Volunteer - Girl Scouts of Black Diamond

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GSBDC News
Staff News
Saying Goodbye
After over 30 years of dedication to the mission of Girl Scouting
and to the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond, we are truly sad to say
goodbye to Susan Smith, Program Specialist. Susan began her
journey in Girl Scouting as a Brownie and has since served as
troop leader, day camp director, office volunteer, part time and
full time staff.
Susan contributes the longevity of her career to the principles of
Girl Scouting and the wonderful friendships she’s made. Susan
thanks the Girl Scouts for teaching her to rewire a lamp, motivate
and work with others successfully, and be a good citizen of her
community – among many other things.
We thank Susan for bringing quality programming to outreach
groups, for developing additional resources for traditional troop
leaders and for bringing a wealth of knowledge and resources
to the Series Pathway as it is developed. Susan will surely be
missed as she relocates with her family to El Dorado, Arkansas.
We appreciate the impact she has made on our organization,
staff, volunteers and girls. She has confirmed that she will be
involved in Girl Scouting till the day she dies and will be taking all
of her Diamonds from the Black Diamond Council to Diamonds
of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas Council.
Annie Dillard once said, “The dedicated life is a life worth living.”
Susan, we would like to thank you dedicating your life to the Girl
Scout mission. We wish you nothing but the best of luck in your
new adventure!
Saying Hello
The Black Diamond Council welcomes Morgan Pore, Director of
Communications. Morgan brings a wealth of national non-profit
and communications experience to Black Diamond. She has
begun putting her creativity and experience to use by producing
a video shoot featuring Girl Scouts from Black Diamond Council
and assisting in the implementation of the new council website.
It’s great to have you on board, Morgan!
What We Stand For:
The purpose of this feature continues to answer some commonly
asked questions about Girl Scouting, its principles and its
practices. It is designed to help all of us communicate what we
stand for in a clear, consistent manner. Perhaps someone has
asked you about where our movement stands on a particular
issue or you’ve wondered yourself. The publication What We
Stand For has the answers, and we continue to share excerpts
with you here. If you have suggestions for content you would like
to be included in this section, please feel free to contact Morgan
Pore, Director of Communications at 304.345.7722 ext. 1029 or
morgan.pore@bdgsc.org.
GSBDC
NEWS
Safety
The Girl Scout organization is always concerned about the
safety of the girls we serve. All activities are planned and carried
out in accordance with program standards and guidelines
established by Girl Scouts of the USA, which are designed to
safeguard the wellbeing of both girl and adult members. These
program standards and guidelines also ensure that program
activities are appropriate for the age level of the girls participating
in them. They are available in the Volunteer Essentials
guidebook, which is distributed to all Girl Scout troop or group
leaders.
2006 Blue Book References: “Girl Scout Council Authority and Responsibility,” p. 20 and
“Health and Safety,” p. 22
Camping
Camping activities must be appropriate to the age level of the
girls who are participating. Girl Scout councils are required
to comply with GSUSA policies and standards on health and
safety, have procedures in place for approving campsites, ensure
that leaders are trained according to Girl Scout standards,
and obtain all proper permissions.
2006 Blue Book References: “Girl Scout Council Authority and Responsibility,” p. 20,
“Administration of Girl Scout Camping,” p. 20, “Health and Safety,” p. 22
Internet Safety
The Internet is a powerful informational resource, but it also is
an open medium that can attract more than the intended audience,
including cyber-stalkers who prey on children. To ensure
that girls are safe when conducting activities on the Internet,
GSUSA has established policies, standards, and guidelines for
girls:
Do not give out personal information such as your address,
telephone number, e-mail address, or Girl Scout meeting
locations and times without the permission of a parent or
guardian.
Notify an adult immediately if you notice any information
that makes you feel uncomfortable.
Never agree to meet with someone you have met online
without first checking with a parent or guardian. If the parent
or guardian agrees to the meeting, make sure that it is
in a public place and never go alone.
2006 Blue Book References: “Internet Sales,” p. 19 and “Health and Safety,” p. 22
Security of Membership Data
Because the primary concern at Girl Scouts is the health and
safety of the girls we serve, the release and distribution of any
Girl Scout membership list to a Girl Scout council or non—Girl
Scout entity, or release of any data or information on Girl Scout
members, is prohibited except upon approval by GSUSA.
2006 Blue Book References: “Security of Girl Scout Membership Data and Restricted Use
of Membership and Mailing Lists,” p. 21