A Zoobilee, Silver Award updates, and more!  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 
A Zoobilee, Silver Award updates, and more! View in Browser
Girl Scouts of Southwest Indiana
October 2023
News from GSSI
 
The Zoobilee is a unique event for our local Girl Scout troops. Girls can freely roam to explore the Zoo together and enjoy many fun and educational experiences that will fulfill some steps for various badges. (Please note badges are not completed nor provided.) Activities will be stationed throughout the Zoo, including interactive programs and demonstrations, ambassador animal encounters, zookeeper chats, animal feedings, and rides. Our theme for the day is “Be a Good Neighbor.” Girl Scouts will learn ways to help the animals they may find in the tri-state area and their backyard. Girls are encouraged to participate with their troop and wear troop uniforms or identification for the event. The zookeeper chats will be scheduled specifically for this event, and the times and locations will be given at check-in. They are weather-dependent and open to the public.

When: November 4, 2023, from 10:00 AM–2:00 PM CDT
Who: Girl Scouts in grades K-5 (tagalongs welcome)
Cost for Girl Scouts & tagalongs: $20, includes zoo admission, programming, and 6 tokens* (No discount for family memberships.)
Cost for Adults: Regular admission or free for Zoo members. Adults are not charged for programming or provided with any tokens. Adult admission is free for up to 2 troop leaders of troops/groups of 15 or more. (Recommended group size is 15-20 with a chaperone for every 10 kids.)
To Register: Contact the Zoo at (812) 435-0809 or education@meskerparkzoo.com

Registration deadline is October 20!

A list of programs and the badges they apply to by grade level is available at the link below.
View Programs
 
Do you know a Cadette who is ready to change the world and earn one of the highest awards in Girl Scouting? Encourage them to pursue their Silver Award by tackling an issue they’re passionate about. Girl Scouts will make a difference in their communities while learning leadership skills that will last a lifetime. Getting started is easy with our new step-by-step guides to Earning the Silver Award.
GET STARTED
 
Volunteer Spotlight
As the new troop year begins, we want to welcome and thank all new and returning volunteers and leaders! Volunteering for Girl Scout troops takes a special, giving heart, and we appreciate you immensely.

It takes many Girl Scout sisters to mentor new leaders, so we also extend special thanks to those who have helped other members get off to a great start and for your continued dedication to Girl Scouts!
Cookie Updates for Leaders & Cookie Volunteers
Cookie time is fast approaching, and we want to ensure you're off to a great start this troop year!

Leaders: Please Confirm Your 2024 Troop Cookie Volunteer
Troop leaders should have recently received an email to confirm the troop’s cookie volunteer. If you have not yet responded, please do so by emailing cookies@girlscouts-gssi.org. If you aren’t sure who that volunteer is, that is okay; just let Gretchen know that you are still securing the position.

Service Unit Cookie Training
Each year, we host updated training meetings for cookie volunteers and leaders in each service unit, and we encourage at least one representative from your troop to attend. We have some training dates already set; please mark your calendars! Official invites will be emailed to you this month with times and locations included. If you don’t see your SU listed yet, be on the lookout for info coming soon.

• Daviess, Martin, & Pike: Wednesday, November 1
• Spencer & Perry: Thursday, November 2
• Posey: Tuesday, November 7
• Knox: Wednesday, November 8
• E.River, N. Central, & Northwest: Monday, November 13
• N. Dubois & S. Dubois: Monday, November 20

Cookie Permission Forms
To participate in the cookie program, girls must be registered members and have a Cookie Permission Form submitted by December 1. (A new permission form must be submitted each year.) Adult cookie volunteers must be registered members with a current background check on file.

2024 Cookie Program Calendar
The updated cookie program calendar is now available; mark important deadlines on your schedules now!
View Calendar
Upcoming Volunteer Trainings
First Aid & CPR Certification
When: Saturday, November 4, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM CDT
Where:
GSSI Council Office, 5000 E. Virginia Street, Suite 2, Evansville, IN 47715
Cost:
$26.50/person
Registration Deadline: Monday, October 30, at 11:45 PM CDT (Space is limited; register early!)
GSSI schedules First Aid/CPR certification courses with accredited organizations specifically for our Girl Scout volunteers. Individuals will learn to manage a variety of accidents, from scrapes and cuts to bruises, choking, and accidental poisoning. Volunteers are not required to complete this training through GSSI if they are already certified. Please note that GSSI will not accept certifications or recertifications from online-only courses.
Register
Fire Building & Basic Outdoor Cooking Training
When: Sunday, November 5, 12:00 PM–6:00 PM CDT
Where:
Evansville; address will be shared upon registration
Cost:
$12.50/person
Registration Deadline: Monday, October 30 at 12:00 PM CDT (Space is limited; register early!)
This course is designed to equip volunteers with the skills to effectively utilize the Girl Scout program in an outdoor setting. The activities learned could be done at troop meetings, parks, or backyards to familiarize girls with outdoor activities. With this course, you will be certified to conduct outdoor campfires for recreation or cooking. This class consists of in-person training and a review of online information prior to in-person training (40 minutes). Fire Building and Basic Outdoor Cooking is valid for three years and may be recertified online once the certification lapses.
Register
 
Whether you're new to Girl Scouts or bridged up to a new level, the GSSI Shop has all of your uniform essentials to start the year off right.
  • My Girl Scout Kits include all the essentials your girl needs for each grade level for just $60 and includes a free drawstring bag! Each level may choose from a kit with a sash or a vest.
  • My Girl Scout Uniform Basics order forms allow you to select uniform pieces a la carte.
  • Girl Scouts Essentials Guide includes official apparel and accessories for girls and adults and all badges and patches for each grade level.
The shop is open for in-person shopping on Mondays from 9:00 AM–5:00 PM CDT. Orders may also be placed online, by email, or by phone for FREE shipping or pick-up! Orders are accepted Monday through Friday.

Questions? Contact Customer Care at support@girlscouts-gssi.org or 812-421-4970.
Shop Now
 
Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors are invited to join the GSSI Astronomy Club!
Are you curious about astronomy? Then GSSI Astronomy Club is for you. This girl-led leadership experience allows Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scouts to explore the universe together. Our regular meetings focus on various fascinating topics in the world of astronomy. Each session ends with telescope viewing, weather permitting.

Girls must be registered for the 2023-2024 program year to participate.

The Astronomy Club is led by NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador and Girl Scout Volunteer Mandy Scurry; she can be reached at amanjohn@hotmail.com.
join now
 
UPCOMING EVENTS

TRUNK OR TREAT EVENT HOSTED BY THE EAST RIVER SERVICE UNIT
When:
Friday, October 13, 5:00–8:00 PM CDT
Where:
GSSI Council Office side parking lot, 5000 E Virginia St, Evansville
Cost:
Free
What: All girls in grades K-12 and their families are invited to a night of FREE Halloween fun! Wear your costume, get some treats, play games, and learn more about the joy of Girl Scouts! The event is limited to the first 200 trunk or treaters. Parents or guardians must stay with kids at all times. Questions? Contact Nicole at events47715@gmail.com.

GIRL SCOUT NIGHT WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF EVANSVILLE WOMEN'S VOLLEYBALL TEAM
When:
Saturday, October 14, 7:00 PM CDT
Where: University of Evansville's Meeks Family Field House (Located inside the Carson Center)
Cost: $3/person; $2 for optional UE fun patch
What: Girl Scouts and their families are invited to cheer on the UE volleyball team as they take on Valparaiso! Girls will have the chance to form a tunnel for players to run out onto the court and receive player autographs after the game. PLUS, it's Hispanic Heritage Night and the first 150 fans get a free UE Volleyball t-shirt!
For tickets: Email Logan Belz at lb334@evansville.edu.

Check out our event calendar for more upcoming programs!
GSSI Event Calendar
 
With your support, they shine. Give today.
Investing in Girl Scouts is an investment in making our community better, stronger, and brighter. Your gift will be used to ensure local Girl Scouts gain the skills and confidence needed to accept challenges, overcome obstacles, and become leaders. Plus, every dollar you give stays right here in our community.
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5000 E Virginia St Ste 2 Evansville , IN 47715