CONTACT:  Megan Seeman
Public Relations Manager
Phone: 515-278-2881
(c) 515-423-7341
 

Hundreds of Girls Gear Up to Hit the Water At Camp Tanglefoot!

Special Camp Preview to take place at Family Fun Festival on June 8th 

CLEAR LAKE, Iowa – With a fleet of more than 30 beautiful boats, canoes, paddle boards, and paddle boats, hundreds of girls from across Iowa are gearing up to hit the water at Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa (GSGI) Camp Tanglefoot! 

GSGI is ecstatic to kick off the 2013 camp season, where girls learn important lessons about trust, team-building, friendship, and confidence in fun and unique ways at each of our three camps.
Camp Tanglefoot, located on Clear Lake, has a number of exciting activities to offer girls this summer, including boating, sailing, canoeing, paddle boarding, and tons of other water sports!
Girls will also have the chance to sign up for several new programs including “Extreme Experiments” and “Theater Bug,” as well as long-time favorites like “11 Day Adventure Bound,” where girls backpack, mountain bike, and canoe for 11 straight days!

Additionally, girls will get to “see the world” right at camp, where five international counselors from countries like Poland and Ireland will spend the summer.
With a world of options at camp this summer, we know the 2013 season will be the best yet!
 

To kick off the camp season, we will be hosting a “Family Fun Festival” at Camp Tanglefoot on Saturday, June 8th from 1:00 – 4 p.m.  At this fun and informative event, girls and their families will have the chance to tour camp, learn more about our events and programs, and make new friends!  Weather permitting, attendees will also have the opportunity to try out camp activities including: boating, archery, crafts, face painting, low ropes course, and carnival games!  Contact Camp Director Julia Cira to register by emailing her at jcira@gsiowa.org or calling 641-357-2481.

To register for camp, visit www.girlscoutsiowa.org

NOTE: We prefer girls register at least one week before the desired camp session. We will take registrations up until the Friday before the session begins.

To view our 2013 Camp Promotional Video, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDuce4lj464

Camp Tanglefoot is located at 14948 Dogwood Avenue, Clear Lake, IA 50428

CONTACT:  Megan Seeman
Public Relations Manager
Phone: 515-278-2881
(c) 515-423-7341
 

Hundreds of Girls Gear Up to “See the World” At Girl Scout Camp Sacajawea this Summer!
 

Special Camp Preview to take place at Family Fun Festival on May 25th  

BOONE, Iowa - With camp counselors from countries like Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, cultural dance sessions, and tons of local travel opportunities, hundreds of girls throughout Greater Iowa are getting ready to “see the world” at Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa (GSGI) Camp Sacajawea this summer!

GSGI is ecstatic to kick off the 2013 camp season, where girls learn important lessons about trust, team-building, friendship, and confidence in fun and unique ways!

Camp Sacajawea in Boone, one of GSGI’s three camps, is offering a number of options full of world flavor. Girls will also spend the summer with camp counselors from seven different countries, marking it the most culturally diverse summer Camp Sacajawea has ever seen. Additionally, they will have the chance to take cultural dance sessions from across the globe!

"By hiring international staff, we are able to teach girls about different cultures, languages, and backgrounds, while also providing them with outstanding role models,” Camp Sacajawea Director Laura Arrington said.

Camp Sacajawea will also be offering horseback riding, a long-time favorite in which girls learn skills many carry with them throughout their lifetimes.

Additionally, girls will be able to swim in Camp Sacajawea’s crystal clear swimming pool, tackle the low-challenge obstacle course, hike the beautiful trails, and take archery lessons. This year, younger campers will even have the chance to learn how to shoot arrows with our new “mini-bows,” designed just for them!

With a world of options at camp this summer, we know the 2013 season will be the best yet!

To kick off the camp season, we will be hosting a “Family Fun Festival” at Camp Sacajawea on Saturday, May 25th from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. At this fun and informative event, girls and their families will have the chance to tour camp, learn more about our events and programs, and make new friends! Activities will include (weather permitting): archery, crafts, face painting, climbing wall, GaGa Ball, balloon animals, and shopping at the Trading Post!  Attendees will also have the chance to grab a funny costume from our “costume closet” and have their photos taken! Contact Camp Director Laura Arrington to register by emailing her at larrington@gsiowa.org or calling 515-729-1843.

To register for camp, visit: www.girlscoutsiowa.org

NOTE: We prefer girls register at least one week before the desired camp session. We will take registrations up until the Friday before the session begins.

To view our 2013 Camp Promotional Video, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDuce4lj464

Camp Sacajawea is located at 638 L Avenue Boone, IA 50036.

CONTACT:  Megan Seeman
Public Relations Manager
Phone: 515-278-2881
(c) 515-423-7341
 

Hundreds of Iowa Girls Gear up to Attend Camp Joy Hollow!

Special Camp Preview to take place at Family Fun Festival on May 12th.

WESTFIELD, Iowa – Hundreds of girls from across Iowa are gearing up to spend the summer at Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa (GSGI) Camp Joy Hollow!

GSGI is ecstatic to kick off the 2013 camp season, where girls learn important lessons about trust, team-building, friendship, and confidence in fun and unique ways at each of our three camps.

Camp Joy Hollow, located in Westfield, Iowa, has a number of exciting things to offer this summer, including tree house-style sleeping cabins, a crystal-clear swimming pool, an archery range, a low challenge obstacle course, hiking trails, a primitive camping area and much more!

Girls will also have the chance to take part in various travel opportunities, including a backpacking trip to Indian Cave State Park in Nebraska.

Additionally, they will be able to sign up for extended camp sessions! After receiving feedback from girls and parents, girls in grades 4-5 can now stay on their own for up to five days, and girls in grades 6-8 for up to six days. By extending our sessions, girls will have the chance to gain a greater sense of independence at an early age!

With a world of options at camp this summer, we know the 2013 season will be the best yet!

To kick off the camp season, we will be hosting a “Family Fun Festival” at Camp Joy Hollow on Saturday, May 12th from 1:00 – 4 p.m. At this fun and informative event, girls and their families will have the chance to tour camp, learn more about our events and programs, and make new friends! Activities will include (weather permitting): archery, crafts, face painting, low ropes course, and carnival games!  Contact Camp Director Abbie Smith to register by emailing her at asmith@gsiowa.org or calling 712-355-2333.

To register for camp, visit www.girlscoutsiowa.org

NOTE: We prefer girls register at least one week before the desired camp session. We will take registrations up until the Friday before the session begins.

To view our 2013 Camp Promotional Video, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDuce4lj464

Camp Joy Hollow is located at 14092 Butcher Road Westfield, IA 51062.

About Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa’s Camp Program:
Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa’s three resident camps are part of the Girl Scout camping tradition that has been taking place for almost one hundred years.  Camp Sacajawea in Boone, Camp Joy Hollow in Westfield, and Camp Tanglefoot in Clear Lake all provide a special place for self-discovery, laughter, fun and personal growth. With positive role models, experiences that build self-esteem, new friends and exciting activities, girls are able to grow and develop leadership skills they’ll carry with them throughout their lifetimes. Summer Camp is for all girls who are entering grades 1-12. Girls do not need to be Girl Scouts to attend.

About Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa:
Serving girls in Central and Western Iowa, NE Nebraska and SE South Dakota, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa provides leadership programming to over 15,000 girls and 4,000 adult volunteers. It is a great time to be a Girl Scout and you can sign up at any time during the year. To find out more about our program, please visit our website at
www.girlscoutsiowa.org or call us at 800-342-8389.  

About Girl Scouts of the USA:
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 3.6 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouting is the leading authority in girls’ healthy developments and builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more info on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to Girls Scouts, call (800) GSUSA 4 U (800-478-7248) or visit www.girlscouts.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 
March 20, 2013

CONTACT:   Megan Seeman
Public Relations Manager
Phone: 515-278-2881
(c) 515-423-7341
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Central Iowa Girl Scout One of Ten in Entire Nation Named “Young Woman of Distinction”

Local Honoree to be Recognized at Girl Scouts of the USA’s National CEO Meeting on March 20th in Phoenix

DES MOINES, IA – 18-year-old Katie Jacobson of St. Charles hasn’t finished high school yet, but is already changing the world.

Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa is thrilled to announce she is one of ten in the entire nation chosen by Girl Scouts of the USA as a “2013 National Young Woman of Distinction,” (NYWD) an honor thousands of Girl Scouts across the U.S. apply for each and every year.

Jacobson was selected after completing her Gold Award project in the fall of 2012.  Through research, Katie had found that bats play a vital role in our ecosystem. Because bats serve as a huge nuisance in her Warren County community, she decided to give them a place to go and build dozens of ‘bat houses’ throughout the county, providing homes for nearly 6,000 bats.
 
Additionally, Katie also speaks to young students about the benefits bats provide for us.
 
Selected by a special committee comprised of representatives from leading non-profits, Girl Scout partners, and funders, Katie said she is ecstatic about being selected as a National Young Woman of Distinction.
 
“When I got the call I was so excited. I couldn't believe that I had received such a huge honor for my project!” she said.

She and the nine other honorees will attend GSUSA’s National CEO Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona on March 20, where they will each receive a special NYWD pin and a Kappa Delta Scholarship. The girls will also become automatic National Girl Consultants.

"We are celebrating Katie for implementing a community action project that will help improve and sustain our ecosystem for years to come. She truly exemplifies the Girl Scout motto of building girls of courage, confidence and character who make this world a better place," Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa CEO Jamie Boersma said.
 
“She is a true leader and we are very proud of her.”
 
Katie said she’s not only excited about receiving the honor, but about the fact she’s truly making a difference in her community.
 
“It feels really good to know I’m doing something, even if it’s just a little something,” she said.
 
* Please contact Megan Seeman or visit our Media Room to access/download a separate .JPEG image of Katie.
 

###

About the Gold Award:
The Girl Scout Gold Award represents the highest achievement in Girl Scouting; it recognizes girls in grades 9 through 12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through sustainable and measurable Take Action projects. Since 1916, girls have successfully answered the call to Go Gold, an act that indelibly marks them as accomplished members of their communities and the world.

About Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa:
Serving girls in Central and Western Iowa, NE Nebraska and SE South Dakota, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa provides leadership programming to nearly 14,000 girls and 4,000 adult volunteers. It is a great time to be a Girl Scout and you can sign up at any time during the year. To find out more about our program, please visit our website at www.girlscoutsiowa.org or call us at 800-342-8389.   

About Girl Scouts of the USA:
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 3.6 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouting is the leading authority in girls’ healthy developments and builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more info on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to Girls Scouts, call (800) GSUSA 4 U (800-478-7248) or visit www.girlscouts.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 22, 2013

CONTACT:
Megan Seeman
Public Relations Manager
Phone: 515-278-2881
(c) 515-423-7341
                             
Girl Scouts Roll Out New Boxes to Kick Off 2013 Cookie Season

DES MOINES, Iowa - Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa (GSGI) can’t wait to kick off the 2013 cookie season, set to run from February 1 through March 17. This year, the organization will be introducing a new cookie and all new cookie boxes, which help explain how important the cookie program truly is.

“Our cookie program helps girls develop the skills they need to succeed in the world today, skills that last a lifetime,” GSGI CEO Jamie Boersma said.  “We are thrilled about the new boxes and know Girl Scout cookie lovers will love them, too. Not only have they received a complete makeover, but they now showcase what we’re all about here at Girl Scouts: girl leadership,” Boersma said.

For the first time since 1999, all boxes of Girl Scout Cookies have an updated look and purpose: to elevate the significance of the Girl Scout Cookie Program, a $790-million girl-led business. The iconic Girl Scout Cookie package now features the five financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills that the Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches girls:  goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics.

While Girl Scouts is very excited about the cookie box overhaul, they are just as excited about the release of their new cookie, “Mango Crèmes with NutriFusion™,” which combines a crispy cookie with the taste of the tropics. These vanilla and coconut cookies are filled with a tangy mango-flavored crème enhanced with nutrients derived from fruits.

Girl Scouts can’t wait to start selling the new cookie, (along with all of your old favorites,) showing customers the packages’ ‘new and improved look,’ while making the 2013 cookie season the best yet!
Beginning February 15th, you can find cookies near you by visiting www.girlscoutsiowa.org and clicking on “Booth Locator.”

###

Photo: The Girl Scouts of the USA: New Package Redesign (9.28.12)
Design: Anthem Worldwide (New York)

###

About Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa:
Serving girls in Central and Western Iowa, NE Nebraska and SE South Dakota, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa provides leadership programming to over 15,000 girls and 4,000 adult volunteers. It is a great time to be a Girl Scout and you can sign up at any time during the year. To find out more about our program, please visit our website at www.girlscoutsiowa.org or call us at 800-342-8389.  

About GSUSA:
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 3.6 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouting is the leading authority in girls’ healthy developments and builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more info on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to Girls Scouts, call (800) GSUSA 4 U (800-478-7248) or visit www.girlscouts.org.

###

Contact: Jamie Boersma, CEO
Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa
515-278-2881

Robert Hopper, Scout Executive / CEO
Mid-Iowa Council, Boy Scouts of America
515-266-2135

Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts Host Governor’s Luncheon for Scouting in Support of Youth Leadership Development

Altoona, IA – Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa and Mid-Iowa Council, Boy Scouts of America are excited to kick off the 4th Annual Governor’s Luncheon for Scouting, set to take place on Wed., Jan 9th, 2013 at Meadows Events and Conference Center.

Hundreds of business and civic leaders from around the state are expected to attend this year’s unique fundraising event, where community members will have the chance to help support our future leaders by making a contribution to the organizations.

Guests will also hear from Governor Terry Branstad, as well as from several Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, who will discuss the personal impact Scouting has had on them.

“We are very excited for this year’s luncheon and are so thankful for the continued support we have received from community members, business leaders, parents and teachers. They are truly helping us build the leaders of tomorrow,” Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa CEO Jamie Boersma said.

The organizations hope to raise a total of $250,000 this year, after bringing in a total of $203,000 last year.
“Those funds have a direct effect on our future leaders. Community members are helping ensure that these young men and women have bright futures ahead of them,” Robert Hopper, CEO of Mid-Iowa Council, Boy Scouts of America said.

Nearly 40,000 Iowa boys and girls are part of today’s Scouting adventures and tomorrow’s Scouting legacies. The tradition now spans a century for both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

Luncheon Schedule
11:15 – Registration opens/Lunch
12:00 – Program begins
12:45 – Governor Branstad set to speak
1 p.m. – Program ends

To register for the Governor’s Luncheon for Scouting, visit governors-luncheon.cfm.

# # #

About Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa
Serving girls in Central through Western Iowa, NE Nebraska and SE South Dakota, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa provides leadership programming for up to 15,000 girls and 4,000 adult volunteers.  It is a great time to be a Girl Scout and you can sign up at any time during the year.  To find out more about our program, please visit our website at www.girlscoutsiowa.org or call us at 800-342-8389.  

About Mid-Iowa Council, Boy Scouts of America
Throughout 27 counties in Central Iowa, in and in between our towns and cities, Mid-Iowa Council  serves more than 20,000 members who every day learn and live Scouting’s values of character, citizenship, leadership, and fitness.  Find out about Scouting in your hometown or neighborhood by calling 515-266-2135 or visiting www.midiowacouncilbsa.org.

# # #

Nov. 29, 2012

CONTACT: Megan Brown

Public Relations Manager

Phone: 515-278-2881

(c) 515-423-7341

GIRL SCOUTS OF GREATER IOWA RECEIVES $49,617 GRANT FROM U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

DES MOINES – Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa (GSGI) was recently awarded a $49,617 grant by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is one of four Girl Scout councils in the nation to receive the first-time grant.  The funds will be used in an effort to promote rural community development through “Take Action” projects, implemented and carried out by local Girl Scouts.

“We really believe girls are great leaders and have the ability to make sustainable changes in their communities,” Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa CEO Jamie Boersma said. “This grant will help give them the tools they need to make a difference today.”

The grant provides middle and high school girls in Charles City and Algona with opportunities to develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills through youth-adult partnerships. Those partnerships will foster projects to address long-term societal issues, such as health and environmental concerns, public safety, and education.

“Girl Scouts within our council are truly helping make this world a better place, thanks to the generosity of the USDA – and we’re very grateful for that,” Boersma said.

The “Take Action” projects are set to begin this fall with a community needs and resource assessment conducted by Girl Scouts. GSGI plans to update the Council Blog with progress reports as they are available.

To view GSGI’s blog, visit: http://girlscoutsiowa.blogspot.com/

# # #

About Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa:
Serving girls in Central and Western Iowa, NE Nebraska and SE South Dakota, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa provides leadership programming to over 15,000 girls and 4,000 adult volunteers. It is a great time to be a Girl Scout and you can sign up at any time during the year. To find out more about our program, please visit our website at www.girlscoutsiowa.org or call us at 800-342-8389.

About Girl Scouts of the USA
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls, with 3.2 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more information on how to join, volunteer or reconnect with, or donate to Girl Scouts, call 800-GSUSA-4-U (800-478-7248) or visit www.girlscouts.org.

# # #

CONTACT: Megan Brown
Public Relations Manager
Phone: 515-278-2881
(c) 515-423-7341

GIRL SCOUTS OF GREATER IOWA RECEIVES
$10,000 GRANT FROM BEST BUY CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION

DES MOINES – Did you know that women represent only 25 percent of the technology-based work force? Thanks to a $10,000 grant from Best Buy, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa (GSGI) is working to change that statistic by getting more girls involved in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

At Best Buy in Ankeny on Saturday, Sept. 22 , local Girl Scouts and GSGI staff were on hand for  a check presentation from the Best Buy Children’s Foundation Community Grants Program. The Grants program focuses on helping provide youth with access to technological opportunities.

“The Ankeny Best Buy and its employees are excited to award this grant to our local Girl Scouts. Many employers today express concern over the quality of the workforce.  We want to take an active role in developing the workforce of tomorrow,” said Kim Marie Schulze, Home Sales Manager at Best Buy in Ankeny. “We are committed to helping students excel in school and develop life-long skills that will ensure their success as individuals and future leaders.”

According to the Girl Scout Research Institute and the Iowa Department of Education, 68 percent of girls in grades 4-8 demonstrate decreased interest in math and science courses. GSGI knows exposure to STEM is critical to girls’ success and interest in subjects involving science, technology, engineering and math, which is why their STEM initiative targets girls of all ages.

GSGI hosts several STEM related events each year, including ‘Geek Squad Academy,’ which serves as a collaborative effort between GSGI and Best Buy. The tech camp teaches girls in grades 4-8 how to use technology in creative and innovative ways. It aims at getting girls excited about STEM. This annual summer technology experience is the only program of its kind in Iowa.

“Our involvement with programs like Geek Squad Summer Academy gives girls the encouragement and opportunity to pursue careers associated with STEM fields,” Schulze said. “Watching young women develop through these programs is rewarding to our employees and allows them to support our culture of giving back to our community.”

Thanks to Best Buy’s generous gift, Girl Scouts will be able to continue to provide girls with opportunities like Geek Squad Summer Academy, ultimately helping girls prepare for future careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

# # #

About Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa:
Serving girls in Central and Western Iowa, NE Nebraska and SE South Dakota, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa provides leadership programming to over 15,000 girls and 4,000 adult volunteers. It is a great time to be a Girl Scout and you can sign up at any time during the year. To find out more about our program, please visit our website at www.girlscoutsiowa.org or call us at 800-342-8389.

About Girl Scouts of the USA
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls, with 3.2 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more information on how to join, volunteer or reconnect with, or donate to Girl Scouts, call 800-GSUSA-4-U (800-478-7248) or visit www.girlscouts.org.

About Best Buy Children’s Foundation
The Best Buy Children’s Foundation is made possible through contributions from Best Buy retail store operations and special event fundraising. The foundation’s mission is to provide access to opportunities for teens through technology. The Community Grants program helps youth excel in school, engage in their communities and develop life and leadership skills.

# # #

Sept. 20, 2012

CONTACT: Megan Brown
Public Relations Manager
Phone: 515-278-2881
(c) 515-423-7341

GIRL SCOUTS OF GREATER IOWA RECEIVES
$10,000 GRANT FROM IOWA WEST FOUNDATION

DES MOINES – Girls in Greater Iowa (GSGI) will soon have greater access to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Iowa West Foundation (IWF,) headquartered in Council Bluffs.

Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa received the grant last month and plans to use a large portion of the funds to support Girl Scouting for Underserved Girls, a new initiative designed to assist underserved communities throughout the greater Iowa region.  The IWF grant will be used to expand the Leadership Experience into Southwest Iowa.

In particular, the program will focus on communities that have high rates of free or reduced lunch in schools and few options for girl leadership development programming. The series will also address the needs of parents who have limited time or financial resources to devote in support of their child’s out-of-school activities.

The Girl Scouting for Underserved Girls Program works to remove real and perceived barriers that prevent girls from participating in Girl Scouts, including finances, language, transportation, availability of volunteers and ambivalence about personal leadership potential.

Girl Scout councils across the country have adopted similar programs to assist underserved communities and provide more opportunities for young girls.

“Thanks to their generous gift, girls in underserved communities will now have a greater opportunity to participate in Girl Scouts and develop the courage, confidence and character they need to succeed in the world today,” GSGI’s Council Bluffs Regional Director Leslie Byers said.

# # #

About Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa:
Serving girls in Central and Western Iowa, NE Nebraska and SE South Dakota, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa provides leadership programming to over 15,000 girls and 4,000 adult volunteers.  It is a great time to be a Girl Scout and you can sign up at any time during the year.  To find out more about our program, please visit our website at www.girlscoutsiowa.org or call us at 800-342-8389.

About Girl Scouts of the USA
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls, with 3.2 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more information on how to join, volunteer or reconnect with, or donate to Girl Scouts, call 800-GSUSA-4-U (800-478-7248) or visit www.girlscouts.org.

About the Iowa West Foundation
The Mission of the Iowa West Foundation is to improve lives and strengthen communities for today and future generations. We do this by providing leadership, creating partnerships, leveraging resources and serving as a catalyst in identifying and supporting community needs. The Iowa West Foundation is funded by investment income and the IWRA, which receives contracted fees paid by local casino operators - Ameristar and Harrah's. The Foundation is an independent nonprofit recipient, as described in the 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code, and is headquartered in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The Iowa West Foundation supports many communities in southwest Iowa and eastern Nebraska.  For more information on the Iowa West Foundation, contact Jerry Mathiasen, IWF Senior Vice President at 712-309-3002 / or visit IWF’s website: www.iowawestfoundation.org

# # #

Girl Scouts Host Forever Green Gala to
Help Support Girl Leadership in Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa –

• Did you know?  Only 1 in 5 girls believes she has the key qualities required to be a good leader.
• Did you know? There’s not a single woman among the CEOs and board chairs at the top 15 media companies.
• Did you know? Only 17% of U.S. Senators, representatives, and governors are women.

In an effort to help change these statistics, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa will soon kick off the Forever Green Gala, set to take place on Sept. 6th at the Meadows Events and Conference Center.

“The lack of female leaders on both the local and national level is a serious issue we need to address,” Business Publications Corporation Publisher and Green Gala committee member, Janette Larkin, said.
“Developing tomorrow’s female leaders is an imperative investment for a stronger, better tomorrow. That’s where the Forever Green Gala comes in.”  This unique fundraising event will give community members the chance to come together in support of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience -  and have some fun along the way!

Gala guests will also be asked to wear ‘green cocktail attire’ or an old Girl Scout uniform to show their Girl Scout support, will enjoy a night filled with music, dancing, Girl Scout inspired hors d’oeuvres, a Girl Scout cookie sales showdown, and a live auction of a Sticks designed art piece.

Guests will also take a walk down memory lane during the historic Girl Scout fashion show, where models will sport vintage Girl Scout uniforms, some of which date back to the 1910’s.
***

With the generous support of Gala attendees, girls in Greater Iowa will have the chance to develop the skills they need to succeed in the world today.

Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa can’t wait to see YOU at the Forever Green Gala!

• WHAT: F orever Green Gala
• WHO: Both men and women alike!
• WHEN: September 6th, 7:00-10:00 p.m.
• WHERE: Meadows Events and Conference Center
• HOW TO PURCHA SE TICKETS: Tickets cost $100 and can be purchased online or by calling 800-342-8389.

*E-mail Jennifer Allamby for more info.

*All proceeds will help benefit the Girl Scout Leadership experience.

# # #
About Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa:
Serving girls in Central and Western Iowa, NE Nebraska and SE South Dakota, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa provides leadership programming to over 15,000 girls and 4,000 adult volunteers.  It is a great time to be a Girl Scout and you can sign up at any time during the year.  To find out more about our program, please visit our website at www.girlscoutsiowa.org or call us at 800-342-8389.
About Girl Scouts of the USA:
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 3.6 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouting is the leading authority in girls’ healthy developments and builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more info on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to Girls Scouts, call (800) GSUSA 4 U (800-478-7248) or visit www.girlscouts.org.
# # #

Best Buy’s Geek Squad continues its quest to demystify technology and nurture innovation, this time empowering middle- and high-school level students from Iowa!

The Geek Squad Summer Academy program™, now in its 6th year, is a community-supported tech camp during which local Geek Squad Agents join forces with Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa to engage young people in a multi-day experience teaching them to use technology to spark their inner creativity and nurture innovation.

The Tech Immersion Session also aligns with Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa’s STEM Initiative, which aims to spark girls’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa’s goal is to help build and reinforce girls’ interest in STEM, to support their continued involvement as they reach critical decision-making points, and to achieve parity in these fields.

WHY:

The Geek Squad Summer Academy program is unique for bringing knowledge to youth in their communities, rather than the other way around. Tailored for students in Iowa, camp sessions will feature customized modules that dive deep into computers, smart phones, MP3 players and other devices so students literally get into the guts of the technology they use every day.

WHO:

Geek Squad is a national 24-hour task force dedicated to helping people make the most of their technology.

More than 100 students will take part in Carlisle’s tech immersion sessions.

WHEN:

June 27-28, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Update:  Registration will be open until June 27 - Register today!

INTERVIEWS:

Geek Squad Summer Academy camp students, Geek Squad Agents and local partners are available for photo ops and can discuss the following in an interview:
• Not your average summer camp – what makes Geek Squad Academy unique
• The importance of inspiring our nation’s youth with technologyto help foster innovation
• Why understanding technology andit’s applications is a highly desirable tool

WHERE:

Carlisle Middle School, 325 Scotch Ridge Road, Carlisle, IA

COST:

$25 per girl.  If girl is not a currently registered Girl Scout, she must also pay the $12 registration fee (financial assistance available).

REGISTER:

Register online or contact us at 800-342-8389 for more information.

CONTACT:

Megan Brown
Email
(o) 515-278-2881
(c) 515-423-7341

# # #

About Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa:
Serving girls in Central and Western Iowa, NE Nebraska and SE South Dakota, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa provides leadership programming to over 15,000 girls and 4,000 adult volunteers. It is a great time to be a Girl Scout and you can sign up at any time during the year. To find out more about our program, please visit our website at www.girlscoutsiowa.org or call us at 800-342-8389.

About Girl Scouts of the USA
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls, with 3.2 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more information on how to join, volunteer or reconnect with, or donate to Girl Scouts, call 800-GSUSA-4-U (800-478-7248) or visit www.girlscouts.org.

# # #

June 11, 2012
CONTACT: Megan Brown
Communications Manager
Phone: 515-278-2881
(c) 515-423-7341

DES MOINES, Iowa – They’ve earned a $20,000 grant, obtained a patent, visited the White House, met the president, changed the life of a little girl, and are now taking their one-of-a-kind invention all the way to Brazil!

There is no stopping the “Flying Monkeys,” a Girl Scout FIRST® LEGO® League team, comprised of 8th and 9th grade Girl Scouts from Ames and Gilbert, who have been invited by the U.S. Department of State to present BOB-1, a uniquely designed prosthetic hand device, at the International Conference on Science in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The girls say they are thrilled they have been invited to the event, which serves as a lead in to the Rio+20 Earth Conference, and can’t wait to present their invention, which helped a little girl learn how to write after its creation in the fall of 2010.

“The Flying Monkeys are incredibly honored,” Coach and Troop Leader Melissa Murray said.

“The girls are very excited and are trying to learn some Portuguese before this rare opportunity to share the BOB-1 Project with the world!”

The team is being sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, FIRST® LEGO® League and Rockwell Collins, and is one of three youth groups in the entire nation invited to present at this prestigious event.

“The Flying Monkeys are a great example of the wonderful work Girl Scouts can do,” Anna Maria Chávez, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA said.

“Expertise in the STEM subjects is essential to our nation’s future, and these girls are leading the way.”

The girls have been asked to present their project on June 15 and on June 17 at two different venues and will also be meeting with officials from the Embassy. Murray said the girls plan to do some sight-seeing as well, making for a once in a life time experience for these young women.

The “Flying Monkeys” have been dazzling the hearts and minds of people across the nation since they invented BOB-1 two years ago. These young women are a true testament of the amazing feats girls can accomplish and the wonderful opportunities provided by Girl Scouts and FIRST® LEGO® League. The sky is the limit!

About Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa:
Serving girls in Central and Western Iowa, NE Nebraska and SE South Dakota, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa provides leadership programming to over 15,000 girls and 4,000 adult volunteers. It is a great time to be a Girl Scout and you can sign up at any time during the year. To find out more about our program, please visit our website at www.girlscoutsiowa.org or call us at 800-342-8389.

About GSUSA:
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 3.6 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouting is the leading authority in girls’ healthy developments and builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more info on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to Girls Scouts, call (800) GSUSA 4 U (800-478-7248) or visit www.girlscouts.org.

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NESTLÉ® CRUNCH® INTRODUCES
“WORLD’S MOST VALUABLE CANDY BARS”
New Nestlé Crunch Girl Scout Candy Bars Valued at 200 Times Suggested Retail Price by World’s Largest Collectible Auctioneer; Online Pre-SaleStarts Tomorrow at www.Facebook.com/NestleCrunch

DES MOINES – May 8, 2012– Iowa, your dreams have come true! After months of speculation and mouth-watering rumors, NESTLÉ® CRUNCH® today confirmed it has created the new Nestlé Crunch Girl Scout Candy Bars, designated “the world’s most valuable candy bars” by the world’s largest auction house of collectibles, Heritage Auctions. Having officially authenticated the first set of the three limited edition Nestlé Crunch Girl Scout Candy Bars, Heritage Auctions has appraised the bars at $500, an amount almost 200 times greater than the bars’ suggested retail price-- making them the most valuable candy bars currently in existence.

Inspired by the three most popular flavors of Girl Scout Cookies, Nestlé Crunch Girl Scout Candy Bars are produced under license from Girl Scouts of the USA and come in three varieties:

• Thin Mints™– Dark chocolate cookie wafers and mint chocolate crème, topped with airy crispies and a rich, dark chocolatey coating
• Caramel & Coconut – Cookie wafers layered with coconut caramel crème and chewy caramel, topped with toasted coconut and drizzled with caramel stripes
• Peanut Butter Crème–Cookie wafers layered with smooth peanut butter crème, topped with airy crispies and a creamy, chocolatey coating

Beginning tomorrow, May 9, Nestlé Crunch and Girl Scout Cookie fans can log online to purchase the candy bars through a special, limited supply pre-sale program at Facebook.com/Crunch while supplies last.
After the pre-sale, the Nestlé Crunch Girl Scout Candy Bars will be available as limited edition candy bars this summer at participating retailers including grocery stores, convenience stores, and mass market retailers nationwide, beginning June 1st through September.

They will also be available for purchase at all five of Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa’s shops by late June, located in Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Mason City, Sioux City and Council Bluffs.

Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa Director of Retail Sales Julie Tuttle said she couldn’t be more thrilled about it.  “These cookie candy bars have already garnered a lot of attention here locally from members of our Girl Scout community as well as from people who simply have a sweet tooth!” Tuttle said.

Individual candy bars will sell for $1 each in Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa shops or customers can purchase 12 snack size bars for $4.

WORTHY OF A RENOIR
The new Nestlé Crunch Girl Scout Candy Bars hold the distinct honor of serving as the muse for acclaimed painter Alexandre Renoir, the great-grandson of the legendary Impressionist, French artist Pierre-Auguste Renoir. His original painting of the bars will be auctioned off at a special VIP event at Galerie Michael in Beverly Hills on May 31. In addition to Renoir’s new masterpiece, a framed set of Nestlé Crunch Girl Scout Candy Bars from the first production run will be auctioned off at the gallery and online through Heritage Auctions. All proceeds will benefit the local Girl Scout council, Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles.

“Nestlé is anticipating a tremendous response to these Girls Scout candy bars and, given how good they are, I’d say those expectations are warranted,” said Margaret Barrett, a music, entertainment and pop culture specialist with Heritage Auctions, which will feature the framed set of the Nestle Crunch Girl Scout Candy Bars online. “The three candy bars that we are auctioning –from the first production run– will be regarded as treasures of pop culture. They should easily command at least $100 to $200 each at auction or $500 for the set, with the winning bids to benefit the local Girl Scout council, Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles.
Authorizing the exclusive candy bars during the organization’s landmark 100th anniversary year, Girl Scouts of the USA entered into a national license agreement with Nestlé, for the limited production of Nestlé Crunch Girl Scout Candy Bars. This marks the first time the Girl Scouts have licensed a candy bar product inspired by the flavors of their famous cookies.

"We’re pleased that with the help of a great brand like Nestlé Crunch, our iconic Girl Scout brand can reach the public in new and unexpected places," said Barry Horowitz, vice president and general manager, Girl Scout Merchandise, Girl Scouts of the USA. "During our 100th anniversary, we hope the Nestlé Crunch Girl Scout Candy Bars raise awareness of the Girl Scout Cookie Program and all the business and financial literacy skills girls learn from participating in this annual leadership activity."
 

# # #
 

About Girl Scouts of the USA
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls, with 3.2 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouts is the leading authority on girls' healthy development, and builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more information on how to join, volunteer or reconnect with, or donate to Girl Scouts, call 800-GSUSA-4-U (800-478-7248) or visit www.girlscouts.org.

About Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa:
Serving girls in Central and Western Iowa, NE Nebraska and SE South Dakota, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa provides leadership programming to over 15,000 girls and 4,000 adult volunteers. It is a great time to be a Girl Scout and you can sign up at any time during the year. To find out more about our program, please visit our website at www.girlscoutsiowa.org or call us at 800-342-8389.

About Heritage Auctions
Heritage Auctions, headed by Steve Ivy, Jim Halperin and Greg Rohan, is the world’s third largest auction house, with annual sales more than $800 million, and 700,000+ online bidder members. Heritage features more than 34 categories of collectibles and is the unchallenged leader in Coins, Comics, Comic Art, Movie Posters, Vintage Sports Memorabilia, Illustration and Comic Art, Space Memorabilia and much more. For more information about Heritage Auctions, and to join and gain access to a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit HA.com.

About Nestlé USA
Named one of “The World’s Most Admired Food Companies” in FORTUNE magazine for 14 consecutive years, Nestlé provides quality brands and products that bring flavor to life every day. From nutritious meals with LEAN CUISINE® to baking traditions with NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE®, Nestlé USA makes delicious, convenient, and nutritious food and beverage products that make good living possible. That’s what “Nestlé. Good Food, Good Life” is all about. Nestlé USA, with 2010 sales of $10.4 billion, is part of Nestlé S.A. in Vevey, Switzerland — the world’s largest food company with a commitment to Nutrition, Health & Wellness — with 2010 sales of $105 billion. For product news and information, visit Nestleusa.com or NestleNewsroom.com.
 

Written by
Kelly Fitzgibbon
Office Manager
Fort Dodge Leadership Center
Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa

When one hears the words ‘Girl Scouts,’ cookies and camping often come to mind. However, many do not realize the tremendous impact that being a Girl Scout can have on a girl’s life. I know first-hand the difference it can make, having joined my first troop in kindergarten. I made lifelong friends and memories in my troop, and believe my experiences as a Girl Scout helped shape the woman I am today.

As the office manager for the Girl Scouts’ Fort Dodge Leadership Center, I often feel that my involvement has come full-circle, in that I now get to witness girls having fun and making a difference, just as I did when I was young. I feel so fortunate to work for an organization where girls come together to help others in their community. I also cannot say enough about the outstanding volunteers I’ve met along the way!

I had the privilege of meeting one of these special volunteers earlier this week when Lorraine Peterson, an 89-year-old retired leader from Storm Lake, invited me to a gathering at her home. She and several of her ‘former Girl Scouts’ shared stories, laughter, and sang old Girl Scout songs. It was incredibly touching to hear their memories and see what an impact both Scouting and Lorraine had on their lives!

Girls and women alike have been feeling that impact since the day it all began on March 12, 1912. It was then that a woman named Juliette Gordon Low gathered 18 girls in Savannah, Georgia for what has been deemed the first official Girl Scout troop meeting. "I've got something for the girls of Savannah, and all of America, and all the world, and we're going to start it tonight!" Juliette had exclaimed.

Juliette brought girls from all backgrounds into the outdoors, giving them the opportunity to develop self-reliance and resourcefulness. She encouraged them to prepare not only for traditional homemaking, but also for future roles as professional women - in the arts, sciences and business – and for active citizenship outside the home. She welcomed girls with disabilities at a time when they were excluded from many other activities.

100 years later, Girl Scouts is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls, serving 3.2 million girl and adult members worldwide.

About Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa

One of the earliest Girl Scout troops in Iowa was organized in Des Moines in 1922, Sioux City quickly followed, and it expanded from there. Today, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa serves nearly 15,000 girls and 4,000 adult volunteers in 67 counties in Iowa, two counties in South Dakota and one county in Nebraska. Our Leadership Centers are located in Council Bluffs, Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Mason City, and Sioux City.

Girl Scout Initiatives

In addition to creating life-long friendships and making a difference in the community, girls also learn how to reach their full potential through participating in Girl Scouts. The five areas we focus on to help them reach that potential are:

• Science & Technology – Programs in science, technology, engineering and math now account for over half of all Girl Scout awards. We introduce more girls to inspiring role models in scientific fields than any other organization.
   
• Financial Literacy – Millions of girls learn their economic ABCs by participating in the Girl Scout Cookie Program. This $715 million girl-run business teaches these young entrepreneurs vital life skills such as goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills and business ethics.
   
• Healthy Living – Girl Scout programs recognize that physical health, emotional health, and self-esteem are interconnected. We embrace the ‘whole girl’. Nine out of ten girls say our self-esteem programs helped them make positive changes in their lives.
   
• Environmental Leadership – Girl Scouts combines environmental education with community action on a national scale. Last year alone, 83,000 girls worked directly with conservationists and scientists to complete environmental projects in 43 states.
   
• Global Citizenship – Girl Scouts makes the world smaller and the girl bigger. Through the world’s largest organization for girls, every girl has a global impact and a global voice.

How to Get Involved

There are also multiple ways through which girls can become involved in Girl Scouts. They can join at any time during the year through one or more of the following pathways:

• Events: One-time opportunities centered on specific activities
• Camp: By day or overnight, girls can camp at one of our facilities or at a place of their choosing
• Series: Girls meet multiple times to explore their specific interests together
• Travel: Across the state or around the world, girls are taking amazing adventures
• Troop: Girls meet regularly with other girls and share rewarding experiences

Who Can Join?

Girl Scouts is available to all girls in grades K-12, from all racial, ethnic, religious and socioeconomic backgrounds, including girls with disabilities. Instant financial assistance is available for membership dues, program fees and camp registration.

Volunteer Opportunities

Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa provides leadership development workshops and council-wide events to further the advancement and enhance the growth of our leaders and adult volunteers. Volunteers have the freedom to tailor their involvement to fit their schedule and lifestyle. We offer the support, instruction, resources and guidance to assist our volunteers in being the best they can be.

As we enter our next 100 years, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa looks forward to continuing to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place! For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate, please visit our website at www.girlscoutsiowa.org or contact any of our Leadership Centers by calling 800-342-8389.
 

1) April 23, 2012, at the Fort Dodge Public Library in Fort Dodge, Iowa at 6:00 p.m.

Fort Dodge Specifics:
The Fort Dodge Public Library is putting a local angle on this special night by inviting Dr. Les Miller to speak at the event, an Iowa State University computer science professor. Dr. Miller plans to engage parents by showing them an interactive computer program to help get them excited about science and math.

This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP by calling 515-573-8141 or email Tanya Martinson. Visit www.iowamathscience.org for more information.

Child care will be provided, but on a limited first come-first serve basis. If you require child care, please contact Tanya by April 20th, 2012.

2) April 23, 2012, at New Horizon Presbyterian Church in Council Bluffs, Iowa at 6:30 p.m.

Council Bluffs Specifics:
New Horizon Presbyterian Church is putting a local angle on this special night by inviting Kim Carter to speak to attendees, who serves as the Dean of Mathematics, Engineering and Industrial Technology at Iowa Western Community College.

This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP by calling 712-328-2338 or email Natalie Harris. Visit www.iowamathscience.org for more information.

Child care will be provided, but on a limited first come-first serve basis. If you require child care, please contact Natalie by April 18th, 2012.

Moms Night Out for STEM (MNOS) was a brainstorm by the Iowa Mathematics and Science Education Partnership (IMSEP) and the Iowa State College of Engineering to inspire primary caretakers, particularly moms, to get 'hands on' with their children's math and science education.

“Parents figure prominently in the equation for children to see STEM careers in a more positive and desirable light,” said Jeff Weld, Director of IMSEP. “Moms Night Out for STEM gives parents and caretakers the opportunity to embrace STEM as a pursuit for their children’s future, rather than a scary subject they didn’t like in school.”

Moms Night Out for STEM, a satellite event for the second USA Science & Engineering Festival, will feature hands on experiences with local teachers and researchers to show how mathematics and science can be fun. It will also include items for parents to take home and use with their children.

“We are very excited about this opportunity to bring awareness to STEM through interactive, hands-on activities in a safe and supportive atmosphere that will help demystify the perceptions that some adults have about STEM,” Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa’s Director of Advocacy Linda Bisgaard said. “Our presenters are dynamic speakers who help break down some of the barriers we face. They will offer parents tips and tools to help engage them in STEM.”

Iowa Moms Night Out for STEM satellite event is one of dozens of events conducted across the nation in celebration of the second USA Science & Engineering Festival, to be held in Washington D.C. on April 28-29, 2012. Types of organizations participating in this event include museums, schools, labs and libraries where moms and other caregivers can go to network and learn the best ways to inspire a love of STEM in their children.

Growing the event from 19 in the first year offered to this year’s 27 locations could not be possible without the help many volunteers willing to host any event, as well as with the support of premiere sponsor, John Deere, with promotional support from Iowa Public Television (IPTV).

About Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa:
Serving girls in Central and Western Iowa, NE Nebraska and SE South Dakota, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa provides leadership programming to over 15,000 girls and 4,000 adult volunteers. It is a great time to be a Girl Scout and you can sign up at any time during the year. To find out more about our program, please visit our website at www.girlscoutsiowa.org or call us at 800-342-8389.

About The Iowa Mathematics and Science Education Partnership:
The Iowa Mathematics and Science Education Partnership (IMSEP) is the operations arm of the Governor’s STEM Advisory Council and is a state-funded initiative led by the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). IMSEP’s goals are to improve mathematics and science performance of Iowa students; to prepare more high quality mathematics and science teachers for Iowa’s schools; and to promote statewide collaboration and cooperation. For more information, contact the IMSEP office at (319) 273-2959, imsep@uni.edu or visit www.iowamathscience.org.

###
 

CONTACT: Megan Brown
Communications Manager
PHONE: 515.278.2881
(c) 515.423.7341
mbrown@gsiowa.org

Girl Scouts Celebrate 100 Year Anniversary

DES MOINES, Iowa – Girl Scouts is gearing up to kick off the biggest birthday bash of the millennium! The organization will be celebrating its official 100th anniversary on March 12th and has a number of celebratory events planned throughout the entire month! (See bottom of press release.)

As part of the celebration, the Girl Scout community will be reflecting upon the rich history of the organization. The first Girl Scout meeting dates back to 1912, while one of the earliest troops in Iowa was organized in Des Moines in 1922. Since then, Girl Scouts has been changing the lives of millions of girls and community members alike.

Girl Scouts is excited to commemorate its long standing history, but is also excited to reflect on how far the organization has come. Since the day Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low gathered with 18 girls together in Savannah, Georgia for the first Girl Scout meeting, the organization has since grown to serve 10 million girls in 146 countries worldwide.

As the largest girl serving organization in the United States, Girl Scouts is thrilled to celebrate this milestone, and is looking forward to helping build girls of courage, confidence, and character into the next 100 years and counting.

Babies Born on March 12 to be Honored by Girl Scouts

As part of the 100th Anniversary, Girl Scouts is proud to acknowledge girls born on March 12 as members of a special “100th Anniversary Troop.” Each girl born on March 12 will be asked to join Girl Scouts when she turns 5 years old and will be offered a free membership.

100th Anniversary Events

Legislative Day

What: At this commemorative event, Governor Branstad will give a Girl Scout Proclamation, a pinning ceremony of an honorary troop will take place, and attendees will enjoy cake, cookies, and ice cream!
Who: Girls, parents, volunteers, community members, legislators, Governor Terry Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds will be in attendance.
Date: March 12th, 2012 from 2:00-4 p.m
*Governor Terry Branstad and Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds will make an appearance, give Proclamation between 3 and 3:30.
Where: Iowa State Capitol

Forever Green Gala

For those of you unable to attend the Girl Scouts Forever Green Gala… you’re in luck!
Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa has rescheduled the Forever Green Gala for the month of September. At this time, we are in the process of setting a new date and will send out an update once that date has been confirmed. If you’ve already purchased a ticket or have any additional questions, contact us at 1-800-342-8389 or info@gsiowa.org.

We look forward to seeing you at the Forever Green Gala this September!

100 Year Birthday Bashes

What: We’ll be commemorating Girl Scouts’ Anniversary at several birthday bashes throughout the entire month of March.

*For a complete listing of dates and times, visit: http://girlscoutsiowa.org/march-2012.cfm

B.I.G. (Believe in Girls)

What: Dozens of business and groups from around the state will have cool demonstrations, and educational projects for girls to complete as they learn more about each organization. Inspirational and dynamic speakers will share their stories on confidence, determination and teaching girls how to reach their goals.

• Who: Hundreds of Girl Scouts throughout Iowa, troop leaders, and Girl Scout staff members will be in attendance.
• Date: March 31st, 2012 from 9:00 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Where: FFA Enrichment Center, Ankeny

________________________________________________________

About Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa:
Serving girls in Central and Western Iowa, NE Nebraska and SE South Dakota, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa provides leadership programming to over 15,000 girls and 4,000 adult volunteers. It is a great time to be a Girl Scout and you can sign up at any time during the year. To find out more about our program, please visit our website at www.girlscoutsiowa.org or call us at 800-342-8389.

About GSUSA:
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 3.6 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouting is the leading authority in girls’ healthy developments and builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more info on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to Girls Scouts, call (800) GSUSA 4 U (800-478-7248) or visit www.girlscouts.org.

###
 

CONTACT: Megan Brown
Communications Manager
Phone: 515-278-2881
(c) 515-423-7341
mbrown@gsiowa.org

Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa Welcomes New CEO

DES MOINES, Iowa – In addition to celebrating new badges, a new cookie program, and its 100 year anniversary, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa (GSGI) is also celebrating newfound leadership in the year 2012!

GSGI is excited to introduce Jamie Boersma as their new Chief Executive Officer, who brings new energy, ideas and enthusiasm to GSGI! The organization is thrilled to be under the leadership of Boersma and has welcomed her with open arms.

Boersma has a long standing history of working hard, helping improve the lives of others and giving back to her community.

Prior to GSGI, Boersma served as Vice President of Development at Special Olympics Iowa for more than two years, which she said helped her prepare for this leadership role. “I was able to help improve the lives of Iowans with intellectual disabilities during my time at Special Olympics Iowa, and met some really amazing people along the way,” Boersma said. “It was my honor and privilege to learn about the different communities that make up the great state of Iowa.”

Boersma worked at AT&T for more than thirty years prior to Special Olympics Iowa. During her time there, Boersma traveled across the country, which she said helped her gain a tremendous amount of experience and gain a new perspective on the world. Her position at AT&T eventually brought her to Iowa from her home state of Kansas in 1997. Boersma attributes her strong ethic and will to her mother, who always taught Jamie she had the power to do anything in life.

“My mother was a very successful woman and she inspired me to be the best I could be. She taught me I could do anything in life if I just set my mind to it,” she said. “She said the doors were open and all I had to do was walk through them.” She said she hopes to instill the same qualities in girls throughout Iowa as she begins her journey as GSGI’s new CEO.

Boersma’s initial interest in Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa stems from her experience on the Girl Scouts Board of Directors, where she served as Board Chair for six years. She said she is thrilled to be back and to have the opportunity to help build bright futures for girls.
 

__________________________________________________________

*Click here to see Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa’s on-camera interview with the new CEO

Not a Girl Scout? Not a problem; all girls are welcome to attend Girl Scout camp! For more information on Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa’s camps, including program descriptions and registration information, please visit www.girlscoutsiowa.org.
__________________________________________________________

About Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa: Serving girls in Central through Western Iowa, NE Nebraska and SE South Dakota, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa provides leadership programming for up to 15,000 girls and 4,000 adult volunteers. It is a great time to be a Girl Scout and you can sign up at any time during the year. To find out more about our program, please visit our website at www.girlscoutsiowa.org or call us at 800-342-8389.

About GSUSA: Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 3.6 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouting is the leading authority in girls’ healthy developments and builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more info on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to Girls Scouts, call (800) GSUSA 4 U (800-478-7248) or visit www.girlscouts.org.
 

# # #
 

Scouts Recognized at Governor’s Annual Scouting Luncheon

Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Come Together to Celebrate Scouting in Iowa

Altoona, IA –Iowa Governor Terry Branstad will recognize the thousands of Iowa boys and girls who grow and give through the many programs offered by the Mid-Iowa Council of the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa at the third annual Governor’s Luncheon for Scouting at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at The Meadows Events & Conference Center at Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino in Altoona.

“More than 40,000 youth and adults in Iowa are touched by scouting each year,” says Jamie Boersma, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa CEO. “Today’s scouts are tomorrow’s leaders and it’s important that we, as a community of scouting supporters, come together to celebrate the impact scouting has on youth in Iowa.”
More than 500 business and civic leaders from around the state attend the Governor’s Luncheon for Scouting each year to show their support for the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. At the luncheon, Governor Branstad will address how Scouting programs impact Iowa’s youth and their families, their local communities, and the state.

“Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts impact Iowa communities every day. Our programs are built to develop leadership and character to help secure our children’s future,” says Robert Hopper, Senior Executive with the Mid-Iowa Council, Boy Scouts of America. “Scouting changes lives.”

At the Governor’s Luncheon for Scouting, both Central Iowa Scouting organizations are formally kicking off their annual fundraising campaigns for 2012. The event features stories of current Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts and celebrate how scouting has made a different in their lives.

Some 40,000 Iowa boys and girls, ages 5-17, are part of today’s Scouting adventures and tomorrow’s Scouting legacies. That legacy now spans a century for both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.

For more information on attending the Governor’s Luncheon for Scouting, visit the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa website or the Boy Scouts website.
 

_____________________________________________________________

About Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa
Serving girls in Central through Western Iowa, NE Nebraska and SE South Dakota, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa provides leadership programming for up to 15,000 girls and 4,000 adult volunteers. It is a great time to be a Girl Scout and you can sign up at any time during the year. To find out more about our program, please visit our website at www.girlscoutsiowa.org or call us at 800-342-8389.

About Mid-Iowa Council, Boy Scouts of America
Throughout 27 counties in Central Iowa, in and in between our towns and cities, Mid-Iowa Council serves more than 20,000 members who every day learn and live Scouting’s values of character, citizenship, leadership, and fitness. Find out about Scouting in your hometown or neighborhood by calling 515-266-2135 or visiting www.midiowacouncilbsa.org.

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CONTACT: Megan Brown
Communications Manager
Phone: 515-278-2881
(c) 515-423-7341
mbrown@gsiowa.org

Girl Scouts Gear up to Sell “Cookies NOW!”
Every Cookie’s Mission: To Help Girls Do Great Things

DES MOINES, Iowa – Wait no more, cookies lovers! Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa is excited to announce the 2012 cookie season has arrived. Kicking off on Jan. 13th, this year’s cookie program, Cookies NOW! offers a new experience for cookie customers, while fulfilling the mission of the program, “To help girls do great things.”

For the first time ever, Girl Scout cookie customers will have the chance to get their hands on those famous cookies without the wait! As part of this year’s direct sale format, girls will carry packages of Girl Scout cookies with them from Jan. 13th to March 4th as they sell from door to door, at cookie booths, in cookie caravans, to friends and family, and throughout their neighborhoods.

Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa switched to a direct sales format after volunteers, parents and customers asked the council to simplify the cookie program logistics. The expectation is that girls and customers alike will benefit from the new format, which allows for instant cookie delivery.

“It’s a win, win situation all around. We are so happy we were able to make the change this year,” Product Program Director Marylee Rehm said. “Our hope is that our new program will help increase sales and provide customers with their favorite cookies instantaneously.”

In addition to providing customers with tasty treats, the Girl Scout Cookie Program truly helps girls do great things. For years, the sale has generated more than $700 million for girls and communities nationwide. A portion of each box a Girl Scout sells stays with their local troop and can be used for programs and activities offered by Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa.

The sale has also helped fund projects and feed soldiers around the world. Funding can help girls purchase school supplies for their classmates in need or donate clothes to victims of abuse or neglect. From funding a field trip to the nation’s capital to building a new campsite, each cookie sold empowers girls to make better choices by impacting the lives of the people around them.

2012 Girl Scout Cookie Details:

Cookie Pricing
Each box of Girl Scout Cookies costs $3.50. The cookies have zero trans-fat and have no preservatives or artificial coloring.

Cookie Varieties

The eight cookies available in 2012 include Thin Mints, thin chocolate wafers dipped in a rich chocolaty coating with a burst of pure peppermint; Caramel deLites, vanilla cookies drenched in caramel, sprinkled with toasted coconut and laced with cocoa strips; Peanut Butter Patties, crispy vanilla cookies layered with real peanut butter and blanketed with a chocolate coating; Shortbread, a traditional favorite with a buttery, light flavor; Peanut Butter Sandwich, smooth peanut butter sandwiched between crunchy oatmeal cookies; Thanks-A-Lot, heart-warming shortbread cookies dipped in a rich fudge and topped with an embossed thank you message in one of five languages; Lemonades, savory slices of shortbread with a refreshing tangy lemon icing; and our new Shout Outs, light and crisp, these Belgian-style caramelized cookies are a sensibly sweet treat.

Fun Facts about Girl Scout Cookies in the Greater Iowa Region

• Best Seller overall in Iowa is the Thin Mint. However, the Sioux City area prefers the Peanut Butter Patties.
• Last year, the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa sold more than 1,500,000 boxes of cookies.
• The first national Girl Scout Cookie sale was held in 1936.

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About Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa:
Serving girls in Central and Western Iowa, NE Nebraska and SE South Dakota, Girl Scouts
of Greater Iowa provides leadership programming to over 15,000 girls and 4,000 adult
volunteers. It is a great time to be a Girl Scout and you can sign up at any time during the
year. To find out more about our program, please visit our website at
www.girlscoutsiowa.org or call us at 800-342-8389.

About GSUSA:
Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 3.6 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouting is the leading authority in girls’ healthy developments and builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more info on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to Girls Scouts, call (800) GSUSA 4 U (800-478-7248) or visit www.girlscouts.org.
 

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CONTACT:
Megan Brown
Communications Manager
Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa
mbrown@gsiowa.org
515-278-2881
(c) 515-423-7341

Girl Scout Badges Get Modern Makeover for First Time in 25 Years

DES MOINES, Iowa – Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa (GSGI), which enters its 100th anniversary year in 2012, is excited to announce the unveiling of 136 new, high-tech badges girls can now earn. This marks the first time since 1987 that a complete badge overhaul has taken place.

While girls are still able to earn traditional badges like Cook, Naturalist, and Athlete, they now have the option to earn more modern badges like Product Designer, Digital
Movie Maker, Good Credit, Science of Style, Computer Expert, and Website Designer.

The Girl Scout organization has transformed itself in recent years to focus on leadership development for girls in the 21st century, and the new badge offerings reflect that transformation. The hope is that the new assortment of badges, offered in the new Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting books, will help girls prepare to succeed in the years to come.

“The new badges seem creative and fun. They cater to our age groups and are very modern. I like that you earn these badges by following and completing The Girl’s Guide to Girl Scouting books,” Ariel Needham, a Senior Girl Scout said.

GSGI is very excited about the new additions and hope the lessons learned in earning these badges will help build bright futures for Girl Scouts everywhere.

*Photos of badges are available upon request. Please contact Megan Brown for more information.

Not a Girl Scout? Not a problem; all girls are welcome to attend Girl Scout camp! For more information on Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa’s camps, including program descriptions and registration information, please visit www.girlscoutsiowa.org.

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About Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa: Serving girls in Central through Western Iowa, NE Nebraska and SE South Dakota, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa provides leadership programming for up to 15,000 girls and 4,000 adult volunteers. It is a great time to be a Girl Scout and you can sign up at any time during the year. To find out more about our program, please visit our website at www.girlscoutsiowa.org or call us at 800-342-8389.

About GSUSA: Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA is the preeminent leadership development organization for girls with 3.6 million girl and adult members worldwide. Girl Scouting is the leading authority in girls’ healthy developments and builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place. The organization serves girls from every corner of the United States and its territories. Girl Scouts of the USA also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more info on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to Girls Scouts, call (800) GSUSA 4 U (800-478-7248) or visit www.girlscouts.org.

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