Girl Scout Council of Greater Long Beach

Welcome to the First Edition of the Alumnae eNewsletter!

We are pleased to introduce the first edition of our eNewsletter! This newly created communication tool is an opportunity for us to provide you with relevant news and information in a timely fashion and stay connected with our Alumnae.

Letter from the C.E.O.

It has been my sincere pleasure to serve as your C.E.O. of the Girl Scout Council of Greater Long Beach. I have recently accepted the position of C.O.O. with the Girl Scouts of San Diego -Imperial Council commencing on October 9th. When I sit back and reflect on my tenure here at Greater Long Beach, I do so with much pride. The growth, accomplishments, and partnerships we have created these past three years with volunteers, troop leaders, parents, and girls throughout the seventeen communities we serve has been nothing short of outstanding. I am proud to have been part of the impact this council has made on so many girls, adults, and the community. It is because of these accomplishments and the demonstrated strength and leadership of our staff, board, and volunteers that I felt I could accept this new opportunity. I know I am leaving this council in good hands. It is with a heavy heart and sincere gratitude that I say good bye. Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to serve as your C.E.O.
-Debbie

Come say good-bye to Debbie at an open house here at the Council Offices on Friday, September 29 from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

How Can I Get Reaquainted with Girl Scouts?

Remember the people and places that helped you become the person you are today? For many of us our experience in Girl Scouts has helped to shape who we are today. The values, life skills, confidence, and leadership opportunities are just some of the ways Girl Scouts has left a positive impact on our Alumnae. Girls today are looking for caring responsible adults to serve as their role models, teachers, and advisors. Can you give an hour or two to help a girl reach her full potential, gain the courage, confidence, and character to leave the world a better place? Not much time to share? No problem. We’ll match your skills with the girls’ needs. Can’t commit to a regular schedule? You can participate once a month, on weekends, evenings, during a particular time of year – it’s your call. Here are just some of the many opportunities:

Volunteer With Girls 5-11
Give a day... Volunteer for one of the council sponsored events. Lead a workshop with our staff and/or trained volunteers about your special interests or skills. Help with a store sale during cookie time.

Give a week... Volunteer during our Summer Camp programs.

Give six-weeks... Volunteer to assist with our six-week “Discover Girl Scouts” program.

Give a year... Work with a specific group or troop. Serve as a co-leader or advisor.

Volunteer With Girls 11-17
Give a day... Lead a workshop and share your special skills with teens - anything from financial management to surfing is possible! Help out at a special event! Talk to teens about issues that matter to them (and you!) such as careers, stress, college, and more!

Give a week... Help teach teens to work with younger girls at day camp or a spring break event! Help a group plan and carry out a special event! Let a teen come to work with you during her spring break!

Give a year... Work with a group or a troop through a school year! Lead monthly workshops to help teens become experts in your field! Act as an advisor to a special interest group (rock climbing, surfing, backpacking, etc)!

Volunteer with the Council
- Serve on a board or operations committee
- Assist with Public Relations, Communications, and/or Marketing
- Volunteer to help staff the Cookie Cupboard during our annual Cookie Program
- Assist with event planning & Fund Raising
- Work with adults by becoming a trainer

Troop Leadership
Girl Scout Troop Leader is one of the most important roles you can play. You may offer to become the main leader of a troop, or you may split leadership responsibilities with two or three responsible caring adults. Another option is a co-op troop, where every parent is a leader. Men may also serve as co-leaders. Troops usually meet once a week or once every two weeks. The council provides training, guidance, and a abundance of program opportunities.

Some Thoughts from our Volunteers

Teaching 'Canoe Call', 'Barges', and other songs to this year's camp staff, I remembered when I had learned the very same songs in just the same way. I was that crazy camp counselor once again - sitting around the campfire surrounded by old and new friends, without a care in the world.
- Connie Barton, Proud Girl Scout Alumnae

What I Did On My Summer Vacation
by Kathy McGuire

This summer, I spent two weeks volunteering at the El Ranchito day camp. I worked at "Let's Play Ball!" and "CSI: Cookie Scene Investigation". Now, I can hear all of you adults out there going, "She must be crazy! I send my kids to camp to have some time to myself OR to go to work OR to survive summer!" I understand all of that. I really do. But I go to summer camp with my daughter because she asks me to. Sometimes, we all need to be reminded that our time with our children is precious and truly too short. She is 7 years old and still loves to spend time with me. My older daughter is eleven and already starting to be "too old" to hang out with her mom. Besides, I get lots of stuff out of my time at camp. I learn all the latest Girl Scout songs and skits. At "Let's Play Ball!” I learned to play football, basketball, soccer, croquet, cricket and softball. (Yes, I really said cricket. It's a strange game but the girls had fun.) At "CSI", we learned about fingerprints, DNA, basic investigative techniques and police procedure. I learned some great troop management techniques and got to know the camp staff. The worst part of the experience was the hot weather this summer! The best part was the time spent with my daughter and all my scout pals.

Volunteering at day camp is not for the faint-hearted, especially two full weeks. But if you get the chance to volunteer with your daughter's troop, I highly recommend it. Trust me, the returns will far exceed your expectations.
- Kathy McGuire, Parent, Leader, Trainer, Alumnae