From London to Lucerne Expedition Acadia

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Your guide to a great journey in Girl Scouting
Your guide to a great journey in Girl Scouting
World
Thinking
Day at
Our Cabaña
From London
to Lucerne
girls on the go
Expedition
Acadia
You already know about the fun and friendships
Girl Scouts offers, but did you know that girls who
stay in Girl Scouts for three or more years achieve
higher levels of education and eventually earn
higher incomes later in life?
Renew today at
girlscoutsofmaine.org!
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by May 3
everyone wins with these awesome incentives!
• Girls who renew by May 31 will receive a patch.
• Troops will receive a $5 rebate for every girl member who renews* ONLINE by May 31.
• Service Units will receive a 25¢ bonus for every member who renews* ONLINE by May 31.
Membership Fee is $30 for girls and $15 for adults.
Did you know that paying for girls’ membership dues is a great
use of funds they have earned through the cookie sale program?
* Must be PAID renewals. Not applicable if paper forms are used
or membership assistance is provided.
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Need help?
Contact the Help Desk at
1-888-922-4763 or
helpdesk@gsmaine.org.
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Sister to Sister Edition 2016
Editor and Writer: Cortney Smart
Designer: Rebecca Benoski
ContentsPage
Girl Scouts Out and About........................ 4
Troop Dispatch ...........................................10
Wanderlust, girls on the go..................... 12
Expedition Acadia......................................14
Our Chalet ...................................................16
Exploring London.......................................17
GSME Programs..........................................18
Volunteer Appreciation .......................... 22
Our Cabaña................................................. 24
Mission Sisterhood................................... 26
Gold Award Centennial........................... 27
Girl Scout Summer Camp....................... 28
Invite a Friend Success............................ 28
Shop.............................................................. 32
Scout Day at the
State House
On February 16, over 180 Maine Girl Scouts and
Boy Scouts joined together to celebrate Scout
Recognition Day at the State House in Augusta.
What a fantastic experience!
Girl Scouts presented a flag ceremony, sang the
National Anthem, and served as pages in the Senate
chambers. Many Girl Scouts took tours of the State
House, Blaine House, or Maine State Museum.
Gold and Silver awardees were honored for their
achievements at a ceremony in the Hall of Flags.
“It was such an honor for these girls to be chosen to
assist in opening day at the legislature,” writes Pam
Irish, Leader of Troop 2300.
We are celebrating
Acadia National Park’s
100th Anniversary!
Don’t miss out!
See page 14 for more details.
Photo courtesy of Tammy Murray Photography
A small ceremony ended the day at the Hall of Flags
with Speaker of the House Mark Eves, and Senate
President Mike Thibodeau recognizing and thanking
all the Girl and Boy Scouts and volunteer leaders
for all they do for their communities and service
projects to make this State a better place.
Caption
The Cadette Girl Scouts from Troop 2300 from
Gorham opened the legislative day in the State
Senate as color guards. Pictured, l-r: State Senator
Amy Volk, Emily F. (caller), Troop Leader Deborah
Feagans, Isabella D. (American Flag), Danielle I.
(State of Maine flag), Troop Leader Pamela Irish,
and Grace Pierce (Girl Scout flag).
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Scouting for Food
On November 7, Troops 213 and 1285, 1340
joined with Cub Scout Pack 25 and Boy Scout
Troop 25 to collect food for needy families
in Hermon. In six hours, the kids collected 26
banana boxes full of food. Job well done! Now
Troop 1340 is challenging their sister Girl Scout
troops to do the same in their own community.
Fun on the Farm
Troop 2041 from Lincoln made a
"Cookie" Farm float for the Lincoln
Homecoming parade. What could be
more fun than that?
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Word Thinking
Day in Dirigo
Over 80 Girl Scouts from the Dirigo Service
Unit came together on February 27 to
celebrate World Thinking Day. Girls from 12
different troops set up country displays to
explore and connect with Girl Scouts and
Guides from around the world. What a fun
day! What did YOU do for World Thinking Day?
Paging Girl Scouts!
Troop 58 from Lovell visited the Maine State Senate
February 25, serving as Senate Pages, and they had the
opportunity to speak with Senator Patrick. Pictured, l-r:
Addisyn, Katherine, Senator Patrick, Jade, and Audra.
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Cooking Up Good Feelings
Troop 39 showed their respect on Veteran’s Day
when they visited The American Legion in Orono
and performed a skit called “Cooking up a Flag
Ceremony” for the veterans. Pictured, r-l: Jayden,
Grace, Arianna, Aubrey, Leader Dodie Evans, Leah,
Emily, Lindsay, and Kylie.
Invest in the Future
Troop 74 from Brunswick celebrated their
accomplishments at an Investiture and Badge
Ceremony this January. They were presented with
their Investiture pins, as well as many badges they
have already earned this year, including the Promise
Center, Lupe, Sunny, First Aid, Watering Can, Family
Star, Movie Night, and Craft badges. The girls are
now working on their Financial Literacy badges with
the cookie sale program. Go girls!
A Bug’s Life
Troop 2276 in Cape Elizabeth recently completed the Bug
Badge! The girls had a blast learning about and completing
activities about bugs. They made cocoons and paper-plate spiders,
watched fun video clips, and shared what they learned with
each other.
A Perfect Photo Finish
The furry friends at the Animal Refuge League
of Greater Portland were the beneficiaries of
Troop 140’s Bronze Award project. The girls
built a photo background, giving the adoptable
animals a fun background for their close-ups.
It’s also being used for families to have their
photos taken with the new companions they’ve
adopted! Pictured, l-r: Kelly and Elizabeth.
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All in a Weekend’s Work
Troop 161 (left) from Madawaska had a very busy
weekend November 21-22. On Saturday, they
collected 703 pounds of food for the Madawaska
Food Pantry. Pictured, l-r: back row - Chloe, Zoe,
Samantha, Dinesha, Megan; front row - Lillian,
Peyton, Violet, and Ainsley.
Then on Sunday, the girls joined Troop 124 (right) from Fort Kent to stuff Christmas stockings, fold pocket
flags, and make cards to send to our servicemen and women who would not be home for the holidays.
Pictured, l-r: back row - Barb (Post 147), Megan, Nicholas, Chloe; middle row - Elizabeth, Dinesha, Samantha,
Savannah, Sadie, Abby; front row - Chloe, Addison, Peyton, Lillian, Samantha, Haidyn, Madelyn, and Katherine.
Cute PJs? Fuzzy Slippers?
Fun? CHECK, CHECK, CHECK!
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On February 28, Troop 1026 put on a pajama party for
the community of Pittsfield. They planned the event
themselves, over 40 children enjoyed homemade treats,
crafts, games, story time, a pajama parade, and contest.
They also collected 67 pairs of new pajamas and 37 new
books to donate to local children in need, completing their
Bronze Award project. Pictured, upper left, l-r: Casey, Skyler,
Olivia, Alyssa, Hannah, Marta, and Alexa.
Lending a Helping Hand
Troop 1285 is showing what it means to make a difference!
They noticed that some of their classmates were going hungry
at school and chose to do something about it. After working
with their leaders and other Maine schools, they made a
presentation to the principal and teachers outlining the
importance of reducing hunger in their school. On October
23, they opened the Hermon Middle School Food Cupboard,
holding food drives and collecting donations to keep the
cupboard stocked. Way to go girls! If you would like to help,
email hmsfoodcupboard@gmail.com
Giving Back to
the Community
Pet Food
Drive
Last summer, Troop
1585 of Washburn held
a pet food drive for the
animals at the Central
Aroostook Humane
Society in Presque Isle.
On November 14, they
visited the shelter and
delivered the items
they collected. The girls
loved being able to help
the animals. Pictured,
l-r: Remi, Elizabeth, and
Miranda.
Troop 1524 (above) from Greene is giving
back to the community in so many ways!
First they collected items for Hope Haven
Homeless Shelter, filling backpacks with
toiletries, hats, mittens, books, and snacks,
and then purchased $100 worth of goods
that were on the shelter’s wish list.
Next, they participated in a Storm Drain
Stenciling Event (left) hosted by Lewiston/
Auburn Water and Sewer Departments,
painting stencils on the ground next to a
storm drain. The goal was to educate the area
residents to help stop pollution from going
into the storm drains, which eventually lead
to a river.
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Handled with Care
Troop 1780 assembled 26 care packages
for the homeless, collecting toothbrushes,
toothpaste, warm socks, candy, razors,
combs, notepads, pens, and more. When
the troop delivered their packages to the
Tedford Shelter, they learned all about
the resources available to families in their
area. They were thrilled to learn that their
care packages were distributed right away
to those in need! Bravo, Troop 1780 for
making a difference!
The Need for Necessities
After helping the Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter in Waterville
with a huge donation of dental health products a few years
ago, Troop 1785 from Sidney decided they wanted to help
again. After inquiring about the shelter’s needs, they were
told that toilet paper was on the list! The girls planned a drive
and bake sale at their local Shaws. When all their hard work
was done, they were able to donate 1,400 rolls of toilet paper
to the shelter, thrilled to make such a big difference in their
community.
Learning from Local Heroes
On November 5, Sergeant Kathy Williams was a guest
of honor at the meeting of Girl Scout Troop 2003 of
Wiscasset. The girls learned about being a female police
officer and had the opportunity to ask Kathy questions
during the meeting. Kathy even stayed to help the girls
out with a craft!
The girls presented Kathy with handmade cards and a
check for $250 for the Lincoln County Animal Shelter
where Kathy serves on the Board of Directors. The
donation was a portion of their cookie earnings and part
of “Give Back” badge. The troop will also donate $250
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A Thoughtful
Place to Sit
On September 5, Girl Scout Troop 2002 kicked off the
season by showing appreciation to the Mildred Stevens
Memorial Library in Appleton for hosting the troop’s biweekly meetings. The girls chose to give the library a picnic
table so that patrons may enjoy a book while sitting near
the St. George River. Pictured, l-r: front row - Emma, Lydia,
Abby, Riley, Zoe, Lily, Ava, and Kayla; middle row - Emily and
Maya; back row - Susan, Elaine, Victoria, Margaret,
and Denise.
Pillowcase Project
Girl Scout Brownie Troop 2080 from
Lisbon Falls had a fantastic time learning
valuable lessons by participating in
the Red Cross Pillowcase Project, a
terrific program designed to teach
young children about the importance
of disaster-preparedness in a fun and
constructive way.
Operation
Christmas Child
Troop 2138 of Greene packed 20
shoeboxes filled with toiletries, small toys,
games, coloring books, and crayons for
Operation Christmas Child. These boxes
will be sent to needy children around the
world.This is the 3rd year our troop has
sent boxes. Pictured: Kassidy, Alexis, Nora,
Olivia, Kilee, Zoe, Alexis, Savannah, and
Hailee. (Not pictured: Hannah
and Kimberly)
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Showing their
Girl Scout spirit
in Eagle Lake
Submitted by Morgan Wilson
Troop 50
This is our second year of Troop 50 in Eagle
Lake, but we have new leadership this year with our
leaders Danielle Valcourt, Jill Soucie, and myself. We
have a troop of 11 girls, ranging from grades 1-6.
The girls have participated in some amazing activities
this year. They visited the Francis Malcolm Science
Center to observe a rocket launch and discovered
some fascinating science activities. The girls made 50
Valentine’s cards for the local hospice care, and just
under 100 cat toys for our local animal shelter- PAWS.
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The girls were dedicated to a bottle drive after New
Year’s Eve to earn funds for badges and supplies.
Even though it was blistering cold and windy, the
girls trudged through to collect enough bottles to
earn $500!
What makes me most proud of this troop is how the
girl’s commitment to helping others spills over into
their everyday activities. I volunteer at the Eagle Lake
Elementary School, and I get to see them offer to help
the staff by washing the lunch tables, help the younger
students at recess, hold doors for each other, and
offer to help out on projects the ELES PTA is working
on. I am often approached by the girls asking when our
next meeting is because they have new ideas to share.
I love their spirit!
Keeping busy
with Cadettes!
Submitted by Terri Schlotterbeck
Troop 2133
Cadette Troop 2133 had a very busy winter. We
went caroling at The Lamp, an Alzheimer's Residential Care Facility
in Lisbon. One of our favorite requests was to sing Elvis. We'll have
to work on that for next year!
In January, we spent a weekend at the Farmhouse at Camp
Pondicherry. We had a blast snowshoeing, sledding, identifying
animal tracks in the snow, and doing crafts in the warm
Farmhouse. We cooked our own foods and played Beanboozled
after dinner. We had a lot of fun just hanging out and can't wait to
do it again!
We have also been working hard on the Cadette Media
Journey. We analyzed several TV commercials and magazine
advertisements. We learned how women and girls are often
inappropriately portrayed in media just to sell something. Why
don't producers realize that we are more than just a pretty face?!
To finish off the badge, we were invited to participate in a real
TV commercial for Smitty's Cinema. We can't think of a better
way to learn about media than to be a part of it! We got to just be
ourselves while they filmed us eating, playing the arcade games,
and watching a movie. And we didn't have to look like Hollywood
models or have our pictures photoshopped.
Later that month, we went to Aero Air indoor trampoline park to
celebrate our successful cookie sale. Our troop averaged 175
boxes per girl and two girls earned a free week at camp! We had
tons of fun flipping into the foam pit and eating from the yogurt
bar. (We were so happy to hear that Girl Scouts approved indoor
trampoline parks in Safety Activity Checkpoints this year!)
Our troop is looking forward to some community clean-up
projects this spring as the weather gets warmer. But what we
look forward to most is getting outside this summer and going
camping. See you on the trails!
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Wanderlust
By Taylor Jean Mailly
Ambassador Girl Scout
On June 24, 2015, a scared fifteen-year-old
girl clutched her passport in her hand, standing
at the entrance of Logan International Airport in
Boston. Surrounded by faces old and new, that
girl was about to go on the trip of a lifetime and
experience so many wonderful things. That girl was
me. Because of Girl Scouts, I had been given
the opportunity to take flight across
the Atlantic and experience cultures
similar but also so different from
my own.
Traveling with GSME’s girls
on the go program, this trip
included a 15-day excursion
across Europe, spending
time in England, France,
Switzerland, and Italy. By plane,
train, metro, bus and foot, I
saw that the world was within
my grasp, and I had the power to
take it all by storm. This trip made
me realize that travel is essential for a
healthy soul.
Why travel? The better question would be why
not travel? The benefits of travel are limitless,
but because of this trip, I’ve come up with five
reasons to share now!
1. Travel provides first-hand education.
On the trip, my group visited so many historical
places. Unlike reading from a textbook, being in the
same place as a historical figure allows history to
come to life. Whether it is about King Louis XIV or
Napoleon, traveling allows you to learn history in a
whole new way.
2. Travel connects you not only with
cultures, but with real people.
Not only did I connect with many individuals within
my travel group, but I met a ton of people from
other cultures, and embraced them just the same.
Whether it be a tour director, bus driver, shopkeeper
or chef, the people you meet will amaze you.
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3. Travel helps you gain leadership and
diplomatic qualities.
During travel, you will have to make choices. By
traveling with a group, I’ve become aware of how to
lead a group and ensure everyone is being heard.
These skills are essential in life, and travel helps
develop them.
4. Travel is beautiful.
I can’t even begin to touch on the
beauty of the Swiss Alps as the
sun sets behind them. The colors
of the pastel sky over Rome’s
cityscape are phenomenal. The
architecture of Paris buildings is
breathtaking. England’s rolling
countryside is like none else. You
cannot see these things at home
or even begin to touch on them in
photos. Go out and see it with your
own eyes.
5. Travel because we are the future.
As the future leaders, traveling will help you
understand the world as a whole and why things are
the way they are. You will learn about real issues and
what can be done to solve them. So, step out of your
comfort zone, get your passport, and go. Time waits
for no one, and to travel is to live.
girls on the go
Do you want to travel with your sister Girl Scouts
from Maine? Are in you in fifth grade or above? Then
it is time to look in to GSME’s girls on the go, a travel
group designed just for Maine girls! Girls going into high
school (age 14+) may travel internationally while girls in
middle school travel nationally.
Even if you’re not sure which trip interests you or if you want to travel
beyond 2020, you can still join girls on the go. Are you in seventh grade
and want to go on a graduation trip in 2021? Join now to meet other
girls interested in travel and earn money toward your trip over the next
four years!
Here are the trips we have in store!
2017 and 2020 – Savannah, Georgia:
Birthplace of the Girl Scouts: Visit the Girl Scout
First Headquarters and Juliette Gordon Low’s
Birthplace. (4 days: every 3 years.)
2017 – Italy & Greece:
Walk through the ruins of the Roman Forum
and the Acropolis in Athens. In Vatican City,
crane your neck in awe inside St. Peter’s
Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. In Delphi, look
deep into Greece’s mythical past. (10 days)
2018 – Service and Immersion
in the Dominican Republic:
With the help of many local organizations and
service themes, you have the opportunity to have
an impact on issues ranging from gender equality
to generational poverty to eco-tourism. It’s an
unforgettable way to explore island life while
making a meaningful difference in the community.
(8 days)
2019 –
London to
Lucerne:
Three European
cities. Two
WAGGGS
Centres. One
amazing tour.
(11 days,
every 4 years)
2020 – Costa Rica:
Touch of the Tropics: Delve into an
ecological paradise, walk amid lush
rainforests and beneath towering
volcanoes, hike deep into a misty
cloud forest, get up close to the
world’s most magnificent plant and
animal habitats, and see sensational
waterfalls and hot springs. (10 days)
2020 – Journey Down Under: Australia and New Zealand
boast exotic wildlife, beautiful nature, and fascinating indigenous
cultures. Experience the traditions of the Maori people at a Hangi feast. In
Sydney, see where the first Europeans set foot, and in Cairns, explore the
extraordinary Great Barrier Reef. (12 days)
For more information about girls on the go, go to girlscoutsofmaine.org
or send an email to travel@gsmaine.org
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Expedition
Acadia
Date:
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Location:
Acadia National Park
Time:
9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Levels:
Open to all ages
Register before May 31 for
the Early Bird price: $35 pp
Register by June 30: $40 pp
Register by July 31: $45 pp
Come kick off Girl Scouting’s 105th year, and
help us celebrate the 100th anniversaries
of Acadia National Park and the National
Park Service. Explore a Maine treasure,
Acadia National Park, while earning your Girl
Scout Ranger certificate through guided
experiences in and around the park. Join
your Girl Scout sisters from all over the state
of Maine at this special event.
Registration includes:
• Limited edition t-shirt
Want to complete your
Girl Scout Ranger badge?
Extend your stay to provide 5 hours
of service to the park on Sunday.
For more information about
accommodations and service
please email
14 opportunities,
acadia@gsmaine.org
• Acadia Centennial Patch with exclusive Girl Scout event patch
• Brown bag lunch
• Guided hikes and experiences
• Education in the park’s history and ecology
• Transportation around the island
All photos courtesy of Tammy Murray Photography
Choose your adventure!
Select one of these 13 exciting tracks!
Abbe Museum
(Note: Some tracks include an additional fee.)
Jordan Pond
Ship Harbor/Bass Light
Who lived in Acadia before it
was a National Park? Learn
about the history of Native
Americans in the area, do a
hands-on project, and tour
the Abbe Museum. Spend
time walking the paths around
the Sieur de Monts area that
inspired the founding of Acadia
National Park.
Level: ALL
Additional Cost: $5
Acadia Mountain
This hike is a combination of
challenging mountain hike three miles up Acadia Mountain
- and an easy walk on a fire road.
When you reach Somes Sound,
you will be rewarded with a
beautiful view of a waterfall.
Along the way learn more about
the environment of Acadia
National Park including geology
and plant identification.
Level: J/C/S/A
Camp Beech Cliff
Spend the day at Camp Beech
Cliff. Enjoy nature-based
games, hike Beech Mountain
and create artwork to help you
remember this special day.
Level: ALL
Cadillac Mountain
Experienced hikers, hike up
iconic Cadillac Mountain! This
hike is 3.5 miles up the South
Ridge trail to the top of Cadillac
Mountain. Learn about the
park’s wildlife, then enjoy your
view from the top while waiting
for your bus to pick you up.
Level: J/C/S/A
Explore the trails and carriage
roads around beautiful Jordan
Pond. Learn about the flora and
fauna and watch for signs of
beavers or for eagles soaring
above.
Level: D/B
Otter Cliff
Rock climb at one of Acadia
National Park's premier
climbing spots - Otter Cliff.
Acadia Mountain Climbing
School instructors will lead you
in this exhilarating experience.
This is a physically challenging
activity.
Level: C/S/A
Additional Cost: $45
Sand Beach/Great Head
Explore trails the intertidal zone
surrounding Sand Beach and
learn about the founding of
Acadia National Park as you hike
Great Head.
Level: J/C/S/A
Sea Princess
Hop aboard the Sea Princess
for a 2.5-hour boat cruise
exploring Acadia National Park,
guided by a local naturalist.
Stop on Little Cranberry
Island and tour the renowned
Islesford Historical Museum
while there. Cruise deep into
Somes Sound Fjord, the only
fjord of its kind on the East
Coast, for a spectacular view
of the vertical Eagle Cliffs rising
directly from the sea.
Level: ALL
Additional Cost: $20
Search & Rescue
Learn about search and rescue
techniques from experienced
professionals and go canoeing
with guides from Sunrise Canoe
and Kayak on Long Pond.
Level: J/C/S/A
Additional Cost: $20
Visit the Bass Harbor Light
and hike the Ship Harbor
Nature Trail. Learn about the
lighthouses in Maine and about
the wildlife found along the
Maine Coast.
Level: D/B
Three Stone Bridges
Start at the Brown Mountain
Gatehouse and learn about
the engineering of roads and
bridges in the park. Continue
either around the pond or
through the woods to check
out beautiful stone bridges
and a lovely waterfall on this
excursion.
Level: ALL
The Bubbles
This pretty hike up South
Bubble offers great views of
Jordan Pond and Bubble Rock.
Learn about the glaciers that
used to cover Maine. The hike
ends at Bubble Pond where you
can watch for loons and view
one of the stone bridges.
Level: J/C/S/A
Wildwood Stables
If you love horses, this is the
option for you! Take a horsedrawn carriage ride following
the famous and scenic carriage
roads that were originally
constructed by John D.
Rockefeller between 1913 and
1940. Spend time at the stables
and learn about the history of
Acadia's carriage roads and
Wildwood Stables.
Level: ALL
Additional Cost: $10
Special Guest,
Anna Maria Chavez
CEO of
Girl Scouts of the USA
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Our Chalet
By Greta Smallidge
Three months ago, I left the country of the
United States for the first time in my life. I flew
for eight hours and landed in Switzerland to live
at the first established World Center of
Girl Guides, Our Chalet.
As someone who was fresh out of high school,
it was a big leap to go where no one knew my
name. All around me, my fellow Girl Scouts
struggled with the decision to stay involved
in Girl Scouts after graduation. As my panic
rose about the trip, I began to question my
choice to stay on. I struggled with being so far
away from my home, a place I rarely left. I was
scared, in an unfamiliar place, with no one I
knew to give me comfort.
But despite these experiences, while in
Switzerland, I learned an incredible lesson
about life - one that I'll never forget.
I made lifelong friends with people who care so
much about me, and I them. I did things that I
would never have done back home, tried new
things that scared me, traveled spontaneously,
and had the unique opportunity to be whoever
I wanted with people that knew nothing about
what I had done before my arrival to the Chalet.
They didn't care at all where I had been, only
where I was going.
These girls became incredibly important to
me; they were some of the kindest, funniest,
most adventurous people I've ever met. As I
sit, typing this from the airport, my thoughts
are filled with my Chalet family - people who
will be in my memories for life, and who will be
my sisters for just as long. Had I decided not to
continue on with Girl Scouts, I would've passed
on this incredible opportunity, and would have
missed what I can honestly say was the best
three months of my life.
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Hard work, adventure, a family that will always
be there for me, and an important life lesson:
almost all great things start out scary. Never
miss an opportunity just because you're
scared of what it may bring, but take the
opportunity for that very reason. Working
with Girl Scouts after high school has taught
me an invaluable lesson and is something I'll
remember for my entire life.
Exploring all that
has to offer.
By Cathy Hunter
In June, Ambassador Troop 314 traveled to
London, England for a week of adventure.
The troop, including girls and advisors from
Durham, Lewiston, and Lisbon, planned the trip
over the course of the last four years to be a
graduation celebration. The troop conducted
their bridging ceremony on the see-through
glass-floored pedestrian walkway of the Tower
of London Bridge that is 143 feet above the high
tide mark of the Thames River. Numerous other
visitors to the attraction stopped to watch the
ceremony and inquire about Girl Scouting.
The troop spent their first day in London
touring the city, taking in sights such Big Ben,
Wellington Arch, and the London Eye, from the
top of a big red, open-air, double-decker bus.
The troop visited many of London's major
attractions, like the Victoria & Albert
Museum which is renowned for its artistic
treasures, the royal residence at Kensington
Palace, Westminster Abbey, where many
royal coronations have been conducted,
Shakespeare's Globe Theater, London Bridge,
and The Tower of London, a fortress on the
Thames River and currently home to the
crown jewels.
The Girl Scouts attended service at St. Paul's
Cathedral and stopped to feed the pigeons
afterwards as a nod to "Mary Poppins."
The Royal Mews, home of the royal horses,
carriages, and vehicles, was particularly
interesting as the guide, Sanjaya Punjabi,
brought the history of the Mews to life. The
troop also saw the changing of the guard
ceremony at Buckingham Palace, visited the
London Zoo, and took a riverboat cruise down
the Thames River.
No trip to London would be complete without
a stop at Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station
of the Underground, where the Harry Potter
attraction offers visitors an opportunity to
try getting through to the magical platform
with trains to Hogwarts. The troop also visited
London's Pax Lodge, one of four International
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts’
World Centres.
The London adventure also included trying out
some of the local food. Fish and chips, pot pies,
and traditional English breakfasts with scones
were just a few of the delicious foods on the
menu. Tea time was another delightful moment
for checking out London's diverse treats!
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Field of Dreams:
Girl Scout Day at the Sea Dogs!
Date: August 28
Time: 9:45-11 a.m.
Game starts at 1 p.m.
Location: Portland
Clinic for children in grades 1-12
Cost: $8/child for the clinic and game,
$6/family and friends game ticket
Registration deadline: August 10
Send summer off with a grand slam and join the Portland Sea Dogs for a day of fun at the ballpark.
Children will step up to the plate and work on hitting, pitching, base-running skills, and more with real
baseball players! Afterwards, girls, along with their family and friends, are invited to stay and watch
the game. Just want to attend the game? Purchase discounted tickets at the Girl Scouts' friends and
family price of $6 per person!
Boston Museum of
Science
Sign up for this popular overnight
program with hands-on science activities,
demonstrations, exploration, Omni Theater,
and a late night show. This is a girl event, and
adult participation must be limited to the
Safety Activity Checkpoints girl/adult ratio
guidelines.
GSME must receive your full attending
roster one month in advance. A 10%
administrative fee will be assessed for
all cancellations processed before the
registration deadline. Refunds will not be
granted after the deadline.
Fee: $55 per person
Date
June 4-5
June 10-11
18
LevelRegister by
B/J
May 4
B/J
May 10
!
s
t
u
o
Sun Fun
Date: June 4
Registration Deadline: May 17
Location: Hinckley
Levels: D/B/J
Cost: $6/girl, $0/adult
Learn about the sun and its energy. Observe
the sun with the museum’s safe solar
telescope and get a close-up look. Make sun
prints and discover the planets that move
around the sun. Journey Link: Get Moving!
Engineers to the Rescue
Date: June 4 - 5
Registration Deadline: May 18
Location: Dover, NH
Levels: J/C
Cost: $31/girl, $21/adult
Challenge yourself to think like an engineer
at Engineers to the Rescue at the Children’s
Museum of New Hampshire. Survival skills meet
science as you try to survive a (make believe)
camping trip in Yellowstone National Park.
Although scientists didn’t predict it, there is an
earthquake while you are camping. You and your
Girl Scout sisters must invent tools, like a windpowered crank, to retrieve your food, get help,
and survive the natural disaster.
Welcome to the
Daisy Flower Garden
Date: June 25
Registration Deadline: June 8
Location: Portsmouth, NH
Levels: D/B
Cost: $13/girl, $9/adult
Amazing Animals
Date: June 5
Registration Deadline: May 18
Location: Gray
Levels: D/B/J
Cost: $6/girl, $6/adult
Come to the Maine Wildlife Park, and learn
about some of the amazing animals that live
right here in Maine! Discover what makes a
wild animal different from a pet, learn about
animal habitats, and much more. If you like,
you may stay after the program to do more
investigating. Journey Link: 3 Cheers for
Animals, Badge Link: Pets, Animal Habitats
Join Mrs. Goodwin for a tour
of her Victorian Garden and
greenhouse, and make a
garden journal to take home.
Explore the gardens at
Strawbery Banke, and bring
the Daisy Flower Garden to
life as you interact with the
Daisy Flower Friend flowers!
Discover medicinal plants
in the teaching herb garden,
learn about heirloom plants
in the 19th-century Children’s
Garden, and visit a World
War II Victory Garden. This is
a great end-of-year activity.
Journey Link: Welcome to the
Daisy Flower Garden
19
B
!
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High Flying Adventure
Date: June 4
Registration Deadline: May 17
Location: Wiscasset
Levels: J/C/S/A
Cost: $20/girl, $20/adult
Come be part of the ultimate team-building
experience at Monkey C Monkey Do. Navigate
through more than 30 obstacles from 12 to 50
feet in the air, zoom along one of the five zip lines or the giant swing! The uniquely designed course
offers multiple levels of difficulty, no matter where your comfort level lies, you’ll have an experience
you won’t soon forget. Journey Links: aMaze, Mission: Sisterhood, Bliss
Rock-n-Raft
Dates: July 8-10
Registration Deadline: June 21
Location: Caratunk
Levels: S/A
Cost: $140/girl, $140/adult
Enjoy an exciting weekend of adventure and fun with Rock-n-Raft! Arrive on Friday night
and enjoy some of the activities at the Adventure Center, including an indoor climbing
wall! Spend Saturday rafting down the Kennebec River. Price includes all activities, two
night lodging in cabin tents, all meals on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday.
Fins and Fashion:
Tall and Small
Night at the Museum:
Tall and Small
Bring your favorite adult and join us for a
fun day in Boston. Visit the New England
Aquarium and take in an IMAX show.
Afterwards, hit the shops and get started on
back to school shopping. Bus transportation
is included with stops in Bangor, Augusta,
and South Portland.
Bring your favorite adult, and investigate owl skulls,
experience how bats hear with echolocation, and
play an interactive game to test your own night
navigation skills. After exploring the museum, sleep
in one of the exhibits, and enjoy a complimentary
breakfast in the morning. Journey Link: It’s Your
Planet-Love It!
Date: August 8
Registration Deadline: July 20
Location: Boston
Levels: B/J/C/S/A
Cost: $63/girl, $73/adult
20
Date: August 13-14
Registration Deadline: July 20
Location: Portland
Levels: D/B/J
Cost: $27/girl, $15/adult
Save the Date
Transforming
Leadership
November 5
Join us for this annual event for girls
in grades 6-12 and adults. Held at the
University of Maine in Orono. Spend
the day exploring your passions
through different workshops while
meeting other Girl Scouts. Learn
how you can make a difference in
your world now and in the future. For
Cadettes and above.
Haunted
Happenings
in Salem
October 22
Love Halloween, being spooked,
or learning about history?
Save the date on this bus trip
to Salem, MA!
For Juniors and up
GSME Goes to DC!
June 2017
Travel to Washington, DC to celebrate the
105th year of Girl Scouting! This trip is open
to GS Juniors and up; transportation to
and from DC and lodging in the area will be
arranged by GSME. Estimated cost of the 4
day, 3 night trip is $400-$475 per person.
pass
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Register early,
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Don’t forget
to check out
more exciting
programs in our
Compass or online at
girlscoutsofmaine.org
or
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1
You may notice that our programs have a
registration deadline. While it is important to
register before that date, it is also important to
remember that it is first come, first served, and
some programs fill up fast!
To register for our programs, just visit
girlscoutsofmaine.org, and click on eBiz.
You can also download a Program Registration
Form from our website. Don’t have web
access? That’s ok! Just call us at 888-922-4763
or drop by one of our service centers to pick
one up.
21
Your big bright smile, your fierce dedication, your no-limits
kindness—every little bit of it makes such a huge difference to the
girls you help shape, inspire, and fill with confidence every day
as a Girl Scout volunteer.
That’s why during this very special month, we’re reaching out to
say thank you, thank you, thank you! In case you didn’t already
know it, you truly take AWESOME to a whole new level,
and we’re so grateful for you.
Did you know that Girl Scouts of Maine has
almost 4,000 adult volunteers?
Our volunteers are special individuals who give their time, talent, and creativity to ensure our Girl Scouts get
the encouragement and gain the skills that they need to be successful in all their endeavors.
Our Volunteers are the reason Girl Scouts can continue to build girls of courage, confidence and character.
This April, and everyday, remember to thank your leaders, co-leaders, parents/guardians, and whoever else
helps you reach your Girl Scout goals!
Looking for support or
a place to share ideas?
Join us each week for
22
1st Wednesday
Special Topic
Wednesday Webinars,
2nd Wednesday
Daisies & Brownies
a great opportunity to
have a lively discussion
3rd Wednesday
Juniors & Cadettes
about Girl Scouts, and
Seniors,
Ambassadors & Outdoors
4th Wednesday
get great information you 5th Wednesday
Blue Moon Special
can use with your
Girl Scouts. These webinars are fantastic opportunities for new AND
experienced leaders! Listen in live or check out the recordings, which are
posted on our YouTube channel.
Interested in
participating in
our Wednesday
Webinars?
Send an email to
learning@gsmaine.org,
and we’ll send you details
on how to log in.
And don’t forget - join
“GSME Volunteer Swap!”
group on Facebook!
We want to make
this Girl Scout year
your best yet!
As we celebrate National Volunteer Month, we
want to express to you how grateful we are for your
tremendous dedication and loyalty to Girl Scouts.
Being a volunteer is a big job, and you always rise to the
occasion in the Girl Scout spirit!
We are working hard to create an improved Volunteer
Experience – we want to make it better, more manageable,
and more enjoyable for you to be involved. We’re going to
give you the resources you need when you need them in a way
that makes sense for your busy life, allowing you to spend more time
doing what you love most – working with girls!
We are excited to announce that coming this fall,
you’ll be able to use a new digital resource called the
Volunteer Toolkit, an app that will help save
you time, plan for success, and make every troop
meeting awesome!
For Daisy, Brownie, and Junior troops, the Volunteer
Toolkit comes with pre-populated plans for
everything— a full year of Girl Scouts right at your
fingertips. Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl
Scouts will be able to use this tool to help plan their
own meetings as well.
Everything in the Volunteer Toolkit is fully
customizable. You can add your own activities and
change their order with a quick drag-and-drop. You
can also report on troop finances, access your girl
and family roster, and track your girls’ attendance
and achievements.
No more hunting for the right activity or book—you’ve got
everything you need right on the app! Use it on your home computer,
tablet, or other mobile device—so convenient!
The Volunteer Toolkit (VTK) is just one of the many
fantastic improvements we have coming your way!
Be on the lookout for more information
coming soon!
23
By Robyn Sealander
Girl Scout Leader, Troop 625
Fellow Girl Scout volunteer Veronica
Bates and I were recently awarded the
Wellman-Leonard Our Cabaña Travel
Scholarship and on February 18, we
traveled to Cuernavaca, Mexico, for
an amazing, inspiring, life-changing
experience. We spent eight days in Mexico
and were joined by two Guiding volunteers
from Western Canada, as well as a group
of 33 Guiding volunteers from the United
Kingdom. Our ages ranged from 19 to 82,
so we were certainly a diverse group! Our
Cabaña is run by six paid staff members
and four volunteers. The volunteers were
energetic young women from Brazil,
Scotland, England and Australia.
The first four days of the trip were spent
at Our Cabaña, a beautiful compound
consisting of low-slung, red-tiled roof
buildings: dormitories, a dining hall,
a craft house, an activities building,
administrative offices, plus outdoor
features like the tennis court, a swimming
pool, and a brand new fire pit. The
beautifully maintained grounds are lush
and feature many native plants. The
buildings, most of which were built in
the 1950s, were constructed using
lava stones in the walls. The
weather was gorgeous - sunny
and in the 80s every day!
24
Veronica
and I were
so lucky to be
at Our Cabaña to celebrate World
Thinking Day 2016. We were joined by
about 60 Mexican Guides, many of whom
have their weekly troop meetings at Our
Cabaña. We learned about each others’
countries and traditions, gave each other
language lessons, played some very silly
games, and worked together on a service
project to bring a day of joy to a group
of local orphans. World Thinking Day
culminated in a fantastic campfire and
songfest, with each group taking turns
leading the singing. And I was happy to
find out that s’mores are an international
campfire treat!
Celebrating World Thinking Day at the
World Center, with a truly international
group of girls and women, was a deeply
moving experience for me. It meant so
much to witness firsthand the global
sisterhood that is Girl Scouting and
Girl Guiding.
The Wellman-Leonard
Fund was a fund set
up under former
legacy council Abnaki
by a generous donor,
providing an all expense
paid opportunity for
GSME volunteers to
travel to Our Cabaña,
the World Association
of Girl Guides and Girl
Scouts’ (WAGGGS)
World Centre in Mexico.
Two volunteers will be
selected to travel each
February to attend the
World Thinking Day and
Monarch Butterfly event.
Interested in applying?
Look for more
information later
in 2016.
25
Transforming Leadership Conference at UMO
(Rachael, Sarah, Aidan, Abby L, Jillian Abby G, Michelle)
Making Project Linus Blankets
(Rachael, Ayana, Sarah, Michelle, Ariana)
Sisterhood
Mission
By Senior Girl Scout Troop 1089,
Brunswick
Dinner at Miss Portland Diner after The
Nutcracker (Abby L, Ariana, Michelle, Abby
G, Sarah, Jillian, Lily)
Dutch Oven Cooking at
Camporee (Jillian, Ariana, Ayana)
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines sisterhood
as the “close relationship among women based on
shared experiences, concerns, etc.” As a Senior
Girl Scout Troop, we explored the concept and our
own definitions of sisterhood while completing the
Mission Sisterhood Journey. Could we be part of only
one sisterhood, or several sisterhoods at the same
time? How did those relationships help define us? How
do we make others feel welcome in our sisterhood or
was it truly just based on experiences, concerns, etc.
as the definition stated? These were just a few of our
questions as we started our journey along sisterhood.
“We represent sisterhood because we are there for
each other no matter what's going on in our personal
lives; we put our sisters first,” said Rachael. Others
defined sisterhood as “being there to encourage
one another through both the good times and tough
times.” Throughout our journey, we had a great time
camping, cooking, laughing, encouraging one another,
listening, and so much more. We even had a sleepover
to watch and discuss the movies, Girl Rising, and Half
the Sky as we examined other aspects of sisterhood.
We are not going to tell you what we discovered on our
journey, because it is personal to each of us and to our
troop, just as it would be to you and your troop. We do
challenge you to do the Mission Sisterhood Journey,
and make it your own journey along the way. Have a
great time exploring sisterhood!
Remember - sisterhood can also be defined as
“Counting on others and being counted on to make a
difference” – truly a Girl Scout idea!
26
Girls Change
the World
The Girl Scout Gold Award
Celebrating 100 years of changing the world!
Since 1916, Girl Scouts have been making meaningful,
sustainable change in their communities and around
the world. The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor
a Girl Scout can earn, acknowledges the power behind
each recipient’s dedication to not only empowering and
bettering herself, but also to making the world a better
place for others.
Girl Scouts who earn their Gold Award are courageous
leaders and visionary change makers. They are our future,
and it looks bright!
Have you earned your Gold Award, Golden
Eaglet, Curved Bar Award or First Class?
We would love for you to connect with us! Send us an
email at program@gsmaine.org. We can’t wait to hear
from you!
27
S
I
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F
I
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P
M
A
C
Trail
Master
Completely redesigned!
Camp sessions are still open,
but filling up fast!
You can now earn your Trail Master patches
in a new way! Each of the four Trail Master
levels allow you to achieve mastery each
year at camp. Build your skills in areas like
archery, boating, hiking, rock climbing,
outdoor living, sailing, swimming, and
nature. As a beginning camper, start by
sampling everything and as you return to
camp, build more skills in your favorite
areas to achieve all four Trail Master
levels. Start on your Trail Master journey
this summer!
Tremendous fun awaits you as you learn new skills, songs and games, and celebrate friendships around the
warmth of a campfire. But even more than that, our camps allow you to discover the courageous, confident,
independent, and all around awesome girl in you!
There is still some room in our one- and two-week sessions at Camp Pondicherry and Camp Natarswi.
Horses, archery cooking and more... whatever you are interested in, we have a camp session for you.
Don’t delay - save your spot today!
And don’t forget - camp is for everyone …even the littlest Girl Scout!
Start your camp journey at day camp this summer at Camp Pondicherry or Camp Scelkit! Join us at Day
Camp to discover friendships, fun activities, and the wonders of the natural world!
AND NEW THIS YEAR…Teddy Bears Overnight just for Daisies and Brownies! Bring your favorite teddy bear
as your buddy, and let’s have fun at camp for just one night at Camp Pondicherry. August 9-10 | $75 per girl
Camp is for all girls. Bring your non-Girl Scout sister, friend, or cousin to join in the fun!
Register for camp NOW!
Camp tuition payments are due by May 31!
Don’t miss the
Camp Open Houses
on Sunday, June 5
1:00 - 4:00 pm.
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Camp Pondicherry
Bridgton
Camp Natarswi
Millinocket
TH
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E
F
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B
E
Ke e p t h e
G
i
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g
n
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t
irl Scou
Troop and mini-camps
Registration is open!
ng
ng
o
l
r
e
m
all sum
!
Family and
Mini Camps
Bring your whole troop to camp and enjoy all that camp has to offer! Have fun on the water, get
artsy with the girls, take aim at archery, take a hike, roast s’mores and so much more. We will
plan and run all the activities and provide all meals. You bring your troop and we’ll bring the fun!
Troop and Mini-Camps are troop only sessions, and you’ll stay over in our platform tents.
Sessions are $100/person and take place in August and September at both Camp Pondicherry
and Camp Natarswi.
Family fun at family camp
Girl Scout camp isn’t just for girls – it’s for families too!
Our exciting camps have so many things for families to do…from traditional camp activities to just
kicking back and taking in the view. Thinking of an unforgettable adventure with your family? We
have great family camp opportunities with Me and My Dad and Stars and Stripes at Natarswi, and
Me and My Mom at Pondicherry.
Don’t miss these great events!
Helping Hands - Natarswi
Fall Overnight for Troops - Natarswi
September 24-25 | Grades 3-6 | $75 pp
C mpa
ss
Your gu
!
er ow
st N
gi mp
Re ca
r
fo
Spring Session | May 20-22 | Open to Troops, girls (grades 8+) & adults
Fall Session | October 7-9 | Open to Troops, girls (grades 8+) & adults
ide to
C a m p a great journey in Girl Sc
outin
Ed it io
n 2 0 16 g
Natarswi 80th Reunion Weekend
July 26-28 | Troop, Family, Friends | $85 pp
Check out all of our camp programs in our
Camp Compass or visit girlscoutsofmaine.org.
S a d d le
C
is the Bamp Life
est Lif
u p w it
e! 29
h the
Po ny
C e le b
rate N
at
Expre
ss
a
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In
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To kick off our 2016 membership year, we challenged
adult volunteers and girls to “Invite a Friend” to join Girl
Scouts, helping grow our fantastic Girl Scout family. Many
of our members participated and had fun doing it! Not
only did they receive some awesome incentives, but they
introduced more people to the wonderful world of
Girl Scouting.
A special shout out to the following adults and troops for
their dedication to help grow our Girl Scout family!
Adults
Desiree Bryant,
South Portland
Kim Buswell,
Buckfield
Aleighta Dowling-Ingraham,
Westbrook
Sarah Fields,
Lyman
Stacia Hanscom,
Portland
Kimberly Lee,
Wells
Krystiana Marcello,
Detroit
Victoria Noyes,
Skowhegan
Kneka Smith,
Portland
Katie Wales,
Sanford
Cynthia Willis,
Penobscot
TROOPS
30
Troop 1, Yarmouth
Troop 11, Cumberland
Troop 17, Pownal
Troop 70, South Gardiner
Troop 74, Brunswick
Troop 83, Fort Kent
Troop 120, Cape Elizabeth
Troop 152, Houlton
Troop 159, Hodgdon
Troop 161, Madawaska
Troop 228, Milford
Troop 291, Falmouth
Troop 422, Lamoine
Troop 722, Montville
Troop 726, Mapleton
Troop 811, North Vassalboro
Troop 918, Hiram
Troop 1089, Brunswick
Troop 1139, Vassalboro
Troop 1161, Biddeford
Troop 1175, Westbrook
Troop 1214, Gray
Troop 1409, South Portland
Troop 1504, Sebago
Troop 1739, Deer Isle
Troop 1756, Portland
Troop 1766, Portland
Troop 1807, Warren
Troop 1810, Lewiston
Troop 1887, Unity
Troop 1963, Naples
Troop 1988, Bangor
Troop 2002, Appleton
Troop 2274, Freeport
Troop 2275, Gray
Troop 2289, South Portland
Troop 2332, Cumberland
Troop 2352, Portland
Do you know someone
who would just LOVE
Girl Scouts? Invite
them to join today!
There’s
a fine line
between
showing
up &
standing
out.
For 150 years, our broad product offering
and proactive approach to innovation
and sustainability have made it possible to
deliver engaging experiences that help
brands stand out.
And that’s why they choose the fine line
of Sappi.
Visit sappi.com/na
Girl Scouts of Maine
138 Gannett Drive, South Portland, ME 04106
Nonprofit Org
US Postage
Paid
Portland, ME
04101
Permit No. 54
Bangor Service Center
359 Perry Rd Ste B
Bangor, ME 04401-6723
South Portland Service Center
138 Gannett Drive
South Portland, ME 04106
888-922-4763
info@gsmaine.org
girlscoutsofmaine.org
Summer Sale!
July 11-14 | 20% off gifts,
clothing and books.
(excludes: uniforms, insignia, awards, gift
cards, custom items and discounted tickets).
O
nlin
girl
sco
e sh
or v utsh
isit op.c op opp
e
one om
ing
of o /ma n 24
ur c ineoun cou 7!
cil s ncil
hop
s.
S
Are you a Girl Scout or entering a new level? Get your
Starter Kit with Free Bag at our council shops! Kit
includes tunic, vest or sash, insignia, Girl’s Guide to
Girl Scouting, and a choice of journey books.
Are you a returning Girl Scout? Get your Free Bag
when you purchase an Essential Kit, which includes an
age level book, Girl Scout branded clothing and other
items totaling $50!
hop
Inv
Jul entor
y2
5-2 y clos
ure
8