GSSSC Offices & Store

Starting June the Girl Scouts Leadership Center, including the store, will be moving to summer hours.  

Summer Hours
Monday-Thursday 9:00AM-5:00PM
Fridays 9:00AM-1:00PM

The store will not be open late on Thursdays or Saturdays
Thank You for Another Amazing Cookie Season!
As another cookie season is wrapping up, girl incentives will be arriving shortly.  Please check with your troop leader if you are not sure your daughter earned any awards.  All girls that sold over 100 boxes of cookies should be receiving Cookie Dough.  

Cookie Dough are certificates that can be used by the girl for annual membership registration (girl only), camp, Destination, older girl troop travel, council sponsored events and activities, and purchases from the Girl Scouts of Silver Sage store.

How will you celebrate with the girls? We love to receive photos of cookie celebrations!

Girl Scout Gold Award Training
Gold Award Training is open to all girls, 9th grade and older, parents, and advisers, who are interested in learning more about this prestigious award. Requirements and policies will be reviewed, step by step, with plenty of time for questions.
This workshop is mandatory for all girls who wish to propose a Gold Award Proposal Application. Registration is required for training.  

Next Training: Monday, May 13 at 6:00pm - Boise Office

Not in the Boise area?  Not a problem!  We have the ability to Skype girls into the training.

Vape Talk for Parents & Teens
Tuesday, May 7, 6:00PM-7:30PM
Mountain View High School Auditorium
2000 S. Millenium Way
Meridian, ID 83642

Going beyond the bubblegum and sour patch oils, Colorado presenters Lynn Reimer and Chris Lazarus discuss the serious health concerns associated with vaping and e-cigarettes, trends in devices, their connection to substance misuse, and what the industry has done to make these products appeal to youth. This event is
free to attend. 

Take Pride & Ride Scooter Competition
Saturday, May 4 1PM-3PM
Rhodes Skate Park

Grades 6-12 are invited to compete against other schools and students in a fun, friendly atmosphere.  Participants must register online and sign a waiver here before the event. 
 
Idaho Gives is a 24-hour, online day of statewide giving. During this day, people from all over Idaho come together to support local non-profits. Once again, Girl Scouts of Silver Sage will honor this special day by giving back! Visit HERE  for more info.

City of Boise Seeks Service Projects for Inaugural Boise Kind Day  
Boise Mayor David Bieter called on the community to join the effort. Service organizations, faith groups, non-profits, neighborhood associations and other community groups can submit helpful, fun and kind service projects for residents to get involved with on Boise Kind Day. Businesses can also participate by putting together service teams or offering free or discounted services on Boise Kind Day. People or groups submitting projects will be responsible for managing their volunteers on Saturday, June 22.
Those interested in submitting a service project can do so by filling out a form here

Link your "Amazon Smiles" Account!
It's super easy to do and doesn't cost anything.  Go to smile.amazon.com to sign up.  When prompted for a charity you would like to benefit, choose Girl Scouts of Silver Sage Council Inc. (EIN: #82-0259644).  Now you can shop and support Girl Scouts at the same time!  When you want to shop, be sure to log into smile.amazon.com.


Sign up for the Fred Meyer Community Reward Program
Link your Fred Meyer Rewards card to Girl Scouts of SIlver Sage, ID #Hr913.  Click here  and choose"Link Your Rewards Card now".  Follow the quick steps to create an account and you're on your way. 

Idaho Premiere of Moananuiākea 
and Conversation with Director
Nāʻālehu Anthony and Local Writer Malia Collins

Thursday, May 2nd 7:00 PM
The Egyptian Theatre

Join us for the Idaho premiere and one-time film showing of 
Moananuiākea: One Ocean, One People, One Canoe. 

Idaho High School and College students as well as Indigenous peoples can attend at no cost. Reserve your tickets today here.
 
 
Engineering for Kids - Engineering for a Cause

Our partners at Engineering for Kids are offering workshops that benefit the Ronald McDonald House.  These will include Electrical Engineering: Circuit Bug, Mechanical Engineering:Ball Maze and Aerospace Engineering: Bottle Rocket.  For complete information, click HERE

Needlepoint Classes
We have a community member that would like to share her passion and knowledge of needlepoint with the Girl Scouts.  She will provide materials, teach basic stitches and girls can complete one or two projects.  Contact Carol Stoddard HERE

Fishin' with the Commission
Join your Ada County Commissioners Saturday, May 4th from 10AM-2PM for a fun day of fishing...bring the entire family!  

The event will be held at Kleiner Pond in Meridian's Kleiner Park.
Idaho Fish & Game will provide all the tackle, bait, and assistance.  If you don't have a fishing license, no need to worry.  Participants can stop by the Idaho Fish & Game trailer on the day of the event and register to fish for free. 
Icon Corner: Vacation Planning Made Easy

Planning the ultimate family vacation is quite a challenge. This is especially true when you're trying to fit in the best attractions and give your kids the vacation of a lifetime while staying within a budget.
How can you accomplish all that and still keep your kids happy?
The solution is simple, yet brilliant: Let your kids be a part of planning that vacation! This way, they'll be the making many of the choices, thus eliminating the usual complaints and groans about your chosen attractions. Plus, your job will be that much easier. As an added bonus, your kids will learn invaluable lessons about budgeting and making choices.

Also check out the "Investing in My Future" Patch Program! 

Complete the No Bummer Summer Challenge!

Click here to access the No Bummer Summer  challenge.  Girls who  complete at  least 50 of the 100 activities will earn a fun patch! The challenge lasts May 1st - August 31st.  Completed forms can be sent to program@girlscouts-ssc.org or
mailed to the Girl Scouts
Leadership Center no later
than  September 6th. 
May 2019
Treasure Valley
Dear Girl Scout Families,

Girl Scouts has a long history of building girls of courage, confidence and character who want to make the world a better place.  Participating with an organization that supports girls and mentors them to be amazing leaders for our future is very fulfilling for volunteers and staff and leaves us knowing we are making a difference. 
 
My 12 plus years assisting volunteers who are leading and mentoring our girls through this adventure has been very rewarding.  I started with Girl Scouts as a volunteer, from Troop Leader, Visions Mentor, Service Unit Cookie Manager and Service Unit Manager.  Then I was lucky enough to become staff, starting as a receptionist and moved into the following roles: retail manager, program manager and lastly, Director of Program and Membership.  Each of these roles have taught me so much and made me appreciate each and every one of our volunteers! 
 
My greatest joys however have come from working with the girls themselves and watching them grow into leaders.  From watching a Daisy learn the Girl Scout Promise and explore robotics for the first time; Juniors riding a horse for the first time; observing an Ambassador growing in leadership while working on her Gold Award or being invited to a college graduation of a former Girl Scout.  Each of these girls have taught me lessons in life and every day I think "I want to be like her!"
 
Just as we teach the girls to always reach for new goals in life, I have decided to see what new challenges there are for me and where else I can use my passion to make a difference in our community.  May 31st will be my last day as staff, but I am excited to say that I will continue as a volunteer, mentoring girls working on their Gold Awards and leading the Gold Award Committee. 
 
I know our program team, membership coordinators, customer care and all the rest of our staff will continue the excellent customer service to ensure we support you however needed. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Jeannie Pattan

A Weekend of Service -  May 17-19, 2019
To receive your Weekend of Service patch, work with your troop or group to plan and implement an environmentally focused  service project on or around May 17 - 19, 2019. We encourage you to use the ideas listed and the timeline  provided for inspiration as your girls select a project that sparks their passion. Make sure to complete the survey here  before June 15, 2019 to receive your patches.

Need some ideas?  
  • Have you seen birds, bees, or other animals looking for homes? Find out how to make shelters for animals and place them appropriately.
  • Are you noticing that there aren't many places for birds to get food in your area? Make bird feeds for an elderly facility, a local park, or other community place.
  • Are some of your local lakes or rivers looking a bit polluted? Adopt a stream or lake! Find a section of the shore that you can clean up.
  • Did you know that bread is bad for ducks and geese? Feed the ducks something that is good for them! Bring your local water fowl a nice snack such as lettuce, corn, oats, or other duck-friendly treats.
  • Visit a local nature center or wildlife rehabilitation facility to learn more about what they do and collaborate
Save Your Spot for Next Year! Early Bird Opens May 1
We completed cookie sales and now we are preparing for Early Bird registration. You might be asking, "What is Early Bird Registration?" or "Why should I participate in Early Bird Registration?"

Well...before the girls can continue their Girl Scout adventure they need to RENEW their membership.

Early Bird registration helps Troop Co-Leaders know whether girls will be back when school resumes and if there are openings in the troop. By asking parents and girls to participate in early bird registration, they get to secure their troop spot. This becomes especially important to prepare before back to school recruitment, where you'll get another influx of girls wanting to join troops.
Mark your calendar - Early Bird registration begins May 1 and ends June 15 . Current memberships expire September 30, 2019.  Ask your troop leader for more details.
2019 World Village Festival Looking for Volunteers

Join the World Village Festival, June
If you are interested in volunteering, please sign-up here  21st-23rd at Cecil D. Andrus Park in Boise.  They are seeking volunteers for the 3-day celebration of the many diverse cultures found in the Treasure Valley and Idaho.   Throughout the weekend, there will be a wide variety of family-friendly performances of music, dance and stories, along with crafts and delicious food.   
 
Meet interesting people and experience the depth of our terrific community while setting up, tearing down or working as a rotating General Volunteer.  Volunteers need to be 14+ years old.  Examples of General Volunteer duties include:
 
Info Booth
Offer surveys, provide info, sell water bottles and t-shirts, etc
 
Tapas Servers
Serve sample plates.
 
Kids Entertainment
Help entertainers.
 
Gate Security
Monitor parking and allow performers through to stage.
 
Stage Security
Monitor to ensure equipment is secure.
 
Clean Up Crew
Patrol park collecting trash etc.

Volunteer  Training
May 4th - 403 Training 9:00am-12:00pm
 
Join In On the Camp Fun!
Archery, campfires, and nature hikes, oh my! There is a world of fun for your Girl Scout this summer at our two amazing summer camp. Girls will make new friends, step into their challenge zone, meet counselors from around the world (including South Africa, Poland and the Netherlands) and gain independence. Our all girl camps allow girls to express themselves, be silly, and try new things in a safe environment! Don't miss out on the fun, registration is open now!

More information about camp and how to register can be found HERE.  Didn't receive a camp guide in your mail?  You can view one  HERE  or contact customercare@girlscouts-ssc.org to receive one in the mail.

Camperships
Every girl dreams of going to summer camp, but many cannot afford it.  This year, you can help make a girl's dream come true by providing a camp scholarship for a Girl Scout in our council area.  

Registration for summer camp is open and girls are looking forward to approval of their scholarship applications. Give online at www.girlscouts-ssc.org.
 
If your girl needs financial assistance to make her summer camp dreams come true- let us know! Need-based camperships are still being accepted. 


Looking for Camp Counselors, Lifeguards, and a Kitchen Assistant!
If you or someone you know is 18 or older and is looking for a meaningful summer job, consider applying to Girl Scout Camp! We are still searching for 4 counselors 2 lifeguards and a kitchen assistant at both camps. In addition to being a role model for our campers, camp staff receive 10 days of training, the opportunity to do camp activities and go on field trips, a summer salary, and room and board! Join us for a summer you will never forget!
 
For more information on openings, please contact our Outdoor Program Manager, Olive at  opoulsen@girlscouts-ssc.org.


Camp Care Packs & Sweatshirts
Going to camp this summer? Order your camp care packages and  sweatshirts at our Girl Scout store! Your Girl Scout will be delighted with her special care package and sweatshirt during her stay at our outstanding summer camps.   We will be taking orders until May 25th. 


Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend: July 13th and 14th
Attend an event at one of Idaho's state parks!  Visit Ponderosa State Park in McCall to try campfire cooking and meet outdoor professionals. Castle Rock State Park in Almo for first-time fishing, an interpretive trail, camping, and other adventures.  As well as Lucky Peak State Park in Boise.

Keep an eye on our website as more details about registration and which Idaho State Parks will be hosting activities. 

Summer Camp Open House!
Back by popular demand, both Girl Scouts of Silver Sage resident camps will be hosting an open house for families to have the opportunity to get a tour of camp, meet our wonderful camp staff, and have all their questions answered about our exciting summer program! Open houses are drop in and will include light refreshments. Everyone is welcome to come visit camp! The Camp Director and summer camp leadership team will have a private space available for families who would like to talk about concerns or special circumstances in a more private space.

Registration is required for this event. We must get a minimum of 25 people registered to run the open house.

Camp Alice Pittenger- June 8th, 2019- 1pm to 4pm register here
Camp Ta-Man-a-Wis- July 21st, 2019- 2pm to 6pm register here

 
GoldieBlox Kits
GoldieBlox kits are available for Daisies to complete their Board Game, Model Car, and Roller Coaster Design badges and for Brownies to complete the Leap Box, Fling Flyer, and Race Car Design badges.  Reserve yours today HERE.  Kits can be checked out for 1 month.

Fun STEM Opportunities in the Community
(These are not Girl Scout events and parents/guardians or troop leaders must be present)

ScentsyCon - May 3rd 5:00-8:00pm
Scentsy Con is a community event with the goal of getting the young people in our community excited about technology. For more information, click HERE.

Boise Watershed Activities for the Whole Family!
Our partners at the Boise Watershed offer amazing free activities year round for families to attend.  
Check out these:

O-fish-al Fish Day Saturday, May 18 10AM-1PM
More information here

Global Water Saturday, June 15 10AM-1PM
More information here

There are many more activities (Home School days, Friday Night Earthworks for adults, Watershed Exploration Series, and more) on their calendar.
If you have a story or community partner that you would like to share, please email us at
program@girlscouts-ssc.org.