Vote for Girl Scouts of Western Washington on Fac

Chase Community Giving is a program run by Chase that will allow Facebook users to vote for local charities and non-profits, and help direct Chase corporate philanthropy dollars to eligible organizations in the following focus areas: education, healthcare, housing, the environment, combating hunger, arts and culture, human services, and animal welfare. The grassroots campaign aims to inspire a new way of corporate philanthropy.

The eligible charity receiving the most votes will be awarded $1 million, the top five runners-up will receive $100,000 each and the 100 finalists, including the top winners, will be awarded $25,000 each. Additionally, a special Advisory Board led by prominent national philanthropists will allocate $1 million to the nominated charities of its choice.

Please vote for GIRL SCOUTS OF WESTERN WASHINGTON.

Pres. Obama Signs the Girl Scouts USA Centennial Commemorative Coin Act

President Barack Obama talks with MacKenzie Clare, 14, and the other Girls Scouts after signing the Girl Scouts USA Centennial Commemorative Coin Act in the Oval Office, Oct. 29, 2009. First Lady Michelle Obama looks on at right. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House.

Michelle Obama Becomes National Honorary President of Girl Scouts of the USA

Girl Scouts of the USA is pleased to announce that First Lady Michelle Obama has agreed to serve as its Honorary National President.

"It is my great pleasure to serve as Honorary National President of Girl Scouts," said Mrs. Obama. "With their innovative new programming, ground-breaking research, and emphasis on service and leadership, Girl Scouts is preparing the women of tomorrow to be a positive force for change - in their own lives, their communities, and across the globe."

In accepting the position, Mrs. Obama takes her place in a tradition stretching back to 1929, when Lou Henry Hoover became the first Honorary National President of the Girl Scouting movement. Since then, each successive First Lady has served in this post.

Girl Scouts plan to work with the First Lady on areas of mutual concern, such as healthy living, public service and leadership.

"From bullying to obesity to concern over the economy, our nation's girls are facing significant challenges," said Kathy Cloninger, Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of the USA. "Girl Scouts is excited to work with the First Lady's office to ensure that all girls can overcome the challenges they face, and that they have the skills, resources and opportunities they need to become strong, independent young leaders."

"Girl Scouts can help girls from every background develop their self-confidence and leadership ability, and encourage them to make a difference in the world," said Connie L. Lindsey, Girl Scouts of the USA National Board Chair. "The First Lady is a passionate, brilliant and inspirational woman - a fantastic role model for girls across the country. We look forward to an active and mutually rewarding partnership on issues important to girls' lives."

About Girl Scouts

Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 3.4 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries.

SOURCE Girl Scouts of the USA

Once a Brownie Always a Brownie!

Wonderful story by Lindsay Larin in the Bellevue Reporter about once a brownie always a brownie! Must reading!

In 1952, a group of second grade girls in Medina gathered together every Tuesday afternoon for their weekly Brownie Troop meeting.

The pint-size Brownie's of Troop 778 [Girl Scouts of Western Washington] wore the famous green vest, earning badges and building lasting friendships.

Now, nearly 60 years later, the same Brownie Troop members met on a sunny afternoon this past weekend for a one-of-a-kind reunion.

Brownie Troop member Sue Emanuels McKain of Bellevue opened up her home to the group of ladies who traveled from near and far to take part in the special occasion. One, Carolyn Greewich, came from Sydney, Australia. Troop leaders, 97-year-old Gerry Emanuels and 95-year-old Alice Ostendorff, shared some of their favorite memories of the little girls who are now grown and have daughters and granddaughters of their own.

Emanuels and Ostendorff became close friends in 1949 while raising their children in Medina. The two still stay in touch after 60 years of friendship.

Girl Scout Gold Award Day Statewide!

Gov Gregoire gives Gold Awards to over 40 Girl Scouts in Washington state today. She also proclaims today as Girl Scout Gold Award Day!

From Girl Scouts of Western Washington.....Since this is the first year of the event, we’ll be honoring girls who have received their Gold Awards from October 2007 through September 2009. The CEOs and Gold Award recipients from Girl Scouts of Oregon & Southwest Washington and Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho will also be in attendance. In our continuing effort to elevate awareness and recognition of the Gold Award in our community, we hope to make this an annual event so stay tuned for details on next year’s celebration!

Congratulations to all our award recipients!

Party with Syndicated Radio Personality Delilah!

This is your chance to meet---and party with---two incredible women --- nationally syndicated radio personality Delilah and best-selling author Debbie Macomber.

If you donate $1,000 to the help fund our new Peninsula Girl Scout Program Center in Bremerton you will receive an invitation to this exclusive event June 25th!

This is an opportunity for you to truly make a difference in the lives of young girls by providing a special place to meet and learn where they will be accepted and grow in a nurturing environment. An opportunity for girls to build character and skills for success in today’s real world. A place where they will develop their leadership skills by working together with other girls and committed adult volunteers; a place where they will build skills of courage, confidence and character to make the world a better place --- skills that will last a lifetime.

Community assistance is crucial to the successful completion of this project.

You may contribute via the Girl Scouts of Western Washington website, or through checks made payable to GSWW-Bremerton Campaign, P.O. Box 900961, Seattle, WA 98109.

Volunteer to Make a Difference in the Life of a Girl!

If you truly want to make a difference in the life of a girl, consider becoming a volunteer troop leader with Girl Scouts of Western Washington. You don't need to have children, just a passion to help build courage, confidence and character in young girls. Watch this video then go to www.GirlScoutsWW.org for details!
Thanks,
Joe Barnes

200 Jump/Thumb Drives Needed For Girl Scout Leadership Conference!

Donation needed for Girl Scouts ..200 jump/thumb drives. If you can help please contact Joe Barnes at Girl Scouts of Western Washington joewb@girlscoutsww.org. Thanks!!

Thanks!!

Thanks to all of the friends of Girl Scouts who turned out for the great party at my house last Saturday. Fabulous friends, LIVE band (Ghost Lobby), great guest speaker Amy Nevins, and thanks to all who donated to the girls who can't afford to pay for dues, camp fees and program fees!

To find out how you can make a difference contact me joewb@girlscoutsww.org

Four community partners strengthen Girl Scout programs

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awarded $90,000 for the new Peninsula Girl Scout Program Center. The expanded facility, which opened in May, allows Girl Scouts of Western Washington to significantly aid the community by providing more space for girls in the greater Peninsula region to conduct educational and skill development workshops, summer day camp and weekend program events, and troop meetings.

Our fundraising efforts continue. Through the generosity of many people and organizations, to date we have raised over $600,000 but still have $300,000 to go. If you are able to donate to help girls in Kitsap County, please visit www.GirlScoutsWW.org/giveconnect. Anyone who donates $1,000 or more before spring 2009 will be eligible to attend a special thank you dinner with best-selling author Debbie Macomber and nationally syndicated radio personality Delilah. The pledge can be paid over three years – just $6.41 per week!

The C. Keith Birkenfeld Memorial Trust, administered through The Seattle Foundation, awarded $23,000 for new decking on the swim dock at Camp Lyle McLeod on the Kitsap Peninsula, where hundreds of girls experience the outdoors each summer.

United Way of Whatcom County is continuing its support of Girl Scouts’ leadership development programs with an $18,000 allocation for troop programs in Whatcom County.

OneFamily Foundation recognizes the important role of Girl Scouts Fostering a Future, which provides girls with opportunities to improve their interpersonal and life skills and helps them set realistic and positive goals for their future. The intended long-term outcome is that participating girls achieve a successful transition to adulthood. OneFamily’s $10,000 donation will expand the capacity of this vital program.

Find us online:

First Latina Girl Scout Twilight Camp a success!

Two weeks ago Girl Scouts of Western Washington held the first ever Latina Girl Scout Twilight Camp.

Organized by Spanish-speaking volunteers, Latina Twilight Camp gave girls in Kindergarten through 6th grade in East King County an opportunity to learn more about Latin American culture and Girl Scouts.

If you would like more information about Girl Scouts of Western Washington’s Hispanic Initiative, please visit http://www.GirlScoutsWW.org/espanol or contact María Alejandra Gómez at (206) 399-4612 or mariaag@girlscoutsww.org.

Girlfriends Weekend: You’re never too old for camp!

Be a pampered camper at...

Girlfriends Weekend
Camp River Ranch
September 12-13, 2009

Relax, rejuvenate and have fun with friends new and old while helping Girl Scouts provide leadership opportunities for more than 26,000 girls in Western Washington.

To learn more, call Amy Hall at (206) 226-5679. To register online, submit your $350 ticket price at www.GirlScoutsWW.org/donate. Please write "Girlfriends Weekend" in the notes section.

Interested in sponsoring Girlfriends Weekend like PEMCO? Contact Joe Barnes at joewb@girlscoutsww.org or (800) 767-6845 x311.

AmeriCorps grant increases services for at-risk Pierce County girls

Girl Scouts of Western Washington was selected by the Washington Commission for National & Community Service to host a 20-member AmeriCorps team based in Pierce County. This 3-year grant is for a program funded annually at $252,000 for a total of $756,000.

This grant will allow us to extend our Outreach Programs to reach girls in communities that we have not been able to reach due to funding limitations. It will add value to existing Girl Scouts of Western Washington activities by building our capacity to bring specialized curriculum to girls who need it most and addressing a critical community need.

In addition to outcomes for girls participating in the program, we also want to help AmeriCorps team members gain knowledge, confidence and an ethic of service as they transform girls’ lives.

If you know someone who would be a good candidate for one of our AmeriCorps positions, please visit www.GirlScoutsWW.org/aboutus/jobs for application information. Find us online:

What You Need to Know to Be Safe on the Internet!

Girl Scouts of Western Washington has joined the national partnership between Girl Scouts of the USA and Microsoft Windows, called LMK (“let me know”) – an online safety resource where girls are the technology experts on subjects that are often best discussed at a teen-to-teen level, like cyberbullying, predators and social networking.

This girl-led campaign allows girls to share their online concerns with peer "tech-perts" about the issues that affect them while raising awareness about how to help keep girls (ages 13–17) safe while surfing the Web. Additionally, parents have access to a site specifically geared to their needs, equipping them with the tools necessary to understand and act on the rapidly changing world of online safety.

Have your daughter sign the Internet Safety Pledge:

Internet Safety Pledge

Traveling through cyberspace can be fun, but like any trip you take you have to "Be Prepared" for unforeseen things. So, read this before you go any further. Then print this page out and discuss it with your parent or guardian.

• I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, parents'/guardians' work address/telephone number, or the name and location of my school without my parents'/guardians' permission.
  
• I will tell an adult right away if I come across any information that makes me feel uncomfortable.
  
• I will never agree to get together with someone I "meet" online without first checking with my parents/guardians. If my parents/guardians agree to the meeting, I will be sure that it is in a public place and bring my parent or guardian along.
  
• I will never send a person my picture or anything else without first checking with my parents/guardians.
  
• I will not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make me feel uncomfortable. It is not my fault if I get a message like that. If I do I will tell my parents/guardians right away so that they can contact the online service.
  
• I will talk with my parents/guardians so that we can set up rules for going online. We will decide upon the time of day that I can be online, the length of time I can be online, and appropriate areas for me to visit. I will not access other areas or break these rules without their permission.

Girl Name __________________________________ Date __________________

Parent/Guardian __________________________________ Date __________________

Source: National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

Another Special Alumnae Event!

Chocolate & Wine Tasting Party**
Thursday, July 30, 2009
6 – 8:30 p.m.
13620 SE 1st St.
Bellevue, WA 98005
What could be better than enjoying chocolate and wine while enjoying the company of other Girl Scout alumnae? Please join us for this lovely evening at the home of Rebecca Camden, member of GSWW Alumnae Group $10 ticket price at the door. All Girl Scout Alumnae welcome.
**Please contact Michelle Yang to RSVP at michellehy@girlscoutsww.org 206-826-2189.

Special Program on Internet Safety for Girls and Parents!

Girl Scouts of Western Washington is proud to announce that it has joined the national partnership between Girl Scouts of the USA and Microsoft Windows, called LMK (“let me know”) – an online safety resource where girls are the technology experts on subjects that are often best discussed at a teen-to-teen level, like cyberbullying, predators and social networking.

This girl-led campaign allows girls to share their online concerns with peer "tech-perts" about the issues that affect them while raising awareness about how to help keep girls (ages 13–17) safe while surfing the Web. Additionally, parents have access to a site specifically geared to their needs, equipping them with the tools necessary to understand and act on the rapidly changing world of online safety.

Click here for complete information including downloadable safety brochures and videos!

Register Now for A Latina Twilight Camp in Redmond

Join us during the summer of 2009 for the first annual GSWW-EKC Latina Twilight Camp July 6-10, 4pm-8pm daily. We offer a twilight camp where Spanish-speaking girls and adult volunteers can come together to learn more about the Latin-American culture and Girl Scouts. The Latina Twilight camp is for Kindergarten through 6th grade girls. Everyone is going to have fun!. To volunteer with the Latina Twilight Camp or for further information on the program, please contact Maria Alejandra Gomez.

How to Register

Claudia Cadena c/o GSWW Latina Twilight Camp
11026 30th ST SE
Everett, WA 98205

Attention Ladies in Puget Sound!

Girlfriends Weekend

Be a Pampered Camper!

Attention ladies in the Puget Sound area. You are invited to join us for a very special fundraiser at Camp River Ranch in Carnation in September. We hope to see you there!

September 12-13, 2009 Camp River Ranch, Carnation WA

Girlfriends Weekend is an exceptionally unique and exciting event offered by Girl Scouts of Western Washington. It is a weekend getaway at beautiful Camp River Ranch for all women who need to escape from life's stresses and reconnect with the youthful spirit that is inspired and empowered by Girl Scout camp. Your attendance at Girlfriends Weekend helps us provide leadership opportunities for more than 26,000 girls in Western Washington.

Join us for a fun-filled weekend at Camp River Ranch without men, kids or work! Relax, rejuvenate, pamper and let loose at camp!

• Bring your friends and make new ones!
• Eat decadent food prepared by a well known caterer, sample wine and don't clean up after!
• Sing along at a campfire you won’t soon forget!
• Feel pampered with massages, workshops and sunrise yoga!
• Energize with activities that include canoeing, kayaking, nature hikes and crafts!
• Or choose to do nothing but sleep late and read while enjoying the fresh air!

Our keynote speaker Saturday night will be NPR commentator and author Deb Jarvis of Seattle. Deb's book, "It's Not About The Hair," is a humorous and inspiring account of her journey through surviving breast cancer. Her talk will leave you laughing, crying and inspired like never before.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Promote your business to community-minded women and enhance your brand image by aligning with the well-known and trusted brand of Girl Scouts. Gain recognition among over 26,000 Girl Scout families and the weekend participants. Most importantly, support Girl Scout programs that prepare girls to lead with courage, confidence and character as they take action to make the world a better place. Learn more about sponsorship opportunities by calling 206/226-5679.

Reservations

Individual tickets for the weekend are $350. “Buddies” (2 women) can register together for $500. An outdoor cabin for four women can be reserved for $1000 and an indoor -unit (heated) unit for 12 women is $3000. To make a reservation or find out more, call 206/226-5679.

The facilities range from rustic camping in old-West style wagons to heated troop houses with electricity. Participants can choose their preferred accommodations. Our beautiful lodge overlooking Lake Langlois will serve as the dining hall.

A Special Alumnae Event for Girl Scout Women!

Mark your calendar and join us for this exciting alumnae event!

Happy Hour at Twist Restaurant and Lounge in Seattle.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
6-7:30 p.m.
2313 1st Ave.
Seattle, WA 98121
Join us while we mingle, enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres, and have fun! Learn what’s new with Scouting and connect with former Girl Scouts! $5 ticket price at the door. All Girl Scout alumnae welcome.
*Please contact Sue Ramsey to RSVP at suesr@girlscoutsww.org or (206) 633-5600 ext. 215.