tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54585452905698195032024-03-14T00:55:07.519-04:00Central Westmoreland Service UnitWelcome to the official blog of the Central Westmoreland Service Unit of Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania. Our volunteer leadership team proudly serves 400 registered Girl Scouts through the Greensburg-Salem, Hempfield, and Jeannette School Districts of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.Central Westmoreland Service Unithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13221234394148806260noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458545290569819503.post-7789532893934998042017-02-08T09:59:00.000-05:002017-02-08T09:59:13.612-05:00Girl Scout Camp Closures Hurt But the Future Looks Bright<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZDedZYZr4KNBej2_RZmUQS1VNi-TKa5T2dP5TQZE1Co4O_CS7w96bH9gr_hePx4OV0VtxN6z8xCXKEyQUkmcAGs5ke4gc0R-VM7icVBp4qXCllt33fcOny3XOfiMLJmgZsOQCX0jQRWf/s1600/001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZDedZYZr4KNBej2_RZmUQS1VNi-TKa5T2dP5TQZE1Co4O_CS7w96bH9gr_hePx4OV0VtxN6z8xCXKEyQUkmcAGs5ke4gc0R-VM7icVBp4qXCllt33fcOny3XOfiMLJmgZsOQCX0jQRWf/s200/001.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
I get sad any time a Girl Scout council announces they are closing and selling a camp, and <a href="http://www.gswpa.org/content/gswpa/en/our-council/news/2017/plan_for_gswpa_camps.html" target="_blank">Girl Scout Western Pennsylvania's (GSWPA) recent announcement to close and sell five camp properties</a> is no different. I'm not going to lie...it hurts. I joined Girl Scouts in first grade. The fondest memories I have of my years in Brownie Troop 661, Junior Troop 730, and as an "Indie" Cadette and Senior are times I spent at Camp Mosey Wood and Camp Wood Haven in what is now the <a href="http://www.gsep.org/" target="_blank">Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania (GSEP) council</a>.<br />
<br />
Last night Chrisy Kline and I took a road trip to Edinboro, PA to attend one of <a href="http://www.gswpa.org/content/gswpa/en/our-council/news/2017/members_invited_to_p.html" target="_blank">GSWPA's scheduled leadership meetings</a> about the camp closings. Our intent was to better understand how GSWPA arrived at their decision to sell the five camps they are going to sell, and to learn what the Council's plans are for the remaining four camps. Here is a summary of what we learned. Please realize that this is my interpretation of and reaction to this leadership meeting. I encourage you to form your own opinion and <a href="http://www.gswpa.org/content/gswpa/en/our-council/news/2017/members_invited_to_p.html" target="_blank">attend an upcoming leadership meeting </a>(there are several more this month - including one in Greensburg on February 14th). (We will be discussing the information shared in these meetings at the Central Westmoreland Service Unit monthly meeting on Thursday, February 23, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. at the GSWPA Greensburg Office.)<br />
<b><br /></b>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdq_fVk1woDpi3gda9u-_7TmNFXv9ekykT5R9KmFBy36_I5p36xFF3-H4KZbKZ0K9zCpUuGvCsC7GT9lXqN3im_vQDoK8LIfXx7MhiBiiC0QOgB5K2DrrlTXaO8MSrAp3dHP-5ANPgbtf/s1600/camp002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMdq_fVk1woDpi3gda9u-_7TmNFXv9ekykT5R9KmFBy36_I5p36xFF3-H4KZbKZ0K9zCpUuGvCsC7GT9lXqN3im_vQDoK8LIfXx7MhiBiiC0QOgB5K2DrrlTXaO8MSrAp3dHP-5ANPgbtf/s200/camp002.jpg" width="150" /></a><b>(1.) GSWPA was transparent and they did their research! </b>For the last three years GSWPA has been encouraging its adult members and older girls to get involved in Camp Advisory Teams (CAT) (a.k.a. advisory boards for each camp property). There were announcements in emails and at GSWPA meetings (i.e. annual meetings, service unit meetings, multi-service unit meeting, kick-offs, etc.). GSWPA repetitively told us that they were studying camp usage...and study they did.<br />
<br />
The geeky "researcher" in me was in a state of bliss last night when our CEO Pat Burkart shared data regarding usage and cost per girl for each camp (okay, she shared a lot of other data but the most poignant data was the camp usage and cost per girl).<br />
<br />
<b>(2.) GSWPA is making plans to enhance <a href="http://www.gswpa.org/content/gswpa/en/camp/our-camps/camp-skymeadow.html" target="_blank">Skymeadow</a>, <a href="http://www.gswpa.org/content/gswpa/en/camp/our-camps/camp-redwing.html" target="_blank">Redwing</a>, <a href="http://www.gswpa.org/content/gswpa/en/camp/our-camps/camp-hawthorne-ridge.html" target="_blank">Hawthorne Ridge</a>, and <a href="http://www.gswpa.org/content/gswpa/en/camp/our-camps/camp-conshatawba.html" target="_blank">Conshatawba</a> to better serve our membership. </b>GSWPA has some initial plans, but they haven't set anything in stone yet (<a href="http://www.gswpa.org/en/our-council/news/2017/camp_plan_frequently.html" target="_blank">other than what they announced in their official notice about the camp closures</a>) because they want to talk to our membership and ensure interest is in-line with the plans (I hope that means a GIRL SURVEY because after all, we are talking about THEIR CAMPS!).<br />
<br />
GSWPA is aware that there are activities and programs at the closing camps that are currently not available at the remaining camp properties. GSWPA is studying ways (and gathering feedback on ways) to integrate those activities and programs into Skymeadow, Redwing, Hawthorne Ridge, and Conshatawba. For example, in June 2016, GSWPA opened a new "splash pad" at Elliott. While plans are not yet set in stone, GSWPA is looking to move the splash pad to Redwing.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNycv531wT_XgEkUk20KAvBcfvGeVqUNQcj9cWYKojEtYhlUeoFjWarqrX03G8te9J2Xwe3OYg0LDiwAV_GeqI77OWmdtdVw0skA9g1FxzGXPEnxDO1BQa2SnIjkeefXt3AYHqK929EOFn/s1600/DSC00615_zps17ff4d36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNycv531wT_XgEkUk20KAvBcfvGeVqUNQcj9cWYKojEtYhlUeoFjWarqrX03G8te9J2Xwe3OYg0LDiwAV_GeqI77OWmdtdVw0skA9g1FxzGXPEnxDO1BQa2SnIjkeefXt3AYHqK929EOFn/s200/DSC00615_zps17ff4d36.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>(3.) We have to realize that change is hard, but needed. </b>Last year my mother sold my childhood home. This was the home I was raised in. Yes, I haven't lived there for over 20 years, but it was my HOME. I miss my home, but I know my mom needed to sell it. She's now a single woman and she was using about 20% of the house. She was paying expenses on 100% of the house, but only using 20% of it. If you were my mother, would you have kept the house just because my sister and I grew up there? Probably not.<br />
<br />
Approximately 13% of our girl membership utilized GSWPA camp properties in 2016. In comparison to Skymeadow, Redwing, Hawthorne Ridge, and Conshatawba, the other five camps just weren't being used enough to keep them open. I know there are folks who have fond memories and ties to the closing camps. Let's work together to keep those memories alive, but let's also press on and work together to make our remaining four camps the best and most utilized camps in GSUSA!<br />
<br />
As members of the Central Westmoreland Service Unit, we are extremely fortunate. We have access to THREE beautiful camps basically in our back yard (approximately 45 - 75 minutes away from Greensburg). The camps we typically frequent are remaining open. Let's support our fellow Girl Scout sisters who are losing "their" camps. Let's encourage them to join us in making new memories at Skymeadow, Redwing, Hawthorne Ridge, and Conshatawba.<br />
<br />
PS: There is so much more I'd like to share about discussions, updates, etc. from last night's meeting, but I REALLY want you to <a href="http://www.gswpa.org/content/gswpa/en/our-council/news/2017/members_invited_to_p.html" target="_blank">attend one for yourself if you are able</a>. We will discuss this further at the the Central Westmoreland Service Unit monthly meeting on Thursday, February 23, 2017, at 7:00 p.m. at the GSWPA Greensburg Office.Central Westmoreland Service Unithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13221234394148806260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458545290569819503.post-77813350312492797792016-11-20T23:00:00.001-05:002016-11-20T23:01:25.008-05:00Cookie Primer for New Troop Leaders and Cookie Managers Within the Central Westmoreland Service UnitOkay, so you are new to this cookie business. I get it. It can be overwhelming.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Girl Scout Cookie Program is a time-honored tradition that is LITERALLY the nation's largest girl-run business, and our Service Unit takes the program seriously. Yes, we may even seem to be a bit competitive over it, but I'm going to tell you a little secret...we may SOUND competitive, but we are really all here to help each other out). You need to remember that we take our Law seriously. We ARE sisters to every Girl Scout. Also, this program isn't about us (as volunteers), it's about the girls.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We have several new troop leaders (and new troops in general), so I want to give you a little head start on the Girl Scout Cookie Program. This is definitely not the end-all of details about the program, but it can get you started (until we have our Service Unit training in December).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(1.) <a href="http://www.gswpa.org/en/cookies/about-girl-scout-cookies.html" target="_blank">Start by reading about the Girl Scout Cookie Program on our council's website. Here you can:</a></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Learn about the eight variety of cookies.</li>
<li>See where all the cookie money goes.</li>
<li>Read about the five skills the girls develop through the program.</li>
<li>Peruse the Cookie FAQs (At the time I am posting this blog, the FAQs have not yet been updated for the 2017 program.)</li>
<li>Learn a little bit about Girl Scout Cookies over the past 100 years. (We are celebrating 100 years of Girl Scout Cookies this year.)</li>
</ul>
<div>
(2.) Decide who your troop's Cookie Manager is going to be and <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/35PKR73" target="_blank">let the Service Unit know</a>. This is the approved volunteer who will organize the program for your troop.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(3.) <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>READ YOUR EMAILS FROM THE SERVICE UNIT AND THE COUNCIL</b></span>. I know we all get busy at this time of year, but now is not the time to ignore or delete Girl Scout emails. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(4.) Check your online troop roster. We know that administrative details are a pain in the butt, but they are a necessary evil. If a girl is not registered, she simply can't be a part of your troop until you get her registered. If the parents (or you) need help getting her registered, reach out to the<a href="http://www.gswpa.org/en/our-council/web-to-case.html" target="_blank"> GSWPA Customer Care Center </a>or to the <a href="http://www.centralwestmorelandsu.org/" target="_blank">Service Unit</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(5.) Finally, realize that there really isn't anything you should be (or must be) doing right now. If you've read through the five skills for the program, identified a troop Cookie Manager, keep up with your emails, and ensure that your troop roster is up-to-date, you are on track for a fantastic cookie season.</div>
Central Westmoreland Service Unithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13221234394148806260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458545290569819503.post-29195181520495440822016-08-24T17:47:00.001-04:002016-08-24T17:48:42.749-04:00I'M CONTAGIOUS and PROUD OF ITEvery year I like to organize my Girl Scout year around a theme or a core goal. Every year it changes a little bit based upon the needs of my Service Unit and troops.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This year it is going to be <b>"I'M CONTAGIOUS and PROUD OF IT."</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
On Monday evening I hosted a meeting at my house for my <a href="http://www.centralwestmorelandsu.org/" target="_blank">service unit leaders</a> and key volunteers. WOW! The energy I felt was AMAZING. It was definitely CONTAGIOUS and I am PROUD OF IT!!!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For the past six years I've served as the manager of <a href="http://www.centralwestmorelandsu.org/" target="_blank">the Central Westmoreland Service Unit</a> of <a href="http://www.gswpa.org/" target="_blank">Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania</a>. I've had the honor of welcoming in MANY new troops and new girls to Girl Scouting. I love to see the excitement on the girls' faces as they try something new (like their first cookie booth or camping for the first time). I think my fellow leaders can agree that their excitement is CONTAGIOUS.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Unfortunately, volunteer numbers across the country are falling. There are less and less volunteers willing to be Girl Scout leaders, therefore less and less girls get introduced to Girl Scouts. Now that isn't something to be proud of. :(</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I've found though that while it is important to ASK someone to be a volunteer, it is more important to Be CONTAGIOUS and BE PROUD OF IT with potential volunteers. Sure, sometimes being a leader can be a little frustrating. But let's be honest. Don't the totally awesome experiences out-weigh the little bit of frustration you face? So instead of dwelling on the negative, BE CONTAGIOUS and share the excitement. Be honest, but instead of harping what you don't like or don't agree with, share the fun, the laughter, the goofiness, the LOVE you have for your girls in your troop.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While are Service Unit is going to work on some things within our organization (namely adding some things to our website to help out new leaders/volunteers or new potential leaders/volunteers), you can do your part by being CONTAGIOUS and sharing your amazing stories with everyone you encounter.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'M CONTAGIOUS and PROUD OF IT!!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Central Westmoreland Service Unithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13221234394148806260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458545290569819503.post-29913588762173044812016-02-10T22:48:00.000-05:002016-02-10T22:50:08.182-05:00Is Your Troop Girl Led? I Mean REALLY Girl Led?Girl Scouts affords girls the opportunity to develop leadership skills (and a host of other developmental skills that we can talk about later). One of the most challenging things for newer adult volunteers to grasp is the concept of Girl Scouts being "Girl Led."<br />
<br />
I was trying to think of the best way to describe what exactly this means (because it truly is a developmental process and means something different at each level of Girl Scouts) and I came upon this report that Girl Scouts USA commissioned in 2009 called <a href="http://www.girlscouts.org/content/dam/girlscouts-gsusa/forms-and-documents/about-girl-scouts/research/transforming_leadership_continued.pdf" target="_blank"><i>Transforming LEADERSHIP Continued: A Guide to Understanding the Girl Scout Processes.</i></a><br />
<br />
Now, your local council has some form of leadership guide for volunteers that explains what exactly it means to be "Girl Led" (here in Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania we call it <i><a href="http://www.joomag.com/magazine/volunteer-essentials-volunteer-essentials-2015-16/0171829001444067728?short" target="_blank">Volunteer Essentials</a></i>), but I really like how <a href="http://www.girlscouts.org/content/dam/girlscouts-gsusa/forms-and-documents/about-girl-scouts/research/transforming_leadership_continued.pdf" target="_blank">GSUSA's report</a> lays it all out into a table for each Girl Scout level.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.girlscouts.org/content/dam/girlscouts-gsusa/forms-and-documents/about-girl-scouts/research/transforming_leadership_continued.pdf" target="_blank">According to GSUSA</a>, "Girl led simply means that girls are playing an active part in figuring out the “what,
where, when, how, and why” of their activities. This means girls are more engaged
in playing a critical role as decision-makers in the planning and implementation of
their activities. As part of a girl-adult partnership, volunteers can use this process
to strengthen girls’ empowerment and decision-making roles in activities. Adults
provide age-appropriate facilitation, ensuring that planning, organization, set-up, and
evaluation of all activities are done jointly with girls. The girl led approach to ideas and
activities ensures that girls are engaged in their learning and experience leadership
and decision-making opportunities as they prepare to become active participants in
their local and global communities" (p. 17).<br />
<br />
As I stated earlier, <a href="http://www.girlscouts.org/content/dam/girlscouts-gsusa/forms-and-documents/about-girl-scouts/research/transforming_leadership_continued.pdf" target="_blank">GSUSA's report</a> then breaks this concept down into awesome charts by Girl Scout level. So here you go....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxmK1uOk6zvYkL_B68OV4qaoKx9z28GGu5IjF-IJmTULuGlMtLAqd9YqAjOa3lHc2YIjECK7Lu3MmEPxIpcXgGqpJ0zMeq55yMl15TxXBqfRT5dcADMot5cvyWDasp_j1bhyphenhyphen5aJV1YbJh/s1600/girl-led+daisy.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPxmK1uOk6zvYkL_B68OV4qaoKx9z28GGu5IjF-IJmTULuGlMtLAqd9YqAjOa3lHc2YIjECK7Lu3MmEPxIpcXgGqpJ0zMeq55yMl15TxXBqfRT5dcADMot5cvyWDasp_j1bhyphenhyphen5aJV1YbJh/s640/girl-led+daisy.tiff" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuW6mpU2sGHGYfOFPr5131hLmvx7PGlFS9ESh-ONSfKOWx2JREEgVlaS908862507848i26rttB9a1Q2e4OCj2_GHSBXbmzdDUfWETuP7G8MBs4AbLqWbxjeP-cbnrHlPdaVZbvf7_ZofG/s1600/girl-led+Brownie.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuW6mpU2sGHGYfOFPr5131hLmvx7PGlFS9ESh-ONSfKOWx2JREEgVlaS908862507848i26rttB9a1Q2e4OCj2_GHSBXbmzdDUfWETuP7G8MBs4AbLqWbxjeP-cbnrHlPdaVZbvf7_ZofG/s640/girl-led+Brownie.tiff" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCRDQAhL5m8uN1Pb1mkYbrhWIcnBKcp9DPcxw5ndCt5PakZhd8eF3AeNXZR3Hmp675Unulne1p6bx3_yAHdtgKHDWhJjgVv6Jg6SXOuajoGBJeiftgxiFKxOZ-rNzjTsfppiMpbZDhdYc/s1600/girl-led+junior.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFCRDQAhL5m8uN1Pb1mkYbrhWIcnBKcp9DPcxw5ndCt5PakZhd8eF3AeNXZR3Hmp675Unulne1p6bx3_yAHdtgKHDWhJjgVv6Jg6SXOuajoGBJeiftgxiFKxOZ-rNzjTsfppiMpbZDhdYc/s640/girl-led+junior.tiff" width="548" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBAjPy4fL2JrBrd5cJD4GcJO1DunuSzm62ufwxosiWZHErRDo-A2Is0FNeOmMhkIyL8cmLUAf3BkFsT03aqiYbLuW3rOH4qIA0MVqjP2McYKZqAmxWQAkkquO_fA9JiKh1WXKScgHe5Yq/s1600/girl-led+cadette.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBAjPy4fL2JrBrd5cJD4GcJO1DunuSzm62ufwxosiWZHErRDo-A2Is0FNeOmMhkIyL8cmLUAf3BkFsT03aqiYbLuW3rOH4qIA0MVqjP2McYKZqAmxWQAkkquO_fA9JiKh1WXKScgHe5Yq/s640/girl-led+cadette.tiff" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCc-cV5hjZxUdH8x3OPK_yOWP2C1X1jaQLZl92h6ozQI4mBG9uf5J1bjsO4y-Rspyy3ORl-CuthroLAQs5NTB9MJBndgZguHLJ9wR06lh_MT4ALG1e5bbljBJ0uKiU8iZT5u5hojyqmQL4/s1600/girl-led+senior.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCc-cV5hjZxUdH8x3OPK_yOWP2C1X1jaQLZl92h6ozQI4mBG9uf5J1bjsO4y-Rspyy3ORl-CuthroLAQs5NTB9MJBndgZguHLJ9wR06lh_MT4ALG1e5bbljBJ0uKiU8iZT5u5hojyqmQL4/s640/girl-led+senior.tiff" width="588" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JldCaGIRkedKBcAP3dCzwlHWk5tLOmyBZN-YXyyj0-dZMVpEUjd-Qlu_lEQgGtbNKGx5I0-u53kAzFDQ6NQg8tKUO_AVBU3wcskRBOy-de2mCzPxZyiY6TCUtO2TCv1HCkK9OSF3H8DK/s1600/girl-led+Ambassador.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9JldCaGIRkedKBcAP3dCzwlHWk5tLOmyBZN-YXyyj0-dZMVpEUjd-Qlu_lEQgGtbNKGx5I0-u53kAzFDQ6NQg8tKUO_AVBU3wcskRBOy-de2mCzPxZyiY6TCUtO2TCv1HCkK9OSF3H8DK/s640/girl-led+Ambassador.tiff" width="562" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We're going to start a series real soon, right here on this blog, on how some of our local leaders build upon this concept of being "Girl Led" right here in western Pennsylvania.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Stay tuned to upcoming blogs.....</div>
<br />Central Westmoreland Service Unithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13221234394148806260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458545290569819503.post-30360149196775854092016-02-05T10:37:00.000-05:002016-02-05T10:38:28.358-05:00Girl Scout Volunteers are Tea Bags<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4sNZspG97KmOiFuCuuj5kkl2V2zrTPRaYEUT3tCgCQk7g5EqanfdS0dUhFG3mQeIc_qWYXXamG3pyU4n6RIbpC3l_NBp0Mzwi1hTd6P3sxFkZxEcOJXjknILCSoSgFAw0e80w_PUoG01/s1600/dry+tea+bag.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht4sNZspG97KmOiFuCuuj5kkl2V2zrTPRaYEUT3tCgCQk7g5EqanfdS0dUhFG3mQeIc_qWYXXamG3pyU4n6RIbpC3l_NBp0Mzwi1hTd6P3sxFkZxEcOJXjknILCSoSgFAw0e80w_PUoG01/s200/dry+tea+bag.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
At a college I used to work at in eastern Pennsylvania, we used to begin every meeting, gathering, etc. with a Mission Moment. This served as a time to center ourselves and focus in on our task at hand. That Mission Moment might be a prayer, a poem, short story, or short devotional.<br />
<br />
One of my former students, John, really embraced the concept of the Mission Moment. He developed an amazing Mission Moment that I'd like to share with you (I've adapted it to fit into our roles as Girl Scout volunteers).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsl-qRY9HJPAifkLDFCuHSasGsGP9nD1hts__qtGhgv08DmgMeyu3Qtno-nTZFrDkLWO-Q-0jHaxeNvbcJOYNVU8cSGz9ps0As-2kkSNSydfofc_fg0dUEc1K858wabGb9-4JKcuzBwGcg/s1600/submerged+tea+bag.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsl-qRY9HJPAifkLDFCuHSasGsGP9nD1hts__qtGhgv08DmgMeyu3Qtno-nTZFrDkLWO-Q-0jHaxeNvbcJOYNVU8cSGz9ps0As-2kkSNSydfofc_fg0dUEc1K858wabGb9-4JKcuzBwGcg/s200/submerged+tea+bag.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>We are all tea bags!</b> In order to really become what we are meant to be, we have to submerge ourselves into things (i.e. being a Girl Scout volunteer). Now some volunteers have the bandwidth to keep themselves submerged for a long time and take on a lot of things. Other, due to other responsibilities can only submerge themselves for a shorter period of time or take on less responsibilities within Girl Scouts. Regardless, we are all taking part of ourselves and positively impacting the lives of girls in our troops, service areas, and councils.<br />
<br />
Regardless of what you can commit to doing for Girl Scouts (i.e. being a troop leader, chaperoning a troop field trip, serving as a troop cookie manager, taking on a role in the service unit, serving on a council-wide committee), you make a difference. (Think about it like this...as soon as a tea bag is submerged into a hot cup of water, that water is never going to be the same again. Instead, it's going to become something stronger and better.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmlvDii4-4DHqeyCw_hyphenhyphenFNxAo1EEczeflZhYjwFJJpjW7oE4zrMCweKPIplLRC8ysMd1R0luhwRzyGhCLSpeCIlm_Vf5buxfFu2BeiP09Es5Em7WltoMHJe7b-zj0dl4FkqhK3pIvs1jr/s1600/used+tea+bag.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmlvDii4-4DHqeyCw_hyphenhyphenFNxAo1EEczeflZhYjwFJJpjW7oE4zrMCweKPIplLRC8ysMd1R0luhwRzyGhCLSpeCIlm_Vf5buxfFu2BeiP09Es5Em7WltoMHJe7b-zj0dl4FkqhK3pIvs1jr/s200/used+tea+bag.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
Now sometimes, we leave our tea bag into that cup of water for a bit too long. We exhaust ourselves. We become burnt-out.<br />
<br />
Here's the point of this Mission Moment....<br />
<br />
It's okay to take your tea bag out for a while and rest, rejuvenate, and grab another tea bag when you are ready to re-submerge yourself. When you build a good team of volunteers, if you need to take a break for a bit, someone else should be willing to step in and cover your cup for a while. (Just ask for help. You'll be surprised...trust me.)<br />
<br />
About this time last year I was feeling extremely overwhelmed with my job, school work (I'm a doctoral student), family commitments, and life in general. My tea bag was over-submerged. I had to take a step back from my duties as the Central Westmoreland Service Unit manager. I got to that point partly because I took on way too much (I tend to think sometimes that I am super-human) and didn't ask for help. Fortunately, we have a great team of volunteers, and Andrea was willing to step in an fill my shoes for a while.<br />
<br />
At our March 3, 2016, service unit meeting, we are going to have a brief program/session on how to avoid volunteer burn-out. We have AMAZING volunteers doing AMAZING things with the girls our service unit. My colleague Cathy and I want to help you avoid burn-out.<br />
<br />
(Please know, if you are a volunteer outside of our service unit but would like to attend this session, email me at <a href="mailto:centralwestmorelandsu@gmail.com">centralwestmorelandsu@gmail.com</a> for details. Any Girl Scout volunteer is invited to attend.)<br />
<br />
Yours in Girl Scouts,<br />
Chrissy Schaeffer<br />
<i>Service Unit Manager</i><br />
Central Westmoreland Service Unit<br />
Girl Scouts Western PennsylvaniaCentral Westmoreland Service Unithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13221234394148806260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458545290569819503.post-15751750836504003272016-01-18T09:00:00.000-05:002016-01-18T09:00:05.031-05:00Basic 8 Outdoor Skills<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk39H6RugXZzAk3uH2d7nQ3yi3HaFR50N6hrKahURmZeeB3N6pmBI64fGq5x5swbkYG1eZ2Ciu6gS7pYTIOPC8YFXznXoWJ9cwMHbfC_mivnsinX7BbSAtEp9gWvW2uCFj0yjCFQN6diVp/s1600/getoutdoors.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk39H6RugXZzAk3uH2d7nQ3yi3HaFR50N6hrKahURmZeeB3N6pmBI64fGq5x5swbkYG1eZ2Ciu6gS7pYTIOPC8YFXznXoWJ9cwMHbfC_mivnsinX7BbSAtEp9gWvW2uCFj0yjCFQN6diVp/s400/getoutdoors.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Do you have girls in your troop that enjoy being outdoors? Are you at a loss for a way to effectively introduce outdoor skills to your girls? I've spent a great deal of time researching different programs and ideas, and I think (so far) the best program I found is on <a href="http://scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/" target="_blank">Scouting Web</a>. (This is not to say that programs offered by Girl Scout councils across the country aren't good or effective, it's just that I really like the resources Scouting Web makes available on its website for leaders to use.)</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4O9Kam5ER8JD89B6uCRrmJ_ZD1A_PYZNOlKUU6xiBCqz3zP-62NpYfQrRjTPtr15fV8R24ZYKU0LHnJjMBRSeSvOqNS7E-kc229dXkzyzau2p282AgodF_xJKlUpI5QvKPOoCyzsSfsCS/s1600/bracelet1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4O9Kam5ER8JD89B6uCRrmJ_ZD1A_PYZNOlKUU6xiBCqz3zP-62NpYfQrRjTPtr15fV8R24ZYKU0LHnJjMBRSeSvOqNS7E-kc229dXkzyzau2p282AgodF_xJKlUpI5QvKPOoCyzsSfsCS/s200/bracelet1.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's an example of a way<br />
to display your Basic 8 <br />
Outdoor Skills pony beads.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/default.aspx" target="_blank">Scouting Web</a>, by the way, is an unofficial website that includes scouting resources for boy and girl leaders (i.e. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Frontier Scouts, American Heritage Girls, Campfire USA, and other USA Scouting Groups). </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/default.aspx" target="_blank">Scouting Web</a> compiled a <a href="http://www.scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/Documents/CampingOutdoorSkills.pdf" target="_blank">Camping and Outdoor Skills Day program</a> and it's available for you to download on their website. Their program offers the Basic 8 outdoor skills and games and activities to use to teach these skills to your girls. As the girls master each skill, Scouting Web suggests that you give each girl a pony bead to place on a bracelet (my girls are building their Outdoor Skills Bracelets using pony beads and hemp string).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Basic 8 Outdoor Skills and Scouting Web's suggested corresponding pony beads colors are:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0zfsFQJlzWQ4kH4wLBPCIIR8liKZfJg8bpG3driFv6d4uMYJDm-l5jLWjF30oJhFB02SLwBNFK2WcCuo9i9HQuVn5QUJ-oNRH7YPE13SoPCjpae2jF9ArtLm52unNQ1ePr8QQQ73Yzlk/s1600/bracelet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo0zfsFQJlzWQ4kH4wLBPCIIR8liKZfJg8bpG3driFv6d4uMYJDm-l5jLWjF30oJhFB02SLwBNFK2WcCuo9i9HQuVn5QUJ-oNRH7YPE13SoPCjpae2jF9ArtLm52unNQ1ePr8QQQ73Yzlk/s1600/bracelet2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found this idea on Pintrest. Use buttons<br />
instead of pony beads to make a Basic 8<br />
Outdoor Skills Bracelet.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Outdoor Manners (blue)</li>
<li>Dressing for the Outdoors (purple)</li>
<li>Knot Tying (brown)</li>
<li>Knife Safety (yellow)</li>
<li>Fire Building (orange)</li>
<li>Outdoor Cooking (red)</li>
<li>Safety and First Aid (white)</li>
<li>Protecting the Environment (green)</li>
</ol>
<div>
<a href="http://www.scoutingweb.com/scoutingweb/Documents/CampingOutdoorSkills.pdf" target="_blank">Check out Scout Web's program and download it here!</a></div>
</div>
Central Westmoreland Service Unithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13221234394148806260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458545290569819503.post-62021885840766486962015-12-30T09:00:00.000-05:002015-12-30T09:00:04.413-05:00Business Ethics and the Girl Scout Cookie Program<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">In my last post I talked about a way you can introduce goal setting, decision making, and money management to your troop. Now I'd like to address a fourth component of the Girl Scout Cookie program - Business Ethics.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjRIW5khg1vzB70Ix-Twt2M-VWhkQufbkldMXIk4gsJCYdI9CFzrjgoZIAP1EjBSXyGV1ZPjOfxD00Gx3q7qnwzoJxU0G7K6A98wSyvAm7QArR5qSpSot1kWJDB8GDNVC9oTDjhYC3KPQ/s1600/business-ethics.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXjRIW5khg1vzB70Ix-Twt2M-VWhkQufbkldMXIk4gsJCYdI9CFzrjgoZIAP1EjBSXyGV1ZPjOfxD00Gx3q7qnwzoJxU0G7K6A98wSyvAm7QArR5qSpSot1kWJDB8GDNVC9oTDjhYC3KPQ/s400/business-ethics.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Every council sets their own start and end dates for their cookie program. Here in western Pennsylvania, our program begins on January 8, 2016. That means that girls are not able to sell cookies until January 8th (actually, in the Central Westmoreland Service Unit we go a step further and set the start date as January 8, 2016 at 4:00 p.m. EST). </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">The start date (and time) is an integral component of teaching business ethics to your girls. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">We set a start date (and time) to ensure fairness for all girls. Some troops received their cookie packets (order forms, etc.) in November. Others didn't receive their's until December. Some won't receive their's until the first week of January. Without a set start date (and time), you could start your sale as soon as you receive your order forms - giving your girls an unfair advantage over those troops that don't receive their forms until later.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">It's important that you stress the importance of the start date (and time) with your girls. Teach them the importance of business ethics and use the start date (and time) as an example of having good business ethics.</span></span>Central Westmoreland Service Unithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13221234394148806260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458545290569819503.post-55916927038087165112015-12-28T14:56:00.001-05:002015-12-28T16:04:49.521-05:00Goal Setting, Decision Making, and Money Management<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The most WONDERFUL time of the year isn't over because in just a few days Girl Scouts throughout western Pennsylvania will be hitting the pavements to begin taking Girl Scout Cookie orders.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsKtuy1jKD_zYBAk7wMrVIE3yuqhfD9TwWKbd3hWu2IwKi-a3Vst8qgwFwKXaxtGd4wXx1gEKmLBRJK3w1gl4qHwOzoywE57opsvRjpgOkmA_6DxGz3W1t4SHyr12uM7uijwYHMSb_dlE/s1600/cookie+header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBsKtuy1jKD_zYBAk7wMrVIE3yuqhfD9TwWKbd3hWu2IwKi-a3Vst8qgwFwKXaxtGd4wXx1gEKmLBRJK3w1gl4qHwOzoywE57opsvRjpgOkmA_6DxGz3W1t4SHyr12uM7uijwYHMSb_dlE/s1600/cookie+header.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
While the money our troops earn through this time-honored program is pretty sweet, let's instead focus on how we can use the program to help our girls further grow their leadership experience.<br />
<br />
Our Girl Scout councils remind us constantly that the five skills Girl Scouts learn through the Girl Scout Cookie Program are an important component of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.<br />
<ul>
<li>Goal Setting</li>
<li>Decision Making</li>
<li>Money Management</li>
<li>People Skills</li>
<li>Business Ethics</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nw4tgf0Zk5GVEHnQmUVFwp_RbdCHdYzIsd02N6nKSOi6RZtX_eEMyeuUu2aJ9DlwSfSOhCiJxKhBhwwtYRnxDzy5Ppf8FFO_Ga6XDoYinRlAmzeiXPJELOHObDds92ebql11Z3MUkxea/s1600/cookie+smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0nw4tgf0Zk5GVEHnQmUVFwp_RbdCHdYzIsd02N6nKSOi6RZtX_eEMyeuUu2aJ9DlwSfSOhCiJxKhBhwwtYRnxDzy5Ppf8FFO_Ga6XDoYinRlAmzeiXPJELOHObDds92ebql11Z3MUkxea/s1600/cookie+smile.jpg" /></a></div>
It's great to talk about these skills (Parents certainly like to hear about it don't they???). But really, if you think about all that goes on before, during, and after the sale, the girls really are learning this stuff. They're learning by doing (btw...academics call this experiential learning).<br />
<br />
I'd like to make this blog post a bit more practical...<br />
<br />
Girl Scout troops - young and old - are to be girl led. That means that the GIRLS (not the parents) should be deciding as a group as to what they want to learn and explore as Girl Scouts. The leaders' role is to help guide the girls as they set goals, make decisions, and manage their money.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
How can we teach our girls...especially our younger Daisies and Brownies...about goal setting, decision making, and money management (we'll focus on people skills and business ethics in an upcoming post)? Several years ago one of my older Girl Scouts (Shelly - she's now a Senior Girl Scout) and I came up with a really cool activity to do with younger girls who are less apt to be able to comprehend large dollar amounts. Let's be honest, if you ask your girls what they want to do as a troop, at least a few of the girls are going to say "We want to go to Disney World" or some other far off and often times out-of-reach financially location. Here's an activity you can complete in less than one meeting.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSh4VTirbCJnZuTYaaS9uDDCsy3bygVa3dsvhd1Z9mLxASw8YjaGtNHQpNz5zNudThFQ8xG8hirLY9bSGqgRKHdoTKmYPYYDOXRoccxXbUDKhxZgtSgSeW_dII4o84WoqUzCuVvRdGbGq/s1600/cookie+zone.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizSh4VTirbCJnZuTYaaS9uDDCsy3bygVa3dsvhd1Z9mLxASw8YjaGtNHQpNz5zNudThFQ8xG8hirLY9bSGqgRKHdoTKmYPYYDOXRoccxXbUDKhxZgtSgSeW_dII4o84WoqUzCuVvRdGbGq/s1600/cookie+zone.png" /></a>(1.) As a leader or parent volunteer, create a list of typical Girl Scout activities appropriate for your <br />
troop's age (i.e. roller skating party, sleepover at a museum or zoo, trip to an amusement park, troop camping, Girl Scout summer camp, spa day, etc.). Research how much each activity will cost per girl (if you have an older girl troop - Juniors and/or above - have them brainstorm a list of typical troop activities and have the girls research how much the activity costs per girl).<br />
<br />
(2.) Write each activity on one side of an index card.<br />
<br />
(3.) On the back side of the index card write the cost per girl and equate that to a number of boxes each girl would have to sell in order to raise that much money.<br />
<br />
EXAMPLE: Zoo Sleepover = $38/girl. In my council we receive $.70/box of cookies. Therefore, each girl would have to sell 55 boxes to raise enough money to have a sleepover at the zoo.<br />
<br />
(4.) Make three sets of your activity cards.<br />
<br />
(5.) Divide your girls into three smaller groups and give each group a set of activity cards.<br />
<br />
(6.) Tell the girls to only look at the front side of the cards and pick the activities they would like to do as a troop.<br />
<br />
(7.) Once each group picks their activities, have them turn over the cards and add up the number of boxes they would each need to sell to do those activities.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MCYc-lEUKhLIrsu-CPUsIfK6eD3e7LgIDDa6tPfBIsNf9cbS9TwhZM7tEa9BjfF6_L1HsCoDgllOgzL5ZEGGiAzUztCq8HMnbc75AvZ6jQY8kQZkKzU1d2A_pcA8l_1vBQl7xi9GalJW/s1600/cookie+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2MCYc-lEUKhLIrsu-CPUsIfK6eD3e7LgIDDa6tPfBIsNf9cbS9TwhZM7tEa9BjfF6_L1HsCoDgllOgzL5ZEGGiAzUztCq8HMnbc75AvZ6jQY8kQZkKzU1d2A_pcA8l_1vBQl7xi9GalJW/s200/cookie+love.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>
(8.) Ask the girls if that sounds like a realistic goal. Is this something they could manage selling? You might also want to use this time to talk about how many boxes the troop sold last year.<br />
<br />
(9.) If the activities the girls want to do cost too much money (i.e. the number of boxes of cookies that they would need to sell is unrealistic), then talk to the girls about things you might do to be able to do these activities (i.e. maybe hold one or two more cookie booth sales, remove one of the more costly activities and replace it with something less expensive, etc.).<br />
<br />
This activity helps the girls to understand what is realistic to plan for and what isn't realistic. This activity also helps the girls - as a troop - make decisions as to the types of activities they'd like to do and what they may need to save for another year.<br />
<br />
As your girls get older you can begin to introduce the idea of saving some money from this year's cookie sale to put towards an activity in a future year (i.e. in my troop we've been saving for over to two years to go to on a trip to Savannah, Georgia in July 2016).<br />
<br />
This is just one activity that we do in my troop. In fact, we're going to be doing this activity at our Service Unit Cookie Rally on December 30th.<br />
<br />
What activities do you do in your troop to teach goal setting, decision making, and money management? Post your ideas in the comments section.Central Westmoreland Service Unithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13221234394148806260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458545290569819503.post-62854300676758930712015-11-15T11:56:00.002-05:002015-12-28T16:05:36.711-05:00It's So Much More Than a $4 Box of Cookies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAh9bdvyPPAIc6H0ooQYYHb_YKPdaBlzUI9Tw7kxDcWbPHdp5LEYrfj4eCV6guqTbXBSwxqXQsWHpckQS4lWzNE3wPcvWUNEpuI2NvuepRSthlwSpBAvS_ycrP4ZsSZ5KAywBBphZhHtK/s1600/Cookies+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxAh9bdvyPPAIc6H0ooQYYHb_YKPdaBlzUI9Tw7kxDcWbPHdp5LEYrfj4eCV6guqTbXBSwxqXQsWHpckQS4lWzNE3wPcvWUNEpuI2NvuepRSthlwSpBAvS_ycrP4ZsSZ5KAywBBphZhHtK/s200/Cookies+%25281%2529.jpg" width="185" /></a></div>
<span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span>
I know, I know, here in Greensburg (at the time I am writing this blog) we haven't even received our nuts and candy yet from the MagNut program (they are arriving tomorrow), but I am already starting to talk about cookies. Believe it or not, the Girl Scout Cookie Program will begin in under two months in western Pennsylvania. That's right, in under two short months, 36,000 girls will hit the pavements taking orders for Girl Scout Cookies.<br />
<br />
I think it's important to take some time now to reflect on the goals of the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Sure, the money for our troop treasuries is pretty sweet, but the reason why this program is so successful is not just because many people report an addiction to our $4.00 boxes of cookies (btw...the price for our cookies is NOT going up this year). It's because of the five essential skills our girls learn by being part of this national tradition.<br />
<br />
It doesn't appear that our girls have an extremely hard time selling Girl Scout cookies. Afterall, who doesn't love a box of their favorite cookies....BUT....it's so much more than that actual box of cookies.<br />
<br />
Over the next several weeks I'm going to be taking some time to talk about the life skills the girls learn through the program.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Goal Setting</li>
<li>Decision Making</li>
<li>Money Management</li>
<li>People Skills</li>
<li>Business Ethics</li>
</ul>
<div>
In the mean time, <a href="http://www.gswpa.org/en/cookies/about-girl-scout-cookies.html" target="_blank">check out this page on the Girl Scout Western Pennsylvania's webiste</a>. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Central Westmoreland Service Unithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13221234394148806260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458545290569819503.post-11054167824212814422015-04-30T14:36:00.001-04:002015-04-30T14:36:55.325-04:00Keeping Connected Throughout the Summer<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipB_9fo9cHgXJWRAZk4q_e2uhpZO65GewfGAseDOC3vrgwPwIBs163y79Qtm6Mv8wGe7Mpj3znm42gVKWxI9iuTLLDXCfqd_XFYGf9QdM7_O1TvO8DoM-iN9YWN0tcHp4y0BCujZTK_HK/s1600/IMG_1840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjipB_9fo9cHgXJWRAZk4q_e2uhpZO65GewfGAseDOC3vrgwPwIBs163y79Qtm6Mv8wGe7Mpj3znm42gVKWxI9iuTLLDXCfqd_XFYGf9QdM7_O1TvO8DoM-iN9YWN0tcHp4y0BCujZTK_HK/s1600/IMG_1840.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My daughter in her<br />bunk at Camp Redwing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The "end" of the Girl Scout year is quickly approaching. Most of our troops are in the midst of planning for Bridging ceremonies and compiling our annual finance reports (yes, don't forget about them). Probably the last thing on our minds is what we are going to do to keep our troops connected throughout the summer. I'd like to challenge you to take some time and do just that (this is especially important as our girls get older). Summer is a great time to build excitement within the troop, and it is a great time to introduce girls to Girl Scouts! Here's just a few ideas....<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
(1.) <a href="http://www.gswpa.org/camps/" target="_blank">Share Your Girls' Adventures at Camp</a> - Traditionally, Boy Scout troops attend summer camp together (as a troop). That is not always the case with Girl Scouts. While many troops do participate in CORE and/or CAP camping experiences, many girls (especially as they get older) choose to attend resident camps on their own or with one or two buddies. As a mother of an 11-year-old who in just two months will head off on her third year of resident camp without me, I can't even begin to explain how important this experience is for girls' growth and development. This year, I am going to have my girls that are attending resident camps to share some pictures on our troop's website and Facebook page. They are also going to blog about it here on this blog and most likely on our Girl Advisory Board blog (which is coming soon). This is a great way for girls to share their experiences with each other.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4UboNPlOftgSi_rIdBLREI8-_q5L6kYdUoFzUY5BCFJHp8JcuXf91HvcLw-FXPWZk6tSHhzQZVHvr-RqRu12jneGZ0ch7_2t0twJIp58nSz9knS6xGt5S-oC48s4YQ-gmTRPoXgdrC6ek/s1600/IMG_1927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4UboNPlOftgSi_rIdBLREI8-_q5L6kYdUoFzUY5BCFJHp8JcuXf91HvcLw-FXPWZk6tSHhzQZVHvr-RqRu12jneGZ0ch7_2t0twJIp58nSz9knS6xGt5S-oC48s4YQ-gmTRPoXgdrC6ek/s1600/IMG_1927.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As part of Day Camp last summer, the "older<br />girls" took a "field trip" (literally) to a local<br />farm to pick corn and learn about <br />sustainable farming.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
(2.) Plan a Day at the Playground - There probably isn't a cheaper Girl Scout activity than to get your <br />
girls together once or twice throughout the summer for a day on a playground. Mt. Odin's playground is AWESOME (and the girls LOVE playing in the wooden houses), but there are so many great playgrounds right here in our area that are just waiting for a great group of girls.<br />
<br />
(3.) <a href="http://www.centralwestmorelandsu.org/day-camp.html" target="_blank">Encourage Your Girls to Participate in Girl Scout Day Camp</a> - This really isn't a sales pitch, but our service unit's day camp is pretty amazing. It's a one-week (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) experience for only $80. What's even better yet...the girls will complete one Girl Scout Journey while at day camp. I don't know about you, but as a leader, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that aspect of day camp.<br />
<br />
(4.) <a href="http://www.centralwestmorelandsu.org/idlewild.html" target="_blank">Join Us for Family Fun Day at Idlewild & Soak Zone</a> - While the deadline is quickly approaching, I will accept ticket orders up until May 8th. Last year the girls really enjoyed swimming and riding with their Girl Scout sisters.<br />
<br />
(5.) Do a Service Project Together - There are so many service-related projects the girls can do together outside in the summer time. Why not offer to weed the flower beds at a church or a senior citizen's house? Sure it's "work," but I guarantee the girls will have a fun time doing it together.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJ0LLD162QruUgcB-VpWWlRLcTAnkXY5Lsa8DGVx_EneCA54q2vnUxq6Mh3H-KRac3tgoSTQYJPfOgsIyEeeszH2WoIptFdxrFlgI7iaI3D6oDxr05LY4w8bIn2VhS5t8hPXJMwGbcYuF/s1600/004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJ0LLD162QruUgcB-VpWWlRLcTAnkXY5Lsa8DGVx_EneCA54q2vnUxq6Mh3H-KRac3tgoSTQYJPfOgsIyEeeszH2WoIptFdxrFlgI7iaI3D6oDxr05LY4w8bIn2VhS5t8hPXJMwGbcYuF/s1600/004.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mom & Me (and Dad & Me) camps<br />are always an option too through GSWPA!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've found that if you can get the girls together at least once or twice during the summer, you will see much higher membership retention. When girls remain active with their gal pals, they are more likely to want to return in the Fall.<br />
<br />
As your Service Unit Manager, my personal goal for next year is to focus on membership retention. Keeping girls engaged throughout the year certainly does yield great results.<br />
<br />
What are your favorite summertime activities to do with your girls? Comment below!!!!!Central Westmoreland Service Unithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13221234394148806260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458545290569819503.post-12477890905687657192015-03-25T16:04:00.000-04:002015-03-25T16:04:09.548-04:00What Did Your Girls Learn?<div style="text-align: left;">
Fellow volunteers...we can all soon breathe a sign of relief. The 2015 Girl Scout Cookie Program is coming to an end (or so you thought). This week here in the Central Westmoreland Service Unit our troops are making last minute sales, collecting the final bits of money, and ordering girl incentives. If you are anything like me, you don't want to look at another cookie or even hear the word cookie ever again (okay, at least not until October or so).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyN-HOfQVVkxrfLDvv1exmZ-ABresixQR7hyiwxOV5_s_JngzVRUb2aEzAmYF9yaR_JL8cVNFivk7Mxg2WoUc806fSFzQtIIzSmGG1t8d8UK-IhjLd24oBBgBDhEokuJSjwyyGAnzvmiFs/s1600/IMG_0387.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyN-HOfQVVkxrfLDvv1exmZ-ABresixQR7hyiwxOV5_s_JngzVRUb2aEzAmYF9yaR_JL8cVNFivk7Mxg2WoUc806fSFzQtIIzSmGG1t8d8UK-IhjLd24oBBgBDhEokuJSjwyyGAnzvmiFs/s1600/IMG_0387.JPG" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So many of us get caught up in the day-to-day operation of the cookie SALE that we forget that this is actually a well-developed educational PROGRAM for our girls. In the grand scheme of things, it's not really important how many cookies our troop solds. Instead, it's more important that the girls are able to apply the five core skills of the cookie program:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ol>
<li><b>Goal Setting</b></li>
<li><b>Decision Making</b></li>
<li><b>Money Management</b></li>
<li><b>People Skills</b></li>
<li><b>Business Ethics</b></li>
</ol>
<div>
Yes, the cookie SALE is ending, but the learning that occurs in the cookie PROGRAM is ongoing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Many times I think that we just assume that the girls are learning these skills through the program. We assume the girls understand what they've learned and why. I'm here to tell you that I know this isn't always the case. Since the beginning of the year, each time my girls work on a badge, sell a can of nuts or a box of cookies, or even go on a field trip, I'm right behind them whispering into their ears saying "Why are we doing this? Why is this important for us to do?"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I agree, Girl Scouts isn't school. We are here to have fun and do some crazy things. It's important though to make sure that when learning is occurring that the girls can begin to articulate what they've learned and how it applies to their lives.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Let me give you an example...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My Cadettes are currently working on the Special Agent badge. It's a pretty cool badge and I think the girls are having fun finger and shoe printing, playing with fake blood, and watching episodes of crime dramas. I asked the girls at our meeting yesterday if they understood why we were working on this badge. Sure, I got the standard answer: "So we know what special agents do." BUT...one of my girls yelled out, "Well, it's helping us understand how much we can learn by just paying close attention to what's around us. We're learning to be more perceptive." WOW! She got it!!!!! (Proud leader moment!!!!!)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So what are you going to do to ensure your girls are beginning to understand the core skills of the cookie PROGRAM? Here's just a few ideas. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section of this blog.</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><b>Goal Setting</b> - Did your girls reach their personal and troop goals? If they did, was their goal too easy? What did they do this year to help them achieve their goals? If they didn't, was their goal unattainable? What happened that caused them not to reach their goals? DON'T answer the questions for you girls. Let them figure it out. </li>
<li><b>Decision Making & Money Management</b> - So...what is your troop going to do with the funds they earned. Have a business meeting. Go over the troop budget. Don't figure it out for them. Even Daisies can understand enough about money to decide if they want to go to summer camp or have a sleepover at the zoo.</li>
<li><b>People Skills</b> - So...as the leader, did you notice the girls doing anything really well (or not so well) at the booth sales? I walked into one of my booths to pick up the cookies and saw one of my girls sprawled out on the floor in the grocery store. Maybe now is great time to talk about what you (and the girls) saw. What can they learn from this?</li>
<li><b>Business Ethics</b> - Ahhhh....this is a great one. We covered this one at the start of the sale when we talked about the importance of waiting until the start date to begin selling cookies. Let's the girls talk about other things they learned in regards to business ethics.</li>
</ol>
<div>
This is all part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience!!!!!</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
PS - I just said that I didn't want to look at another cookie for a long time, but as I was typing this blog I started munching on some Toffee Tastics. WOW are they delicious!!!!!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Central Westmoreland Service Unithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13221234394148806260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458545290569819503.post-36368752861856378552014-11-16T17:43:00.001-05:002014-11-16T17:43:31.569-05:00Take Time to Say Thank You!Why do we find it so easy to complain about something, yet it is challenging to say THANK YOU? I know that many times it is easier to find fault in things rather than to be grateful for what someone took the time to do for you. Unfortunately, I too fall into that trap. I don't take enough time to say thank you.<br />
<br />
I am dedicating this post to the many volunteers who dedicate countless hours to our local Girl Scout troops and the Central Westmoreland Service Unit.<br />
<br />
(1.) Thank you to Debbie M. - our Service Unit Treasurer/Finance Manager. Beyond our Service Unit, Debbie is instrumental in serving as a mentor to many of our troop leaders. Oh, by the way, Debbie also manages the Girl Scout Cookie Program for our Service Unit.<br />
<br />
(2.) Thank you to Sandi S. and Andrea S. - our Service Unit Assistant Managers. Both these ladies dedicate countless hours each week in the day-to-day administration of our Service Unit, planning activities, and training our volunteers.<br />
<br />
(3.) Thank you to Peggy T. - our Service Unit Registrar. I should also mention that Peggy is the Co-Director of our VERY successful Summer Day Camp program.<br />
<br />
(4.) Thank you to Tammi R. - our Service Unit Day Camp Co-Director. I can't even begin to imagine the number of hours that both Tammi and Peggy dedicate to Day Camp each year (notice I didn't say each summer because it takesan entire year to plan for the upcoming summer's camp).<br />
<br />
(5.) Thank you to Lindy D. for not only organizing an awesome Daddy Daughter Dance for our girls, but for also managing the Fall Product Program. She was also instrumental in the My Promise My Faith Program that we just wrapped up for nearly 80 girls in our Service Unit.<br />
<br />
(6.) Thank you to Cathy C. for coordinating the Service Unit's My Promise My Faith Program. Cathy is also an avid supporter of all our programming efforts within the Service Unit.<br />
<br />
(7.) Thank you to our Service Unit Troop Mentors who lend a helping hand to our new troops as they form.<br />
<br />
Did I mention that most of our Service Unit leadership team ALSO serves as a Troop Leader, Co-Leader or Assistant Leader?<br />
<br />
(8.) Thank you to each and every Troop Leader, Co-Leader, and Assistant Leader. I can't even begin to calculate the number of hours you dedicate to your troops and to the Service Unit each year. It's pretty astounding if you sit back and think about it.<br />
<br />
(9.) Thank you to each and every parent who allows us to lead your daughters on the Girl Scout Journey.<br />
<br />
(10.) Most importantly...THANK YOU to each and every Girl Scout. After all, Girl Scouts is about the girls. This is why we are all here!!!!<br />
<br />
(11.) And finally...thank you to each and every person who I should be thanking personally, but I didn't. I know I should be doing so much more than a blog post...but this is a start.<br />
<br />
Please comment on this blog post and say "Thank You" to that special volunteer who has a made a difference in your daughter's life.Central Westmoreland Service Unithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13221234394148806260noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5458545290569819503.post-4644494383182717362014-11-08T21:38:00.000-05:002014-11-08T21:38:45.879-05:00Sometimes the Best Field Trips are the Partially Unplanned Ones!<a href="http://www.gswpa.org/" target="_blank">Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania</a> really hit it out of the park today!<br />
<br />
I just returned from a trek to <a href="http://dubois.psu.edu/" target="_blank">Penn State DuBois</a> (yeah, that's about a two-hour drive) with my Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts for the Council's Media Madness program. My Cadettes created digital videos about Girl Scouts and earned their Digital Movie Making badge, and my Senior created a blog/website and earned her Website Designer badge. What an AWESOME program!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKqLTXKOZRbh3p_-gf0zDwG3GxYEePc_k2WdVnUb49l09EMrTN9t8xC1TGG7ncGzS85Myz1i_uGqAMtYegKgrOvG0JkfPuYPa5ZeuQPFQjsCBaoUEd7yUq3Mql4FzWySfM8oBWhmoPihl/s1600/IMG_2277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKqLTXKOZRbh3p_-gf0zDwG3GxYEePc_k2WdVnUb49l09EMrTN9t8xC1TGG7ncGzS85Myz1i_uGqAMtYegKgrOvG0JkfPuYPa5ZeuQPFQjsCBaoUEd7yUq3Mql4FzWySfM8oBWhmoPihl/s1600/IMG_2277.JPG" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional photo with the PSU Nittany Lion! My Pop Pop would be proud.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Yet sometimes, the best field trips are those that are partially unplanned...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
On our way to DuBois this morning we drove through Punxsutawney, which of course started conversations about Pennsylvania's famous ground hog. I promised the girls that on the way home we would stop for dinner, so they Googled restaurants in Punxsutawney and selected <a href="https://plus.google.com/114014524009271594428/about?gl=us&hl=en" target="_blank">Punxy Phil's Family Restaurant</a>. (By the way...great food.)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It gets better...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We finished dinner early and had some time to kill before we needed to head back to Greensburg, so we took off in search of Phil.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ceo_a86TwVlRF7JUkp2JTGyJN58xu-Jw1z-Qi9m3s5hJEqVxssYP5N3-7K7l385eLBsIDEny0wYZ0mm8qFjWeXP89j2flSUirxTdo5KYV_FDUgfKtE3xxJQXP9STz4kenSyrNbxsFjp-/s1600/Slide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Ceo_a86TwVlRF7JUkp2JTGyJN58xu-Jw1z-Qi9m3s5hJEqVxssYP5N3-7K7l385eLBsIDEny0wYZ0mm8qFjWeXP89j2flSUirxTdo5KYV_FDUgfKtE3xxJQXP9STz4kenSyrNbxsFjp-/s1600/Slide1.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry it's a bit blurry. I had to take the photo through a window.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We found the famous rodent at the Punxsutawney Library (thanks to cashier at the restaurant). To be honest, we think it was Phil (but it might have been Mrs. Phil or Gus) because there were two ground hogs in the habitat and the one dove for cover when we arrived.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexQyceHX1wqXFs6KrEkURYnNftgEvNp9O1JhfonPVH5JaGK6yO9EDIFSbBn1Ee0P2Wg03Srv_mSqt9yc5lEy1aIPZboeClRHvBHYtVOcCGzAzPNFchcr2dckEE_76DP3HRva8tmoSUYnV/s1600/IMG_2284.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiexQyceHX1wqXFs6KrEkURYnNftgEvNp9O1JhfonPVH5JaGK6yO9EDIFSbBn1Ee0P2Wg03Srv_mSqt9yc5lEy1aIPZboeClRHvBHYtVOcCGzAzPNFchcr2dckEE_76DP3HRva8tmoSUYnV/s1600/IMG_2284.jpg" height="400" width="348" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obviously not the <i>REAL </i>Phil.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So what's the moral of the story? It's okay not to plan every minute of every field trip, program, activity, or meeting. Sometimes, the best times are had simply by searching for Pennsylvania's Most Famous Groundhog!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
PS - My girls have decided that we will be returning to our new friend's home town on February 2nd. Watch out Punxy....Troop 27038 will be back!!!!!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Central Westmoreland Service Unithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13221234394148806260noreply@blogger.com0