How Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is combatting the “Summer Slide”

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

The joy of a sunny summer vacation is hard to beat—but if you’re like many parents, you might be worried about your daughter falling back academically while school’s out. But believe it or not, there are easy (and fun!) ways that your daughter can not only stay on track, but also learn even more before the start of the next school year.

“Summer slide” is the tendency for students, especially those from low-income families, to lose some of the research regarding summer learning loss suggests that on average, students lose about two months of grade level equivalency in math and reading achievement gains they made during the previous school year.

Because we know that the Summer Slide is such a serious issue and we want to combat it, the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida participates with the Suncoast Campaign for Grade Level Reading and Anna Maria Oyster Bar in the Dive Into Reading Program hosted in Manatee County each summer. The Anna Maria Oyster Bars’ Dive into Reading program aims to improve children’s reading levels by combating “Summer Slide.”

GSGCF Staff member Rachel Staigerwald and reading partners Kailey and Miracle enjoyed new books and a hot breakfast at Gecko’s Grill & Pub on S.R. 70 as part of the Dive Into Reading Program.

The Dive Into Reading Program has been serving Manatee County since 2017. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida has proudly joined in the efforts to promote childhood literacy every year since the program’s genesis.

In just its first year, Dive into Reading helped students beat the “Summer Slide” and showed an increase in reading proficiency when they returned to school. In 2020, the program was offered virtually via Zoom, with 75% of the participating children showing no reading loss when they returned to school.

This year, Dive into Reading aims to mentor even more children and continue to make a positive impact on their reading skills.

Worried about your child falling behind during the summer? Follow these tips and watch her soar!

  1. Send her to camp
    You might think camp is all tents and tug-o-war, but your daughter can gain a lot of skills—and put those she learned in school last year to good use. Plus, the confidence that she gains from going away will help her feel more capable in all areas of her life, school included.
  2. Participate in Girl Scout programs during the summer
    We recently updated our summer calendar, including events now through the winter! Check out the programs we have to offer- many of which are education and family-oriented- that will keep your daughter engaged and enriched during the summer months.
  3. Give her time to play
    Whether she’s playing with dolls or being silly with her friends, playtime is actually super important for your girl. Why? Studies show that play allows the neurons in a child’s brain to form new connections. This rewiring helps boost emotional intelligence, decision-making skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.
  4. Let her lead “book club”
    Pick a title she’d like to read, and have the whole family read it together and discuss it—with your girl asking the questions! It’ll give her a chance to lead and be the “expert,” which can boost her love of books and will keep her reading skills sharp!
  5. Encourage her to make something
    From dreaming up ideas and designing a hands-on project to testing those ideas and problem solving on her own terms (without a teacher’s instruction), making something from scratch—whether it’s a bird feeder or a pie—is one of the best ways to keep her learning this summer.
  6. Find the magic in everyday life
    How do magnets stick to the fridge? Why are leaves green? How does her phone know where she was when she took a photo? Help her investigate these questions and more as she explores how the wonderful world around her actually works and brushes up on her science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) knowledge in the process!
  7. If she’s old enough, suggest she get a summer job
    She’ll love getting a paycheck, but she’ll also get hands-on experience practicing important people skills, learn about how a business operates (whether she’s running her own dog-walking service or working for an established company!), and likely get a hefty-dose of financial literacy in the mix, too. Major bonus? College admissions teams love applicants who’ve held jobs over the summer or after school, because it shows responsibility and drive!

There’s no rule that says learning can only happen in a classroom! Let her curiosity, imagination, and passions lead the way, and she’s sure to have a summer full of enriching, educational moments.

Girl Scouts wins Manatee Chamber 2023 Small Business of the Year

by Jessica Miano

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, a non-profit organization of nearly 3,500 girls in grades K-12, and more than 1,500 adult members in the greater gulf coast area, was chosen as 2023 Small Business of the Year in the Non-Profit category by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce. The award was announced on June 29 at the 43rd Annual Small Business of the Year Awards, hosted by the Manatee Chamber of Commerce at the Bradenton Convention Center.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida was among six other organizations to be recognized as winners of the Small Business of the Year Award this year. Non-profit organizations were divided into two categories based on staff size; for-profit organizations were divided into five categories based on annual revenue.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida facilitates programming, service opportunities, leadership experiences, and offers the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world – the Girl Scout Cookie Program. As Girl Scouts, girls also discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. They learn and grow in a safe, all-girl environment, which helps them discover themselves and their values, try new things and take healthy risks, connect with others to create positive relationships, and take action in their communities on issues they are passionate about.

The organization was recognized by judges for providing outstanding leadership, entrepreneurial, and educational opportunities to girls in the Manatee County area while facing various challenges during the 2022 fiscal year, including philanthropic struggles related to the COVID-19 pandemic, national supply chain issues during the 2022 Cookie Program, and damage to the organization’s properties during Hurricane Ian.

“The story of this nonprofit is one of resilience,” said Kevin Cooper of Mote Marine, who presented the award. “This group is no stranger to challenges—it has been overcoming them for more than 100 years. It has been a leader in building courage, confidence, and character in local young ladies, and it currently serves more than 800 girls and nearly 400 adults [in Manatee County].”

Moore said that Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida “offers the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world to young ladies in Manatee County, empowering these children with skills such as goal setting, decision making, and, of course, resilience — one box of cookies at a time,” he said.

Mary Anne Servian, CEO of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, made brief remarks as she accepted the award on behalf of the organization. She noted the Girl Scouts’ storied history in Manatee County, including the fact that the organization was founded in Manatee County over 100 years ago. She also noted that in 1953 the council acquired a 40-acre tract of land on the Braden River and established their own camp, Honi Hanta, meaning “Home on the River.” The camp is still operating to this day.

“We are proud to be part of such a diverse and spirited community,” she said.

Servian also remarked that the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s work of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place is far from finished. “In fact, it is just beginning,” she said. “I am happy to say that we are looking forward to a full calendar of programs this summer and fall,” many of which will directly serve communities within Manatee County. For more information about the programs Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida has to offer, visit https://www.gsgcf.org/.

Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida staff and board members attended the Manatee Chamber Small Business Awards on June 29. From left to right, Patricia Ramthun, Chief Communications and Resource Officer; Pamela Sennott, Development Manager; Mary Anne Servian, CEO; Karin Bleyer, Board Member; Marie Graziosi, Chief of Staff; and Jessica Miano, Marketing and Communications Associate.

Mary Anne Servian, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida CEO (seated, center) accepted the 2023 Small Business of the Year Award on behalf of the organization. The other winning organizations recognized that evening included One Step Housing, Stronger Moving & Delivery Service, A.L.L. About Kids Pediatric Dentistry, Your CBD Store, Ohana Embroidery, and Healthy Teens Inc..

From left to right, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Board Member Karin Bleyer and Mary Anne Servian, CEO, pose with the 2023 Small Business of the Year Award plaque.

Awardees received a recognition plaque and a congratulatory letter from Congressman Vern Buchanan.

Have a Safe & Fun 4th of July

by Jessica Miano

The Fourth of July is finally here! This weekend Girl Scouts will be celebrating Independence Day from sea to shining sea. Whether you’re at camp, the beach, a backyard barbecue or any other fun you may find in between; we hope you have a great holiday weekend! Below are a few tips to ensure you have a safe and super fun time. So, go out there rocking your stars and stripes and enjoy your favorite summer activities!

Sunblock is your friend
Don’t forget to keep reapplying sunscreen throughout the day. Wear all the red, white and blue clothes you want this weekend but try not to turn your skin red. No one wants to look like a lobster on the 5th of July!

   Fireworks 
Bing. Bang. BOOM! Let the professionals do all the work. There are some amazing fireworks shows throughout West Central Florida, find one that’s near you.

   Sparklers
We know you girls love the glitz and twinkle of sparklers. Before you get this party started, make sure you have an adult present. Hold the sparklers away from your body and others around you. Also, keep a bucket of water handy to extinguish your flames.

   Beach 
Before you run into the surf, make sure there’s a lifeguard on duty. Don’t forget to tell Mom and Dad that you’re going in for a dip. Stay close to shore and try not to venture in water that’s too deep.

  Sand Castles 
Please don’t throw sand at others… even if your little brother is being annoying.

  Fire  
Do you like making s’mores over the campfire? Don’t get too close to the open flame. You want your marshmallow roasted, not your fingers!

  Camping 
Before you head out into the wilderness make a checklist of all the supplies you need. You don’t want to get caught in the woods without enough TP!

For more information and other tips on how to stay safe this Fourth of July visit the Red Cross website.

56th National Council Session: Important Information & Survey

by Jessica Miano

Girl Scouts from across our country and around the world will gather for the 56th National Council Session in Orlando from July 18-20, 2023.

As we continue to prepare for our 56th National Council Session, this document outlines the items that will be placed on the agenda based on insights from local volunteers, council leaders and council staff, national leaders and GSUSA staff, and the volunteers who serve as members of the Girl Scouts of the USA Board of Directors (the “board”). The overarching goal for the 56th National Council Session is to hold an inspiring and energizing gathering—where we have productive and efficient discussions and make decisions in support of strategic objectives, and elect leaders for the next triennium. Collectively and collaboratively, we will create a strong future for Girl Scouting.

The four National Council Delegates who have been elected by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida and the other councils of Girl Scouts U.S.A. will work together in a democratic and engaging governance practice that will lay the foundation for an even brighter future for Girl Scouts—always with the girls we serve as the focus of these meetings.

View or download the seven proposed amendments that will be discussed at NCS here:

ncs-proposals-7-and-faqs-survey-members-6.27.23Download

A Town Hall session will be held on July 6 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom to discuss the proposed amendments.

Juliette Gordon Low said it best: “The work of today is the history of tomorrow, and we are its makers.” Girl Scouts convened its first National Council Session (NCS) in 1915, engaging women in a democratic process five years before the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granted American women the right to vote.

Phenom by Girl Scouts, an event just for girls, will follow the 56th National Council Session on July 20-22.

Celebrating Juneteenth

by Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida

Juneteenth combines “June” and “nineteenth.” It’s also known as Freedom Day, Jubilee Day, and Emancipation Day.   

Even though President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation officially ending slavery in 1863, in practice it remained in some parts of the country. On June 19, 1865, word that the Civil War was over and slavery was abolished finally made it to enslaved people in Galveston, Texas—and celebrations throughout the newly free Black community followed, which in time became an annual tradition across the U.S. 

We asked our Girl Scout community how they intend to commemorate the day this year. We heard about plans to gather and celebrate with family and friends, as well as plans to educate others, learn more, and reflect on the history of the occasion.

For more on the history of Juneteenth, check out KidsKonnect’s Juneteenth facts and worksheets and the National Museum of African American History & Culture’s Historical Legacy of Juneteenth. 

This article was originally published on the GSUSA Blog.

Take Action to Protect Our Oceans with Gold Award Girl Scout Madison Witherspoon [Gold Award Spotlight]

by Jessica Miano

World Oceans Day, celebrated annually on June 8, is all about protecting the ocean. A healthy planet needs a healthy ocean, but our waters face huge risks from overfishing, climate change, and plastic pollution.

The purpose of the Day is to inform the public of the impact of human actions on the ocean, develop a worldwide movement of citizens for the ocean, and mobilize and unite the world’s population on a project for the sustainable management of the world’s oceans.

Gulfcoast Girl Scout Madison Witherspoon has a passion for environmental advocacy and decided to dedicate her 80-hour Gold Award project, “L.F.A. Program” to the cause of ocean conservation.

Madison is a high school junior in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program at Riverview High School. She has three siblings; an older brother, a twin sister, and a younger sister. In her free time, she likes to read and play volleyball.

Once Madison became aware of all the marine life and birds that were dying from unrecycled goods in the water and from beach litter, she was inspired to educate people on the importance of recycling. She did so by organizing a beach cleanup and creating an informative website on how to resolve the issues that arise due to lack of recycling.

She hosted classes for students grades K-12 where she taught students new recycling methods and shared the dangerous effects of pollution on the environment. She also collaborated with a social media influencer to get the word out about recycling through the creation of informative videos.

“Through this project, I learned that I am very good at managing uncontrollable situations,” Madison said.

Madison earned the Girl Scout Gold Award in March 2023.

She has three siblings: an older brother, a twin sister, and a younger sister. In her free time, she likes to read and play volleyball. She plans to pursue a career in pediatric oncology.

The Girl Scout Gold Award acknowledges the power behind each Gold Award Girl Scout’s dedication to not only empowering and bettering herself, but also to making the world a better place for others. Through earning the Gold Award, Girl Scouts become innovative problem solvers, empathetic leaders, confident public speakers, and focused project managers. They learn resourcefulness, tenacity, and decision-making skills, giving them an edge personally and professionally.

By earning their Gold Awards, these young women have distinguished themselves as true community leaders and change-makers who have made a meaningful and sustainable difference in the world. Their accomplishments reflect leadership and social responsibility that set them apart from their peers.

“Gold Award Girl Scouts are the dreamers and doers who take ‘make the world a better place’ to the next level,” said GSGCF CEO Mary Anne Servian. “These girls tackled issues that are important to them and their communities, and we congratulate them on this momentous accomplishment.”

GSGCF CEO Mary Anne Servian (left) and Gold Award Girl Scout Madison Witherspoon (right) at the 2023 Young Women of Distinction Award Ceremony.

According to recent research, Gold Award Girl Scouts are more likely to fill leadership roles at work and in their personal lives and are more civically engaged than their non-Girl Scout peers. Eighty-five percent of Gold Award Girl Scouts say that earning their Gold Award gave them skills to succeed in their daily lives, and eighty-seven percent say it gave them skills to help them succeed professionally.

As a bonus, the Gold Award opens doors to a variety of scholarships, preferred admission tracks for college, strong networking and amazing career opportunities, and much more. About 4,000 Girl Scouts earn their Gold Award every year, placing Madison among a prestigious community of change-makers who have achieved this honor. Since 1916, over 160,000 Girl Scouts have earned the Gold Award or its equivalent.

GSGCF Announced as Finalist for Manatee Chamber 2023 Small Business of the Year Award

by Jessica Miano

The Manatee Chamber of Commerce recently announced the 2023 Small Business of the Year Award Finalists. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is among nine other Manatee-area non-profit organizations to be recognized for this distinguished honor and will go on to compete for the title of 2023 Small Business of the Year.

“Every day, we strive to deliver programs and opportunities to the Manatee County community that will develop young women of courage, confidence, and character,” said Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida CEO Mary Anne Servian. “We are honored and excited to be selected as finalists for this year’s awards recognition, and also wish to congratulate the other organizations who were selected as finalists.”

Other non-profit organizations who are in the running for this year’s award include Avenue941, Chargers Soccer Club at Lakewood Ranch, Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County, Foundation for Dreams, Healthy Teens, Inc., Manatee County Habitat for Humanity, Parenting Matters, The Twig Cares, Inc., United Way Suncoast.

“We are thrilled to honor local small businesses and non-profit organizations that exemplify the diversity, spirit, and community-mindedness that make Manatee County special,” the Manatee Chamber of Commerce stated in their official announcement. “All nominees, finalists and award winners will be recognized.”

The award winner will be announced at the Manatee Chamber of Commerce’s Awards Celebration and Cocktail Reception on June 29 at the Bradenton Area Convention Center.

Celebrating Menstrual Hygiene Day with Gold Award Girl Scout Faith Chaney [Gold Award Spotlight]

by Jessica Miano

Poor menstrual hygiene caused by a lack of education, persisting taboos and stigma, limited access to hygienic menstrual products and poor sanitation infrastructure undermines the educational opportunities, health and overall social status of women and girls around the world. As a result, millions of women and girls are prevented from reaching their full potential.

Menstrual Hygiene Day is a global advocacy platform that brings together non-profits, government agencies, individuals, the private sector and the media to promote good menstrual health and hygiene More specifically, Menstrual Hygiene Day:

  • breaks the silence, raises awareness and changes negative social norms around menstrual health and hygeine, and
  • engages decision-makers to increase the political priority and catalyze action for menstrual health and hygeine, at global, national and local levels.

Menstrual Hygiene Day has grown tremendously since it was first celebrated in 2014. The goal in celebrating Menstrual Hygiene Day? That by 2030, it is possible to create a world where no one is held back because they menstruate.

Gulfcoast Girl Scout Faith Chaney recognized a need in her community for menstrual health advocacy. She dedicated over 80 hours to her project, “Periods Aren’t Taboo,” to help positively impact the lives of girls and women living and working in her community.

Recognizing the issue of period stigma and the inaccessibility of period products in schools, Faith began advocating for the installation of feminine hygiene products in school classrooms within her high school. Faith hosted a women’s health exposition to spread knowledge about women’s health, bodies, and periods.

What really inspired her to pursue this project was “the horror stories of [myself and] other girls in my school and the times they forgot their feminine products.”

She collaborated with her school’s leadership to arrange for the installation of feminine hygiene dispensers in classrooms, and enlisted the help of a student-led organization to ensure that the dispensers remain stocked with free and accessible feminine hygiene products in years to come. Following the women’s health exposition, Faith felt confident that she achieved her goal after witnessing her attendees open up comfortably about women’s health.

“Because of this project, I learned that I could make hard decisions… I also learned that I could overcome my social fears, which I usually struggle with when I feel truly passionate about a topic.”

Faith earned the Girl Scout Gold Award in March 2023.

She has been a Girl Scout for the past 13 years, and previous earned her Bronze Award and Silver Award. “My previous Girl Scout experiences, such as earning my Silver and Bronze Award helped [me] to learn resilience. While other previous community service projects taught me how to muster up support from my community.”

Faith enjoys theatre, crafting, and working in youth programs. She comes from a large family full of cousins, supportive aunts and uncles, and lives with her mom, dad, sister, and brother. She plans to go to Rollins College in the fall.

The Girl Scout Gold Award acknowledges the power behind each Gold Award Girl Scout’s dedication to not only empowering and bettering herself, but also to making the world a better place for others. Through earning the Gold Award, Girl Scouts become innovative problem solvers, empathetic leaders, confident public speakers, and focused project managers. They learn resourcefulness, tenacity, and decision-making skills, giving them an edge personally and professionally.

By earning their Gold Awards, these young women have distinguished themselves as true community leaders and change-makers who have made a meaningful and sustainable difference in the world. Their accomplishments reflect leadership and social responsibility that set them apart from their peers.

“Gold Award Girl Scouts are the dreamers and doers who take ‘make the world a better place’ to the next level,” said GSGCF CEO Mary Anne Servian. “These girls tackled issues that are important to them and their communities, and we congratulate them on this momentous accomplishment.”

According to recent research, Gold Award Girl Scouts are more likely to fill leadership roles at work and in their personal lives and are more civically engaged than their non-Girl Scout peers. Eighty-five percent of Gold Award Girl Scouts say that earning their Gold Award gave them skills to succeed in their daily lives, and eighty-seven percent say it gave them skills to help them succeed professionally.

As a bonus, the Gold Award opens doors to a variety of scholarships, preferred admission tracks for college, strong networking and amazing career opportunities, and much more. About 4,000 Girl Scouts earn their Gold Award every year, placing Faith among a prestigious community of change-makers who have achieved this honor. Since 1916, over 160,000 Girl Scouts have earned the Gold Award or its equivalent.

611 Girls Honored at 2023 Young Women of Distinction Ceremony

by Jessica Miano

A total of 611 Girl Scouts from across 10 Florida counties will be honored at the annual Young Women of Distinction Ceremony on May 21, 2023 at the Charlotte Harbor Convention Center.

This annual celebration provides friends, family, troop leaders, volunteers, and council staff the opportunity to honor the outstanding achievements of Girl Scouts throughout the council.

Among those being honored are 40 Girl Scouts who earned the Silver Award, the second highest award in Girl Scouting, and the highest award that a Girl Scout Cadette can earn. 78 Girl Scouts will receive the Bronze Award; the third highest honor in Girl Scouting, and the highest award a Girl Scout Junior can earn.

Awardees will be introduced by the Class of 2023 Gold Award Girl Scouts, who recently received their Gold Award pins at the 3rd annual GSGCF Gold Award Luncheon. The Gold Award is the highest award and most prestigious honor a Girl Scout can earn.

Other awards to be presented include the My Promise, My Faith Pin, which invites girls to experience a faith journey through exploration of the Girl Scout Law and teachings from their faith; the Journey Summit Award Pin, which is earned by girls who have completed three National Leadership Journeys at their grade level; and the 10 Year Membership Pin. Graduating Girl Scouts, Girl Scout College Scholarship recipients, and Cookie Entrepreneurs will also be recognized at the celebration.

The event is made possible by several generous sponsors: Publix Supermarket Charities, Florida Power & Light, the Swift Family Foundation, and The United Way.

Gulfcoast Girl Scouts Celebrate Cookie Entrepreneurs with a Day at the Water Park

by Jessica Miano

Girl Scouts and their families “flooded” the park on Saturday for a well-deserved day of fun and celebration. Sun Splash Water Park in Cape Coral welcomed Girl Scouts and their guests for Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s annual Splash Bash event. Girl Scouts who sold 750+ packages of Cookies during the 2023 Cookie Program qualify to earn this reward. The reward is offered annually and has become a tradition for Gulfcoast Girl Scouts and their families.

The gathering took place after the park had closed for the day, making this a Girl Scout exclusive event. A total of 852 guests attended, including Girl Scouts and their guests. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida CEO Mary Anne Servian was in attendance, as well.

“It’s truly a rewarding experience to see so many familiar faces and Girl Scout minded individuals having a great time together!” said Ashley Gill, Product Program Manager for Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida.

Participating in the Girl Scout Cookie Program helps girls learn skills they need to become successful adults who will contribute to their communities and strengthen the U.S. workforce. Long before they assume adult roles, the Girl Scout Cookie Program allows girls real-world opportunities to manage money, become ethical and reliable entrepreneurs, set goals, meet deadlines, work well with others, and understand customers. This learning occurs in an environment ideally suited to ensure the lessons are integrated into their everyday lives, for these girls are active, engaged learners who are having fun as they learn and earn.

Girl Scouts are always up for new experiences—spotting owls on a night hike, learning to cook with solar power, writing poetry, or even starting a business. Sound like you? We want you in our crew. At Girl Scouts, you’ll find a place to try new things, discover new talents, and most importantly, be fully yourself. Join the squad and get ready to make awesome memories with forever friends. Learn more about becoming a Girl Scout: https://www.gsgcf.org/en/get-involved/join.html.