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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: 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 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: 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 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.
March 2021
Expert insight: During this Women's History
Month, take time with your children to discover women who have
confronted challenges and made the world a better place. Check out
these trailblazing
women and then ask your girl how she wants to make her mark in the world.
February 2021
Expert insight: When diverse people come
together to form one complex yet seamless whole, that’s unity. It’s
about equality, inclusiveness, and dignity. While none of us can snap
our fingers to create instant unity, we can—we must—take action and
stand together for what’s right. Help your girl become a leader for
unity in our country with these tips. We all have voices, and
now is the time for us to raise them—together.
January 2021
Expert insight: Did you know that the very
first Girl Scout Handbook was titled How Girls Can Help Their
Country? Civic involvement is
at the very heart of what it means to be a Girl Scout. In an effort to
encourage girls to be civically educated and engaged, Girl Scouts of
the USA is offering free downloads of the Democracy badge requirement booklets through
Thursday, Feb. 4. If you’re looking for more fun and educational
activities you can do with your girl, try this Inauguration word
scramble or watch a kid-friendly video
about government and politics.
December 2020
Expert insight:
In a season that’s
usually marked by gatherings, how can we adapt our celebrations in
meaningful ways? Fred Rogers once shared, “When I was a boy and I
would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look
for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” As
we close out the year, look for creative ways to be the helpers—to
make helping others a joyful, integral part of your holiday season.
Check out these holiday kindness
ideas for kids from KPBS.
November 2020
Expert
insight: Thanksgiving is bound to
look a little different this year, but it’s still the perfect time
to practice gratitude. When you express appreciation for the people
and things in your life, you’re helping shape your girl's values.
Check out these quick tips for raising
thankful kids, and consider making a donation on Giving Tuesday
(Dec. 1) to keep Girl Scouting available for all girls. With more
than 45% of our members living in low-income households, San Diego
Girl Scouts need your generosity now more than ever.
October 2020
Expert insight:
In our always-on
culture, filled with screen-based experiences, it’s important that
girls continue to make a strong connection to nature. Getting
outdoors builds girls’ challenge-seeking and problem-solving skills,
makes them more likely to care for the environment, and grows their
leadership and social aptitudes. Accept the
Make the Earth
a Better Place Patch Challenge
by taking action in
nature, around town, in your own home, or virtually!
Discover more
fun and simple ways to
explore the outdoors.
September 2020
Expert insight: Girls today are feeling
more lonely and anxious than ever before. Add a global pandemic,
widespread lockdowns, separation from their friends, social unrest,
and a long-term pause on many social activities and routines, and
girls are truly in crisis. The bottom line? Girls need to feel a sense
of belonging—now more than ever. “Having a space she can depend on,
even online...where making friends and having fun is the priority—can
combat feelings of alienation,” says Clinical Therapist Amy Kaufman.
Learn more
about how you can help.
August 2020
Expert insight: Grown-ups and kids are
likely experiencing some strange and difficult emotions about school
this year. There are no easy solutions, but there is one fairly simple
thing you can do to help your kids through
this tricky time: ask them how they’re feeling. So take a pause from
the more grown-up conversations about logistics and local politics,
and center some time on your girl’s state of mind. Read more.
July 2020
Expert insight: While the CDC continues to
recommend all in-person playdates be put on hold, there are definitely
families across the country that have decided to allow their children
to meet up and play with others. Helping your girl deal with her
"fear of missing out"—especially if she’s watching
neighborhood kids play right outside her window—can be both
challenging and heartbreaking. Check out these tips
from Developmental Psychologist Dr. Cyndy Karras to make
navigating this difficult situation a little easier.
June 2020
Expert insight: Girl Scouts encourages girls’
participation in civic engagement and
respects the rights of each individual girl and adult member of our
organization to make their own decisions about participating in
peaceful protests. The safety and security of our Girl Scouts is our
top priority. If you’re talking to
your girl about racism or other civic issues and you decide to
participate in an event she feels passionately about, she’s invited to
wear her uniform if she chooses. Girl Scouts is a nonpolitical,
nonpartisan organization which helps girls tap into their leadership
potential to develop the courage, confidence, and character to make
our world a better place.
May 2020
Expert insight: You don’t need an expert to tell
you that stay-at-home orders have caused an increase in kids’ screen
time. If it feels like time to take action, don’t panic. Some tips for
managing screen time include choosing appropriate content,
finding screen time you can share, and increasing other healthy
activities. Try to encourage alternatives such as getting outside.
Taking a walk is a simple mood-boosting activity that's good for your
physical health, too.
Looking for more outdoor ideas?
Girl Scouts has you covered! Take the national Girl
Scouts Love the Outdoors Challenge to earn a cool new
patch, join our councilwide In-Tents Campout on June 5, and
register your girl for one of our themed virtual sessions of Camp…Reimagined!
April 2020
Expert insight: Evidence suggests that
grateful kids are happier, more engaged, and have healthier
relationships. It's Volunteer Appreciation Month, so now is the
perfect time to practice gratitude with our children. Help them show
their appreciation to the Girl Scout volunteers in their lives; find
great ideas on the Girl Scouts San Diego and GSUSA websites.
March 2020
Expert insight: With coronavirus—and the news
about it—spreading rapidly around the globe, stress and worry can feel
overwhelming. Your girl could likely use a sense of calm in her life
right about now, and you can help. Simply asking what she’s heard, how
she’s feeling, and ensuring she’s getting correct information lets her
know you’re there to support her. Check out more helpful do's and don’ts when it
comes to handling this subject with care.
February 2020
Expert insight: Your girl is going to need
to make smart financial decisions later in life, and Girl Scout Cookie
season is the perfect time to start. Hands-on experience with goal
setting, money handling, and budgeting will help her thrive. You don’t
have to be a financial whiz to help her learn all about money matters.
Check out more fun ways to help your
Girl Scout get comfortable managing money.
January 2020
Expert insight: Sadly, international strife
is nothing new. But thanks to social media and a 24-hour news cycle,
kids are now exposed to the ins and outs of the global stage like
never before. It’s no wonder they have questions. Luckily, you
don't need to have all the answers to calm and reassure your girl. Check out these
tips on how to navigate these difficult conversations and help put
her mind at ease.
December 2019
Expert insight: Is your girl feeling a bit
“grinchy” during this otherwise-festive season? Don't let your
daughter’s mood put a damper on the holiday...get to the bottom of the
problem so her holiday (and yours!) can be a whole lot happier.
November 2019
Expert insight: Thanksgiving should be a
time to pause and celebrate all the wonderful things in our lives. But
who has time to teach our children the value of thankfulness when
you’re too busy cooking and cleaning to even sit down and eat with the
family? Borrow these simple ideas
and get ready to have one of your happiest holidays yet.
October 2019
Expert insight: As girls get older, the
fearless sense of adventure they enjoyed in their younger years gives
way to something a bit less fun: the pressure to be perfect. Let her
know that trying her best and being willing to work toward improving
will give her the fullest, most fun, and ultimately most successful
life. Read more about how can you encourage her to test
the waters and try new things.
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 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.
April 2021
Pro tip: April is Month of the Military Child
and whether your troop has girls with parents in the military or not,
there are many ways to celebrate! Wear purple with us on Thursday,
April 15 for Purple Up Day to recognize military children for their
character, courage, sacrifice, and resilience, visit our Operation Thin
Mint 20th Anniversary exhibit at the USS Midway Museum
(remember: girls in uniform receive free admission to the exhibit!),
or complete 20 or more Operation Thin Mint cards to
thank our service members and veterans and drop them off at our Balboa
Store to receive your OTM 20th anniversary patch.
March 2021
Pro tip: Need some fresh ideas to mix up your
meetings and beat Zoom fatigue? Check out this article from Raising Awesome
Girls for ways to energize your meetings, and join us on the fourth
Tuesday of the month for our new Leaders LUV Games training. If your
troop is considering meeting in-person, start your planning with
our COVID-19 Safety Guidelines.
Steps 1-3 will guide you through making the decision to meet
in-person, setting up your cohorts, and finding a space to meet.
February 2021
Pro tip: Have you been waiting to get your
troop up and running again? The time is now! You can still get started
with this year’s cookie program. Plus, take advantage of
our badge kits, Girl Scout Hangouts, and Troop Campy Hours…they’re like “easy
buttons” for your troop meetings. Make sure your troop is back in the
swing of things so they’ll be fully charged once we are able to meet in person again . Do you have
girls with lapsed memberships? Check out our unprecedented Galentine’s
special: $10 off this year’s membership!
January 2021
Pro tip: Planning for summer camp in the era
of COVID-19 is challenging, but our dynamic Outdoor team is busy
creating an array of options (including virtual and in-person
experiences). Whatever may come, a fun, safe, and engaging program
will be available to all Girl Scouts. Stay tuned for our digital
brochure and registration opportunities (coming this spring). Need a
camp fix in the meantime? Register for a holiday one-day camp or take the GSSD Eco Patch Challenge.
Contact camp@sdgirlscouts.org
or 619-610-0782 with questions.
December 2020
Pro tip: Login to the new and improved My GS to view your troop information and ensure
all members are registered and ready to go for the cookie program.
Also check that your troop cookie manager (TCM) is registered into the
correct role and has taken the training. Initial cookie orders for 2021 are due
by Monday, Dec. 14 this year!
November 2020
Pro tip: Volunteer Toolkit has
several new updates to make planning for your year a snap! Preview
badge requirements before you add them to your year plan or find
meeting plans that can be done entirely online by looking for the
Wi-Fi symbol. Please note that VTK will be down for system upgrades
from Nov. 18 through early December, so login now to download your
lesson plans!
October 2020
Pro tip: Some volunteer-hosted, in-person
activities are now possible! Read our new COVID-19 guidance at sdgirlscouts.org/stayingconnected,
and please share the participation information and waiver with
families. Based on the color-coded California Blueprint for a Safer Economy, these
guidelines are based on county risk level and subject to change, so
check back frequently for updates. (from the October issue of Volunteer Voice)
September
Pro tip: Fall is just around the corner, school
is starting up again, and so are Girl Scout troops! Make sure your
troop is set up for success in the new membership year by updating
your troop roster. Renew girls and volunteers by Wednesday, Sept. 30
and assign a Troop Fall Manager (TFM) so he/she can get the right
communications. The fall product program begins Monday, Oct. 5 and
customers can place orders through Sunday, Oct. 25. Virtual training is available now for TFMs.
August 2020
Pro tip: Despite the ever-shifting world
around us, one thing is for certain: Girl Scouts has plenty of
resources to help you lead your troop from a distance. From new GSUSA tips and
tools to helpful videos created by
our very own Outreach team, our continually-updated Staying Connected page is the place to
find everything you need!
July 2020
Pro tip: 2020 isn’t quite what any of us
planned, and the disruption has impacted many troop plans. But you can
still strengthen your troop, explore locally, engage with your
community, and get active with your girls this year. On Saturday, Aug.
1 and Saturday, Aug. 8, we’re offering a four-part webinar series
called Girl-Led Funding to help you explore
exciting ways to plan and fund girl-led activities. It’s time to think
outside the box…and no one does that better than a Girl Scout.
June 2020
Pro tip: Just like everything else in 2020,
bridging looks a little different this year than we expected. GSUSA
has postponed National Bridging Week until Aug. 1-8, so you still have
time to plan something special! Check out our Bridging Guide, including a downloadable
Bridging at a Distance guide. If your girls are registering
for Camp…Reimagined!,
note they are now considered to be in next year’s program level even
if you haven’t officially bridged yet.
May 2020
Pro tip: Virtual troop meetings don’t have to
mean connecting from the couch. Keep your virtual meetings active with games,
spirit themes, and family involvement. Games like Mad Libs and
Pictionary work well, as do at-home or neighborhood scavenger hunts.
If girls have access to a mobile device, they can bring their adults
and take a walk “together,” pointing out plants, interesting
architecture, or favorite colors. Themes like crazy hair day and
school spirit work just as well for virtual meetings as they do in person.
April 2020
Pro tip: It's Volunteer Appreciation Month,
the perfect time for us to say thank you, and for all of us to
thank other volunteers: the experienced troop leader who provided
advice, your service unit team who shared important information and
ran excellent events, and the parents who managed the cookie program
or coordinated meeting snacks. Whether you mail a homemade card, send a virtual high five, or create a Kudoboard, show others you appreciate them in your
own special way!
March 2020
Pro tip: If your girls or parents are
uncomfortable about gathering, consider virtual troop meetings. Check
out free online virtual meeting spaces like Google Hangouts, Zoom, or
others. Remember that human connection, even in this time of
"social distancing," can help quell feelings of anxiety and uncertainty.
February 2020
Pro tip: Saturday, Feb. 22 is World Thinking Day,
so this is the perfect time to elevate global awareness and
appreciation by guiding your girls through an exploration of the daily
life of a girl in another WAGGGS country. What does her
school experience look like? What are her family responsibilities? How
about social expectations? The GSUSA
Global Action Days Toolkit is filled with ideas and links to use
throughout the year.
January 2020
Pro tip: During cookie season we're all
focused on learning while earning! Troop leaders help girls build
skills through Cookie and Financial Literacy badges (You can do one of
each per year!) while troop cookie managers handle product program
logistics. Have fun out there, and remember to send pics of your
cookie entrepreneurs to media@sdgirlscouts.org
and tag @sdgirlscouts when you share on social media!
December 2019
Pro tip: The Girl Scout Cookie Program is
just around the corner. Now is the time to talk to your girls about
budgeting, goal setting, and all the amazing things they'll do with
their proceeds! Remember, troop funds can be used to register or renew
Girl Scout memberships.
November 2019
Pro tip: Have you attended a service unit meeting lately? The volunteers
in your
SU are a fabulous resource! In fact, our President’s Award
recognizes efforts of service units who enhance Girl Scouting in their
communities each membership year. Congrats to Imperial Valley,
Magnolia Trails, Mission Trails, San Marcos, and Sunrise Valley
(pictured winning the Spirit Stick at Volunteer Conference) for taking
home the award this past year, and thanks to all our amazing
volunteers! We are honored work with you to build girls of courage,
confidence, and character each and every day.
October 2019
Pro tip: Did you know that troops with at least 12 girls
have greater parent involvement, stay together longer, and give more
girls the opportunity to participate in Girl Scouts? Submit this brief form to
open your troop in the Troop Catalog, an online tool that lets
girls and their families browse and join available troops in their area.
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.
