Last Chance: Girl Recognition - Buck Harris Award Nomination

This award was established upon the retirement of Buck Harris, a former executive director of the Virginia Tidewater Girl Scout Council. Buck dedicated her life to providing the finest in camping and outdoor education programs.

The award is presented at the Annual Council Meeting each year and consists of a framed certificate and a certificate towards attending a GSCCC sponsored summer camp. To qualify for the award, a girl must be nominated by the girls in her troop, group or service unit or by an adult who is aware of her qualifications.
As girls decide on their nominee, help them understand this is more than a popularity contest.

Nominators should see the Girl Scout nominee as a person who has an awareness of herself as a unique person of worth; relates to others with sensitivity and respect for their needs, feelings, and contributions; has developed values that give meaning and direction to her life; and uses her skills and talents to serve the community in some way.

The nomination form and detailed information on requirements can be found here.

Mail nomination form, postmarked by November 30, 2015 to:
Buck Harris Award,
Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast
912 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, VA 23322

Shop Promotions for December

"GO!" Activity Fun Patches

• Hiking
• Lock-in
• Wreath laying

New Items

• GSCCC hoodie: $30 (all sizes)
• GSCCC pajama pants: $25 (all sizes)

December 8–10 Happy Holiday Blowout Sale
Receive a discount of 20 percent off all merchandise*.

December 2, 16, 23 "Stuff-a-Stocking" Wednesdays
Receive a discount of 15 percent off all merchandise you can stuff into a stocking provided by the shop.*

*While supplies last. In-stock merchandise only.

Delegate and Alternate Delegate Training

Training is required for all service unit Delegates and Alternate Delegates to prepare for their role as voting members of the Girl Scout Council of the Colonial Coast. The training will include an explanation of the delegate job description, information on topics that will be voted on at Annual Council Meeting, an overview of Robert's Rules of Order, and a State of the Council report.

Delegate and Alternate Delegate Training
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
A Place for Girls, Chesapeake

OR

Wednesday, December 9, 2015
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Peninsula Service Center, Newport News

OR

Thursday, December 10, 2015
7 – 8 p.m.
Webinar

Register today through eBiz.

For questions, contact Cheryl McGrenra at cherylm@gsccc.org or 757-410-0595.

Recognize Outstanding Volunteers – Award Nomination Deadline Approaching

All volunteers do wonderful things, and many go above and beyond the expectations of their position. Take time to recognize these outstanding individuals by nominating them for a GSUSA national award.

The deadline for nominations for the Thanks Badge (I and II), Honor Pin and Appreciation Pin is December 1, 2015 for volunteer service in the 2014-2015 membership year. These awards will be presented at the Annual Award Luncheon following the Annual Council Meeting on Saturday, February 6 at the Chesapeake Convention Center.

Information about the awards and nomination forms can be found here.

For questions, contact the Volunteer Services Department at volunteer@gsccc.org.

Be Prepared for the 2016 Girl Scout Cookie Program

As we near the beginning of the 2016 Girl Scout Cookie Program we are sending an appeal to parents/guardians and leaders to take some time to review the following key fields needed to sell nuts/candy and cookies online.  Please login to eBiz and make sure these fields are populated with the up to date information for your family and/or troop:

• Girl name
• Girl date of birth
• Girl grade (for this coming school year)
• Parent/Guardian Name
• Parent/Guardian Email

Please note that a valid email address is required for a girl to participate in the online program called Digital Cookie.

GSCCC Offices and Retail Shops Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

All GSCCC offices and retail shops will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday from Wednesday, November 25 through Friday, November 27. All GSCCC offices and the Newport News retail shop will reopen on Monday, November 30.

The Chesapeake retail shop will be open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, November 28.

Volunteer Learning Event in Chesapeake

Saturday, December 5, 2015
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
A Place for Girls
912 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, VA 23322

Everyone is invited to attend the adult learning event in Chesapeake. Attend Girl Scout Program Basics free of charge or attend one of the enrichment classes free of charge. Bring a bagged lunch and have the opportunity to network with other volunteers.

See the flier on our website for more information and register today.

For questions, contact Cheryl McGrenra at cherylm@gsccc.org or 757-410-0595.

Girl Recognition - Buck Harris Award Nomination

This award was established upon the retirement of Buck Harris, a former executive director of the Virginia Tidewater Girl Scout Council. Buck dedicated her life to providing the finest in camping and outdoor education programs.

The award is presented at the Annual Council Meeting each year and consists of a framed certificate and a certificate towards attending a GSCCC sponsored summer camp. To qualify for the award, a girl must be nominated by the girls in her troop, group or service unit or by an adult who is aware of her qualifications.

In a Heartbeat: Military Women WWII to Present Photo Exhibit

Tidewater Community College
Virginia Beach Campus Joint Use Library
700 College Crescent, Virginia Beach
Through January 2016
View hours of operation

The Tidewater Community College (TCC) Educational Foundation in coordination with the Women's Center invites you to "In a Heartbeat: Military Women WWII to Present," a Therese Hughes photo exhibit dedicated to female veterans celebrating leadership, community and philanthropy. Hughes is using her camera to tell the story of women in the military with 98 black and white photos of 113 veterans as a tribute to their honor, sacrifice, commitment and dedication.

Fall Product Sale Notification

Ashdon Farms, one of two companies licensed by Girl Scouts of the USA to produce Girl Scout-branded nuts and chocolates, has informed us that the Honey Mustard Pretzel Mix sold on or before November 15, 2015 is being recalled. While whey is listed in the ingredients statement, milk is not declared in the contains statement on the product label.  Those who are allergic to milk should not consume this product. Distribution of the product should be discontinued at this time until new product arrives for replacement.

Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast has alerted area Girl Scout troops involved in the fall product sale of this issue and asked that the distribution of the product be discontinued. There have been no reports of illness or injury associated with this product.

Ashdon Farms is currently correcting the label at the distribution level so that all product distributed to consumers on or after Nov 16, 2015 will correctly declare the milk allergen. Affected packages can be identified by the contains statement found immediately below the ingredient listing. The contains statement on incorrect labels reads “Contains: Cashews, Almonds, Soy, Wheat.” Packages with the correct label read “Contains: Cashews, Almonds, Soy, Wheat, Milk.”

Troop leaders and product sale volunteers may accept unopened Honey Mustard Pretzel Mix products from customers and replace them with new ones. We anticipate new products arriving to the cupboards on Friday; however, we recommend calling and checking prior to picking up new product inventory.

Milk allergic consumers who have purchased the product may contact Ashdon Farms at 800-274-3666 for substitution with a non-milk containing product. For volunteers and parents involved in the GSCCC Fall Product Program, please provide this information to those customers who purchased Honey Mustard Pretzel Mix on or before November 15. If you have questions, email fallproducts@gsccc.org.

Product Sales News

It’s not too late to join in the fun of the 2015-16 Fall Product Program. Contact the GSCCC Product Sales team at fallproducts@gsccc.org to learn more on how to join the fun or how to buy yummy treats or purchase magazines.

As we near the beginning of the 2016 Girl Scout Cookie Program we are sending an appeal to parents/guardians and leaders to take some time to review the following key fields needed to sell nuts/candy and cookies online. Login to eBiz and make sure these fields are populated with up-to-date information for your family and/or troop:

Outdoor I and II: Combined Course

Outdoor I: 
This course will prepare volunteers to introduce girls to outside adventures. Emphasis is on knowledge of outdoor skills: meal planning and preparation (involving actual cooking/clean-up), use of kaper charts, propane stoves, knot tying, knife safety and protection of the natural world. Allows adult volunteers to take girls camping in a cabin or other walled structure.

Outdoor II: 
This overnight session is designed to prepare volunteers with the skills and knowledge to accompany the girls on a camping trip. Emphasis is on site set-up (tent and kitchen fly set-up and dishwashing), group cooking safety and program resources. Camp fire program, ecology and night activities will also be introduced.

Girl Scouts Invited to Share Input at Fort Monroe

Fort Monroe National Monument is looking for input from the public. As Fort Monroe anticipates the transfer of the northern portion of the North Beach district from the Department of the Army to the National Park Service, they are hosting two public listening sessions for input about past, current and potential future visitor uses in the North Beach area of the park. This includes input from our Girl Scouts—the future civic leaders.

Monday, November 16
1 p.m. or 7 p.m.
Fort Monroe Community Center
100 Stillwell Drive, Hampton

Annual Meeting Silent Auction

Girls who are traveling on approved Girl Scout travel opportunities are eligible to participate in the Annual Council Meeting silent auction. Review the Annual Council Meeting silent auction guidelines for participation requirements.  Applications are due to your community travel pathway consultant by December 6, 2015. 

Annual Meeting Silent Auction Guidelines Participation Requirements:
Any girl participating in an approved extended travel opportunity can participate in the silent auction fundraiser.

GSCCC Offices and Retail Shops Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

All GSCCC offices and retail shops will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday from Wednesday, November 25 through Friday, November 27. All GSCCC offices and the Newport News retail shop will reopen on Monday, November 30.

The Chesapeake retail shop will be open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, November 28.

Girl Recognition - Buck Harris Award Nomination

This award was established upon the retirement of Buck Harris, a former executive director of the Virginia Tidewater Girl Scout Council. Buck dedicated her life to providing the finest in camping and outdoor education programs.

The award is presented at the Annual Council Meeting each year and consists of a framed certificate and a certificate towards attending a GSCCC sponsored summer camp. To qualify for the award, a girl must be nominated by the girls in her troop, group or service unit or by an adult who is aware of her qualifications. As girls decide on their nominee, help them understand this is more than a popularity contest.

Nominators should see the Girl Scout nominee as a person who has an awareness of herself as a unique person of worth; relates to others with sensitivity and respect for their needs, feelings, and contributions; has developed values that give meaning and direction to her life; and uses her skills and talents to serve the community in some way.

The nomination form and detailed information on requirements can be found here.

Mail nomination form by November 30, 2015 to:
Buck Harris Award,
Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast
912 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, VA 23322

Girl Scout Discount Program with Office Depot/OfficeMax

We are pleased to announce a new discount program available with Office Depot/OfficeMax. This partnership provides Girl Scout members with deeply discounted prices on printing services and supplies. Discounts apply at all Office Depot/OfficeMaxlocations...and you can even register for online savings by visiting the website www.officedepot.help/girlscouts.

Online orders over $50 ship for free. It is easy to begin saving. Simply click here and print your discount card (the store will laminate for free). Lose your card?, no worries, just print a new one. Please share this information with all your volunteers. If you have any questions, please contact hr@gsccc.org.

Fall 2016 Be a Reader Activity Poster

Here's an exciting opportunity for Girl Scouts to be selected and featured on the Fall 2016 Be a Reader Activity Poster. In their own words, girls need to describe how being a Girl Scout inspires them to be brilliant and shine on as they participate in the Fall Product Sale. It's so easy, its silly…

For a chance to be featured on the Fall 2016 Activity Poster click here. Girls will need to answer the question on the form and submit it by November 25, 2015 to be considered. 

Final decisions will be made by mid-December.  Girls selected will be asked to provide a high-resolution JPG head shot, preferably with her Girl Scout uniform. Here is an image of the Fall 2015 poster as an example of how girls would be featured on the Fall 2016 poster.

Igniting the Future of Entrepreneurship in Hampton Roads

Spark Tank: Launch Day
November 19, 2015
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Advanced Technology Center
1800 College Crescent
Virginia Beach, VA 

More than 20 student companies from nine Virginia Beach high schools compete for real startup funding from real investors. This is the marquee event in authentic entrepreneurial experiences for youth, featuring an exciting lineup of activities:

Keynote Address
A surprise VIP from the Hampton Roads business community will speak about how entrepreneurship launches futures.

Color Me Mine Ornament Paint Party!

Girl Scouts and leaders are invited to join Color Me Mine for an Ornament Paint Party. Come to one event or come to them all!

Color Me Mine
Norfolk or Virginia Beach locations
December 6, 13, or 20
6–8 p.m.
$5 per ornament

Paint ornaments for gifts or swaps. Can't make it to an event? We can pack it up to go. Call to register:

Color Me Mine Norfolk
1300 Colley Ave.
757-625-1666
www.norfolk.colormemine.com

Or

Color Me Mine Virginia Beach
737 First Colonial Road (in The Marketplace at Hilltop)
757-422-2166
www.vb.colormemine.com

Note: We will be using acrylic paints that may stain clothing or skin.

Norfolk Farm Market Holiday Field Trip

1620 E. Little Creek Road
December 1–20, 2015
Hourly, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Field trip experience includes:

• “Needles and Cones” tree program, holiday story ages 3–6.
• Ornament creation ages 7 and up
• Decorating a tree for wildlife
• A sleigh ride

Each paid participant will take home their own holiday decoration.
New for 2015: if you can’t come to us, we can come to you.
Call: 757-440-4404 for reservations.

Remote Operated Vessel Team Training

Nauticus
Norfolk, VA
January 30, 2016
9 a.m.–1 p.m.

Nauticus is interested in starting a remote operated vessel (ROV) team within Girl Scouts. At this time, they are looking for 2-3 volunteers willing to commit to work with the girls. Adults should have an engineering background, ability to use tools, and building knowledge. This training will give more details and some hands on experience.

This commitment will start in January and end on April 30, 2016, when the competition is held at ODU Recreation and Wellness Center.

Student Night at the Opera 2015-2016

Harrison Opera House
160 E Virginia Beach Blvd.
Norfolk, VA

Romeo and Juliet    
February 3, 2016
7 p.m.

The Flying Dutchman     
April 6, 2016   
7 p.m.

Student tickets are $10 and adult tickets are $25. Contact Robert Cinnante at 757-213-4550 for more information and to obtain a reservation form.

The Pillowcase Project: Learn. Practice. Share.

Origin
The Pillowcase Project was created by the American Red Cross following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The Pillowcase Project became a preparedness education program for elementary school students, and in just a few years was adapted and implemented by several other Red Cross chapters with substantial success.

Program Structure
The Pillowcase Project is:

• A 40-60 minute, classroom-based presentation targeted to ages 8-11, or grades 3-5
• Presented in schools, after-school programs, summer camps and at other youth-serving sites

Delegate Chair and Delegate/Alternate Delegate Training

Training is required for all service unit Delegate Chairs and Delegates/Alternate Delegates to prepare for their role as voting members of the Girl Scout Council of the Colonial Coast. The training will include an explanation of the delegate job description, information on topics that will be voted on at Annual Council Meeting, an overview of Robert's Rules of Order, and a State of the Council report.

Delegate Chair Training:
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
A Place for Girls, Chesapeake

Delegate and Delegate Alternate Training:
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
A Place for Girls, Chesapeake

Barnes & Noble at TCC Holiday Gift Wrap Program

Girl Scout troops and groups are invited to take part in a holiday gift wrapping station at Barnes & Noble in MacArthur Mall in Norfolk. The program starts on November 27 and runs every weekend (Friday/Saturday/Sunday) through December 20, and on the weekdays of December 21 through 24. Shifts are available in 3-4 hour blocks of time. The staff at Barnes & Noble will provide all supplies, including gift wrap, tape, ribbons, scissors and a donation box.

For more information, contact Lindsey Rowe, Operations Manager at TCC Barnes & Noble, at lrowe@bncollege.com or 757-625-3459, Ext. 112.

Girls' Choice Badges Are Back: Voting Is Open Through November 15

Girls’ Choice badges are back, and we’re SO excited. This year, girls get to vote for one of three awesome badge categories, and they’ll also get to select a badge topic of their choice.

From now through November 15, girls can vote for their favorite category. What will it be? Outdoors, STEM, or Financial Literacy? Stay tuned for info and dates around the design poll where girls will have a chance to vote on the design of this new badge. For now, we encourage you to empower every Girl Scout you know to vote, vote, vote!

We need every adult to help girls make sure their voices are heard, and encourage them to take advantage of the opportunity to create their very own Girl Scout experience. The time to vote is now.

Recognize Outstanding Volunteers

All volunteers do wonderful things, and many go above and beyond the expectations of their position. Take time to recognize these outstanding individuals by nominating them for a GSUSA national award.

The deadline for nominations for the Thanks Badge (I and II), Honor Pin and Appreciation Pin is December 1, 2015 for volunteer service in the 2014-2015 membership year. These awards will be presented at the Annual Award Luncheon following the Annual Council Meeting on Saturday, February 6 at the Chesapeake Convention Center.

Information about the awards and nomination forms can be found here.

For questions, contact the Volunteer Services Department at volunteer@gsccc.org.

GSCCC Offices and Retail Shops Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

All GSCCC offices and retail shops will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday from Wednesday, November 25 through Friday, November 27. All GSCCC offices and the Newport News retail shop will reopen on Monday, November 30.

The Chesapeake retail shop will be open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, November 28.

Girl Recognition - Buck Harris Award Nomination

This award was established upon the retirement of Buck Harris, a former executive director of the Virginia Tidewater Girl Scout Council. Buck dedicated her life to providing the finest in camping and outdoor education programs.

The award is presented at the Annual Council Meeting each year and consists of a framed certificate and a certificate towards attending a GSCCC sponsored summer camp. To qualify for the award, a girl must be nominated by the girls in her troop, group or service unit or by an adult who is aware of her qualifications. As girls decide on their nominee, help them understand this is more than a popularity contest.

Nominators should see the Girl Scout nominee as a person who has an awareness of herself as a unique person of worth; relates to others with sensitivity and respect for their needs, feelings, and contributions; has developed values that give meaning and direction to her life; and uses her skills and talents to serve the community in some way.

The nomination form and detailed information on requirements can be found here.

Mail nomination form by November 30, 2015 to:
Buck Harris Award,
Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast
912 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, VA 23322

Shop Promotions for November

“GO!” Activity Fun Patches

• Biking
• Climbing
• High Ropes
• Hiking
• Low Ropes

New Arrivals

• Bear-shaped earrings: $10
• Daisy dolls (Ava, Kiara, Lily, Mia): $19.95
• Fleece vest (Charcoal/Raspberry): $24.95
• Fortune cookie bracelet: $12
• Girl Scout Law coin holder: $12
• Girl Scout Law coins: $10
• Knit gloves: $13
• Metal tree ornament: $25
• Oblong Girl Scout Promise scarf: $45
• Pom pom knit hats: $18
• Snowmen embroidered ornaments: $5.25
• Tech touch knit gloves: $13
• Traditional logo tote bag: $17
• Trefoil filigree goldtone earrings: $10
• Trefoil filigree goldtone necklace: $12
• ¼ zip pullover sweatshirt (Navy/Teal): $26.95

GSCCC Offices and Retail Shops Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

All GSCCC offices and retail shops will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday from Wednesday, November 25 through Friday, November 27. All GSCCC offices and the Newport News retail shop will reopen on Monday, November 30.

The Chesapeake retail shop will be open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, November 28.

Help GSCCC While You Shop

What if you could make a positive impact in the lives of girls simply with the click of a button or even while you shop for the holidays? Well it's just that easy.

Want to put your shopping towards a good cause?
The AmazonSmile Foundation will donate a percentage of the purchase price from your eligible AmazonSmile purchases to the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast. Be a part of the movement: get your shop on and spread the word!

New Volunteer Open House - Sunday, November 15

Sunday, November 15, 2015
Open House: 1–3 p.m.
Classes: 3–6 p.m.
A Place for Girls
Chesapeake, VA

Don't miss this great opportunity to:

• Tour A Place for Girls, The Lodge and The Outback
• Learn about camp and Council programs
• Make S.W.A.P.S. (Something Wonderfully Affectionate Pinned Somewhere)
• Meet staff, network with other volunteers and visit the Girl Scout Shop

Choose One of the Available Classes:

• Girl Scout Program Basics: 3–6 p.m. 
• PB&J (Proficiency Badges and Journeys): 3–6 p.m.

Outdoor I: Cabin Camping

This course will prepare volunteers to introduce girls to outside adventures. Emphasis is on knowledge of outdoor skills: meal planning and preparation (involving actual cooking/clean-up), use of kaper charts, propane stoves, knot tying, knife safety and protection of the natural world. Course allows adult volunteers to take girls camping in a cabin or other walled structure.

Outdoor I: Cabin Camping
Friday, November 13, 2015
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Camp Apasus
Norfolk, VA

Register today through eBiz.

For questions, contact Cheryl McGrenra at cherylm@gsccc.org or 757-410-0595.

Volunteer Learning Event in Chesapeake

Saturday, December 5, 2015
9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
A Place for Girls
912 Cedar Road
Chesapeake, VA 23322

Everyone is invited to attend the adult learning event in Chesapeake. Attend Girl Scout Program Basics free of charge or attend one of the enrichment classes free of charge. Bring a bagged lunch and have the opportunity to network with other volunteers.

See the flier on our website for more information and register today.

For questions, contact Cheryl McGrenra at cherylm@gsccc.org or 757-410-0595.

The Norfolk Tree Commission

Due to the recent weather cancellation of the Norfolk Arbor Day Celebration, October 3, 2015, The Norfolk Tree Commission invites troops for a fun filled morning at Lafayette Park on November 7, 2015. Led by the City of Norfolk City Forester, Michael Nentwich, and World famous Arborist, Marcus E. Jones, we are planning a Tree Trail Trek throughout the park, where the Girl Scouts will have the opportunity to show off what they have learned to earn 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize hand-made tree medals.

Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Park and Visitor Center

Foundation docents provide free VIP Tours of the historic Battlefield Park. Docent tours focus on explaining the history and crucial details surrounding the Battle of Great Bridge and the history of the waterways of the region. Tours are free and can be for any size group.

For additional information visit gbbattlefield.org or contact cindy@gbbattlefield.org.

Enroll in the Jo-Ann Non-Profit Discount Program and save 10 percent on every purchase!

Girl Scout volunteers qualify for Jo-Ann Non-Profit membership status. As a Jo-Ann Non-Profit member, you'll save 10 percent on every total purchase, including regular- and sale-priced items at any Jo-Ann store.

To enroll, visit http://www.joann.com/non-profit-program.html.

Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales Sunday, December 6

Disney Live! Three Classic Fairy Tales
December 6, 2015
4 p.m.
Ted Constant Center
Norfolk, VA

Join Mickey Mouse and friends for an amazing fantasy adventure with Snow White, Cinderella, and Belle when Disney Live! Presents Three Classic Fairy Tales presented by Stonyfield YoKids. Organic Yogurt.

Get your group tickets today by calling 757-683-7087.  Tickets are also available online at ynottix.com. Use special Girl Scout code: SGSCOUT.

Register Today for the 2016 Annual Council Meeting and/or Awards Luncheon

2016 Annual Council Meeting and/or Awards Luncheon
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Chesapeake Conference Center
700 Conference Center Drive
Chesapeake, VA 23320

Registration and Networking: 9 – 9:45 a.m.

Business Meeting and Program (free):
10 a.m. – noon

Awards Luncheon ($18 per person):
12:30 – 2:30 p.m.

For more information about the Annual Council Meeting and Awards Luncheon or to register, click here. Please select Annual Meeting, Awards Luncheon, or Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon.

For questions, contact the Volunteer Services Department at volunteer@gsccc.org.

Free Being Me – Free Patch Program!

Through a partnership with Dove and the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), Girl Scouts of the USA has launched Free Being Me, a global leadership program developed to give girls ages 7–14 a safe space to strengthen their self-confidence.

Free Being Me will help girls understand from a global perspective that a greater diversity of beauty exists and give them opportunities to take action to promote this diversity locally and globally.