Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois

Great trip to DC, NYC and Philly!

2009-08-24T12:24:00.002-05:00

The following comes to us from Colleen Rolfs as an e-mail to the parents of the Girl Scouts who went on the trip to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and New York City this summer. We though you would enjoy hearing about a great group of girls!

Moms and Dads:

Thank you so very much for allowing me to take your daughter on the trip to Washington, DC, Philadelphia and New York City. I enjoyed getting to know each and every one of the girls. They were all WONDERFUL!!! That was proven many times; i.e. when we checked out of our hotel in the DC area, the receptionist passed onto us that one guest (a couple) mentioned that when they checked in, they realized there was a large group of girls on their floor. When they checked out the next morning, they wanted the desk clerk to let us know how well behaved the girls were ... the doorman at the NBC Studios told me that he has never seen a large group such as ours, that were so well behaved ... the bus driver told us he normally doesn't have as well behaved kids when he has such a large group ... a man came up to me at the Medieval Times; he mentioned he had seen us the prior day at Bubba Gump's. When he saw the large group at the restaurant, he and his group were nervous that we would be loud and obnoxious; that was not the case at all. He, too, complimented the girls' behavior!!!

I hope that the girls will have great memories of the trip for years to come. Many seemed to have made new friends and were making arrangements to keep in touch; this always makes me feel so good.

Thank you again; I look forward to getting to travel more with some of these same girls in the future!!!

In Girl Scouting,
Coleen Rolfs

Scholarship money offered for seniors AND volunteers

2009-08-07T15:48:00.000-05:00

Wings to Grow is a foundation dedicated to assisting women and girls with education expenses.

Wings to Grow offers a $1,000 scholarship for a graduating high school senior who is a registered Girl Scout in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. This is a non-traditional scholarship in that materials are due on July 15, 2010, with a notification following shortly after that. The applicant must be a resident of Iowa and must be enrolling in an educational institution in Iowa. All applications require a 1,000-word essay on Courage, Confidence and Character, references and verification of Girl Scout membership and proof of acceptance at an educational institution in Iowa.

Wings to Grow also offers a $1,000 scholarship to an adult female volunteer of Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois who is returning or continuing their education at any institution in Iowa. This scholarship is non-traditional with materials due on July 15, 2010. All applications require references and verification of Girl Scout membership and proof of acceptance at an educational institution in Iowa.

Applications are available at the Waterloo Area Service Center of Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois. For information, contact Jamie at 319-232-6601.

For any further questions regarding criteria for the application or to submit the application, please contact Karen at wingstogrow@hotmail.com.

Check out our Kickoff photos

2009-08-03T23:48:00.003-05:00

Visit our Facebook fan page to see the latest photos from our Kickoff events in August.

And don't forget to come out and visit with our staff and other volunteers. It will help you get prepared for the upcoming troop year.

Go to: http://tr.im/GSEIWIcrk

Ready for the new Thin Mints Blizzard?

2009-07-31T10:56:00.002-05:00

Beginning Saturday, Aug. 1, your local Dairy Queen will start serving the sweet treat of Girl Scout Thin Mints Blizzards. During July, local DQs served up Girl Scout Peanut Butter Patties Blizzards and Cakes.

So what are you waiting for? Head to Dairy Queen today and cool off with a refreshing Girl Scout Thin Mint Blizzard on a hot August day!

Going to the Illinois State Fair? Girl Scouts get in FREE!

2009-07-31T10:48:00.002-05:00

To our Girl Scouts and members in Illinois: Planning on heading to the Illinois State Fair? Here's some information from Girl Scouts of Central Illinois we thought was worth sharing with you.

Join us for the 2009 Scout Day at the Illinois State Fair! All Scouts get in ***FREE*** to the Illinois State Fair! Scouts and their family and friends have the opportunity to purchase a discounted all-day carnival ride pass for only $18 on Monday, Aug. 17 only!

So make sure you plan on seeing all of the Illinois State Fair attractions! Milk-A-Cow, visit Conservation World, see the Big Air Dock Dogs, livestock animals and Butter Cow, eat your favorite Fair food, and walk in the daily parade at 4:00 p.m.

- All Scouts get in FREE
- Kids 5 and younger are free
- Kids 6 - 12 are $2.00
- Adults 13 and older are $3.00

- Public Parking is available on the fairgrounds located at Gate 6. Parking is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Price is $7 for the day. Additional parking is available at other places outside of the fairgrounds for various rates.

Contact Girl Scouts of Central Illinois for more information about participating. Their Web site is http://www.girlscouts-gsci.org

Photos from our live remotes on KGAN CBS 2 Morning News

2009-07-23T14:14:00.005-05:00

Check out our photos on Facebook from the live remotes from our Cedar Rapids Area Service Center at Westdale Mall in Cedar Rapids on July 9, 2009.

KGAN CBS 2 Morning News reporter Brittney Hibbs came out and interviewed volunteers, our staff and Girl Scouts about our need for volunteers.

Thanks to John Cummings for sharing the photos with us.

Click here: News

We have camp alumnae fan pages on Facebook!

2009-07-22T15:38:00.002-05:00

We now have fan pages for alumnae of each of our four resident camps on Facebook. This is a perfect way for campers to interact and share their experiences, feel connected as alumnae and allow potential campers to hear of the great times and see the great times (through photos and videos) they had at camp. Become a fan of your favorite camp(s) today!

Camp Conestoga alumnae:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Camp-Conestoga-alumni/106245175868

Camp L-Kee-Ta alumnae:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Camp-L-Kee-Ta-alumni/113625210982

Camp Little Cloud alumnae:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Camp-Little-Cloud-alumni/129439941124

Camp Tahigwa alumnae:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Camp-Tahigwa-alumni/105730942959

Try the Girl Scouts Blizzard treats with a coupon

2009-07-20T13:29:00.002-05:00

Try the Dairy Queen Girl Scouts Peanut Butter Patties Blizzard or Blizzard Cake with a special discount at your local Dairy Queen restaurant. Download the PDF coupon here and print it out:

http://tr.im/GSEIWIdq1

What are you waiting for?

T.E.A.M. Camp photos posted on Facebook

2009-07-20T00:03:00.003-05:00

Come check out the 44 photos of the recent T.E.A.M. (Together Everyone Achieves More) Camp event at the University of Northern Iowa Wellness and Recreation Center in Cedar Falls, Iowa, on July 9. More than 200 girls attended this event.

Here's the link:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=105733&id=47460910915&ref=mf

Front-page story about our flood-recovery efforts

2009-07-17T08:11:00.004-05:00

This story about our flood-recovery efforts in the past year appears on the front page of this week's Corridor Business Journal of Cedar Rapids/Iowa City:

http://www.corridorbiznews.com/aspx/newsdetail.aspx?ItemId=1708&flag=W99

What a great experience at Camp Tahigwa!

2009-07-16T22:43:00.003-05:00

We received the following e-mail from a parent about her experience with her daughter at Camp Tahigwa and she agreed that we could share it with all of you! Please read:

My daughter, Rachel, and I just spent the last weekend at "Me and My Pal" at Camp Tahigwa. Awesome!!! We had a fantastic time. The staff was wonderful. Whenever we had a question, they were there to answer it. The staff was all very friendly and interacted with all the campers. They made us feel very welcomed and made camp fun for us. Thank you!!!

The activities that were planned were excellent. It was so relaxing, you didn't have to rush from one event to another. If we wanted free time that was OK.

We took part in archery, and Rachel hit her first bull's-eye. Rider was very excited for her. That made her feel real good. (Last year, Rachel could not even get the arrow to the target.)

Once we were done, we took our time and walked to the upper ops. Again, we had a great staff member who encouraged us to try and accomplish the ops, making it fun for all the campers.

After that, we had a wonderful lunch and decided to chill for a while. We didn't feel like doing anything so we just sat and talked with some friends in our tent.

The tower was next. The staff there were so encouraging: letting the girls know how great they were doing, always smiling and being happy.

Rachel thought the zip line was the bom ( her words). She said she would have liked to do it several more times. That was thanks to the staff again for making her not afraid to go, and letting her take her time until she was ready.

At horseback riding, we also had great staff. What can I say? They were able to make it easy for me to get on a horse with my bad knees by finding a box to stand on. They talked to us and then found a horse to match our ability. We had a great time.

Supper in our site went very smooth, with our counselors letting us know what had to be done and not doing it all themselves. It was great that we were included.

Bonkers is the greatest activity around. If it wasn't for the staff, it would not be fun. They had fun right along with us campers. The staff at Camp Tahigwa are terrific.

And what can I say about the fantastic breakfast that was set up the next morning? I can't say enough about it, but thanks.

To wrap this e-mail up.I will finish with saying that Camp Tahigwa is the greatest. We had a wonderful time and will be back next year for "Me and My Pal."

Thanks for a super wonderful time.

Sue Russell
Ridgeway, Iowa

Read about GSEIWI's social media efforts

2009-07-16T22:09:00.002-05:00

The Corridor Business Journal in Cedar Rapids/Iowa City this week published a story about how non-profits use social media. Read about GSEIWI's efforts on Facebook and Twitter in this article:

http://www.corridorbiznews.com/aspx/newsdetail.aspx?ItemId=1710&flag=W99

Become our fan on Facebook with a text message

2009-07-14T09:01:00.002-05:00

Here's something really cool! Tell your friends they can become a fan of Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois on Facebook by texting "fan GSEIWI" to FBOOK (32665) from their mobile phones, and they will be added as fans instantly. (Usual disclaimer: Standard charges may apply.) Is that not cool?

Check out the photos of the camps on Facebook

2009-07-12T23:34:00.004-05:00

Check out the more than 200 photos from Camps Tahigwa, Little Cloud, L-Kee-Ta and Conestoga on our Facebook fan page at:

http://www.facebook.com/GSEIWI#/GSEIWI?v=photos&viewas=0

Update on the Girl Scouts Commemorative Coin

2009-07-12T19:05:00.002-05:00

37 Senators, 150 Representatives Co-sponsor Girl Scouts Centennial Commemorative Coin Act

Your Action Brings Results!

Because of direct outreach to Congressional offices from across the Girl Scout Movement, 37 Senators and 150 Representatives have co-sponsored the Girl Scouts Centennial Commemorative Coin Act.

Iowa House co-sponsors:
Bruce Braley (D 1st) 02/10/2009
Tom Latham (R 4th) 06/17/2009

Illinois House co-sponsors:
Jesse Jackson (D 2nd) 06/04/2009
Daniel Lipinski (D 3rd) 05/20/2009
Jerry Costello (D 12th) 06/10/2009
Judy Biggert (R 13th) 01/27/2009
Timothy Johnson (R 15th) 06/17/2009
Phil Hare (D 17th) 06/02/2009
John Shimkus (R 19th) 05/05/2009

Iowa Senate co-sponsors:
Charles Grassley (R) 06/08/2009

Illinois Senate co-sponsors:
None!

In order to pass the Coin Act, we need 67 Senators and 290 Representatives to cosponsor this legislation. Our goal is to reach these numbers by September 2009, as only two coins are approved by Congress each year, and we have aggressive competition. We need your help today!

What Can You Do?

1. If your Representative and Senators have not yet cosponsored the legislation, send another email to remind them of your support. To determine who your Representative and Senators are click here.

2. We need your immediate assistance to spread the word to your friends, family and other Girl Scout supporters about the Commemorative Coin legislation. Encourage them to sign up at GirlScouts4girls.org TODAY.

Together, we can advocate for a Commemorative Coin that will be a lasting symbol of Girl Scouts' 100th Anniversary!

Our camp counselors are ready for our girls!

2009-06-15T12:53:00.003-05:00

Check out 30 photos of the two-day training session held last week at Camp Little Cloud near Dubuque. Our camp counselors from all four camps came together, shared ideas and best practices, learned from each other and got ready for a great season of summer resident camp. The photos are posted on our Facebook fan pages. Come and become our fan on Facebook. More than 250 others already are.

Camp training photos:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=98762&id=47460910915&ref=mf

Girls Can Still Contribute to Journey 3!

2009-06-10T14:01:00.004-05:00

On May 27, GSEIWI was proud to bring together 18 local girls to participate in Journey 3 Focus Groups.

If you are a girl in grades K-12 and couldn't join us on May 27, you can still share your thoughts about what makes girls feel good about themselves. Take our online survey, available through June 12. Your voice will help shape the third series of Journey books, "It's Your Story--Tell It!"

Become a voice for girls through Girl Scouts Advocacy Network Share

2009-05-19T16:38:00.001-05:00

A grassroots network that provides a collective voice for girls is growing throughout Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois and across the nation.

By joining the Girl Scouts Advocacy Network, Girl Scout teens, volunteers, staff, alumnae and friends are working together to champion legislation and educate policy makers about issues affecting girls. Topics of interest include healthy living, increasing girls’ involvement in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math), financial literacy and leadership. Expanding Girl Scout programs into underserved communities is another Advocacy Network priority.

As our 100th anniversary approaches, the network is advocating passage of the Girl Scouts of the USA Centennial Commemorative Coin Act. This legislation will direct the U.S. Mint to produce 350,000 silver coins honoring the achievements of Girl Scouts of the USA and the 50 million women across the nation whose lives have been influenced through Girl Scouting.

Priced at about $30, the coins will be valued keepsakes of the centennial year. Girl Scouts of the USA will receive $10 from the sale of each coin to help develop and deliver Girl Scout programs and to fund much-needed renovations at the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace in Savannah.

It only takes a couple of minutes to make your voice heard, too. To join the Girl Scouts Advocacy Network, visit GirlScouts4Girls, click on “Join Now” and complete the brief form. Then click on “Take Action” to authorize an e-mail to your Congressional representatives requesting they support the coin legislation.

Go to:
GirlScouts4Girls

Come out and visit CAMP this weekend!

2009-05-15T09:01:00.001-05:00

Girls and their families are invited to visit Camp Tahigwa near Dorchester, Iowa, from noon to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 17 and Camp Conestoga near New Liberty from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 17.

The camps, owned by Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois, will be open to allow families to see the camp’s facilities and enjoy fun activities. Families also can meet camp staff as well as staff from the Girl Scouts’ area service centers.

Camp Conestoga is located at 4415 295th St., New Liberty. For information, call Camp Conestoga at 563-843-2950. Camp Tahigwa is located at 321 Tahigwa Drive, Dorchester. For information, call Camp Tahigwa at 563-546-7755.

Information about the camps also can be found at http://www.GSEIWI.org

And there are more photos of Girls Go Global!

2009-05-13T11:01:00.001-05:00

Have you seen all the photos of Girls Go Global? We've posted 85 photos in two photo albums on our Facebook fan pages! Maybe YOU are in the photos. Go to: http://tr.im/GSEIWIfb

Are you following our Tweets?

2009-05-12T11:13:00.001-05:00

Are you following our Tweets on Twitter? We send out information EVERY day of the week on Twitter -- sometimes several times a day. Keep posted on important information about Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois through Twitter.

If you're already on Twitter, go to http://twitter.com/GSEIWI and click to FOLLOW us. You'll see us on your home page every time you log on and see our Tweets as we post them.

Interested in knowing what's going on with other Girl Scout councils across the country? We're following as many other councils as we can through Twitter, so click on those we follow and add those that may be of interest to you, too.

Can we say it in 140 characters or less? You betcha!

If you're on Twitter, direct message (DM) us and say hi @GSEIWI.

Check out the photos of Girls Go Global

2009-05-12T11:09:00.000-05:00

Check out a sampling of photos from Girls Go Global that appeared on the EasternIowaNews.com news Web site this week:

http://www.easterniowanews.com/?page_id=997

Read about the success of Girls Go Global

2009-05-12T11:01:00.000-05:00

Read the story about Girls Go Global that appeared in Sunday's Iowa City Press-Citizen:

http://www.press-citizen.com/article/20090510/NEWS01/905100321/1079/news01/More+than+1K+attend+Girl+Scouts+event

From GSUSA: New national board appointments

2009-05-07T14:04:00.000-05:00

Actions taken by the GSUSA National Board of Directors at its meeting held on April 25 include the following:

Appointment of Linda Mazon Gutierrez to fill the vacancy in the Office of Secretary, to serve until the time of election of a successor at the next regular session of the National Council.

Appointment of Catherine M. Coughlin to fill the vacancy as a member-at-large on the National Board of Directors created by the appointment of Linda Mazon Gutierrez to the position of National Secretary, to serve until the time of election of a successor at the next regular session of the National Council.

Here are biographical notes on appointees:

Serving a second term on the National Board, Linda Mazon Gutierrez is well known for her work in advocacy, community leadership and outreach to Hispanic women. She is president and chief executive officer of Hispanic Women's Corp. and lives in Arizona.

Catherine M. Coughlin is senior executive vice president and global marketing officer of AT&T Inc. and is nationally recognized for her expertise in global marketing and branding. She has been actively involved with Camp CEO and is a "Famous Former Girl Scout.” She lives in Texas.

GSUSA Journey 3 Focus Group Coming to GSEIWI

2009-05-05T09:48:00.000-05:00

Don't Miss This Unique Opportunity!

Girl Scouts of the USA researchers want to hear from YOUR girls about what is important to them and the things that make them feel good about themselves. "Go beyond" the ordinary and help develop the third series of books for the Girl Scout Leadership Journeys, due out in 2010!

We hope you'll join us and let your girls tell us what's on their minds, so that GSEIWI can help make Girl Scouts even better for girls across the country!

Many fun activites are planned for sharing ideas, including icebreaker games, art projects and role-play games. Dinner will be provided. Choose from the following sessions:

Girls in grades K-5 - May 27 at 4-6 p.m.
Girls in grades 6-12 - May 27 at 6:30-8:30 p.m.

The focus groups will be held at the Quad Cities Area Girl Scout Service Center, 2011 Second Avenue, Rock Island, Illinois. Each session has a limited capacity, so RSVP soon!

To RSVP, contact Hillary at HillaryB@GSEIWI.org or 800-798-0833 no later than May 22. Required permission forms will be sent.

Troop Leaders - Please share this information with your girls even if you cannot attend as a troop. Thank you!

Staffer recognized by Rotary

2009-05-04T10:06:00.000-05:00

Diane Koster, GSEIWI vice president of development, is shown receiving her Rotary District 6420's Club Officer of the Year Award. Presenting the award is Jim Prather, district governor of Rotary District 6420.

GSEIWI Girl Scout honored in D.C.; meets Laura Bush

2009-05-04T09:42:00.000-05:00

Two Iowa Youth Honored for Volunteerism at National Award Ceremony in Washington, D.C.

Former First Lady Laura Bush Pays Tribute to Young Heroes as Part of Four-Day Recognition Events

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Two Iowa students, Jeralyn Westercamp, 17, and Chelsey Montgomery, 14, both of Cedar Rapids, were honored in the nation’s capital last night for their outstanding volunteer work during the presentation of The 2009 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. The two young people – along with 100 other top youth volunteers from across the country – received $1,000 awards as well as personal congratulations from former First Lady Laura Bush at the 14th annual award ceremony and gala dinner reception, held at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.

Jeralyn and Chelsey were named the top high school and middle level youth volunteers in Iowa last February. In addition to their cash awards, they received engraved silver medallions and an all-expense-paid trip with their parents to Washington, D.C., for this week’s recognition events.

“The young people receiving these awards genuinely care about making a difference in the lives of others and have accomplished so much – in their own communities and around the world,” said Mrs. Bush, who delivered the keynote address at last night’s ceremony. “I thank and congratulate them for their outstanding volunteer work. Students with this kind of commitment and leadership ability are essential to the future of our nation.”

Jeralyn, a member of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois and a senior at John F. Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids, formed a charitable organization that collects and purchases new household items for victims of the huge flood that inundated Cedar Rapids last year. Jeralyn and her family spent hours sandbagging when the Cedar River began rising, and then assisted with relief efforts. “When I volunteered at the food distribution center, people repeatedly remarked that they appreciated the free canned goods but they didn't even have a can opener or dishes or silverware,” said Jeralyn, who realized that this was a need she could help fill.

To publicize her idea, Jeralyn designed a color brochure, made speeches at meetings of civic organizations, and attracted the attention of local news media. Soon, Jeralyn succeeded in persuading local merchants to donate or discount products, and raised money for purchases by soliciting organizations and individuals. She also planned large fund-raising events, and even contributed her own allowance, gift, and college money to her charity. As a result, Jeralyn has been able to provide dozens of families with small kitchen appliances, cooking utensils, dishes, silverware, linens, lamps, and other new housewares, as well as children’s toys. “Working together, with money and material donations, we are providing flood survivors with new beginnings, one room at a time,” said Jeralyn.

Chelsey, an eighth-grader at Prairie Middle School, actively volunteers with other members of her family to spread awareness about MPS III, a rare genetic disorder also known as Sanfilippo syndrome. Chelsey’s little brother was diagnosed with MPS after doctors puzzled over his condition for many years. “My brother Lucas is currently suffering from a rare disease that is incurable, and will take his life away by age 15,” said Chelsey.

Chelsey helps her family conduct an annual 5K walk/run and a golf tournament to raise funds for MPS research. “But I felt like that wasn’t enough,” she said, so “I took matters into my own hands.” Chelsey researched to find out as much as she could about MPS, and then began conducting presentations to educate people about the disease and encourage them to help those afflicted. At some events, Chelsey takes her brother along so people can meet him. “I am devoted to helping these children have a life and to spend the life that they have as a kid, and not locked up in a wheelchair,” said Chelsey.

“Jeralyn and Chelsey are inspiring examples of young Americans who care deeply about the needs of others and who have taken the initiative to help meet those needs,” said John R. Strangfeld, Chairman and CEO of Prudential Financial, Inc. “By honoring them, we hope not only to give them the recognition they so richly deserve, but also to inspire others to follow their example.”

Nearly 20,000 young people submitted applications for the 2009 awards program last fall through schools, Girl Scout councils, county 4-H organizations, American Red Cross chapters, YMCAs and affiliates of the Points of Light Institute’s HandsOn Network. The top middle level and high school applicants in each state were selected in February, and were flown to Washington this week with their parents for four days of special recognition events.

Conducted in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards were created 14 years ago by Prudential Financial, Inc. to encourage youth volunteerism and to identify and reward young role models. Since then, the program has honored nearly 90,000 young volunteers at the local, state and national level.

“The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is a fabulous partnership between NASSP and Prudential, allowing us to recognize the outstanding young people in our schools and communities,” said NASSP President Larry Bradley. “This year’s honorees exemplify the true spirit of helping others and by doing so they give America and the world a promising future, a future filled with compassion and hope.”

The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards are supported by the American Association of School Administrators, the National Middle School Association, the National School Boards Association, the Council of the Great City Schools, Girl Scouts of the USA, National 4-H Council, the American Red Cross, YMCA of the USA, the Points of Light Institute, and other national education and service organizations.

More information about The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards and this year’s honorees can be found at http://spirit.prudential.com or www.principals.org/prudential.

In existence since 1916, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) is the preeminent organization of and national voice for middle level and high school principals, assistant principals, and aspiring school leaders from across the United States and more than 45 countries around the world. NASSP’s mission is to promote excellence in school leadership. The National Honor Society®, National Junior Honor Society®, National Elementary Honor Society™, and National Association of Student Councils® are all NASSP programs. For more information about NASSP, located in Reston, Va., visit www.principals.org or call 703-860-0200.

Prudential Financial, Inc. (NYSE: PRU) is a financial services leader with operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Leveraging its heritage of life insurance and asset management expertise, Prudential is focused on helping approximately 50 million individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth. The company’s well-known Rock symbol is an icon of strength, stability, expertise and innovation that has stood the test of time. Prudential's businesses offer a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds, investment management, and real estate services. For more information, visit www.news.prudential.com.

GSEIWI staffer honored

2009-04-21T22:00:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Cheryl Noller, director of member services for Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois, for being honored by the Earth Day Committee in Burlington.

As a way to show appreciation for Cheryl’s many years of service on the committee and the involvement of Girl Scouts with their Earth Day projects, the committee planted a tree in Cheryl’s honor at the Girl Scouts' Burlington Area Service Center in West Burlington.

Great job, Cheryl!

Make a nomination for the Young Women of Achievement Awards

2009-04-21T08:51:00.000-05:00

Take some time now to nominate a deserving young woman today for the 2009 Young Women of Achievement Awards.

The Women’s Connection, in partnership with Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois, will host the 2009 Young Women of Achievement Awards at noon on Aug. 12 at the i wireless Center in Moline. The purpose of the awards is to recognize young women between the ages of 17 and 23 in the Quad Cities community who have exhibited a strong commitment to academics and shown outstanding community service as evidenced by leadership and the impact they have made with many worthwhile organizations.

Please consider those young women in your life who have gone out of their way to make a difference; take a moment to nominate them for this outstanding recognition. Nominations will be accepted until May 1. Honorees will be chosen and announced by mid-May.

Women selected as 2009 Young Women of Achievement honorees will be eligible to apply for two $2,500 scholarships, provided by Royal Neighbors of America. Scholarships will be announced Aug. 12 during the Young Women of Achievement Event.

The application form can be found on the Web by clicking here: http://www.gseiwi.org/forms/09_YWA_Nomination_Form.pdf. If you have questions, please contact Colleen Rafferty, executive director of The Women’s Connection, at 309-631-0167, or Anna Gibney at the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois at 309-788-0836 or by e-mail at AnnaG@GSEIWI.org.

Let’s celebrate our outstanding young women.

Troops needed to help with Saturday sale in Cedar Falls

2009-04-10T18:32:00.000-05:00

Girl Scout troops in the Cedar Falls area are asked to come out from 11 a.m.to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 11 at the Cedar Falls Wal-Mart to help with a massive push to sell cookies for Iowa's Bravest. All troop profit will go toward the purchase of cookies to send to troops in Iraq. Girls and leaders are asked to help line the front of the store. Can you help? For info, send an e-mail to archangel347@yahoo.com.

Girl Scouting in the 21st century in Iowa City

2009-04-02T00:05:00.000-05:00

Here's a story on Girl Scouting in the 21st century in Iowa City that appeared in The Daily Iowan last week: http://www.dailyiowan.com/2009/03/27/Metro/10738.html

90 Girl Scouts at UIHC event

2009-03-30T10:06:00.000-05:00

90 Girl Scouts took part in the Women in Science event at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City on Saturday. Read the story in the Iowa City Press-Citizen: http://www.press-citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009903290312

Riverside Brownies deliver Cookie Share cookies to Ronald McDonald House

2009-03-19T22:24:00.000-05:00

Read a story in the Iowa City Press-Citizen about a Brownie troop from Riverside, Iowa, that delivered a load of Cookie Share cookies to the Ronald McDonald House's visitors in Iowa City. What a great project!

http://www.press-citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009903190315

Meet this summer's Dairy Queen Girl Scout Cookie Blizzards!

2009-03-17T14:54:00.000-05:00

Dairy Queen®, the treat category leader, proudly announces that it has renewed a licensing agreement with Girl Scouts of the USA. The agreement brings together the iconic Blizzard® Flavor Treat and Girl Scouts for a summer of blockbuster Blizzard Treats, including the debut of the Girl Scouts Tagalongs® Peanut Butter Patties Blizzard Treat and the return of the Girl Scouts Thin Mint Cookie Blizzard Treat.

Dairy Queen will introduce the Tagalongs® Peanut Butter Patties Blizzard as the featured Blizzard of the Month for July and bring back Thin Mint Cookie during August.

“We have a great relationship with Girl Scouts and are thrilled to be partnering with them again this year,” said Michael Keller, chief brand officer for International Dairy Queen, Inc. “The Thin Mint Blizzard was amazingly successful and we expect the Tagalongs® Peanut Butter Patties Blizzard to be a home run as well.”

Last summer, Dairy Queen served more than 10 million Girl Scouts Thin Mint Cookie Blizzard Treats, making it the most popular limited-time-offer flavor in Blizzard history.

“This is big news for Girl Scouts,” said Laurel Richie, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Girl Scouts of the USA. “The Girl Scout cookie program has always focused on teaching girls valuable life skills, while providing insight about what it takes to make a business work. Our partnership with Dairy Queen presents a learning experience for our girls, strengthens our ties to local communities and creates two sweet treats people are sure to love.”

Job posting - regional membership manager in Cedar Rapids

2009-03-16T09:38:00.000-05:00

Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois is seeking a full-time Regional Membership Manager based in our Cedar Rapids Service Center to increase membership in the Iowa City area, ensure delivery of a contemporary and innovative Girl Scout program to all girls that builds skills, values, interpersonal relationships, social conscience and conviction about their own self-worth.

Candidates must possess skills in: marketing and networking, volunteer recruitment and management, proficiency in Word, Excel, Internet and e-mail. Additional assets required: leadership and delegation, ability to work independently and as a member of a team and conflict-resolution skills.

Please e-mail your resume to hr@GSEIWI.org.

And the winner of the Wii is ...

2009-02-23T17:49:00.000-06:00

We just drew the winning name of the Girl Scout who won the great Nintendo Wii home video game console. Girls who sold at least 135 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies in the initial order stage this year were entered into a drawing for the Wii unit.

And the winning girl is MADISON of Troop 8752 in Clinton County. Congratulations, Madison, and thanks for your hard work -- and everyone else who participated in the initial sales this year!

Are you a Huggable Hero?

2009-02-20T14:02:00.000-06:00

The Build-A-Bear Workshop Huggable Heroes program recognizes young leaders for their community service efforts. The young leaders involved with Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois would make great candidates for the 2009 Huggable Heroes award.

The Huggable Heroes program recognizes young leaders between the ages of 7 and 18 years old doing extraordinary things in their community or around the world to better the lives of others. Now through Feb. 27, entries are being accepted for the 2009 search for Build-A-Bear Workshop Huggable Heroes.

Twelve Huggable Heroes will be selected and each will be awarded with a $7,500 educational scholarship and $2,500 in the form of a donation to the charity of their choice. Entry forms are available at all Build-A-Bear Workshop stores and online at http://www.buildabear.com/huggableheroes.

Anyone can nominate for this award and young leaders even can nominate themselves. The deadline is quickly approaching!

Are you coming to Love to Laugh?

2009-02-13T18:17:00.000-06:00

Comedian Andrew Preston headlines this year’s Love to Laugh event sponsored by Girl Scouts of Eastern Iow a & Western Illinois.

The annual event has become a tri-state favorite and features a silent auction with an array of donated items from area merchants and individuals. This year’s event will include a variety of auction packages, a 50-50 raffle and wine pull. One featured auction item is a football autographed by Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester.

The fundraiser, exclusively for adults, begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27 at Dubuque Golf and Country Club, 1800 Randall Place, Dubuque. Tickets are $55 per person and may be reserved by calling 563-583-9169. Table sponsorships also are available.

Proceeds from the event benefit more than 1,400 Dubuque area girls served by Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois.

For more information about the event, call Brooke Gassman at 563-583-9169, e-mail her at BrookeG@GSEIWI.org or visit the Web at www.GSEIWI.org.

Internet Searches and Online Shopping to Benefit GSEIWI

2009-02-13T16:10:00.000-06:00

What if even a fraction of the $140 billion generated by search engine advertisers and online shopping was directed towards “building courage, confidence, and character” in nearly 20,000 girls supported by GSEIWI?

That is the concept behind GoodSearch.com, a new search engine powered by Yahoo! GoodSearch donates 50% of its revenue, approximately a penny per search, to the charities designated by its users. You use it exactly as you would any other search engine and the pennies add up quickly – just 500 people searching four times a day will earn around $7,300 in a year. It doesn’t cost the users a thing!

Similarly with GoodShop.com, consumers are helping their favorite causes by shopping at hundreds of well-known retailers including Amazon, Target, Apple, Macy’s, Best Buy, Orbitz, Staples and others. The shopping experience and the prices are exactly the same as going to the retailer directly, but by going through GoodShop, up to 37% of the purchase price is donated the user’s favorite cause!

Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois is now registered with the sites, giving its supporters a chance to raise money for the council every time they search the Internet or shop online.

Every penny counts! It is easy to get started, simply visit www.goodsearch.com. Then type Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois in the box that says “Who do you GoodSearch for?” Once you have selected GSEIWI, select verify and start searching. The pennies raised from searching will quickly turn into dollars generated for girls. Information on how to “GoodShop” is also outlined on this page.

Spread the word and help GSEIWI raise funds to support girls in your community! For more information, please contact Brooke Gassman, Development Manager, at BrookeG@GSEIWI.org or call 563-583-9169.

Girl Scout honored as a top Iowa youth volunteer

2009-02-10T09:35:00.000-06:00

Jeralyn Westercamp, 17, of Cedar Rapids, was named today as one of Iowa's top two youth volunteers for 2009 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism. The awards program, now in its 14th year, is conducted by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP).

Jeralyn was nominated by Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. As State Honorees, she will receive $1,000, an engraved silver medallion, and an all-expense-paid trip in early May to Washington, D.C., where she will join the top two honorees – one middle level and one high school youth – from each of the other states and the District of Columbia for several days of national recognition events. Ten of them will be named America’s top youth volunteers for 2009 at that time.

Jeralyn, a member of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois and a senior at John F. Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids, formed a charitable organization that collects and purchases new household items for victims of the huge flood that inundated Cedar Rapids last year. Jeralyn and her family spent hours sandbagging when the Cedar River began rising, and then assisted with relief efforts. “When I volunteered at the food distribution center, people repeatedly remarked that they appreciated the free canned goods but they didn't even have a can opener or dishes or silverware,” said Jeralyn, who realized that this was a need she could help fill.

To publicize her idea, Jeralyn designed a color brochure, made speeches at meetings of civic organizations, and attracted the attention of local news media. Soon, Jeralyn succeeded in persuading local merchants to donate or discount products, and raised money for purchases by soliciting organizations and individuals. She also planned large fund-raising events, and even contributed her own allowance, gift, and college money to her charity. As a result, Jeralyn has been able to provide dozens of families with small kitchen appliances, cooking utensils, dishes, silverware, linens, lamps, and other new housewares, as well as children’s toys. “Working together, with money and material donations, we are providing flood survivors with new beginnings, one room at a time,” said Jeralyn.

A Valentine's Day project

2009-02-09T14:06:00.000-06:00

Just in time for this week, here's a special Valentine's Day project girls can make that just came across my desk. Have fun making these!

Chocolate Mouse Kisses

What you'll need:

--Two wrapped kisses (your favorite variety)
--Construction paper, craft foam or felt
--Thread
--Wiggle eyes
--Very small pompons
--Glue dots (if possible)
--Craft glue

Directions:

Cut a 1-2-inch tall heart from the paper/felt/foam.

Place it between the two kisses (bottom to bottom) and secure them with glue or glue dots. This is the mouse body and the heart makes the ears.

Remove one of the paper labels from the kiss to make room for the face.

Use your craft glue to attach wiggle eyes, thread whiskers and pompon nose.

The other paper label will be used as the tail.

Attach your note to this chocolate friend for a truly irresistible Valentine!

Tip: Using cardstock paper, stiff felt or craft foam makes it easier to cut small hearts for the ears.

Tip for little helpers: Make a simpler version by using a permanent marker for the eyes and a red glitter glue dot for the nose.

Cedar Rapids Cookie Rally photos

2009-02-08T21:09:00.000-06:00

Check out photos from the Cookie Rally held recently at Westdale Mall in Cedar Rapids on our Facebook fan page photo album at: http://tinyurl.com/GSEIWIcrpix

Write an essay and win a trip

2009-02-04T14:31:00.000-06:00

EF Educational Tours is calling for submissions for its third annual Girl Scout Global Citizen Essay Contest.

The contest has two goals: to challenge girls to consider their roles as Girl Scouts in the world, and to allow them to put their experiences into words. For the winners, the prize of an educational tour will not simply be a reward for a job well done — it also will serve as a vehicle for developing ambassadors for global action and provide them an opportunity to impact their community.

Applicants must be registered Girl Scouts between the ages of 12 and 17 by March 15, 2009. Twelve girls, ages 12 to 14 with winning essays, will be chosen for a four- or six-day expenses-paid educational tour to New York City. Six girls, ages 15 to 17 with winning essays, will be chosen for a nine-day expenses-paid educational tour to Mexico.

The length of the New York City tour depends upon availability. The length of the tour will be announced to the 12 winners by May 1, 2009, but will be either four or six days in length.

You can download the application from http://www.studio2b.org. The contest deadline for all applications is March 15, 2009. Winners will be notified by May 1, 2009. The four- or six-day tour will take place between June 21 and July 12, 2009.

The nine-day tour will take place between June 25 and July 15, 2009. Good luck!

Our summer camp guide is SEARCHABLE now online!

2009-02-01T10:55:00.000-06:00

We want you to check out something really cool!

In an effort to be green, we did not print thousands of our summer camp guides this year. We think it is much more economical -- and environmentally friendly -- to place this information online. But we didn't stop there! We have FOUR different formats for you to view online, so whatever works for you, we encourage you to use.

The complete PDF file of the usual summer camp guide can be downloaded at http://www.gseiwi.org/camp/WEBcampguide09.pdf

The file above is a big file and we recognize that those with shower Internet connections might have difficulty with that. We also broke down that big file into much more manageable files at: http://www.gseiwi.org/camp/camp.asp

With that link above, you can download -- for instance -- just the horse programs, the necessary forms, or any other segment of the overall camp guide that might interest you -- all in manageable chunks.

But wait! That's not all! You also can view the entire camp guide in a flippable page format by clicking here: http://www.gseiwi.org/camp/liquid-green/index.html

By going to the above link, you can see the summer camp guide spread out on your screen and you can flip pages from the corner and even zoom in to read the guide in detail. It's really slick and we encourage you to check it out!

But the coolest thing ever is our new searchable online guide for summer camp. Go to: http://www.gseiwi.org/camp/camp_events/index.php

With our new searchable online summer camp guide, you can drill down the programs you are interested in. It's really sweet! For instance, you can search for all horse programs at Camp Tahigwa for girls going into third grade that are six days in length and come up with two such results. How easy is that?

We really encourage you to use these online tools when you are thinking about summer camp this year at GSEIWI's four great camp properties across the council.

Let us know how you like these new online tools, too.

GSEIWI is on Twitter!

2009-01-30T14:02:00.000-06:00

Check it out: GSEIWI now is on Twitter.

What is Twitter? Glad you asked. Here’s the definition from Wikipedia and the link, too: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twitter

“Twitter is a social networking and micro-blogging service that allows its users to send and read other users' updates (otherwise known as tweets), which are text-based posts of up to 140 characters in length.”

Updates are displayed on the user's profile page and delivered to other users who have signed up to receive them. Senders can restrict delivery to those in their circle of friends (delivery to everyone being the default). Users can receive updates via the Twitter website, SMS, RSS, or through applications such as TwitterMobile, Tweetie, Twinkle, Twitterrific, Feedalizr, Facebook, and Twidget, a widget application.

We will strive to send out very regular updates on Twitter to our followers. If you have a Twitter account already, you can add GSEIWI to follow our posts or view past posts at any time. Spread this to others associated with Girl Scouts and GSEIWI and anyone with an interest in our organization.

To sign up for a Twitter account, go to www.Twitter.com.

Let me know what you think. We’re one of less than a handful of Girl Scout councils on Twitter now and I think this is an exciting time to go on board with it. If you don’t want to sign up for an account, but want to see our “tweets” (postings) on Twitter, go to www.Twitter.com/GSEIWI

Our “tweets” will be posted via RSS feeds on our Facebook page, too. Cool, huh?

We're on the air

2009-01-27T08:16:00.000-06:00

Staff of Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois have been on the radio across the region to promote our Girl Scout Cookie Sale under way.

Hailey Workman, a regional membership manager in the Burlington Area Service Center, appeared on KBUR in Burlington this morning and talked about the sale and variety of cookies available, as well as the importance of the sale not only for girls but also the council.

Jenny Graeser, development manager in our Waterloo Area Service Center, appeared on KWAY-FM in Waverly, Iowa, on Friday and talked about the Cookie Sale and the types of cookies available this year.

Chuck Gysi, vice president of marketing and communications, appeared Sunday morning on Waterloo, Cedar Falls and Oelwein radio stations KOEL-AM, KOEL-FM, KKHQ (Q92.3) and KCRR. News director Roger King asked about the cookie sale and the Girl Scouts in the region.

Chuck also was interviewed by Cedar Falls radio station KCNZ about the peanut butter salmonella outbreak and how it doesn't affect the sales of Girl Scout Cookies. Quad Cities station KWQC Channel 6 also interviewed Chuck on the subject and KWWL Channel 7 in Waterloo also carried a story.

Win Girl Scout Cookies!

2009-01-27T08:09:00.000-06:00

If you are in the Waterloo area, tune in to KOKZ-FM, Cool 105.7, each morning this week and if you are caller number eight with the correct trivia answer, you win three boxes of Girl Scout Cookies from Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois!

Writing, Illustrating Contest Announced

2009-01-22T14:50:00.000-06:00

Youth in grades K-3 can enter the 15th annual Reading Rainbow Young Writers and Illustrators Contest. Original work--fact, fiction, prose, poetry--must be submitted by April 3 to WQPT, 6600 34th Ave., Moline, IL 61265. Workshops will be held to give writing and illustrating tips; details are available by clicking the linked title above.

Four winners will be selected from each grade level; first place winners compete for national prizes. Last year, Girl Scout Daisy Jayda Brunkan of Eldridge, Iowa, won third place nationally.

Free Admission to Family Museum

2009-01-22T14:46:00.000-06:00

In partnership with Target, Family Museum will offer free admission from 5-8 p.m. on the first Mondays of the month now through June. Family Museum is located at 2900 Learning Campus Drive, Bettendorf, Iowa.

News stories on peanut butter Girl Scout Cookies

2009-01-20T15:00:00.000-06:00

The news media is picking up stories on how our peanut butter cookies are safe in light of the recent outbreak of salmonella. Here are a few links from stories appearing this afternoon:

The Gazette of Cedar Rapids:
http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090120/NEWS/701209884/1006

Iowa City Press-Citizen:
http://www.press-citizen.com/article/20090120/NEWS01/90120014/1079/news01

Go ahead and order – Girl Scout Cookies with peanut butter are safe

2009-01-20T12:20:00.000-06:00

It’s safe to order Girl Scout Cookies: Girl Scouts say their cookies are not affected by the recent nationwide salmonella outbreak in peanut butter.

Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois say that none of the eight varieties of Girl Scout Cookies are part of the current peanut butter recall. Only Girl Scout Peanut Butter Patties and Girl Scout Peanut Butter Sandwiches contain peanut butter. Girl Scouts launched their annual Cookie Sale on Friday, Jan. 16.

The local Girl Scouts say that their cookie baker, ABC Bakers-Interbake Foods, does not use peanut butter from sources that have been linked to salmonella. While the outbreak has been associated with peanut products produced by Peanut Corp. of America, ABC Bakers-Interbake Foods uses Hampton Farms for peanut butter. Peanut Corp. of America is the only peanut butter manufacturer linked by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to the salmonella contamination.

The FDA’s suggestion that consumers avoid all peanut butter products for the time being reflects the fact that many consumers do not know the source of the peanut butter in the products they consume. However, ABC Bakers-Interbake Foods has issued a statement assuring volunteers, parents, girls and customers of Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois that the peanut butter used in Girl Scout Cookies currently being sold is not linked to salmonella.

The FDA also has audited ABC Bakers-Interbake Foods’ peanut butter supplier, Hampton Farms, in the past week and the audit revealed no issues. Samples taken showed no contamination and the records supported Hampton Farms’ reports that they have not shipped to and have not received peanut butter from Peanut Corp. of America.

Consumers who still have concerns may freeze or refrigerate peanut butter cookies they purchase until the FDA has definitely identified the specific products to be avoided. That effort should be completed soon, at which time consumers can enjoy the Girl Scouts’ two popular varieties of peanut butter cookies.

Girl Scouts will continue going door to door selling Girl Scout Cookies until Sunday, Feb. 1 and cookie booths will be set up in public areas during March and April for additional cookie sales.

Girl Scout Cookies have long been a major fund-raiser for girls and their troops across the region, and is an integral part of Girl Scouting’s business and economic literacy initiative for girls ages 5-17. The program provides finance, marketing and public speaking skills as well as valuable experiences that develop girls’ personal leadership style.

Through the Girl Scout Cookie Sale Program, girls manage inventory, set goals, learn money management and develop marketing skills. For more information on Girl Scout Cookies, check the Web at www.GSEIWI.org or call Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois at 800-798-0833.

Videos on Facebook

2009-01-19T10:08:00.000-06:00

Check out videos on Facebook. We will continue to add to the collection. Do you have a video to share? Let Chuck know at ChuckG@GSEIWI.org. Enjoy!

2009 Summer Camp Guide Now Available

2009-01-16T15:59:00.000-06:00

The 2009 Summer Camp Guide is now available online! Click the title above to see the guide.

For your convenience, you can download/print the entire guide or sections of interest. Click on any of the links to open the files, which are presented in PDF format. To view PDF files, you will need a copy of Acrobat Reader available on your computer. This free program may be downloaded at the Adobe Acrobat site.

Check back January 31 for our new detailed search capabilities!

Town Hall Meeting Schedule Online

2009-01-16T15:43:00.000-06:00

Come join us at your local Town Hall meeting to hear about GSEIWI’s progress over the last year, share your ideas and input for the upcoming year and chat with Diane Nelson, CEO. Choose from six convenient locations. All Town Halls will be from 6-8 p.m.

NEW THIS YEAR – we will have a short GIRLS ONLY break out session with Diane Nelson for girls 14 and older. Girls will participate in activities, sharing time and much more. A light dinner will be served.

Agenda topics and dates/locations are available by clicking the title above.

Quad Cities girls ready to sell

2009-01-15T22:49:00.000-06:00

Here's a link to the story in Friday's Quad-City Times of Davenport on Girl Scouts getting ready to sell cookies and how Girl Scout Daisies will be participating this year:

http://www.qctimes.com/articles/2009/01/15/news/local/doc496fee3105e80674879716.txt?sPos=1

Cookie Sale featured in Iowa City Press-Citizen

2009-01-15T16:50:00.000-06:00

The Iowa City Press-Citizen just posted a story on our Cookie Sale that kicks off Friday:

http://www.press-citizen.com/article/20090115/NEWS01/90115013/1079/news01

Cookie madness invades Dubuque office!

2009-01-15T15:32:00.000-06:00

The staff of our Dubuque office got in the real spirit of this year's Girl Scout Cookie Sale and dressed up as Girl Scout Cookies! Check out these photos!

Did you see the cookie-eating contest?

2009-01-15T09:33:00.000-06:00

Did you see the cookie-eating contest on KWWL Channel 7 in Waterloo on Sunday between the KWWL and Q92.3 personalities? If not, you can view it on KWWL's Web site:

http://www.kwwl.com/Global/story.asp?S=9653098

Cookies featured in The Gazette

2009-01-15T07:57:00.000-06:00

Girl Scout Cookies are featured in this week's food column in The Gazette of Cedar Rapids. The column is a fun read, so enjoy!

http://www.gazetteonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090113/FOOD/701139994

GSEIWI now on Facebook

2009-01-10T15:37:00.000-06:00

Check out Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois new fan page on Facebook at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Girl-Scouts-of-Eastern-Iowa-Western-Illinois/47460910915

While it's just a start for us to venture out into the social networks, we invite you to join in and talk about Girl Scouting on Facebook. We hope to have events posted on our Facebook page and this year's Girl Scout Cookie sale page can be reached from our fan page. Talk about your favorite cookies!

Become a fan of GSEIWI on Facebook today!

Girl Scout Cookies in Quad Cities column

2009-01-02T10:21:00.000-06:00

Moline Dispatch/Rock Island Argus columnist John Marx discusses in his Jan. 1 column his personal thoughts about Girl Scout Cookies!

http://qconline.com/archives/qco/print_display.php?id=419838

Our CEO's holiday message

2008-12-22T10:25:00.000-06:00

Here is our CEO's holiday message that appeared in our January-February-March 2009 issue of Council News that went into mailboxes last week:

We hope the new year finds you and yours in good health, with all the blessings of your friends and family around you.

The beginning of the year always is a great time for Girl Scouts as our girls start another successful year of selling in our Cookie Sale Program. It’s an exciting time for Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois as all our neighbors, friends, family and co-workers are exposed to Girl Scouts once again during the sale, whether through door-to-door contact, phone calls or cookie booth sales.

The winter time also is when resident camp is on the mind of our staff, our camp directors, our counselors and – of course – our girls! With the addition of a new outdoor program director to our staff in recent months, we are excited about the lineup of camp offerings that we will be presenting to our girls for the summer. Keep an eye in your mailbox and on our Web site at www.GSEIWI.org for details.

Thank you for all you do for girls. We know you agree that Girl Scouts is one of the soundest investments you can make in girls for their future.

Best regards,

Diane T. Nelson

CEO, Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois

Girl Scouts "Make a Difference"

2008-12-18T16:06:00.000-06:00

Knox County Illinois Service Area 95 held a Make A Difference Day event where girls from all over the county gathered at Costa School to make birthday cards, decorate gift bags and assemble "birthday party in a bag" kits with cake mix, frosting, candles, invitations, party decorations and favors and a small toy or two. Almost 100 bags were made. The girls also enjoyed decorating and eating cupcakes and playing party games while there. The bags were distributed to local charities to be given to children whose families might find it difficult to give them a birthday party.

Share your troop and service area/unit news! Email TroopNews@GSEIWI.org.

Have you seen our display?

2008-12-17T11:35:00.000-06:00

If you have the opportunity to visit Sandburg Mall in Galesburg, Ill., during the holiday shopping season, check out the display for Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois.

Your council has set up a display in a cart near the Bergner's department store in the mall. The display offers the following:

-- Volunteer opportunities information
-- Cookie sales information
-- Items from the Girl Scout Shop
-- Information on upcoming local events for Girl Scouts in Knox, Henry and Mercer counties
-- Information on Girl Scout gift memberships for the holidays
-- General council and Girl Scout information

We're also interested to know what you think of our display if you have the chance to drop by and check it out.

Tell your friends and families, too!

Girl Scout Leadership Experience

2008-12-04T14:39:00.000-06:00

LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN!
Six visually impactful modules explain all you need to know about the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Click the title above for a full explanation of the key features and benefits of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience including: journeys, pathways, three keys to leadership, three processes and outcomes.

Send Us "Postcards" from Your Journeys

2008-12-03T13:31:00.000-06:00

Over the last several months, the GSEIWI Adult Development Department has been busy introducing the new Girl Scout Leadership Experience and the leadership journeys to volunteers at Kickoff meetings, volunteer trainings and Super Saturday events throughout the council.

We hope that you'll send us a "postcard" (post a comment by clicking the link below or send an e-mail to AdultLearning @GSEIWI.org) to share how you and your girls have enjoyed your travels along this new Girl Scout journey.

Here are a few questions that would be helpful to our council and GSUSA in shaping future resources and trainings.

If you attended Leadership Essentials training, how helpful has it been to you as a leader? What could be improved?
Are your girls using the leadership journeys? What do they like best? What improvements wold they suggest? (Please include the grade level for your girls.)
Are you using the adult guide for the leadership journeys? What do you like best? What improvements would you suggest? (Please include the grade level for your girls.)
How has your troop incorporated other Girl Scout awards, events or field trips into the journey curriculum?
What are your girls planning for their Take Action project?
What other topics/activities would your girls like to see in future journeys?

All of your suggestions and ideas will provide greatly-appreciated feedback for program and adult development staff at both the council level and the national level. Thank you for sharing your voice!

Halloween Contest at Girl Scout Service Centers

2008-11-18T09:34:00.000-06:00

Each Service Center throughout the council had a Halloween costume and best pumpkin contest. And the winners were...

Cedar Rapids Service Center
It is a tight race in Cedar Rapids. With a total entry pool of zero pumpkins and two costumes, it is unclear who our winner would be. Kirk Watson as “Dog” or Jenn Ritch as “Gypsy/Renaissance Wench”? Only effective use of the democratic system will tell. The race was too close to call. Both win!

Rock Island Service Center

Costume contest winner goes to Claudia Reich, TITANIC SURVIVOR. Pumpkin contest winner goes to Kim Kirby with her Harley Girl Pumpkin.

Waterloo Service Center

Best Pumpkin goes to Val and her Mummy. And best costume goes to Nicole for her Toga Fairy costume, see the group shot of all of us too!

Dubuque Service Center
Michael Capek won the prize for Best Costume! He was a wounded Boy Scout. He even had some staff convinced that he was actually hurt. Sorry, no picture.

West Burlington Service Center
Ann Hulett won best pumpkin.

Word Poetry-Play Along at Home

2008-11-05T11:13:00.000-06:00

Nearly 100 cases of Girl Scout Cookies were delivered yesterday; they will be used for promotional purposes prior to the start of the sale in January. But once the first shipment arrives, we'll have Girl Scout Cookies delivered to the office until the last case leaves in May! So we're cleaning closets here at the office, getting ready for the 2009 Cookie Sale Program.

One of the things we found was a word magnet set from the 2008 Cookie Sale Program. I love these sets--easy poetry at your fingers!

So I thought I'd let you all play along at home. The words are listed below, use as many as you want to make a phrase or poem and add it as a comment or send an email to HillaryB(at)GSEIWI(dot)org and I'll add it for you.

Here's my three poems:

I do so girls believe.
We volutneer to create hope.
Others dream and you initiate action.

Here are the words. Feel free to add -ing, -ed or -s, if you need to. Have fun!

a, action, and, believe, can, challenge, create, discover, do, dream, encourage, energize, girls, give, grow, hope, I, imagine, initiate, inspire, laugh, lead, learn, motivate, my, others, reach, reward, shine, so, they, to, we, we're, will, with, volunteer, you

What's Your Story?

2008-10-08T16:40:00.000-05:00

Today is my daughter's first birthday. For those of you that don't know me, a brief introduction--I've been a Girl Scout since 1st grade (before Daisies!), a Gold Award recipient and a lifetime member, and I've been a council staff member since 2001. So, it's inevitable that she'll be a Girl Scout--third generation. My daughter has two "Future Girl Scout" bibs and a "FGS" onesie already. I sing her Girl Scout camp songs each night, ending with Taps, of course. (Blame the recent rain on me, I've been singing Johnny Appleseed lately.)

As fast as this year's gone, I've been thinking that another four years will fly by and then she can become a Girl Scout Daisy. As I edit event guides and camp books, I eagerly think of the fun she'll have and remember the fond experiences I had as a Girl Scout. I'll have plenty of stories to tell her, from bridging to Adult Girl Scouting in Juliette's garden to several involving camping and unexpected water...and the occasional bat and baby mice!

Everyone involved with Girl Scouting has a story – a reason they became involved, a special memory, a skill learned, a friendship forged. While we all share the common thread of Girl Scouting, the great thing is that everyone’s story is as unique as the person telling it.

How has Girl Scouting helped you or someone you know develop courage, confidence and character? How have you made your corner of the world a better place because of the lessons learned through your Girl Scout experience?

Sharing your story can help others learn the real difference that Girl Scouting makes each day to girls, women and men, too! To share your story, e-mail me. Please include your first name, last name, age, county, phone number and number of years involved in Girl Scouting.

Note: By submitting this information, you agree that the Girl Scouts and its affiliates have the right to use it in any marketing or other materials, including print and electronic. Only the first name of girls will be used when their stories are shared.

After you've shared your story with me, check out the stories of Girl Scouts from across the nation on the GSUSA memory board.

And stay tuned for more stories!

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Hillary Blevins

Fall Product Sale coming

2008-10-07T12:41:00.000-05:00

Are you wondering what your local Girl Scouts will be selling this fall during the Fall Product Sale?

Here's a sneak peek at the items that will be available Nov. 1-9 this year:

http://www.gseiwi.org/FPS/FPS_products.asp

Welcome to Dubuque!

2008-10-07T08:21:00.000-05:00

Please welcome to our Dubuque Service Center Brooke Gassman, at left, and Stephanie Carmichael, at right.

Brooke Gassman is from Dubuque and is the new development manager for the Dubuque Service Center.

She is responsible for developing and managing the Girl Scouts’ annual giving campaign, researching and producing funding proposals and providing support to the council’s fundraising program.

Brooke most recently worked as development and marketing director for Opening Doors in Dubuque. She has more than six years experience in fund development.

She is a Dubuque native and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from Upper Iowa University in 2000.

Stephanie Carmichael of Dubuque has moved from the council’s Quad Cities Service Center to the Dubuque Service Center as regional membership manager for Cedar, Clinton, Jones and Jackson counties in Iowa.

Steph started as a regional membership manager in May and began working with the Girl Scouts' Quad Cities Service Center as an outreach assistant in October 2007.

As regional membership manager, Steph is responsible for increasing and maintaining girl and adult volunteer participation in planning, organizing and implementing Girl Scouting in her territory in conformity with council goals and standards.

She formerly worked in the newspaper and printing industry for 10 years prior to working for the Girl Scouts. She’s attending Scott Community College majoring in psychology and will be attending Clarke College in Dubuque in the fall of 2009.

Her parents, Cindy and Jim Gehn, are from LeClaire, Iowa, and a younger sister, Alysia Gehn, is stationed with the Navy in Florida.

For more information about Girl Scouts in the Dubuque area, check the council’s Web site at www.GSEIWI.org or call 563-583-9169.

Fall 2008 Town Hall Meetings

2008-10-06T11:47:00.000-05:00

Town Hall Meetings are your chance to voice your thoughts, concerns and ideas directly to GSEIWI board members and leadership team members. For those of you who could not attend a meeting, share your comments/ideas here.