Newsletters

Our monthly council newsletters include Connections, Volunteer Voice, and Family Zone. Browse the archives of previous issues below.

Other publications include Giving Wisely, a bi-annual printed newsletter for friends of Girl Scouts San Diego, and various program-specific newsletters.

Connections

Connections: This monthly collection of feature stories connecting friends of Girl Scouting with recent GSSD events, opportunities, and mission moments is published the first week of each month. View the current issue and previous issues from this year or archives of past years.

Email customercare@sdgirlscouts.org to subscribe.

Making a Difference and Giving Wisely

Making a Difference is our bi-annual publicaton for supporters of Girl Scouts San Diego. Find out more about making a gift to Girl Scouts San Diego.

Family Zone

Family Zone: Girl Scouts and their families stay in-the-know with this monthly email newsletter just for them. Look for research-driven info on issues that matter most to girls (archived below) and links to key programs and events. Become a member today!

July 2022
Expert insight: Our climate is changing. Through the Girl Scout Climate Challenge, Girl Scouts and non-Girl Scouts of all ages can learn more about the current state of climate change, connect with their communities, spread awareness, and earn a special patch.

June 2022
Expert Insight: Summer is here! After the first week of sleeping in and recovering from the stresses of the school year, your children will be ready to get active and be entertained. Check out the Ultimate Summer Bucket List which is chockful of ideas for both independent older girls, who can take on most challenges alone—and for younger girls, who can try their hand at these activities with the help of a parent or other caring adult. And remember, Girl Scouts can always earn badges independently if their troop is taking a summer break.

May 2022
Expert Insight: Do you often answer “How was your day?” by telling people everything’s fine—regardless of how it has actually been? Whether it's been a good or bad day, the next time your daughter asks, be honest and genuine, in an age-appropriate manner, and let her know the ups and downs you encountered. By listening and understanding, she will develop her emotional intelligence, empathy, and feel good about being able to help others. Read on to discover more ways to share with emotional transparency; it might lead to some productive and bonding communication.

April 2022
Expert Insight: It is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and there are multiple ways to show your gratitude. Send an e-card to the volunteers who inspire you and your girls! New and updated e-cards are now available on our website. Stop by our store and browse our selection of unique and useful gifts. And, for those volunteers who have gone above and beyond, nominate them for an award. Nominations can be made online until Monday, June 13. Contact Cathy at cecija@sdgirlscouts.org or 619-610-0803 with any questions.

March 2022
Expert Insight: Girl Scouts turned the big '110' this month, and we are celebrating its anniversary the rest of the year by getting outside. Join us by participating at Girl Scout events, attending spring break day camp, resident and day camps, or making the world a better place. Are you new to the outdoors? Get started by learning camp songs, exploring nearby nature, and making the Girl Scout Tree Promise.

February 2022
Expert Insight: Our largest girl entrepreneur program—the Girl Scouts Cookie Program—is now in full swing! Girl Scouts of all ages are eager to achieve their goals and out there being creative in marketing their cookies.

January 2022
Expert Insight: At Girl Scouts San Diego, our top priority is keeping youth safe. We now require that all volunteers who work with youth more than 16 hours in a month or 32 hours in a year must complete Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Training by Monday, Jan. 31. We are also developing a new process for background screening that will include fingerprinting for volunteers. If you consistently work with girls more than 16 hours in a month or 32 hours in a year or plan to in the future, please visit gsLearn to complete your training before the deadline.

December 2021
Expert Insight: Are you (and your girl) feeling holiday pressure? Maintain the mental health of yourself and your family with these six holiday truths that will make everybody’s holiday a little happier.

November 2021
Expert insight: As we head into Thanksgiving and the holiday season, one of the best life skills we can teach our children is ways to demonstrate gratitude. Showing how we can be grateful can take many forms including: writing thank you letters, participating in community service, and keeping a gratitude journal. Find more ways to teach children gratitude and see how it can improve their physical and mental health. Girl Scouts San Diego wishes you and your family a happy Thanksgiving!

October 2021
Expert insight: October is Bullying Prevention Awareness month, but we need to be aware, alert, and active against bullying every single day. Bullying is a serious issue that can lead to everything from lowered school performance to self-harm. Here at Girl Scouts, we always prefer to focus on the positive, but we can’t solve problems without looking them square in the eye. And this problem in particular, is a very troubling one—especially for girls. Read on to check out our anti-bullying advice.

September 2021
Expert insight: She wants to play video games, but you’d rather she was studying her times tables. An after-school schedule will help her harmonize work and play. Whether she realizes it or not, your girl gets the same feeling of accomplishment from having a game plan as you do. Read more about how to strike a happy balance and make everyone’s evening a little easier.

August 2021
Expert insight: Going back to school is a big time of transition—perhaps now more than ever—and your girl needs to know she’s got you in her corner. Read on to find out how to have your girl feeling confident about the first day of school, and then make a game plan for success throughout the year.

July 2021
Expert insight: Not every girl loves hiking, climbing, and camping. Is your girl more the indoor type? That's great! She's interested, she's engaged, and she's learning and growing. But because girls can benefit so much by getting outside and exploring nature, wouldn't it be great if she took her indoor interests outdoors? Read more about how to infuse the natural world into her traditionally inside pursuits.

June 2021
Expert insight: June is a time of celebrations, from bridging ceremonies to graduations, people want to come together! Girl Scouts San Diego has released the latest guidelines now that California is "Beyond the Blueprint" and check out these CDC ideas for safely hosting gatherings that can include everyone.

May 2021
Expert insight: Summer is when some of the most fun childhood memories are made, but did you know that it’s also an awesome opportunity for your girl to grow, learn, and become her best self? After a year of uncertainty and screen time overload, girls are ready to make new friends and reacquaint with old ones, while exploring the outdoors and adventures that are unique to summer camp. Be sure to check out all the opportunities for girls who want to be campers and counselors this summer!

April 2021
Expert insight: It’s Volunteer Appreciation Month, and there’s no doubt that our amazing Girl Scout volunteers deserve a standing ovation. These incredible and essential volunteers give their time to mentor girls, inspire them, and help them discover the world around them and the spark inside them. Share your gratitude with e-cards, crafts, and other ideas available on our website.

Volunteer Voice

Volunteer Voice: Our e-newsletter for volunteers comes out the second week of each month with up-to-date tips (archived below) and happenings for every Girl Scout program level (see buttons below). Become a member or volunteer today to get on the mailing list.

July 2022
Pro tip: As you renew and prepare for the 2022-2023 membership year, you can get a head start on planning the year in Volunteer Toolkit, catch up on training in gsLearn, review available resources, and get inspired at our annual Volunteer Conference: Joyful Jubilee 2022 , present by Mission Fed. Girl Scouts San Diego hopes you are taking time to fill your bucket and enjoy the little things this summer!

June 2022
Pro tip: Honor your commitment to Girl Scouts with a Lifetime Membership. Young Alum (those who were youth members and are ages 18-30) and volunteers with 10 or more years of service may purchase a Lifetime Membership for just $200 (regularly $400). A portion of the Lifetime Membership fee will come back to our council to support local financial assistance programs. Log in to MyGS to purchase your Lifetime Membership today. Already renewed for next year and want to upgrade? We can help! Contact customercare@sdgirlscouts.org.

May 2022
Pro tip: As the school year comes to an end, many troops will be bridging and looking forward to the next program level. Our online learning platform - accessible via your MyGS account - has trainings available for bridging and all program levels, from Blasting into Brownies, Jumping into Juniors, and all the way through to Seniors and Ambassadors. Prepare your troop for an awesome ceremony by reviewing 623 Virtual Office Hours: All about Bridging in gsLearn and reserving one of our portable bridges, purchasing bridging kits, and renewing your Girl Scouts during the Early Bird Campaign (May 1-31) for great troop incentives.

April 2022
Pro tip: Girl Scouts is an outstanding leadership organization thanks to the exceptional effort put forward by volunteers. Volunteering is a work of heart, and we know Girl Scouting could not happen without our amazing volunteers! Take time this month for yourself, self-care, and demonstrate to our Girl Scouts how to balance life while being your best self.

March 2022
Pro tip: Girl Scouts turns 110 this month, and there are many reasons and ways to celebrate. Learn about Girl Scouts Founder Juliette Gordon Low, explore time-honored traditions and ceremonies with your troop, plan a service project, participate in events or do programs with one of our approved community partners. How will your troop celebrate?

February 2022
Pro tip: Our largest girl entrepreneur program—the Girl Scout Cookie Program—is now in full swing, with girls eager to achieve their goals. Girl Scouts of all ages are out there being creative in marketing their cookies, and we will start seeing booths tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 11!

January 2022
Pro tip: Log in to your MY GS to view your troop information to ensure all members are registered and in the correct roles. Check out gsLearn for the new required Mandated Reporter Training (a.k.a. child abuse prevention training) and other courses that will help you have a successful year. Is your troop ready for cookies? The troop cookie manager (TCM) plays an important role in a successful cookie program. Check in with your TCM to confirm they have completed their 2022 Troop Cookie Manager Training.

December 2021
Pro tip: As you are working with your troop to set realistic goals for the cookie program, tie your discussions into this season of giving, and remind them to plan for some of their time and funds to go toward helping others.

With cookies right around the corner, please take a moment to update your meeting information, review your roster, and consider opening your troop to new members. Visit MyGS/VTK by going to sdgirlscouts.org, click on MyGS/VTK in the top right corner, and log into your MyGS account. You will find your meeting and troop information under My Troop(s) on the menu. If you need assistance or are willing to open your troop to more girls and adults, please reach out to customercare@sdgirlscouts.org.

November 2021
Pro tip: Have you attended a service unit meeting lately? A service unit is a group of Girl Scout volunteers working in your neighborhood to support troops. The service unit (or SU) team is an essential support system that organizes training, mentorship, girl programming, and membership support for volunteers, girls, and caregivers. The volunteers in your SU are a fabulous resource! We are honored to work with you to build girls of courage, confidence, and character each and every day. If you are unsure of your service unit, email customercare@sdgirlscouts.org.

October 2021
Pro tip: Jump start your Girl Scout year with an event planned for you! Workshops for earned badges, journeys, and fun are being hosted by Girl Scouts San Diego and our many community partners. Our events calendar is updated regularly with new opportunities, both in-person and virtual, to fit every Girl Scout troop’s interests and needs. Make sure each Girl Scout has her Girl Health History and Annual Permission form completed as you embark on the new Girl Scout Year!

September 2021
Pro tip: Volunteer Conference sessions are now available to all Girl Scout members throughout September and October, free of charge! Our presenters are eager to share the content they carefully prepared for you and will host sessions individually in an environment that limits the complexity of interactions where small groups can be together to include in-person and virtual meet-ups. Join us for a variety of workshops, such as: meaningful conversations with girls in ‘Coming to Terms,’ tips and tricks for successful cookie and fall program sales in ‘Power Hour and Other Marketing Strategies,’ and basic archery techniques in ‘Archery Fun!' Visit tinyurl.com/welcome-home-signup to register today.

August 2021
Pro tip: Earlier in August, the Volunteer Toolkit underwent its annual system upgrades and is ready to help you and your troop thrive! From enhanced features (Choose meetings that can be done virtually or in-person safely! Discover easier to navigate meeting plans!) to new badges to check out (28 new badges in STEM, entrepreneurship, and digital leadership!), there’s lots to explore to set your troop up for a smooth and successful year. Be sure to renew your membership by Aug. 30, as unrenewed leaders will lose VTK access on Sept. 1!

July 2021
Pro tip: With summer break in full-swing, we hope you, your girl, and your troop are taking some much-needed time to get rejuvenated for the coming year. Whether you’re getting a head-start on planning the year in Volunteer Toolkit, catching up on training in gsLearn, getting inspired at Volunteer Conference 2021, or simply taking a break, Girl Scouts San Diego hopes you are taking time to fill your bucket and enjoy the little things. For some impactful mental health and wellness inspiration, check out one of GSUSA’s previous Campfire Chats on topics like Taking Charge of Your Well-being, Self-Care for Overachievers, Journal Writing in Quarantine, and more!

June 2021
Pro tip: Being a lifetime member is about championing the next generation of change-makers by investing in the world’s largest leadership development organization for girls! Right now, young alums (under the age of 30) and 10+ year volunteers can take advantage of a special $200 membership! Just select your membership product at checkout from your MyGS account. A lifetime membership also makes a wonderful gift for the graduating Girl Scouts in your life. Already a lifetime member? Lifetime members must renew their volunteer roles every year so we know you want to continue in that position. Log into your MyGS account to renew your roles today!

May 2021
Pro tip: With summer around the corner, girls are gearing up for a break from school and adventures in the outdoors. For our leaders, this might mean a break from troop meetings too, so use this opportunity to explore the available trainings in gsLearn! Our new online learning platform is accessible through your MyGS account and has dozens of online trainings available at your fingertips. From program-level-specific trainings for every age, to higher awards trainings, to troop treasurer training, there is a ton to explore in gsLearn. There are even recordings from previous Troop Support virtual office hours on a variety of useful topics. Visit the Training page to take a look at available courses in gsLearn or view this video which will walk you through how to access it for the first time.

Program-level Happenings

Program-specific Newsletters

GSO: To receive this quarterly email update on upcoming GSO events, activities, and resources to empower your Girl Scout, contact Geannie.

Older Girls: Girls Scouts age 13+ and their parents receive occasional emails about opportunities, programs, scholarships, and more especially for girls in grades 6-12. Contact Rea to sign up.

Volunteers: Adults interested in short-term and episodic volunteer opportunities receive a quarterly email newsletter. Contact volunteer@sdgirlscouts.org to sign up.