PROGRAM AND CAMP
The Girl Scout Program
Everything that happens during a girl’s experience as a Girl Scout is referred to as the Girl Scout program. It is a single program with many activities based on age level progression and on girl/adult partnership in planning and decision-making. The goal of the Girl Scout program is to give girls a safe and nurturing environment in which to grow strong so they can assume the role of active citizens in their own communities and in an increasingly global society. How do girls grow strong? By developing to their full potential, relating to others, gaining values, and learning to contribute to the improvement of society.
Beyond the Troop Meeting
Opportunities abound in Girl Scouting…whether exploring the neighborhood, staying overnight in a museum, participating in a community service project, going to camp as a group, preparing for a STUDIO 2B destination or traveling to a world center. A wider opportunity is defined as “a chance to go beyond the regular Troop or group meeting.” Girl Scouts provides a wide variety of unique and innovative opportunities for girls to distinguish themselves and to define their short- and long-term goals. The projects range from day-long science fairs and violence prevention programs to career exploration workshops and community service projects. Each one of these experiences prepares girls to become productive citizens in the 21st century. Troops and individual girls are encouraged to participate in many programs and events throughout the year including overnight camp, Council-sponsored events, and the Girl Scout cookie program. Through these opportunities girls learn a tangible set of skills as they broaden their horizons by meeting new people and overcoming challenges.
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Help Make It Happen – Be a Program Volunteer
Volunteer positions are available on many program committees. Adults interested in helping to plan an event, training girls Cadettes, Seniors or Ambassadors in leadership skills, or mentoring a girl working on her Gold Award should call Council Headquarters for details.
Council Sponsored-Events
Need a quick and easy field trip? Is your troop eager to earn a Try-It, Badge or IPP and you are not sure where to begin? Or would you just like to have tons of FUN! Get started and check out the more than 125 Council-sponsored program events in this year’s The Planner .
Many of these high-quality programs are planned in collaboration with well-known organizations and businesses. Others are planned by volunteer committees made up of girls and adults from all over Huron Valley. All offer affordable fun and learning for troops or families.
Pre-registration is required for all Council-sponsored events. Please see The Planner for details.
GSHVC welcomes participants from any Girl Scout Council at its events. If you would like to receive a copy of the 2007-2008 Out-of-Council Program Packet please call 1-800-49-SCOUT.
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2008 - 2009 Council Sponsored Events (Date Order)
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Community Events / Resources
The programs and events featured below are offered for Girl Scouts by other organizations and businesses. They have been suggested by other Girl Scout Troops as good resources for Troop Leaders. All questions and registrations should be addressed to the sponsoring organization. All of the following information is subject to change at the discretion of the host organization. This section of the website is included as a reference guide only. Troop Leaders should take into account the interests, values, financial means and safety of girls in their Troop before registering for any program.
Flyers detailing programs and activities of interest to Girl Scouts are posted below in alphabetical order.
Events and activities that occur on specific dates are also listed in date order.
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Mackinac Island Honor Scouts
Mackinac Island Honor Scouts is a program where Girl Scouts have the opportunity to serve as the Governor’s Honor Guard on Mackinac Island. Honor Scouts dedicate themselves for seven to ten days (usually in late August) to serve the State of Michigan. Participants take on tasks such as flag duty, guide duty, service projects and kitchen duty. While on the Island, there is always time for fun including swimming, trips around the island and bike rides. Girls are responsible to march to flag duty, the ceremonial raising and lowering of the flag, evening cannon salute and the playing of taps. These are Mackinac traditions that hold a sense of history, pride, and accomplishment for the Honor Scouts. An application, references and interview are required. Girls in the 6th through 12th grade are eligible to apply. If accepted into the program, girls must commit to several training sessions between January and May including three full days and two weekend trainings. The deadline for applications is November 1, 2007.
Mackinac Island Honor Scout Girl Application
Mackinac Island Honor Scout Adult Application
Mackinac Island Leadership Applicaton
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STUDIO 2B destinations
Girls experience adventure, camaraderie and excitement as they travel the country and the world through STUDIO 2B destinations (formerly known as Wider Opportunities). These national and international Girl Scout sponsored travel adventures give them a chance to explore, learn new things, meet other girls from all over the country, and above all - HAVE FUN! Full event information, applications, and tips on applying are at www.studio2b.org. Follow the link that says ESCAPE. Completed applications must be mailed to Council Headquarters. The deadline to apply for the first round of selections is November 14, 2008. Some events do permit late applications; however always call Council Headquarters to check on availability when considering a STUDIO 2B destination after the November 14 deadline. Funds are available to help girls participate in the adventure of their choice. Financial assistance is based on need and family circumstances. An application is sent directly to each girl if she is selected as a participant.
Visit GSUSA STUDIO 2B destination http://www.studio2b.org/escape/destinations/
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Great Escapes
Great Escapes is a Girl Scouts of the Huron Valley Council program initiative which provides trip and travel opportunities for Girl Scouts 11–17. Great Escapes offer the opportunity for participants to connect with other girls beyond their troop.
Traveling provides the opportunity to experience new things, make friends and visit amazing places. Whether it’s by bus,van or train you’ll have lots of time to talk, listen to music and bond with friends. All Great Escapes trips are planned by girls for girls with guidance from experienced volunteers. The trip organizers follow all GSUSA Safety-Wise guidelines and the state and local regulations that regulate particular activities. Past trips include an Underground Railroad experience at Connor Prairie in Indiana, whitewater rafting in Pennsylvania, backpacking on Isle Royale, hanging out in Frankenmuth and shopping at Mall of America. Great Escapes trips will be advertised here as details become available.
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STUDIO 2B
STUDIO 2B is a program option for Girl Scouts who are 11–17 years old. Girls are registered members, accept the Girl Scout Promise and Law and follow the standards in Safety-Wise. STUDIO 2B was developed by GSUSA with input from thousands of girls. The girls described the kind of program they would like to belong to and the types of activities they would like to do with other girls and adult volunteers. Listed below are the key messages from the New Directions for Girls research project conducted by GSUSA:
• Become, Belong, Believe, Build—Different Ages, Different Interests
• Options, Options and more Options
• Connecting with more adults each of whom is an “expert” in a different area
• By Girls for Girls
• Comfortable and Safe Space
• Having Fun
Much of this research describes how Girl Scouts of the Huron Valley Council’s current program for girls 11–17 operates. Both in the Troop setting and on the Council level, girls 11–17 have a variety of options to choose from that are organized by “experts,” planned by girls, and are fun. For years, Girl Scouts of the Huron Valley Council volunteers have offered girls 11–17 a safe place to participate in many different activities, gain new experiences, take healthy risks, or just be girls. That is STUDIO 2B. Girl Scouts of the Huron Valley Council encourages Leaders and advisors to continue offering a fun, nurturing environment so girls 11–17 can pursue their interests and define their individuality. Information on STUDIO 2B is often featured in Leader Magazine, View of the Valley, and Leader News. Check the website often for new programs for girls 11–17.
Visit the GSUSA Studio 2B site by clicking here http://www.studio2b.org
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Girl Scouts’ Highest Awards: Girl Scout Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards
In 1980, Girl Scouts introduced the Girl Scout Gold Award (for Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts) as its highest honor, along with the Girl Scout Silver Award (for Cadette Girl Scouts). To receive these awards, girls must meet requirements that help them prepare for, and complete, a special project benefiting their communities. Based on requests from Junior Girl Scouts, the Girl Scout Bronze Award was introduced in 2001. Today these three awards are a highlight of the Girl Scout experience.
The Girl Scout Gold Award , the highest award in Girl Scouts, focuses on the interests and personal journey of Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts through leadership skills, career explorations, self-improvement and service. For requirements, see the Gold Award workbook. Each girl must have a copy of the Gold Award Information Packet available on the Council website or by calling Council Headquarters. This publication has detailed information, helpful hints, and required forms for those working on the Gold Award. Leaders or advisors helping with the Gold Award will decide if the girls have fulfilled the first four requirements. However, the GSHVC Girl Scout Gold Award Application (included in the Gold Award Information workbook) must be filed with Council Headquarters at least two months prior to the anticipated start date of the proposed project. Once her application is received a volunteer from the Gold Award Committee will be assigned as her advisor. A girl should never begin a project until she has have received approval for her project from her advisor. Girls who have earned the Gold Award are recognized at the Council’s annual Gold Award Ceremony in May. In addition, some Service Units or Clusters may recognize girls who have earned the Gold Award, consult with your Service Unit Manager or Troop Services Director for plans in your area.
The Girl Scout Silver Award symbolizes a Cadette Girl Scout’s accomplishments in Girl Scouting and community activities as she matures and works to better her life and the lives of others. For requirements, see the Silver Award Workbook . Each girl should have a copy of the Silver Award Workbook available on the Council website or by calling Council Headquarters. This publication has detailed information and helpful hints for those working on the Silver Award. Leaders or advisors helping with the Silver Award will decide if the girls have fulfilled the requirements and chosen an appropriate project. However, the GSHVC Girl Scout Silver Award Report Form (included in the Silver Award Workbook) must be filed with Council Headquarters by April 1st for girls to be included in the Silver Award recognition at the Council’s annual Gold Award Ceremony in May. Troop Leaders or other designated adults may purchase the Girl Scout Silver Award Pin in the S’more Stuff Council Shop or onboard the Girl Scout Express. In addition, some Service Units or Clusters may recognize girls who have earned the Silver Award, consult with your Service Unit Manager or Troop Services Director for plans in your area.
Silver Award Information Packet
The Girl Scout Bronze Award recognizes that a Junior Girl Scout has gained the leadership and planning skills required to follow through with a project that makes a positive difference in her community. For requirements, see the Junior Girl Scout Handbook. Leaders or advisors helping with the Bronze Award will decide if the girls have fulfilled the requirements and chosen an appropriate project. The Girl Scout Bronze Award does not require Council approval or reporting. Troop Leaders or other designated adults may purchase the Girl Scout Bronze Award Pin in the S’more Stuff Council Shop or onboard the Girl Scout Express. Some Service Units or Clusters may recognize girls who have earned the Bronze Award, consult with your Service Unit Manager or Troop Services Director for plans in your area.
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Council Patch Programs
In response to the needs and interests of girls within our area, Girl Scouts of the Huron Valley Council has developed a number of unique patch program opportunities. Listed below are quick descriptions of the patch programs currently available. Full details about all GSHVC patch programs can be found in The Planner . When available, a PDF version of the patch requirements is posted for your use.
Buddy Up
Camp Linden and Camp Crawford Patch Collections
Celebration!
Discover Michigan Patch Program
Freeze Out
Girls and Giving
Go Get Her
Make New Friends
Michigan Mosiac
My Best Defense
Parent Pal Program
Positive Connections
Project Planet
Site Sleuth
Summer Action Patch
Positive Connections
A patch program designed in partnership with the Junior League of Ann Arbor. This program focuses on teaching Junior and Girl Scouts 11–17 how to have positive relationships with friends, family and themselves. Some of the activities in the program are making a safety action plan, providing community service to area organizations serving victims of violence, a dating quiz and peer pressure role plays. The development of Positive Connections is made possible by financial support from the Junior League of Ann Arbor. Click here for requirements document.
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Girls and Giving
This patch program was developed in collaboration with the other thirteen Girl Scout Councils in the state of Michigan and the Michigan Women’s Foundation. The development of this program was funded by a generous grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. This program promotes and celebrates women and girls as agents for social change. It gives each girl the opportunity to develop decision-making skills, money management skills, a better sense of herself and her role in the community and a positive sense of self-worth. Click here for requirements document.
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Summer Action Patch
The Summer Action Patch is designed to help girls stay connected to Girl Scouting during a time when troops traditionally take a break from regular meetings. New requirements are posted each Spring. Click here for requirements document.
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Site Sleuth
Camps Crawford and Linden offer girls tremendous opportunities for outdoor learning and fun! By earning the Site Sleuth Patch, girls will explore the out-of-doors, learn a little more about camp and have a good time! Click here for requirements document.
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Buddy Up
This program helps Girl Scouts of the Huron Valley Council to provide camping experiences for more Girl Scouts. Sharing a unit at camp is an exciting opportunity to get to know other Girl Scouts. A bit of preplanning and coordination will make for an enjoyable experience. Click here for requirements document.
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Make New Friends
The Make New Friends program gives current Girl Scouts an opportunity to share the fun and friendship of Girl Scouting. The purpose of the project is to make new friends, to learn to be a hostess, to build Troop membership and to share the Girl Scout experience with others. Click here for requirements document .
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Go Get Her
The Go Get Her Patch program is designed to help and encourage Junior and Girl Scouts11–17 to recruit friends to join Girl Scouting. There are two patches in the Go Get Her Patch program. One patch is for the Girl Scout who gets a friend to join Girl Scouts. The other patch is for the girl who joins Girl Scouts as a result of her friend’s invitation. Click here for requirements document .
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Camp Linden and Camp Crawford Patch Collections
Build a tree or a flower by collecting these unique patches as you explore the units available at both Camp Crawford and Camp Linden. The only requirement is to spend a day, night, weekend or longer at camp. Special pieces are available for select program offerings. New pieces are added throughout the year.
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Freeze-Out
This patch is earned by Girl Scouts who have camped outside in temperatures of 32°F or below.
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Discover Michigan Patch Program
Carole Jean Stockhausen and Sue Petres of Northville, Michigan, created this three-part patch program. Dependent upon the age level of the Troop, activities may include: puzzles, designing posters, making a mobile, questions about the Native Americans of Michigan and identifying the location of important Michigan cities.
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Celebration!
The series of Celebration! activities are filled with fun, creativity and individuality while Girl Scouts explore the people and stories of a community. Each page focuses on a different part of a community’s cultural heritage. You can adapt the activities for girls of all program age levels. Don’t worry about “talent”– just have fun! The activities make up a cycle of learning and sharing in a different part of a community’s cultural heritage.
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Project Planet
Investigate our natural resources to better understand our planet. Take action to protect the earth! Make a difference in the environment of Southeast Michigan. Project Planet is composed of a variety of short and long-term service-learning projects designed just for girls between the ages of 6 and 18 and their families. Project Planet is funded, in part, by a grant from the Elizabeth E. Kennedy Foundation.
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My Best Defense
My Best Defense provides girls with the information and skills that will help reduce violence in their lives. GSHVC designed a comprehensive program that helps girls build self-esteem, develop problem-solving techniques, communication skills, understanding of appropriate behavior and the ability to control anger. This program is funded, in part, by a generous grant from the Southeast Michigan Community Foundation.
Michigan Mosiac
This new diversity and pluralism patch program is a collaborative project with the program departments of the Michigan Girl Scout Council alliance.
This program will help girls see that just like the United States, Michigan is like a kaleidoscope; it is a reflection of many different cultures from around the world. Michigan Mosaic is a cultural awareness program designed to increase the understanding of fifteen different cultures in Michigan. Girls will learn about history behind many cultures, increase their understanding of cultural differences, participate in a hands-on learning experience and then share what they’ve learned in the process.
In order to earn the patch, girls will choose three cultures of the fifteen that interest them. For each culture, they will complete the minimum number of activities for their age group for each culture they choose.
Who: All Girl Scouts
How: The Michigan Mosaic Patch program booklet with all of the requirements and resource material is available from the S’more Stuff Council Shop, on board the Girl Scout Express or click here to download. To purchase the program patches, you must submit the Michigan Mosaic Patch Program Evaluation to the Program Services Department.
Parent / Pal Program
Parent / Pal Program Activity List
Daisy / Brownie Quiz
Juniors / 11-17 Quiz
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The Girl Scout Cookie Sale
Girl Scouts are taking orders from family and friends now through January 27, 2008. Cookies will be available in the S'More Stuff Council Shop beginning March 3, 2008. Look for cookie booth on the weekends of February 23 & 24, February 29, March 1 & 2, and March 7, 8 & 9, 2008 at retail establishments throughout the communities we serve. For complete Cookie Sale details, call Council Headquarters at 1-800-49-SCOUT.
Permission Slips for QSP and Cookie Sales
The purpose of Girl Scout cookie activities is twofold: (1) to help girls develop leadership skills, learn business and money management practices and to work as a team toward a common goal and (2) to generate income for Girl Scout Councils, Troops and to help underwrite Girl Scout Programs.
The cookie sale is an important program activity in Girl Scouting and gives girls the opportunity to learn and practice a variety of valuable life skills such as:
- Communication skills
- Financial skills
- Goal setting and planning
- Teamwork
- Honesty and integrity
- Responsibility
- Self-reliance
- Contributing to the good of others
The real benefits of participation in the cookie sale are usually not realized until later in life. These benefits come from active involvement in a partnership between girls and caring adults working together toward a common goal.
Cookie Sale Timetable
November - December: Training for Troop Cookie Managers, Leaders and girls set Troop cookie goal
December: Pre-holiday order taking begins
January: Order taking begins
February: Cookies delivered
March: Cookie booth sales and money is due
April: Girls receive incentives
The cookies, baked by ABC Interbake Food Inc., sell for $3.50 a box. There are eight (8) varieties and they are all Trans-Fat Free. The are:
Caramel deLites
Peanut Butter Patties
Shortbread
Thin Mints
Peanut Butter Sandwich
Cinna-spins
Thanks-A-Lot
Lemondades
Participating Girl Scout Troops receive $.50 a box as Troop proceeds to be used for Troop materials, trips, programs and service projects. The Troops can also earn an additional $.05 a box for selling 115 boxes average per selling girl in the Troop. Here's where participation in cookie booth sales helps increase Troop proceeds!
Girl Scout Troops for girls 14-17 receive $.50 a box and can earn an additional $.05 a box for selling 115 boxes average per selling girl or an additional $.10 a box for selling 125 boxes average per selling girl. If the entire Troop (girls) votes and decides that they do not want the incentives (T-shirts, patches, free week at camp, etc.), then the Troop can receive an additional $.08 a box. Troops for girls 14-17 can earn up to $.73 a box as Troop proceeds.
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American soldiers love Girl Scout Cookies!
Satisfy your own sweet tooth and send some love and a taste of home to our troops. Girl Scouts of the Huron Valley Council (GSVHC) brings a great American tradition — Girl Scout cookies — to our military troops here and overseas. Show your support for America's soldiers and your local Girl Scouts. Buy an extra box of Girl Scout Cookies through the Cookie Share program. GSHVC, in collaboration with Michigan veterans organizations and the USO of Chicago, will distribute Girl Scout cookies to active and veteran military and their families. Make your purchase now through January 27, 2008. See a Girl Scout, or call the Council at 1-800-49-SCOUT.
Girl Scout Cookies continue to be one of the most requested items by soldiers. Through the Cookie Share program m ore than 2,000 cases were sent to our soldiers in 2007! Let's show our Armed Forces how much we care about them again this year. For only $3.50 per box, your purchase will also help send a Girl Scout to camp, provide her with leadership opportunities and support so many other girl programs and initiatives.
To find out more about the program, click here.
QSP/Nuts
QSP, a family-oriented magazine subscription renewal program and Nuts, which were added last year from Ashdon Farms, are a great way for the Girl Scout troops to get funds for activities early in the year. The Service Unit QSP/Nuts Coordinator provides training to the Troop QSP/Nut Coordinators and/or Troop Leaders in October. The troops receive ten percent (10%) of the money collected for all magazine subscriptions, renewals and all nut sales. All levels of Girl Scouts, including Daisy Scouts, are eligible to take part in this sale. The QSP/Nuts program provides important program links through Be a Reader activities, a literacy program. The Be a Reader materials will be handed out at the training that is conducted in October. A patch can be earned after completing activities from the booklet.
Nut products will sell for $5.00 each. They are:
Whole Cashew (can)
Honey Roasted Peansuts (can)
Chocolate Covered Raisins (can)
Cranberry Nut Mix (can)
Deluxe Pecan Clusters (box)
QSP Timetable
October: Training for Troops; QSP Program begins
November: Program ends; Troops sends orders to Council
November/December: Orders processed and sent to QSP for processing
December/January: Incentives received and distributed to girls
March/April: Magazines should start arriving in the mail
QSP Netiquette Program
New this year…The girls will be able to submit email addresses. You will be asked to register yourself and your daughter. There is a terrific game for your daughter to play on Netiquette or email etiquette. Once your daughter has learned some great ideas about using email, you will be able to enter email addresses of 12 friends and family that you think would like to support Girl Scouts of the Huron Valley Council. Your daughter can personalize the emails and earn a very cool Netiquette patch for participating and her troop will earn $2.00. Simply print out the email report and submit it to your troop QSP manager.
The Netiquette activity addresses will go out as soon as they are received. Friends and family will have an opportunity to place orders on-line with subscriptions being processed immediately.
Click on the website below to begin…
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Summer Camp
Click below for Camp Brochure
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Click for Summer
Opportunities
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2008 Camp Brochure "Making Memories" is here! |
We're looking for Summer Camp Staff |
Registration Forms
Family Camp
Financial Aid
Overnight & Day Camp
Troop Core Camp
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Troop Camp
Coming Soon
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Special Programs
Community Based
In an ongoing effort to reach every girl, everywhere, Girl Scouts of the Huron Valley Council provides programs for girls in low-income areas. Groups are organized in community centers and schools. Program sites are at Bryant, Hikone, Green Baxter and Arthur Lesow Community Centers and the Huron Valley Boys and Girls Club. The Summer Migrant Program is held in Manchester.
Unilever and its Dove Self-Esteem fund are committed to helping youth reach their full potential by addressing self-esteem issued that impact them physically, emotionally and intellectually. To do this programs and partnerships have been developed that focus on mentoring, education and group and individual activities to foster self-esteem.
Created by Unilever and the Girl Scouts of the USA to boost self-esteem among adolescent and pre-adolescent girls, the uniquely ME! program is designed to foster positive self-esteem among girls, ages 8 to 17, in the United States and Puerto Rico - with a focus on girls in underprivileged communities.
Dove's Campaign For Real Beauty site, to support the Super Bowl initiative, has gone live! This website has information on the campaign and allows for donations to be made to the uniquely ME! program. The ad to be aired during the Super Bowl (2nd Quarter) will be on line on February 5. Log on at http://www.campaignforrealbeauty.com/.
Making Choices ©
Making Choices© is a 12-week course that is designed for middle school girls. Its goal is to help each girl identify thechoices she will face in life, be aware of the consequences of those choices and the resources available to help her make choices. It does not give the girls the answers; it helps them understand that they have choices and can make their own decisions.
Summer Daisy Head Start
The Summer Daisy Head Start Program is designed to continue to build skills learned in Head Start, thus continuing to enhance their development of self-potential and social competence. The Summer Daisy Head Start Program also introduces the Girl Scout program for girls to become Daisy Girl Scouts in the fall. Program sites are in Ypsilanti, Whitmore Lake, Howell and Westland.
Fostering Success
Wherever girls are, Girl Scouting is there to help them grow into healthy, happy adults. Girl Scouts of the Huron ValleyCouncil is committed to empowering all girls and has developed Fostering Success, a program to ensure that girls in foster care can benefit from the Girl Scout experience.
Juvenile Justice
A program that reaches girls who have been adjudicated or court-referred delinquents. Program activities focus on goal setting, self-esteem, camping, field trips, personal safety and role models.
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Camp Construction
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New troop house |
One of pods of new troop house |
Main troop house |
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Main troop house and pod |
Bathroom in new building |
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Cleared area for Deerfield Shower House (March 9) |
Cleared area for Deerfield Shower House (March 9) |
Cleared area for Cottonwood Shower House (March 9) |
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Cottonwood walls (April 20) |
Pool shower exterior (March 9) |
Pool shower interior (March 9) |
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Cottonwood walls (May 3) |
Pool shower (May 3) |
Pool shower interior (May 3) |
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Showerhouse (May 3) |
Pool with Showerhouse extended
(May 3)
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Completed Shower House
(August) |
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Showers in Shower House |
Stalls in Shower House |
Sinks in Shower House |
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Troop House Site |
Pool House
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