Troop Trip Reminder for Tomorrow!

This is a reminder that our Busch Gardens trip is tomorrow.
We will be meeting at Ms. Andrea's house at 9:30 and pick up will be there in the afternoon at 4:30.
Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and anything else you may need and especially remember to BRING YOUR BUSCH GARDENS PASS if you have one.
Additionally bring money for food and drinks or anything else you may need tomorrow. You can purchase all day meal passes to be used at some of the restaurants.
All You Care To Eat and Drink All Day, at participating restaurants: Get up to 1 entree platter, 1 Side Item or Dessert, and 1 Fountain Soft Drink, Iced Tea or 20 oz Aquafina each time through the line, Childs Price includes Kids Meal entrees only. Adults $29.99 - Children (Ages 9 and under) $14.99 Prices are per person and do not include Sales Tax.

If you have any questions contact me.

Be Cool in Middle School!

If you're starting middle school next fall, come join other girls to talk about important things like uniforms, fashion, academics, friendship and much more! Bring a friend and learn how to survive - and thrive - together! Every girl receives a free gift for her locker!

$10/registered Girl Scout*
Saturday, June 4
10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Tampa Service Center

Be Cool in Middle School registration opens May 15. To register for this event or see other programs available, check out our website. You can register and sign up for any program online!

*If you are not a currently registered Girl Scout, you are welcome to attend! An annual registration fee of $12 will be added to your registration. Once registered, you are able to take part in any program or event through Sept. 30, 2011; additional activity fees may apply depending on the event or series selected.

Troop 1040 Spa Day

Thanks to the girls for making our Parents Spa Day amazing. I loved being pampered as I'm sure all the parents did. The hair styles were so creative and fun and I think the girls did an incredible job. I was so excited about my hour of luxury I forgot my camera so if anyone has photos they can send me of the event please do! I'd love to post them!

2011 Encampment

Encampment was amazing and once again our girls had so much fun! They sang and danced, watched movies, swam, hiked, crafted and even shot arrows!

Ok, Ms Andrea had fun too!

Natures Classroom

Our trip to Natures Classroom was so much fun. The girls enjoyed skimming for things in the water and cruising in a boat up the Hillsborough River. We went on an animal search and had a picnic lunch. It was so much fun! Thanks to all the parents and girls who participated. Here are some photos!

Camp Registrati​on Tomorrow and GS Express!

In This Issue...
  
Camp Registration Opens Tomorrow! Online registration opens at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 2, 2011! Please note: Paper registrations will be entered beginning April 4. 
 

Check out what's going on at camp THIS SUMMER! Camp is a place where you'll make new friends, hike or learn outdoor cooking, paddle a canoe or swim, participate in ceremonies and archery and so much more! Call all your friends now and invite them to come to camp with you! We hope to see you at camp this summer!

All of our camps are exclusively for girls, both Girl Scouts and any girl who would like to become one! Girls who aren't Girl Scouts can join for just $12 (that's right - just $12 for THE WHOLE YEAR) and come to one of our camps for the summer - it's that easy! What's best, your daughter can invite her best friend to share in the summer fun!

Volunteer News
Volunteer Appreciation Week, Adult Awards Ceremony and training opportunities! 

Upcoming Events!
Lots of new upcoming events offered by GSWCF, including Animals Unleashed and Keep it Cool!

Policy News and Views
Join us for the 2011 Annual GSWCF Meeting in April and 52nd National Convention in November!

Council & Program Updates
First-time memberships now accepted online, service unit encampments, National Young Women of Distinction, choose your fun activities and more!
 
GSUSA News
Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting and Girl Scouts of Japan relief efforts.

Community News
Free tickets to the Tampa Yankees vs. Clearwater Threshers Game on April 23! Plus, Wildlands Networks Trek and more!

The Cookie Program Wrap Up
Time to celebrate, super troop recognition and evaluate the cookie program! 

Store News
Journey books available, new 100th anniversary merchandise, annual meeting store and more!

Special Events & Development
GSWCF chosen as the charity partner for the upcoming Legends Tour Open Championship featuring Legends of the LPGA, and Keeping Our Promise to Girls Through the Family Partnership.

Staff / Office News
Resident camp employment opportunities and special store hours.

Check it out!!!

If you want to see your favorite Girl Scout having fun, reminisce about some of the activites we have done or just smile chech out the slide shows at the bottom of our blog for photos snapped during our activities.

If you have photos of your own you would like to see on our blog send them to Ms Steffany!

Just posted today is a slide show of our 2010 Christmas party and the Princess Derby!!!

Celebrate Volunteer Appreciati​on Week

4/5/2011 Meeting Recap

Lots of fun went on at yesterdays meetings.

March of Dimes:

The girls Decorated T-Shirts for the March for Babies walk that they have agreed to participate in. The walk is on April 30th at Channel Side Drive and girls will need to arrive by 7:45am and may be picked up as early at 9:30am. These times may change but we will send out definite times along with a meeting place and additional details prior to the event.  The girls also generously agreed to donate $40 of the troop funds to the March! They also took home March for Babies fundraiser fliers. The girls and their families do not have to raise funds but in case they would like to, it would be welcomed addition to the fundraising efforts of the event. Also parents and family friends are welcome to donate or join my team for the walk by clicking on the March of Dimes Banner on the left hand side of this page. This charity is so near and dear to my own heart and I have to give a huge thank you to the girls and also add that I am so very proud of them for all the work and caring they are putting into this.

Troop 1040 Cares:

And while we are speaking about charities and our kind hearted gals... they were all asked to select one charity and put it into a bag from which one will be drawn. The chosen charity will be the organization to receive the proceeds from some of our future fundraisers. The lucky charity was written down by Hannah and is The American Red Cross. The American Red Cross has been the nation's premier emergency response organization. As part of a worldwide movement that offers neutral humanitarian care to the victims of war, the American Red Cross distinguishes itself by also aiding victims of devastating natural disasters. Over the years, the organization has expanded its services, always with the aim of preventing and relieving suffering. This is a very worthwhile organization that gives so much to the community and people around the world and I am proud to know our girls want to support this wonderful cause.

How to Raise Funds:
Our girls were also brainstorming about ways to raise money for our chosen charity.
Some of the ideas they came up with were pretty inspiring.
Payton suggested a "Disco Dance Party", Lauren is working on details for a troop yard sale, Paige will be heading up the Lemonade Stand, Melissa will be working on the Art Sale, and there were so many more ideas that the girls came up with I can't possibly list them all but I will say there are some exciting things in the works!

Save your empty Capri Sun pouches:
Our troop is collecting empty Capri Sun pouches so save them up and bring them in for Ms Andrea.

Patches for Returning Girls:
Last night Ms Andrea passed out patches for the returning girls who registered on time. These patches should be applied to the back of the vest. If you are a returning girl to this troop and did not get a patch then please notify Ms Andrea.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner:
The Princess Pinewood Derby was a lot of fun. We loved cheering on our racers and in the design competition Troop 1040 dominated! I must say all across the board we had some of the best looking cars out there but a super big congratulations to our two first place winners: Aubrey for her Girl Scout Cookie Car and Brynlie for her Wizard of Oz Car. Way to go girls! Pictures will be coming soon!

Natures Classroom Trip:

I have to apologize for any confusion over the Natures Classroom Trip. I made blog post with the right date... but the wrong day.
The trip is Sunday April 10th.
Please have your child at Andrea's house by 9am on Sunday with a sack lunch.
Pick up will be at her house at 2pm on Sunday.
We still need another background checked driver. I can seat 4, Ms Andrea can seat 7, Maribel (Melissa's mom) can seat 3 but there are 16 of us. Please RSVP to the email Ms Andrea sent if your daughter will attend so she can see what driving accommodations will be necessary.

3/21/11 Meeting Recap

It was a packed meeting on March 21st!

At Monday's meeting we learned all about the March of Dimes from Ms Steffany. The girls have also decided to help support this great charity by distributing water and snacks for the people who will be marching for babies on April 30th at the St. Pete Times Forum. More details to come but the girls can also assist in raising money or have people they know join the march. The March of Dimes banner to the left can direct you to my team site for more information or click here. If you have any questions relating to the March for Babies contact Ms Steffany.

 The girls also voted on what to spend their cookie money on. The three finalists were:
1. Swim with manatees
2. Busch Gardens
3. Pool Party Pot Luck

We also assigned a little homework due at the Apr 4th meeting
1.Bring a white  t shirt to decorate for the March of Dimes Walk for Babies
2.Be the first to find "Prince Neely the Chihuahua" on our troop blog and be the first to post a comment that you found him and where and win a prize.
3.Choose your charity and tell why you chose it.
4. Bring back the "super secret assignment" Ms Steffany gave you. Don't forget not to tell you know who. (Parents, the girls can explain what this is about but if they forgot feel free to email me.)

Don't Forget:

Anyone who has not turned in their cookie money please do so by Wednesday.

If you did not attend Monday's meeting please bring your encampment money to Ms. Andrea no later than Thursday 24th.

Also, we will not be meeting again before the Princess Pinewood Derby. Since the troop has covered registration for all girls all that we ask is for you to be there on Friday April 1st ready for some fun. If you have any questions about the derby contact Ms Steffany.

2011 Encampment Info

It's time for Encampment! Last years Horseback Riding at Camp Wildwood was Awesome!

This year's Rainbow Service Unit Encampment will be at Camp Dorothy Thomas April 15th to 17th. Below is the info with the itinerary, menu, and packing list. This years price options are as follows:

-Friday to Sunday including Meals, Activities, T-Shirt and patch is $28/girl and $19/adult (Adults can purchase shirts for $7)
-Saturday only with lunch and T-Shirt and patch is $16/girl and adult. (Adults can purchase shirts for $7)
-Saturday and evening with lunch and dinner, T-Shirt and patch is $20/girl and $11/Adult (Adults can purchase shirts for $7)
Saturday to Sunday including meals, activities, T-Shirt and patch is $24/girl and $15/adult (Adults can purchase shirts for $7)
More info about these choices below:
Parents that have been background checked and registered are welcome but the majority will be girl scout troops and their leaders.
Camp Dorothy Thomas isn't far so you will be dropping off your daughter and picking her up. Directions Have been emailed.

Shirt sizes are as follows:
Girls Small 7/, Medium 10/12 and Large 14/16 and Adult Small, Medium, Large and Extra Large
Please send shirt sizes and have registration money in my our meeting on the 21st of March.

2011 Rainbow Encampment information

Day Activity Packing ListBandana(s)
Hat
Closed toe, closed heel shoes
(NO sandals, crocs, flip flops)
Cup with handle on a rope or
water bottle on a rope
Insect repellent (NO aerosol sprays)
Sunscreen
Poncho/rain gear, as needed
Bathing suit
Towel
Small trash bag for wet clothing
Flashlight with extra batteries IF staying for evening activities

Overnight Packing ListDay list PLUS:
Sleeping bag AND pillow
Personal care items (toothbrush & paste, comb, shampoo, soap, etc.)
1 more towel (total of 2) & 1 wash cloth
Clothing appropriate for weather
Underwear
Pajamas
Socks
Extra pair of closed-toed shoes
ONE comfort item (i.e stuffed animal, blankie, etc.)

Optional:  camera, pocket knife
NO candy, gum, snacks or any other food items (they attract bugs & animals)
NO Ipods, DS handheld games, MP3 players, etc.  Cell phones are for emergencies only
Participants are to wear shoes at all times, unless swimming

Friday Night Arrival:
6:00 p.m. – No dinner will be provided; please eat before you arrive. Check in at entrance/equipment shed. 
7:00 p.m.  -  Camp Rock movie at dining hall.
Saturday Day Arrival:
8:15 a.m. – please check-in at entrance/equipment shed
8:45 a.m. – opening/flag ceremony
Saturday Day Departure – by 5:30 p.m.
Saturday Night Program Departure – by 10:00 p.m.
Sunday Departure – by 10:00 a.m.
Please remember to back into all parking spaces. 
Here are carts to help with luggage from the parking area, but please try to pack light.

Encampment will feature Camp Rock themed craft, a dance activity, scavenger hunt, swimming, and archery.  There will be a troop talent contest Sat. evening.  Each troop can have 1 entry, either an entire troop activity, a combination of some troop members, or even a single girl.  A campfire and s’mores will follow, conditions allowing.  Encampment staff will include a Certified Lifeguard, Registered Nurse, cook with full kitchen facilities/dining hall, and Camp Security Ranger. 

Dining Hall Menu:
Friday snack: Popcorn with movie
Saturday:
7:30 a.m. Breakfast-Pancakes, bacon, scrambled eggs, OJ, coffee, can fruit, bananas, hot tea.
Noon Lunch–Spaghetti with meatballs, vegetable, French Bread, salad, brownie, lemonade, and tea. 
5:30 p.m. Dinner–Chicken nuggets, corn, fresh vegetables, cookie, tea and lemonade. 
Sunday: Breakfast-Scrambled eggs, bacon, biscuits, OJ, coffee, can fruit.

Troop Schedule & Reminder

Just a reminder...

Our meetings are the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month so our next several months meetings will be at the usual location on
March 21st
April 4th and 18th
May 2nd and 16th

Also please remember that cookie money is all due by the March the 21st.

Happy 99th Birthday!!!

Celebrate Girl Scout Week

Celebrate Girl Scout Week with
Girl Scouts of West Central Florida!
March 6-12, 2011

As Girl Scouts across the country celebrate 99 years of community service, we remain committed to helping make the world a better place. Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character.
The first Girl Scout Meeting was 99 years ago on March 12th 1912. With 18 girls Juliette Low formed the first troop of Girl Guides. Read More:
http://www.girlscouts.org/who_we_are/history/low_biography/

Princess Pinewood Derby 2011

At last nights meeting the troop discussed the upcoming Princess Pinewood Derby and each girl was sent home with information on the race.

The race will be held on Friday April 1st from 5:00pm to7:30pm off of Fletcher (location and more information is listed on the fliers the girls received).

All girls said they wanted to participate so all girls at the meeting were given a pinewood car.
The troop has purchased the cars and will pay the registration fee for all girls who will participate. Because of this we ask that if you do not want to participate or can not attend the Derby please let us know as soon as possible so we can return the car and don't pay for the registration.

The girls may enter their car in either the race category where you will need to build your car for speed or they may enter for design. They can not enter more then one car and their car can not compete in both categories.

The girls made their choice about the category and themes already so no changes can be made.

Most of our girls said they would like to enter for design. Those who do enter for design must have their car relate to one of the following themes: Movies, Animals or Girl Scouts.

For the girls who chose to race their cars there are several rules and guidelines that must be followed that will be listed below.

There will be prizes for each age level and also, three design theme prizes. Every participant will receive a special commemorative patch. 

If you do plan to participate you must notify Ms Andrea or myself and leave a comment on this blog.

Service Unit Yahoo Group

Our Girl Scout Troop is part of the Rainbow Service Unit
Now you have a chance to connect with the Rainbow Service Unit on Yahoo Groups.

 sure to check out all the simple (and free) ways to
communicate, share, and discover:
You choose when and how to stay in touch
Swap photos, files, polls, calendars, links, and more with members
Quickly scan new postings and browse detailed message archives
 Plus enjoy many more ways to show and tell - 24/7

So get started. Visit RainbowSU now.
 http://us.rd.yahoo.com/evt=42879/*http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RainbowSU
>

Vote for your Encampment Shirts!!!

Each year at encampment all girls in our service unit have a chance to vote on a theme. This year the girls choose "Camp Rock".

Once our theme was decided all the girls were given a chance to design a T-Shirt that will be the official "2011 Rainbow Service Unit Encampment" shirt.

Now that the top 5 designs were chosen our girls get to select their favorite. All girls are encouraged to go to this link: http://rainbow.yaacotu.com/wprain/ and select their favorite design.

Their votes will help select the winner! The 5 designs are below. Voting end in one week!

Troop Trip to Natures Classroom

On Saturday April 10th our girls will have a chance to take a trip to Nature's Classroom for their open house to celebrate Earth Day!

Nature's Classroom is a 365-acre environmental studies program and learning laboratory set in the real Florida environment. Since 1969 more than 328,000 sixth grade students from Hillsborough County Public Schools have experienced Nature's Classroom and now our girls will get to go and learn and explore firsthand!

We plan to meet at Ms Andrea's house at 9:00am and will drive there. More information will be posted as it is received. If you have any questions or would like to confirm or decline your  attendance for this you may contact Andrea or myself and of course post a comment here on the blog.

Camp Wai Lani 2011 Day Camps

Our girls have the opportunity to go to Girl Scout Camp at Camp Wai Lani this summer. Below are all the details. This is not a troop event so no girl is required to go but the girls who have attended these camps in the past have come back raving about them. If you are interested in attending Ms Andrea or I can forward you the email with the registration info. If you have any questions let us know.