GSMemberShip

World Thinking Day

2011-02-22T11:38:00.000-08:00

"Be a sister to every Girl Scout" is the last part of the Girl Scout Law and such an important part of being a Girl Scout. World Thinking Day, celebrated on February 22, is a great opportunity for girls to honor their Girl Scout sisters around the world. This special day is a chance for girls to participate in games, activities and projects with global themes that can connect them with different cultures and step in the shoes of a Girl Scout sister in another country.

This year's Thinking Day theme is "Empowering girls will change our world." Hearing this phrase gives me goosebumps! Being part of Girl Scouts where girls are empowered and they grow to become leaders is really special. To provide the resources, support and encouragement to girls is something to really be proud of. With all the different volunteers and girls we have had throughout 150 countries of Girl Scouting, it is astonishing to think about all the lives that have been changed through this sisterhood! There are countless testimonies of how girls have changed the world and that is really something to celebrate on this year's Thinking Day.

Posted by Jackie Franklin

Fetch... Oh Fetch....!!!

2011-02-11T07:41:00.000-08:00

FETCH! Motion Picture is a STEM based science activity I shared with twenty-one 1st and 2nd graders at Ellen G. Loftis Elementary School in Muskegon Heights. FETCH! is science, engineering and a fun way of engaging girls through programming in schools! This "kid-tested and kid-approved" program offers activity guides, online games, podcast and video clips and is a partner with PBS kids.

This 6-week program at Loftis, is a creative and exciting way to expose these Girl Scouts to fun while learning about science. For one-hour, we talked about movies and how they were first created. We talked about some popular kid movies like "Tangled", "Alvin and the Chipmonks 2 - Squeakquel" and others. Then with 2 hole-punched index cards, 2 rubber bands and markers and crayons, they went to work to create their own "Squeakquel" of Alvin in a cage! Talk about having fun learning about science! We had a ball!!!

Whether you're a teacher, afterschool provider, a principal, a mom, a dad, or just someone who loves kids and want to share science activities with them, the FETCH! program is a way to bring fun and educational learning to Girl Scouts!

Posted By: Kishen Newton

Uniquely ME!

2011-02-10T05:35:00.000-08:00

Have you ever thought about just how unique you are? Very few girls take the time to really appreciate their beauty inside and out. Girl Scouts is offering a six week program titled "Uniquely ME/Dove Self -Esteem Program" to 4th and 5th graders at Martin Luther King Leadership Academy. Every other week the girls learn a valuable lesson about self-esteem. This week's lesson was Titled "Me and the Media". During the lesson the girls wrote an advice column to explore how the media influences the way they think about themselves. They also explored ways to deal with negative pressures they my be experiencing and feeling. It was awesome to hear the girls give strong positive advice to other girls about being comfortable in their own skin.

During the program we shared some interesting statistics. Did you know the average US girl has the opportunity to see approximately 77,546 commercials by the time she is 12 years old? Girls who watch TV commercials that feature underweight models lose self-confidence and become more dissatisfied with their own bodies. Wow..... Media is a powerful influence.

We also asked the girls to reflect on a few things like the messages they receive when they watch TV, see magazines, billboards etc. In addition, we also asked them to think about the messages they receive from family, friends, classmates. The feedback was both positive and negative.

We reminded them the importance of being comfortable with themselves, and more importantly, as a Girl Scout to be an example to other girls that need kind words, and a positive influence!

The girls enjoyed the lesson and so did I! I am looking forward to the next lesson!

Posted By: Lesa Hardiman

Brownies Exploring the World

2011-02-07T09:42:00.000-08:00

This past Saturday over 80 Brownie Girl Scouts explored the world and found out how to be a good citizen in America. It was so neat to see so many girls show up with enthusiasm for the day! It made me very excited to hear that some girls had been brushing up on their geography before they came because they were so excited. The girls were able to discover some of the activities their Girl Scouts sisters in Finland, Morocco and England do; as well as practicing voting and understanding discrimination. It was really awesome to see second and third graders already understanding how they can make the world a better place by voting and stopping discrimination. Some of the activities seemed so simple but we all learned a lot as we participated in the activities through a young girl's eyes. Hearing the girls share how they are alike and what makes them unique really gets you to think about how we are all sisters through Girl Scouting and we all have so many unique things about us that make us special. It's always powerful to end the day with a huge Girl Scout Friendship Circle where young girls can join hands and all be part of the same circle. It puts a smile on your face to see all the different girls that can come together and have the same Girl Scout bond.

Posted By: Jackie Franklin

I Tube, YOUTUBE!

2011-01-28T07:56:00.000-08:00

It's the one of the world's most popular personal talent(or lack thereof) show destinations. From dogs who skateboard to Dancing with the Star Wars Stars, it's all here. Things that make you go "hmmmmm.." to things that make you go "ugh!" you can find it all on this digital media megaplex where you can "broadcast yourself" or someone else. Think you have what it takes to make your debut on YouTube? Then enter to win the GSMISTS YouTube video competition! This contest is running until April 1st for the best video featuring a service unit or troop who puts on the best commercial or infomercial about Scouting, what makes it fun, and why people should join. The winning entry will receive a full page spread on the Membership blog page, and the honor of having their video be used as the official video of Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore To Shore's Membership Team, in addition to other great prizes! Videos can be up to 5 minutes long, and should be submitted to lhardiman@gsmists.org. The clock is ticking, so get your entry in today, and prepare to go viral the Girl Scouts way!

Posted By: Kevin Davis

Did You Know.....

2011-01-28T06:34:00.000-08:00

I was talking to my sixth grade daughter and her friend last night about Girl Scouts. They have been in a troop since first grade. Middle School happened, and their troop disbanded. I would like to see these girls continue in Girl Scouts throughout high school, because I know of all the benefits and opportunities they can be exposed to, but they have no idea. I realize many of our leaders don't know this information either. We need to spread the word to leaders, parents, educators, etc. to tell them girls don't need to drop girl scouts from their schedule because the leader's daughter- therefore the leader, doesn't want to continue. With all the Pathway options, it is easy for girls to stay in Girl Scouts! Let's not lose this opportunity- a disbanding troop shouldn't mean the end of the Girl Scout experience, it a continuation of a great girl experience.

Posted By: Mary Tinker

It's Your Story Tell It!

2010-12-20T08:18:00.000-08:00

Stories can tell so much about our lives—our likes, desires and dreams. Through Girl Scouts’ newest journey, “It’s Your Story—Tell It!” girls hear stories, share stories and create stories, while gaining confidence and and learning they can make a difference as leaders in their own lives and in the world.

5 Flowers, 4 Stories, 3 Cheers for Animals! - Daisy Journey Book. In this journey, Girl Scout Daisies enjoy a fictional story about their flower friends. They learn just how much they can care for animals and for themselves and how confi dent that makes them feel.

A World of Girls - Brownie Journey Book. In this fun flip-book format, one side is devoted to fictional stories that take the Brownie girl characters to diverse places in the world. The other side has stories of real-life Brownies exploring their world closer to home. Through the journey’s many adventures, anecdotes, and activities, girls follow through on clues and enjoy a fun and challenging Girl Scout experience that strengthens their confi dence and gives them a chance to better the world.

aMUSE - Junior Journey Book. In aMUSE, Juniors gain an understanding of just how limitless their potential can be as they combine storytelling with the many roles—real and creative—that the world offers. Girls will have fun trying on roles and learning about people and the power of real-life action and leadership.

MEdia - Cadette Journey Book. Cadettes put the “me” in MEdia as this journey encourages them to explore the multi-media world around them and then remake media to better match the reality they know. Along the way, Cadettes become aware of the value of media, its limitations and effect, and the power they have to lead and inspire others.

BLISS Live It! Give It! - Ambassador Journey Book. In this journey, Ambassadors dream big, now and for the future, while encouraging others to dream big, too. They explore their values, strengths, and passions as a way to open doors to wonderful new adventures. Designed as a flip-book, Bliss: Live It! inspires girls to pursue their dreams while Bliss: Give It! encourages girls to assist others in pursuing theirs.

MISSION: SISTERHOOD! - Senior Journey Book. In MISSION: SISTERHOOD, Seniors widen their networks and ignite the energy of sisterhood to create real change in the world. As Seniors expand their friendship borders, they boost their own confi dence and make the most of their leadership skills.

Don’t Forget The Girl Scout Journeys...
Each companion guide for adult volunteers offers key information about the journey, its awards, and its leadership benefi ts, along with step-bystep sample plans for sessions with girls. The adult guides also feature Girl Scout history, tips for getting out in the great outdoors, details about how to add your own “bells and whistles” to the journeys in partnership with girls and unique activity sheets.

“How-To-Guide” / Journey Book Sets
NEW! How To Guide Daisies and 5 Flowers, 4 Stories, 3 Cheers for Animals! Girl’s Book Set. 67720. $15.00.
NEW! How To Guide Brownies and A World of Girls Book Set. 67721. $15.00.
NEW! How To Guide Cadettes and MEdia Girl’s Book Set.67723. $15.00.
NEW! How To Guide Seniors and MISSION: SISTERHOOD! Girl’s Book Set. 67724. $15.00.
NEW! How To Guide Ambassadors and BLISS Live It! Give It! Girl’s Book Set. 67725. $15.00.
NEW! How To Guide Juniors and aMUSE Girl’s Book Set. 67722. $15.00.

Remember, It's Your Story Tell It... The world is waiting to hear from you!

2010-12-06T07:23:00.000-08:00

IT'S YOUR JOURNEY - TAKE IT!

1. Customize!
Journeys provide “sample sessions” to give girls and volunteers ideas about experiences, discussions, and earning awards so that the “whole” feels like one big adventure. The adult books corresponding to the journeys contain many examples and encouragements to engage volunteers in creating the journey experience with girls. The journey will be much more fun and relevant as girls make it their own!

2. Stretch!
Sample sessions in the journeys have been created to show how it is possible to have a Girl Scout leadership experience in 6-8 gatherings. Many girls and volunteers will quickly find there is more they will want to do! Those who have more time in Girl Scouts (a whole troop year perhaps!) can make the journey longer. The journey books are filled with tips for out to stretch out the experience. As their imaginations take hold, girls will have many more ideas about how to extend the journey with guidance from volunteers.

3. Link!
Through the It’s Your World—Change It journey series, Girl Scouts at each level will be engaged in exploring some of the same themes. Consider, all the ways that girls networking together can increase the benefits of the journey. Are Ambassadors in the region interested in advocating together? Imagine every Girl Scout Senior in the region creating and exhibiting a unique vision for GIRLtopia. As Cadettes navigate the maze of relationship issues, what could they teach Juniors? What if Brownies link up on some of the steps of their quest? As Daisies in one area of the council engage in “growing something” how could they benefit from a family field trip to meet Daisies doing something similar in another area? These are just a few ideas of how expanding the connections Girl Scouts can make will contribute to powerful journey experiences around the country.

4. Explore Stories!
Stories inspire girls (and adults!) to put values into action. The journey series engages girls in stories—real and fictional—of girls and women taking action in the world. Make use of these stories and expand upon them whenever you can—in any way that you and girls will enjoy. Stories, after all, capture the imagination and motivate. Ultimately, girls will create their own stories on the journey, meeting new people and taking action in the world. What other stories are going on in the region, and how can girls connect to them? What can girls find in stories—in art or life—that add to the feelings and ideas along this adventure?

5. Leadership and You!
As a volunteer in Girl Scouts, your experiences—and your view of leadership—will be a driving force for the girls. Use the reflection exercises you will find in your journey guide to think about the three keys to leadership (Discover, Connect and Take Action) and how you can best apply them as you team up with Girl Scouts on their leadership journey

2010-11-16T10:08:00.000-08:00

Greetings -

Welcome to the Girl Scout Membership Blog page! Here you will find great tools and information to enhance your Girl Scout of Michigan Shore to Shore experience. We are thrilled to provide you with countless ways to take advantage of your Girl Scout membership. Girls, Membership Girl Scouts 2010 offers endless ways to create days you’ll remember all your life. There are so many flexible new ways to participate. Do you love learning about nature or the environment, perhaps Camp is your pathway. Do you like to go places? Perhaps Travel is your pathway. Or what about Troops? Would you like to make a difference in your community and have lots of fun? Choose one or choose them all. There are six available pathways: Camp, Events, Series, Travel, Troop, and Virtual. Parents/Guardians: Help her achieve the courage, confidence and character she needs to succeed in life. Become a Girl Scout Volunteer today!

We look forward to your membership in Girl Scouts the world’s preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls! Start your journey today, and brace yourself for a memorable, fun and fulfilling experience!

Lesa Hardiman

Director of Membership & Community Development

2010-11-16T09:09:00.000-08:00

Why Choose Girl Scouts?

Girl Scouting provides girls with opportunities to develop important life-skills. In a recent national research study girls responded that because of their Girl Scout activities they have the chance to develop nine important characteristics, including:
*Self Reliance
*Self-Competence
*Social Skills (ability to make friends)
*Respect for Others
*Feelings of Belonging
*Values-clarification and Decision-making
*Helpfulness and Concern for Community
*Teamwork
*Leadership

All girls are invited to join Girl Scouting --- including girls with special needs, girls of every race, religion and socioeconomic background. For information on how to become a Gril Scout, call 1-866-566-7434 and join Today.

2010-11-16T06:26:00.000-08:00

Pathways Just For You.......

Participate in Girl Scouts your way! With the Girl Scout Pathways, girls can be involved in Girl Scouting based on their lifestyle, interests, and availability. These flexible options allow girls to participate in Girl Scouting beyond traditional experience.

Pathways are designed with today's packed schedules and fluid modern lifestyles in mind. They include:

Camp - Want to learn more about nature and the environment? Hike? Bike? Canoe? You can choose to camp by day or overnight.

Events - Have more than one passion? Maybe horses. And web design. And photography. You can attend events catered on activities that interest you most.

Series - Love dance? Chess? The environment? Lots of other girls do too. Explore your interests together in a way that fits your schedule.

Travel - Pack your bags. Girl Scouts are going places. Whether it's a trip across town, or around the world, the adventure will stay with you forever.

Troop - Meet regularly with other girls and share amazing experiences. Make a difference in your community. And the world. And have lots of fun!

Virtual - Girl Scouting via the Internet? Hey, it's 2010. Become a virtual Girl Scout and join in exciting interactive activities with girls everywhere.

What's Your Path?

Call GSMISTS at 1-866-566-7434 and join Today!

2010-11-12T08:15:00.000-08:00

Girls, Let the Journey Begin!

Where do you want to go? What do you want to be? Girl Scouting will help you answer these questions by providing you with a leadership experience that will take you on a voyage--of discovery, friendship, experiences and fun. Along the way, you can celebrate with recognitions and awards to help you see just how far you have come.

No matter what level you are in Girl Scouts, the experience will be an adventure that will help you make discoveries along the way. Whether you belong to a troop or group, or decide to venture out on your own as a Girl Scout Juliette, there is something for every girl in Girl Scouting and an opportunity for you to build confidence and courage on every step of your path. Click on the link below to begin charting your course using the journeys. http://www.girlscouts.org/program/journeys/

2010-11-12T07:42:00.000-08:00

Volunteers Needed

Never been a Girl Scout? It's not too late. Girl Scouts come in all age groups—all you have to want is to make a difference in the lives of girls. Adults 18 years of age or older can join Girl Scouts to serve as a mentor or speak at a Girl Scout event, volunteer in a troop or group, offer services at the council level, or simply say "I believe in the Girl Scout mission and want to show my support by becoming a member."

Membership is what you make it. Pitch in your expertise or build a skill you've always wanted to develop. Speak any foreign languages? Dabble in Web design? Your Girl Scout council needs your talent! You can spend an hour, a day, or more, depending on your schedule. We're looking for members who believe in girls and volunteers who represent the diversity of the world we live in—women, men, young adults, senior citizens, people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, and of course our treasured Alumnae.

Find out more about volunteering opportunities and discover the many ways you can help girls grow strong. Adults interested in volunteering at Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore can call 1-866-566-7434.