Volunteer - Girl Scouts of Black Diamond

teers roasting hot dogs and marshmallows around a campfire,
singing well-loved Girl Scout songs before calling it a night.
Saturday broke bright and early to the smell of pancakes and
bacon. Tina Smith, a member of the National Trackers’ Association,
shared her expertise in mammal tracking with some volunteers,
while others learned outdoor cooking and fire building.
After learning all about mammals, the ladies either chose basic
fishing—complete with a visit to the “ducky pond”—or Nature
Realized, which got a little too close to nature in the form of a
rubber snake!
After lunch, a group of volunteers learned all the ins and outs of
using a GPS unit to find and create “caches” for one of the hottest
treasure hunting activities around. They successfully found
and dug up several cashes around camp. Another group learned
all about shooting a bow and arrow and how to teach their girls
the skill. The bruises to their arms were just reminders of the fun
they had learning how to hold a bow.
As the sun slanted through the trees in the late afternoon,
groups were found learning about Maps and Compasses, how to
Build a Challenge Course, and even Gourmet Outdoor Cooking.
As the rain began to fall, the Fire Building participants were
excited to be able to build a fire, without matches, in the rain!
No Outdoor Summit would be complete without Campfire with
Ms. Bettie. This year found everyone gathered around the fireplace
instead of the campfire ring, but the sisterhood and camaraderie
continued. Ms. Bettie added a few humorous skits to the
program, as well as teaching a wide variety of songs as only Ms.
Bettie can teach! The evening concluded with a ceremony that
demonstrated the sacrifices volunteers make for Girl Scouts
and the even greater rewards they receive.
Although it was slightly damp and misty on Sunday, the twang of
bows could still be heard from the Archery class and the hikers
learned trekking through rain soaked woods. Wilderness First Aid
was the final offering of the event.
A bittersweet closing ceremony was held for the final Outdoor
Summit at Camp Sandy Bend. Each participant was asked to
share a memory of the camp with the group. For many, this was
their first experience at Sandy Bend. The ladies were asked to
share their memory, then throw a twig into the fire to symbolize
letting go of the past and looking toward the future. Words
such as “replenished,” “renewed,” and “enthused” were used to
describe how the ladies felt after their weekend at camp.
While Camp Sandy Bend will be missed, Outdoor Summit will
continue. We can all look forward to bigger and better things as
we move into a future of renewed spirits and enthusiasm.
2011/2012
Volunteer Awards
and Rewards
The 2011/2012 membership year brings upon us necessary
updates to the world of volunteer recognition. Recently, GSUSA
announced a new line up of formal awards as well as retired
awards for volunteers. These changes came from a variety
of research, most from Girl Scout volunteers throughout the
country. This recent research has led GSUSA to five volunteer
recognition initiatives for Councils to implement during the next
year. Here’s what volunteers had to say regarding their interests
and values of a solid volunteer recognitions program:
1. Volunteers want to be recognized locally, by troops/groups
and individual girls.
2. Volunteers value free learning opportunities as a form of
reward for a job well done.
3. Volunteers value Council shop discounts as a form of informal
reward for quality performance.
4. Volunteers value being recognized in Council publications.
5. Volunteers value GSUSA awards.
Currently, Black Diamond is offering all of the above. With that
being said, we still have plenty of room for improvement! We’ll
start by making the necessary changes to the GSUSA awards
system.
New line up of GSUSA awards:
Thanks Badge and Thanks Badge II – Award criteria will be
strengthened, but the pins will not change
Honor and Appreciation Pins – Award criteria and design will
receive slight alterations
President’s Award for volunteer teams – This plaque will
honor measured results of volunteer teams
Juliette Gordon Lowe World Friendship Medal – Award criteria
is based on empowering girls to be global citizens
Volunteer of Excellence – Award criteria is based on the
implementation of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience
through the National Program Portfolio OR behind the
scenes support of the national mission delivery
Retired GSUSA Awards:
Volunteer Service Pins I, II and III for episodic volunteers
Volunteer Development Pin and Keys
Outstanding Leader and Outstanding Volunteer awards
Volunteer Trainer Pin and Rockers
Leadership Development Pin and Leaves
GSBDC
NEWS
In 2012, volunteer recognition nominations will be due to Girl
Scouts of Black Diamond Council no later than January 11, 2012.
The due date has been pushed forward due to the large volume
of award nominations that we are anticipating for the 100th
Anniversary in 2012. In late fall of 2011, you will be able to find all
applications, nominations and endorsement samples on the
web under “For Adults” and then Resources. If you have questions,
please contact Beth Casey at beth.casey@bdgsc.org or
1.800.756.7616.
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