Made with natural peppermint. Approx. Count per pkg: 28 (9 oz.) |
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Samoas Chewy and rich! Tender vanilla cookies, covered with caramel, rolled in toasted coconut, striped with a rich, chocolaty coating. Approx. Count per pkg: 15 (7.5 oz.) |
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Tagalongs Wildly popular! Tasty cookies topped with creamy peanut butter and covered with a luscious chocolaty coating. Approx. Count per pkg: 15 (6.5 oz.) |
Forms
- Parent/Guardian Financial Responsibility Form
- Parent/Guardian Financial Responsibility Form - Spanish
- Parent/Guardian Outstanding Account Form
- Troop Product Manager Outstanding Account Form
- Adult Cookie Booth Agreement Form (optional)
- Service Unit Product Manager Description
- Troop Product Manager Description
- Missing Bank Account or Short Funds Form
Fall Product Proceeds Calculator
Cookie Conference Regform
Camp Availability
Festival of Horses Regform
Leadership Essentials
To Get Started
- Girl Scouting 101
- Getting Started
Leadership Prep
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Program Level Leadership
- Daisy
- Brownie
- Junior
- Cadette, Senior & Ambassador
- First Aid/CPR
- Troop Camp Certification – 6 months prior to camping with girls
Workshops that Enhance the GS Leadership Experience
- Ceremonies
- Level II First Aid/CPR
- Bridging
- Backpacking
- Archery Instructor
- Songs & Games
- Troop Trips
- Coming Into Your Own
These and many other workshops are available at various locations throughout the year, at volunteer learning events and at weekend leadership retreats. Some classes are available online or as home study courses – visit the Volunteer Learning page.
For More Information: Robin Haney – robinhaney@girlscoutsaz.org
Troop Camp Certification
Troop Camp Certication 1A
To begin the Troop Camp Certification Level 1 home study you will need the following:
- Outdoor Education in Girl Scouting – available at the Council Shop
- Group Camping Safety Activity Checkpoints
- TCC Level 1 Part A
- TCC Level 1 Part A Review
Staff Roster
We Believe in Girls
One of our goals at GSACPC is to give every girl the chance to be a Girl Scout. In some cases, this means offering a range of free services to girls and their families.
We Believe in Girls does just that by offering no-cost Girl Scouting to girls who live in low-income neighborhoods, housing projects, homeless shelters and those who are in the juvenile justice and corrections systems.
In We Believe in Girls programs, girls will:
- Be part of fun activities and learning opportunities.
- Develop friendships with other girls, practicing social skills needed to work together.
- Participate in service projects.
- Engage in physical activities and become familiar with components of healthy living.
How?
We Believe in Girls serves girls in a variety of ways.
Some of our programming is flexible in nature. In “drop-off” programs, girls participate in Girl Scouting activities at area schools and community centers on a monthly or weekly basis. A girl attending a Saturday drop-in program once a month will have the opportunity to board a mini-bus and travel to the Arizona Science Center for a field trip or can attend Camp Sombrero for Twilight Camp.
Older girls can spend time at a residential camp—an enriching experience for any girl. At camp, girls are able to experience a sense of sisterhood that is unique to scouting, and are empowered by new challenges and opportunities offered to them.
For others, traditional troops that meet on a consistent, long term basis are available. By utilizing a strategy that engages the entire family in Girl Scouting, we have found great success in establishing permanent troops in economically challenged areas.
Who Participates?
Today there are roughly 2,700 girls between the ages of 5-14 in Maricopa County participating in We Believe in Girls.
Where?
GSACPC’s We Believe in Girls program serves girls throughout Maricopa County. This includes but is not limited to: Central City South, South Phoenix (South Mountain), Downtown Phoenix, Murphy School District, Sunnyslope, Creighton School District, Phoenix Elementary School District, Wilson School District, Community for All Ages through the Phoenix Revitalization Project, the Hope 6 Community Partnership, and the Marcos De Niza Community Center. In addition, We Believe in Girls programming is offered at group homes for girls and provides a sense of “family” for those who may have none.
Why?
The challenges faced by children in Arizona have been well documented. The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count Data Book 2006 notes the following:
- One-third of 1/3 of children come from single parent homes and of these families 32% live in poverty.
- Thirty-five percent of children in Arizona come from families where neither parent has year round, full-time employment.
- Among teens, 9% will not complete high school and 13% of girls under the age of 20 will give birth.
Girl Scouts helps to address these risks. Girls hone social and other skills needed for a positive sense of self and many of those needed to navigate our complex world. Girls can relax in a safe, supportive, all-girl environment. And because Girl Scouting is based on developmental principles, the skills attained and values learned continue to be reinforced as girls move from one level to the next.
Community Collaborators
- City of Chandler – Youth Enhancement Program
- Peoria Diamond Club
- Thunderbird Charities
- USAA
- Valley of the Sun United Way
How Can You Get Involved?
Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council
119 East Coronado Road
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602.452.7000
Find your local Girl Scout staff member.
Girl Scouts Interest Form
Don't want to wait or haven't heard back? Call us Monday thru Friday 8am-5pm at 602.452.7000 or 1-800-352-6133 to talk about becoming a Girl Scout.
Begin Here for New Volunteers
Application
- Click [here] to fill out a volunteer application and complete a background check
- Complete the application form and then press the submit button. You will then be directed to complete the background check. (The average turn-around time is about two weeks onceboth steps are completed)
- Click [here] to complete the Girl Scout Volunteer Orientation online
- Opt–in to receive email updates from Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council
- Visit www.girlscoutsaz.org/email-updates to sign up
- Explore the resources available for council volunteers.
- Visit www.girlscoutsaz.org/resources-for-volunteers
- Click [here] to download a copy of Volunteer Essentials Part 1
Tip: start a three ring binder to organize the information you will receive in your volunteer learning courses. Bring this binder, along with the tools you use to mark important information such as highlighters or colored post-it tabs, to your Getting Started training.
Current volunteer opportunities
GSACPC Council Office
119 E Coronado • Phoenix AZ 85004
602.452.7000 or 800.352.6133
Guidelines for Creating Your Own Troop or Group Webpage
Guidelines for Creating Your Own Troop or Group Web Page
These guidelines are written for adult volunteers, older girls, and others considering developing a Web page or “home page” for a troop or group in Girl Scouts. Although there is some “how to do it” information, the guidelines are not meant to lead you through the construction process. We leave that to the experts. We suggest that you find someone who knows the technical and legal aspects of Web construction, and someone who is capable of making it a learning experience for girls. You should also check with your Girl Scout council for additional guidelines and/or hosting opportunities.
Information posted to the Internet on a Web page can be read by people all over the world. Therefore, safety and how you represent yourselves as Girl Scouts should be the guiding principal of any Web-based endeavor, even if your information is password protected. This includes issues of privacy, language use, sponsorship, links, and use of any kind of copyrighted material (writing, music, brand images, and pictures).
- Is a Webpage Right for Your Troop or Group?
- Comparison Between Public and Password-Protected Webpage Features
- Getting Started
- Developing Your Webpage
- Publishing Your Webpage
- Corresponding with teh Public
- FAQs About Girl Scout Symbols and Clip-Art
- Glossary
- Girl Scout Program Links and Resources for Creating Webpages
Is a Webpage Right for Your Troop or Group?
Developing a Web site for a group can be a great learning activity for girls. Unless you have expertise within your group, such as parents, or are using a Web development template supplied by your service provider, consider recruiting technical expertise. Your council might have a list of volunteers, or you might approach a community college computer lab, a professional in Web development, or someone who develops Web sites for a hobby. Girls can be involved in the process at all levels—decision-making, research, writing, graphics, and the Web page creation.
Consider the following when deciding whether or not to develop a troop or group Web page:
- Poll your members regarding Internet access. Family Internet access will determine whether a Web page will be limited to advertising your group, or used as a communication vehicle. If most families don’t have Web access, you will have to communicate information in a different manner.
- As a group, determine why you want a Web page. Is it because your service unit or council is giving you an opportunity to post information about your group? Is it to post important dates and notices? Is it a scrapbook record for girls and their families to share? Is it a place to keep track of girls’ work?
- How much will it cost? Are you part of someone else’s site, or are you purchasing your rights to your own Web address? Will there be additional costs for a password protected site? Does that site provide a way to keep individual files and downloads? Does it have a calendar function? Does it have e-mail and bulletin board features?
- Consider the time needed for site upkeep. Who will be responsible for posting changes? How often do you want to change the site—weekly, bi- weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly?
- Discuss whether your site will remain an information-only site, or whether you want additional functions, such as an interactive component, which will require password protection. Below is a chart comparing the features of public pages to password-protected pages on the Internet.
Comparison Between Public and Password-Protected Webpage Features
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Possible Features for Your Webpages |
Public Internet Pages |
Password-Protected Pages and Community Collaboration Space |
|---|---|---|
| Space for description of group | YES | YES—this can be your entry page for group members to sign in |
| Downloads for permission slips | NO—unless they are generic, not listing specific information | YES |
| Group e-mail address for public and other Girl Scouts | YES | YES—if you place on the sign-in page |
| Individual pictures and pages for each girl |
Not recommended for security purposes |
YES—each girl can have her own page and/or file |
| Links to council and GSUSA Web sites | YES | YES |
| Links to other Web sites | YES—with qualifications. | YES—with qualifications. |
| Listing on search engines | YES—meta-tags can be placed on the page. | YES—meta-tags can be placed on sign-in page. |
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List-serve of individual emails or phone list |
NO—this is against all safety guidelines. | YES—with permission. |
| Meeting notes | Possibly—with edits. No descriptions of where girls will be meeting or going. | YES—protected with password. |
| Picture of group for public; pictures of group activities | YES—if have parental permission. Use of first names only. | YES—if have parental permission. Recommended first names only. |
| Records of girls’ work | NO—not recommended. | YES— if folders are an option. |
| Troop calendar | NO—unless very general as to dates, not including place and time. | YES— if calendar function is an option. |
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Use of GSUSA trademarks (e.g. badges) |
NO | NO |
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Use of GSUSA Logo (e.g. GS “three faces” logo) |
With permission only. | With permission only. |
| Use of copyrighted music | NO—unless you have permission to use from music company and/or owner. | NO—unless you have permission to use from music company and/or owner. |
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Use of artwork from books or Web |
NO—unless you have permission to use from owner. | NO—unless you have permission to use from owner. |
Getting Started
If your troop or group decides to post a Web page, begin with the following:
Spend time looking at other Web sites. Note what you like about them. Search for other “Girl Scout troop” or group sites, as well as “Girl Scout Council” sites. Note any safety or copyright issues you encounter when looking at other Girl Scout sites after you have reviewed the sections on safety and copyrights. (See http://www.girlscouts.org/councilfinder for a listing of council sites.)
Research hosts for your site on the Internet. This is where your council and your technical person can be of great help.
Consider learning simple html or other Web language, or utilizing a more sophisticated program, such as DreamWeaver or FrontPage, which writes the code. Girls can also learn how to prepare photos and graphics for the Web, as well as video and music posting. Be prepared to scale back your graphics or to break your content into separate pages (files) so that your audience will not have to wait a long time to see your Web page. Learn how to create versions of graphics that require less time to download.
Create an outline of the information of your site. It can be very simple on one page, or it can take the form of more than one page, with links between. The kind of hosting you decide upon will either limit or broaden your options.
Developing Your Web Page
Write the text for your page(s). Check for spelling and grammar carefully. Ask other people to help you proofread as well.
Create or find graphics on the World Wide Web for your page. Be sure not to use graphics that are copyrighted by someone else without their permission. Read and follow the rules below about use of Girl Scout symbols. (See links to Girl Scout graphics below.)
Consider any links you want to create between your site and other sites carefully. Each linked site should contain only material that is safe and suitable for children and appropriate for Girl Scouts using the Web. Avoid sites that contain inappropriate advertising or lack of educational value. Ads change frequently, sometimes every few seconds, so it may be impossible to keep track of these links from your site!
Publishing Your Web Page
There are many ways to post the pages you create on the Internet. You may have to pay a monthly fee, especially if you go over allotted space for free services, or if you want extras, like chat, file sharing, etc. Most Internet service providers or search engine sites, such as AOL, Yahoo, or Google have publishing options. They also provide a list of suggested hosting options, as well as many helpful hints about Web site development and establishing “user communities”. Look for security features, privacy features, amount of space available, and cost from a provider. Check with your Girl Scout council as well.
If you are offered space on a Web site that is a private business or owned by an individual, be very cautious. You become associated with that person’s domain name (Internet address). You should NOT be associated with a commercial business unless it is clear that they are sponsoring space only, and you should check out the site content and its links, as well as the business to see whether you are in appropriate company for a Girl Scout group. For example, it might not be appropriate to be sponsored by a winery or a gun shop, but it would be OK to be on the site of your local library or your public newspaper with other non-profit youth groups. A site that has links to sex shops would not be appropriate. If your group’s sponsor offers you space, you should check with your Girl Scout council before accepting; and they can help you word a statement that needs to be placed on your page or the page of your sponsor to indicate that the sponsorship of the page does not indicate Girl Scout endorsement of the host site.
Create an e-mail account specifically for your Web site. It should be monitored by an adult. Never use a personal e-mail account for your troop/group Web site.
Never post full names of girls, girl e-mail addresses, family e-mail addresses, or troop or group meeting places on a public Web page.
Have only one or two adults as the administrators, or a girl/adult in partnership. Rotate the responsibilities if girls are interested in learning how to administer a site.
Determine a schedule for updating your site before it is posted. Some sites will only need to be updated quarterly, or when something is meant to be shared, such as pictures from a camping trip or service activity. Ideally, sites that are password protected should be updated after each meeting or event in preparation for the next meeting or event. Be sure to remove old sites from free hosting services.
If you choose a service that has password-protected space, you must set up ways to protect the password for the users. Limit it to girls and parents or guardians and use a tier of different user rights.
Determine a schedule for changing the passwords and discuss the importance of keeping the password within the member group.
Corresponding with the Public
Never post live messages from other people on your Web site, in a guest book, or on a bulletin board. Every message should be read by someone (usually an adult), edited where necessary, and then posted. Do not post full names and addresses or e-mails of individuals posting to guest books or bulletin boards. You may post first name, troop/group and city or state. You do not have to post every message sent to you. Rules or “netiquette” should be discussed and posted on the site. (e.g., no full names; no putdowns, bad language, etc.)
Do not offer to act as a broker for girls or groups wanting pen-pals. Pen-pal requests must go through a council pen pal coordinator.
If you ask people to leave e-mail addresses, you must have a privacy statement. You want to write back to someone. If you do write back, it must be through the group e-mail, not a personal e-mail, with adult oversight. You must promise not to share e-mail addresses with others.
Never correspond on any topic not related to your Web site or Girl Scouts on your Girl Scout e-mail. For example, you should never respond to ads, a “cool boy” wanting a date, requests for money, or questions about where your group meets. (If someone wants to join your group, have an adult request a local phone number via the group e-mail address.)
FAQ's About Girl Scout Symbols and Clip-Art
Q: What are Girl Scout symbols?
A: GSUSA symbols are trademarked graphics, such as the Girl Scout logo, Brownie Girl Scout Try-Its, Girl Scout badges, and Girl Scout interest project patches, official pins and awards.
Q: Are there guidelines for use of these symbols?
A: Yes. Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. symbols cannot be used without authorization from Girl Scouts of the USA. Permission may be granted to Girl Scout groups wishing to use the Girl Scout logo on their Web page only after a written request has been submitted. There are rules for use of the GSUSA logo. For example, the logo must appear on a solid colored background, it may not be put into another graphic or used as background “wallpaper” or watermark, or be made into buttons.
For more about obtaining permission go to “Terms and Conditions,” on the Girl Scouts of the USA Web site (http://www.girlscouts.org/terms_conditions.asp).
Q: If I have used Girl Scout trademarked symbols and haven't followed the guidelines, what should I do?
A: Change your design.
Q: Why get excited about the misuse of Girl Scout symbols?
A: GSUSA must protect the integrity of its trademarked symbols and their use. If the symbols are misused, they no longer send a clear message about who we are. If Girl Scout symbols are used with a product, people may assume that GSUSA endorses that product. If they are used without permission, they may be used inappropriately.
Q: What about using art work from Girl Scout books?
A: Artwork is also protected by copyright laws. More important, it may be owned by the artist. Even Girl Scouts of the USA doesn't always have permission to reproduce it, once it has been used for a specific purpose.
Q: Where can we get graphics for use on our site?
A: Many sites on the Web, maintained by companies and individuals, offer free graphics for use by individuals and non-profit organizations. It is important to read the legal statements and special instructions for downloading from each site you visit. Make sure that the artwork is owned by the site giving permission for use.
Clip art for Girl Scout use can be found on the Girl Scout Web site http://www.girlscouts.org in the Graphics Gallery in Girl Scout Central (http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/graphics/). Read the terms of use before downloading to your own computer.
Glossary
Browser—software and a “user friendly” interface that allows access to pages and sites on the World Wide Web, as well as a search function for finding pages related to specific topics. A browser has features that allow the user to do things once there, such as downloading files or saving pictures. Popular browsers include FireFox, MSN Explorer, and Yahoo. Yahooligans is just for kids.
Bulletin Board—an electronic message center, where visitors can leave messages, which are either live or screened, then posted. Usually focused on specific topics.
Homepage—a name for the first page of any collection of Web pages or a Web site, often referred to as the “front door” of a Web site.
html—abbreviation for hyper text mark-up language, which is the basic code-based language used with text to create Web pages.
Internet—a decentralized global system developed to link computer networks around the world using the TCP/IP Protocol (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) that was developed and has evolved from the ARPANET (the original Internet) of the late 1960’s. When referring to the global net, Internet is always capitalized. An “internet” or “intranet” refers to computers that are connected together for internal use. An intranet can be on the Internet or be found at a site where computers are hooked together.
List Serve—a collection or list of e-mail addresses that are kept together. When you send out an announcement, you place the name of the list serve in the address window and the e-mail goes to everyone on the list serve.
Password protection—ensures that unauthorized users do not access the computer or Web pages. A password is a secret combination of characters (letters and numbers) that allow the user to access a page or files online.
Search Engine—this is a program, often included in or linked to by a browser or found at its own address, such as google.com, which allows you to search either a data base of Web pages or the World Wide Web.
Web server—a dedicated computer or system of computers that allows content to be served to a Web browser and sent to a user’s Web browser. The browser and server communicate using HTTP language. There are different types of servers that provide different functions using different computer languages, such as Audio/Video servers that allow for streaming video; Chat Servers, which allow groups of people to talk with each other; Groupware Servers, which allow for people to work together online; and FTP or File Transfer Protocol Servers, which allow files to move through cyberspace.
URL— stands for Uniform Resource Locator, or the address used to locate a Web page. Girl Scouts of the USA’s URL is http:www.girlscouts.org. The first section (http) says it is written in hypertext markup language, then that it is on the World Wide Web (www), under the name of “girlscouts” and that we live in the domain name of organization (org). You have to register to have your own unique URL; however, you can be hosted by a Web site, sharing their URL, with an extension that gives you a specific address.
Web Host—provides server space, Web services, and file maintenance for Web sites created by individuals or other companies who do not have their own server. Subscribers to Internet Service Providers (ISPs) often are given limited Web space for their own Web site, or there is a fee charged, depending on the complexity.
Webpage(s)—printable pages on the World Wide Web. Often used in place of “home page” when describing a personal site. Each page has its own URL or Universal Resource Locator.
Website—a name for a collection of Web pages hosted on a Web site. Most individuals refer to their page or pages as “Home page” or “Web page” rather a Web site, which is usually much more extensive, expensive, and professional. GSUSA calls its collection of Web pages a Web site because of its size and complexity. It’s “Homepage” is at http://www.girlscouts.org.
World Wide Web (WWW or Web)—a global system of linking documents, pictures, sounds and other kinds of files across the Internet. The WWW is graphics intensive, as compared to the initial Internet, which started out hosting documents and files.
Girl Scout Program Links and Resources for Creating Web Pages
- Activity Check Points for Computers – page 128 of Safety-Wise.
- Girl Scout Safety-Pledge – online at www.girlscouts.org/internet_safety_pledge.asp and on page 130 of Safety-Wise
- Photo, Audio, Electronic Media Release for Girls and Adults on Girl Scout Central online at www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_central/forms NOTE: Since this is a GSUSA form, use these forms as a guide for creating your troop/group/council form.
- Online Girl Scout Safety Awards from Safety-Wise
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Online Brownie Girl Scout Try-Its
- Computer Smarts (Can also be found in the book, Try-Its for Brownie Girl Scouts)
- Point, Click, and Go*
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Online Junior Girl Scout Badges
- Computer Fun (Can also be found in the book Junior Girl Scout Badge Book)
- CyberGirl Scout*
- Online Girl Scout Interest Project Awards for Girl Scouts 11-17
World Awards Registration