Do you know...
...that nearly 1,000 girls in our council receive some form of financial aid?d?
Now more than ever, we need your help to make sure every local girl has access to crucial, life-changing, girl-led programming that will launch her into a lifetime of leadership and building positive change. Click  Here to make a meaningful contribution to Girl Scouts of Silver Sage.   

G.I.R.L 2020 G-Team Applications Now Accepted

Girl Scouts' National Council Session and G.I.R.L. event occurs every three years, and our next exciting Movement gathering will be held in Orlando, Florida in October 2020. The National Council Session is the movement-wide business meeting for Girl Scouts, where our most important decisions are collectively made. The G.I.R.L.2020 portion of the week focuses on the issues affecting girls in our country and around the world. Thousands of people will attend - from Girl Scout delegates, members, and staff to other adults and girls who care about the issues affecting girls today. The G-TEAM is our girl planning team for this event.
 
The G-TEAM is our girl planning team for this event. From February 2019 until October 2020, this group of 25 older girls from across the Girl Scout Movement will provide input on all areas of the event; design and execute the experience for older Girl Scouts at G.I.R.L.2020; and contribute to specific areas such as: marketing, special events, learning sessions, activities, logistics, and more. Under the guidance of national volunteers, staff from Girl Scouts of the USA, and staff from Girl Scout host councils in Florida, the G-TEAM members will be selected for an internship in a specific focus-area, working with experts in that particular field. At the event in Orlando, the G-TEAM will serve as part of the core event leadership team.
 
For information on qualifications and application process, please click Here


Girl Scout Travel
You can experience all that our country has to offer, whether you're "blasting off" at space camp in Alabama, taking in a Broadway show in New York City, or visiting the birthplace of Girl Scouts' founder, Juliette Gordon Low, in Savannah, Georgia. And you can plan even bigger adventures around the world, traveling with other Girl Scouts who share your love of adventure. If your troop is planning a trip this year, check out the new Girl Scout Guide to U.S. Travel. Once you've explored the country, consider going international! The   Girl Scout Global Travel Toolkit can help you get where you want to go.
 
Destinations
Girl Scout Destinations are the ultimate adventure for individual girls ages 11 and older! With different trips every year, there's something amazing for everyone. These can be life-changing experiences and girls can make friends from all over the country as they travel with Girl Scouts from different states.  Visit the Destinations page to read more about the adventures awaiting!  New this year, online application process, making it easier for girls to apply. Paper registrations will not be accepted.

Youth Voices Contest
Strategies for Youth invites young people to express their views on police and youth interactions, as they are today and as they could be ideally, in a national writing and art competition with cash prizes. 
They want youths' voices to be heard and seen through this contest. SFY's Youth Voice contest will showcase youth writing and artwork from communities nationwide.
The contest offers youth opportunities to express their views in two ways, through:
  • art (drawing, photography, collages, sculpture) and
  • writing (essays, written dialogues, poems). 
There are two categories of awards -- one for written and one for artistic submissions -- and two categories of eligible youth -- one for ages 12-14 and one for ages 15-18.

For more information Click Here.
 
Deadline for entries is December 15th!
Volunteer Training
Whether this is your first year as a volunteer or your 4th or maybe a smiling-volunteer.jpgparent that would like to learn how to support their daughters experience, we have learning opportunities for you.  From the Venture Out! online adventure that lets volunteers explore different ways of taking girls outside in Girl Scouts, to Volunteer University online mini trainings on subject like Take Action, Highest Awards, Traditions, 5 Star Troop Award and so much more.  Find them all  HERE.

VTK & Program Delivery Training
In this training we will demonstrate how to navigate the VTK, learning how to use it to plan meetings, manage your troop, keep records, re-register your girls, etc. We will also discuss the badges and Journey programs, how to use them, make them girl-led, and more! These trainings will be offered via webinar too, for those in outside the Treasure Valley. Click a date below to register:

GSSSC Offices & Store

Shop Silver Sage
Did you know that proceeds from your purchases from our council's retail store and Web site help support everything we do?
 
You can shop online or in person at our store. Our Web platform lets you have items shipped directly to you or have them ready for you to pick up in our store. In addition to uniforms, guides, insignia and earned awards, we stock fun patches and an array of GS swag for girls and adults.

Free Bag with Starter Kit
If you're just starting out in Girl Scouts - or moving up to the next level - get all the basics in a Starter Kit. Kits include the Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting, official uniform of your choice (vest, tunic or sash), flag patch, council ID set, membership pins, insignia tab and troop numbers. Plus, you'll get a free Girl Scout drawstring bag with your kit! Available for all program age levels. Prices vary. See store associate for details.
Icon Corner:  Saving Smarts
For the responsible adult who thinks about being prepared for the future, savings are a fixed expense that is built into the monthly budget just like car payments and insurance. For most people, though, this habit does not come naturally. Teach your kids those saving smarts now when they're young to help make it a lifetime habit they've already mastered by the time they hit their 20's. Click Here for teaching tips.


Also check out the "Investing in My Future" Patch Program! 
November 2018
Central and East Idaho
November Thankfulness
Thanksgiving gives all of us in Girl Scouts an opportunity to reflect on the many ways our organization enriches our lives. From exciting programs to one-of-a-kind events, cookie season to summer camp, our girls benefit from the many offerings that make Girl Scouts the world's largest and best girl leadership development program. We're thankful to partner with phenomenal, passionate volunteers to provide these inspiring opportunities and work with girls to prepare them for their bright futures.
 
But why are our girls grateful for Girl Scouts? Here are what a few of our girls say:
Zoe - "I am thankful for Girl Scouts because it allows me to make new friends, have fun and learn to be a leader."
Chloe - "Girl Scout Friends are forever. We are sisters. I am always glad my troop is always there for me."
McKenna - I am thankful to be able to go to sporting events, do fun STEM things, go to camp and do things to help others."
 
What will you do to celebrate giving thanks this year with your girls? Consider talking with the girls about helping others during this time of giving thanks. One way to do this is through disaster recovery. Visit www.girlscouts.org/disaster-recovery to learn more.

Here are 3 more ways to show thanks with your family.
  • Many families take a moment on Thanksgiving Day to let each person say aloud what he or she is thankful for.
  • Use your "gratitude list" as a springboard to help others. If your kids say they're thankful for good food, figure out a way to share a meal with someone less fortunate. If time with family tops your list, reach out to someone in your community whose family lives far away. Kids often say they're thankful for toys, so let them help you put together a basket of unused or nearly new playthings for a holiday toy drive.
  • Plan projects that reinforce the importance of family. Kids can create and fill in a family tree poster to display on Thanksgiving, or make collages from duplicate family photos.
     

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving!

Jeannie Pattan, Director of Program and Membership
 GSSSC Opportunities 
Activity Links
These are just some of our upcoming activities. Make sure to checkout our  website for all upcoming opportunities.
Most activities allow both individual girls and/or troops to sign up! Financial assistance is available. 
Contact program@girlscouts-ssc.org with any questions.

Click date for more information and registration. 

November 17 Discover Girl Scouts 2018 - Twin Falls
December 15 Virtual Reality (VR) Workshop - Pocatello

Girl Scouts of Silver Sage Annual Conference and Older Girl Summit
SAVE THE DATE -  Silver Sage Annual Conference and Business Meeting -  April 26-27, 2019 with new venue! Details to follow.

Back by popular demand - Older Girl Summit - Looking for volunteers to help plan and lead. Contact customercare@girlscouts-ssc.org  with Older Girl Summit in subject line.

Discover Girl Scouts 2018 - Twin Falls
Girl Scouts of Silver Sage invites all K-12 girls to discover friendship and adventure through Girl Scouts! Girls can experience outdoor adventures, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), community service, arts, earn awards and more!

Girls can check out STEM Cubelets, learn about Girl Scout Cookies and Camp, earn part of a First Aid Badge, and find out about Teen Leadership opportunities! This event is FREE, so invite a girl that may be interested in joining the fun in Girl Scouts!  At Girl Scouts, girls do BIG things that make a difference in their community.
 
NEW! Girl Scout Boise City Council Patch
The Boise City Council would like to invite Girl Scouts to be involved with City Council Meetings by leading the Pledge of Allegiance . Your troop can participate once, or regularly and receive this a special patch from the Boise City Council. The meetings are held on Tuesday evenings at 6:00pm, except the 4th Tuesday of each month is at noon. If you are interested in participating, please contact program@girlscouts-ssc.org

Don't live in Boise? Plan a special trip to the Boise area with your troop or check with your local City Council to see how you can participate there.

Governor's Inaugural Ball 
Every 4 years the Governor's office, along with the Idaho National Guard, invite Girl Scouts to participate at the Governor's Inaugural Ball.  Participation includes checking coats, handing out refreshments and most importantly, representing Girl Scouts.  We are excited to be invited again.  The ball will be January 5, 2019 and the girls will need to be there by 5:30.  

We are looking for 42 girls (8th grade and older) who are able to help out.  Girls need to be responsible and able to stand in one location for long stretch of times.  Deadline to register is November 6th.  We could also use the help of a volunteer to manage this activity. Please contact program@girlscouts-ssc.org if you or girls you know are interested. Girls from all regions are encouraged to participate.

Warm Hearts, Toasty Toes (WHTT) - (Patch earning opportunity)
Kick Off Party on November 13, from 6pm-8pm
Interested troops can join Icon  Credit Union for a Kick-Off Pizza Party at Girl Scout Office in Boise (8948 W. Barnes St.). Troops will learn more about how they can help collect more than 10,000 pairs of socks for people in need, meet the Icon Credit Union volunteer that will work with them to coordinate this impressive task, and enjoy yummy pizza with their Girl Scout sisters and Icon volunteers. 

Can't wait to join the WHTT fun?  RSVP to Kimberly at klafong@iconcreditunion.org and let her know how many in your troop will participate to collect socks and if you will be at the Kick-Off Party on Nov. 13, 2018. More information can be found  here. You do not have to attend the Kick-Off party to join in the WHTT effort, but you still need to contact Kimberly.  


Fred Meyer Community Rewards
1. Visit  FredMeyer.com.
2. Click 'Link your Rewards Card Now', sign into your account or create a new one.
3. Link to Girl Scouts by searching our name or non-profit number (#HR913).


5th Annual Drive Smart Contest
Empowering Teens and Growing Leaders
The Drive Smart Contest, sponsored by CTIA Wireless Foundation, is on the road again! Students can strengthen the skills they need to become leaders by entering their original digital shorts about the dangers of distracted driving. Entries are eligible for a grand-prize $10,000 scholarship and other prizes. Students can also download our form to help them earn community service hours for their work.

Who: 13 to 18-year-old U.S. and PR residents
What: Create an original 15 to 60 second digital short
When: October 15, 2018 through January 6, 2019
How: Students register, create and submit their digital short online and may submit multiple entries.
Why: Over $26,000 in prizes for students and teachers/mentors. Plus, one random winner will be chosen out of each week's entries to receive a $100 gift card!

Click Here for more information.
 Product Program
FALL PRODUCT ONLINE SALES
The Fall Product Program is starting to wind down from the exceptional sale!  There are just a few things to know:
  • All product delivery to Service Units the week of November 7th.  Work with your troop for details on girl delivery.
  • Rewards will arrive late-November.  
2019 Cookie Program Dates
The Cookie Program is still a little way off, but plans are already coming together for an exciting new season.
  • Early December 2018: Council-Led Training
  • January 11-27, 2019: Pre-sales
  • February 22-March 10, 2019: Booth Sales
2019 Cookie Stars Contest
What is better than a Girl Scout Cookie? A Girl Scout Cookie and Milk of course! We have partnered with Dairy West, to bring Cookies and Milk to those who need it most. When customers purchase a box of Girl Scout Cookies to be donated to the Cookies from the Heart program, a $1 worth of milk will also be donated to the Idaho Foodbank. Double the impact!
 
To help promote this exciting partnership, we are asking Girl Scouts to create their own commercial to help spread the news. The first 100 girls and troops that create and submit their one-minute (or less) video, will earn the Cookies and Milk Patch and all submissions will be entered into the Cookie Star Contest.
  • For more information and how to enter, click HERE
  • To submit a video, click HERE
If you have a story or community partner that you would like to share, please email us at
program@girlscouts-ssc.org.