Jun 2012 - Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois

G irl Link to LeaderscoutsNews and Updates for Leaders and Volunteersof Southern IllinoisJune 2012SGSSI 100th Anniversary Golf Classic Raises $35,000Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) raised $35,000 during its 23rd annualGolf Classic held at Gateway National Golf Links in Madison, IL on May21. During the past 23 years, GSSI’s golf tournament has raised more than$700,000 to support program development, financial assistance and to maintainand improve Girl Scout camps.The Gold Sponsors of the 100th Anniversary Golf Classic were The KorteCompany, Lucco Financial Partners, Plocher Construction and TheBANK ofEdwardsville. Read more inside this issue of the Link to Leaders.Inside this issue of Link to Leaders:Ralph and Donna Korte Recognized for Their Service To Girl ScoutingSponsors Help Make GSSI’s 100th Anniversary Golf Classic a SuccessMary Mueller Named Director of FinanceLocal & National Girl Scout NewsWhere in Southern Illinois is the GSSI Flag?Girl Scouts in Detention Centers UpdateJessica Sowers Joins GSSI’s Outreach Program“Ask Membership” Question of the MonthSpring Registration UpdatesDancers, Sponsors & Guests Needed for Dancing With Our StarsVolunteers Needed for Upcoming GSSI EventsProgram UpdatesWhat’s Happening Around the Council & Around the Council in PhotosGirl Scout Mission:Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, andcharacter, who make the world a better place!The Link to Leaders is publishedmonthly with importantinformation and programmaticupdates that Leaders and volunteerswill find helpful whileproviding programs, servicesand opportunities to girls. It ispublished by the Girl Scouts ofSouthern Illinois, a United Waysupported not-for-profit organization.For more detailed programand membership information,visit our website at www.gsofsi.org. Direct comments,suggestions, story ideas, andfeedback to Erin Johnson, LTLeditor at 618.692.0692 or by e-mail at ejohnson@gsofsi.org.Villie M. AppooChief Executive OfficerJay StrobelDirector of CommunicationsTricia HigginsCommunications ManagerErin JohnsonEditor, Link to LeadersGirl Scouts ofSouthern IllinoisCorporate Service Center#4 Ginger Creek ParkwayGlen Carbon, IL 62034618.692.0692Regional Service Center4102 S. Water Tower PlaceMt. Vernon, IL 62864618.242.5079Proud PartnerVisit our website at:www.gsofsi.orgFind us on Facebook!

Ralph and Donna Korte Recognized for Their Contribution to Girl ScoutingDuring GSSI’s 100th Anniversary Golf Classic, Ralph and Donna Korte were honored for their continued support toGirl Scouting for over 40 years. Mrs. Korte began as a Junior Troop Leader for her daughter’s troop in 1970. Sincethen, she has served many roles, such as Neighborhood Chair, Basic Training Trainer, Day Camp Director, a memberof the Board of Directors and more. She has also been an active community member involved in community organizationssuch as Junior Women’s Club and Boy Scouts. Mr. Korte founded The Korte Company in 1958 and subsequentlyenrolled in SIUE, where he earned a Bachelor of Science as a non-traditional student on nights and weekends. In 1989,the Kortes began hosting the Girl Scout Golf Tournament, creating a legacy for one of the most successful golf tournamentsin the Metro East. Over the past 23 years, this tournament has generated over $700,000 for Girl Scouting andmade a difference in the lives of thousands of girls in southern Illinois.GSSI is grateful for the years of dedication, professionalism and prestige that Mr. and Mrs. Korte have brought to theGirl Scout Golf Classic, and for their investment in Building Leaders for America through Girl Scouts.GSSI Appreciates the Support of Our 100th Anniversary Golf Classic SupportersGSSI appreciates the support of the companies, organizations and individuals who helped make this year's Golf Classica success. Each year, GSSI provides over $175,000 in financial assistance, so every girl has the opportunity to benefitfrom the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, regardless of her family's income. Nearly $70,000 goes to help girls attendcamp who could not otherwise attend. Annually, more than $230,000 is used to maintain and improve GSSI's six campproperties, which are used for Resident Camp, Day Camps and countless council-sponsored and Service Unit programsand events. Without the generosity of our supporters, GSSI would not be able to provide the world's premier leadershipexperience for girls here in southern Illinois. Please see the list below for a list of sponsors of this year's Girl ScoutGolf Classic:Gold Sponsors: The Korte Company; Lucco Financial Partners; Plocher Construction; TheBANK of EdwardsvilleSilver Sponsor: Siemer Milling CompanyHole 'n One Sponsor: Cassens Auto DealershipTee Sponsors with Team: Bloomsdale Excavating Co., Inc; First Clover Leaf BankSilent Auction Sponsor: Anderson HospitalBeverage Sponsor: Extra Help, Inc.; J.F. ElectricCart Sponsor: Russ Erlinger Crane Service Inc.Photo Card Sponsor: Carpenters District Council of Greater St. Louis & VicinityTeams: Bloomsdale Excavating Co., Inc.; Commerce Bank; Dr. Paul Fischer, DDS; Earl Henderson Trucking; Eckert'sInc.; First Clover Leaf Bank; GFI Digital; The Korte Company; Lucco Financial Partners; Plocher Construction;RED-E-MIX, LLC; RubinBrown LLP; Southwestern Illinois Laborers' District Council; Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsville Foundation; TheBANK of Edwardsville; Vee-Jay Cement Co. Inc.Tee Sponsors: Anderson Hospital; Basler Electric Company; Bradford National Bank; CompType I.T. Solutions; CordMoving and Storage; Eakin, Weber, Mulligans Family Physicians; Edward Jones/Linda Manley; Gori, Julian & Associates,P.C.; Candis and Fred Isberner, GSSI Board; Hill Law Offices; Holland Construction Services Inc.; Jim's FormalWear; Knights of Columbus Council 4596; Louer Facility Planning; Market Basket L.L.C.; Memorial Hospital; PyramidElectrical Contractors, Inc.; R.P. Lumber Company and Prudential One Realty Centre; Rehkemper & Sons, Inc.; SCIEngineering, Inc.; Strano and Associates, Angie Zahn; The PaintSmiths; Tri Ford; Trouw Nutrition; Truck Centers, Inc.Individual Players: Timothy Crowley; Vern Eardley; Joe Glick.Other Donations: Alton Gaming Company; Sandra Evans, Anesthesia Services of Alto Pass; Carole Hiatt Design Associates;Gibbs Pool & Turner, P.C.; Hauck Charitable Foundation/TSI Holdings Foundation; NuWay Concrete FormsTroy, LLC; Mr. and Mrs. Shane Murphey; Metro East Industries, Inc.In-Kind Donations: Eckert’s Inc.; Gateway National Golf Links; Mid Illinois Bank; Pepsi Mid America; Robert“Chick” Fritz, Inc.; Scott Credit Union

Mary Mueller Hired as Director as FinanceGirl Scouts of Southern Illinois is pleased to announce that Mary Mueller from Bartelsohas been selected as the new Director of Finance. Mueller comes to GSSI with over 30years of experience in the fields of accounting and finance. She will be responsible forthe overall financial leadership and direction of the council while providing effectivestewardship, control and oversight of the organization’s finances.Prior to joining GSSI, Mueller most recently worked as a financial representative forNorthwestern Mutual. She also has accounting experience in both the public and nonprofitsectors and served as the Vice President of Finance for United Way. Having been inthe public sector since 2003, Mueller is eager to rejoin the non-profit world.Mary Mueller“I am grateful and glad to be with Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois,” said Mueller. “I enjoy working in the nonprofitsector, and I look forward to working for an organization that provides direct service and programs to girls in southernIllinois.”Mueller is a graduate of Kaskaskia College and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She is also a volunteer forthe Alzheimer’s Association and is currently the co-president of the Ladies’ Sodality of her parish.Girl Scouts Names “ I Wanna Rock the Mall” YouTube Contest WinnerDana Marie Rogers a Girl Scout Ambassador from Old Bridge, New Jersey won top honors in the “I Wanna Rock theMall” YouTube contest, with her original Girl Scout Cookie Rap. The contest was created through a collaboration betweenGirl Scouts Rock the Mall and K12 Inc, to excite and motivate the current generation of girls, who are immersedin technology on a daily basis. Girl Scouts from across the nation sang original songs, played guitars and created coolmusic videos in competition for a chance to perform on stage at Girl Scouts Rock the Mall in Washington D.C. As thewinner, Dana Marie will be introduced by American Idol finalist Thia Megia, to a live audience of hundreds of thousandsof Girl Scouts, alumnae, volunteers and supporters from around the world.“I am so excited to be chosen as the winner of Girl Scouts Rock the Mall, and I can’t wait to perform my original GirlScout songs for girls from across the country! Music is my passion, and I love to share it with others. I am so proud tobe a Girl Scout,” she said.Read MoreWatch Dana Marie’s Music VideoGirl Scout Nestle Crunch Bars Coming This Month!This summer, GSUSA and Nestle Crunch are introducing limited-edition Girl Scout Candy Bars. Flavors are “ThinMints,” which feature dark chocolate cookie wafers and mint chocolate creme, “Caramel & Coconut” which is Samoaflavored, and “Peanut Butter Creme,” which is a tasty spin-off of the popular Tagalong.Authorizing the exclusive candy bars during the organization’s landmark 100th anniversary year, Girl Scouts of theUSA entered into a national license agreement with Nestlé, for the limited production of Nestlé Crunch Girl ScoutCandy Bars. This marks the first time the Girl Scouts have licensed a candy bar product inspired by the flavors of theirfamous cookies.“We’re pleased that with the help of a great brand like Nestlé Crunch, our iconic Girl Scouts brand can reach the publicin new and unexpected places,” said Barry Horowitz, vice president and general manager, Girl Scout Merchandise, GirlScouts of the USA. “During our 100th anniversary, we hope the Nestlé Crunch Girl Scout Candy Bars raise awarenessof the Girl Scout Cookie Program and all the business and financial literacy skills girls learn from participating in thisannual leadership activity.”Watch for updates about the Girl Scout Nestle Crunch Bars from GSSI through GSSI e-blasts, Facebook and Twitter.

Ask Membership Question of the MonthDear Membership,I submitted a PEARL nomination form but the person I nominated was not chosen. I am worried that I did not provideenough information about this wonderful volunteer. What type of information is the committee looking for? -Wantingto RecognizeDear Wanting to Recognize,Thank you for submitting a PEARL nomination! The PEARL program was developed so that GSSI could recognizevolunteers throughout the year. There are a lot of volunteers out there doing wonderful things and in order for us toproperly recognize them we need nominations to have as much detail as possible. Some criteria to consider for nominationsare: number of girls served by an event, how many hours the volunteer spent with the effort, number of adultsserved, or how the council benefited as a whole. The PEARL nomination form is included in this publication. We lookforward to your future nominations! -MembershipDo you have a burning question for the Membership Department? Submit it to Membership Development ManagerJulie Schloss at jschloss@gsofsi.org! All questions will be answered, though only one question per month will bepublished in the Link to Leaders.Early Registration -- Service Units That Are Ahead of the GameThe following Service Units current membership is exceeding where they were last year at this time. Thanks forworking hard and being ahead of the game!SU 03: Bond County; SU 21: East Marion County; SU 27: Jackson County; SU 30: Jefferson County; SU 39: LawrenceCounty; SU 42: East Williamson; SU 51: North Franklin County; SU 54: Perry County; SU 60: South RandolphCounty; SU 63: Richland County; SU 66: Shawnee; SU 72: Union/Pulaski/Alexander County; SU 78: Wabash/EdwardsCounty; SU 81: Washington County; SU 85: Wayne/Hamilton/White County; SU 101: Alton/Godfrey/WoodRiver/Roxana; SU 102: Granite City/Madison/Venice; SU 105: Jersey/Calhoun County; SU 111: Collinsville; SU201: O’Fallon; SU 202: Trenton/Lebanon/New Baden/Mascoutah; SU 207: Belleville/Swansea; SU 209 Millstadt/Columbia/Dupo/Smithton; SU 211: Waterloo; SU 521: Western Coles County; SU 522: Eastern Coles County; SU533: Clark/Cumberland County.Spring Registration UpdateEarly Bird registration is drawing to a close. Troops must turn in their registrations to their Service Unit Registrar bythe due date to qualify for the following incentives:Early Bird Patch: troops participating in Spring Registration can purchase the Early Bird Patch for $1 per patch.Register five Girl Members and get one Adult Member FREE: A label has been placed in each Troop packet. If youregister at least five girls, place the label on the Adult Registration form that will count as your “FREE” adult and wewill take care of the rest. Notate this on the Registration Summary in the “Other” column as “1 FREE Adult.”Leadership Perks: Just for being an awesome leader and retaining your girls, you can receive extra perks like an invitationto a Leader Appreciation Event (scheduled for summer 2012) and drawings for $10, $15 and $25 gift cards.Qualifications to be eligible for these Leadership Perks are:• Turn in your Membership Registrations to your Service Unit Registrar by the deadline.• Register 50% of your current girls (if you lose a girl, you can recruit a new girl and still receive the benefits).• Register at least five girls and two adults (volunteer paperwork is required to be on file and approved).• Have no Product Sale debt (Troop or Parent). Troops can still qualify if the debt is paid in full beforethe Early Bird Registration deadline.

SAVE THE DATEAlumnae/Volunteer Camping WeekendSeptember14-16Camp Cedar PointCheck back soon for additional details atwww.gsofsi.org and click “alumnae”Reconnect • Reminisce • Celebrate

Where in Southern Illinois is the GSSI Flag in June?SU 63 Clay County will start off the month with the GSSI Flag, handing it over to SU 78 Wabash/Edwards Countieson June 3. On June 10, SU 39 Lawrence County will receive the GSSI Flag until June 17, when they will pass it to SU544 Crawford/Jasper Counties. On June 24-30, SU 533 will host the flag in Clark/Cumberland Counties. On July 1,the flag will move on to SU 521 Eastern Coles County to start the month.Girl Scouting in Detention Centers UpdateThe residents at Madison County Detention Center had some new experiences this month as they dived into the SowWhat Journey. Their assignment was to decide the differences between organic and more processed foods. Girls alsodid a taste test, “Delicious or Disgusting,” during which they sampled all-natural foods. Gluten-free snickerdoodleswere the hands-down favorite! Finally, the girls participated in an “Iron Chef” style competition, using grapes as ahealthy secret ingredient in meals. The girls enjoyed creative cooking, as well as making presentations to the judges(and also eating the leftovers!) The Journey activities helped girls learn more about nutrition and preparing healthymeals, as well as gave them practice on public speaking and teamwork.For more information on the Girl Scouts in Detentions Center program or if you’re interested in helping deliver a programat the Madison County Detention Center, please contact Jodi Dormire at 618.692.0692 or jdormire@gsofsi.org.GSSI’s Membership Department Welcomes Jessica Sowers into OutreachJessica Sowers has joined the Membership Department as an Outreach Development Manager. Jessica is a Universityof Missouri graduate with a degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism. She has a plethora of Girl Scout experience,most recently working as a Membership and Community Development Specialist with the Girl Scouts of CentralMaryland. Jessica and her husband recently moved to the Southern Illinois area and she is excited to be joining theGSSI Membership team! As part of the Outreach Department, Jessica’s duties are to help GSSI provide the Girl ScoutLeadership Experience to our most underserved areas. Stay tuned to GSSI’s Facebook Page to see a photo of Jessicaand to welcome her to our team!Jessica will be working out of the Regional Service Center in Mt. Vernon and can be reached at 800.345.6858, ext.2111 or by e-mail at jsowers@gsofsi.org.REFRESH 2012 for Adult VolunteersNeeding a Girl Scout pick-me-up? Look no further then the upcoming REFRESH events. REFRESH is an adult eventto refresh and re-energize new and experienced leader’s mind, skills and friendships. Journey to camp to learn fun waysto integrate Girl Scout Journeys with traditional badges and learn new outdoor skills. Participants can choose fromthree dates and locations and enjoy all activities for $5. Please see the flyer on the following page for more informationand to register.Feeling energized and ready for the new Girl Scout year and want to share an outdoor skill or Journey experience? Jointhe REFRESH team! Volunteers are needed at all locations. Please contact Cheryl Seidel at 800.345.6858, ext. 2105 ore-mail cseidel@gsofsi.org to volunteer or for more information.Raging Rivers WaterPark Offers GSSI Girl Scouts 100th Anniversary SpecialRaging Rivers WaterPark invites Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois members to add some wet and wild summer fun totheir 100th Anniversary summer, at a discounted price of $14.37 for an adult ticket and $11.28 for a child ticket.To take advantage of this special offer, visit www.ragingrivers.com and click on “Purchase Online Tickets.” Next,sign in using the special Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois code, GS1201, to purchase and print tickets to be redeemed atthe main gate. No hassle, no lines. For more information, please contact Raging Rivers WaterPark at 618.786.2345.

BadgesREFRESH 2012...an event to refresh and re‐energize new andexperienced leader’s mind, skills, and friendshipsAwardsThis year YOU CHOOSE from THREE dates and locations!Saturday, September 22 at Camp WassatogaSaturday, September 29 at Camp Cedar PointSaturday, October 6 at Camp TorquaEach event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.TraditionsJourneysOutdoorsTake a Journey to camp to re‐energize! Start your membership year offright by learning fun ways to integrate Girl Scouts Journeys with traditionalbadges and sample some outdoor activities our camps have to offer.Each participant will receive a special incentive along with other fungiveaways and prizes.Registration: $5.00 per person which includes your activities,takeaways and an incentive.Lunch will not be provided. Participants should bring a sack lunch.REFRESH t‐shirts are available for an additional cost of $10.This a REGISTERED ADULT ONLY event.

Please return to:Corporate Service Center Attn: Program/Training Registrar#4 Ginger Creek Parkway Glen Carbon, IL 62034(618) 692-0692 (800) 345-6858 fax: (618) 692-0685REFRESH 2012 Event RegistrationPlease note: This event is for registered adult members only.Name______________________________ Troop # _____ Service Unit #_____________________________Address _________________________________________________________________________________City __________________________________________State______Zip Code ________________________Phone # (Day) ______________________________________(Evening) _____________________________E-Mail __________________________________________________________________________________Program Cost $5 _________Please Choose One Event LocationSaturday, September 22 at Camp WassatogaSaturday, September 29 at Camp Cedar PointSaturday, October 6 at Camp Torqua_______________OPTIONAL T-Shirt Cost $10 __________Please indicate size (S, M, L, XL, XXL) __________Check here if you would like your name and contact information distributed to other attendees for carpooling. Thelist will be included in the confirmation packet and attendees are responsible for making their own carpooling arrangements.PAYMENT: Check enclosed: # ___________ Amount $__________MasterCard Visa DiscoverCard Number ___________________________________________________Expiration Date _____________Amount $______________Signature __________________________________________________________*Camps may be reserved for the night before the event on a first-come/first-serve basis. Please make a reservation for overnight accommodationswith the Program/Training Registrar. The form is downloadable from our website at www.gsofsi.org. If staying the night before at camp, please notethere will be no food or activities provided. All food or activities the night before is the responsibility of adult campers.Signature of participant_____________________________________________ Date_______________Additional copies of this form and the event flyer are available at: www.gsofsi.orgREGISTRATION DEADLINE: August 30, 2012Confirmations will be sent following deadline.

GSSI Council Shop UpdatesGSSI Official 100th Anniversary T-Shirt: Get your piece of 100 years of Girl Scout history! On the front of the shirt,the iconic Girl Scout trefoil frames a silhouette of Girl Scouting in southern Illinois. On the back of the shirt, a trendypictogram explains that Girl Scouts + Southern Illinois = Leadership. T-shirts come in youth and adult sizes and areonly $10. All proceeds support Girl Scouting in southern Illinois through quality programming, financial assistance,camp maintenance and training for adult volunteers. See it nowPlease note that GSSI Council Shops will be Closed for Inventory August 1-2, 2012GSSI Council Shop Contact Information:Corporate Service Center: Beth Ross: 618.692.0692, ext. 1129 • e-mail: bross@gsofsi.orgRegional Service Center: Anita Riley: 618.242.5079, ext. 2109 • e-mail: ariley@gsofsi.orgGo to GSSI’s Online ShopWhat’s Happening Around the CouncilFor their Girl Scout Bronze Award project, two Girl Scouts from O’Fallon Troop #599 delivered $600 worth of supplies,including clothing and bedding to a victim of the spring tornado in Harrisburg.Troop #532 was given the opportunity to parade GSSI’s 100th Anniversary flag down Main Street in Grafton during SU105’s portion of the council-wide flag run. Grafton Police escorted the girls as they took turns carrying the flag throughtown. Mayor Tom Thompson, as well as tourists, citizens, and families were on hand to cheer for the girls as they ran.Junior Troop #745 did a Big Sister/Little Sister program for Brownie Troop #184. The two troops traveled from Waterlooto Camp Whispering Oaks in Salem, which they described as “fun and pretty.”In Harrisburg, Troop # 8257 planted flowers for a local resident whose house was severely damaged in the tornado. Thewoman told the girls that, despite her hardships, she was “just so happy knowing she would have pretty flowers to lookat.” The girls were touched by her positive attitude and the power of even small acts of service to others.Troop #8262 from Eldorado has been picking up some healthy habits! Along with getting certified in CPR and FirstAid, the troop has also been doing Zumba.Troops #8291, #8292, #8293, #8295 from Norris City produced and directed a play based on the novel, The Secret Gardenthat incorporated Girl Scout themes and songs. The play was well received by an audience of seventy-five people.Girl Scout Brownie Troop #137 from Fairview Heights were among the many GSSI Girl Scouts who attended “GirlScout Day at the Capitol” in Springfield on May 6.Harrisburg Troops #8260 & #8266 participated in the local “Caring for Kids” program. The girls made take home bagsfilled with weekend snacks for children in need at area schools.Troop #164 from O’Fallon/Shiloh has been getting artsy lately! Girls made butterfly masks at a recent troop meeting,as well as created special Mother’s Day gifts from recycled products.Troop #139 from Scott Air Force Base collected and donated over 300 Easter Baskets to children who parents are deployedin the Middle East, as well as local children in need.West Williamson County Troop #8091 is using profits from the Girl Scout Cookie Sale Program to buy a brick at theCarterville Veterans’ Memorial. The proceeds from the bricks help fund the Memorial.For Hardin County Brownie Troop #8284, Zumba class was a big hit.Make Sure Your Area is Represented!Make Sure Your Area is Represented!E-mail Erin Johnson at ejohnson@gsofsi.org with a message about what your troop is up to! While not every submissioncan be published, we will make an effort to reflect the diverse interests, activities and areas that make GSSI so great.

Calling Dancers, Sponsors and Guests for Annual Dancing With OUR Stars GalaDust off your dancing shoes and join Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois as we host the100th Anniversary Dancing With OUR Stars gala, on July 28 at Krieger’s ConventionCenter in Mount Vernon, Illinois. Currently, we are seeking additional dancers, sponsorsand guests for this adult only event which plays a significant role in funding girl programdevelopment, camp maintenance and improvements and helps us provide over $175,000in financial assistance for girls across southern Illinois. For more information about thisevent, visit http://www.gsofsi.org/do_dwos.html or contact Fund Development ManagerEmily Wilson at ewilson@gsofsi.org.Learn more about Dancing With Our StarsVolunteers Needed to Help at GSSI Trading PostGSSI is seeking volunteers to help ring out customers and provide assistance with merchandise at GSSI Trading Postsbeing held at various Day Camps. This role would also help girls find the right items to meet their budget. To see datesand locations of GSSI Day Camps, please see the schedule below. Contact Micah Bolandis at 800.345.6858, ext. 1103or mbolandis@gsofsi.org for more information.June 6: Bethalto Day Camp Camp Chan Ya Ta, Bethalto; June 8: Camp Wassatoga, Effingham; June 8: (evening): SilverLake, Highland; June 13: American Legion Freedom Farm, Columbia; June 18: Big City Park, Columbia; June 20: FoxRidge State Park, Charleston; June 21: Camp Vandeventer, Waterloo; June 25: Camp Wassatoga, Effingham; June 27:Horner Park, Lebanon; June 29: Camp Torqua, Edwardsville; July 11: Camp Torqua, EdwardsvilleGSSI Now on Twitter: @GSofSIIf you tweet, you can now find GSSI on Twitter. Get updates on Girl Scout stories, breaking news, and interestinginformation in 140 characters or less! Find us at www.twitter.com/GSofSI. How would you describe your Girl Scoutexperience in one short sentence? Let us know: @GSofSIGSRI Shows that Girls Are Interested in STEM, But Few Pursue CareersGeneration STEM, a recent study by the Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI) showed that 74% of teen girls are interestedin science, technology, engineering and math, but only 13% of girls say these fields are their first career choice. Inaddition, girls say that they are not well informed about career opportunities in STEM when compared to other fields.In fact, less than half of the girls surveyed know a woman in a STEM career.Educational experts say that employment in STEM fields is expected to grow at a faster pace than in non STEM fields,and that the U.S. will need to increase proficiency and interest in these areas to stay competitive in the global economy.“America has a huge opportunity for economic growth with girls’ interest in science, technology, engineering, andmath,” says Anna Maria Chávez, CEO, Girl Scouts of the USA. “When girls succeed, so does society. We all have arole to play in making girls feel supported and capable when it comes to involvement in STEM fields—and anythingelse they set their minds to and have traditionally been steered away from.”To get involved with GSSI’s STEM program as a volunteer or sponsor, contact STEM Program Manager Emily Stanleyat 800.345.6828 or e-mail estanley@gsofsi.orgIndianapolis 500 Driver Katherine Legge to Support Girl ScoutsIndyCar Series driver Katherine Legge wore the Girl Scout logo on her helmet during the 96th Indianapolis 500 onMay 27. Legge will continue to partner with the Girl Scouts as a STEM ambassador and Girl Scouts’ first motorsportsnational spokesperson. Legge was a Girl Guide during her youth in Great Britain. Read More

Illinois Trekkers/AVAWalk Together Master ProgramI am sure you aware the sedentary lifestyle in the United States is causing manyhealth issues. Children born today have a shorter life expectancy than our generation.Walking is the easiest and most cost effective way to lead to a healthier you. Ifyou are like me, you want a better life for our children, so let’s get them started. Weat Illinois Trekkers are committed to getting as many people as we can up on theirfeet and walking! Let us help your troop develop Fun, Fitness and Friendshipthrough our walking program. We make walking fun. Come walk with us!9/15/12 Braeutigam’s Orchard (Belleville)– Walk through apple and peach orchardsand the pumpkin patch. Discover how different plants look and grow such as eggplantand blueberries. See cows, goats and chickens. You can ride the wagon and pick apples(not included).10/27/12 Richland Creek Greenway (Belleville)– Walk the Greenway through severalparks. Discover the many art sculptures along the way. Stop at Peachy Yogurt Barfor frozen yogurt with pick your own toppings (included).11/20/12 Way Of Lights (Belleville)– Discover the Way of Lights on foot, stop forhot Russian Tea. Flashlights are always fun. Trail is on safe sidewalks.Feb (date TBA) Soup Walk– Walk a marked trail through a neighboring city.Bring two cans of soup. One will be donated to the Food Pantry, the other willbe put in the pot for poor man’s soup to be shared after the walk. Soup, freshbaked bread and hot chocolate are included.March (date TBA) Downtown St. Louis– Be a tourist in downtown St. Louis.You will walk past the Arch, Busch Stadium and halfway across the MississippiRiver on the Eads Bridge. Walk through Union Station and try the whisperingarch. See all the sights anyone visiting St. Louis might see.April (date TBA) Breakfast in a Bag Walk– Each scout will receive a bag withone egg. You may visit the stir-in bar and choose ham, bacon, green pepper etc.to add to your bag. Put your name in permanent marker, squish it all togetherand drop it in the boiling kettle. After 7 minutes your breakfast in a bag becomesscrambled egg! Add orange juice and a biscuit are included!Program Price: $25.00 for each scout/leader(1 leader free with 10 scouts registered scouts)Each participant will receive: 6 walk coupons6 walk coupons 1 master award medal1 breakfast 1 Walk Together patch1 lunch IVV Event & Distance booksThese events will satisfy requirements towards these badges.Brownie – My Best Self BadgeJunior – Staying Fit BadgeCadette – Trailblazing BadgeSeniors – Crosstraining BadgeRegistration Deadline: Sept 7, 2012For more information or to order anenrollment kit contact:DEBBIE KRUEP(618) 277-0830debmarkkruep@yahoo.comorCINDY STUCKYcls0706@charter.net

THE EVENING WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:♦ MINERS vs THE WASHINGTON WILD THINGS♦ PREGAME RECOGNITION CEREMONY FOR ALL GIRL SCOUTS IN ATTENDANCE♦ POSTGAME FIREWORKS SHOW♦ TICKET TO THE GAMEGIRL SCOUT NIGHT ATOVERNIGHT ACTIVITIES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:♦ CAMP OUT ON THE FIELD AFTER THE FIREWORKS SHOW (SCOUTS WILL BRING CAMPING GEAR)♦ PERFECT GAME MEAL PROVIDED TO ALL OVERNIGHT CAMPERS (HOT DOG, POPCORN & SODA)♦ FEATURE MOVIE TO BE PLAYED ON STADIUM VIDEO BOARD♦ STADIUM SCAVENGER HUNT♦ 2012 SOUTHERN ILLINOIS MINERS GIRL SCOUT NIGHT PATCH♦ CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST SERVED THE FOLLOWING MORNING(This event is for families and troops and may have men in attendance.)RENT ONE PARKFRIDAY, JULY 20, 2012GATES OPEN AT 6PM | FIRST PITCH 7:05PM———————————————————————————————GIRL SCOUT NIGHT AT RENT ONE PARK—PLEASE COMPLETE AND RETURN THIS FORM TO:SOUTHERN ILLINOIS MINERS | P.O. BOX 1207 | MARION, IL 62959 | ATTN: GIRL SCOUT NIGHTQUANTITYTOTALOVERNIGHT CAMPOUT _______ $25 EACH _______BOX SEAT TICKET _______ $7 EACH _______RESERVE SEAT TICKET _______ $5 EACH _______PARENT/TROOP LEADER NAME:________________________________ SCOUT NAME:________________________________TROOP #_____________ADDRESS:_________________________________________ CITY:_______________________ ST:_____ ZIP_________PHONE:________________ EMAIL:___________________________________________________________________Payment MethodVisa MasterCard Discover American Express Check CashCard Number: _____________________________________ ___ Exp: __________ vcode: __________Signature:______________________________________________________________________FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT BILLY RICHARDS AT (618) 969-8501OR BY EMAIL AT billyr@southernillinoisminers.com

Come out with family, friends & fellow Scoutsto enjoy a Scout Night at the ballpark.June 30th at 7:05pmJuly 20th at 7:05pmAugust 24th at 7:05pm & sleepoverWhat is Scout Night?~Watch a Grizzlies game with Friends and Family!Lawn Ticket: $5Field Box Ticket:$9~Participate in pre-game parade around the field.Bring signs and banners supporting your troopand the Grizzlies!Pack/Troop recognition over the PA system and onthe scoreboard during the game.~Each Scout/Scout leader receives a souvenirpatch.What time are the festivities?5:45pm Gates open6:00pm Meet at outfield lawn flagpole for parade6:20pm Pre-game parade begins7:05pm Game beginsFOR THE 2012 SEASON:Sleepover– August 24th ONLY~Sleep on the field after the game andenjoy a movie!~The movie with the most votes will be shown,~Each participant receives a snack of popcornor a pretzel and a soda or water.~Breakfast served in the morning.Sleepover & Lawn Ticket: $21Sleepover & Field Box Ticket: $25*All sleepover participants must follow sleepover rules. Rules sheets will be availablecloser to the date.$1 of each ticket sold goes to eachAppropriate Scout CouncilPlease circle your date: June 30th July 20th August 24thAugust 24th ONLY# Lawn Ticket ____@$5=_____Please circle movie preference:#Field Box Ticket ____@$9=_____Little Big League/ Angles in the Outfield/ The Rookie# of Scouts/Scout Leaders = _____# Sleepover & Lawn Tickets ___@$21 =____Credit Card Handling Fee $10= _____# of Sleepover & Field Box Tickets ___@$25 =____Leader Name:___________________________Pack /Troop:____________________________Credit Card Handling Fee $10 = ____Total = ____Address:_______________________________City: ____________ State: _____Zip: _________Phone:________________________________Email: ________________________________Payment Type: ____ Check ____ Credit Card: Card #:____________________________________________Expiration Date:_______________ Authorized Cardholder Signature________________________________Scout Night TicketsFor more information, please contact: Brent Pownall @ (618) 337-3000 or bpownall@gatewaygrizzlies.comPlease email to Gateway Grizzlies, Attn: Scout Night, 2301 Grizzlie Bear Blvd, Sauget, IL 62206Tickets will NOT be mailed. Tickets may be picked up at GCS Ballpark or in will call the night of the game.FIELD BOX TICKETS AND CAMPING SPACES ARE LIMITED

Around the Council in PhotosBy popular demand, GSSI features photos submitted by our membership in each edition of the Link to Leaders. Please e-mail photos to Erin Johnson, editor, at ejohnson@gsofsi.org or mail to: GSSI, #4 Ginger Creek Parkway, Glen Carbon, IL62034 ATTN: Communications and Marketing Dept. When e-mailing, please do not submit more than 2-3 pictures at a time,or your e-mail may be undeliverable. You may also send photos through your Membership Development Manager. Photoscannot be returned and may be used by GSSI for future publications, including on the website. Be sure to include yourTroop/Service Unit information with submissions.While not every submission can be published, we will make an effort to reflect the diverse interests, activities and areas thatmake GSSI so great. Please remember that we have many areas to support, so be sure to select only your best 2-3 pictures.SU205Troop#137Troop#164Troop#8099Troops#745& #184Troop#532