Dear Girl Scout,

Girl Scout volunteers are the BEST, and we are celebrating  Volunteer Appreciation Month by saying "thank you" for all you do to make the world of Girl Scouting a spectacular place.
 
Here is a super cool e-Card generator to easily and colorfully show your leaders, co-leaders and other helpful volunteers how much you appreciate them on Girl Scout Leader's Day, April 22...or anytime!
 
This is also the time to make sure our volunteers receive the recognition they deserve. Nominate someone for a Volunteer Award by May 15. It's easy! Click here for instructions and details. 
Explore Our Amazing Camps 
Join us for an Open House at one or more of our Girl Scout camps! Bring your family and explore the grounds, enjoy activities, including a campfire dinner and s'mores, and discover which camp you love the most!
 
For dates, locations and to register for Open House events, visit our website.
 
Then, get ready for a summer full of adventure, from horses and zip lines to canoeing and archery. Explore our Girl's Guide to Summer Fun!
Bling Your Booth Top Picks   
Bling Your Booth was enormously popular this year with Girl Scout troops AND cookie customers! We received 91 entries, which is 15 more than last year and three times as many as the year before. Congratulate the winners and see a complete gallery of the 2017 BYB entries.
Girl Award Ceremonies  
Congratulations to EVERY Girl Scout who took action in their community and earned a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award this year! Join us as we recognize our honorees at ceremonies across the state. Visit our website for dates, details and to RSVP.
Membership Dues Increase  
The National Board of Girl Scouts of the USA has increased the annual membership fee for girls and adults to $25, starting with the membership year that officially begins on October 1, 2017. 

Those who register or renew early will pay the dues increase when Early Bird opens on May 22. For more information regarding the dues increase, please refer to our FAQs .
Speaking of Early Bird... 
Our 2017-18 Early Bird registration will begin a little later than in previous years because we are introducing an enhanced online registration portal. You will be the first to use the new Volunteer Systems and Toolkit!
 
Early Bird opens on May 22 and ends July 31.
 
Girls who are registered online between May 22 and July 31 will receive a colorful, FREE fun patch, and leaders and co-leaders will receive a FREE T-shirt (both pictured above)! We also have an Early Bird "First Day" reward for you. Visit our website for Early Bird information and updates! 
March Volunteer Meetings  
If you missed our March Volunteer Meetings, we've got you covered. Find the notes and sponsor flyers on our website. 
Join Our Amazing Race 
Challenge yourself at a Girl Scout I-80 Adventure Race on Saturday, June 3. Girls of all ages and families are invited to one of five statewide events featuring hiking, running, biking and more (activities vary by location). Compete as an individual or on a team. For registration and details, click here .
YWECamp and YWEAchieve  
Time to Apply!
Girls entering grades 9-12 in fall 2017 are invited to apply for this summer's YWECamp and YWEAchieve . There is no fee to attend these leadership programs, but girls must apply by June 1, and be selected.
 
Visit our website to find out more and to apply for YWECamp , a mentoring experience in a camp setting, and YWEAchieve , a business basics program.
Give Days 2017 
Save the Dates! Mark your calendar for upcoming Give Days. These are great opportunities to support YOUR community and provide the gift of Girl Scouting to the girls who need us most. Thank you!
 
Visit our website for Give Days by dates and community.
 
Call 402.779.8227 or email questions.  
Where Will You Be During Eclipse 2017? 
On August 21, a rare, total solar eclipse will be visible in Nebraska! This will be the first one seen in the United States since 1979, with the next one not occurring until 2024. Learn more and check out all our solar eclipse programs here.
Upcoming Program Highlights 

Every Girl CAN (Choose, Advocate, Navigate)...Lead!
Saturday, April 29 NEW date and location!
UNL East Campus, Lincoln
Grades 6-8
Every girl CAN Lead, and this conference will prove it. Explore leadership topics, hear inspirational speakers, participate in hands-on activities and take action to make a difference in your community. Register here by April 14.
 
Thin Mint Sprint 5K
Sunday, May 7
Pioneers Park, Lincoln
Grades K-12, Families
Whether you plan to walk your first 5K or you've run 100 races before, join us for a morning of sweaty fun and a celebration of healthy living. Register here by April 21.
 
Building America: Day in the Life
Tuesday, May 30
Union Pacific Center, Omaha
Grades 4-12
Bring your hard hats - it's time to build America! Union Pacific invites you to explore the railroad and spend a day in the life of women in the rail industry, specifically STEM fields. Register here by May 16.
 
Kickin' It-Camp Style: Mini Resident Camp
Wednesday, May 31-Friday, June 2
Camp Maha, Papillion
Grades 6-12
This mini-resident camp is for older Girl Scouts who want to get outdoors! Pamper yourself after a long hike, splash around in the pool, compete at the archery range and stay up late playing glow-in-the-dark Capture the Flag! Register here by May 17.
 
Science Alliance Day Camp
Monday, June 5-Friday, June 9
Camp Cosmo, Grand Island
Grades 2-8
Join the Science Alliance and celebrate all things STEAM! Build, experiment, design, explore the outdoors, get a little crafty and have fun. Come for one day, two days...or even the whole week--you choose! Register here by May 22.
 
Out on the Range
Monday, June 12-Tuesday, June 13
Hidden Oaks Cabin, Valentine
Grades 4-12
Hike through field and forest and take aim at challenging targets at the Long Pine State Recreation Area archery range. Register here by May 31.
 
Glow and Grow
Friday, June 23
Camp Crossed Arrows, Nickerson
Grades K-12
Nature lovers...make your very own Glow and Grow terrarium, enjoy a nature hike and learn how things grow. Stay up late and do a bit of stargazing as you learn about the night sky. Bring your troop for a fun evening at camp! Register here by June 7.
 
Physics Challenge of Course
Saturday, June 24
Catron Camp and Retreat Center, Nebraska City
Grades 4-12
Zip, fly and swing! Ever wondered what goes into designing challenge course elements? Bring physics to life as you inspect the equipment, try fun experiments, take part in the challenge course elements and develop ideas for new ones! Register here by June 9.
 
Succulent Science
Saturday, June 24
Ricky and Lucy's Country Greenhouse, Sidney
Grades 2-5
Beautiful and tough desert native plants are all you need to create easy-care summer containers. Learn how to select, grow and design eye-catching displays using succulents and other hardy plants. Register here by June 9.
 
Denver Theater Trip - FROZEN
Saturday, August 26 - Sunday, August 27
Denver, CO (bus departs from Kearney with an additional pick up in Sidney)
Grades 2-12
Be the first to see the live production of FROZEN!  A new musical based on Disney's beloved, animated film will debut on Broadway next spring and this is the exclusive preview before it heads to NYC. Space is limited, so sign up NOW! Register here by July 1.
 
New York City 2017
Thursday, October 12-Sunday, October 15
New York, NY
Grades 6-12
We're bringing it back...a New York City trip for girls AND adults! Visit landmarks like Central Park, Little Italy, Fifth Avenue, the Statue of Liberty and Times Square! Come as a troop or with your favorite adult. Reserve your spot with the $100 deposit now. Registration deadline is July 1, unless the trip fills sooner!  
Girl Scout Day at the Zoo! 
Bring your Girl Scout Troop to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium for a half day of learning and fun followed by a half day at Lauritzen Gardens! Girls will work toward official Girl Scout badges as they explore Omaha's world-renowned zoo and the beautiful gardens nearby.
 
Event is Saturday, April 29. Fee is $15 per person and includes activities and admission to both facilities.

Reservations are required. Open this flyer for more information.
Email or call 402.738.6908 to register.

Chaperones and leaders must meet girl/adult ratios and stay with their Scouts during this event.
Audubon's Youth Birding Group
It's spring and the birds are sporting their most brilliant feathers and singing their beautiful songs. Join us for a guided birding adventure. Learn to use binoculars while observing and identifying different species. Come outdoors and look to the sky, there's so much to hear and see!
 
Upcoming Field Trips!

Searching for Tropical Migrants
Sunday April 23
Neale Woods
North of Hwy 680, along the Missouri River
4:30-6:00 p.m.
Space is limited, register soon.
  
This event is FREE and includes a birding fun patch!
 
Birds a Plenty
Sunday May 7
Lauritzen Gardens
100 Bancroft Street, Omaha.
3:00-5:00 p.m.
Register soon.
 
Cost for this program is $12/girl and $10/adult, which includes admission to the Gardens and a birding fun patch!
 
To register contact Tisha Johnson at 402.885.0990 or by email. Find out more on our Community Collaborator page. 
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