Cookie Spotlight: David M.

Few people are bigger fans of Girl Scout cookies as staff at GSCTX. Today we present to David M. He is one of our awesome rangers at Camp Texlake and a Girl Scout cookie fan. Take it away, David!

What is your favorite cookie?
Tagalongs.

If you were a cookie what cookie would you be and why?

      The short bread cookie because it’s an original, much like I am.

Do you know any of the cookie characters and if so could you describe one?
A Samoa, it looks like a big cookie with little lines of chocolate on it.

Do you remember the first time you had a Girl Scout Cookie? My sister sold them as a brownie when I was little, so I got to sample a thin mint for the first time. Pretty amazing.

What is your favorite part about cookie season? 

Seeing the girls sell cookies to achieve a goal, such as raising money for a troop trip to D.C. or to travel abroad.

What advice do you have for Girl Scouts braving the cold weather to sell cookies?
Hot cocoa! Bring enough for you and your potential customers, might be just enough to get some extra sales.

If you had the last box of Girl Scout cookies in the entire world who would you share it with? My wife, of course!

We have to agree: Thin Mints are pretty amazing! Thanks for sharing, David!
Stay tuned for more of our cookie spotlights.

Back to Basics: helping children experience nature

Gold Award Girls

The following entry was written by Nicolette Newton about her Gold Award project-- a hands-on booklet to help children experience nature--and how she accomplished it. Keep reading to find out her motivation to stick with Girl Scouting through the years and the impact it has made in her life.

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I started as a Daisy, at age five, not knowing at the time that Girl Scouts would have taken the course it did.

At first, Girl Scouts was all about earning badges, being with friends, and having fun, but then it became more; it was more about learning and growing. This was around the time that many girls were dropping out and saying it wasn’t cool, but I made my decision to stay. I remember reading an article in the newspaper about three close friends who earned their Gold Awards, which is so rare. I also remember thinking how cool it would be to stay in Girl Scouts and be as happy as they were in that picture. That was my “aha!” moment and my reason to stick with it. I think that was one of the first big decisions I made in life.

I chose to focus my Gold Award project at Candlelight Ranch because they have been an inspiration to me. CLR aids special needs and at-risk children, focuses heavily on the importance of the outdoors, and represents conservation in many of their projects.

My father is a member of the advisory committee for Candlelight Ranch and I have done many service camps at the Ranch, so the location was an obvious choice. Choosing my Gold Award project was another step along the path of my passion for helping others. It was a monumental goal, which I pursued enthusiastically. I’m also really handy with a computer and designing, so I wanted to pick a project that I could be very successful at. 

My goal was to create a hands-on booklet that helps children learn and experience nature. My goals were definitely met. 

I was faced with many challenges. My main obstacle was time management. It was my senior year when I focused on this project and time management was very difficult for me. One day, I spread all my notes out, organized layouts and buckled down. It was a very exciting and rewarding experience and I became very passionate about the outcome.

I’m glad I stuck with Girl Scouts for the adventure, fun times, learning experiences, and the discoveries I made about myself. I am so proud of having reached my goal, and completing my Gold Award. Not only did it enrich my past, but it will greatly impact my future. Being a Gold Award recipient is an honor and is well respected by colleges, employers, family and peers. It will open up opportunities, which would not have been accessible before. I believe this was a factor in my acceptance to Baylor University, where I am a freshman majoring in Graphic Design. 

I remember the days when I was selling cookies at Randall’s, going on campouts, wrapping presents at Brown Santa, designing and selling t-shirts, hosting a father/daughter dance, and so much more. It was a whirlwind of adventures and I wouldn’t take the experience back for anything. 

Advice I have for girls seeking their Gold Award is to have fun! Pursuing the Gold Award is a very rewarding and challenging experience. Keep in mind that organization, time management, budget and contacts are all important aspects of attaining a successful project. Most importantly, always believe in yourself, and just like the Olympic athletes, “Go for the Gold!”

Cookie Spotlight: Danielle R.

Few people love Girl Scout cookies more than the staff at GSCTX. Today we're featuring Danielle R. who works out of Waco and is a Tagalong fan. We can't blame her! It makes sense she would love them so much, since she's just as sweet! Take it away, Danielle:

What is your favorite cookie?

My favorite cookie is the Tagalong; anything with peanut butter is a sure win with me!

If you were a cookie what cookie would you be and why?

If I were a cookie, I think I’d be a Trefoil. I’m classic and a bit of an old soul. I’m reliable and loyal, as I picture the oldest cookie to be.

Do you know any of the cookie characters and if so could you describe one?

Girl Scout cookie characters- like the image that goes with them? I know them all! Tagalongs  have a red hat on and carry a baseball bat and wearing red shoes and tall socks. Thin Mints have an “old school” style Girl Scout hat on and a green sash. The Do Si Do is wearing an orange cowboy hat and jamming out on a guitar.

Do you remember the first time you had a Girl Scout Cookie?

I don’t remember eating one for the first time, but when I see the cardboard cases from LBB, I have blast from the past memories.

What is your favorite part about cookie season?

My favorite part of Girl Scout cookie season is talking to the girls about their goals. I love to be reminded of how brilliant and adventurous they are. I love hearing the excitement in their voices when they describe their goal to me and what they’ll get to do when they accomplish their goal.

What advice do you have for Girl Scouts braving the cold weather to sell cookies?

Smiles and laughing are contagious. Show people that you are enjoying yourself by doing so and they’ll be more likely to approach you and give you a sale. If you enjoy cookies, other people will, too. Looking miserable- people aren't as likely to approach you.

If you had the last box of Girl Scout cookies in the entire world who would you share it with?

The last box of GS cookies in the entire world- eek- what a predicament! I’d share my box with…someone who owns an ice cream shop so we could mix the ice cream and the cookies together and make them last longer!

Thanks, Danielle!!

Camp Series: KJ Falchuk, GSCTX Camps Coordinator

One of the core experiences of Girl Scouts is camp—we've long been known for encouraging the development of female leaders through our camp program and we are getting ready for one of the best seasons yet.

With the release of our long-awaited Camp Guide, we’re also launching our Camp Series: a weekly feature on our blog where you’ll get to know more about the whole journey, from counselors to camp grounds and everything in between.

Today we kick off with our Camps Coordinator, KJ Falchuck.

KJ Flachuck, Camps Coordinator

My name is KJ Falchuck and I’m the Camps Coordinator at GSCTX as of October 2013. I have the best job in the world! Not only do I get to coordinate camp staff and operations at Camp Kachina and Camp Texlake, but I get to meet and talk with amazing Girl Scouts year-round!

Although I wasn't a Girl Scout growing up, I've long loved going to camp and being outdoors.  I am so happy to be welcomed as a Girl Scout as an adult and to be able to learn so much from Daisies to Ambassadors and beyond!

Since I wasn't a Girl Scout, I went to a church camp growing up and loved it so much that I worked in it for 7 summers: 5 in Texas, one as a backpack guide in Colorado, and one in Brooklyn, NY!  Camp is a powerful, wonderful experience--near and far!

One of the best things about camp is learning about who you are.  I learned at camp that instead of trying to be someone else, I should always try to be the best version of myself!  Camp was the first place where I really knew that I belonged outside of my family; that is what I want all campers to feel as well!

My fondest memories of camp are playing the guitar with hundreds of people singing camp songs around a fire.  What could be better than singing at the top of your lungs with a bunch of friends outside?

While camp is full of heroes, my personal heroes were my first counselors from Camp Chrysalis. They taught me that it is a lot about responsibility, joy, and that it’s quite an honor to be a person's very first camp counselor!  

Given my own experience at camp, my favorite thing is to see transformation.  Girl Scout campers realize how powerful, smart, and capable they are.  By the end of a week at camp, girls have made new friends and done things they never dreamt possible!

If I could tell girls anything about camp it’s that we need you!  Yes, you!  Every camper makes our week brighter.  Can't make it this summer?  Check us out year-round on the weekends!  We can't wait to see you at Girl Scout camp!

I’m KJ Falchuck and camp is camptastic!

197 boxes for Troops and First Responders!

One of the biggest strengths of the cookie program is teaching girls to set goals and follow through. This is exactly what Eva Elaine has done and she has done so while ALSO helping others through the "7th Box." 

Girl Scouts of Central Texas feels it is imperative in raising future leaders to show our appreciation and support to our troops and first responders. Eva Elaine has shown this dedication in her sales and is well on her way to meeting her goal. 

Eva Elaine D.,  with the support of her amazing dad, Patrick, has been working tirelessly to reach her goal of selling 1000 boxes. So far, she has sold almost 700 boxes, of which 197 of those are donations to the Operation Cookie program. That's 197 boxes of yummy Girl Scout cookies that will be sent to US military troops overseas. 

That's $788.00 in monetary donations!

Eva is part of Junior Girl Scout Troop 2062 which is in the Westwood Service Unit. She is nine years old and in the 4th grade. She is proud to be able to earn so much money for her troop and is hoping to reach her goal of selling 1000 boxes so she can earn a week at Girl Scout camp this summer!

We appreciate your work so much, Eva Elaine and Patrick! A big, warm GSCTX salute to you! Good luck reaching your goal!

-Special thanks to Stephanie Thornburg for sharing!

Helping them Remember: How one Girl Scout helped Alzheimer's patients

Gold Award Girls

The following entry was written by Marissa Konde about her Gold Award project--helping Alzheimer's patients--where she drew inspiration from and how she accomplished it. Thank you, Marissa!

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For my project I made and led activities for an Alzheimer’s /dementia respite group called Mike’s Place. Mike’s Place program is part of Meals on Wheels (MoW) and is held in east Austin in the MoW building. About 16 families were being served with my project. The activities engaged the Alzheimer’s patient’s minds and helped them to keep communicating. It also strengthened family bonds since some activities were taken home and done with a family member.  It benefited others because the Alzheimer’s patients engaged their minds, reduced anxiety/ restlessness and kept them intellectually active. Also, their caregivers got a break, and the volunteers helped the participants grow.  Indirectly, I believe that others in Austin (and in the United States) benefited from my blog, which listed activities and directions to complete the activities. These groups or families would then have ideas for interacting with persons who have dementia.

I chose this project because my grandma has been having memory problems, and this project could help me learn more about memory difficulties.  I also selected it because my mom volunteers at Mike’s Place and she thought it would be a great place that could use my contribution. 

My goals were to impact the Alzheimer’s/dementia patients and families in a positive way, advertise my activity blog, and have some money donated for supplies for the sustainability of the project. I also created an interest survey for the participant’s families to complete so different kinds of focus could be incorporated into activities at Mike’s Place. 

 Many of them are sustainable because they can be reused again, time after time (see list of sustainable activities attached). I purchased some decorations to go with Mike’s Place weekly themes that can be reused year to year too.  I also raised $400 along with my church, which went to Mike’s Place to provide funding for purchasing materials needed for activities. I recruited the craft group from my church to commit to making a few activities for Mike’s Place next year. Hopefully my blog will continue to be a source of inspiration for others to do the same in their communities.

One of my biggest obstacles was collecting funds for supplies. I sent letters and emails explaining my project to various businesses requesting funds to support with little to no response.  I was able to get a couple of businesses to donate supplies and one of them donated laminating services, which was very helpful.  Once I saw where most of the money was going, I did find ways to cut costs.  My church allowed me to make color copies using their copier, as did Mike’s place.  This helped me cut down significantly on costs. I was able to raise money in my church to support Mike’s Place for next year.

My advice to anyone getting their gold award is to pick a subject that you really like and won’t get tired of. Most importantly never give up!

Cookie Spotlight: Emily M.

Few people are bigger fans of Girl Scout cookies than the dedicated staff at GSCTX! Today we're shining a light on Emily M. who works out of Bryan-College Station and always has a smile on her face. Take it away, Emily:

What is your favorite cookie?

Tagalongs!

If you were a cookie what cookie would you be and why?

I would be a Savannah Smiles because I would get to smile all the time!

Do you know any of the cookie characters and if so could you describe one?

I know what the characters look like but I couldn't describe anything about them.

Do you remember the first time you had a Girl Scout Cookie?

I remember the first time I sold cookies. I was at our local grocery store as a Brownie and asked every single person that passed by if they wanted to buy cookies. I never was allowed to handle the money because I was always the best “asker” in my troop and had to be out in front of the booth asking people.

What is your favorite part about cookie season?Girls really see what they can do with the money they earned from selling cookies.

What advice do you have for Girl Scouts braving the cold weather to sell cookies?It’s Texas, there is no cold weather.

If you had the last box of Girl Scout cookies in the entire world who would you share it with?Anyone who asks. Everyone deserves to have Girl Scout cookies.

Thanks for sharing, Emily. We love your enthusiasm and sunny disposition!