Updated 8/24/2012

PARENT HANDBOOK

GIRL SCOUT TROOP 2702 North Lakes Trail Community

Texas Oklahoma Plains Council

Updated 8/24/2012

WELCOME TO GIRL SCOUT TROOP 2702 As a Girl Scout, your daughter is a member of an organization of approximately 3.7 million Girl Scouts worldwide (2.7 million girls and 928, 000 adult volunteers). In Girl Scouts, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. Through a myriad of enriching experiences, such as extraordinary field trips, sports skill-building clinics, community service projects, cultural exchanges, and environmental stewardships, girls grow courageous and strong. Girl Scouting helps girls develop their full individual potential; relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect; develop values to guide their actions and provide the foundation for sound decision-making; and contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, leadership skills, and cooperation with others.

MEETING INFORMATION DATE: 2nd & 4th Thursdays of each Month (except Nov/Dec – no meetings June or July) TIME: 6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. LOCATION Saginaw United Methodist Church

209 Bluebonnet Street Saginaw, TX 76179

Note: We follow the EM-S ISD school calendar and inclement weather policies. If school or afterschool activities are cancelled due to inclement weather conditions, the Troop meeting or activity will be cancelled.

TROOP LEADERSHIP Leader: Rachelle Whiteman

Phone: (817) 929-2388 Email: gscoutmom2702@gmail.com

Co-Leader: Lindsay Foster

Phone: (682) 286-0678 Cell Phone: (817) 475-7467 Email: macmugted@att.net

Assistant Leaders: Cathy Cobble, Teresa Gonzales, Parish Herfkens, Gwen Robbins

TROOP COMMUNICATION The main form of communication is via email and our website. The troop newsletter, calendar of activities and events, and reminder notices regarding upcoming Girl Scout activities are available for download on the Troop website. Please provide the troop leadership with a valid email address that will accept attachments. Troop website address: http://gstroop2702.webs.com Troop Facebook: Girl Scout Troop 2702 (www.facebook.com/groups/130160663726285/) Troop email address: gstroop2702saginaw@yahoo.com If you do not have email and/or Internet access, please provide a phone number where a message can be left if no one is available to answer.

Updated 8/24/2012

GIRL SCOUT MISSION Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

EXPECTATIONS FOR GIRL SCOUTS

Our troop leaders have volunteered their time to provide fun and educational learning experiences for the Scouts. We ask that parents and/or guardians review the following expectations with their Scout to insure that all Scouts understand their responsibilities to the Troop and to their fellow Scouts.

Girl Scouts will... • Wear uniform to meetings & activities. • Register annually. ($12 per year) • Pay troop dues of $3/meeting. (Please pay monthly or per semester by submitting a check payable

to Girl Scout Troop 2702 with “Dues – Your Scoutʼs Name” in the memo line.) • Attend 75% of meetings, participate in 75% of community service events, and meet

minimum product sales levels unless prior permission is granted by Troop leadership in order to attend Troop trip/travel activities and events.

• Learn and follow the Girl Scout Promise. • Learn and demonstrate behaviors and attitudes that reflect the Girl Scout Law.

The Girl Scout Promise On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

The Girl Scout Law

I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

Updated 8/24/2012

EXPECTATIONS FOR PARENTS/GUARDIANS OF SCOUTS

Children learn by example. Our troop leaders endeavor to teach and follow the Girl Scout Promise and Law. It is expected that families and/or guardians will support those ideals in all Girl Scout activities.

As a parent of a Girl Scout...

1. I have a genuine concern and interest in my daughter's participation and knowing that parents have the biggest influence on my daughter, I will reflect on the Girl Scout Promise and Law in order to be a positive role model.

2. I recognize that troop leaders are volunteers and I will support those who are working with my child, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable Girl Scout experience for all.

3. I will communicate concerns through proper channels, not in the presence of the girls, and should I have a complaint or problem, I will share a suggested solution.

4. I will uphold the Girl Scout Promise and Law by demonstrating positive support and encouragement to my daughter and her troop members.

5. I will demand a Girl Scout environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all Girl Scout events.

6. I will place the emotional well being of my child ahead of my own personal aspirations in order to allow my daughter to be successful as a Girl Scout.

7. I will support the Girl Scout efforts to provide an environment of acceptance for all girls and their families by asking my child to treat other with respect regardless of race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship, ancestry, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, socio-economic/public assistance status, national origin or any other protected status.

HELPFUL WEBSITES Our Council http://gs-top.org Girl Scouts of the USA http://www.girlscouts.org

Updated 8/24/2012

SCOUT PROGRAM MATERIALS

The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting

Junior = Purple Cadette = Red

Senior = Orange

$22.50

Badge Activity Sets (One set for each level and for each

Girl Scout Journey)

Junior = Purple Cadette = Red

Senior = Orange

$4.00 each

Junior Girl Scout Journeys

• aMuse • Get Moving • Agent of

Change

$7.00 each

Cadette Girl Scout Journeys

• MEdia • Breathe • AMAZE!

$7.00 each

Senior Girl Scout Journeys

• Mission: Sisterhood

• Sow What? • Girltopia

$7.00 each

Updated 8/24/2012

SCOUT UNIFORMS & INSIGNIA

Junior Girl Scout Sash Girl Scout 11-17 Sash

(If purchasing sash, do NOT need vest)

$5.50 -$7.00

Vest (if purchasing vest, do NOT

need sash)

$15.75 -$16.75

Junior Insignia Tab (green)

Cadette/Senior/Ambassador

(navy)

$2.50

Contemporary Membership Pin

(Junior Level and above)

Regular - $2.00 Gold-

plated - $5.00 14kt

Gold - $210.00

World Trefoil Pin $2.25 - $4.75

American Flag patch $1.75

Girl Scout Council Identification

(Texas Oklahoma Plains) $4.00

Troop Numbers (2702) Juniors & above = green

$1.25 each X4 = $5.00

Updated 8/24/2012

PURCHASING SCOUT UNIFORMS, INSIGNIA AND MATERIALS

Available online at http://goshop.girlscouts.org/GSUSAOnline/GSHomePage.aspx Or locally at the Girl Scout Shop/Service Center(s) Girl Scout Shop/Center 4901 Briarhaven Road Fort Worth, TX 817-737-7272 Northeast Service Center/Shop 8401 Hwy 26 Suite 7 North Richland Hills, TX 817- 281-7578

Updated 8/24/2012

UNIFORM TIPS “In Uniform” A Girl Scout is in uniform if she is wearing her Girl Scout pin, which she receives at her first official Troop ceremony, typically an Investiture. Attaching Patches The most fool-proof way to attach patches is to sew them on. This can be done using a sewing machine or by hand. Thread color should match the border of the patch; using invisible thread or embroidery floss is a great way to accomplish this. As the year progresses, Scouts may be learning to attach their own patches. Various fabric glues and iron-on adhesives or webbings are sold and marketed for the purpose of adhering patches. This is a temporary “fix” and these will often release the patch(es) when washed and machine dried. This is not recommended for permanent adhesion. Please take care in attaching the patches and placing them in the proper position. This allows your Scout to display her awards and achievements proudly.

PROGRAM GOALS

The Girl Scout program can change the way girls see the world and their place in it. Girls learn the importance of personal responsibility, the value of goal-setting, the spirit of teamwork, and the thrill of accomplishment. The Girl Scout program is based on the Girl Scout Promise and Law and four fundamental goals that encourage girls to:

• Develop to their full potential. • Relate to others with increasing understanding, skill, and respect. • Develop a meaningful set of values to guide their actions and to provide for sound

decision-making. • Contribute to the improvement of society.

In our Troop, we will use badges, activities, and related experiences and field trips to achieve the Girl Scout program goals.

Updated 8/24/2012

BADGES, PATCHES, & AWARDS Can my Scout earn other recognition(s) in addition to or instead of badges?

Yes. Scouts can earn quite a few additional special recognition awards and special event patches. A Scout may earn these patches during troop activities or on her own. A list follows:

Additional Awards

• Girl Scout National Research Pin • International Friendship Recognition Pin • Lady Baden-Powell International Friendship Award • Lifesaving awards • The President's Volunteer Service Award • Religious awards • Summit Award

Participation Patches and Pins

• American Flag Patch • Flag Ceremony Patch • Fun Patches

• Investiture Patch • World Thinking Day Patch

May my Scout earn more, different, or extra badges, patches, and recognitions outside of the troop?

Yes. We encourage Scouts to pursue their interests and the level/age appropriate Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting handbook, the Girl Scouts of the USA website, and other GSUSA materials offer a variety of patches, pins, and achievements for nearly every interest.

Scouts can even develop their own patches – ask our leadership about developing a Scout Interest Project.

If your Scout chooses to pursue additional badges or achievements, please file a Badge Affidavit with the Troop Advancement Chairperson. This will serve as a record of your Scout’s hard work and accomplishment and will assist our leadership team in providing your Scout with appropriate recognition at the Court of Awards. Copies of the Affidavits are available through troop leaders or on the troop website.

Am I responsible for purchasing all of my Girl Scout’s patches and recognitions?

No. The troop will purchase all earned participation patches, pins, and additional awards that were earned as a part of troop activities such as meetings, special events, or occasions.

If a Scout chooses to earn additional badges, patches, pins, or other recognitions outside of standard sponsored troop activities and events, the troop will purchase up to five (5) additional recognitions. Any additional recognition awards are the responsibility of the parent and/or guardian of the Scout but we will gladly present these at the regular Court of Awards.

Updated 8/24/2012

FORMS APPENDIX GIRL SCOUT TROOP 2702 North Lakes Trail Community

Texas Oklahoma Plains Council

ACTIVITY FORMS • Activity Registration Form (interactive registration form for activities)

http://gs-top.org/sites/default/files/downloadable_forms/Girl%20Activity%20Registration%20interactive%202011-2012.pdf

• Activity Information Form (permission form for activities) http://gs-top.org/sites/default/files/downloadable_forms/Activity%20Information-Permission%20interactive%202011-2012.pdf

FINANCIAL FORMS

• Financial Assistance Form (request financial assistance – CONFIDENTIAL) http://gs-top.org/sites/default/files/downloadable_forms/FinancialAssistanceApplication2012-Interactive_1.pdf

• Request for Girl Scout Membership Dues Financial Assistance (request financial assistance for Girl Scout Annual Membership dues ONLY – CONFIDENTIAL) http://gs-top.org/sites/default/files/downloadable_forms/Request%20for%20Membership%20Dues%20interactive%202011-2012_0.pdf

MEMBERSHIP FORMS

• Girl Scout Registration Form (new memberships) http://gs-top.org/sites/default/files/downloadable_forms/Girl%20Registration%20interactive%202012.pdf

• Adult Registration Form (new memberships) http://gs-top.org/sites/default/files/downloadable_forms/Adult%20Registration%20Interactive%20Form%202012.pdf

• Membership Update Form (for transfers & leadership changes)

http://gs-top.org/sites/default/files/downloadable_forms/Membership%20Update%20form%20interactive%202011-2012.pdf RELEASE FORMS

• Multimedia, Video, & Photograph Release Form (permission to use image)

• Telephone Release Form (permission to publish telephone number in Troop Directory) VOLUNTEER & LEADERSHIP FORMS

• Troop Committee Position Description Agreement http://gs-top.org/sites/default/files/downloadable_forms/Troop%20Committee%20Position%20Description%20Agreement%20interactive%202011-2012_0.pdf

• Volunteer Application and Criminal Background History Check Release Form (all individuals working with Scouts MUST complete this) http://gs-top.org/sites/default/files/downloadable_forms/Volunteer_Application_and_Criminal_Background_Authorization_Form_2012-2013.pdf

Updated 8/24/2012

• Volunteer and Talent Interest Survey

Updated 8/24/2012

MULTIMEDIA, VIDEO AND PHOTOGRAPH

RELEASE FORM Due to ever increasing concerns regarding the privacy and security of our Brownie Girl Scouts, their siblings, and youngsters, Girl Scout Troop #2702 requests that each parent, guardian, or responsible adult sign a waiver indicating whether the Troop #2702 participant be photographed. Any image taken will be used for the sole purpose of Troop promotion or recognition in either multimedia presentations (such as PowerPoints, slide shows, or the like), on Texas Oklahoma Plains Council website(s), or in promotional materials. I hereby grant to the Troop #2702, and to Texas Oklahoma Plains Council, GSA and to its

employees, agents and assigns the right to photograph my dependent

(name) and use the photo and or other digital reproduction

of him/her or other reproduction of his/her physical likeness for publication processes, whether

electronic, print, digital or electronic publishing via the Internet.

I certify that I am a custodial parent or guardian and have the aforementioned rights to assign.

Name of Parent: Signature: Date: Relationship if the subject is a minor:

Parent Guardian

Updated 8/24/2012

TELEPHONE RELEASE FORM Due to ever increasing concerns regarding the privacy and security of our Girl Scouts, their siblings, and youngsters, Troop #2702 requests that each parent, guardian, or responsible adult sign a waiver indicating whether the Girl Scout participant’s telephone number be released. This phone list will be used SOLELY for the purpose of contacting Scouts and their families regarding events, providing reminder calls, and activating the Troop #2702 phone tree. It will not be used for solicitation purposes. I hereby grant to Girl Scout Troop #2702 to its employees, agents and assigns the right to

publish my contact telephone number for my dependent (name)

and use this number solely for the purpose of contacting Scouts and their families regarding

events, providing reminder calls, and activating the Troop #2702 phone tree.

I certify that I am a custodial parent or guardian and have the aforementioned rights to assign.

Name of Parent: Signature: Date: Relationship if the subject is a minor:

Parent Guardian

Updated 8/24/2012

TROOP 2702 VOLUNTEER TALENT & INTEREST SURVEY

Each adult participant should complete a talent and interest survey. Name Highest Scout Rank Achieved Street Address City State Zip Code Primary Phone Alternate Phone Email Welcome to Troop 2702. Girl Scouting is for parents, guardians, and families as well as the Girl Scouts themselves. We invite you to add your talents and interests so that the best possible program can be developed for your Scout and her friends. Our troop leaders and leadership team know you have some talent or interest that will help in the operation of our troop. Although your help may not be on a full-time basis, whatever you can do will be appreciated. Using this survey, the troop leadership team wishes to uncover ways you can enjoy giving assistance. Please mark all that apply to you. SPORTS / PHYSICAL FITNESS

¨ Archery ¨ Baseball/Softball ¨ Basketball ¨ Badminton ¨ Bicycling ¨ Bowling ¨ Dance

o Ballet o Jazz o Tap o Other

¨ Fishing ¨ Golf ¨ Gymnastics ¨ Ice Skating ¨ Roller Skating ¨ Soccer ¨ Swimming ¨ Table Tennis ¨ Volleyball ¨ Other

ACADEMIC AREAS

¨ Art ¨ Astronomy ¨ Career Guidance ¨ Chess

¨ Citizenship ¨ Collecting ¨ Communications ¨ Compasses & Maps ¨ Computers ¨ Conservation ¨ Cultural Heritage ¨ Ecology & Nature ¨ Finance ¨ Geography ¨ Geology ¨ Health & Fitness ¨ History ¨ Language & Culture

o Chinese o French o German o Italian o Japanese o Spanish o Other

¨ Mathematics ¨ Music

o Low Brass o High Brass o Percussion o Strings o Woodwinds o Guitar

o Piano o Vocal

¨ Science ¨ Weather ¨ Water Conservation ¨ Wildlife Conservation

HOBBY AREAS

¨ Camping ¨ Cooking ¨ Crafts ¨ Drama ¨ Drawing ¨ Embroidery ¨ Etiquette & Manners ¨ First Aid & CPR ¨ Hiking ¨ Knitting / Crocheting ¨ Knots ¨ Photography ¨ Radio Broadcasting ¨ Sewing ¨ Scrapbooking ¨ Transportation ¨ Travel ¨ Web Design ¨ Other

SPECIAL PROGRAM ASSISTANCE: ¨ I have a _____ station wagon, ______ van, or _____ truck. ¨ I have family camping gear. ¨ I can make contacts for special trips & accommodations. ¨ I have access to a cottage or camping property. ¨ I have a boat. ¨ I can help with Scouting skills. ¨ I can or I know others who can help with our Girl Scout programs.