Girl Scout Cookie Program Activity
The Girl Scout Cookie Program Activity is the country’s premier business and economic literacy program for girls. It is an integral part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Girls throughout southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin learn valuable leadership and life skills like money management, goal-setting, and decision-making. Proceeds stay with local Girl Scouts to support community service projects and Girl Scout activities. To find cookies near you, click on the Cookies link in the left-hand margin.
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The Cookie Program Activity is the only girl-led real world business skills development program that grows with the girls. As the girls advance through different program grade levels in Girl Scouts, they are challenged to develop new skill sets and meet goals in the Cookie Program Activity.
Girl Scout cookies are a delicious and fun way to teach girls business and financial literacy skills. People all over the state will have their chance to do their part in supporting those skills when Girl Scout Cookie Go Day kicks off January 16. An expected 40,000 girls throughout Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys’ jurisdiction will take orders starting January 16 for everyone’s favorite cookies: Thin Mints, Samoas, Trefoils, Tagalongs, Do-Si-Dos, Dulce de Leche, and Lemon Chalet Cremes. Learn more about the facts of the Girl Scout Cookie Program Activity here.
Introducing the new cookie: Thank U Berry Munch!
The new cookie is a delicious new way for River Valleys Girl Scouts to say “Thank U” to loyal cookie customers. The tartness of real Ocean Spray premium cranberries is combined with the sweetness of creamy white fudge chips, and the texture of crispy rice, giving this hearty cookie a satisfying crunch.
Good news for health-conscious consumers. While all varieties of Girl Scout cookies contain zero grams of trans fat (hydrogenated oils) per serving, now Trefoils, Lemon Chalet Cremes, Thank U Berry Munch, and Dulce De Leche have absolutely no hydrogenated oils in their ingredient lists. To find out more, click here.
All cookie proceeds stay in the local community, helping Girl Scouts near you with Girl Scout activities as well as community service projects. Community members and business owners can help support Girl Scouts by letting them come to your door to talk about Girl Scouting, allowing them to make a presentation at your business, or even hosting a Cookie Booth at your business from February 26 to March 28. Check back soon for our Cookie Booth locator to find a Cookie Booth near you.
You can also learn about some of the community service activities that were supported through cookie proceeds in 2009 by clicking here.
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Girl Scouts Can Raise Funds for Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Haitians, and their friends and families, as they begin the process of managing the aftermath of the catastrophic earthquakes in January. The outpouring of support for the people of Haiti in the wake of the devastating earthquake last week has been remarkable, and Girl Scouts across the country have pitched in to help in many different ways. We know, however, that after natural disasters like these, sending funds is often the best way to help.
Given the catastrophic events in Haiti, GSUSA's Executive Committee unanimously adopted, and the National Board ratified, the following:
That the Executive Committee of Girl Scouts of the USA’s National Board of Directors, on the National Board’s behalf, adopts a special rule of order to allow girl members to engage in activities, which may include the direct solicitation of money, from January 14 through September 8, 2010, to support emergency relief for the January 12 earthquake disaster in Haiti. Monies raised shall be contributed only to organizations on the approved list of agencies (listed below); additions to the list shall be approved by the National President and CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA.
This now makes it possible for our girls to raise much needed funds for relief efforts in Haiti. Please take note that the money our girls raise can be contributed only to those agencies on the list below. The loss of life and suffering has been heartbreaking. This action by GSUSA is an opportunity for all of us as a Movement to do what we can to help the people of Haiti in their time of need.
River Valleys has received multiple requests from girls and troop leaders to conduct money earning activities during the timeframe of the cookie program activity which includes both order taking and cookie booths. As a rule, girls may not participate in additional money earning activities during the timeframe of the cookie program activity. In an effort to support Haiti and many of the organizations who have done so much to help those affected in Haiti we will allow money earning activities to take place to support organizations (approved partner list)providing relief to Haitians. However, the following guidelines must be adhered to when earning money for this cause:
- The troop must complete a money earning application form and submit prior to earning any money. This form can be found on the forms and documents page of the River Valleys website.
- Money earned (in its entirety) will be donated to one of the approved partners listed below.
- The Girl Scout troop in its entirety agrees they would like to donate money to an approved partner for relief efforts.
- The American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is accepting donations through its International Response Fund.
- Pan American Development Foundation
The foundation is encouraging people to donate through its Web site at www.PanAmericanRelief.org.
- UNICEF
UNICEF requests donations for relief for children in Haiti via their Haiti Earthquake Fund. You can also call 1-800-4UNICEF.
- Oxfam
You can donate to online at Oxfam America at www.oxfamamerica.org.
- Save The Children
Save the Children has launched an emergency relief effort for Haiti. Donate to Save the Children.
- Mercy Corps
Donate online, call 1-888-256-1900 or send checks to:
Mercy Corps Haiti Earthquake Fund
Dept NR
PO Box 2669
Portland, OR 97208
- Doctors Without Borders
Doctors Without Borders has set up clinics to treat people in Haiti. Donate to Doctors Without Borders.
- The UN World Food Programme
The UN World Food Programme is gathering all available resources to deliver food to the recently homeless and impoverished in Haiti. Donations can be made through www.wfp.org/donate/haiti
- CARE
CARE is deploying emergency team members to Port-au-Prince to assist in recovery efforts. It’s focusing its efforts on rescuing children who may still be trapped in schools that collapsed. Donate to CARE
- The International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee is deploying an emergency response team to Haiti. Donate to the IRC Haiti Crisis Fund.
- World Vision
World Vision has more 370 staff members in the Haiti. Donate to World Vision.
- United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF)
This fund is used for emergencies like the earthquake in Haiti. Donate online.
2010 Long-Range Property Decision
In June 2009, River Valleys’ board of directors established a volunteer-led property task group. This group was charged with creating a long-range outdoor property recommendation and plan for both camp/program properties and service centers that will provide opportunities for girls to discover, connect, and take action in ways that build courage, confidence, and character.
On December 11, 2009, after reviewing current surveys, data, demographic trends, site visits, and obtaining input from River Valleys’ members and a national (Girl Scouts of the USA) property consultant, the property task group presented its findings to the board of directors. Please find the links to River Valleys' board decision and frequently asked questions below.
- Property Decision Fact Sheet
- FAQs
- River Valleys' Property Map
- Annual Meeting - Board Chair Comments
- Annual Meeting - Featured Girl Scout Comments
- Annual Meeting - Finance Report
- Annual Meeting - Leadership Report
- Annual Meeting - Long Range Property Report
A recent January/February 2010 article from Camp Business magazine which does a great job of summarizing the property issues facing Girl Scout councils across the country.
The Girl Scout Leadership Experience: Program Essentials
Program Essentials is the core plan that girls and leaders use to implement the Girl Scout Leadership Experience
in River Valleys. The national Girl Scout Leadership Journeys curriculum is the foundation of Program Essentials,
which is complemented by additional skill building activities.
Service unit volunteers and council staff have heard new (and sometimes experienced) leaders ask, “What should I being doing with my girls?” Program Essentials is the tool leaders and volunteers have asked for to guide them as they deliver a fun, well-rounded Girl Scout core program for the entire year. Along with the Leadership Journeys curriculum, we’ve drawn from the best-of-the-best of activities in Girl Scouts that have resonated with girls. Girls and troops may add additional activities should they want to further explore particular interests.
For more information about Program Essentials, download the Frequently Asked Questions.
Girl Scouts Forever Green Community Action Project
January 25 - April 30
In 2012, Girl Scouts will celebrate its 100th anniversary. To mark this milestone and honor our founder, Juliette Gordon Low, Girl Scouts of all ages will be engaging in a nationwide Community Action Project, “Girl Scouts Forever Green.” River Valleys was selected as a pilot council for this exciting national initiative.
Using their leadership skills, girls will plan and implement a Take Action project in one of five environmental focus areas (air, waste management, water, energy, green space). Girls will track their environmental impact on a national website.
All Girl Scout troops, Juliettes, friends, and family can get involved today and be Forever Green!
Please visit the Forever Green page for patch requirements, focus area information, and project ideas.
Join Girl Scouts!
If you can think it, you can do it.
Girls in kindergarten through grade12 learn and practice leadership as they discover new talents, skills, and strengths, connect with other girls, and take action in their communities. Trained, caring leaders and other adult volunteers help girls to practice their decision-marking skills, build teamwork, develop healthy and positive self-esteem, strengthen values, and form caring relationships. Girls make friends and memories that will last throughout their lives.
The Girl Scout Leadership Experience and all programs and activities – from troop meetings to camping, engineering to arts, science to service projects–are designed to challenge and prepare girls for the future. Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
If you are interested in more information about Gil Scouts, please complete a Girl Scout Interest Indicator or contact Girl Scouts at 800-845-0787.
To learn more about the Girl Scout program, check out The Girl Scout Leadership Experience under Programs.
Featured Council-sponsored Programs
Here are some featured council-sponsored program event from each of our service center areas. To register or learn more about these featured programs, click on the link on the title. Don’t forget to check out or register for the nearly 1,100 other council-sponsored programs for girls to enjoy.
Saturday, February 13
10 a.m. or 1 p.m.
St. Paul Service Center, St. Paul, MN
$8/Girl; $0/Adult
Registration Deadline: January 28
Discover some of the messy, noisy, bubbly, and surprising areas of science - you know, the fun stuff! Mix and measure and try something new. Make a science trick or toy to take home.
Saturday, March 13 – Sunday, March 14
9:15 p.m. – 6 a.m.
Rochester Athletic Club, Rochester, MN
$26/Girl; $0/Adult
Registration Deadline: 2/25/2010
Stay up all night and play! Come out to the Rochester Athletic Club and explore "the neighborhood," swim, eat pizza, and watch a movie on the big screen. Fun and unique activity sessions will be available throughout the night.
Sunday, January 31
1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Southwest Minnesota State University - Marshall, Marshall, MN
$10/Girl; $0/Adult
Registration Deadline: 1/14/2010
Try a varietyof sports with the women's sports teams at SMSU in Marshall. The SMSU student athletes will lead you through skill- builders in basketball, volleyball, soccer, and golf. Then tour campus and enjoy a pizza party. Leave with a ticket to a future Mustang's basketball game.
Saturday, February 13
9 - 11 a.m.
Farmington, MN
$5/Girl; $0/Adult
Explore what Girl Scout camp is all about! Play games, sing songs, make a craft, and learn everything you want to know about camp. Girls, troop leaders, and parents/guardians will be able to ask questions about programs, staff, registrations, and more.
Saturday, February 20
9 a.m. - Noon
Elm Creek Park Reserve Chalet and Recreation Area, Dayton, MN
$16/Girl; $16/Adult
Celebrate winter at Elm Creek Park Reserve! Fly down the hills in snowtubes, stride and glide on cross-country skis, race on kicksleds, and enjoy a challenging round of polar putt. Get a strike at the Brrr Bowling Alley, play a game of broomball, and follow cryptic clues to find your prize on the medallion hunt. Bring your ideas and decorations for the annual Winter Fun Day Snow Sculpture contest. Equipment provided. Cross-country ski rentals are available ($4).
Save the Date - April 8, 2010 Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys will hold its second annual Women of Distinction luncheon on April 8, 2010. Women of Distinction honors and celebrates eight local women whose determination and leadership makes them positive role models for today’s girls. These women are outstanding leaders in their professions and in our communities. They inspire girls to achieve their goals and dreams.
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Boys, looking to join Cub Scouts? Visit www.northernstarbsa.org (Twin Cities Metro/western Wisconsin), www.GamehavenBSA.org (Rochester/southeastern Minnesota area) or www.twinvalleybsa.org (Mankato/southwestern Minnesota area). River Valleys and the Northern Star Council, Gamehaven Council, and Twin Valley Council, Boy Scouts of America are separate organizations, collaborating in communications efforts to help ensure that all grade school youth are invited to enjoy the benefits of a Scouting experience in their communities.
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