Community Gathering- Recap Notes

Community Gathering - 03/12/2024

Hello Blue Sky Volunteers,

Thank you to everyone who was able to join us online for our March Community Gathering. I hope you find this email informative and helpful. As always, please reach out if you have any questions. The Service Unit Team is here to help.

HUGE shout out of appreciation for everyone involved in making 2024 Encampment a great success!! From what I saw, everyone was having a great time. I know my girls loved it!

EVENTS

Adult Campout – Blue Sky will be hosting an adult overnight at EPC for our Blue Sky Volunteers. This is a time to network, relax, and have some fun without the responsibility of scouts for one night. Come and join us on Saturday, April 27th (3pm) to Sunday, April 28th (10am). Dinner on Saturday and Breakfast on Sunday will be provided. The cost is $20.00 per person. You will receive a confirmation email with info on how to pay. This will be for registered adult volunteers ONLY, no kids allowed! Please register at the link below!

Adult Overnight Registration

Easter Bunny pics – GS Troop 2093 will be taking pictures with the Easter bunny again this year. This was such a cute set up last year, I’m sure it’ll be great again this year! If you haven’t signed up yet, feel free to send them an email to troop2093@gmail.com Dates and details on flyer below.

UPDATES

Congratulations to EVERYONE for surviving another cookie season! Thank you to all the TCMs and leaders who help the girls reach their goals, this is no easy feat!!

Blue Sky ordered 27% more cookies on the initial order than last year. We were up 1.1% on OTM and 11% or reorders.

Now is the time to make sure your Annual Financial Reports (AFRs) are up to date!! These will be due by June 1 for the fiscal financial year, May-April. Don’t wait to update all those cookie deposits.

It’s also a great time to talk about donating to SHARE! A lot of troops use a portion of their cookie proceeds to give back. SHARE is a great donation to give back to Girl Scouts and help bring this amazing program to others that can’t afford it on their own! SHARE funds help pay for girl registration, camp, launching new troops, etc.

SU TEAM OPENINGS

If you’d like to be a part of our awesome team, we have some positions opening on our SU Team! You do not have to be a leader to volunteer on the SU team, any registered adult is welcome to join. We have the following roles open, if you have any questions about any position, please feel free to reach out!

· Registrar – work with recruitment to help find troops for interested girls

· Encampment director – plan/organize our annual SU campout

· Youth Leadership lead – work with our YL team to guide them through planning SU events

· Recognitions – plan and host our recognition events like awards, investiture/rededication, adult appreciation dinner

· Treasurer (shadow) – Michele will be with us for 1 more year, now’s the time to shadow her and learn the ropes before taking over for the 2025-26 season

RECRUITMENT

Our recruitment team would love your help! They’re hoping to get a point of contact from each school so they can start reaching out for back-to-school events. If you know the PTA president or a good contact person at your school, please fill out the link below to share it with our council recruitment team. They’d love for GS to represent and host a table at each school’s back to school night for the coming school year.

School Contacts for Recruitment

MEAL TRAIN

Our amazing recruiter, Evelyn, will be having surgery on March 28th. Maureen had a great idea for us to support her and her family during the days she's recovering by putting together a meal train! If you’d like to make a meal for her family, or order 1 to be delivered, please sign up at the link below. Dietary restrictions/allergies are included in the link.

Evelyn's Family Meal Train

Community Gathering Dates

April 16th – via zoom

May 14th - in person at Painted Rock MPR (Green & White banquet)

Yours in Scouting,

Lyssa and Mandy

Blue Sky Service Unit Managers

Blueskygs692@gmail.com

Or on the BAND app https://band.us/n/a9a58bo0Bfw3b

Community Gathering - 02/13/2024

Hello Blue Sky Volunteers,

Thank you to everyone who was able to join us in celebrating all of the girls' wonderful accomplishments! I hope you find this email informative and helpful. As always, please reach out if you have any questions. The Service Unit Team is here to help.

EVENTS

World Thinking Day – Troop 2948 is hosting a WTD event. Troops are encouraged to host a table of either the country of their choice or an activity that will help meet the requirements of the WTD badge (requirements are linked in the registration form). This event will be at EPC (Escondido Program Center) on March 2nd, from 12pm-2:30pm. You do not have to host a table to attend. Register at the link below for attendees as well as those planning to host a table!

WTD

SU Encampment – Blue Sky’s Encampment will be at Indian Hills campground this year. This event will be March 15th-17th. Cost is between $145-$175/person for overnight; this includes a weekend full of activities, lodging, and food! Payments are due in Dec and Feb. If you’re girls are not ready for overnight, or just not available for the full weekend, Saturday day passes are available as well! Day passes will be between $45-$70.

Encampment Registration

Overnight is sold out but day passes are still available!

Adult Campout – Blue Sky will be hosting an adult overnight at EPC for our Blue Sky Volunteers. More details to come, but save the date for April 27th-28th. This will be for registered adult volunteers only, no kids allowed! Please fill out the survey below to help us with planning the evening

Volunteer Campout Survey

COUNCIL UPDATES

Troop Support will be restructuring to support by program level:

Daisies: Ana Luisa Ponce aponce@sdgirlscouts.org 619-610-0715
Brownies: Melanie Cott mcott@sdgirlscouts.org 619-610-0829
Juniors: Minhhieu Phamvu mphamvu@sdgirlscouts.org 619-610-0776
Cadettes/Seniors/Ambassadors: Mary Talle mtalle@sdgirlscouts.org 619-610-0778
Multi-Level: Riley Martinez rmartinez@sdgirlscouts.org 619-610-0722

Support Lead - Mary Talle mtalle@sdgirlscouts.org 619-610-0778

When in doubt, you can always email customercare@sdgirlscouts.com

Community Gathering Dates

March 12th – via zoom

April 16th – via zoom

May 14th - in person at Painted Rock MPR (Green & White banquet)

Yours in Scouting,

Lyssa and Mandy

Blue Sky Service Unit Managers

Blueskygs692@gmail.com

Or on the BAND app https://band.us/n/a9a58bo0Bfw3b

Community Gathering - 01/09/2024

Hello Blue Sky Volunteers,

Thank you to everyone who was able to join us at our meeting this week at Painted Rock. I hope you find this email informative and helpful. As always, please reach out if you have any questions. The Service Unit Team is here to help.

COOKIE UPDATE

Our biggest topic at the meeting, of course was cookies! Sales start later this month, please see important dates below. Keep in mind the only thing constant is change, lol. Things are always changing so these dates may change as well

Important January Dates:

> Jan 10 - First Priority Booth pick can be made by troops that reached the required level for Fall sales ($2000)

> Jan 11 - Second Priority Booth pick can be made by troops that placed an Initial Order at the Recommended Level (108 PGA)

- Emails were sent today to troops eligible for these picks

> Jan 11 – Delivery pickup slots open

> Jan 16-18 - 1 per night regular booth selection (if you did not get priority selection)

> Jan 19 - Service Unit Cookie Kick Off

> Jan 19-21 - 3 per night regular booth selections can be made

> Jan 26 - Feb 1 - no booth selections - they will resume later in Feb

> Jan 27 - Warehouse Delivery Day

> Jan 28 - Cookie Program Opens at 9am. No orders to be taken until then.

> Jan 28 - Digital Cookie Opens

> Jan 31 - Cookie Cupboards Open

EVENTS

Cookie Kickoff – Blue Sky will be hosting a Cookie Kickoff! We’ll have older GS helping run the stations at our event. Younger girls are encouraged to come and learn about cookie sales in a fun, safe environment! Event will be held at Painted Rock MPR on Jan 19th, from 6:30pm-8:30pm.

Registration has closed for this event. We look forward to seeing everyone there who signed up!

Bliss Ambassador JiD – Alison Lizarraga is hosting a journey in a day event for Ambassadors to complete the Bliss journey. This event will be at the Carmel Mtn Ranch library on Feb 3rd, from 10am-1pm. Cost is $25/girl. Contact Alison for more information, mominpoway@cox.net

Recognitions Ceremony – Blue Sky will be hosting our mid-year awards ceremony at our next Community Gathering meeting in Feb. Join us at Painted Rock MPR on Feb 13th from 6:30pm-8pm. Leaders can submit their troops accomplishments at the link below (please submit 1 form per girl)

Blue Sky Mid-year Recognitions

World Thinking Day – Troop 2948 will be hosting a WTD event. Troops are encouraged to host a table of either the country of their choice or an activity that will help meet the requirements of the WTD badge (requirements are linked in the registration form). This event will be at EPC (Escondido Program Center) on March 2nd, from 12pm-2:30pm. You do not have to host a table to attend. Register at link below for attendees as well as those planning to host a table!

WTD

Encampment Registration

Overnight is sold out but day passes are still available!

Volunteer Campout Survey

GOLD AWARD PROJECT

Alexandra Miller is working on her gold award project. Her project is to bring awareness to the struggles of elderly with dementia. For part of the project, she’ll be making sensory blankets (and hosting workshops on how to make them) and is looking for some materials to help make these blankets. Material list below.

Quilting material

Backing

Thread (any color, but mainly white)

Zippers

Ribbon/shoelaces

Fabric of different textures: velvet, satin, fuzzy, lace, leather, etc. (anything with variety!)

Ropey, furry, or soft marerials

She’s also looking for some help in making her project sustainable. She's hoping to find another Girl Scout troop or member with a sewing guild interested in sustaining the project after she's finished. This doesn’t have to be a girl scout that continues the project, any sewing group that is willing/able to continue making and donating blankets would work. Any leads to help her with this is greatly appreciated! Please reach out to Alexandra at alexandrajm07@gmail.com with any questions.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP

Our Youth Leader meetings start back up Jan 17th for planning Encampment! If you have an older girl (JCSA) interested in helping plan Encampment, please sign up on the link below. The YL team will meet every other Wed in Jan through March to prepare for this event.

Youth Leadership Interest list

Community Gathering Dates

Feb. 13th – in person at Painted Rock MPR (Mid-year Awards)

March 12th – via zoom

April 16th – via zoom

May 14th - in person at Painted Rock MPR (Green & White banquet)

Yours in Scouting,

Lyssa and Mandy

Blue Sky Service Unit Managers

Blueskygs692@gmail.com

Or on the BAND app https://band.us/n/a9a58bo0Bfw3b

Community Gathering - 12/12/2023

Hello Blue Sky Volunteers,
I hope this email finds you well. It’s December and that means the holidays are in full swing! I hope you find this email informative and helpful. As always, please reach out if you have any questions. The Service Unit Team is here to help.

BUSINESS

Phishing/SPAM Emails

Friendly reminder that no one from Blue Sky will ever reach out to our leaders/volunteers asking you to pay a vendor, purchase gift cards, etc. We’ve seen a couple of these SPAM type emails coming through and we want to make sure our volunteers are not compromised.

EVENTS

The Shark Issue (Gold Presentation) – Roxie Walsh is hosting some presentations to earn her Gold Award. You will learn about sharks, the health of our oceans, and how you can help. Presentations will be held on zoom 12/15, 16, and 17 at 5pm and are geared towards Juniors, Cadettes, and Senior level GS. Please see attached flyer for more information, you can email Roxie at roxie@walsh.com with any questions

Cookie Kickoff – Blue Sky will be hosting a Cookie Kickoff! We’re looking for older GS who would like to help run a station at our event. Younger girls are encouraged to come and learn about cookie sales in a fun, safe environment! Event will be held at Painted Rock MPR on Jan 19th, from 6:30pm-8:30pm.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfrgI0vLWKccteu9WnevPqtN7LXPe-_7m9erLgr7Jol930lNA/viewform?usp=sf_link

If you have JCSA level girls that would like to help at the event, let us know here

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeEuhx9afzPi4af91WRIvESFuYfP5aIDoOKfg42IOKa7gTHqQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

Recognitions Ceremony – Blue Sky will be hosting our mid-year awards ceremony at our Feb Community Gathering meeting. Join us at Painted Rock MPR on Feb 13th from 6:30pm-8pm. Leaders can submit their troops accomplishments at the link below (please submit 1 form per girl)

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGsmsWsFwNRDpvtQvY2VUJGaJZtcfgY8ZQ04E4MNVwq_-pTg/viewform?usp=sf_link

World Thinking Day – Troop 2948 will be hosting a WTD event. Troops are encouraged to host a table of either the country of their choice or an activity that will help meet the requirements of the WTD badge. This event will be at EPC (Escondido Program Center) on March 2nd, from 12pm-2:30pm. You do not have to host a table to attend.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYq-guWQuAs-qEKWNi7E8uZldJQZbDU0AUpJe_aqnH6l9dzQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

SU Encampment – Blue Sky’s Encampment will be at Indian Hills campground this year. This event will be March 15th-17th. Cost is between $145-$175/person for overnight; this includes a weekend full of activities, lodging, and food! Payments will be due in Dec and Feb. If you’re girls are not ready for overnight, or just not available for the full weekend, Saturday day passes are available as well! Day passes will be between $45-$70.

https://forms.gle/6CnbKxjet4SkDa4j6

COOKIE UPDATE

Initial orders are DUE Dec 13th and cookies will arrive on Jan 27th! Reach out to Jan and her team if you have any issues getting your initial orders submitted. We will be looking for volunteers in Jan to sign up to help at distribution day. If you’re available, please consider lending our amazing cookie team a hand!

SERVICE PROJECTS

Troop 2948 collected holiday mugs. They will be making mugs filled with hot cocoa, marshmallows, and candy to pass out at local senior facilities. They’ve received plenty of mugs but could still use some more hot cocoa and candies. Girls are invited to join the troop on Sun, 12/17, at 1:30pm to help stuff the mugs! For more info, contact Alison at mominpoway@cox.net

YOUTH LEADERSHIP

Our Youth Leaders are taking a small break for the holidays and will pick back up in Jan with planning Encampment! If you have an older girl (JCSA) interested in helping plan Encampment, please sign up on the link below. The YL team will meet every other Wed in Jan through March to prepare for Encampment.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXqnzLOHGcCi80YibMkK2b8vwCsLgleaFGK1Mzl7_PXASbWg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Community Gathering Dates

Jan. 9th – in person at Painted Rock MPR

Feb. 13th – in person at Painted Rock MPR (Mid-year Awards)

March 12th – via zoom

April 16th – via zoom

May 14th - in person at Painted Rock MPR (Green & White banquet)

Yours in Scouting,

Lyssa and Mandy

Blue Sky Service Unit Managers

Blueskygs692@gmail.com

Or on the BAND app https://band.us/n/a9a58bo0Bfw3b

Community Gathering - 11/14/2023

Hello Blue Sky Volunteers,

I hope this email finds you well. It’s November and that means the holidays are upon us! I hope you find this email informative and helpful. As always, please reach out if you have any questions. The Service Unit Team is here to help.

Thank you to Tracie Arlington for joining us to discuss the classes/programs she offers Girl Scouts! Here’s a message from her, and I’ve attached her flyer to this email as well.

It was wonderful seeing all of you tonight. I look forward to empowering your Troops. I do have some days left in December and a couple of weekends left in the New Year, but we do travel to your meeting during the week anytime. Here is more info on the program: https://playitsafedefense.com/girl-scouts/

I have also attached our Spring dates and you do not need to have 12 girls to attend. You'll also see the petals, badges and Journeys our curriculum covers. We have six patches, so anytime your girls take a class they will earn a new and different patch, the course is progressive.

These are the courses I teach:

· Self-defense- verbal & physical

· Cadette Amaze Journey

· Public Speaking

Feel free to contact me at 619-723-0036, Tracie@playitsafedefense.com

Tracie

BUSINESS

Troop Treasurers! Keep your AFRs (annual financial reports) up to date!

Friendly reminder to update your AFRs as parents are turning in Fall Product money. Money should be deposited regularly as it is received from families. Every transaction should have a line on the AFR spreadsheet.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to Michele Cambou directly.

mcambou@sbcglobal.net

(858) 361-5793

EVENTS

Mission Sisterhood Senior JiD – Alison Lizarraga is hosting a journey in a day event for Seniors to complete the Mission Sisterhood journey. This event will be at the RB library on Dec 16th, from 1:30pm-4:30pm. Cost is $25/girl. Contact Alison for more information, mominpoway@cox.net

Recognitions Ceremony – Blue Sky will be hosting our mid-year awards ceremony at our Feb Community Gathering meeting. Join us at Painted Rock MPR on Feb 13th from 6:30pm-8pm. Be on the look out for the recognitions submission form to be sent in Dec!

World Thinking Day – Troop 2948 will be hosting a WTD event. Troops are encouraged to host a table of either the country of their choice or an activity that will help meet the requirements of the WTD badge. This event will be at EPC (Escondido Program Center) on March 2nd, from 12pm-2:30pm. You do not have to host a table to attend.

SU Encampment – Blue Sky’s Encampment will be at Indian Hills campground this year. This event will be March 15th-17th. Cost is expected to be around $150-$175/person; this includes a weekend full of activities, lodging, and food! Payments will be due in Dec and Feb; we are hoping to have registration open by end of Nov or early Dec. (We need a minimum of around 100 people committed to staying the weekend in order to make it cost effective to offer day passes on Sat)

COOKIE UPDATE

TCM (troop cookie manager) training is now available in gsLearn! Login to your myGS account through council’s website, select gsLearn from left side, select Content Library, and search Cookie. Complete the “Troop Cookie Manager (2024)” training and make sure to sign the agreement at the end of training. Initial orders will be due Dec 13th and cookies will arrive on Jan 27th!

SERVICE PROJECTS

Troop 2074 is collecting for the Battered Women's Shelter. Battered Woman is a woman’s shelter and a home for kids who have aged out of foster care. They will be making holiday gift bags for their residents. There are collection boxes at Poway High School, Maureen’s front porch, and Heather Daniel’s home. The troop is taking collections now through 11/26. See collection flier attached.

Troop 2948 is collecting holiday mugs. They will be making mugs filled with hot cocoa, marshmallows, and candy to pass out at local senior facilities. For more info, contact Alison at mominpoway@cox.net

YOUTH LEADERSHIP

Our Youth Leadership team did a great job hosting the Juliette gLow party! We had around 120 girls celebrating our founder and dancing the night away. They’re ready to take a small break for the holidays and pick right up in Jan with planning Encampment! If you have an older girl (JCSA) interested in helping plan Encampment, be on the look out for a registration form. The YL team will meet every other Wed in Jan through March to prepare for Encampment.

Community Gathering Dates

Dec. 12th – via zoom

Jan. 9th – in person at Painted Rock MPR

Feb. 13th – in person at Painted Rock MPR (Mid-year Awards)

March 12th – via zoom

April 16th – via zoom

May 14th - in person at Painted Rock MPR (Green & White banquet)

Yours in Scouting,

Lyssa and Mandy

Blue Sky Service Unit Managers

Blueskygs692@gmail.com

Or on the BAND app https://band.us/n/a9a58bo0Bfw3b

Welcome to the New Year 2023-24

Hello Blue Sky,

Welcome to the 2023-2024 girl scout year! You’re receiving this email because you’re listed as a Girl Scout Volunteer in some capacity for the Blue Sky Service Unit. THANK YOU! Each month, I will send an email with information about Girl Scouts that can help you in your scouting role. That email will usually come just after our monthly Community Gathering in case anyone is unable to attend in person/via zoom.

First off, introductions. If you’re a new leader/volunteer this year, welcome! We are so glad you’re here. Your Service Unit Team is here to support you, so please do not hesitate to reach out. Who are we:

Lyssa Powers – Service Unit Manager (co-chair)/Communications. I am here to support the Service Unit Team and each of you. I also help with girl placement and upcoming info. Blueskygs692@gmail.com

Mandy Wall – Service Unit Manager co-chair. Here to help support the Service Unit team and all adult volunteers! Blueskygs692@gmail.com

Maureen Hovannesian – Youth Leadership lead. Helps support and mentor our Junior – Ambassador girls who plan Service Unit events. Moeisme1@aol.com

Leslie Majchrzak - Cookie Sales Coordinator. All things cookie sales!! Lesliemajchrzak@gmail.com

Jan Young - Service Unit Cookie Coordinator. Also all things cookie sales!! Young.jan2@gmail.com

Karolina Rangel - SHARE Fund Organizer and Fall Sales Coordinator. Karolina.gravlin@gmail.com (for SHARE) or blueskysdgsfallproduct@gmail.com

Michele Cambou - Treasurer. If you have any troop financial questions. Mcambou@sbcglobal.net

Julie Sproul - Encampment Director. Organizes our Service Unit campouts! Jsproul74@yahoo.com

Alison Lizarraga - Activity Consultant. Prior to certain events, you will fill out the Activity Approval Form which goes to her. If you have any questions about what is allowed as a troop activity, feel free to reach out to her. Mominpoway@cox.net

Christine Zobel (Zee) - Recognitions. In charge of recognizing the accomplishments of girls and adults in Blue Sky. Zobelchristine@yahoo.com

Our first Community Gathering is on Tuesday, September 12th from 7-8pm. Location: Painted Rock Elementary School MPR located at 16711 Martincoit Rd, Poway. Who can attend: Leaders, Co-Leaders, Adult Volunteers, Parents of scouts interested in staying informed about scouting activities/issues or who might be interested in volunteering on the Service Unit Level (Yes, please!). Scouts may attend but we will not have activities scheduled for them.

If any scout/adult would like to be added to the agenda for an upcoming meeting, please email Lyssa and Mandy at blueskygs692@gmail.com. We want to feature girls working on awards/projects who might need our support. Or maybe your troop is working on an outreach project and would like to share or get others involved - this is the place to share it!

Stay informed. There are a couple ways to get upcoming info from us. Find us on Facebook under Blue Sky Girl Scouts or on BAND under Girl Scout Blue Sky Service Unit. All of our events for the year will be listed at these places and things will be added as they come up.

Registration. Our official year starts on 10/1, so please continue registering your scouts/leaders/parents. Reminder: adults spending time with the girls (meetings/events/campouts) need to be registered, complete the background check, complete the CA Mandated Reporter Training (2 hour online course found at https://mandatedreporterca.com) and have a LiveScan fingerprinting on file with Girl Scouts San Diego.

Again, welcome to this scouting year. If you have any questions, please reach out to anyone on our Service Unit Team. If you’d like to volunteer for any part of the Service Unit (one event, one year, more…) please come to the Community Gathering tomorrow to hear about opportunities to join our fun group and give back. Please find our Welcome Packet attached that we will review and tomorrow’s meeting as well! Feel free to print it out or view it on your device during the meeting.

Yours In scouting,

Lyssa and Mandy

Blue Sky Service Unit Managers

Blueskygs692@gmail.com

Welcome Packet.pdf

Community Gathering - 04/04/2023

Hello Blue Sky Troops,

I hope this email finds you well. It’s April and that means a lot of things happen as we end the school year. I hope you find this email informative and helpful. As always, please reach out if you have any questions. The Service Unit Team is here to help.

BUSINESS

Troop Treasurers! AFR (annual financial report) due June 1!

The Troop Finances report should reflect all troop financial activities from May 1, 2022 to April 30, 2023. Reports are due to Council by June 1, and must be submitted by your Troop Leader. This means you should aim to have your report completed and your Wells Fargo Statement from April 2023 given to your troop leader by May 20th in order for them to have time to upload and submit to Council.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to Michele Cambou. She will be available for Zoom calls May 16, May 17, May 21, and May 23 (all from 6-8pm). She also can be available at other days/time, so please reach out to her directly.

Documents Needed to complete your report:

Troop Financial Tracking Worksheet (refer to email attachments)
Wells Fargo Statement (instructions attached in email; you will need to wait until mid-May for the April 2023 statement to be ready. Instructions for accessing Wells Fargo attached.
Fall Sales Report from your Troop Fall Product Manager
Cookies Sales Report from your Troop Cookie Manager
Receipts/notes from troop expenditures and deposits (including straight to troop donations) from May 1, 2022 through April 30, 2023 (these do not need to be turned in but should be kept in a folder for reference and retained for 3 years.)

Blue Sky Service Unit Treasurer contact info:

Michele Cambou

mcambou@sbcglobal.net

(858) 361-5793

EVENTS

The Escondido Campout is closed for registration. Final details have been emailed to each troop that registered over the weekend. Thanks for your patience as I finalized all the details.

Saturday, April 29th. Troop 2948 is hosting a fun Earth Day activity from 12-2pm for $11.00. Patch is included. Please email mominpoway@cox.net to register!

Tuesday, May 9th. Final Community Gathering for the school year. 7-8pm at Painted Rock Elementary School MPR. If any scout would like to report on a project or award, please let Maureen know to be added to the agenda. Hope to see you there.

Recognition Ceremony is on May 13th at Old Poway Park at 9:30am. Please fill out the recognitions form here for any scout or adult you’d like to recognize. We want to recognize them, too! Girl Recognitions

Early Bird Registration is open now through the end of May. Let’s help Blue Sky meet our goal of 70% renewals! Questions? Email Lyssa Powers at lyssapowers919@yahoo.com. https://www.sdgirlscouts.org/renew

Tuesday, May 30th. Adult Appreciation Dinner. 6pm. More info to come. Save the date! Register here: Adult Recognitions

Camp Surf is back!! This is open to all levels who are ready to do an all-weekend overnight camp. Leaders will need to be trained in the following: Registered with a background check, Mandated Reporter online training, Livescan. At least one adult will need to have the following: Basic Overnights, Let’s Camp, FirstAid/CPR, and if you’re tenting: Let’s Tent. When: September 22-24th, 2023. Cost: $205.00 per person due on 8/1. To hold your spot, $100.00 is due per person no later than May 9th.

Please register here: Camp Surf. Once you’re confirmed, payment directions will be sent to you. First come first serve. Refunds will be taken into consideration on a case-by-case basis. Questions? Email Maureen Hovannesian at moeisme1@aol.com.

Blue Sky Blackout Bingo

Did you know Adults get recognized for their Volunteerism, too?! As leaders, you may qualify for the Leader/Co-Leader Award of Distinction if you take on one of these roles. :) Also, if the girls in your troop can help with the event you choose, the hours they spend helping will count toward Helping Hands Hours (any level) or the Girl Scout Service Bar (Cadettes-Ambassadors.) This is an easy way to get service hours! So, please take a look at the available volunteer opportunities for the 2023-2024 year.

Cool part: in August, you will receive a ‘play book’ for what you’ve signed up for which includes a step-by-step plan for your event. You’re not alone and the SU will help you. But, every little bit of help is much appreciated. Let’s get a BLACKOUT by the end of May please!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-OxGuqYhtQbxdx9Wp1nzQynw_6QkgDIszVVSW3glB_Y/edit

Thank you! See you soon.

Maureen Hovannesian

Blue Sky Service Unit Manager

619-578-8411

See our calendar on the BAND APP. https://band.us/n/a9a58bo0Bfw3b

Community Gathering - 03/14/2023

Hello Blue Sky,

BUSINESS

Great job, GSSD! We sold over 2.25 million packages which means every troop receives and additional .05/box. Woohoo!!

Thank you Siddhi Sathpathy for sharing your Gold Award project with us: Minimizing household waste. Your presentation was informative and fun! If anyone would like her to come to your scout meeting to share her project and spread her message, please contact her at siddhisathpathy@gmail.com.

For those who saw her presentation, feel free to use this link to track your usage for 2 weeks. This email also has the pledge card.

Here's the link to the trash log: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SmecraYZUkxx4XIPBNRIyYSupAf4AUZc_esOnVTGtxQ/edit?usp=shari

NO MORE SHUTTERFLY. YES to BAND APP. Blue Sky information/calendar/event sign up is now live on the Band App. Please sign up soon to stay informed. Text Maureen if you’d like an access code at 619-578-8411 or try this link:

https://band.us/n/a8af84G2UdU99

Calling all singers! If your scout would like to be on the council list to sing the National Anthem when opportunities arise, please email media@sdgirlscouts.org.

Early Bird Registration is coming! Start talking with your scouts about who is returning next year. Early-Bird Registration opens April 1st. Blue Sky usually does a GREAT job of getting a high percentage of our scouts renewed early. Let’s keep up the reputation. Girls who re-register early will receive a patch. :) Questions - just ask Lyssa at lyssapowers919@yahoo.com.

EVENTS

Camp Winacka campers: Your weekend schedule, cabin assignments, and packing list will be sent to you by Friday. Thank you!

Camp EPC (April): Registration will close for this event on March 31st. This is open to Daisies/Brownies/Juniors. Please register soon if you haven’t yet. Confirmation emails will be sent the first few days of April.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDgH8F_y2orYNkhZqBG4Z1J44NHxNBRlCGWmIoCE9araMX4A/viewform?usp=sf_link

Register now for the Earth Day Event hosted by Troop 2948 on April 29th from 12-2pm. Email mominpoway@cox.net for info. Registration info is attached.

Save the date: Blue Sky Green and White Recognitions is on Saturday, May 13th from 9:30-11:00am. A submission link for the recognitions will be sent on April 1st.

Save the date: Blue Sky Leadership Appreciation Dinner is on Tuesday, May 30th at 6pm. More info to come! We want to celebrate YOU and all the amazing work you’ve done this year.

Next Community Gathering is adjusted for Spring Break. See you on Tuesday, April 4th from 7-8pm. We’ll talk about the Service Unit Team and plan for Blue Sky’s upcoming year. Bring your calendars so you can help plan. Hope to see you there.

Thanks,

Maureen Hovannesian

Blue Sky Service Unit Manager

619-578-8411

Community Gathering - 01/10/2023

Hello Blue Sky,

Thank you all for attending this month’s meeting. It was really great to have over 30 of you there! As I mentioned, these monthly meetings are shifting from information only to more sharing/networking with other adults in scouting. We also want to highlight specific topics each month to help you as leaders/helpers. Please take a moment to answer a few questions about our Community Gathering topics so we can provide content meaningful to you. :)

Community Gathering Survey

There are quite a few links in this email, so please make sure to take the time to go over it all.

TCMs - We need 4 more helpers for cookie distribution on 1/28. If someone in your troop can help during these fun-filled few hours, please let Jan Young know. Your help is much appreciated. Jan: young.jan2@gmail.com.

February Girl-Recognitions is coming! It’s back!! We finally get to celebrate our girls’ accomplishments in person! Please use the following link to tell us what your girls completed from June-December, 2022. We’ll also be recognizing Fall Product Sales milestones. IF you are submitting your troop/individual girls for these awards, PLEASE let your families know asap so they can attend the February 7th Blue Sky Community Gathering to receive their awards in person. The event is from 6:30-8pm at Painted Rock Elementary School. All submissions need to be done by 1/27.

Mid-year Recognitions

World Thinking Day registration is open! WTD is a world-wide celebration of our international friendships through scouting. Come and celebrate with this years’ theme of “Our World, Our Peaceful Future: The Environment, Peace, and Security.” WHEN: March 4th at the Escondido Program Center. Set up at 10am if you’re hosting a booth. Event is from 11-1pm. Cost is $5.00 per scout or $3.00 per scout if you’re hosting a booth. Patch included.

WTD

Save the date: March 12th. San Diego Girls Rugby is hosting a “Try-It” day for Blue Sky from 1-3pm. This is for Brownies and up. Cost:$5.00 per scout. Registration is limited and will open soon. This gives you time to ask your troop if you’d like to attend. Individual girls may attend as long as we meet our adult ratios which shouldn’t be a problem.

Camp Winaka registration is open! March 24-26th. This is for Juniors-Ambassadors in a cabin setting. The theme is “Secret Garden” with more info to come on this. Each troop is responsible for its own food, but activities/supplies are provided for Saturday’s events hosted by the Girl-Leadership group. We are offering canoeing (on a limited basis), archery, and fishing! The cost per camper is $25.00 unless your troop had a representative at the meeting this week, then your cost is $20 per camper. Patch included.

Older Girl Encampment

Camp EPC (Escondido Program Center) registration is open! This is for Daisies-Juniors. The theme is “ Camping Basics.” April 21-22 OR April 22-23. The Girl-Leadership group is still working on the program for the event. This is a great opportunity for scouts who’ve never been on an overnight before. It’s close to home and inside a large cabin. Since space is limited, we offering 2 sessions to get more people through. So, please select your choices 4pm Friday-11am Saturday or 3pm Saturday-10am Sunday. Daisies and Brownies have priority over the indoor setting. Juniors get a chance to try out their tent camping skills outside! If there are younger girls who are ready to tent, we will try and accommodate them outside, too. Dinner and Breakfast are included. Cost is $16.00 per person or $11.00 if you had a representative at the last meeting for your troop. If your troop isn’t ready to do an overnight but would like to attend for the day, we will accommodate this as space allows for $10 pp and we invite the girls to stay for dinner/s’mores. Patch included.

Younger Girl Encampment

Thank you for all you do! See you on February 7th. If you have any questions, please reach out to me.

Maureen Hovannesian

Blue Sky Service Unit Manager

619-578-8411,

Community Gathering - 12/13/2022

Hello Blue Sky,

Thank you for a really fun meeting this month. I learned a lot about you during our game!! Haha. Our monthly gathering is evolving into us learning about upcoming events, sharing our ideas, learning from each other, working through scouting challenges, and building our friendships with each other. Most of the other stuff can be sent in an email recap such as this. :). I hope you can join us starting in January for some fun meetings.

BUSINESS

Karolina reminded us that December is the last month to get a tax benefit for 2022 for donating to the SHARE program. If you find yourself having a few extra dollars, or your company matches donations, please consider donating to this cause. https://thinmint.sdgirlscouts.org/files/SHARE_Gift_Form.pdf Our Service Unit number is 692. THANK YOU for helping us reach our goal of $1200.00

Thinking Day Event - Mark your calendars for March 4th. Junior Troop 2721/Karolina Rangel is hosting the Blue Sky event this year. Hooray!! Please start talking with your troop about what country they might want to showcase. This is a fun international fair celebrating different countries and cultures. The event will be at the Escondido Program Center from 10am-1pm. More info to come on 1/10.

AB506 - If you (or adults in your troop who spend more than 16 hours a month or 32 hours a year with youth) haven’t completed the LIVESCAN background check, please get this completed asap - especially if you’re planning to attend our upcoming campouts. Forms are included in your email. PLEASE EMAIL MAUREEN WITH YOUR NAME and TROOP NUMBER WHEN THIS IS DONE at blueskygs692@gmail.com.

Fingerprint Process - Volunteers:

Supply both forms-- LiveScan Request Form and Certifix Account Flier (see attached) must be printed out and provided to the fingerprint vendor/operator along with a valid government issued ID (school IDs are not acceptable).
- Both forms must be provided to ensure payment out of pocket is NOT required or collected for the live scan.
- Girl Scouts San Diego will not reimburse fees or costs associated due to not providing the accurate forms, these attached, at time of fingerprinting.
Please visit Certifix Live Scan’s website to find a nearby location or can contact Certifix’s Support Team at (800) 710-1934 for assistance with finding a location.
- Note: Some vendors may require appointments and others may accept walk-ins.
- Fingerprinting can be only initiated in California.

SURVEY - Please take 2 minutes to share what YOU would like to learn about during our Community Gatherings. We have 5 meetings left this year and want to make this time valuable for you. Community Gathering Survey

UPCOMING

Please plan to attend our January 10th meeting where our new Council Recruiter, Evelyn Diaz, will talk about her role in recruitment (not just for girls but also adults), and she will share an incentive program that will start with cookie sales.

We will also talk about upcoming cookie sales/tips and tricks we’ve learned along the way.

Our Blue Sky Girl Leadership Group is working on our upcoming campouts (Camp Winacka and Camp Escondido.). You’ll hear about registration, cost, lodging, etc. BONUS!! If you bring one non-leader adult (parent/grandparent/cookie person, etc) to this January meeting your troop will receive $5.00 off registration PER SCOUT for camp. What a great deal! The goal is to get other adults interested and informed about the Service Unit.

The February Gathering is our mid-year recognitions celebration. More info to come on this, but start thinking about what your scouts have achieved from June-December 2022. If your girls are receiving a certificate, please invite them to come to this meeting.

Check out our Shutterfly page for current calendar info.

Thank you for all you do for your troop, Blue Sky, and Girl Scouts. Your time and passion for scouting is so appreciated. Season’s Greetings to everyone, and Happy 2023!

See you soon,

Maureen Hovannesian

Blue Sky Service Unit Manager

619-578-8411

Community Gathering - 11/08/2022

Hello Blue Sky,

Thanks to everyone for coming to our meeting this Tuesday. It was great to see you, learn your middle and last names (haha), and get inside from the rain! Here’s some helpful info:

BUSINESS

1) Our Treasurer, Michele Cambou, is asking everyone to please add any Fall Product Sale Proceeds to your Annual Financial Form as soon as you finalize your sale. Cookie season is right around the corner, and you’re expense report will be much easier to track if everything is in order prior to cookie sales starting.

2) Congratulations again to our SHARE Coordinator, Karolina Rangel, for receiving the SHARE Award from Council at our Volunteer Conference last weekend. Thank you for all your time on this important project. Keep an eye out for a fundraiser coming up where proceeds will go to the SHARE fund.

3) Our Council Troop Support Manager, Shelley Guerin, reminded us to please make sure our California Mandated Reporter training is complete. Also, check out the info to complete your livescan fingerprinting for free.

4) The Girl-Leadership Team is coming! Our first meeting is on Wednesday, December 7th, from 6:30-7:45pm. This is for Juniors-Ambassadors to earn volunteer hours and get experience planning and executing activities. Thank you to the adults who have signed up to be my second adult at each meeting. I’m still looking for 1 more adult starting in February if you can check your schedule and sign up here. Girl Leadership Adult Helpers No planning needed on your part - just be the second adult on hand. THANK YOU. An email to all scouts who are interested in being in this group will come out on 12/1. If your scout isn’t signed up yet please use the link here: Youth Leadership Interest List

EVENTS

Cookie info is coming soon!! Is there a troop interested in hosting a cookie kickoff in January/February? Please let Maureen know asap to coordinate. Moeisme1@aol.com.

The San Diego Gulls invite the Girl Scouts and their friends and families for a fun night with Girls Hockey. The game is on Saturday, November 19th at 7:00pm against the Grand Rapids Griffins. Wear your scout vest/make a poster/represent Blue Sky! For tickets email Steven Somera at ssomera@sandiegogulls.com.

OLDER GIRL OPPORTUNITY

Girls who are currently in 10th-12th grades can apply for Emerging Leaders! We currently have 3 amazing ladies from Blue Sky that are Emerging Leaders. If your girl is interested in getting more info about this program or interested in applying, you can check out the GSSD website here Emerging Leaders info. Deadline to apply is 11/27.

BLUE SKY HAS MANY SERVICE PROJECT OPPORTUNITIES - take a peek! PLEASE PASS ALL OF THIS ON TO YOUR FAMILIES.

Troop 2723 is hosting a booth at their school’s Pancake Breakfast to benefit our local neighbors in need as part of their Bronze Award Project. You may bring non-perishable food items, blankets, pillows, toiletries, first aid items to Midland Elementary School on Saturday, December 3rd from 8-11am to drop off. You do not need to stay for the breakfast - you can just drop and go if you’d like.

Sara from the Oak Creek Service Unit and Troop 2018 is sharing her event with us (see flyer.) Winter Crafts on December 3rd from 10a-12pm. Come and make cards, decorations, and more. Please email Sara at saralanger@mac.com to REGISTER. No fee but they ask for a donation of one (or more) non-perishable food items for a food pantry.

Is there a troop interested in HOSTING a drive? We are looking for a troop willing to take on a “beanie drive” for the group “Border Angels.” Please email Lyssa Powers at lyssapowers919@yahoo.com for information on how you can help.

Blue Sky is hosting a donation collection for a Battered Women’s Shelter. Troop 8080 did this for 8 years but have graduated high school. I’m glad to see we’re continuing their legacy. Hopefully, you have at least one meeting before the deadline to collect items and drop them off by end of day on December 5th. See flyer for items needed. Since this is a sensitive topic, as a suggestion, it’s ok to just say “Women’s Shelter” to our younger scouts. :)

We are also in need of 5-6 Cadettes-Ambassadors to sort the items on Thursday, December 8th from 4-7pm (approximately.) Please email Maureen if you can volunteer at moeisme1@aol.com. Drop off items any time at 17952 Sencillo Drive, 92128. Please include a note with your Troop number.

Thank you for all you’re doing with your scouts. You make a difference! If you’d like your troop highlighted to share a project/event/trip, please email Lyssa to be featured on our website. Lyssapowers919@yahoo.com.

Next Meeting is on December 13th from 7-8pm at Painted Rock Elementary School. Hope to see you there.

Thank you,

Maureen Hovannesian

Blue Sky Service Unit Manager

619-578-8411

Blueskygirlscouts692.org

Community Gathering - 10/11/2022

Hello Blue Sky,

We had a great meeting last night which started off with a rededication/investiture ceremony. Thank you to Priya and Zee for planning that ceremony. We talked a lot about upcoming events, and we spent some time with leaders sharing what they are doing with their troops to pass the word to everyone about fun you can do with your troop.

Fall Sales are going strong. If you have any questions, please email Karolina at blueskysdgsfallproduct@gmail.com. Karolina could use some helpers during Product distribution on 11/12. Please sign up here: https://forms.gle/Qq5cThggJ1x13L2b7

EVENT CANCELED. Unfortunately, our Blue Sky Trunk n’ Treat has been canceled due to lack of sign ups. We’ll try again next year!

Outdoor Skills Weekend was a huge hit! We had a few leaders from Blue Sky attend. Our goal is to have a big group attend next year. Pencil in the first weekend of October 2023 now for a really fun weekend.

The Community Care Group (Cadettes/Seniors/Ambassadors) have their first meeting on Sunday, 10/16 at 3pm at the Poway Royal Estates clubhouse (13300 Alpine Dr, Poway). For more information please email Alison Lizaraga at mominpoway@cox.net.

Girl Leadership Group will start meeting in December to plan some upcoming Encampments. This is for Juniors-Ambassadors. I need one adult for each date listed to be my second chair. Without help, this group can’t start up. The girls have been asking and are ready to jump in and have some fun, so I really appreciate everyone looking over their calendars and seeing if they can dedicate just one meeting to help out. Any adult can do this: troop parent/grandparent/leader, etc…. Location TBD. Please check out the signup link here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044FABAC29A0FF2-girl

Blue Sky Dates

10/16 - Community Care Group meeting 3pm (see info above)

11/8 - Community Gathering from 7-8pm at Painted Rock Elementary School. Bring your spare change for the “SHARE” bucket. Our goal is to raise $1200.00 this year. By attending, you are entered into a drawing for a gift basket. Hope to see you there.

11/13 - Leader Recruitment Event. WE NEED YOU! It doesn’t matter if you’re a new leader or seasoned. Please come and help us recruit new adults to place our many girls on our waitlist. Contact Lyssa Powers for time/place. Lyssapowers919@yahoo.com.

Take a peek at what other troops are doing in the coming months:

OCTOBER

- Geocaching Badge

- A Senior Troop is welcoming a Daisy Troop with a fun song/game

- A new Daisy Troop is having their first campout

- Halloween Party (girls bring/come up with their own games)

- 1 Leader is sending “Juliette Low” Birthday cards in the mail to her scouts to celebrate JGL’s birthday

- Wildlife Conservation at the Zoo

- 2 Junior Troops are working towards the Bronze Award

- Yoga Instructor coming to host a class in the park. Contact jennie@jenniemacgoyyoga.com for info. Group rates available.

- Poway High School Robotics Workshop

NOVEMBER

- SOW WHAT Badge

- Engineer Journey in a Day

- Troop hiking

DECEMBER

- Troop Caroling in neighborhood

- Troop Caroling at a senior center

- Operation Wing Scout (might already be full)

- “We haven’t planned that far yet!”

Thank you for all you do for Girl Scouts!

Maureen Hovannesian

Blue Sky Service Unit Manager

619-578-8411

Community Gathering - 09/13/2022

Hello Blue Sky,

I hope this finds you well. Here’s a recap of our Community Gathering from Tuesday, September 13th. Please let me know if you have any questions.

OLD BUSINESS

Thank you to our 100 scouts and leaders who just enjoyed Blue Sky Camp Surf! It was great to be able to do this after Covid. I was listening to the leaders and girls all weekend, and it was obvious to me that Blue Sky REALLY likes this event. I’ll call this week to see about booking the camp for next September. :)

NEW BUSINESS

Daisies/Brownies/Juniors - the Poway High Dance Team has a few spots for girls to participate in the half time show at the football game on October 7th at 4:30pm. Event includes a t-shirt, dinner, and a treat! This is a fundraiser for the Poway Dance Team. Register before 10/1 and save $5 at www.Powaydanceproject.com.

Youth Leadership - Juniors and up have a chance to work on upcoming events with Blue Sky, BUT, I need one more adult to help facilitate this group. Ideally, we will meet one to two times a month on Wednesday night from 6:30-7:30pm (place tbd) starting in October. Please email me if you (or an adult from your troop is interested in helping out.)

Community Care Team - For any scouts (Cadettes/Ambassadors/Seniors) who are interested in giving back to their community, please join in on October 16th from 3-4pm to find out more info about this team. They want to start leading some community projects in Blue Sky! These girls have the potential to earn their service bars, helping hands, presidential award, as well as get some great ideas for higher awards, too. If interested, please email MominPoway@cox.net. Thanks to Lyssa Powers and Alison Lizaraga for facilitating this.

Fall Sales- Please see emails from Karolina Rangel our Fall Sales Coordinator if your troop plans on selling which starts on 10/3. Karolina @ Karolina.gravlin@gmail.com.

Outdoor Skills Weekend - Registration is open now for Outdoor Skills Weekend! It’s a very fun adult-only scouting weekend from October 7-9th at Camp Winaka. Register at sdgirlscouts.org. There are only a few spots remaining so sign up soon!

Train the Trainers - If you’ve ever thought about sharing your love of scouting by training adults to become well-prepared leaders, this is for you! You can teach one or more classes a year! It’s really up to your availability. It’s a great way to give back. The class is offered on 11/12 at Council. For information, register as sdgirlscouts.org/events (Train the Trainers).

PRESENTERS

Grace, Maddie, Caitlyn from Troop 2074 shared their Silver Award project with us. It was a great outreach project including cookbooks provided to those utilizing the food banks locally. Please look at their slideshow below.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1-BX0mPsjG1sVXzKy1eU5SbcFqk52VXG1FKm8angfyoc/edit

SAVE THE DATE

Next Community Gathering at Painted Rock Elementary School is on Tuesday, October 11th from 7-8pm. Please come hear about all of the Blue Sky goings-on as well as network with other amazing leadership people. Next month is our REDEDICATION CEREMONY so come and celebrate your commitment to scouting.

Blue Sky Trunk n Treat ~. Thank you to Alison Lizaraga and her troop for hosting this event. Sounds like all ages are interested in attending. Register for the event on Saturday, October 22nd at 6:30pm at mominpoway@cox.net. Location coming soon!

Thank you,

Maureen Hovannesian

Blue Sky Service Unit Manager

619-578-8411

Welcome to the New Year 2022-23

Hello Blue Sky,

Welcome to the 2022-2023 scout year! You’re receiving this email because you’re listed as a Girl Scout Volunteer in some capacity for the Blue Sky Service Unit. THANK YOU! Each month, I will send an email with information about Girl Scouts that can help you in your scouting role. That email will usually come just after our monthly Community Gathering in case anyone is unable to attend in person/via zoom.

Maureen Hovannesian - Blue Sky Service Unit Manager. I am here to support the Service Unit Team and each of you. Blueskygs692@gmail.com.

Lyssa Powers - Recruitment/Communications. Helps with girl placement or upcoming info. Lyssapowers919@yahoo.com.

Leslie Majchrzak - Cookie Sales Coordinator. All things cookie sales!! Lesliemajchrzak@gmail.com.

Jan Young - Service Unit Cookie Coordinator. Also all things cookie sales!! Young.jan2@gmail.com.

Karolina Rangel - SHARE Fund Organizer and Fall Sales Coordinator. Karolina.gravlin@gmail.com (for SHARE) or blueskysdgsfallproduct@gmail.com.

Michele Cambou - Treasurer. If you have any troop financial questions. Mcambou@sbcglobal.net.

Julie Sproul - Activity Consultant/Encampment Director. Prior to certain events, you will fill out the Activity Approval Form which goes to her. If you have any questions about what is allowed as a troop activity, feel free to reach out to her. She is also our new Encampment Director for this year. Jsproul74@yahoo.com.

Priya Sathpathy - Recognitions Co-Chair. In charge of recognizing the accomplishments of girls and adults in Blue Sky. Priyasathpathy@yahoo.com.

Zee Zobel - Recognitions Co-Chair. In charge of recognizing the accomplishments of girls and adults in Blue Sky. Zobelchristine@yahoo.com.

OLD BUSINESS

SHARE Fund update: Blue Sky rocks! We set a goal to raise $1200 for the SHARE fund by the end of September. We are so close to reaching our goal. Thank you to Karolina for all the flamingo flocking you did last year! That was so fun. All Share Fund dollars stay local and support programs, property maintenance, financial aid to girls who wouldn’t otherwise receive the benefits of scouting. So - THANK YOU!

NEW BUSINESS

Save the date: Our first Community Gathering is on Tuesday, September 13th from 7-8pm. New Location: Painted Rock Elementary School MPR located at 16711 Martincoit Rd, Poway. We’re hoping to zoom, too. Who can attend: Leaders, CoLeaders, Adult Volunteers, Parents of scouts interested in staying informed about scouting activities/issues or who might be interested in volunteering on the Service Unit Level (Yes, please!). Scouts may attend but we are not sure we’ll have activities scheduled for them during this first meeting.

If any scout/adult would like to be added to the agenda for an upcoming meeting, please email Maureen at blueskygs692@gmail.com. We want to feature girls working on awards/projects who might need our support. Or, maybe your troop is working on an outreach project and would like to share or get others involved - this is the place to share it.

Upcoming Community Gatherings at Painted Rock from 7-8pm:

10/11

11/8

12/13

Stay informed. There are a few ways to get upcoming info from us. You can check out our website at https://www.blueskygirlscouts692.org. Follow us on Shutterfly. If you’re not on Shutterfly, please email Maureen. Facebook under Blue Sky Girl Scouts. All of our events for the year will be listed at all of these places there and things will be added as they come up.

Registration. Our official year starts on 10/1, so please continue registering your scouts/leaders/parents. Reminder: adults spending time with the girls (meetings/events/campouts) need to be registered, complete the background check, and complete the CA Mandated Reporter Training (2 hour online course found at https://mandatedreporterca.com.

Fall Sales. From your Coordinator, Karolina:

Hello Girl Scout Leaders and TFM's,

It's Fall Product sale time right around the corner! Please fill out the poll below for more details about Fall Products and training as it does start soon. I will have fall product packets available for porch pick up and at the community gathering upon completion of the poll.

Blue Sky GS Fall Product 2022 poll:

https://forms.gle/zABVSgwmJPAcZb128

I look forward to working with you all this year. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Thank you,

Fall Product Program 2022

Karolina Rangel

Blue Sky Service Unit

SHARE & Fall Product Coordinator

blueskysdgsfallproduct@gmail.com

858-335-8047.

Youth Leadership

In the past, Blue Sky has offered an opportunity for our youth to be part of the planning process and execution in our events. It’s a great way for girls to meet others outside the troop, earn service hours, and utilize leadership skills. We are looking for 1-2 adults to oversee this group this year. The group meets at least once a month (sometimes more if there’s an event coming up) on Wednesdays from 6:45-8:00pm. This is for Juniors-Ambassadors. Please pass this along to your troop parents. There may be a parent who would like to take on this role for one year. If you are interested or know someone, please contact Maureen asap. We are hoping to start meeting in October to plan for upcoming events/outreach opportunities.

EVENTS

If you’ve registered for the Volunteer Conference this Saturday, August 27th, please note the Blue Sky theme is Mardi Gras! We’ll have beads/face masks for you to wear if you’d like. You can also dress the part, too! It’s a great day to have fun and learn with fellow Blue Sky adults. Hope to see you there. Registration is closed.

Outdoor Skills Weekend is back at Camp Winacka on Friday, October 7th-Sunday, October 9th. Come for a fun weekend of warm fires, bright stars, and full hearts. Any adults are welcome to attend and complete some outdoor skills, too! Registration is open now at sdgirlscouts.org

Do you want to host?

Does your troop want to host an event this year? Do your girls need some leadership hours? Let Maureen know. We’re looking for a troop to host the Juliette Low Birthday Bash in October.

In scouting,

Maureen Hovannesian

Blue Sky Service Unit Manager

Junior Troop Leader

619-578-8411

Blueskygs692@gmail.com

Leader Meeting - 05/10/2022

Hello Blue Sky,

Thanks to everyone who made it to the meeting this Tuesday. We missed those who couldn’t be there. There is a lot of info here, but MAY is super busy, and there are a few action items for you. If I don’t see you at our upcoming events, have a great summer!! :)

Guest Speakers

• Charlotte and Sydney: Troop 2074: Silver Award. The girls took the opportunity to inform the leaders about the problems of animal abuse. They have researched all kinds of abuse, and they worked with the local Human Society and Helen Woodward to learn about how they can help. The girls are making toys for the animals in shelters to play with. Did you know the toys they play with need to be thrown out every 2 days due to infections/diseases? So, there’s a huge need for toys! Email Charlotte Doll at charlotteanndoll@icloud.com if your troop would like to donate time and/or supplies to help.

• Avery and Caitlin: Troop 2074: Silver Award. The girls informed the leaders about their ‘Pollution Solutions’ Event on June 1st at 4:30pm at Hilleary Park (13500 Community Rd). They have been researching ways our community can reduce waste. All levels are welcome to help clean up Hilleary Park. There will be an interactive presentation, too! Questions? Email upspiderdown@gmail.com or Cristal.Kut@outlook.com. REGISTER BELOW.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe0E-77B5u-5YuFxCnrzv3EtE1pYGt_TL8TDUiwarddTE2Dbg/viewform?usp=send_form&usp=embed_facebook

Service Unit Updates

• Karolina Rangel – SHARE Fund: To date, Blue Sky has raised over $800.00 of our $1,200 goal. If you have any questions or would like to donate to SHARE, please email Karolina. Karolina.gravlin@gmail.com

• Priya/Zee – Recognitions this Saturday. Hope to see you at Old Poway Park from 11-1pm with your picnic lunch to celebrate our scouts’ achievements!

• ACT NOW! Genie – Early Bird Registration. If you did NOT receive the email from Genie about how to re-register, please reach out to her asap.

If Blue Sky gets their adult volunteers to re-register, we receive $150.00! That will be spent on events this upcoming year. Also, if Troops register 70% of their girls by May 18th, they have the opportunity to attend a fun event. Email Genie with any questions: gogaudette@cox.net.

Renewal Details

Review Renewal Details here

Troop Leader Registering Entire Troop

Review Troop Renewal Guide here

ADULT GOAL: 167. CURRENT: 61

GIRL GOAL: 310. CURRENT: 73

• ACT NOW! Michele – Annual Financial Report (AFR). Troop Leaders and Treasurers - Please submit your Annual Financial Report no later than May 31st. If you have any question, please reach out to Michele at mccambou@sbcglobal.net.

• Girl Leadership Team – Co-Chair needed to work with Maureen. We have a busy year to come where girls Junior-Ambassador can help lead/plan/execute events within Blue Sky. Email Maureen if interested your scout is interested in joining. Current members are already included. This group will meet once a month starting in September and then possibly more when an event arises. Moeisme1@aol.com.

• SU Positions Open – If anyone is interested in becoming the next Service Unit Manager, please email Maureen so you can shadow her starting in February. This position is very rewarding. It gives you a chance to use your organizational, creative, and people skills while getting to know the leaders in our awesome service unit. If you have about 10-15 hours a month to give to this, please consider taking on this 3-year position. We’re also looking for an Activity Consultant which will start this September. In this role, the AC is the safety checks and balances for our Troops when they take a field trip/trip. This role asks for minimal hours each month. Training is provided with a lot of support for any role. Please email Maureen if interested. :)

NEW! Calendar Updates

5/14 – Recognitions Ceremony at Old Poway Park from 11-1pm. Bring a sack lunch/chairs/blanket.

5/22 – Beach Clean Up from 11-12pm @ Cardiff Beach; park near Tower 10. We will meet at Tower 10. Register at https://forms.gle/2XxqUAYFuKvaPxZ89

6/14 – Leadership Appreciation Dinner at EPC from 5:30-7:30. Register by 6/1. https://forms.gle/KMn5Hd8GZNZag7Wk7 We are celebrating YOU!

7/26 – Blue Sky Family Beach Day. Bring your troop or family! Girl Scouts is not providing the Lifeguard, but there is one on site. Moonlight Beach 400 B. St. Encinitas. https://forms.gle/jmHta1gpxBXG9RBz8

Troops please submit the activity approval form found here: https://www.sdgirlscouts.org/en/for-volunteers/forms.html

Let’s come and play! Bring your lunch, sand toys, boogie boards, etc.

2022-2023 YEAR

9/13/22 – Welcome Back! First Blue Sky Community Gathering of the 2022-2023 Year. 7-8pm

9/23/22 – Camp Surf (about 10 spots remain). Email Maureen @ moeisme1@aol.com if you’d like to sign up.

3/24-26/23 - Blue Sky Campout at Winaka ideally for Juniors-Ambassadors. SAVE THE DATE.

4/21-23/23 - Blue Sky Campout at Escondido Program Center (EPC). This is a great first-time campout for Daisies/Brownies as a cabin campout. Juniors and above can tent camp, too! SAVE THE DATE.

Thank you for all you do. If you have any questions, please contact me.

Maureen Hovannesian

Blue Sky Service Unit Manager

Moeisme1@aol.com or Blueskygs692@gmail.com

Website: Blueskygirlscouts692.org

Shutterfly and Facebook: Blue Sky Girl Scouts

619-578-8411

Leader Meeting - 04/05/2022

Hello Blue Sky,

It was soooo fun to see everyone in person this week. We celebrated every leader with some yummy treats for “volunteer appreciation month.” If you weren’t able to make it check out the announcements here.

Way to go, Blue Sky! All reward orders have been placed, and our per girl average went from 210 to 216. We sold over 82,000 packages which was up from 64,000 last year. Amazing. It was definitely a unique selling season, so thank you all for hard work this year. Not sure when prizes will arrive, but Jan will keep us updated.

TREASURY

Michele is ready to help you wrap up your annual financial report (AFR). The report should reflect all troop financial activities from May 1, 2021 to April 30, 2022. Reports are due to Council by June 1, and must be submitted by your Troop Leader. This means you should aim to have your report completed and your Wells Fargo Statement from April 2022 given to your troop leader by May 20th in order for them to have time to upload and submit to Council.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to Michele Cambou. She will be available for Zoom calls on Tuesday, April 19 from 7pm-9pm, Wednesday, April 20 from 5pm-7pm, and Wednesday, April 27 from 5pm-7pm. She also can be available at other days/time, so please reach out to her directly.

Documents Needed to complete your report:

Troop Financial Tracking Worksheet (attached)
Wells Fargo Statement (instructions attached; you will need to wait until mid-May for the April 2022 statement to be ready. Instructions for accessing Wells Fargo attached.
Fall Sales Report from your Troop Fall Product Manager
Cookies Sales Report from your Troop Cookie Manager
Receipts/notes from troop expenditures and deposits (including straight to troop donations) from May 1, 2021 through April 30, 2022

Blue Sky Service Unit Treasurer contact info:

Michele Cambou

mcambou@sbcglobal.net

(858) 361-5793

Karolina has been working hard flocking all over the Blue Sky neighborhood! Our fundraiser is going great! We have raised over $700.00 for the SHARE fund with this fundraiser. Help Blue Sky Service unit reach the SHARE donation goal of $1200. After donating $25 follow the link to fill out whom you’ll be flocking! Click Here Flocking Address after donations have been made. And Don’t forget you will also receive a SHARE patch for every $15 dollar donation!

RECOGNITIONS

Please spread the word… All troops/girls/families are welcome to attend our Green and White picnic on Saturday, May 14th from 11-1pm. Bring a sack lunch and a blanket to celebrate the accomplishments of our Service Unit. Leaders, please fill out the following form by 5/1. Feel free to look at the form to see what awards/achievements we are highlighting at this event. There may be other achievements that you’ll celebrate within your troop. If you have any questions, please email Zee at zobelchristine@yahoo.com.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1BdeHeftvsdOBl3ulh2pkUQtcxkbRpBtAn_9qHRjDSBU/edit?usp=sharing

REGISTRATIONS

Early Bird Registration begins on May 1st! This is a great time to start checking in with your families about who will return in the fall. More information is coming regarding the incentive programs running throughout May for individual troops, IRMS, and our Service Unit. Let’s be ready to renew in May.

CAMP SURF

Thanks to everyone for registering for Camp Surf in September. We are 60% full. Please use the following link to register by 4/30. After that date, the registration will open to scouts outside our Service Unit. Event is on September 23-25th, 2022. Cost is $200 pp. 50% is due May 1st. Other half is due Aug 1. Cancellations will be on a case-by-case basis provided we can backfill the spots. Food/activities included. There are tent and cabin spots available. https://www.blueskygirlscouts692.org/home/events/camp-surf

BLUE SKY SCOUT HIGHLIGHTS

#110 Book Collection. Troop 2948 is celebrating Girl Scouts’ 110th birthday by making sure their monthly service project reaches at least 110 people. In the month of April, they are collecting gently used age-appropriate books for K-12th grade children living in homeless shelters around San Diego. Please drop off any books at 15135 Amso Street.

Nature Walks

Blue Sky Girl Scout, Aarohi Kanekar, has completed the Nature Guide Internship. She will be giving guided nature walks at Mission Trails Regional Park. We hope that you can come out and enjoy a walk, learn something new, and support a local Girl Scout.

Get to really know two of San Diego’s common habitats—chaparral and coastal sage scrub. Meet at one of four parks and preserves, and learn about the native plants, wildlife habitats, and conservation issues. Walks will be led by Seniors and Ambassadors trained as Nature Guides. The following week, meet the local Ranger in a webinar (zoom) and share photos, stories, and advice about your recreation experience at the nature site. Some nature guides are still working with the park rangers to schedule the webinar dates (the following week) and times (4, 5 or 7 pm).

§ San Dieguito River Park, Saturday, May 7, meet at trailhead on West Bernardo Road

§ Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve, Sunday, May 15, 1 pm, trailhead not yet selected

§ Mission Trails Regional Park, on Saturday, May 14, 9 am, meet at Visitor Center, webinar at 4 pm on Wednesday, May 19

§ Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve, May 7 or 8, at Visitor Center in Imperial Beach

Register at gea-events.eventbrite.com . Troops and individual Girl Scouts can attend this event along with a leader, parent and guardian (not a drop-off event).

Kind regards,

Alison Lizarraga

Troop 2948

LEADER RECRUITMENT

I’m looking for 3-4 current leaders who can come to our Leader Recruitment night on Thursday, May 12th from 6-7pm at Valle Verde Park. This is a time to welcome potential leaders into our Service Unit to bring scouting to the many girls on our waitlists. We want a few leaders on-hand to share their love and knowledge of scouting. All levels are welcome to come (new and seasoned leaders!). It’s a very fun night with lots of great energy. Please let Maureen know if you can attend.

WE NEED YOU!

Every few years the Blue Sky Service Unit has open positions. If you’d like to learn how you can be a part of this awesome team, please email Maureen. We are specifically looking for an Activity Coordinator (position opens in June) and someone to shadow the Service Unit Manager this year to begin a 3-year term on 7/1/2023. Being on the Service Unit keeps you informed of local events, allows you to make important decisions for our SU, and you will meet many fantastic leaders in our area. If you have a few hours a month, and you have the Girl Scout Spirit, contact Maureen. Please pass this along to your scout parents…someone may be looking for a way to give back.

CALENDAR

April 16th: SD Gulls Girl Scout Night. https://www.fevo.com/discovery/Girl-Scout-Nights-with-the-Gulls-S6sBMzPk

April 22-24th: Outdoor Skills Weekend. Hope to see you there!

May 1st: Early Bird Registration Begins

May 10th: Community Gathering - 7-8pm; Chaparral MPR

May 12th: Leader Recruitment

May 14th: Green and White Picnic - 11-1pm

May 22nd: Beach Clean Up/ Nurdle Patrol https://docs.google.com/forms/

Questions, please feel free to contact me.

Maureen Hovannesian

Blue Sky Service Unit Manager

619-578-8411

Blueskygirlscouts692.org

Leader Meeting - 03/08/2022

Hello Blue Sky -

I hope this email finds you well. We have had a busy March so far with cookies, volunteering, and getting ready for our upcoming Encampment. Here’s what’s coming up for Blue Sky.

CALENDAR

March 21: Camp Surf Registration opens until sells out. A waitlist will be utilized. Event is on September 23-25th, 2022. Cost is $200 pp. 50% is due May 1st. Other half is due Aug 1. Cancelations will be on a case-by-case basis provided we can backfill the spots. Food/activities included. There are tent and cabin spots available. See flyer attached. Any questions, please email Maureen at moeisme1@aol.com. Spots are limited and fill quickly.

April 1-3: Camp Whispering Oaks

April 5: In-Person Community Gathering at Chaparral MPR from 7-8pm. We’re excited to finally be together again. Bring any items you’d like to pass along to other leaders. We’ll pass along our items, celebrate Volunteer Month, and talk about upcoming events. I hope to have the event streamed, too. (Location: Chaparral Elementary School 17250 Tannin Drive, 92064).

May 1: Camp Surf registration closes and deposits are due.

May 10: In-Person Community Gathering at Chaparral MPR from 7-8pm. Last one until September.

May 14: In-Person End of Year Recognitions Picnic. See Shutterfly for details. 11-1pm. Please use the following link to submit your Troop’s achievements for 2021-2022 year (Journeys, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Volunteer Hours, etc.) We want to celebrate all the amazing things Blue Sky Scouts have done. Pease fill out no later than April 30th.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1BdeHeftvsdOBl3ulh2pkUQtcxkbRpBtAn_9qHRjDSBU/edit?usp=sharing

May 22: Note new date. Nurdles and Beach Clean Up. Please RSVP to Maureen at moeisme1@aol.com with your troop number and girls attending so you can receive the zoom link and information. We will start by zoom by learning all about nurdles from our own Silver Award Recipient, Madisyn Hamby. Then, we will head to the beach to clean up and, hopefully, remove some nurdles. Patch for purchase for $2.00. 8:30-9:30 zoom; 11-12p Beach clean up.

June 1: End of year financial reports are due. Please help Blue Sky be 100% compliant with this and plan to get your reports done the few days before.

Reminder: If you haven’t yet, please complete the California Mandated Reporter Training and upload your certificate to your MyGS profile. If you need any help doing this, please ask me. This is required for any adult spending more than 16 hours/month or 32 hours a year with children.

https://mandatedreporterca.com/

Treasury Report: Reminder - if you send Michele Cambou your March monthly statement/report by April 5, you’ll be entered to win a $25.00 gift card! Keep an ear out for her upcoming Treasury Zooms in April to assist anyone with their annual financial report due June 1st. Questions? Email Michele at mcambou@sbcglobal.net.

Troop Highlight: Troops 2161 (Amanda Tarzia and Cassy Russell) 8288 (Vani Pemble and Ashley Carlomagno), 8355 (Lindsey Slingsby and Arlene Tendick), 2955 (Vani Pemble and Vanessa Jones), and 2755 (Jason Paul and Ronda Anderson): Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors collaborated to create a beautiful garden at Garden Road Elementary School. The school’s foundation donated some money as well as the troops. The project cost over $600 and their time. Over 90 plants were planted. Great job!! Check out their photos attached. The before and after pictures are incredible.

Flamingo Flocking is well under way. This is our fundraiser to support the SHARE program. Thank you so much to everyone who’s donated and flocked a friend! We have raised over $450.00 dollars so far. Our goal is $1,200, and I’m sure we can get there. The SHARE fund is such a vital part of Girl Scouting. If you’d like to get in on the fun, feel free to follow the link below by April 2nd. Karolina is busy flocking all over town! Check out a few pictures. Thank you, Karolina!!

Flamingo Flocking Time is Now!

Surprise your favorite Girl Scout Neighbor by donating $25 or more and

send a Flock of Flamingos migrating their way!

Help Blue Sky Service unit reach the SHARE donation Goal of $1200

What does SHARE funding do? Helps San Diego County/Imperial Valley Girl Scout Troops and Girl Scout Troop Facilitators help Girl Scouts start troops or help troops with leading and ongoing camping/learning. The funding also helps Girl Scout Facilities help with upkeep to continue being beautiful places we love to camp/visit with our troops. In other words all Girl Scouts in this area are benefiting from your contributions.

How do you contribute/donate?

Go to SHARE make

When: Any donations made from March 2 - April 2

Be sure to use our Blue Sky Service Unit Number 0692

After donating $25 follow the link to fill out whom you’ll be flocking!

Click Here to submit Flocking Address after donations have been made.

And Don’t forget you will receive a SHARE patch for every $15 dollar donation!

Give the gift of Girl Scouting

Thank you, everyone! See you on April 5th.

Maureen Hovannesian

Blue Sky Service Unit Manager

619-578-8411

Leader Meeting - 02/08/2022

Hello Blue Sky,

I hope this email finds you well. Here’s what was discussed during last week’s monthly meeting.

NEW BUSINESS

Fall Sales Rewards - no update yet on when they’ll arrive.

Cookies - Jan updated us on the current cookie situation. If you have any questions, please email her: young.jan2@gmail.com.

Treasurer: Michele reminded us that you’ll be entered into a drawing if you send her your January monthly statement by 2/28. Please email her at mcambou@sbcglobal.net.

SHARE UPDATE:

You've Been Flocked!

FLAMINGO FUNDRAISING SEASON IS COMING!

Running from March 2nd through April 1st. This year, while helping support the San Diego Girl Scout SHARE program, you have the opportunity to Flamingo Flock a fellow Blue Sky Girl Scout Family! You will also have the opportunity to buy insurance not to be flocked (haha.). Protect your lawn from the flocks! Donate $25.00 to the SHARE FUND to be able to flock someone. Email Karolina for info/sign ups: Karolina.gravlin@gmail.com

Camp Whispering Oaks - This is a friendly reminder to register for Camp from April 1-3rd via our website https://www.blueskygirlscouts692.org/ Spots are filling up quickly.

CALENDAR EVENTS

Tuesday, March 8th: Monthly Zoom. 7-8pm

Friday, April 1- Sunday, April 3: Camp Whispering Oaks

Tuesday, April 5th: In-Person Monthly Gathering at Chaparral MPR. 7-8pm

Saturday, April 30th: Beach Clean Up mid-morning (more info to come)

Tuesday, May 10th: In-Person Monthly Gathering at Chaparral MPR. 7-8pm

Saturday, May 14th: Blue Sky End of Year Awards Ceremony and Picnic (more info to come)

OPPORTUNITIES

Guest Speaker, Chloe Lewa (an Ambassador scout), spoke about GEA: Girls for Environmental Action. This is a council-wide program offering Journeys, workshops, and field trips. Most of their programming is catered to Cadettes and up. However, there’s a Tree Promise program/badge offered to any level. Check out their website at www.gs4environment.com or email Anne Fege at afege@aol.com for more information.

Guest Speaker, Sudi Memarzadeh, is asking for help from any adult in our service unit who would like to speak about their career in an upcoming program offered at Del Lago High School. See her note and if you can find some time to help out, please contact her at soumem@gmail.com. See attached flyer as there are a few ways to volunteer your time and talent. Some can be done via zoom.

As you know I am teacher for Del Lago Academy:

https://www.dellagoacademy.org/

Every year we have an internship program for our Juniors and we place the entire junior class - all 200 of them - in the internships.

We place them all over like the city, middle and elementary schools, cal state san marcos, ucsd and galleries. This year because of the covid, we are struggling to find mentors. The internship is 3 weeks, total of 12 days, and we cover the insurance. Mentors would be paired with a student and teacher for check in. We are trying to create a positive environment and not let the kids down. If there’s anyone in Blue Sky who has their own business, or their business can host 1-2 Juniors, please ask them to contact me.

Thanks, everyone! Let me know if you have any questions.

Maureen Hovannesian

Blue Sky Service Unit Manager

619-578-8411

Leader Meeting - 01/11/2022

Hello Blue Sky Leaders,

Happy New Year to all of you amazing leaders! I hope this email find you well. Check out this email to see what was discussed last night. It was so great to see so many faces!

Congratulations to Troop 2210 for switching gears at the last minute to offer a virtual cookie kickoff for over 35 girls! Thank you for all of the hard work put in to this. If anyone would like to borrow the photo backdrop they created for cookie pictures, please email Priya at priyasathpathy@yahoo.com to borrow it. It’s so cute!

The Westview Robotics High School Team, Option 16, talked about their FREE robotics events for all levels. They are held outside at Westview High School, all adults are background checked and vaccinated and they follow all COVID protocol. Girls who attend may complete 3 robotics badges. The next in-person event should be in February/March. If interested, please contact them. https://drive.google.com/file/d/14mePeAWmIfeW6U_u9TsLq-JqKP8aMyjB/view.

Lyssa Powers’ troop is starting to plan for their Gold Award projects and wants to hear from any scouts who have already earned the Gold Award. They are hosting a brainstorming session for any scouts looking to start their projects, bounce ideas off each other, share info, etc. If any girls in your troop are interested, please email Lyssa at lyssapowers919@yahoo.com. A zoom meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 31st at 7pm.

Nichole Peterson is looking for someone who has earned the Silver Award to come and share their experience with her troop. Please contact her at nicholebirkedalpeterson@gmail.com.

Michele Cambou, our fearless Treasurer, is here for you! She reminded us that now is a great time to get your troop finances in order BEFORE all the cookie money starts rolling in. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact her. You can also email her your latest monthly statement by February 4th to be entered into a drawing for a $25.00 gift card. Mcambou@sbcglobal.net.

https://www.sdgirlscouts.org/content/dam/girlscouts-sdgirlscouts/documents/volunteer/finances

Cookie Update from Jan. Everyone should receive their Digital Cookie activation email on 1/18. That’s the first day to open your cookie site. On 1/18, it is ok for your scout to start taking pre-orders. By downloading the Digital Cookie App, your scout can take the order and the payment by credit card prior to 1/30. Official cookies sales start on 1/30. If anyone would like door hangers, they are available for purchase at council shops. You can also check out the Little Brownie Bakers website for helpful tips and crafts. If you need any order forms in English, please ask Jan for extras.

HELP! We are in need of a few more helpers to hand out cookies on delivery day. If you’re free from 9am-12pm on Saturday, January 29th, please let Jan know by emailing young.jan2@gmail.com.

https://www.littlebrowniebakers.com/girls/

https://www.littlebrowniebakers.com/volunteers/activities-for-girls/

AWESOME!! If anyone is looking for a place to host a meeting or event, the Carmel Mountain Ranch Rec. Center is open for rent at a very reasonable price ($3/hour!). If you’re interested, please contact Mary Talle at mtalle@sdgirlscout.org.

ENCAMPMENT SURVEY. Everyone should have received a survey about our upcoming campout. Please fill that out in the next week or so to help us plan. Sleeping spaces are very limited due to covid regulations, so we are asking any older troops able to tent camp to think about taking those spots. Remember, an adult for every troop must be qualified to have the troop attend. We’ll have more information coming out asap.

Thanks!

See you at our next meeting on February 8th at 7pm.

Maureen Hovannesian

Blue Sky Service Unit Manager

619-578-8411

Leader Meeting - 12/14/2021

Hello Blue Sky Leaders,

I hope this email finds you well. Here’s a recap of our meeting last Tuesday. 😉

From Michele Cambou (Service Unit Treasurer)

Each year, Troops are required to submit an Annual Financial Report (AFR.) All of your income and expenses from May 1, 2021 through April 30, 2022 should be recorded on the attached financial worksheet and will be submitted to Volunteer Toolkit by a Troop Leader by June 1, 2022.

Quarterly Drawing! Troop Treasurers who submit their updated AFR to me each quarter will be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift card to Starbucks. Next drawing will be at the Leader Meeting January 11th!

New troops! The date of your first transaction with the troop is the start date of your report. Returning Troops! Your report starts on May 1, 2021 with the balance listed on your Wells Fargo statement for that date.

If you are a new treasurer and/or try to avoid it until the end of the year, do not worry! It may seem like an overwhelming or complicated task, however I promise you that all you are doing is putting in an expense or money earned in one column or the other. The worksheet takes care of the rest for you!

Below my signature, you will find my Best Practices. Please reach out any anytime with your questions.

I have attached a few helpful resources for planning your yearly budget with your troop, as well as how to submit your AFR at the end of the year.

Troop Treasurer Resources:

Full troop treasurer training is available to you through Volunteer Toolkit: Troop Treasurer Training
Volunteer Essentials Finances Guide (attached)
Online Reading for Troop Treasurers

Best,

Michele

-----------------

Michele Cambou

mcambou@sbcglobal.net

(858) 361-5793

Best Practices:

Always make sure to rename your worksheet with the current year’s info, such as “2021-22 Troop XXXX Finances”
Always make sure to SAVE your changes when you input your expenses
Ensure your starting balance matches your Wells Fargo Statement as of May 1, 2021
Enter your expenses/income when you get your monthly Wells Fargo Statement! * Ensure you sign yo for eStatements from Wells Fargo; this can be your monthly reminder to enter your expenses and income for the month
Following the entries from your Wells Fargo account is the easiest way to ensure your worksheet is accurate and balances correctly
Reach out to me if your worksheet is not matching up with your Wells Fargo Statement; I will help you update your worksheet and get it balanced
Keep all receipts from the year!
Make sure you have a folder/envelope/large gallon plastic bag labeled with your troop number and the financial year and keep all your receipts together
Your receipts will help balance your worksheet if it is not matching your Wells Fargo Statement
Your receipts should be kept for 2 years

From Priya/Troop 2210 Troop Leader - Upcoming Cookie Kickoff Event

Troop 2210 is hosting a Cookie Kickoff! This is a fun and informative event for Daisies through Juniors (or anyone who has never sold cookies before!)

Troop 2210 is in need of a few older girl helpers for this event. They will meet on January 2nd from 2-4pm to put the supply kits together, and also host a planning zoom the week of the event. If you’d like to help pass on your cookie selling knowledge and gain some volunteer hours, please email Priya as soon as possible at priyasathpathy@yahoo.com.

** The event will be on Saturday, January 8th, from 10am-1pm at Starridge Park. Cost is $7.00/girl. **

Spaces are limited and will be given on a first come, first serve basis. Covid guidelines will be followed, and masks will be worn during the event. Also, if someone is unable to attend due to illness a refund may be given. Leaders/Adults please plan on staying with your troops/daughters.

Karolina Rangel - SHARE Fund Coordinator

Blue Sky has set a goal to raise $1200 for SHARE this year. We need your help in supporting this wonderful program. We are currently at $275 and hoping that you and/or your troop will consider making a donation. Please see the goggle doc here https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lgIGDwMdRfKGMpsYVr0QYvjf_WXn1nx6Z36FFffcMF4/edit?usp=sharing

For more information about Share, check out GSSD page here: https://www.sdgirlscouts.org/en/donate/donate/share.html

HUGE SUCCESS - Troop 2958

Congratulations to Troop 2958 for hosting such a successful “Night at the North Pole” event on December 11th. There were 4 fun-filled nights of festivities, collecting non-perishable items for those less fortunate, girl-leadership, and educating younger scouts on Girl Scouting!! Troop 2958 reached over 150 children over their 4-night event. Incredible!! Their special ‘quiet night’ for children with special needs found a true calling. Parents were thankful to bring their children to see Santa in a comfortable environment. Way to go, Leaders and Girls!! It’s great to hear you may do this again in the future.

New Training For Adults Working With Children

Some of you may have heard about a new law going into effect in January, AB506. This California law puts new requirements on organizations that work with youth in order to provide additional protections for those youth. These requirements include child abuse prevention training for all regular volunteers and staff as well as fingerprint background checks for those groups. Girl Scouts San Diego is committed to the safety of our girl members and supports these updates to provide even more safety and security for them.

Within the next two weeks each troop leader and co-leader will receive an email from our CEO Carol Dedrich or Girl Scouts San Diego with specific instructions on training and a plan for fingerprint background checks.

Child Abuse Prevention/ Mandated Reporter Training

All regular volunteers (all troop leaders, all troop assistant leaders, and other volunteers who meet the hour requirements) will complete child abuse prevention training
Here’s what we know so far about this training it will be available via gsLearn, which is accessed through MyGS.
Training time is 2 hours
Training can be paused and finished at a later time
Current troop leaders and assistant leaders will receive an email with instructions on accessing this training,
Troop Leaders will be asked to send the information along to anyone else in their troop who meets the requirements of a regular volunteer
An overnight or Troop-Campment could meet the 16 hours a month in one overnight.
If a volunteer has completed this training through another source within the past two years, such as being required by their job or with another organization, they need to log into MyGS and acknowledge that they have completed the training through another source.
Current volunteers will be asked to complete this training by Friday, Jan. 7, 2022
There is no cost for this training

I apologize for the lengthly email, but it seems there’s always a lot of information to share with you. 😊 Please let me know if you have any questions. I’m here to support you. Thank you all for the amazing job you’re doing for each of your scouts. I wish you a very happy holiday and a wonderful new year! See you on Tuesday, January 11th, from 7-8pm via zoom.

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83880740420?pwd=S3I3dUxSU0VxZnV0WmQ0ODRTRjBoZz09

Meeting ID: 838 8074 0420

Passcode: 264653

Please check out our Shutterfly account for upcoming calendar events.

Leader Meeting - 11/09/2021

Hello Leaders/Co-Leaders,

It was great to see so many of you last night. Blue Sky has a lot to celebrate. Please read about what’s been happening in our Service Unit as well as information for upcoming events.

REGISTRATION (Genie Gaudette)

Our registration numbers are almost where they were a year ago. This is great news! We welcomed 16 new leaders this year so far. Thank you to everyone for accepting new girls into your troops this year. We still have girls waiting, but we are placing them as we can.

GIRL LEADERSHIP (Amber Schnaider)

The Girl Leadership group hosted the Virtual Juliette Low Party last month, and it was a huge success. We reached 2 Service Units and had over 50 girls attend. Great job, girls! Our next focus is on our April Encampment. Maureen will be reaching out to create a team to plan this event. The first planning meeting is on January 5th via zoom. An email will go out as it gets closer.

Also, if any older girls would like to help plan the Cookie Kickoff in January, please email Priya Sathpathy at priyasthpathy@yahoo.com.

FALL SALES (Amber Schnaider). HELP NEEDED ASAP

Thank you to everyone who participated in Fall Sales. We exceeded our Council goal and sold more than last year. Way to go! PLEASE ask your parents if anyone would be able to help this Saturday, November 13th, from 9:15-11:15am to help hand out Fall Sales products. We need about 10 more people. Please email Amber at blueskyfallproducts@gmail.com.

COOKIE UPDATE (Jan Young)

Keep an eye out for cookie training for the TCM (troop cookie manager.) Once that training is done, Jan will host a few zooms to recap and answer any questions.

TREASURER (Michele Cambou)

If you received an email from Wells Fargo stating your account may incur fees, please disregard. The Girl Scout accounts are exempt from this. If you have any questions, feel free to email Michele at mcambou@sbcglobal.net

SHARE (Karolina Rangel)

Please keep the SHARE program in your hearts and minds as your troops set cookie sales goals. Every dollar counts! Questions, email Karolina at Karolina.gravlin@gmail.com

UPCOMING

Last night, Ambassador Scout, Kristine Mackey, from Mission Trails, talked about her Gold Award project: Informing others about Autism. She gave us a glimpse of her incredible project and is asking leaders to invite her to zoom/meet up with their troop to learn about Autism. Her project is geared toward 4-12th grade, however, she can adjust the content for younger audiences. By inviting her to speak, you are helping her reach her hours needed for the award. Please contact her to find out more at kmackeysd@gmail.com.

You’re invited! Cadette Troop 2958 is hosting “A Night at the North Pole!” On Saturday, December 11th from 5:30-7:30pm at 17957 Montero Rd. Daisies and Brownies are invited to join in a magical night with Santa and his elves. Covid protocol will be followed for a fun night of singing, cookies, and crafts. They are accepting donations of non-perishable items and toiletries which will be donated to the Interfaith Community Services. Email Gretchen Grundon at thegrundonfamily@gmail.com to RSVP. Please see attached flyer.

You’re invited! Troop 2962 is inviting all Blue Sky Girl Scouts to walk the lights at Candy Cane Courts (Hickory St, Rockrose Ct, Butterwood Ct, and Hickory Ct) and trade SWAPS on Thursday, December 9th from 6-8pm. If you attend, please wear your scout vest so others can identify you.

Service Project Opportunity. Troop 8080 is sponsoring this drive. Each year our community partner makes holiday gift bags for a battered women shelter. Please see attached for items needed. Donations can be dropped off until December 5 at: 14709 Fieldview Way Poway. Thank you – Helena.

Save the Date: Blue Sky Encampment at Whispering Oaks is schedule for April 1-3rd, 2022. Please take the next few months to get any adults planning on attending qualified (first aid, cabin camper, tent camper, outdoor cooking, etc.) Right now, this event is being planned as an individual camping experience. Our troops will be on site together, but troops may be camping independently which is why leaders/adults need to be qualified. If this changes, we will adjust the plan and have a traditional encampment experience. More to come. If any registered adult (parents, leaders, etc) would like to help plan this event, please email Maureen at blueskygs692@gmail.com.

PROPERTIES: Girl Scouts San Diego is excited to open the opportunity for troops to meet at our locations and for service unit to host their monthly meetings on site! Balboa levels 1-3, Escondido Program Center, and North Coastal Service Center Training Room are now available for troop and service unit meetings Monday-Thursday from 2-8 p.m., with one troop or SU per location per day. Reservations will be made through Sign Up Genius, and a confirmation email with detailed information will be sent at least 2 days before your reservation. Sign up for November dates. Sign up for December dates. For questions, please contact customercare@sdgirlscouts.org.

FYI: The Stuff the Bus program has been postponed until the spring. J

Trainers Needed! If you would like to give back to our local scout leaders by way of teaching a course at your convenience, please email Maureen at blueskygs692@gmail.com. Council is looking for people who live near EPC (Escondido) specifically. That’s us! You will receive all the training you need, and it’s a great way to meet other adults and give them tools they need to be successful.

Next Zoom: Tuesday, December 14th. 7-8pm. Please let Maureen know if you’d like to be added to the agenda at blueskygs692@gmail.com.