Diamonds Insider Happy New Year!

Diamonds Insider
VOLUME 1, ISSUE 5 | JANUARY 2016
SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:
Exciting New Troop Incentive
Shop 'til you drop!
Want to learn something new?
Exciting badge opportunities!
Cookie Tips and more!
Happy New Year!
Every new year, millions of us , thoughtfully and carefully craft
our New Year's Resolution, a tradition that has been around for
more than 4,000 years. Some resolutions are practical- eat
more veggies or stop drinking soda, while others are the stuff
that dreams are made of- record a hit song or win the lottery. Of
the estimated 40% of Americans that make a resolution, only
about 8% actually achieve it. So why do we do it?
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
A New Year's resolution is a decision to do or not do something
Product Sales
in order to accomplish a personal goal. It comes at a time when
Program
people look back at the past year and make an effort to improve
Outdoor Program
Shop
Get Crafty!
themselves as the new year begins. It's about taking what we
have done and imagining what we can do. It's hopefulness.
And sometimes, it's a child's very first attempt at goal setting.
Goal setting is a huge part of Girl Scouting. We reflect on the
previous year and set goals to do bigger and better things the
next year! The girls may want to earn more badges, take a trip,
or plant a community garden. Goal setting helps us to chart
their progression. The girls set the goals, they write them down,
make a plan and work towards a shared dream for the year. It
is a fantastic thing to see- sparkly eyes full of hopefulness.
With the beginning of each new year also comes cookie
season. Goal setting is and should always be a part of your
troop's cookie program. The cookie program is what helps fund
those big goals they set for the year. Using their plan for the
year, you can create real tangible goals for their cookie
program. How many boxes of cookies do we need to sell to go
to the BIG! event in Northwest Arkansas? How many boxes will
it take to pay for the badges we want to earn?
Have the girls create realistic and attainable goals, write them
down, make a troop chart, and brainstorm how to achieve them.
Cooperation and teamwork- when you help girls set and reach
their goals for the cookie season, they learn important skills for
life.
And hopefulness.
Did you know?
People with written goals are 50% more likely to
achieve than people without goals
The act of writing down a goal down in is a very
powerful motivator
Sharing your goals with friends is proven to increase
the chances of you achieving your goal
Reading your goals helps you to visualize success in
achieving them.
Membership
Happy New Year!
Cookie Season is almost here and that means we have another
great opportunity for recruitment!
Girls will be out in their communities selling door to door and at
cookie booths- it is one of our most visible times of the year.
This is when parents see how awesome our girls and
volunteers are and how much fun we have. They will get
excited and want their daughters to be a part of Girl Scouting.
Here are a few tips:
Create an info board about your troop or local service
unit to display at your cookie booth
Ask your Membership Recruiter for flyers that can be
handed out while selling or at your cookie booth
Be prepared to talk about the Girl Scout Leadership
Program
Prepare girls to answer questions about their troop and
Girl Scout Program
Smile and have FUN!
Exciting News for Brand New Troops in 2016
We realize that the first year experience for a troop is crucial to
the
retention of its leaders.
Additionally, extra support and
resources could make a huge
difference in that experience.
Thanks in part
to recommendations from our existing leaders,the council will
be offering a New Troop Starter Kit for new 2015-2016 troops.
This kit will contain mission critical items to get these new
leaders started off on the right foot.
This initiative is a limited supply offer and retroactive for all new
2015-2016 troops. If you have any questions please contact
your regional volunteer specialist or email
training@girlscoutsdiamonds.org.
Product Sales
More Fall Product Contest Winners!
25 Service Units increased their 2015 sales 10% over their
2014 sales!
The following Service Units have earned $50 in SU
Proceeds:
Maple - Fort Smith
Huntsville - Fayetteville
Clay County - Jonesboro
Faulkner County - Little
Rock
Piney Bayou - Pine Bluff
Evergreen - Texarkana
165 Troops increased their 2015 sales 10% over their 2014
sales!
The following troops have earned $30 in Cookie Cupboard
Credit:
Troop 4280 - Red Oak Service Unit - Fort Smith
Troop 5850 - Ozark Diamonds Service Unit - Fayetteville
Troop 3167 - Green Service Unit - Jonesboro
Troop 6847 - White/Woodruff Service Unit - Little Rock
Troop 1150 - Piney Bayou Service Unit - Pine Bluff
Troop 2293 - Melonvine Service Unit - Texarkana
________________________________________________________________
Kick off the New Year with Girl Scouts by participating in
our Cookie Program! Family & friends will have the
opportunity to enjoy cookies while girls enjoy their
rewards! The Cookie Program begins Saturday, February
13th!
Cookie Reward Sneak Peak
For selling 500+ boxes, girls can earn:
Girl Scout Cookie Oven & 1
Deluxe Refill Package OR
$75 toward Resident Camp
Important Product Dates
Thursday, January 7th
Service Unit Product Manager Cookie Training
Monday, January 11th - Sunday, January 17th
Girl Rewards Shipped to Service Unit Product Managers
Friday, January 15th
Fall Product Draft #2
Monday, January 25th
Other Girl Rewards Available for Pick-up at Regional
Offices
Save the Dates
2016 Trainer Retreat and
Diamonds Spring Training
Saturday, February 13
Cookies Sales Begin!
(Initial Order and Online Sales)
Friday, February 26th - Sunday, February 28th
National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend
The Trainer Retreat will be adding
something
new this year, Don't miss it!
This volunteer weekend will be packed
with education and adventure. Open to all
volunteers and volunteer trainers.
March 18-20, 2016
Volunteer
The Volunteer Experience Department holds training's and
events year-round for adult volunteers. All training's and events
can be found on our website calendar, where you can also
register.
5th Annual Diamonds
Fall LEAF Retreat
Camp for Grown-ups!
October 7-9, 2016
Upcoming Training's:
New Leader Fundamentals
New Leader Fundamentals is an in-person class designed to
help new leaders feel comfortable beginning a new troop. It
covers troop start-up, finances, parent involvement and helpful
tips to develop your troop.
Free and available in all regional offices
January 21
February 18
March 17
Venture Out II
This class must be taken prior to any troop travel at a camp with
fire building necessity. $20
February 27- 28
Camp K. Kemp, Texarkana, AR
March 5-6
Camp Crossed Arrows
Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards
Awards training for leaders and girls
Free
January 21- 9:30am
Fort Smith Office
January 23- 9am
United Methodist Church, Harrison
Girl Scouts, Attention!- Flag
Training
This class teaches flag
ceremonies and protocol
$5
January 23- 1pm
United Methodist Church, Harrison
Sing It! Play It!- Songs and Games
Training
Learn new and traditional girl scout
songs and games $5
January 23- 4pm
United Methodist Church, Harrison
ATTENTION Diamonds Council Volunteers!
Time has flown by, and here we are on the cusp of 2016! With
the new year comes the anticipation of our Annual
Adult Recognition's Ceremony. For those who are unaware,
any adult volunteer is eligible for adult recognition's, and any
adult Girl Scout can nominate a volunteer for recognition.
Although volunteers do not give of their time in an effort to be
recognized, the recognition process is a very important part of
the volunteer experience. When a volunteer is recognized for
going above and beyond, they will inevitably be re-energized
and more motivated to continue to excel in their volunteer role.
It also creates awareness for other volunteers to see the
wonderful things others are doing, and potentially motivate
them to do more.
That being said, please take a minute to review the
recognition's information on our website, consider all the
fabulous volunteers in our Council, and nominate someone
who is doing an exceptional job in their volunteer role.
Awards are given for outstanding contributions that have made
a significant impact on girls. The Diamonds Council hosts an
annual award luncheon to recognize national and council
award recipients. It is held at the Girl Scouts Annual Meeting in
July.
GSUSA Adult Recognitions
Appreciation & Honor pins
Juliette Gordon Low World Friendship Medal
Numeral Guard and Years of Service
Presidents Award
Thanks I & Thanks II Badge
Volunteer of Excellence
Diamonds Council Adult Recognitions
Arkansas Governors Volunteer of Excellence Award
Myrna Vinson Award
Sally Sharpe Training Award
Leader of the Year Award Rookie of the Year Award Volunteer
of the Year Award
Presidential Volunteer Service Award
Please feel free to contact the volunteer specialist in your area
with any questions you may have. Email
recognitions@girlscoutsdiamonds.org.
Program
January Events:
Name: Amazeum Brownie Household Elf Badge Workshop
Date: January 9, 2016
Time: 9:30 - 11: 30 & 1:00 - 3:00
Where: Scott Family Amazeum
Level(s): B
Cost: $15
Contact Information: Alysson Lefler alefler@girlscoutsdiamonds.org
Event Description:
In this STEAM workshop, save the planet one earth-friendly
choice at a time! To earn this badge you will explore the world
of reducing, reusing, and recycling...just don't blow away when
we play with wind energy! Once you've completed the
workshop the only thing left is to buy the Household Elf badge
from your council store!
Name: MLK Day of Service
Date: 1/12/16-1/26/16
Where: Council Wide
Level: All
Cost: $2
Contact Information: Regina VonTungeln | 501-291-6264
Event Description:
MLK Day of Service is a special day when Girl Scouts around
the council come together to work on and complete a service
project. Service projects come in all shapes and sizes. Some
are sponsored by single organizations, while others involve
wide-ranging partnerships of charities, communities of faith,
government agencies, and businesses. Some take place at the
most local level (school or a street), while others are citywide.
Some are designed as single-day projects, while others
continue long into the future. MLK Day of Service is on January
19. However, service projects may take place within that week
including the weekend before or after January 15th. So, choose
a date and time that works best for your troop or service unit.
Name: Girl Scouts Women's Basketball Night
Date: January 17, 2016
Time: 1:30 - 4:00
Where: Bud Walton Arena
Level(s): All
Cost: $2
Contact Information: Alysson Lefler alefler@girlscoutsdiamonds.org
Event Description:
Girls of all ages are invited to cheer on the Razorback Women's
Basketball team as they take on the Missouri Tigers! Girls who
attend this game will be a part of the fan tunnel as the Lady
Backs run onto the court and will earn their Razorback patch!
Name: Girl Scouts Women's Basketball Night
Date: January 31, 2016
Time: 1:30 - 4:00
Where: Bud Walton Arena
Level(s): All
Cost: $2
Contact Information: Alysson Lefler -
alefler@girlscoutsdiamonds.org
Event Description:
Girls of all ages are invited to cheer on the Razorback Women's
Basketball team as they take on the Missouri Tigers! Girls who
attend this game will be a part of the fan tunnel as the
LadyBacks run onto the court and will earn their Razorback
patch!
February Events:
Name: Amazeum Junior Detective
Badge Workshop
Date: February 6, 2016
Time: 9:30 - 11:30 & 1:00 - 3:00
Where: Scott Family Amazeum
Level(s): J
Cost: $15
Contact Information: Alysson Lefler alefler@girlscoutsdiamonds.org
Event Description:
Ever wondered if you have what it takes to be a real detective?
In this STEAM workshop, earn your Detective badge by
learning the tools of the trade, following clues, and solving a
thrilling mystery! Once you've completed the workshop the only
thing left is to buy the Detective badge from your council store!
Name: Destination: Girl Scouts!
Date: February 6, 2016
Time: 10:00AM - 3:00PM
Where: Arkansas Tech University - Williamson Building
1205 N. El Paso Ave. Russellville, AR 72801
Level(s): C, S, A
Cost: $10.00
Contact Information: Angela Kirk akirk@girlscoutsdiamonds.org
Event Description:
Adventure a waits at Destination Girl Scouts at Arkansas Tech
University. Become a chef and create your own exotic cuisine.
Prepare for your musical debut as you play instruments from
across the globe. Plan your own journey through GSUSA and
Diamond's opportunities. Prepare yourself for the trip of a
lifetime at Destination: Girl Scouts!
Special Notes:
Wear closed toe shoes
Activities may get messy so wear appropriate clothing for
cooking
Adults will be kept to safety ratio and adults in attendance
will be working as volunteers with assigned tasks
throughout the day
Name: JBU GirlSports Day
Date: February 13, 2016
Time: 8:30 AM
Where: John Brown University - Bill George Arena
Level(s): B, J, C
Cost: $7
Contact Information: Alysson Lefler alefler@girlscoutsdiamonds.org
Event Description:
Basketball, Volleyball, and Soccer...OH MY! Girls will be active
at the JBU Girl Sports event! Student athletes from John Brown
University will work with the girls to learn new skills and teach
them the rules of the game! Brownies, Juniors, and Cadettes
will learn the importance of eating healthy and staying hydrated
with Rhonda Fincher from Kendrick Fincher Hydration for Life.
Cadettes will tour the campus and learn more about JBU!
Lunch and fun patch are included!
**Everybody must be wearing closed toe shoes and easy
to move in clothing to participate. Please bring water bottle
that can be refilled.
Other Programs
Gamma Sigma Gamma
Gamma Sigma Gamma is a division of the Girl Scouts Diamonds council that is offered to High School girls 9th - 12th
grade. Similar to a sorority, the purpose of Gamma Sigma
Gamma is to bring girls together through the bond of sisterhood
to learn about leadership, service opportunities, and how to
take their next steps after high school.
Through Gamma Sigma Gamma, girls will have the opportunity
to interact with other girls with similar interest. They will make
lasting friendships through serving their community, touring
colleges, and planning activities together.
If you are interested in starting a chapter of Gamma Sigma
Gamma in your area or joining an area with an existing chapter
please email us at
gammasigmgamma@girlscoutsdiamonds.org
Gold Silver and Bronze
Training Dates:
January 21
Fort Smith
January 23
Harrison
February 6
Jonesboro
March 10
Fayetteville
April 9
Little Rock
April 21
Texarkana
Girl Scout Gold Award
The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award a girl
member can earn. Since 1916, Seniors and
Ambassadors (grades 9-12) have successfully answered
the call to Go Gold! An action that Indelibly marks them as
accomplished members of their communities and the
world.
Girl Scouts Silver Award
The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest award a Girl
Scout Cadette, grades 6-8, can achieve. This award
celebrates Girl Scouts who are dedicated leaders who are
determined to improve their community.
Girl Scout Bronze Award
The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest honor a Girl
Scout Junior can achieve. This award celebrates Girl Scout
Juniors who strive to make a difference in their community.
For more information contact April Schnieder at
aschneider@girlscoutsdiamonds.org
Girl Scout Ranger Program
The National Park Service and Girl Scouts of the United States
of America have partnered to create the Girl Scout Ranger
Program.
To learn more please click here.
NEW Program Partners - don't forget to check the website
for a full list!
University of Arkansas - Gymnastics
Date: February 26, 2016
Price: TBD
Description:
Save the Date! Razorback Gymnastics is hosting a Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts - Diamonds or Arkansas,
Oklahoma and Texas
Night!
Contact Alysson Lefler at alefler@girlscoutsdiamonds.org for
more information!
Corporate - Little Rock
11311 Arcade Drive
Whole Foods - Little Rock
Little Rock, AR 72212
On - Going
Local: (501)758-1020
Toll Free: (800)632-6894
Description:
Fax: (501)758-9656
Whole Foods is excited to customize a program for your troop!
Programs include: healthy eating store tour, cooking classes,
Fayetteville
how to shop on a budget and plan meals, where does our food
2080 East Joyce Blvd.
come from, etc.
Fayetteville, AR 72703
Contact: Sara Fulton-Koerbling at 501- 221-2331
Local: (479)695-1818
Toll Free: (800)632-6894
Fort Smith
5705 Gordon Lane
Fort Smith, AR 72903
Outdoor Program
Local: (479) 452-1290
Join us at Camp Crossed Arrows on February 26th-28th
Toll Free: (800) 632-6894
for Survivor- CCA Style
Fax: (479) 452-3365
This encampment is open to Cadette, Senior and Ambassador
Jonesboro
troops and individual girls in those levels. Cost is $20 per girl
3434 One Place
and $15 per adult. All meals provided.
Jonesboro, AR 72404
Local: (870) 932-2833
We will kick off Girl Scout week at Camp Cahinnio with a
Toll Free: (800) 632-6894
Carnival encampment on March 6th-8th!
Fax: (870) 932-2834
Weekend and day-only options available and the event is
Pine Bluff
open to all levels.
3300 Taloha Road
Pine Bluff, AR 71603
*Venture Out II is needed to attend either encampment
Local: (870) 534-8563
overnight.
Toll Free: (800) 632-6894
Fax: (870) 534-8571
Radford House will host the Spring Break Day Camp March
22-24th for Daisy, Brownie and Juniors.
Texarkana
1811 Arkansas Blvd.
Cadette, Senior and Ambassadors are welcome to volunteer
Texarkana, AR 71854
and will enjoy an overnight exclusively for them when we wrap
Local: (870) 773-2151
up the day camp. Cost is $40 per D/B/J and $15 per C/S/A.
Toll Free: (800) 632-6894
Fax: (870) 773-0922
Contact Linda Archer at
larcher@girlscoutsdiamonds.org for more information on
any of the above programs!
NEW at Camp Crossed Arrows and Camp Cahinnio, and
available only to registered Girl Scout troops!
To celebrate the new Outdoor Badges released for Girl Scouts
this year, troops can now schedule their own Horseback Riding
or Archery Badge Workshops on our Council properties! The
Horse workshop can be scheduled at Camp Crossed Arrows
by troops of every level at a cost of $10 per girl, and will
last approximately 5 hours. Archery can be scheduled at Camp
Crossed Arrows or Camp Cahinnio by troops of Juniors and
older at a cost of $5 per girl, and will last approximately 2 hours.
All the Junior Horseback Riding Badge and Cadette Archery
Badge requirements will be completed. Contact us at 870-2511292 to check available dates for your troop's very own
workshop! Reservations are required a minimum of 3 weeks in
advance.
Contact Jillian Taylor at jtaylor@girlscoutsdiamonds.org or
870-251-1292 with any questions about the horse
program!
Shop
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Our shop staff is ready to get back to work. Please keep in mind
our shops have everything you need to get your troops ready
for official ceremonies, Troop meetings and don't forget cookie
sales and booths are just around the corner!
February 1, 2016 the NEW Rotating Merchandise Display
Arrives in your local shop.
Next month is Girl Scouts National Thinking Day on February
22, 2016. Check our shops first for cool Thinking Day patches.
We still have popular sizes in warm weather gear in our flannel
PJ pants and shorts. Our branded Diamonds Navy Sweatshirt
or Girl Scouts fleece pullover will keep you warm at any event
or cookie booth later on. Hurry in TODAY these items are
almost gone and the cold weather will be here before you know
it.
Deals & Steals during January:
(In Store Only)
BUY NOW! Save Later!
Spend $75 in January receive a $10 Coupon to redeem in
February (check in store or on our website for rules and
regulations, different from GSUSA online rules and regulations)
Semi Annual Sale begins January 11, 2016
Buy One Get One and Gift With Purchase specials to be
announced in mid January.
January's Item Promo:
Girl Scouts shorthand girl and adult age level polo shirts JUST
$9 a Savings of $3.
Thank you for your continued support and patronage.
Girl Scouts - Diamonds Shop Staff
Get Crafty!
Cookie Concession Box
(www.littlebrowniebakers.com)
Materials:
Lid from a box, like
the kind used for
computer paper or
copy paper
Markers or colored
pencils
Ruler
15 feet of ribbon (at
least 1.5 inches
wide)
Scissors
Glue
Stapler
Clip art
Construction:
1. Place the box lid with the edges up to create a tray.
2. Cut the ribbon into two 7.5-foot lengths.
3. Using a ruler, measure 2 inches from edge of front and 2
inches from the edge of the back for ribbon placement.
With a pencil, lightly mark a placement line.
4. Next, locate the center of the box and place a mark
across each ribbon placement line.
5. Fold each piece of ribbon in half. Place the ribbon's fold
on the center of the placement line and glue in place along
the bottom and sides. Repeat with the second ribbon.
6. Staple the ribbon to the edges of the box to reinforce the
sides.
7. After attaching the ribbons, creatively decorate the
sides.
8. Tie the ribbons, adjusting the length to fit.
9. Start selling more delicious Girl Scout cookies!
About Girl Scouts - Diamonds of Arkansas,
Oklahoma and Texas
Girl Scouts - Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas provides the
premier leadership program for girls in 79 counties. The Diamonds
Council serves all counties in Arkansas, except Crittenden; Adair,
LeFlore and Sequoyah counties in Oklahoma; and Cass and Bowie
counties in Texas. Our outcomes-based program model empowers girls
to develop life and leadership skills they will use for the rest of their
lives.
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character,
who make the world a better place.
Find us online @
girlscoutsdiamonds.org
Cookie Songs
COOKIE TIME
(Tune: The Chipmunk Christmas Song)
Girl Scout cookie time is here!
Cookies come but once a year.
They taste good and they last
In your freezer - freeze them fast!
Our Thin Mints will make ya flip!
Help me earn a camping trip!
You should buy a case today
Before they go away!
BUY THIN MINTS
(Tune: Jingle Bells)
Buy Thin Mints!
Buy Thin Mints!
Buy a box today!
They're only here once a year
Then they go a-way!
Buy Thin Mints!
Buy Thin Mints!
Other flavors too!
We have them all here today!
So buy some please, won't you?