Connections with the CEO | November-December 2023
Dear Girl Scouts San Diego Community,
As we embark on the new Girl Scout membership year, more than 100 Girl Scout CEOs nationwide came together to discuss the timeliness of our mission. This gathering provided an opportunity to align around the indispensable role we serve in our communities, and I had an opportunity to reflect on the significance that Girl Scouts San Diego has on our local region and more than 24,000 members.
A study slated for release next year illuminates a concerning trend: an increasing number of families are grappling with a loss of community, technology is steering our children towards consumption rather than exploration, and the delicate art of human connection is slipping away. In the face of these challenges, it is gratifying to affirm that our volunteers, staff, parents, and caregivers are actively making a difference by participating in Girl Scouts.
The variety of activities, supportive relationships, and the girl-led, learning by doing, and cooperative learning model all lead to five outcomes that strengthen the next generation. These outcomes of a strong sense of self, positive values, challenge seeking, healthy relationships, and community problem solving are directly attributed to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience model.
Together, we are setting the stage for a future generation of empowered, resilient, and compassionate leaders ready to navigate the complexities of our world with a commitment to making a positive impact. You are making a difference.
I encourage you all to stay involved and renew your troop memberships, update your MyGS profiles, and opt-in to communications from GSSD so you never miss an update. We recently launched our official Older Girl Scout email newsletter, which is full of engaging content and updates just for Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors. Check out our older Girl Scout webpage to learn more and sign up.
The past few months have been buzzing with events and programs. Urban Campout: Adventures Await was widely successful, and it was, once again, said to be “one of the most fun fundraisers in San Diego.” Our volunteers expanded their repertoire of skills during Outdoor Skills Weekend at Camp Winacka, and we honored more than 40 volunteers and corporate partners during our 2023 Volunteer Celebration at the Mingei International Museum.
Amid this excitement, we ended our 2023 membership year on a high note on September 30. We are beginning this new membership year with incredible momentum, and this is due to your dedication to our important mission. Soon, we will share details about the launch of our new strategic plan, which outlines our strategic vision and goals for the next three to five years. This plan is a roadmap to guide our organization as we continue to empower girls and build future leaders. When we each bring our unique strengths, talents, and perspectives to the table, and invite our Girl Scouts to do the same, we become an unstoppable force to create positive change in our communities.
As we approach the season of giving thanks and giving back, I know many Girl Scouts and troops are planning amazing holiday community service efforts. Let us know what you are up to! Email media@sdgirlscouts.org to share your plans so we can keep track of the positive impact that Girl Scouts have on the community.
Looking ahead to 2024, save the dates for:
Girl Scout Cookie Program—Sunday, Jan. 28-Sunday, March 10
Holiday One-Day Camps and Adventure Weekends—dates vary, learn more and register at sdgirlscouts.org/events
Cool Women Celebration—Thursday, March 21
Lastly, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for being a part of this Girl Scouts San Diego community and supporting Girl Scouts on their way to becoming the leaders our world needs. Thank you for proving that so much is possible when we come together in support of this mission and for your unwavering commitment to building a brighter future.
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Carol
Read the November-December 2023 issue of Connections
