Thanks for Giving

During this special time of year, we reflect on those for whom we are most thankful... our friends, volunteers, and supporters of Girl Scouting.

We appreciate all that you do to support the Girl Scout mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of so many girls and young women. When you help the Girl Scouts, you are investing in tomorrow’s leaders.

Your support helps us to improve the future of today’s girls—so they may become leaders in their own lives and in their communities, and so they too may make the world a better place. Thank you, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Lagniappe Weekend a Success

This year’s Silver & Gold Lagniappe Weekend was a great success! We want to thank all the attendees who participated in the event! We learned so much and made great memories! We are looking forward to seeing more adult volunteers at the 2010 Lagniappe Weekend being held October 15 – 17, 2010! Thank you so much to all the volunteers (Billie Babin, Mimi Delaune, Lydia Hoelle, Sherry Hymel, Jay Layton, Julie LeBlanc, Becky LeDuff, Mary Marix, and Heather Niemic) and council staff who helped execute the event! Here is what some of the attendees had to say about the weekend:

“I had a wonderful time. This is my first year as a leader and although I was a Girl Scout when I was younger, this weekend refreshed my memory or introduced traditions, and all kinds of stuff that I didn't realize I was forgetting. It was certainly a memorable weekend and I look forward to attending next year!”

“I enjoyed it so much; I wish I could be at camp every weekend. There is something about Girl Scouts that just makes you feel at home, no matter where or who you are with. It truly is a family. I really enjoyed getting to know everyone. (Lagniappe Weekend) opened my eyes to many new ways and experiences with Girl Scouts as an adult/alumnae.  Thank you!!! I hope to return again next year!”

Adult Recognition Task Group forming

The council is forming an Adult Recognition Task Group and invites volunteers from all area of the council to be a part of this group. The goal of the group is to assure appropriate recognition of adults for outstanding achievement and service in Girl Scouting (as defined in the Adult Recognition System established by GSUSA and Girl Scouts Louisiana East). The task group will meet four – six times either in person or via conference call.  If you are interested in being part of the Adult Recognition Task Group please contact Matthew Chustz at mchustz@gsle.org.  The Adult Recognition breakfast will be held April 24, 2010.

Gold Award Committee seeking new members

Are you an adult volunteer who has knowledge of the Gold Award processes, has helped a girl earn her Gold Award, has earned the Gold Award yourself, or are simply interested in volunteering for older girls?  Join the Gold Award Committee! Committee members are expected to make a one year commitment to meet once a month to discuss project proposals, suggest improvements, and review/ approve the projects. Members will also mentor girls working towards their Gold Award every step of the way. If you are interested in helping the leaders of tomorrow blossom as they earn the highest award in Girl Scouting please contact Claire Dudenhefer at (225)927-8946 or cdudenhefer@gsle.org.

December's patch of the month

December is the season of giving! To show that Girl Scouts care, complete one of these activities to help out your community.

Volunteer Essentials & Troop Module

In October Girl Scouts Louisiana East released a newly developed Volunteer Essentials booklet and Troop Module booklet (with council-specific information) which replaces the Leader Resource Guide. You should have received, from your Membership Executive or Service Unit Administrator, one copy of Volunteer Essentials & Troop Module per troop.  If you have not received your copy, please contact your Membership Executive or Service Unit Administrator.  To preview Volunteer Essentials, click here; and to preview the Troop Module, click here.

Year-End Giving

As you review your year-end tax planning, we hope you will consider making good use of the income tax charitable deduction. Your 2009 year-end gift to Girl Scouts Louisiana East may significantly reduce your income taxes, while providing programs and activities to more than 15,000 Girl Scouts in 23 parishes.

Making an end-of-the-year gift does not require great wealth, and Girl Scouts Louisiana East will work with you and your tax or estate planner to help determine which type of gift is best for you. Below are a few options to discuss with your tax advisor or estate planner.

Gifts of Cash - If you itemize your taxes, you can lower your 2009 income taxes simply by mailing Girl Scouts Louisiana East a check by December 31, 2009. There is no easier way support the many activities we offer the girls in our service area.

Make sure your envelope is postmarked by December 31; if it is, your gift will qualify as a 2009 gift. If your company or firm will match gifts to Girl Scouts Louisiana East, the value of your gift is even greater. Please enclose the form along with your check.

Also, remember, giving is easy online at gsle.org!

Click here for additional ways of giving.

Sign up for December-January events

Don't miss out on some great council events this Deember and January! On the website calendar, go to the appropriate month and day, and click on the link for details including registration deadlines, age levels, times, cost, etc.

11/28 - Beyond the Red Carpet Movie Industry Workshop (ages 13-17), New Orleans

FULL 12/5 - Beginners Holiday Sewing Class (Jrs), Baton Rouge 

12/5 - Bayou Rebirth Planting Day (Cad-Amb), New Orleans

12/11 - Elmwood Cheerleading Academy Cheer & Pizza Night (all ages), Harahan 

12/12 - Silver & Gold Workshops (Cad-Amb), Baton Rouge

12/13 - Girl Scout Shout Out at LSU Lady Tiger Basketball,

12/19 - Daddy Daughter Date Day at LSU Basketball

12/19 - Program Aide Core Training & Program Aide Event Planning Specialization Training (Cad-Amb) New Orleans

Deadline to register is Dec 14! 1/2-3 U.S.S. Kidd Overnight (age 6 and up)

1/9 - New Orleans Boat Show First Mate Scouting Patch Program

1/9 - Yoga & Pilates (Cad-Amb), Baton Rouge

1/9 - Night Crawlers (Cad-Amb), Baton Rouge

1/15 - Girl Scout Cookie Sale Pre-Orders begin

1/16 - Nursing Exploration Day at Lakeview (Jrs), Covington

1/16 - Ceramics and Clay (Jrs), Baton Rouge

1/16 - Program Aide Core Training and Science and Nature Specialization Training (Cad-Amb), Baton Rouge

1/16 - Folk Arts Workshop (Jr-Cad), New Orleans

1/16 - Girl Scout Day at Louisiana Art and Science Museum (Dai-Jrs), Baton Rouge

FULL 1/23 - Oschner Science in Action Day

1/23 - Native American Experience at Cannes Brûlée Native American Museum (all ages), Kenner

1/29-31 - New Wrangler/Spur Training Weekend (age 12 and up), Camp Marydale

1/30 - National WWII Museum Day (all ages), New Orleans

1/30 - Science Wonders Day at Louisiana Children's Museum (Br), New Orleans
1/30 - Defend Yourself (Cad-Amb), B aton Rouge

1/30 clinic and 2/5 game - Girl Scout Hornets Dance Clinic (girls 5-12). Deadline to register is December 1.

2/20 clinic and 2/26 game - Girl Scout Hornets Dance Clinic (girls 5-12). Deadline to register is December 1.