Girl Scout Council Nation’s Capital

Barnaby Manor Girl Scout Troops

Parent Handbook

2012-2013

Greetings Parents,

Welcome to the Barnaby Manor Girl Scout Troops! We are excited you and your

daughter(s) have chosen to be a part of our Girl Scout troops, where we are building girls of

courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Your involvement is a

big factor in your daughter’s Girl Scout experience, there are many ways you can volunteer and

we invite you do so. We are ecstatic about the possibilities to grow and mature young girls who

will impact their communities in a positive way.

We want you to know that one of our most important goals for this troop is to keep the

lines of communication open with you. We are available through email or via the phone

numbers provided respectively for each troop leader. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you

have any questions or concerns. We anticipate great things for each of you and will enjoy this

journey together!

Sincerely,

Barnaby Manor Girl Scout Troop Leaders

GSUSA Mission

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

Girl Scout Promise and Law

The Girl Scout Promise and Law are shared by every member of Girl Scouting. The Girl Scout Promise is the way Girl Scouts agree to act every day toward one another and other people, and the Law outlines a way to act towards one another and the world. Becoming familiar with the Promise and Law is the first activity of every new Girl Scout.

The Girl Scout Promise:

On my honor, I will try:To serve God and my country,To help people at all times,And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

“The Girl Scout Movement shall be open to all girls and adults who accept the Girl Scout Promise and Law”-- The Constitution of Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.

The Girl Scout Law:

I will do my best to be:Honest and fair,Friendly and helpful,Considerate and caring,Courageous and strong, andResponsible for what I say and do,and to:Respect myself and others,Respect authority,Use resources wisely,Make the world a better place, andBe a sister to every Girl Scout.

Girl Scout Leadership Development Program

Key Outcome

Discover

Girls develop a strong sense of self.Girls develop positive values.Girls gain practical life skills.Girls seek challenges in the world.Girls develop critical thinking.

Connect

Girls develop healthy relationships.Girls promote cooperation and team building.Girls resolve conflicts.Girls advance diversity in a multicultural world.Girls feel connected to their communities, locally and globally.

Take Action

Girls can identify community needs.Girls are resourceful problem solvers.Girls advocate for themselves and others, locally and globally.Girls educate and inspire others to act.Girls feel empowered to make a difference in the world.

What Parents Need to Know

Girl Scout Grade Levels, Troop Numbers and Troop LeadersThe Girl Scout age levels are defined by grades. It is important to know your Girl Scout’s grade level so that you can be directed to the appropriate materials and uniforms. You’ll also need to know your leader’s name, email address, and the troop number. This is especially important if you ever have troop specific questions.

Daisy Girl Scout Troop #2628 - Kindergarten and 1st gradeo Ms. Karen Email: mskpatterson7@gmail.com

Brownie Girl Scout Troop #1708 - Grades 2-3o Ms. Victoria Email: Victoria.n.spence@gmail.com

Junior Girl Scouts Troop #2918- Grades 4-5 & Cadette Troop #1181– Grades 6-7o Ms. Tamyka Email: tamykamorant@gmail.com

Cadette Troop #1181 – Grade 8, Senior Troop #1181- Grades 9-10 and Ambassador Troop #1181- Grades 11-12

o Ms. Touri Email: lbeverly-mayo@afscme.orgPhone: 301.395.4657

Date & Location of MeetingsTroop meetings will occur on average about twice a month at Barnaby Manor Elementary School. It is your responsibility to make arrangements to get your daughter to and from meetings. Your leader is a volunteer so please plan your schedule so that your daughter is on time for the meeting and is picked up promptly after the meeting. Girl Scout policy states that girls must be picked up within 15 minutes of the end of an event or meeting, or formal action could be taken. Meetings will focus on Girl Scout programming and skill building. Girl Scout meetings are always on Wednesdays. Upcoming meeting dates are:

September 5th and September 19th

October 3rd and October 17th November 7th and November 28th December 5th and December 19th

Times The Daisies, Brownies, Juniors and Cadets (through 7th grade) will meet from

6pm-7:30 pm The Cadets (8th grade), Seniors and Ambassadors will meet from7pm-8pm

NOTE: Girls must attend 75% of all meetings and community service activities to be considered in good, active standing.

About Girl ScoutingGirl scouting was founded in the United States in 1912 by JulietteGordon Low. There are four program goals that, as we move through the different Girl Scout Levels, we will strive to achieve:

• Girls will develop to their full potential.

• Girls will relate to others with increasing understanding, skill and respect.

• Girls will develop a meaningful set of values to guide their actions and to

provide the foundation for sound decision

• Girls will contribute to the improvement of society through the use of

their abilities and leadership skills, working in cooperation with others

Uniforms & HandbooksUniforms are not required in Girl Scouts, but we recommend that girls have a sash or vest to display their awards, badges and patches. The Girl Scout uniform can be put together in many different ways. The Barnaby Manor Girl Scout Troops have decided white shirts, jean bottoms, and a vest or sash for informal events and white shirts, khaki bottoms and a vest or sash for formal events will be our official uniform. This information is available from the troop leader, so check with her before you go shopping. Please buy it with room to grow, since it will be worn for several years.

The Girl Scout uniform is worn with pride and readily identifies girls as members. Parents can purchase the Girl Scout uniform and other related items at the GSCNC Shop located at 4301 CONNECTICUT AVENUE, NW Washington, DC 20008. Materials can also be ordered online at: http://www.girlscoutshop.com/gsusaonline/There are grade level specific handbooks available for girls in Girl Scouting. These books cover the Girl Scout Program and requirements for Daisy petals, Brownie Try-Its, Junior badges and Cadette/Senior interest projects or charms. Be sure to check with your Girl Scout leader for what items are needed before you purchase anything.

Benefits of Girl Scouting to ParentsNational Girl Scout research has shown that Girl Scouting provides benefits to not only the girls involved, but their parents as well. As a Girl Scout parent you may spend more quality time with your daughter, enjoy a strengthened relationship, build lasting friendships with other adults, and develop leadership skills.

Girl Scouts gives parents and girls the opportunity to be involved in an activity that benefits the community and gives them a sense of personal satisfaction by achieving a goal together.

The Girl Scout Parent’s PromiseOn my honor, I will try:To encourage and support my Girl Scout daughter,To help her troop at all times, andTo obey the Girl Scout Parent’s Law

The Girl Scout Parent’s LawA Girl Scout Parent understands the true purpose of Girl Scouting.A Girl Scout Parent gets his/her daughter to and from meetings on time.A Girl Scout Parent knows a troop is a team effort.A Girl Scout Parent sees the job through to the end.A Girl Scout Parent sets a good example at all times.A Girl Scout Parent is enthusiastic and cheerful.A Girl Scout Parent does not consider the leader a babysitter.A Girl Scout Parent brings troop problems to the leader first.A Girl Scout Parent always does his or her part willingly.A Girl Scout Parent is aware that Girl Scouting is for all girls.

What will my daughter do in Girl Scouts?Girl Scouts enjoy a variety of activities that are fun, educational and safe. They are based on a core set of values, and are flexible and adaptable to meet the needs and interests of all girls.

Make New FriendsGirl Scouts provides girls with the opportunity to meet and interact with girls outside their own class, school, and community.

BadgesGirls will learn many new skills in a variety of interest areas, including science, technology, arts, citizenship, getting along with others, math, nutrition/fitness, ecology and outdoors. Scheduled troop meetings will be devoted to completing the requirements to earn badges, patches and Girl Scouting awards.

TripsTroops plan field trips, camping trips, overnight trips, and may attend service unit/council-sponsored events and programs. Service Unit and council sponsored events and programs give girls the opportunity to interact with other girls and adults in their community. Participation in trips requires an Activity Permission Form to be signed by the parent or guardian. Upcoming trips we have planned include:

September 8th: Prince George’s County Fair, Upper Marlboro, MD October 31st : Halloween Party Fundraiser*, Oxon Hill, MD December 9th: A Christmas Carol, Toby’s Dinner Theater*, Bowie, MD

Service ProjectsTroops plan a variety of service projects to benefit their local neighborhoods and communities as well as participate in service unit or council-sponsored activities. Participation in service activities requires an Activity Permission Form to be signed by the parent or guardian. Upcoming service projects we have planned include:

October 20th : Stop Diabetes Walk, National’s Stadium, Washington, DC November 17th: Thanksgiving Community Service with Children’s Shelter December 12th : Christmas Caroling at Senior Citizen Home

CeremoniesCeremonies mark special Girl Scout events throughout the year. They can celebrate major transitions - such as bridging to another level, getting your Girl Scout pin or earning awards - or simply make the beginning or end of your group’s meeting special. Every Girl Scout ceremony enables girls to share in a special part of Girl Scout history and create their own special memories.

Barnaby Manor Girl Scout Troop Financial Matters

Membership FeeEach girl and adult helping with the troop pays a $12 annual membership fee. This goes directly to Girl Scouts of the USA for program development and activity insurance. No money stays with the troop. The membership fee is turned in to the troop leader along with the completed membership form. Parents must also complete a Health History form before membership is considered to be complete.

Troop Activity FeesThe troops plan many different activities. Some may involve field trips, camping trips, or service unit/council events and activities that will require funding by the troop and/or parents. Therefore, there is a $50 activity fee, split into two payments of $25 due by September 19th and January 9th. This fee is used to cover the cost of supplies and rental space for troop meetings, transportation fees, badges, and to assist with entry fees for field trips. In order to keep participation cost low for all families all girls pay a troop activity fee. If a girl has not paid her activity fee, she is not considered to be in good, active standing and will not be allowed to participate in any field trips or ceremonies. Please note that monies paid for activity fees or field trips are nonrefundable.

Troop Money Earning ActivitiesAll troops will engage in several fundraising activities to help keep scouting cost low for families. All proceeds from fundraising activities are used to purchase earned badges and patches for girls and to assist with the cost of field trips. Parent involvement is critical for successful sales and all families are expected to participate in fundraising activities. More information will be shared as it becomes available.

Troop DuesIn order to begin teaching girls about fiscal planning and responsibility our troops have nominal dues that are due at each Wednesday meeting. The girls plan how they will spend their troop dues. Troop dues are not mandatory; however, only girls who have consistently paid get to decide how to spend the money. The troop dues are:

Daisies-$.25, Brownies-$.50, Juniors-$.75 & Cadettes-Ambassadors-$1.00

Financial AssistanceAssistance is available for girls and adults who need financial help in order to participate in the Girl Scout program. Financial assistance is available for registration, dues, uniform components, books, service unit or council-sponsored events and programs and summer resident camp. Check with your leader, service unit or GSCNC Service Center for more information.

Responsibility of Girls and Parents

Girl Scout’s Responsibility to the Troop To attend meetings and outings. To fulfill obligation of dues, and know that permission slips are signed by a parent

or guardian. To complete any missed activities. To pass along important information to parents or leaders. To treat each member of the troop as a sister. To respect sister Girl Scouts. To respect troop leaders and troop parents. To participate in the meetings. To conduct themselves in a safe manner. To listen to others in the troop and show respect for what they are saying.

Parent’s Responsibility to the Troop To see that your daughter arrives and is picked up on time for all meetings and

outings. To help your daughter fulfill troop responsibilities (dues, permission slips, snack,

uniforms, etc.). To be supportive of your daughter in her Girl Scout endeavors (help her to

complete missed activities). If possible, to notify the leaders ahead of time if your daughter will not be at a

meeting. To check with your daughters leader for any important news or permission slips

that may need to be signed, and to return completed paperwork promptly. To assist the troop and the troop leaders during meetings or activities on a

rotating or as needed basis. To consider being a member of the Troop Committee. To keep in contact with the leaders and give them feedback. To discuss any issues that arise privately with the leader, not in front of the girls. To help the troop leaders establish and maintain a positive environment within

the troop, by talking with your daughter about acceptable behavior and by setting a positive example yourself.

To let your daughter know that you consider her participation in Girl Scouting to be important and special.

To attend parent meetings, group activities and special ceremonies.

Troop Leaders’ Responsibility to the Troop: To ensure that all girls in the troop are registered members and

ALL adults are registered and have a current Volunteer Application on file at the council.

To ensure that troop financial records are maintained and reports are submitted on time.

Attend or appoint a representative to attend Service Unit meetings monthly.

To ensure that National and Council policies, standards and procedures (to include Safety Wise) are upheld

To maintain a balanced program of activities based on the girls’ interests, keeping in mind the Program Goals of self potential, relating to others, values and community service.

To attend all required trainings. To be familiar with resources available to both the parents and

the girls in the troop. To attend meetings and outings and be prepared for them, or to

appoint a representative to attend meetings and outings as needed

To fulfill obligation of paperwork and troop funds as needed. To use effective communication skills and communicate often

with parents and girls.

Troop Information(Keep this for your records)

My daughter is a ___________________ (grade level) Girl Scout.Troop number ________Troop Leader ________________________________________Leader’s phone number ________________________________Email address ________________________________________

Her troop meets at ________________________________(place) on _____________________________________(day, how often) at ___________________________________________(address) from _____________(start time) until _______________(end time).

Girls in my TroopName Phone Number/Email____________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ ______________________________

I can check http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BarnabyManorGS/ in order to get updated information on events and activities the troop has planned. I can also go there to get permission forms or to get a reminder of important dates.

Barnaby Manor Girl Scout Troop Policies

Directions:1. Please read through the attached copy of the Barnaby Manor Girl

Scout Troops Parent Handbook.2. Detach this form and sign to acknowledge receipt. 3. Keep this Barnaby Manor Girl Scout Troops Parent Handbook for

your reference.

Certification of Receipt:

I, _________________________________________, have received and read a copy of the Barnaby Manor Girl Scout Troops Parent Handbook, which outlines the goals, policies, practices, benefits, and expectations of the Barnaby Manor Girl Scout Troops, as well as my responsibilities as a Barnaby Manor Girl Scouts parent.

It is my responsibility to familiarize myself with the contents of this handbook. By my signature below, I acknowledge, understand, accept, and agree to comply with the information contained in the handbook provided to me by the Barnaby Manor Girl Scout Troops. I understand that this handbook is not intended to cover every situation that may arise during this Girl Scout season, but is simply a general guide to the goals, policies, practices, benefits and expectations of the Barnaby Manor Girl Scout Troops. The Barnaby Manor Girl Scout Troops reserves the right to change, add, or delete policies, practices, or benefits at any time and without notice based upon program needs and conditions.

I understand that if I feel that Barnaby Manor Girl Scout Troops is not right for my family that we may withdraw our girl(s) at any time without penalty. However, we are not entitled to have any reimbursement of funds spent or given to the troops.

Print:_____________________________________________________________

Signature:_________________________________________________________

Date:_____________________________________________________________