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Welcome Helen Wronski to Tropical!

Please join us as we welcome Ms. Helen Wronski to Tropical Florida!

We are thrilled to announce the creation of the Coral Gables Community Foundation patch for Camp Mahachee campers made possible after the Foundation awarded the Girl Scouts with a $5,000 grant. Foundation Board Members John O'Rourke and Scott Poulin and Executive Director Mary Snow presented the special patches to the girls at Camp Mahachee this afternoon!

THANK YOU for your amazing support of our girls!

Top Reasons Why Girls Should Get Outdoors

JOIN NOW: www.girlscoutsfl.org/JOIN

We want to hear from YOU!

Tell us about your experience with Girl Scouts this year!

This spring, Girl Scouts of the USA is introducing a new survey called “Girl Scout Voices Count.”

There will be versions for girls, parents, and volunteers—so we can get an idea of what the year was like for everyone.

Here’s what you need to know:

Girls: Your chance to tell us about your experience starts May 11. To participate, you need to sign up for the Girl Scout Voices survey panel. If you are 13 or older, you can sign yourself up here: www.GirlScoutVoices.org! If you are 12 or younger, ask your parents to sign you up.

Parents: Look for an email that tells you how to sign your daughter up for the Girl Scout Voices survey panel. We also want to hear from you and will be inviting you to participate in a parent/guardian survey starting June 1.

Volunteers: Your opportunity to give feedback will begin June 1. In a few weeks, we’ll be sending you an invitation to participate via email, but you can also keep an eye on our social media feeds for information on when to participate.

We can’t wait to hear what you have to say!

Got questions? Can’t find the email with the survey invitation? Feel free to get in touch with us at GSVoicesCount@girlscouts.org.

Girl Scout, Justine Padron, is the Eco-hero winner!!

CONGRATS to our very own Girl Scout, Justine Padron, who was selected by WPLG Local 10 as the Eco Hero!! She will be going to the Canadian Rockies with Zoo Miami Ron Magill. 

See full video here

University of Miami Biologists Host 50 South Florida Girl Scouts for Naturalist Badge Day Activities

College of Arts & Sciences Ph.D. Student in Biology Allie Graham Inspires Young Girls to Explore the Fun in Science through Educational Event on Bugs and Flowers

Coral Gables, Fla. (April 9, 2015) – More than 50 South Florida Girl Scouts spent an educational morning at the University of Miami on April 4, when Ph.D. student in Biology Allie Graham organized Naturalist Badge Day.

Graham – a biology Ph.D. student in the College of Arts & Sciences – created a curriculum on Bugs for local Brownies (second and third graders), and a unit on Flowers for Juniors (fourth and fifth graders).

Ultra-organized and energetic, Graham was a Girl Scout for more than 10 years, eventually earning a Silver Award for her accomplishments in scouting, her community and her personal life.

“My experience in Girl Scouts was so important to me. I wanted to give back,” she said. 

In addition to planning interactive and educational activities, Graham recruited several faculty members and graduate students from theDepartment of Biology to share their expertise with the Scouts.

Director of Programs for the Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida Lori Ross said, “The students who helped Allie run the program were great with the girls and so effective in ensuring the girls learned in a safe, fun and encouraging atmosphere.”

Professor of Biology Carol Horvitz – an international authority on plant ecology – worked with the Juniors on their Flower Badges. They explored UM’s Gifford Arboretum to gather specimens and investigate floral properties such as scent and color. They then visited a lab to create corsages and make their own perfume.

“Spending the morning in our living tree collection with the Girl Scouts was a delight,” Horvitz said. “They discovered the diversity of scents, colors, forms and functions of flowers as we had planned, but they did not stop with the planned lesson. Their natural curiosity took over as they explored on their own, collecting seed pods, big leaves, small leaves and marveling at the fibers and saps produced by the trees.”

For their Bug Badges, the Brownies examined different bug species under a microscope, made bug masks and learned how insects are used in research to answer biological questions.

Ross said, “I am so grateful to Allie and her team of volunteers for developing and implementing this program. The program was so well organized, and Allie made certain that the activities were fun, hands on and educational.”

Graham said, “We had so many girls come up to us, telling us how much fun they had, and how wonderful the event was. I know I left campus feeling like I had really accomplished something; hopefully it got the girls interested in insects and plants, even if just a little.”

She added that another goal of the event is to humanize scientists for the Scouts. “Scientists are real people. I try and portray myself as a scientist, but also as a regular person. You don’t have to be a genius – you just have to have the enthusiasm.”

www.as.miami.edu

Photo caption: Girl Scouts of Tropical Florida Brownies and Juniors enjoy Naturalist Badge Day at the University of Miami on April 4.

Girl Scout Chief Executive Director Maria D. Tejera retired effective February 13, 2015

Hired in 1982 as a membership marketing specialist, Maria’s skills and previous experience in child development propelled her as she advanced to the position of director of membership.  She was ultimately hired as the Girl Scout CEO in 1992, shortly before Hurricane Andrew took aim at South Florida, devastating Girl Scout properties.  Due to her tenacity and firmness, the Girl Scouts were the very last FEMA claim settled after Andrew.    The administrative service center was rebuilt as was the Barbara Moore Program Center, but FEMA kept denying the claim for the four cabins at

Camp Choee.   Thanks to her, the cabins were indeed rebuilt, but were moved to a more secluded location on the camp away from the front gate and included air conditioning, showers, and fans for the new generation of Girl Scouts.  In addition, Maria made sure that the youth in the community received Girl Scout programs in an effort to provide some normalcy to their shattered lives as many lived in “tent city” during their own home rebuilding efforts.

As CEO, Maria guided not only Girl Scout staff and volunteers in the operations of the council but also was a trusted and loyal partner with area funding agencies, foundations and with local businesses and corporations.  After putting the properties back together after Andrew, she went on to face a string of hurricanes in the early 2000’s that impacted the properties once again.  Through her determination she worked again with FEMA to settle claims, rebuild more devastated sites all while gaining the confidence of partnering agencies and funders.  She was determined to create stability for Girl Scout families, staff, and volunteers.

A respected Girl Scout CEO across the nation, Maria was frequently asked by Girl Scouts of the USA to serve on nationwide task groups and was selected by the national organization for the Core Business Strategy Task Group which met over the course of several years to design the merging of Girl Scout councils nationwide. 

Maria has served the board of directors of well throughout the years, working in partnership with hundreds and hundreds of community leaders who served on the Girl Scout board.  Her 33 years of service to the Girl Scout Council of Tropical Florida, Inc. is commendable.  She exemplified the true qualities of the Girl Scout world….honestly, fairness, integrity, good character, and excellent morals and ethics.   She was the face of Girl Scouting in our community and our friend for 33 years. 

Maria’s planned retirement will allow her to spend more time with her family especially her five year old granddaughter, who is a new Girl Scout and attended summer camp last summer. 

The Girl Scout staff and board of directors held a retirement party for her complete with a fun “roast”.  She was reminded of several funny incidents throughout the years, given amusing gifts along with a case of her favorite Girl Scout cookie, the Samoa.  Her staff presented a custom designed trefoil shaped pearl necklace while the board and Girl Scout volunteers attending, presented her the Girl Scout 100^th Anniversary Lladro Special Edition Brownie Girl Scout and the customary retirement watch so that she will be on time in her retirement!

We wish you all the best, Maria!

Three Things You Can Do on World Thinking Day

Three Things You Can Do on World Thinking Day

When you’re a Girl Scout, you’re part of something much bigger than just your troop or group. Your “network” stretches across your state, throughout the nation, and to more than 150 countries in the world where Girl Scouts or Girl Guides are found. Together, you’re a powerful force!

Every February 22 on World Thinking Day, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world unite in purpose to focus on one issue, or theme, to make the world a better place. This year, the World Thinking Day theme is “Create Peace Through Partnerships.”

Here a few things you can do to make this World Thinking Day special:

Share your #guidinglight

Candles have always been a powerful symbol of friendship for Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world. This year, Girl Scouts and Girl Guides will light up social media with the glow of thousands of candles on World Thinking Day. So how do you participate? Here’s the short version: Light a candle. Take a selfie. Upload it to social media using the hashtag #guidinglight. Include a message that inspires others to do the same. And don’t forget to tag @girlscouts, @WAGGGS_world—and any other friends you might want to join you! Check out more details.

Show that peace is in your hands!

We all have the power to make changes for the betterment of our world.

 Learn about the international symbols for peace. Trace your hands and draw one of the symbols between them. If you want to start a conversation with members of your community, see if you can display your artwork at a community center, a local business, or house of worship. Invite community members to an “art opening” and talk about this year’s World Thinking Day theme.

Earn your World Thinking Day award!

Explore this year’s theme, “Create Peace Through Partnerships”! There are lots of ways to participate. Reading books, watching movies, constructing a “peace pole,” inviting a returned Peace Corps volunteer to talk to you about her/his experiences… Girl Scouts of all ages can participate in World Thinking Day. Check out our list of activities by grade level.

Questions about World Thinking Day? Learn more.

Cookie Bosses Go Digital

Cookie Bosses Go Digital

Keep in mind, though, that Girl Scout Cookies are still only available during Girl Scout Cookie season, so whether you stock up at a traditional sale or through Digital Cookie, make sure you get them before they are gone!

Yes, you read that right! Digital Cookie is a groundbreaking new addition to the iconic Girl Scout Cookie Program you know and love—the first-ever national digital platform in the program’s history. This enhancement takes the cookie program beyond the booth, creating another fun, safe, interactive space for girls to sell cookies. It’s a total game changer!

And this is just the beginning. The 2014 launch of Digital Cookie is only the first phase of a multi-year project to get Girl Scouts building their online cookie businesses—learning more, earning more, and having more fun. Future versions of Digital Cookie will provide improved user experiences for girls and cookie customers alike, and a more robust customer interface to make it even easier for customers to support girls through their cookie purchases.

Just like with our traditional cookie sale, all the money girls earn through Digital Cookie stays with their local council, and girls decide how to reinvest it back into their neighborhoods and communities. Like all Girl Scout Cookie consumers, Digital Cookie customers are not only getting a delicious treat—they are also making an important investment in their communities.

You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers…

How will shipping be calculated?

All shipping costs associated with Digital Cookie are in line with industry standards set by many reputable delivery services. The cost associated is comparable to what a customer would pay when buying Girl Scout Cookies at a booth sale and shipping the cookies themselves.

Is this online option safe for girls?

Digital Cookie emphasizes the safety of both girls and customers. There are specific safety requirements and regulations put in place that are in line with the traditional cookie program’s safety regulations, with the appropriate caregiver monitoring the cookie sale. As is true with the traditional cookie program, a parent, guardian, caregiver, or buddy (depending on the age of the Girl Scout) must be with the girl when she’s delivering cookies.

What about the girls who are not participating in Digital Cookie?

Girls not participating in Digital Cookie may call and send email messages to alert friends and family to product sales, and they can accept customer commitments via email or telephone. Girls who are 13 years of age or older may use social networking sites to market product, but must follow council and GSUSA guidelines.

Today’s girls are digital natives, and they wanted a cookie program that could teach them twenty-first-century skills in twenty-first-century ways—skills they’ll need to have in order to be leaders in today’s high-tech world. Well, that cookie program is now here, and we’re more excited than ever before!

Who’s ready to get started?

Here are the top ten reasons to invite a friend to volunteer with Girl Scouts TODAY…

10.  There are LESS THAN 120 hours left to take advantage of the Volunteer Invite-a-Friend offer.

9.  We’re trying to set a new record for on-boarding volunteers in a single month! Help us recruit over 

20 volunteers this month!

8.  Who doesn’t love SHOPPING FOR GIRL SCOUT GEAR?! During theVolunteer Invite-a-Friend offer, when you invite a friend to volunteer with us, you’ll get a $50 coupon code to use at Girl Scouts’ Official Online Store.

7.  Wouldn’t it be nice to have ONE MORE Girl Scout sister to share that box of Thin Mints with? As you count cookie money, of course…

6.  There are 1000s of Girl Scouts at GSCTF… and another 30,000 girls nationwide who CAN’T WAIT to be Girl Scouts. Let’s get these girls involved in the ah-mazing activities we offer today!

5.  Remember that time you sang silly Girl Scout songs until your girls got the giggles? EVERYONE could use some more giggles in their lives!

4.  Picture your favorite Girl Scout memory. Maybe when it’s the time one of your Daisies realized that swimming wasn’t so scary with her Girl Scout sisters around… or maybe it’s the moment that your Junior found her voice and stood up to peer pressure… or maybe when you realized that without YOU, those moments may not have happened. Don’t you want to invite a friend to make even more of these moments happen?

3.  “Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other’s gold…” Need we say more?

2.  Volunteering with girls is like discovering the FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH! Girl giggles, silly stories, new experiences, and breaking out of your comfort zone keep you forever young! 

1.   Before you came along, your girls were waiting for someone to be their role model. There are girls still waiting for that role model to come along. Invite a friend to make a difference in these girls’ lives today!

Once you’ve invited a friend to start a new troop, let us know RIGHT HERE!

Have a question? Contact Pauline Russell  at PRussell@girlscoutsfl.org or  (305) 253-4841 ext. 238.

Happy Thanksgiving,  

Saving Endangered Species Youth Art Contest Announced -Entries Due March 1, 2015-

Celebrate the 10th annual national Endangered Species Day on May 15, 2015.

   

Saving Endangered Species Youth Art Contest Announced  -Entries Due March 1, 2015-

        WASH., D.C.—November 5, 2014—Elementary, middle and high school teachers and their students are encouraged to  participate in the annual Saving Endangered Species Youth Art Contest, an integral part of the 10th annual national Endangered Species Day, celebrated on and around May 15, 2015. 

    Started in 2006 by the United States Congress, Endangered Species Day is a celebration of the nation’s wildlife and wild places.  The Youth Art Contest provides K-12 students residing in the United States with an opportunity to learn about endangered species and express their knowledge and support through artwork. Young artists who are home schooled and  those who participate in youth groups are also eligible to submit their art. More than 2,000 young artists from throughout the country entered this year’s contest. (See the 2014 semifinalists’ artwork here.)

  Entries to the Saving Endangered Species contest must be postmarked by March 1, 2015. A prestigious panel of artists, photographers and conservationists will judge the artwork. Winners will be chosen in four categories: K-Grade 2, Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8 and Grades 9-12, and will receive plaques and art supply gift packs. In addition, one grand prize winner will be honored at a reception in Washington, D.C. in May and also receive a special art lesson from a professional artist.

   The Saving Endangered Species Youth Art Contest is organized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Endangered Species Coalition, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the International Child Art Foundation.

  For more information, including judging criteria and an entry form, visit www.endangeredspeciesday.org  An endangered species art lesson plan is also available.

New Patch Series from P.R.A.Y. BIBLE BASICS RP3 READ to PICTURE, PONDER, and PUT INTO ACTION

"Bible Basics RP3" is designed to help people GET INTO THE BIBLE. We firmly believe that time spent in the Bible can be precious time with God. 

• Read Bible stories together with families, Sunday school classes, scout groups, grandparents ... anybody interested in the Bible!
• Learn the RP3 model: 

       READ the Bible / PICTURE the story / PONDER the meaning /PUT IT INTO ACTION

• For all ages (children, youth, and adults)
• Patches focus on a simple object (i.e. water, birds, books, etc.) and include 3 Bible stories that feature that object.
• The Good Book is the "anchor" patch and should be earned first to learn more about the Bible and why you should read it.
• Patches are independent study units and may be earned in any order (after the anchor patch)
• Patches are separate from the P.R.A.Y. awards and do not require an application/review process
• Perfect for campouts or weekend retreats
• Requirements are available now at no charge on the P.R.A.Y. website at www.praypub.org/biblebasics 
• Patches (and pins!) will be available in the P.R.A.Y. online store
• [Patches will be available starting Nov. 1st; Pins will be available Nov. 15th]

Join us for a BIBLE BASICS RP3 Webinar

Title:                    Bible Basics RP3

Audience:           Everybody interested in the Bible!

Presenter:          Deb Hazlewood, P.R.A.Y., Curriculum Development

Description:        Find out about the new patch series "Bible Basics RP3." The presentation will cover the requirements, overall design, ideas for implementation, future patches, and give ample time for Q&A.

Register now!

Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at 1:00 PM CENTRAL TIME

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6921130290228089601

Thursday, November 13, 2014 at 7:00 PM CENTRAL TIME

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7014007136938572290

The Good Book

Story #1: The Lost Book

Story #2: Getting to 

Know the Bible

Story #3: Training for Godliness 

Out of the Water

 Story #1: Baby Moses

 in the River

 Story #2: Naaman Washing

 in the River

 Story #3: Jesus Baptized

 in the River

                            

Birds of the Air
Story #1: God Sends Ravens to Care for Elijah
Story #2: God Lifts Us up on Eagle's Wings
Story #3: God Cares for Sparrows

The lifelong impact of Girl Scouts as told by Maria B.

The lifelong impact of Girl Scouts as told by Maria B. Thank you for sharing your story! 

This week I read a motivating article. The article posed the question, what would the eight year old you find shocking that the adult you wasn't doing? I thought for a few seconds when I read the article, the first thing that came to mind was scouting. I was a Girl Scout for ten years, from eight to eighteen. I earned the Gold Award. Then later in the week I serendipitously found out about a membership rally at Camp Choee; a place I have many, many fond memories of. I am lucky to be the mother of two wonderful girls. My oldest is now old enough to be a Daisy. I was so excited to be taking my daughters and husband to a Girl Scout event and more over, Camp Choee.

Returning to Camp Choee was exciting and emotional. There was, at the event, an exhibit of the Girl Scout uniform through the ages. I couldn't hold back the tears when I saw the junior uniform I wore. Not only the uniform, but in display were also the same badges I have in a special tin. My most prized possession.

The excitement and emotions made me reflect on my scouting experience. Scouting was one of the few constants during my childhood. My parents were divorced when I was a child. My family moved at least a dozen times. I changed schools about half a dozen times.

But I could always count on those Tuesday night meetings, my troop and my leader, Rosio Kemper. I made life long friends in my troop. Girl Scout troop 140. Three of us are still very good friends. We have always and will always be there for each other.

We camped, we traveled, we sold cookies, we made up skits and swaps. We dressed up, we made pyramids, we laughed until our stomachs hurt. We grew up, we got in trouble, we created, we learned life skills, camping skills and mad dancing skillz. We earned patches, badges and pins. We hiked, we picked up trash and we competed.

Some of the skills I thought I would never use again and then I became a national park ranger. My job for many years was taking 5th graders camping. I built campfires, set up tents, cooked and knot tied using the techniques I learned in Girl Scouts.

As a mother I want my daughters to be empowered, to have access to a wide range of activity options and to experience nature regularly. It is time for me to return to the Girl Scouts. I look forward to continuing my journey with this organization and empowering the next generation of Girl Scouts.

10 Reasons You "Otter" Take Part in Fall Product Program!

1. 2. 3. 4. 5! Essential Skills

The Fall Product Program is a great introduction to running a business. When girls participates, they learn and practice the five skills:

goal setting

decision-making

money management

people skills

business ethics

6. Super Cool Rewards!

Girls love getting the rewards as much as we love giving them. Great patches, gift cards, backpacks, T-shirts  and even a chance to win tickets to cool shows or a cruiser bike!

7. Start Building Troop Funds NOW!

It’s a long time until we kickoff our 2015 cookie program and there is too much cool stuff to do right now. The fall product program gives you early start-up money you need to fund the fun through the fall.

8. Online Has Gotten Better!

New for 2014! Girls can offer Photo Keepsakes to their family and friends along with the magazines through their online ordering platform.

9. Tasty Offerings

We have a slew of delish treats to choose from!

10. Why not? It's a fun way to learn financial literacy and do it with your friends! #winning

Fall Product Program run Sept. 18 - Oct. 16- Let's GO!

Not yet a Girl Scout? No problem! Join or Volunteer today!  

First Lady Michelle Obama supports Girl Scouts

Local Girl Scout Making a Difference for Humankind

A 32 billion dollar global business is sure to draw some attention. It has captured the focus of a Girl Scout of Tropical Florida named Andrea Diaz-Ariza. “Teens Against Trafficking” is the Girl Scout Gold Award project for Andrea who is a member of Troop 532 and a 10th grader at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy. Andrea is doing her part to stop the world-wide epidemic of human trafficking.

 

Andrea has developed a teen-friendly presentation that educates the next generation on the facts of human trafficking and how to help prevent it. “By teaching teens that they truly can make a difference and help fight human trafficking, I hope that together we can all help reduce the number of victims in our community and in the world,” states Andrea. Her hometown of Miami, Florida is one of the largest cities in the United States affected by this form of modern slavery. Andrea is in the process of producing her presentation in Spanish and Creole to reach a larger audience within the multi-cultural Miami.

Others have taken notice of Andrea’s efforts. Recently, she appeared on NBC 6 South Florida’s, 6 in the Mix with Roxanne Vargas to promote her cause. The video replay can be found here. Andrea is a national semi-finalist for the Peace First Prize. She is the inspiration for the first Florida statewide Girl Scout Advocacy Conference taking place Presidents’ Day weekend 2014, and is a valuable member of the Girls’ Advisory Board. “Teens Against Trafficking” has earned Andrea her Girl Scout Gold Award, which is the highest level of achievement in Scouting.

Girl Scout Gold & Silver Awards

The Girl Scout Gold and Silver Award Ceremony is being held Sunday, May 5, 2013 at First United Methodist Church in Coral Gables at 3 o'clock pm, and is open to the public. The Girl Scout Gold Award represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. This award challenges girls in high school to tackle a community problem and find a way to solve it, not only for today, but into the future. The girls must complete a seven step process:

1. Identify an issue
2. Investigate it thoroughly
3. Get help and build their team
4. Create a plan
5. Present your plan and gather feedback
6. Take action
7. Educate and inspire

The Girl Scouts highest achievement award has been awarded to an elite group of girls since 1926. The name of the award may have changed over the years, but its purpose of inspiring girls to find the greatness in themselves and share their ideas and passions with their communities has never changed. Gold Award recipients do well in life, and reach the goals they set in higher education and career, life skills, and in the community. 

Gold Award			Silver Award
Andrea Diaz-Ariza			Adina Kruijssen
Brenee Miller			Aileen Francisco
Briana del Valle			Alissa Dobrinsky
Camille Gladieux			Annie Farrell
Camille Plunkett			A'Rawni McPhee
Carolyn Pacheco			Bria Renna
Catherine Roen			Brianna Placide
Elaine Ubals			Caitlyn Chong
Elise Avdakov			Callie Hill-Tarves
Elizabeth Evans			Camila Romero
Elizabeth Eversole			Carolina Mallar
Emily De Aguiar			Cassie Plunkett
Emily Mendez			Courtney Sever
Emily Mungul			Dionne Mapp
Francesca Castan			Hannah Dodge
Gabriella Montes			Isa Corzo
Giuliana Sarto			Jennifer Perla
Grace DeWitt			Julia Rothfield
Hannah Kealy			Julia Walsh
Imani Johnson			Katherine Duarte
Julia Telischi			Kayla Baker
Karina Pietra			Lauren Abraham
Kaylee Scott-Pennington			Lauren Goldberg
Kelly Lashbrook			Luch Walsh
Kendall Armstrong			Lucy Farrell
Kimberly Ann                 Gonzalez			Lucy Kealy
Kirby Landon			Maria Pardo
Kristine Diaz			Mary Adams
Mariana Gonzalez			Monica Moscoso
Marianna Keene			Natalie Nieves
Marily Molina			Paige Honecker
Rachel Forment			Patricia Smith
Rachel Oei			Rachel Collins
Renee Dobrinsky			Rachel Mazyck
Rowan Holzberg			Rachel Zapala
Sapphira Lurie			Raquel Cholodofsky
Stephanie Diaz			Rebecca Zappala
Stephanie Torre			Roselyn Castilo
Yasha Duggal			Samantha Cisneros
			Samantha Romero
			Shikivia Taylor
			Stephanie Diaz
			Tamia Johnson
			Timaya Everett
			Victoria Ramirez
			Ximena Sakay