Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida (GSGCF) welcomes Pamela Sennott as our new Development Manager, effective March 28.
A former Girl Scout and Sarasota native, Sennott has served in several development and communication roles with local nonprofits since obtaining her bachelor’s in social work (BSW) from University of South Florida in 2011. Before joining GSGCF, she served as the Fundraising and Communications Coordinator at Florida Cancer Specialists Foundation and Marketing and Communications Manager at Suncoast Humane Society.
“As a former Girl Scout, I’m thrilled to help further a movement that helps young women lead with courage, confidence, and character. I look forward to working with all stakeholders, past, present, and future, to ensure that we can meet the long-term funding needs and growth opportunities of our council.”
As Development Manager, Sennott will work with the CEO, Mary Anne Servian, to primarily help achieve plan, lead, and oversee GSGCF’s development strategy and oversee all fundraising efforts in pursuit of our mission and maximize its impact on the communities we serve across Manatee, Hardee, Highlands, Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, and Collier counties.
Hello, Girl Scouts, and happy Volunteer Appreciation Month!
As we enjoy the change of season and the new beginnings it brings, I wanted to tell you about another new beginning: my name is Bonnie Barczykowski, and I am the new CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA.
I am honored and humbled to take on this role after spending the last ten years as the CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. It is a privilege to provide girls opportunities to explore their worlds, develop skills, and make important connections and friendships that will last a lifetime.
I saw firsthand the tremendous impact of our volunteers. This is why Volunteer Appreciation Month is so important—it’s a time to honor, celebrate, and salute the dedicated volunteers who bring the Girl Scout experience to life for Girl Scouts in communities across the country and the world. They serve as inspirational role models and mentors—championing, challenging, encouraging, and inspiring Girl Scouts to set and achieve new goals, form lasting bonds of friendship, and become courageous and confident leaders of today and tomorrow.
Our volunteers lead incredibly busy lives, and we are so grateful for the commitment they make and the passion they bring to helping the Girl Scouts they serve be their best selves.
During the last few years, Girl Scouts have also experienced more anxiety and mental health challenges in their day-to-day lives. Volunteers have created an invaluable space for them, and we know that Girl Scouts feel the impact of volunteers—because they’ve told us so! In a survey of our girl members:
90% say they feel like they can be themselves in Girl Scouts.
94% say they feel safe in Girl Scouts.
63% say they get to do things that they cannot do in other places.
90% say their troop leader cares about them as a person.
65% say they are a leader in more activities because of their experience with Girl Scouts.
On behalf of the entire Girl Scout Movement, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the troop leaders, service unit volunteers, delegates, outdoor trainers, troop cookie managers, chaperones, parent helpers, and the many others who choose to volunteer with Girl Scouts. They are making a huge difference in girls’ lives and helping build the next generation of exceptional leaders and change-makers.
Happy Volunteer Appreciation Month! Please enjoy some of our favorite volunteer moments, and stay tuned for exciting ways to celebrate the special volunteers in your life throughout the month of April!
Yours in Girl Scouting, Bonnie Barczykowski Chief Executive Officer Girl Scouts of the USA
Twelve outstanding young women across Lee, Sarasota, and Manatee Counties dedicated over 80 hours each to attain the highest award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award.
The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida are proud to recognize twelve outstanding young women for earning the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. The Gold Award recognizes high school Girl Scouts who address issues they are passionate about by planning and implementing a project that produces lasting change in their communities and beyond.
Local Gold Award Girl Scouts and their projects include:
Abigail Dalesandro, North Fort Myers High School; Art Through Lee: Behind the Scenes and LOTHCAT Draws
Alexis Morrison, homeschooled in Sarasota; Mental Health Awareness
Alexis Smith, Lehigh Senior High School; Heart to Heart
Autumn Pepper Rhodes, Cypress Lake High School Center for the Arts; Girls Who Soar
Faith Chaney, Sarasota High School; Period’s Aren’t Taboo
Jainley Garcia, Oasis High School; Educating The Youth On Deforestation & Urbanization
Julia Sammons, Lakewood Ranch High School; Reading and the Mind
Madison Witherspoon, Riverview High School; L.F.A Program
Natasha Agarwal, Canterbury School Ft. Myers; PAGETURNER Digital Learning Library
Olivia Thorstad, Cypress Lake High School; Removing Barriers to Student Success
Tristan Blankenship, North Port High School; Tristan’s Blankets of Love
Victoria King, Bonita Springs High School; Volleyball for Confidence
The girls will be recognized for their achievements on Sunday, April 30th at the 3rd annual GSGCF Gold Award Celebration Luncheon at the Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, FL, where they will receive their Gold Awards and have the opportunity to speak about their projects to friends, family, and members of the Board of Directors of GSGCF. The girls will also be distinguished at GSGCF’s annual Young Women of Distinction Ceremony, which will be held this year on May 21st at the Charlotte Harbor Convention Center in Port Charlotte, FL.
“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.”
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.
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 Abigail Dalesandro, Alexis Morrison, Alexis Smith, Autumn Pepper Rhodes, Faith Chaney, Jainley Garcia, Julia Sammons, Madison Witherspoon, Natasha Agarwal, Olivia Thorstad, Tristan Blankenship, and Victoria King 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.
It’s time to give back to those who give so much! Whether you’re a volunteer or just a fan of one, you don’t want to miss these special discounts available now, including promotions for Volunteer Appreciation Month and beyond.
From troop meetings to camping trips and epic adventures, years of Girl Scout memories are made possible by the incredible work of volunteers. For our longtime volunteers, “thank you” doesn’t even begin to cover the lifetime of experiences they offer to the Girl Scouts they support. However, we are happy to share that volunteers with ten or more years of service are eligible to renew as a Girl Scout lifetime member at a special rate of $200 (reduced from $400!) as a thank you for being a part of our history and our future. Become a lifetime member today and enjoy special benefits, including invitations to memorable events, discounts, and more!
Get ready to unleash the full creative power of your Girl Scout troop! Did you know that all volunteers and active Girl Scout members are eligible to receive a 15% discount on purchases at JOANN stores and online with the Girl Scout Rewards Card*? Additionally, when you shop with your JOANN Girl Scout Rewards Card, JOANN gives a donation to Girl Scouts of the USA! Learn more and register now for your Girl Scout Rewards Card!
If you’re treating yourself (as you should!) or celebrating a volunteer with a special gift, a little appreciation discount goes a long way! During National Volunteer Week, from April 16 to 22, shoppers can use the code THANKS23 for 15% off** most items with your purchase of $75 or more. Whether you’re shopping for camp season or bridging ceremonies, it’s the perfect time to spring for a wardrobe refresh with items from the new official adult apparel line. How cute would the chambray shirt be for campfire s’mores this year? And parents, the legacy vegan leather carry-all would be perfect bridging ceremony group gift for your fearless troop leader.
Celebrate female artists with discounts on JIGGY puzzles.
JIGGY, a new female-founded puzzle company, is offering a 15% discount off orders of $75 or more*** during Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 16–22). Use code JIGGYGS15 at jiggypuzzles.com. Each puzzle features art by an emerging female artist, comes in sustainable and elevated packaging, and includes specially formulated puzzle glue to frame and keep your masterpiece.
The best way to thank a volunteer this month? Become one and lend a hand in making amazing Girl Scout memories! Celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month by joining the incredible people who make Girl Scout adventures possible all year. Our volunteer application is always open and there’s never been a better time to get started. In addition to the extensive training materials available in your Volunteer Toolkit, we’re excited to introduce NEW customizable Troop Year Plans, available now in print and digital formats, for each grade level so you can easily guide your troop through our most popular activities for a year of fun and adventure.
**The code is active April 12 through April 25, 2023, and excludes uniforms, customized products, national brands such as Deuter, gift certificates, and ships from council merchandise. Shipping, handling, and sales tax charges are determined by merchandise total prior to discount. This offer cannot be combined with any other promo code/discount, and is valid only on girlscoutshop.com from April 12, 2023, 12:00 AM ET through April 25, 2023, 11:59 PM ET.
Jiggy Terms & Conditions:
***15% discount off orders totaling $75 or more, before tax and shipping. Discounts cannot be combined. Discount code is good for one-time use per customer only, online only at jiggypuzzles.com. Cannot be redeemed as cash. Will not be applied to previous purchases. No rain checks. Coupons are void where prohibited.
The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida were invited to the Red Sox’s Inaugural Spring Training Girl Scout Day on March 26th. Two Girl Scouts were presented with $5000 scholarships in a pre-game ceremony.
Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida recently partnered with the Boston Red Sox to host the first ever Inaugural Spring Training Girl Scout Day at JetBlue Park Stadium on March 26th for girls and their families to enjoy. A total of 60 Girl Scouts and their family members purchased tickets for the weekend game.
Those who attended reported they had a wonderful time and are already looking forward to attending future Girl Scout events with the Red Sox.
“This was a lot of fun for the girls,” said Christine DiBenedetto, a Girl Scout parent who attended the game on Sunday.
Every Girl Scout with a game ticket was given access to special events, including a pre-game announcement welcoming the Girl Scouts to the ballpark, an in-game video shot and a pre-game parade along warning track. All of the Girl Scouts who attended also had the opportunity to announce say “Play Ball” before the game over the PA system. Girls had the chance to meet and fist-bump with players, as well.
In a pre-game ceremony, the Boston Red Sox also presented 15 high school seniors each with the Lee County Red Sox Scholarship, a $5,000 scholarship for academically talented Lee County public high school seniors who are making meaningful impact through service in their community. This prestigious scholarship award is for students pursuing a two-year or four-year degree at any college or university.
Two of the recipients, Autumn Pepper Rhodes and Alexis Smith, are Gulfcoast Girl Scouts and Gold Award Girl Scouts. The Gold Award is the highest achievement within the Girl Scouts of the USA, earned by Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts. Gold Award Girl Scouts in high school complete projects to make the world a better place and earn the highest award available to Seniors and Ambassadors. Only 5.4% of eligible Girl Scouts successfully earn the Gold Award.
“It was really cool to attend a game like this,” scholarship recipient Autumn Rhodes said. “It was something I have never done before, and it was really cool to meet the other scholars, to talk to them and to see how diverse everyone was. Next fall, I am going to college at Rice University in Houston and I am going to be a dual major in mechanical engineering and astrophysics.”
“Attending the game was better than I would have ever imagined,” said Alexis Smith. Girl Scout Day was her very first experience attending a baseball game. “The staff were extremely friendly and seeing all the Girl Scouts there made the experience even better. This scholarship is really going to help take off some of the financial burden and stress I was having. I am working towards becoming an orthopedic surgeon and will be attending Florida International University in the fall to major in health science. I am also pursuing an internship in sports medicine while there.”
The March 26th game was between the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins. According to ESPN, the Twins won, with a game score of 7 – 2.
For every ticket purchased a portion of that ticket was generously donated by the Red Sox back to Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida.
March 26, 2023, Fort Myers, FL: Girl Scouts say play ball before a Grapefruit League game against the Minnesota Twins at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida Sunday, March 26, 2023.
(Photo by Kelly Gavin/Boston Red Sox)
All of the Girl Scouts who attended had the opportunity to announce say “Play Ball” before the game over the PA system.
March 26, 2023, Fort Myers, FL: Girl Scouts walk the field before a Grapefruit League game against the Minnesota Twins at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida Sunday, March 26, 2023.
(Photo by Kelly Gavin/Boston Red Sox)
Every Girl Scout with a game ticket was given access to special events, including a pre-game announcement welcoming the Girl Scouts to the ballpark, an in-game video shot and a pre-game parade along warning track.
Girl Scouts met and shared fist-bumps with players.
March 26, 2023, Fort Myers, FL: Girl Scouts walk the field before a Grapefruit League game against the Minnesota Twins at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida Sunday, March 26, 2023.
(Photo by Kelly Gavin/Boston Red Sox)
The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida were invited to the Red Sox’s Inaugural Spring Training Girl Scout Day on March 26th.
March 26, 2023, Fort Myers, FL: Girl Scouts walk the field before a Grapefruit League game against the Minnesota Twins at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida Sunday, March 26, 2023.
(Photo by Kelly Gavin/Boston Red Sox)
Every Girl Scout with a game ticket was given access to special events, including a pre-game announcement welcoming the Girl Scouts to the ballpark, an in-game video shot and a pre-game parade along warning track
Autumn Rhodes, 2023 Red Sox Scholar
Autumn Rhodes and Alexis Smith, both Gold Award Girl Scouts from Gulfcoast Florida, received the Lee County Red Sox Scholarship on March 26th, a $5,000 scholarship for academically talented Lee County public high school seniors who are making meaningful impact through service in their community.
March 26, 2023, Fort Myers, FL: Scholarship winners are recognized before a Grapefruit League game against the Minnesota Twins at jetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers, Florida Sunday, March 26, 2023.
(Photo by Kelly Gavin/Boston Red Sox)
Three members of the Girl Scouts Gulfcoast Council were among those representing the Girl Scout movement and serving as delegates at the 67th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations headquarters in New York City in March.
The Gulfcoast delegates included Girl Scout Seniors Mackenzie Shockey, Olivia Trader, and Mackenzie Valenza.
Each year, more than 5,000 women and girls from around the world gather for this session focused on the worldwide state of gender equality. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is one of only five Girl Scout councils, out of more than 100 councils nationwide, selected to send a delegation to the 2023 session.
The girls submitted applications to the council and were selected to join fellow Girl Scouts from California, Florida and Oklahoma.
During the Commission on the Status of Women, girls attended sessions, listened to speakers and advocated for what they believe is important and relevant for girls today. They engaged with non-governmental organizations, U.N. agencies, country missions and other youth delegates from around the world. Delegates also took part in and spoke at Girl Scout parallel events about STEM, digital literacy, access to technology in rural areas, and the importance of Girl Scouts and other organizations to champion digital literacy for girls.
Along with attending inspirational events led by women leaders and professionals from across the globe during their visit to the U.N., the girls were also part of advocacy groups, conversation circles, assisted with girl statement writing, and moderated their own event in collaboration with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. They also met people from all over the world, visited GSUSA headquarters, sat in on the UN General Assembly and more.
To prepare for their roles during the experience, Girl Scouts participated in bi-weekly Zoom training beginning in August 2022.
1/6 Update – Applications are now open! The links to the guidelines providing eligibility criteria for the 2023 award year and the application for the Dr. Elinor Crawford College Scholarship Fund of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. are available below:
The completed application, including required attachments and letters of recommendation, must be received by February 28, 2023 as stated on the application.
Scholarship recipients will be honored at the Young Women of Distinction celebration on May 21, 2023. For assistance, contact Marie Graziosi at marieg@gsgcf.org or 941.921.5358 ext. 338/800.232.4475.
The Dr. Elinor Crawford Girl Scout College Scholarship Fund was established to recognize and celebrate graduating high school Girl Scouts who demonstrate the characteristics of the Girl Scout Mission, Promise, and Law; leadership to self and the community; and outstanding academic success.
It is named for the late Dr. Elinor Crawford, a former Gulfcoast board member. In 1987 she was a member of the Girl Scout Scholarship Committee which was subsequently renamed The Dr. Elinor Crawford Girl Scout College Scholarship Fund, in her honor. She served on the committee up through her death in 2016, and was proud to read each application and girl story.
As a professor of physical education at the University of Northern Iowa for thirty years, she served as a member of the committee that contributed to the writing and passage of Title IX, the most significant piece of federal legislation impacting girls and women in education. Dr. Crawford was fiercely committed to lifting up Girl Scouts in support of their education.
The application will be available January 6 and is due no later than February 28. Scholarship recipients will be recognized at the Young Women of Distinction celebration in May.
Eligibility requirements and applications and will be available here, January 6, 2023.
Over the years, individual donors have also given generously to the college scholarship fund, to increase opportunities for Girl Scout graduating seniors. Dr. Crawford believed, as do we, that when girls succeed through education, so does society. Today, we are proud to continue her legacy. Please join us in continuing her legacy and providing more opportunities for girls by donating.
Property Update 10/19/22 – We are happy to share, except for the Collier Girl Scout House which remains closed for the foreseeable future , council properties have been assessed and are beginning to reopen. If a location is available, the property reservation system will allow booking through the standard process. Anyone who had an existing reservation has been contacted by customer care with updates. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our members as we ensured that properties were safe and ready for use.
10/13 Council Update: We are still currently in the process of assessing our Girl Scout properties to determine damages caused by Hurricane Ian. GSGCF will be closing our properties for the foreseeable future to facilitate repairs caused by the storm. It is unsafe to be on property until we complete these repairs. Thank you for your patience as our property management team works to get you back to camp safely. Contact has been completed by Customer Care to all with reserved usage and follow up communication will continue as updates are known. If you have any further questions, please contact our Customer Care team at customercare@gsgcf.org.
10/6 Council Update: All of us at Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida wish to express our gratitude to GSUSA and the GSUSA Board of Directors who have lifted fundraising restrictions which enables councils to raise money for members and communities directly impacted by Hurricane Ian.
As of October 6, 2022, through the end of December 2022 Girl Scout councils, troops, and members can assist as follows:
Financial Support: Council members can make financial donations directly to an affected council. All money will be allocated to council scholarship funds at the affected council(s) to assist girls with current membership year dues and replacement uniforms, credentials, and materials, or future opportunities.
Troop-to-Troop Support: Troops can allocate part of their own funds to an impacted council scholarship fund or to support a remote sister troop doing a service project or a sister troop in direct need.
Direct Work with Relief Projects: If girls are able to safely travel to an affected area or relocation areas and permitted to do so, consider helping with on-site relief activities or local activities that benefit the impacted areas.
In response to this news, a Facebook Group has been established to connect sister Girl Scouts from across the movement who wish to support the efforts of local Girl Scouts and our council. See below about how to join the Hurricane Ian Action Team.
The rebuilding process for some will take much longer than for others, however with this support from GSUSA and our sister Girl Scouts, Girl Scouting in Gulfcoast Florida will continue for those who need the support our program provides now more than ever.
10/4 Council Update: Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is currently open, with staff working remotely and office hours by appointment only. We will update this page as necessary for the operations of Girl Scout camps, activities, and facilities. For any immediate inquiries, please contact our customer care team at customercare@gsgcf.org.
Camp Update – We are currently in the process of assessing our Girl Scout properties to determine damages caused by Hurricane Ian. Thank you for your patience as our property management team works to get you back to camp safely. Contact has been completed by Customer Care to all with reserved usage and follow up communication will continue as updates are known.
Ways To Help
This category 4 hurricane came ashore along the southwest coast of Florida and has greatly impacted Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida families and council staff. We appreciate the outpouring of offers for support and compassion from our sister Girl Scout councils, troops, and community. However, we are still assessing the impact and will share updates and information about how you can support recovery efforts as they become available. Donations towards recovery can be made at made via our website. For any additional questions or inquiries, please contact us at customercare@gsgcf.org.
Girl Scouts Can Help
We will have more information in the near future about how you can help sister Girl Scout troops within our council who have experienced the most devastating impact from the hurricane. Stay tuned.
Join the Hurricane Ian Action Team
Earn a Hurricane Ian Action Team Patch. Take action with the recovery from Hurricane Ian and then fill out the Hurricane Ian Action Team Story Form to share the impact you made for others. Include photos or video that we can use to highlight your efforts. Within a month of submitting your story, you will receive a 2022 Hurricane Ian Action Team Patch at no cost to you or your Girl Scouts.
Here are some age-appropriate ideas for your Girl Scout to consider:
Take Action Idea
All Girl Scouts
Older Girl Scouts
Join Clean Up Efforts
Help your family, neighbors, place of worship, sports field or other community location to clean up leaves, branches, and debris from storm.
Register as a Hurricane Ian volunteer at COAD in Port Charlotte.
Care for Animals
Collect items shelters need like blankets, food and toys.
Put together foster kits that shelters can deliver to foster pet parents.
Volunteer at shelters walking dogs and cleaning kennel spaces.
Learn about ways to help local animal shelters by donating supplies or fostering animals.
Show Gratitude & Kindness
Paint a gratitude poster and drop it off to a local firehouse, sheriff’s office, hospital, etc.
Put out signs in your windows thanking emergency workers.
Organize a first responders’ night at a local restaurant.
Highlight Our Hurricane Ian Action Team
Every time you see GSGCF highlight one of our Hurricane Ian Action Team members, share the post and spread the word that Girl Scouts makes a transformative difference in the lives of girls.
During a natural disaster like Hurricane Ian, Girl Scouts courageously step up to help others in their community and beyond. Everything that Girl Scouts teaches and stands for, prepares us for moments like these. Through unimaginable hardships, Girl Scouts strive to make a difference and make the world a better place.
In March of 2020, we stood by our television screens in awe as the nation believed with hesitancy that they would only be spending two weeks at home. Here we are about two years later, still dealing with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, while striving to bring ourselves back to what we once knew as normal.
Girl Scouts, as well as many other non-profits, took a hard hit when our usual in-person fundraisers, events, meetings, and programs came to a screeching halt. Even our iconic Girl Scout Cookie program was cut short, resulting in unsold inventory. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida took challenging pivots to re-strategize what the Girl Scout experience looked like in this new world of uncertainty.
Staff, caregivers, volunteers, and board members rose to the occasion to provide creative virtual programming, at-home projects, and scheduled online meetings to keeps girls engaged and hopeful during a time when hope was hard to come by.
This unwavering commitment to community and well-being of others was never more evident than demonstrated by our frontline workers. Their heroism is what inspired our 2020 Giving Challenge theme, “#BeTheOne To Honor.” Our girls and volunteers welcomed the opportunity to personally deliver excess inventory to our Hometown Heroes in hopes of raising their spirits.
Also, early on in the pandemic, Girl Scouts recognized the stress and loneliness that seniors were facing, especially those in assisted living facilities. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida launched a council-wide service project, “Across The Generations.” Girls and their families honored seniors by sending them cards, pictures, and letters connecting them to the outside world. This program was a success and as a result #AcrossTheGenerations has been implemented at a national level within our Girl Scout organization and continues to brighten the days of seniors across the country.
Building on this effort, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s Giving Challenge virtual event, “Across the Generations Virtual Singalong,” was presented in partnership with local senior living facilities delivering smiles and the joy of music, benefitting not only the residents but the frontline workers caring for them.
In the two years since the 2020 Giving Challenge, the long term effects on mental health across all generations due to the pandemic has become more apparent. Scrolling on social media platforms increased significantly. This easily becomes an endless, vicious cycle that can be taxing on one’s body image and self-worth and results in heightened stress and anxiety.
In recognition of this issue, our 2022 Giving Challenge theme is “#BeTheOne to be Resilient, Courageous and Strong.” With a focus on mental health, we want to discover new ways to help girls strengthen their well-being, while providing them with skills to assist others in our community.
We are pleased to announce our partnership with Prospect Riding Center, who share our common values and strive to create a nurturing and safe environment for those in which they serve. This partnership with Prospect became seamless and a perfect match as they serve a community for therapeutic and recreational riding. Their therapeutic equine activities help individuals improve strength and balance, build confidence, and reduce anxiety.
Together, we can encourage the young women of our community to become the future philanthropists, change makers, and leaders. Because of the Giving Challenge, our donors and supporters are able to help us make an impact with 1:1 matches up to $100 per unique donor gift from The Patterson Foundation, and additional cash prizes in a variety of categories.
Mark your calendars from noon to noon on April 26-27, the challenge is on. #BeTheOne to support us in our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.
It’s National Volunteer Month, and there’s no doubt that our amazing Girl Scout volunteers deserve a standing ovation. Yes, the Girl Scout experience may have looked a bit different last year, but from finding new ways to connect online to being in touch through phone calls and texting to coming up with safe ways to meet in person while following local guidelines, our troop leaders, cookie captains, and other volunteers have risen to the challenge and done their absolute best in trying times.
For all they are and all they do, we hope you’ll join us in saying thank you. Let them know their actions, both big and small, matter to you personally and make a difference in your community.
Whether you’re short on time or want to make a whole project of it with your troop, check out these simple ways to show your appreciation.
Personalize one of our super cute (and free!) thank-you cards designed just for this purpose.
Give them a shoutout with a special social media post.
Send a quick video thanking them for all they’ve helped your troop accomplish.
Choose a project from Girl Scouts at Home to make and give to your volunteer.
Team up with other troop families to purchase a token of appreciation for your volunteer from the Girl Scout Shop—plus, when you use code VOLUNTEER2021, you’ll get a sweet 10% off!*
When it comes to showing gratitude, we’ve got this! *The code is active April 1 through April 30, 2021, for a 10% discount at girlscoutshop.com. The code is for one-time use per customer, online-only, at girlscoutshop.com. The discount is not taken on any applicable shipping, handling, or taxes for each order.
Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. 