Citrus Peel 2015-2016

Citrus Peel
2015-2016 | Vol. 4
Girl Scouts of Citrus
www.citrus-gs.org
Moving at the
Speed of Girls
We’re ready for it! Are you?
1

maryann
inspiration
This year, I didn’t have to look very far to find inspiration
and take pride in our girls, volunteers, and staff! There
are countless examples of Citrus Girl Scouts living the
core values of Scouting and adult leaders bringing
the mission to build girls of courage, confidence,
and character to life. Here are a few of my favorite
inspirational moments from 2015.
Community Partnership
One of the most inspirational moments for me this year
blended one of our theater arts programs with a community
service opportunity, as well as the opportunity to raise
awareness and visibility of our organization and mission.
I could truly feel the power of our mission when girls from
our Council represented Scouting by raising their voices to
perform our national anthem during a nationally televised
college bowl game. The girls also contributed to raising
awareness and contributing to the very important Cure Bowl
cause of breast cancer awareness and research.
Law Day
60 girls ranging from Brownies to Seniors
learned about immigration law and
participated in a beautiful naturalization
ceremony, personally giving a pocket
flag to each new citizen and leading the
national anthem. The program was not
only educational, but truly inspiring!
Board Property Bus Tour
This year, we packed up the Board of Directors for an all
day tour of our camps and properties. We wanted them
to experience the wonder of our camps and chat with a
few girls having a camporee. This up-close-and-personal
experience in the field inspired our Board to place our girlserving
properties as a #1 priority for our 2015-2016 fiscal
year!
STEM Initiatives
I cannot tell a lie, I get all geeked-up about our STEM programs!
There is something very special and exciting about watching
our girls compete with robots they designed and built, or
learning that one of our Citrus Scouts won the National
Science Fair! I have no doubt Girl Scouts will take their place in
leading the next generation of STEM developments.
I was blessed to have the opportunity to experience dozens of activities such as these with girls and volunteers
in the field. Each one of these experiences enlightens, informs, and inspires me to ensure we give the girls our
very best! I invite you to stand with me and continue to work in partnership for our girls and make our 60th
anniversary year our best year yet!
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contents
These are some
smart cookies at
Cookie University
The Citrus Singers Chorus at
the Southern Women’s Show
Happy Holidays from
all of us at
Girl Scouts of Citrus!
2 CEO Inspiration
4 Stories We Love
7 Moving at the Speed of Girls
8 Out with the Old, In with the Awesome
10 The Girl Scout Gold Award
14 Girl Scout Alumnae - Making an Impact
16 Cookie Roster
19 Full S.T.E.A.M Ahead
21 Gotta a Question? We gotcha covered!
22 It’s Time to Camp
24 2015 Annual Report
3

Stories
WE
Troop 649 from Turtlemound:
Giving back to those in need
Love
As a community service project, girls assembled
and distributed 250 gift bags of shampoo and body
wash to those who need them most, as a donation
through the FROG (Fully Rely on God) ministry in
their community.
Troop 370 from Trefoil:
Learning how to play it safe
After completing several learning activities and practicing their
safety skills, these Daisies know how to keep themselves
and those around them safe. Each girl earned a certificate in
celebration of her achievement.
Want to see your troop story featured?
We love to hear what our girls and volunteers are up to! Submit your
troop story to us on Facebook or email Naomi Allen at
nallen@citrus-gs.org.
4

Troop 995 from
Celebrating the Season
Troop 1891 from Foliage:
Innovating for the environment
Above, left: These “Southern Belles” won the
hearts of parade judges at the Edgewater
Christmas Parade, earning the “most related
to the theme” award. Given the theme,
Sounds of Christmas, girls used teamwork
and creativity to establish their concept using
a play-on-words.
Through the First Lego League (FLL) games this year,
themed “Trash Trek,” teams were challenged to come
up with an innovative solution for a single piece of trash.
This team developed a solution for plastic water bottles,
designing a new all-in-one trash can for public spaces that
automatically sorts and stores recyclables separate from
landfill waste.
Ohana Community
Supporting local veterans
Knowing that local veterans could use some extra
holiday cheer, troops joined together to assemble
Thanksgiving meal supplies into 32 “Holiday Dinners
in a Bag” and distribute them to residents at Victory
Village in Titusville.
Participating troops were: 167, 270, 373, 505, 726,
793, 835, 1703, 2111, 2115, JrFLL Team B.E.E.s,
FLL Team C.A.K.E. B.A.T.T.E.R.S, and FTC Team
F.R.E.N.C.H. F.R.I.E.S.
5 5

BANG
A BIGGER
DRUM.
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO ®
RESORT
BLUE MAN GROUP GIRL SCOUT DAY
SUNDAY, JUNE 12, 2016
Includes a patch for all Girl Scouts and
special 30 minute Q&A session after the
show where you’ll meet a performer and
member of the production crew.
To register, visit www.citrus-gs.org
DARE TO LIVE
IN FULL COLOR.
© 2015 BMP. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2015
Universal Studios. © 2015 Universal Orlando. All rights reserved. 1511280BV
UNIVERSAL ORLANDO ®
RESORT
6

Moving at the
Speed of Girls
By Stacie Simpson, Vice President of Marketing and Membership
If you have a daughter, have ever been a daughter, or know any girls, you’ll know that their interests are
constantly evolving and changing. What’s “cool” one minute, is totally out of style the next. And we think
that’s a beautiful thing. Buckle up, because we’re moving at the speed of girls:
Girls Choose. Every badge, Journey, community service project, troop, and camp is designed for girls
to have the opportunity to make choices, both big and small, as a group and as an individual. With every
choice she makes, she’s creating her own experience, getting to know herself, and building confidence.
In spring 2015, GSUSA introduced a new suite of Outdoor Badges, selected by girls in the Girls’ Choice
voting process - everything from the category to the specific topics to the badge image design. By winter
2015, girls had already voted on the next Girls’ Choice badge, selecting “Art in the Outdoors” which will be
available later this year.
Technology. Girls and adults need reliable, easy-to-access technology to support their Girl Scout experience
in a seamless way. For girls, we’ve continued to enhance tech tools for their cookie program, with the ability
to track sales and progress toward goals with CoCo Cookie Command, and make online sales through
CoCo Direct. For adults, we’ve introduced the Volunteer Toolkit, accessible from a computer or any mobile
device, giving the ability to create meeting outlines, plan out the whole year (with girls’ input, of course!), and
communicate with troop families.
Real Conversations. In an all-girl environment with caring adults, girls have a unique opportunity to have
real conversations about some very real things: bullying, body image, cultures different from their own,
deterioration of our natural environment, and a host of injustices throughout our world. Our National Program
Portfolio (badges, Journeys, and other materials) provide resources, activities, and information to spark
conversations and questions, inspire research, and motivate girls toward taking action to improve the world
around them.
Growing with Girls. As girls grow and mature, so does their Girl Scout experience. No matter what a girl is
interested in, she has age-appropriate activities and resources available to her. As a Brownie, a girl interested
in science might be conducting simple chemistry experience in her kitchen with the Home Scientist badge.
As a Cadette, she might attend an event or camp where she builds a robot and programs it to complete a
simple task. Then, as an Ambassador, she might be changing the world by going to Washington D.C. to
explore new opportunities in healthcare. Surprise: that really happened in 2015!
We’ve Got Style. Some things never go out of style, right? That’s us. Our girls are part of a 104-year-old
sisterhood. Girls today want the same things that girls of 1912 wanted: spending time with friends in a girlsonly
way, receiving the support of caring adults, and learning and practicing basic skills that can be used
through life. When you crack open “How Girls Can Help Their Country,” the first Girl Scout handbook, you’ll
see instructions for cooking, cleaning, caring for injuries, knot tying, and securing a burglar. (Ok, some skills
are more useful than others these days…) Many of the basic life skills that Girl Scouts’ first badges were
based on, are still the building blocks for developing independence and confidence. And that never goes
out of style.
We’ve come a long way since 1912, and girls’ interests, goals, and dreams are unique and diverse, stretching
farther than we ever imagined. In Girl Scouts, they’ll discover new and ever-changing interests together.
The magic happens when caring, supportive adults give girls the tools and confidence they need to answer
the question “What if we…?”
Who knows where the next 100 years will take us? Girls do. And they’ll get us there, one choice at a time.
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Out with the old, in with the awesome
You asked for it, we answered!
We take feedback from our volunteers, parents and girls seriously. That’s why we realized it
was time to make some serious upgrades to how troop leaders get organized and plan their Girl
Scout year as easily as possible. From our brand new website (can we say ah-maze-ing?!) to
the Volunteer Toolkit (VTK), we have brought volunteering to a whole new level.
If you haven’t had a chance to check out the new website and toolkit yet, we guarantee you will
love it. There are new features which can help leaders, both experienced and brand new, plan
an entire year and access it anytime online.
Have you explored the new Girl Scouts of Citrus website?
Our website got a makeover this year and we couldn’t be more excited. One of the biggest
changes is the “Troop Locator” which will allow new girls and volunteers to locate troops in their
area and join during the registration process. No more waiting for troop placement. Best of
all, leaders can update their troop information at any time.
Here are just a few new features:
• Complete your troop transfer requests online
• Submit Troop Finance Reports
• Update troop information such as meeting time,
dates and openings for new girls and volunteers
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My gs: your ultimate online resource
Using your Member Profile:
When you log into My GS, it has never been easier to update your troop information, add a volunteer
role for yourself and renew memberships. Tasks which might have taken days previously, can now
be finished in just a few minutes. That’s what we call awesome.
So what about this new “VTK”?
Whether you have been at it for years, or just started your troop this week, knowing how to plan
your year can save time and stress. That’s why the VTK is such a great resource: it takes the
guesswork out of being a leader. From your computer (or smart phone) you can access great tools
like:
• Meeting plans to meet badge requirements
• Add council events to your year plan
• Find valuable learning tools and resources for meetings
• Track your troop finances
• Record troop milestones
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The Girl Scout
Gold Award
The first Golden Eagle of Merit was handed out in 1916, starting a proud tradition that
has inspired lives and changed communities. Since then, almost one million girls have
earned this distinction. This pinnacle of girl-focused leadership has been inspiring
young Girl Scouts for 100 years and we are so happy to be the ones to celebrate this
amazing Centennial.
The Gold Award is the highest Take Action project a Girl Scout can take on. Any Girl
Scout from 9-12th grade can apply to have their project considered. They need to
have completed a Silver Award and one Senior/Ambassador Journey or two Senior/
Ambassador Journeys. These serve as an introduction into Take Action projects and
the kind of long-lasting impact they can have in the community. Girls are inspired by
the positive change they bring in these projects and it is not unusual for a Gold Award
proposal to expand on an issue that is near and dear to a girl’s heart.
Gold Award projects in Citrus Council include nursing home renovations, outdoor
classroom creations, environmental protection and much more. Gold Award girls have
changed the lives of children, senior citizens, and even pets across the whole nation.
Gold Awardees receive scholarships, enter at one rank higher than other recruits in
the armed services and are favored throughout the university admissions process.
They know that any Girl Scout who has completed her Gold Award has demonstrated
exemplary leadership and has already changed the world. We are celebrating this
proud cohort at the In Her Honor ceremony in June 2016 and we can’t wait to hear
what this amazing group of Girl Scouts has to say!
Total 2015 Gold Award Recipients: 33
Celebrating 100 Years
of Changing the World
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Going for Gold: Looking Ahead to 2016
We wanted to know from some of our girls currently earning their Gold Award - just what impact do they
think their Gold Award experience will have for them and their communities?
Nicole B.
2016 Gold Award
Recipient
building, and relaxing outside with friends.
The Outdoor Classroom for the kids at the after school program will be designed
for the kids to start learning how to grow and maintain a garden. I would like to
give the kids at the YMCA a place that they can learn the value of the benefits of
growing a garden as well as a place where they can study the different habitats.
This area will not only allow the kids to have a hands on experience but will also
allow the kids to have an outside area.
Q: Please describe your project and
what inspired you to choose this
project?
My project is centered on getting kids outside
more and for them to experience nature. I hope
my project helps the children learn to love and
appreciate nature in many ways like gardening,
Q: What do you see as the long-term community impact and sustainability of your project?
My Project helps get kids and people outside to enjoy nature. This allows them to be more active, and it also allows them to use
less electric for example AC and lights.
Q: What did you learn about yourself and your leadership skills when organizing/completing this
project?
I have learned to delegate to others and not worry about the small things. I don’t need to be in control 110% of time, I need to relax
more not get too tense. After the project was all done and seeing it finished, being able to reflect on what I have accomplished
was the best part of the project. Also knowing I just built this classroom that people can use and benefit the community helped me
understand the importance of my project.
Q: Any other comments you would like to share about your Gold Award experience?
I feel like these skills and accomplishments will help me in future projects. Doing amazing projects like this helps me gained many
skills like money management, and communication skills. These skills will help me better control situations and problem solve. This
project was an amazing experience.
Dedication ceremony
of the Outdoor
Classroom
at the Church
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Paige C.
2016 Gold Award
Recipient
Q: Please describe your project
and what inspired you to choose
this project?
For my Gold Award project, I supervised
construction and helped build an entryway for
an abandoned African-American Cemetery in
Glenwood, Florida.
Established in 1885, this cemetery was a byproduct of segregation. Glenwood
was an African-American area where many African-Americans came to work in
a saw mill. It was easy to get to because of the railroad line that ran through the
town. Through the decades, over 125 people have been buried at the cemetery,
including some World War I and World War II Veterans. There were two churches
at the cemetery that helped lead the burials and the upkeep of the graves.
However, the churches went bankrupt and were burned down.
The last burial took place in 1999, but over the past twenty years the cemetery has been abandoned and left to ruin. I worked with
Reverend Benjamin Smith on the project, and he has multiple family members buried there. I believe that the people buried in the
cemetery deserve the recognition of their lives and the hardships they had to overcome, and the entryway will help do that.
Q: What do you see as the long-term community impact and sustainability of your project?
I believe that the entry-way will help to establish the cemetery again, and it will help inspire more people to get involved in the restoration
effort for the cemetery
Q: What did you learn about yourself and your leadership skills when organizing/completing this project?
Organizing my Gold Award project made me talk to many people. It helped me realize that I am a lot better at organizing and communicating
with people than I thought. It takes a lot of time and energy to make a project like this to come together, but it is also very rewarding.
People are very willing to help you if you just ask.
Q: Any other comments you would like to share
about your silver/gold award experience:
I have had a great time working on my Gold Award and being
part of the cemetery restoration effort. The entryway I built
turned out great, and I am thankful for all those who helped! I was
fortunate enough to get help from great people including Moe
Houde and his wife Connie Dove of Houde Home Construction,
Deland Metal Craft Co., and A-1 Block Corporation. Working on
and completing my Gold Award Project has been one the best
experiences of my life!
The completed
entryway!
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Going for Gold: Looking Back at the Impact
Earning the Gold Award is not just about your final years as a girl in Girl Scouts, it’s about making a lasting
impact on your personal and professional life. A Girl Scout Gold Award Alumnae was happy to share her
thoughts for girls considering earning their Gold Award.
Tristan C.
2000 Gold Award
Recipient
Q: Please describe your project and
what inspired you to choose this project?
I chose to build a reflecting telescope for my
project. It’s made from acrylic tubing and has a 4
inch primary mirror.
Since the tubing is clear, it’s possible to see all the insides of the telescope. I made a
lid for the front, and used cedar chips to fill the tube with smoke. I placed a collimating
laser where the eyepiece goes and turned it on. The smoke picks up the beam particles
and allows you to see it’s pathway between the mirrors. I used the telescope in this
manner to teach children in classrooms across southern Oregon about how this style of
telescope works; how the images are collected and reflected across the mirrors to their
eye. When the smoke residue is cleaned off and a dark sleeve inserted into the tube,
it’s also a fully functioning telescope.
I chose this project because all my life I have been a lover of Astronomy. My friend and her father pointed my Dad’s hunting scope at
Saturn one night, and we were all hooked. My parents bought a telescope, we joined the local Astronomy club, the Southern Oregon
Skywatchers, and we traveled all over Oregon attending star parties and teaching the public about telescopes and Astronomy.
Q: What do you see as the long-term community impact and sustainability of your project?
My project provided kids in the region with a basic understanding of telescope optics. In addition, I created a quick reference
Astronomy guide which I left with each teacher. It explained the various types of celestial objects and also provided a summary of
my Gold Award project. The kids really seemed to enjoy my presentations and I hope my project inspired at least some of them to
pursue STEM-related areas of study.
Q: How did earning the Gold Award influence you as an adult in your educational and/or professional
life?
When I chose my project, I already had a deeply rooted love for space. This passion has traveled with me all throughout my life.
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Florida Institute of Technology and I now work in the Safety and
Mission Assurance Directorate at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. I have a friend who happens to be an Elementary School Science
teacher and each year I work with him to set up an Astronomy night for his students and their families. I talk to them about the different
types of celestial objects, about telescope “etiquette” and then we go outside and show them what the universe looks like through the
eyepiece of a telescope.
Q: What advice would you give to girls considering earning their Silver/Gold Award?
I advise them to make sure their project is something they are passionate about. It’s that passion that will keep you going when you’re
frustrated and it’s so worth it in the end. Anything can make a great project, you just have to care enough about the topic to adapt it
and make it work.
Q: Any other comments you would like to share?
My Gold Award project taught me a lot of lessons which I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I learned valuable skills regarding
leadership, collaboration and organization. I met so many people who have had a huge influence on my life and with whom I still stay
in touch. The project shows you what you are made of and that if you are persistent, you really can achieve anything. Most of all,
it also shows you that one project or gesture, no matter how big or small, can have a lasting impact on more people than you could
ever imagine.
Tristan now resides in Central Florida and
is a member of the Girl Scouts of
Citrus Gold Award Committee.
Help us celebrate the Gold Award centennial, by sharing your story on our Facebook page or
email your story to Naomi Allen at nallen@citrus-gs.org.
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Girl Scout Alumnae - Making an impact
By Lydia Sealey, Director of Community Relations
How many of us who are reading this article can proudly claim they too were a Girl Scout? I can! And, so can
more than 59 million other women across the nation according to The Alumnae Impact Study (2012). From
lawyers to doctors to teachers to astronauts – the Girl Scout legacy is strong within this nation. Shaping the
lives of two-thirds of the women in Congress and boasting the largest girl-led, girl-driven business towards
financial literacy program for girls, Juliette Gordon Low’s vision to encourage girls to be the best they can be
through commitment and self-confidence is still the basis of our organization today.
Meet Vicki Briesacher of Brevard County. Vicki is 71 years young, loves
the outdoors, backpacking, traveling and has been a Girl Scout for 51
years! Vicki is an alumna who is actively involved; she volunteers as
an Outdoor Skills Trainer and works with the Outdoor Program Team
teaching Orienteering and Geocaching. Vicki truly believes in the Girl
Scout program and knows what Girl Scouting can do for Girls. As a girl,
Vicki earned the highest award at the time, The Curved Bar, and as an
adult once again, she earned the highest award the Thanks Badge II.
The tradition continued with her daughters; all were Girl Scouts and two
of them earned their Gold Award.
One of the greatest benefits of Girl Scouting is the bond of sisterhood.
Vicki meets regularly for dinners and travels with her alumnae friends – their
latest trip to Savannah. Knowing how important Girl Scouting is Vicki gives
back in many ways; she supports and donates to GIFTs for Girls and is a member of the Juliette Gordon Lowe
Society. She donated GPS units to camp and always supports the Fall Product and Cookie programs.
According to the study, alumnae who were in Girl Scouts for three years or more saw far more benefit to
themselves in the areas of sense of self, civic engagement, education, income, satisfaction with life, success,
leadership, and relationship satisfaction. Would you agree? Perhaps you remember a specific badge that
you earned, a place that you visited, or perhaps it’s a lasting friendship that you have embraced since your
youth. Whatever it is within the Girl Scout legacy that you embrace and remember most – there are other girls
throughout the nation and in our very own Council that feel the same way. And, they need you!
As a member of our Citrus Council Alumnae Association, you will be invited to events and we will keep you
informed about all the exciting programs and activities Girl Scouts has to offer. Whatever your Girl Scout role
may have been – Daisy, Brownie, Junior, troop leader, camp volunteer, staff member or dozens of others –
you are part of a strong network of more than 50 million alumnae. Each of us has a success story to tell and
memories to share, let’s reconnect with old friends and discover a way to support this generation of girls.
Help us build a strong Alumnae Association for Girl Scouts of Citrus. We are hosting a Development and
Planning Meeting at the Council Service Center on Tuesday, March 15, 2016, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. The meeting
is open to any former Girl Scouts 18 years and older. For more information, please contact Lydia Sealey at
407-228-1625 or email at lsealey@citrus-gs.org.
Remember, once a Girl Scout always a Girl Scout!
14

We asked, you answered!
the
2015 Girls’ Choice Badge
Winner is.....
(drumroll please)
Art in the outdoors
Thanks for voting and stay tuned
for Badge Requirements!
#girlschoose
15

cookie
roster
Shortbread
Peanut Butter
Patties
Thin Mint
Cranberry
Citrus Crisp
Peanut Butter
Sandwich
Caramel
deLites
Thanks-a-Lot
*Cookie size not to scale.
Lemonade
Trios
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Why are we so excited about cookie season?
Plain is BORING! In the 2015-16 cookie season,
participate in “Bling Your Booth” for a chance to be
one of 25 lucky troops to win $250 toward reaching
cookie goals! It’s easy to participate. Remember to use
Hashtag #blingyourbooth.
Ideas to bling your booth:
1) Pick an original cookie booth theme, like tropical, girl
power, or glitz and glam—it’s up to you.
2) Use cool color combinations. Create fun posters with
your cookie goals, lots of awesome pictures and maybe
add balloons!
3) Dress up, and use colored lights to invite customers to a
cookie party.
4) Have fun with it! Add anything that makes your booth
stand out from the crowd.
Celebrating 10 delicious years of Lemonade cookies!
Show your love this season by purchasing an
extra box (or two!) from a Girl Scout near you!
17

GIRL SCOUTS
Friday, June 10, 2016 10PM-6AM
Wet ’n Wild is turning a warm summer night into a thrilling glow party just for Girl Scouts at Slumber Splash Bash!
No ordinary campout can compare to the nonstop fun of all the rides and attractions. With more multi-person rides than
any other waterpark around, you will experience one-of-a-kind, world-class thrills like Brain Wash, Disco H20 and Aqua
Drag Racer exclusively for you by the light of the moon. It’s a splash – and a bash – for the whole troop!
Advance
Registration
Price:
Includes:
•Rides and Attractions open all night
•Special commemorative patch
•DJ playing your favorite party music
•All-you-can-eat breakfast
•Themed entertainment, games and more!
For more information, contact us:
800.YOUTH.15
GSslumber@wetnwildorlando.com
wetnwildorlando.com/slumberbash
Please Note: While this is a Girl Scout exclusive event, female tagalongs are permitted. Males under the age of 18 are not permitted. Any male over the age of 18 must be a Council approved chaperone.
*Price per person. Does not include 6.5% Florida sales tax. Registration and full payment must be made by Friday, May 27, 2016 to receive discounted price.
18
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full s.t.e.a.m ahead.....
You’ve probably heard of Girl Scouts of Citrus Council’s focus on STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Math). We’ve now begun to embrace its relationship with Art to provide girls the full
S.T.E.A.M. experience, encouraging even more creativity and innovation.
Girl Scouts of Citrus is proud to sponsor six teams participating in the FIRST Lego League (FLL)
Trash Trek Challenge. Within FLL, the theme changes annually, but the three main areas of friendly
competition remain the same:
Robot Missions - girls work together to build and program a robot to complete tasks within an arena
Core Values - this is about more than just robotics, including teamwork and good sportsmanship
Problem-solving - girls create innovative solutions to current problems and give a presentation of their
findings.
Our current teams have been busy preparing for the competition by researching recycling problems,
coming up with unique solutions, interviewing field experts, team building, and creating robots to compete
in multiple missions that reinforce the girls’ understanding of programming and problem-solving.
FLL opportunities are currently open to Girl Scout Juniors (4th and 5th grade), but plans are in-theworks
to expand into the JrFLL program for Girl Scout Brownies (2nd and 3rd grade). Learn more about
FLL at www.CFLFLL.org.
If robotics isn’t your style, Girl Scouts of Citrus offers
a variety of S.T.E.A.M. programs and activities to choose.
Browse the events calendar at www.citrus-gs.org or
contact the Program Coordinator at jmcdaniel@citrus-gs.org.
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19

Celebrating
Girls Around
the World
Join us!
March 5, 2016
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Volusia County Fairgrounds
Price includes
Entry to Event
Event Patch
Passport
SWAPS/Small Gifts
from each country
$6.00/per person
T-Shirts will be available at event for purchase.
Does your troop want to HOST
a country?
Provide the Country, Flag, Food Samples,
information about Girl Scouts/Girl Guides
from that country and maybe dress in the
native attire!
To register for this event, visit us online at
www.citrus-gs.org.
For additional information, contact:
Dana Allen
danda608@msn.com
Registration Deadline: February 20, 2016
20

Got a Question?
we gotcha covered!
The Troop Support team is ready to
help co-leaders through any sticky
situations, assist new leaders in
getting started, transfer girls from
troop-to-troop, and help you
navigate the new Volunteer Toolkit.
Meet Rachelle, Sheri, and Danielle! They are
here to provide Daisy, Brownie, and Junior
troop support.
Meet Jocelyn and Mary! They
specialize in Cadettes, Senior, and
Ambassador troop support.
Meet Ellen, Brenda, and Cindy!
The Customer Care team can answer
ANY question, or find the answer for you.
They’ll be the smiling faces at the desk
and the friendly voices over the phone.
How to contact Customer Care:
Email: CustomerCare@citrus-gs.org
Phone: 800-367-3906
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Camp is not just a journey....
Close your eyes and imagine your summer. Imagine taking a trip
which transports you to riding the waves. Feel the water splashing
against your face and the sound of the ocean filling your ears. Take
in the warm summer air and the smell of the beach around you.
Now open your eyes: Destinations Travel Camp is here.
In 2015 we invited girls from around the country to come and explore our new Destinations Surf Camp.
They came, they saw, and they rode the waves.
This year, we invite you to do it too.
Last year, we had 26 Cadettes from 16
states join us for our Destinations Surf
Camp. We think it was pretty awesome.
But don’t just take our word for it. Here’s
what they had to say:
“Thank you for this great opportunity, I can’t wait to come back
next year!”
“Before this destination, I did not think I was good at anything,
but now I know that I can Surf and I am really GOOD at it!”
“Meeting girls from all over the country has made me realize
the sisterhood of Girl Scouts!”
22 22
...It’s a destination

This year, camp is a Magical Adventure.
From training a dragon to becoming the ultimate camp warrior - camp is a place
where anything can happen. From new friends to amazing new experiences, girls
will have a chance to learn new things, make new friends and build memories that
will last a lifetime. Find your Magical Adventure this summer now.
Enjoy one of our Summer Camp Open Houses with the entire family! If you would
like to visit the camp, or if you want to come out and meet the staff, then come on
down to one of our 3 open houses. Take a tour of our sleeping and activity areas.
You will also learn about the different activities that the girls may participate in
this summer that are offered at each location. You will have an opportunity to sit
down with our staff and discuss any concerns or to answer your questions.
Open House will be from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the following locations:
Riverpoint Program Center - March 6, 2016
Celia Lane Scout House - March 13, 2016
Mah-Kah-Wee Program Center – March 20, 2016
The first 10 girls that bring a friend and register together at one of our open houses
will be put in a special drawing! Prizes will vary each week and each girl can only
win once.
This event is free but advanced registration is required. To register visit us
online at
www.citrus-gs.org
Ready to register? Visit us online at
www.citrus-gs.org and click on “Camp”.
Day Camps (D,B,J)
Designed for girls that would prefer a camp
experience that is not overnight, these camps are
usually 5 days from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Before
and After Care are available for an additional $25
per session and can be selected during online
registration.
Sampler Camps (D,B)
Designed for girls and parents who prefer to
“sample” the overnight camp experience, these
camps consist of 3 days and 2 nights. Space
is limited to ensure girls have a more personal
experience.
Resident Camps (Traditional, Adventure, &
Travel)
(B,J,C,S,A) Ages vary per session.
Designed for girls who prefer an overnight camp
experience, these camps consist of 6 days and 5
nights and may include field trips, adventures such
as horse riding, surfing, or traveling!
23 23
What is a day at Resident Camp like?
Sample Schedule (Schedule varies by session)
7:00 a.m. Wake Up
7:45 – 8:55 a.m. Flag & Breakfast
9:10 – 10:20 a.m. Camptivity #1
10:30 – 11:40 a.m. Camptivity #2
11:50 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch
1:10 – 2:20 p.m. Kapers/Me Time
2:30 – 3:40 p.m. Camptivity #3
3:50 – 5:00 p.m. Camptivity #4
5:15 – 6:30 p.m. Flag & Dinner
6:45 - 9:00 p.m. Night Program
What is a day at Day Camp like?
Sample Schedule (Schedule varies by grade)
7:00 – 8:45 a.m. Before care
9:00 – 12:00 p.m. Flag, Morning Activity
12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Afternoon Activities & Snack
4:00 - 6:00 p.m. After care

Girl Scouts of Citrus
2015 Annual Report
24

GIFTS FOR GIRLS
Dates:
August 28, 2014 -
April 16, 2015
Total Raised:
$29,893.00
GIRL SCOUT FALL PRODUCTS
Total Units Sold:
110,586
Total Girls Selling:
4073
Total Sales:
$806,181.96
GIRL SCOUT COOKIES
Total Boxes Sold:
1,389,504
Total Girls Selling:
9,461
Total Girl Revenue:
$889,560.30
25

A Girl Scout Year in Review:
Fall Recruitment
For the first time ever, Girl Scouts of Citrus
partnered with Boy Scouts’ Central Florida
Council in a whirlwind Fall Recruitment that
helped nearly 2,000 girls find a Girl Scout
home in the first 6 weeks of school – that’s
a 28% increase over last year! This is a
partnership that just makes sense: at school
and community recruitment events, families
with daughters and sons ask for information
about Scouting for the entire family. With the
overwhelming support of super-talented Girl
Scout volunteers, we visited 255 schools,
bringing the Girl Scout message to [literally]
thousands of girls and their families.
Early Bird
Early Bird season took flight this year! By
offering new incentives and extending Early
Bird from 4 to 6 weeks, Girl Scouts of Citrus
saw a boost in the number of troops taking
advantage of the Early Bird season:
Girl Early Bird Renewals +0.4% vs prior year
Adult Early Bird renewals + 12.1% vs prior year
Overall (girl and adult) +4.5% vs prior year
Girl Retention: Adult Retention:
10/1/2015 - 53.05% 10/1/15 - 60.69%
(+2.73% vs prior year) (+6.39% vs prior year)
Volunteer Systems
Data Migration
Girl Scouts of Citrus joined councils from
across the country in recreating the way we
do business. The initiative, called Volunteer
Systems, moved Councils onto state-of-the-art
technologies including a new website platform,
data management system, and a really, really
cool app – The Volunteer Toolkit. Migrating to
these platforms was not for the faint of heart: if
we can show our true geekiness for a second,
we rocked that data migration. Council staff
worked for months to prepare, staring at
endless Excel spreadsheets for far too long,
and [drum roll, please], we moved 137,465
records of data with a success rate of 99.92%.
Of course, the real work had only started, but
it started on a pretty high nerd note!
Scout House Upgrades
Melbourne Scout House
(Eagle project):
• Replaced flooring
• Renovated kitchen (including new
refrigerator)
• New back porch
Pine Castle Scout House
($30,000 Renovation):
• New kitchen cabinets/flooring
• Replaced flooring
• Updated electrical/HVAC systems
Celia Lane Scout House:
• New gaga pit
• New fire circle
• Added Elements section for programming
26

Program Highlights
• Girl Scouts of Citrus began the 2015 Cookie Sale Universal Style. Universal Studio Orlando
hosted a Girl Scout Cookie Kick Off Event on January 18, 2015. We had 400 girl scouts
and their families attend a special Kick Off and then enjoy the park for the day.
• The Girl Scouts of Citrus Council had the honor to earn their American Citizenship Badge
and participate in a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Ceremony on April 22,
2015. Girls were able to witness as well as be a part of the swearing in of 50 people
who became US Citizens. The Citrus Singers sang the National Anthem and over 70 Girl
Scouts participated in the ceremony providing the flag ceremony, leading the Pledge of
Allegiance and the Girl Scout Promise. They also created pocket flags for new citizens and
help in other ways at this very special ceremony.
This exciting opportunity will be offered again on March 30. 2016.
Women of Distinction winners
Betsy Farmer
2015 Recipient of the
Community Impact
Suneera Madhani
2015 Recipient of the
Shining Star Award
Susan Johnson
2015 Recipient of the
Lifetime Acheivement
Award
Diana Bolivar
2015 Recipient of the
Leadership Award
Pamela Nabors
2015 Recipient of the
Visionary
27
27

MEMBERSHIP
Total Membership: 19,472
67% 33%
Girls (13,002)
Adults (6,470)
19% 6% 35% 6% 21%
Brevard (4,046) Lake (1,161) Orange (6,445) Osceola (1,253) Seminole (4,160)
13%
Volusia (2,365)
18% 27% 27%
20% 4% 3%1%
Daisy (2,296) Brownie (3,563) Junior (3,467) Cadette (2,569) Senior (637) Ambassador (368) Unk. (102)
9.8% 17.6% 72.6%
Black (1,903) Other (3424) White (14,145)
12.5%
74.5% 13%
Hispanic (2,443) Non-Hispanic (14,508)
Did not respond (2,351)
KEY DATA
12,923 6,549
girls & adults
renewed from
2013
girls attended
summer camp
girls & adults
joining for first
time
591 433
girl programs
delivered
28
3,372 365
background
checks
processed
176
new troop
leaders
training hours
delivered

FINANCIALS
Girl Scouts of Citrus, Inc.
Statements of Financial Position
September 30,
2015 2014
Assets
Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents $1,438,002 $1,262,291
Assets limited as to use $2,297,269 $2,397,749
Receivables, net $72,927 $86,362
Inventory $162,665 $127,638
Prepaid Expenses $116,992 $39,718
Total Current Assets $4,087,855 $3,913,758
Property and Equipment, net $2,865,797 $3,018,161
Other Assets $4,290 $4,290
Total Assets $6,957,942 6,936,209
Liabilities & Net Assets
Liabilities
Accounts payable $108,619 $69,133
Accrued expenses $264,483 $291,676
Deferred revenues $55,607 $40,533
Current portion of note payable $30,114 $46,812
Capital lease - $2,899
Total Current Liabilities $458,823 $451,053
Long-term liabilities
Note payable $332,775 $344,514
Total Liabilities $791,598 $795,567
Net Assets
Unrestricted $3,862,893 $3,736,711
Board designated -
operational reserves
$1,625,018 $1,694,688
Temporarily restricted $678,433 $709,243
Total net assets $6,166,344 $6,140,642
Total liabilities and net
assets
$6,957,942 $6,936,209
29

FINANCIALS
Girl Scouts of Citrus, Inc.
Statements of Activities
For the years ended September 30,
2015 2014
Revenue & other support
Program
Sales revenue $5,715,822 $6,033,121
Service fees $303,905 $256,892
Less: cost of sales (1,979,292) (2,141,131)
Total Program $4,040,435 $4,148,882
Public Support
Contributions and grant
revenue
$252,920 $312,658
United Way funding $48,621 $65,515
Total public support $301,541 $378,173
Other income $18,102 $25,445
Investment income (loss), net (68,760) $46,563
Total revenue and other support $4,291,318 $4,599,063
Expenses
Program expenses
Service to troops $1,284,025 $1,547,172
Educational programs $1,646,688 $1,305,666
Properties $612,017 $632,794
Public relations $125,793 $90,337
Total Program Expenses $3,668,523 $3,575,969
Supporting Expenses
Administration $320,608 $321,761
Fund development $245,675 $321,720
Total supporting expenses $566,283 $643,481
Total Expenses
Total expenses $4,234,806 $4,219,450
Change in unrestricted net assets $56,512 $379,613
Unrestricted net assets at beginning
of year
$5,431,399 $5,051,786
Unrestricted net assets at end of year $5,487,911 $5,431,399
Temporarily restricted net assets (income
loss on investments)
(30,810) $20,421
Change in temporarily restricted net
assets
(30,810) $20,421
Temporarily restricted net assets at
beginning of year
$709,243 $688,822
Temporarily restricted net assets at
end of year
$678,433 $709,243
Net assets at end of year $6,166,344 $6,140,642
30 30

FINANCIALS
Girl Scouts of Citrus, Inc.
Statements of Cash Flows
For the years ended September 30,
2015 2014
Cash flows from operating activities
Change in net assets $25,702 $400,034
Adjustments to reconcile changes in
net assets to net cash provided by
operating activities
Depreciation $190,588 $204,521
Income on assets limited as to use $83,324 (92,256)
(Increase) decrease in
Receivables, net $13,435 (22,854)
Inventory (35,027) $49,034
Prepaid expenses (77,274) (38,914)
Other assets - $150
(Decrease) increase in
Accounts payable $39,486 (8,137)
Accrued expenses (27,193) -
Deferred revenues $15,074 (12,331)
Total adjustments $202,413 $79,213
Net cash provided by operating
activities
$228,115 $479,247
Cash flows from investing activities
Net sales (purchases), in assets
limited as to use
$17,156 $25,785
Purchases of property and equipment (38,224) (56,842)
Net cash used by investing activities (21,068) (31,057)
Cash flows from financing activities
Principal payments on note payable (28,437) (27,093)
Principal payments on capital lease (2,899) (6,654)
Net cash used by financing activities (31,336) (33,747)
Net increase in cash and cash
equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at
beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
year
$175,711 $414,443
$1,262,291 $847,848
$1,438,002 $1,262,291
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
Cash paid for interest $18,417 $21,282
Cash paid for income taxes - -
31 31

Girl Scout Mission
Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence, and character,
who make the world a better place.
Girl Scout Promise
On my honor, I will try:
To serve God and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
Girl Scout Law
I will do my best to be
honest and fair,
friendly and helpful,
considerate and caring,
courageous and strong, and
responsible for what I say and do,
and to
respect myself and others,
respect authority,
use resources wisely,
make the world a better place, and
be a sister to every Girl Scout.
Girl Scouts of Citrus
341 N. Mills
Orlando, FL. 32803
800-367-3906