Though it was more than 18 months ago, the last Giving Challenge is still fresh in our memories at Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. Presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County with giving strengthened by The Patterson Foundation, the Giving Challenge is a 24-hour whirlwind of inspiring stories, themed events, and an outpouring of community financial support for nonprofits across the area. Special giving incentives and bonus prizes help fuel the fire. The next Giving Challenge will be from noon-noon May 1-2. Make a note on your calendar, and read on to learn more!

We are so proud of how our generous donors, both existing and new, came together in 2016 to show their support for girls in our communities. Between our nonprofit partnership, the fun events, increased community awareness, and winning extra prizes, we’re still celebrating! We were truly blessed to not only receive generous donations from so many individuals, but additional prize money in several categories, including Best Overall Campaign, Best Nonprofit Partnership, Manatee Millennial Challenge Campaign, and 2015 Giving Challenge Story. Funds raised through the 2016 Giving Challenge, pooled with donations and grants received throughout the year, supported the development and implementation of a variety of programs, as well as program scholarships for girls facing financial barriers.

But the Giving Challenge is about so much more than money. Our partnership with Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County resulted in a successful community diaper drive and special event (called “Be the One-sie”), bringing together Girl Scouts and Healthy Start client families for a fun evening of games, activities, food, music, and friendship. As a result, Girl Scouts of all ages learned how they can be the one who helps support healthy moms and babies. Many moms saw first-hand the powerful impact of Girl Scouting. We can’t wait for their “future Girl Scouts” to join when they enter kindergarten!

It will be hard for us to top the 2016 Giving Challenge, but we have some exciting ideas in the works. Through our 2018 partnership with the Library Foundation for Sarasota County, we will promote philanthropy and the joy of reading with a community-wide children’s book drive, to culminate with a free event, “Campfire Stories,” at Girl Scouts headquarters. What a perfect chance to illustrate how everyone from preschoolers to retirees can come together to celebrate giving, reading, and the importance of working together for the greater good! Anyone can be the one!

Throughout our Giving Challenge campaign, we will tell the story of how Girl Scouting unleashes the G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, and Leader)^TM in every girl, and how a donation to Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is an investment in the future of our community, and the world. And with The Patterson Foundation’s 1:1 match for all unique donations, up to $100 per donor, your giving impact can be DOUBLED! This match is only valid if you give during the challenge, through the Giving Challenge website, givingpartnerchallenge.org.

Make a note on your calendar: from noon-noon May 1-2, the challenge is on. Be the one who supports the best leadership development program for girls in the world – Girl Scouts!

By Emma Arrigo, Troop 408

My name is Emma Arrigo, of Troop 408, and I am a Junior Sales Specialist (JSS). I’ve come a long way since I began the JSS Program three years ago. My first day as a JSS was scary. I was so shy; I wouldn’t even talk to my boss, Ms. Cathy. Being a part of the JSS Program has made me more confident about myself. For example, I applied to a school and joined a lacrosse team, even though I didn’t know anyone else!

I’ve learned so much from the program. Stocking floors, pricing items, helping customers, using the cash register, and training other new JSS members are all real-life skills I can put on my resume one day. Recently, I got to train Ms. Jessica, which is a big deal because she is the new Sales Coordinator for Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. On my first day on the job, I went to work at a traveling shop. Traveling shops are fun; it’s like packing up the whole store and going out of the city!

While the JSS Program is a job, you don’t get paid real money. Instead, you get paid with parties, pizza, donuts, prizes, other goodies, and retail job experience. My favorite party Ms. Cathy throws for us is the Christmas Party; it is all you could dream about!

Our busiest sale day of the year is Super Saturday, which is the last day to spend Cookie Dough. You can imagine why it gets so busy! Although it is busy, it is a very fun and rewarding day to work. I love working at the Girl Scout Shop as a Junior Sales Specialist and you would, too! You can apply today on the Girl Scout website: http://www.gsgcf.org/en/about-girl-scouts/our-council/shop/junior-sales-specialist.html.

This is what Emma’s mom, Amy Arrigo, has to say about Emma’s Junior Sales Specialist experience:

“I can’t say enough good about the JSS program. I watched a shy, self-doubting young girl turn into an outspoken, not-afraid-to-ask-questions, self-confident young woman. Emma’s math skills improved during her time working in the shop, and she is more prone to troubleshoot things, rather than give up or walk away. I would recommend the program to all girls, who truly want to learn new [skills], and how things work in the ‘real world.’ They are learning life skills that they will use the rest of their lives. This is such an amazing opportunity!”

Cathy Brown, Shop Manager, shared an anecdote about Emma’s willingness to take the reins when it came to training Ms. Jessica:

“Emma was working in the shop during Jessica’s first few days as a new staff member.  Emma came up and asked me if she could train Ms. Jessica on the register as she ‘wanted to ensure she was trained and knows everything I know.’ I agreed and the two worked together the entire shift. A week later, we were in the midst of inventory and Emma came in to assist us. We were creating teams so there was a counter and a verifier for each area that was inventoried. Emma, again, came to me and asked if she could be teamed up with Ms. Jessica as ‘I have helped with inventory before and I want to make sure Ms. Jessica learns what I know.’ Emma truly exemplifies what our organization is all about. Emma shows courage, confidence, and character, and truly makes the world (and our Girl Scout Shop) a better place!”

By Jaime Estes

Carrying everything they needed for the week (clothes, food, stoves, and sleeping bags) on their backs, ten Girl Scouts, one volunteer, and one Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida staff member boarded a plane to Baltimore. A week later they came back with stories, experiences, and new friendships they could have made no other way. Thank you to Outward Bound of Baltimore Chesapeake Bay for providing this platform for our girls to serve the Baltimore community, achieve their potential, and develop the leadership skills needed to care for the world around them.

Urban backpacking, by definition, if a form of travel focusing on flexibility and low cost, usually sleeping in hostels and other budget accommodations. Talk about expanding your comfort zone! From budgeting to mapping out directions, this was a true girl-led adventure. Jeanni C. of Troop 600 was the morning hair-braider. Not having access to showers meant the girls had to adapt their hygiene habits. Braided hair and extra socks were practically mandatory to stay comfortable.

The adventure began by enjoying a delicious outdoor lunch at Leakin Park. Meal-prep duty was rotated between the girls, each girl depending on one another. The crew’s first sleep site was at the Maryland Zoo; each night the girls slept in a different indoor community location. The girls would wake up to work on their first service project together. With shovels, pick axes, gloves, and lot of energy the girls set forth on removing a dead tree and replanting new, healthy trees and bushes at the zoo. Even stubborn tree roots couldn’t stop these girls.

The group was led by Joey and Becs, professional Outward Bound instructors. Throughout the trip they instructed team-building exercises and taught the girls urban survival skills, such as preparing food outdoors, cleaning their bowls without soap, navigating with a map and compass, and using public transportation. They also crafted a series of challenges for the girls to complete as they navigated Baltimore. Some of the challenges were finding places, like the Baltimore Museum of Art or hunting for an Old Bay Seasoning sign.

The third night the group settled in to sleep at the Clifton Park Mansion House. For a breathtaking view, the girls climbed 177 steps to the top of the tower to watch the sunrise. Each night the girls were responsible for redistributing supplies (based on weight) for the following day. Trekking miles and miles with a 40-pound pack is no easy task. Volunteer Kim Poinsett couldn’t have said it any better, “On to the next adventure…feet and hearts are the transportation.”

Determined to make the Baltimore community a better place, the girls tackled service project number two – renovating and beautifying Darley Park to make it a safe and welcoming place for local families. The girls built a tether ball court from the ground up, mowed the lawn, whacked weeds, watered the plants, and picked up trash. The final result was incredible. This service project was organized by the 6^th Branch, an organization of veterans whose focus is community service.

Journaling was an important part of the girls’ experience. Writing down thoughts, actions, and emotions each day is the act of reflection. While the girls can’t stay in Baltimore forever, they can keep their journals forever, which serves as a constant reminder of the leadership and compassion they showed on their journey. It always feels good to give back, something these girls hold near and dear to their hearts. At Our Daily Bread, a housing and homeless shelter, the girls prepared and served lunch to their patrons, and washed all the dishes, pots, and pans.

One of the group’s favorite resting spots was The Boathouse, overlooking the Middle Branch Patapsco River. The girls had the opportunity to canoe on the river, an activity Girl Scouts were born to do.

As if the girls hadn’t already had the experience of a lifetime, they also got to meet Mayor Catherine Pugh at Baltimore City Hall. Mayor Pugh went well over her allotted time to answer each of the girl’s questions about leadership and explained how each city has its own unique challenges and advantages. Mayor Pugh summed up the girls’ experience when asked her definition of leadership: “I am a servant to the citizens of Baltimore city and then to the state of Maryland. Leadership is serving others.” It was in that moment that everything clicked. Everything that the girls had done that week – planting trees at the zoo, improving a local park, and feeding the homeless – was serving others, the purest act of true leadership.

To top off the adventure, the girls faced a final challenge to plan a trip to Washington, D.C. The girls visited the Washington Monument, National Mall, Memorial Park, Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. But the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum was, by far, the most moving. The girls spoke openly about how with more female go-getters, innovators, risk-takers, and leaders, tragedies like the Holocaust could have been prevented.

It’s hard to believe all of these experiences, service projects, outdoor meals, team-bonding moments, visits to historical landmarks, activities, moments of realization, and laughter could all fit into one week. But if anyone could do it, of course, it would be our Girl Scouts.

By Jaime Estes

Little Black Dress: Salute the Runway was this summer’s hottest event, but it was so much more than just a fashion show. In the months leading up to the big day, Girl Scouts (who are part of the Media Marvel* program) and local US women veterans joined forces. Together, they conquered the low ropes course and sharpened their archery skills at Girl Scout Camp Honi Hanta. They also interviewed one another and learned that although they may walk different lives, Girl Scouts and veterans may not be so different.

Veterans and Girl Scouts both wear their uniforms proudly, work toward achievements, overcome obstacles, and collaborate with their team. Not to mention, they’re both in troops! Kari K. of troop 592 participated in the series from beginning to end and had this to say after the day at camp with the veterans: “We are learning teamwork and leadership building, and it is so much fun being with [the veterans] and hearing their stories. It’s inspiring.”

But it wasn’t just the veterans inspiring the girls.  As each veteran had the opportunity to be interviewed by a Media Marvel one-on-one, they consistently sang their praises and were genuinely impressed by the girls’ confidence, curiosity, and energy. When given the right tools, Girl Scouts time and time again prove that the future of our country is in quite capable hands.

In true Media Marvel fashion (no pun intended), the ten Girl Scouts at Little Black Dress: Salute the Runway stole the show. While the veterans may have been the ones strutting down the runway (in their Goodwill-inspired fashions, our partner throughout the series), the crowd’s focus was definitely on the girls. Between their stage presence, public speaking skills, press interviews, photo shoots, and overall etiquette, guests couldn’t help but notice these girls are not your ordinary girls – they are Girl Scouts.

So as you can see, this event was so much bigger than just a fashion show. Girls are learning the significance of patriotism, veterans are being inspired by our next generation of leaders, and the community is understanding that when we work together, the possibilities are endless.

*Media Marvels is a program series for Girl Scouts in grades 6-10. If you are interested in learning more or would like to attend the next Media Marvel program, please email mediamarvels@gsgcf.org.

Manatee County resident and Manatee High School student Courtney Zoller has earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor – the Gold Award – with her project titled, Stress Less.

Zoller took note of the increasing academic and social pressures girls in grades 4 through 8 are experiencing. To combat these pressures, she developed a workshop for girls to learn techniques for preventing and overcoming stress.

In her workshops, Zoller gives advice on planning ahead, maintaining a calendar, staying active, and getting enough sleep, among other topics. She also encourages the participants to enjoy relaxing activities like yoga, crocheting, and listening to music.

Zoller created an Instagram account as part of her Gold Award project to offer positive, productive ways to deal with stress.

“Because of my project, I will have the leadership and organizational skills to help me succeed and feel confident in taking on more opportunities in college and beyond,” Zoller said.

The Girl Scout Gold Award, open to high school Girl Scouts, recognizes girls who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through take-action projects with sustainable impact in their communities. The Gold Award is so prestigious that some universities and colleges offer scholarships unique to Gold Award recipients, and girls who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements.

Congratulations Courtney!

Lee County resident and South Fort Myers High School student Cynthia Young has earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor – the Gold Award – with her project titled, Caps 4 Kids.

Young noticed a lack of playground equipment in her community and sought a way to address that need. She learned cost is the most common barrier to creating safe, outdoor play spaces. Through her research, Young found a program in which plastic screw-on caps are collected and used to manufacture playground equipment.

Young got together a group of volunteers to promote the project, establish multiple cap collection sites, and deliver the caps to the sponsoring organization.

She hopes to inspire other girls like her with autism to set big goals and overcome their unique challenges to achieve those goals.

“This project gave me the determination to branch out to others,” Young said. “I learned that if I put my mind to something, I can accomplish anything that comes my way.”

The Girl Scout Gold Award, open to high school Girl Scouts, recognizes girls who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through take-action projects with sustainable impact in their communities. The Gold Award is so prestigious that some universities and colleges offer scholarships unique to Gold Award recipients, and girls who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements.

Congratulations Cynthia!

Sarasota resident and Out-of-Door Academy student Kiarra Womack has earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor – the Gold Award – with her project titled, SPECTRUM: Diversity Leadership Club.

Kiarra has a passion for promoting the understanding and celebration of diverse cultures and lifestyles. After she attended the National Student Leadership Diversity Conference, she was inspired to organize the SPECTRUM: Diversity Leadership Club at her school.

Club members meet weekly for discussion-based meetings and they sponsor events to introduce students to a variety of cultures and diversity-related topics. One event the club put on was Heritage Day where club members set up booths representing different cultures. Students attending enjoyed a variety of cultural food and music while learning about different cultures of students at the school.

The goal of Womack’s club is to create a more inclusionary environment within the school, decreasing cultural disparities and encouraging empathy and acceptance.

“My unique experience and newfound passion for philanthropy, combined with my dedication to learning about diversity, are what have fueled my drive and focus in accomplishing my project goal,” Womack said.

The Girl Scout Gold Award, open to high school Girl Scouts, recognizes girls who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through take-action projects with sustainable impact in their communities. The Gold Award is so prestigious that some universities and colleges offer scholarships unique to Gold Award recipients, and girls who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements.

Congratulations Kiarra!

Sarasota resident and Craven College student Samantha Shaughnessy has earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor – the Gold Award – with her project titled The Moo Point.

An active participant in Future Farmers of America and 4-H, Shaughnessy earned money by raising and selling a dairy calf. She used this experience as the starting point for her Gold Award project.

Shaughnessy shared her story of raising a dairy calf with younger Girl Scouts and 4-H members and taught them how they, too, can participate in the dairy industry. She developed and presented a workshop that introduced participants to the reproductive cycle of dairy cows and the resources that go into producing milk.

For students interested in following in her footsteps, Shaughnessy worked directly with them to teach them about the expenses associated with raising a dairy calf. Her goal is to inspire more young people to become involved in livestock projects.

“Because of this project, I am more outspoken than I was before,” Shaughnessy said. “I will take this experience and move on to college knowing I can make a difference in my world one day at a time.”

The Girl Scout Gold Award, open to high school Girl Scouts, recognizes girls who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through take-action projects with sustainable impact in their communities. The Gold Award is so prestigious that some universities and colleges offer scholarships unique to Gold Award recipients, and girls who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements.

Congratulations Samantha!

Lee County resident and Florida Gulf Coast University student Brittany Newman has earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor – the Gold Award – with her project titled, Out & About!

Newman realized a local park was so rundown that it was unsafe for children to play on and families to enjoy. The park and its playground were in desperate need of repairs and renovations.

Newman took on the challenge of addressing these safety concerns with the help of some volunteers. The group, with Newman as their leader, repaired and repainted the playground equipment and benches throughout the park.

Newman’s goal is that with a safer and more physically appealing place to play, children will be more inclined to put down electronic devices and play outside. She hopes the newly renovated park will be just the place children will want to go.

“Because this project was so successful, I am more confident,” Newman said. “My leadership skills will continue to grow as I take on more projects that benefit the community.”

The Girl Scout Gold Award, open to high school Girl Scouts, recognizes girls who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through take-action projects with sustainable impact in their communities. The Gold Award is so prestigious that some universities and colleges offer scholarships unique to Gold Award recipients, and girls who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements.

Congratulations Brittany!