Monday April 30th, 2001
Newsletter written Friday April 27th,  2001

Next Troop (everyone) Meeting is May 7

As discussed at the April 2 meeting we will be helping a Cadette troop with the last two steps they need to bridge to seniors. Luckily they DID NOT attend the Self Defense session so we can help them bridge and we can finish the self-defense IP. The Cadettes will arrive at 7:30 so we will have 30 minutes to get ready.  Because Tracy and Gina do not need to complete the last Self Defense step to earn the IP I am assigning them Step 1 as follows:

·        Tracy – briefly tell about the Gold and how it differs from the Silver & explain the Silver Trefoil (see your Kaleidoscope)

·        Gina – tell about our upcoming trip to Cabana (since you have to be 14 to travel international this is usually just Seniors). I do have a story board from a troop who has already been

For the rest of the girls you can call or email Mrs. Davis by Monday, April 30 with what you would like to demonstrate with Self Defense or that you know for sure you will not be at the meeting. She will send out a message by Tuesday with everyone’s assignments so volunteer for something you want to do before she makes the assignments. Here is what we need to cover:

·        Skills for dealing with strangers

·        Walking home alone

·        Handling emergencies

·        Personal safety issues

  Also please arrive BY 7:00 on the so we can get our act together.

If anyone has their collage and notebook (remember to complete the Challenge) ready they can bring it to this meeting. Remember I need the completed Challenge Form from your notebook as well.

Congratulations to Amy Davis

Amy earned her Silver Trefoil. This is the highest award in GSCNC and requires 100 volunteer hours in 3 areas: girl scouts (50), government (25) and international (25). Her girl scout hours were Program Aide at Ashgrove, international were from sponsoring the Austrian student, and government (federal (F) & state/local (S/L) were from a variety of activities (for example: inaugural parade (F), Wolf Trap Children’s Festival (F), school orchestra festival (S/L), Fairfax Fair (L)). I am giving you an idea of what she did in case you are interested in earning the award and need some ideas. Mrs. Davis will provide opportunities as they arise. If you have any questions about the award look at Kalideoscope. Mrs. Davis will be glad to assist you with figuring out a plan to get the hours. I have put some activities in this newsletter.

Race for the Cure

This is a last chance. Mrs. Davis MUST know by Sunday, April 29.

Each year GSCNC provides service at the Susan G, Komen Race for the cure for breast cancer. GSCNC is looking for volunteers to help as race marshals, registrars, and staffers for water stations along the route on Saturday, June 2 in Washington.

Breast cancer seems to touch many families and this is one way we can help.

Change in Beeper Number

Mrs. Davis had to get a new beeper. The new number is 703 701-2778.

QSP

Mrs. Sullivan has the packets if you want to participate. This is the magazine drive that supports Girl Scout facilities (mainly camps). The deadline for returning the packets is the May 7 meeting.

Cabana

The next meeting for the Cabana group is May 21. Right now we will be working on the skit (Amy), the songs (Stephanie) and some helpful phrases (Gina and Alex). For the phrases I would like to have them written down for each girl to have. Hopefully everyone is working on the list of items (checklist) that was mailed to you over a month ago.

Song Writing Contest

Below is a link to the "Girls Singing Strong," A Song-Writing Contest, sponsored by GSUSA!    Please pass this information along to your Service Unit Managers and Troop Leaders.  The deadline for the contest is June 1, 2001
http://www.gsusa.org/Announcements/song_contest.html

Fairfax Fair

The Girl Scouts will again have a booth at the Fair, which is June 8 – 10. Everyone is welcome to take a four hour shift and do activities. The purpose of the activities is to attract girls and talk to them about being a girl scout. For those of you: 1) who still need to complete Step 5 of the Challenge, 2) who want 4 hours of local government hours for the Silver Trefoil or 3) just want to do the fair, let Mrs. Davis know (do this by email and not verbally) that you are interested as soon as possible and what days/times are best for you.

Congressional Aide

If you would like to do this program over the summer the applications are due NOW. Apparently there are still a lot of openings. Look at Kaleidoscope page 3 for details. YOU must be 15 years old by June 1 to even apply. Look it over anyway to see if you might want to think about it next year, just before you take Government in school. If you have any questions call Diane Pethtel at GSCNC 202237-1670 x216.

Civil War Days in Fairfax City

Earn service hours by helping the Fairfax Museum staff and Fairfax Quilters Unlimited with historical games and children’s activities for a two hour shift at the Blenheim Estate in Fairfax on Saturday May 5 from 10:30 am – 4:30 pm and/or Sunday May 6 11 am – 2:30 pm. If (and you would have to ask the coordinator) this is sponsored by Fairfax City it can count for local government hours for Silver Trefoil. If interested contact Susan Gray at 703 385-8415 pr sgray@ci.fairfax.va.us (this address sure looks like the city is sponsoring the event).

Reston Multi Cultural Fair

Another opportunity for International hours comes from Reston. A few of the girls did it last year. It will be held in September again. The girls earned 4 hours playing games with younger children. If you are interested let Mrs. Davis know and she will get you the details over the summer.

Cosmic Bowling

Mark your calendars early for Halloween Cosmic bowling at Chantilly Bowl America on Saturday, October 27 from 10 pm – 1 AM. Nothing like planning early.

End of the Year Troop Activity

Still working on this and will let everyone know the details once they are finalized. It will be planned for before school ends since we know of one family who is leaving right after that. That means we may have to do Splash Down as a fun activity but not the official end of the year where we want everyone to attend.

Troop Calendar

5/7                  Troop Meeting 
5/21                Cabana Meeting
6/4                  Cabana Meeting (final one before trip)
??                   End of year function
7/13 - 25        Our Cabana
10/27             Cosmic Bowling, Chantilly Bowl America