NEW YORK, NY—Girl Scouts of the USA is pleased to announce that First Lady Michelle Obama has agreed to serve as its Honorary National President.

“It is my great pleasure to serve as Honorary National President of Girl Scouts,” said Mrs. Obama. “With their innovative new programming, ground-breaking research, and emphasis on service and leadership, Girl Scouts is preparing the women of tomorrow to be a positive force for change – in their own lives, their communities, and across the globe.”

In accepting the position, Mrs. Obama takes her place in a tradition stretching back to 1929, when Lou Henry Hoover became the first Honorary National President of the Girl Scouting movement. Since then, each successive First Lady has served in this post.

Girl Scouts plan to work with the First Lady on areas of mutual concern, such as healthy living, public service and leadership.

“From bullying to obesity to concern over the economy, our nation’s girls are facing significant challenges,” said Kathy Cloninger, Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of the USA. “Girl Scouts is excited to work with the First Lady’s office to ensure that all girls can overcome the challenges they face, and that they have the skills, resources and opportunities they need to become strong, independent young leaders.”

“Girl Scouts can help girls from every background develop their self-confidence and leadership ability, and encourage them to make a difference in the world,” said Connie L. Lindsey, Girl Scouts of the USA National Board Chair. “The First Lady is a passionate, brilliant and inspirational woman – a fantastic role model for girls across the country. We look forward to an active and mutually rewarding partnership on issues important to girls’ lives.”

Meet Our New Baker

Meet your new Girl Scout Cookie baker – Little Brownie Bakers. We’re excited to play a part in your 2009/2010 Girl Scout Cookie Program Activity.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program Activity may well be the world’s best leadership development experience for girls. Selling Girl Scout Cookies® is a unique and valuable way for a girl to experience the power of goal-setting, develop self-confidence and learn early business skills. Plus, she will make lifetime friends and memories along the way.

How can you help? You can best support your Girl Scout by discussing her troop and individual goals, reviewing her progress, and ensuring that she follows safety guidelines.

Little Brownie brings you the mouthwatering cookies customers will love. In just a few bites, you’ll come to enjoy:

• Tagalongs – Creamy peanut butter, crisp vanilla cookies, and delicious chocolaty coating. You may have tried Tagalongs in your Blizzard from Dairy Queen (summer 2009).
• Do-si-dos – Smooth peanut butter filling sandwiched between crisp oatmeal cookies
• Original Samoas – Scrumptious coconut, chocolate and caramel confections that often outsell even Thin Mints! You may have enjoyed Samoas featured in Edys or Dreyers Special Edition Girl Scout ice- creams.
• Our Thin Mints – Delectable chocolate cookies made with natural oil of peppermint
• Trefoils – Traditional, tender shortbread cookies that melt in your mouth
• Lemon Chalet Cremes – These delicious sandwich cookies, with a zesty lemon crème filling, honor our Our Chalet in Switzerland.
• Dulce de Leche – Latin inspired caramel chip cookies – as fun to say as they are to eat!
• Thank U Berry Munch – with gratitude and premium cranberries, sweetened with creamy white fudge chips.

Visit www.littlebrownie.com to learn more about our activities and resources for Girl Scouts and about our Girl Scout Cookies.®

Thank-you for helping your Girl Scout to learn the life skills that last far beyond Cookie Season.

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS

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ONGOING: HOLLEY FARM

This fall visit the heart of Mississippi's beautiful Hill Country in scenic Itawamba County. Bring your family and "Come on Down to Holley Farm" You will be pleasantly transported back to a simpler place and a simpler time. Take time to discover Mississippi's rich agrarian history by visiting beautiful Holley Farm.

Girl Scout troops & Service Units can call to reserve their dates for a weekday or evening
(662-871-6949). Ask about the "Ag in the Classroom" Programs For All Ages!

CLICK HERE for Holley Farm's website.

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ONGOING: SEASON OPENING FOR HOLT FAMILY FARMS

Holt Family Farms offers an agricultural learning area, playground and games, hay maze, covered picnic area, concessions, horse and tractor drawn hay rides, on farm market, petting zoo, and a chance to pick your own pumpkin right out of the field.


Girl Scout troops & Service Units can contact HFF to receive group rates & reserve their dates for a weekday or evening (731)364-3459, email@holtfamilyfarms.com

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OCTOBER 1-4: PINK PALACE CRAFTS FAIR

The 37th Annual Pink Palace Crafts Fair is where you can come and see craftsmen at work, visit the petting zoo, and take home unique, hand-crafted pieces of art from over 300 Artisans around the USA!

Thursday, October 1 - 10am to 6pm
Friday, October 2 - 10am to 7pm
Saturday, October 3 - 10am to 6pm
Sunday, October 4 - 10am to 5pm

Admission Prices:
Adults $7 Seniors $5 Children $3
Special $5 Adult All-Day Admission on Friday, October 2nd
Two day pass $12
$1 off advanced tickets sales at the Pink Palace Box Office.

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OCTOBER 3: MUD ISLAND RIVER PARK FAMILY FUN DAY

Pack up the family and enjoy the free day on the mighty Mississippi at Mud Island River Park. Free petting zoo, races, games, kiddie rides, prizes & more!

WHEN: Saturday, October 3, from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
WHERE: Mud Island River Park, 125 N. Front St. Memphis, TN
QUESTIONS? 800.507.6507

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OCTOBER 3 - 31: CORN MAZE & PUMPKIN PATCH

Adkins Farms houses a 2 acre corn maze and offers hayrides to the pumpkin patch where you can pick your very own pumpkin. Other amenities include a play & picnic area, campfires, seed spitting contests & corn shelling! Ask about the educational sessions on bees, corn, pumpkins or sunflowers.

WHEN: October 3 - 31, various days & times
WHERE: Adkins Farms, 373 Hwy 364, Booneville, MS 38829
WHO: All, group reservations highly suggested
COST: Group Pricing Available
QUESTIONS? 662.728.MAZE, www.adkinsfarms.com

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OCTOBER 9 - 11: FALL POW WOW

The American Indian Association of Millington, TN cordially invites you to
participate in our Kids’ Day activities. Enjoy interactive displays, Native American Dancing, music, art, demonstrations, history, Native American Food, cultural awareness and Environmental Education & Preservation.

Admission is free on Kid's Day, Friday, October 9!

WHEN: Friday, October 9th from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
WHERE: Casper Creek, 6847 Center College Rd., Millington, TN
COST: FREE!

CLICK HERE for more event flyer.

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OCTOBER 10: HARVEST FALL FESTIVAL

Enjoy the 2009 Harvest Festival at the Agricenter Farmers Market! This free, family event features:

• Wheat Straw Maze
• Pumpkin Painting Contest
• Bluegrass Music
• Hay Rides
• Petting Zoo
• Moon Walk
• Carnival Games
• Cotton Candy & Popcorn
• Corn Maze/Corn Cannon

The Fall Festival is also looking for volunteers. If interested please contact Natalie Wilson at 731.676.0186, natalie.wilson@girlscoutshs.org

WHEN: October 10, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
WHERE: Agricenter International, Walnut Grove Rd., Memphis, TN
WHO: All
COST: $0
QUESTIONS? 901.757.7777, www.agricenter.org

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OCTOBER 10: READ OUT ON THE MISSISSIPPI

What better place is there to enjoy a good book than on the banks of the Mississippi River?

Kids and parents, grab a blanket and head down to Read Out on the Mississippi. Imaginations will soar as special guests from the Memphis Public Library share their passion for reading and narrate their favorite books. There is no registration required.

WHEN: Saturday, October 10 from 3 - 4 p.m.
WHERE: Mud Island River Park, 125 North Front Street, Memphis, TN
WHO: Ages 3-6
COST: FREE!
CONTACT: Carmen Jones, cjones@memphisriverfront.com

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OCTOBER 17: BOOKS A MILLION & GIRL SCOUTS

Girl Scouts Heart of the South has partnered with Books A Million in Jackson, TN!
Volunteers and friends can participate in the following Book Fairs, to promote literacy and have a percentage of the proceeds support our Girl Scouts!

All Book Fairs are on Saturday's at Books A Million "Columns" in Jackson, TN.

You must say you want to support Girl Scouts for the Council to receive credit!

October 17th 2-4 PM
November 14th 2-4 PM
December 12th 2-4 PM

**Discounts and club memberships will not be applicable during these events.

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NOVEMBER 21: MEMPHIS YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA FALL CONCERT

Mid-South Young People's Orchestra (MYOP) provides a deeper understanding of and appreciation for music by offering excellent orchestral and personal education to young people throughout the Mid-South. You can appreciate music and young talent at their Fall Concert. Plus, plan ahead for their Spring Concert on March 5th.

WHEN: Saturday, November 21 at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Christian Brother's University Theater, 650 East Parkway, Memphis, TN 38104
COST: FREE!
QUESTIONS? Caroline Johnson at MYPO or visit their website, www.musicmypo.org
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Don't serve alcohol to teens.

Well that's a no brainer. Obviously you would never serve alcohol to someone under the age of 21, but research shows that teens who drink obtain alcohol from social sources, i.e. your liquor cabinet.

In a 2008 government survey of underage drinkers 12 to 20, 69 percent said they got alcohol without having to pay for it. Some were given alcohol by parents, other family, or friends; others took alcohol without permission.

So before you let your girl head off to the Friday night football game, you might want to read up and have a conversation. Here is an interesting article, from The Tennessean saying that parents can contribute to their teen's drinking and offers simple steps on how to prevent under-age drinking.

The article also mentions the federal "We Don't Serve Teens" campaign and gives a link to a super resourceful website.

Posted using ShareThis

Rachel Simmons Helps TeenVogue.com Users

Rachel Simmons is the author of the New York Times bestsellers "Odd Girl Out: The Hidden Culture of Aggression in Girls" and "The Curse of the Good Girl: Raising Authentic Girls with Courage and Confidence". An educator and coach who develops strategies to address bullying and empower girls, Rachel gives a unique view into girl relationship, along with practical advice on navigating the trickiest of situations.

We've been fans of hers for a long time and now you can read her great advice in her new advice blog, "Ask Rachel" at TeenVogue.com. You should also check out her website, RachelSimmons.com, where she blogs about a multitude of girl issues and offers "Girl Tips" on how to deal with a variety of situations you or your girl may encounter. (We especially like the "Girl Tips" for social media!)

P.S. Congratulations Rachel on "The Curse of the Good Girl: Raising Authentic Girls with Courage and Confidence" becoming a New York Times bestseller!

Icebreakers for your Troop

It's the start of a new Girl Scout year! That means troops are forming and this may be the first time some of the girls have met one another. Below are some easy icebreakers you can use to get the girls familiar with each other.


"My Name Is "

How to play: Girls sit in a circle or a number of small circles, depending upon the size of the group. One girl is asked to tell the group her name. She says, "My name is Kelly Green." The girl on her left then says, "Her name is Kelly Green and my name is Maria Lopez." The next girl then says, "Her name is Kelly Green, her name is Maria Lopez, and my name is Shanna Smith." This continues until the last girl in the circle tries to name all the girls in the group. If a girl cannot recall a name, others in the circle may help her.


"Linda Lemon"

How to play: Girls make a circle. Tell the girls they are going to the market to purchase something they like, but it must begin with the same letter as their first name. The first girl might say, "My name is Linda, and I am going to the store to buy a lemon." The next girl might say, "My name is Malia, and I am going to the store to get a mango and a lemon." Player three might say, "My name is Naomi, and I am going to the store to buy a nightshirt and a mango and a lemon." The last girl gets to name everything!

Variation: Play shopping bag upset. Have the girls change places and repeat the process from any place in the circle.


"Toss the String"

You need: A ball of string or yarn. Groups of 15 or less.

How to play: Have the group form one or more circles. The girl with the ball of yarn starts by calling out a girl's name and tossing the yarn to her, being sure to hold onto the end of the string. The girl who catches the ball must call out another girl's name and toss the ball to her. The object is to include everyone and create a spider web with the string. The leader can then ask one girl to pull on her string while everyone else holds on. How many girls can feel the string being pulled? Use this as a starting point for a discussion on the importance of group cooperation and an individual's contribution to the group.

What are some of your tried & true group icebreakers?

Financial crisis is hitting girls hardest - study

Repost from the Sydney Morning Herald

Adele Horin

September 22, 2009

THE global recession is taking an ''inordinate'' toll on girls and young women in the developing world because they are the first in their families to go without food, be pulled out of schools, or lose their jobs, says the chief executive of an international aid agency.

Before the worldwide launch of a report called Because I am a Girl, the head of Plan International, Ian Wishart, said the economic crisis posed a particular threat to girls and women. But it also presented an opportunity to increase investment in girls' education and gender equality.

''Gender equality and investment in girls is pivotal to economic progress,'' Mr Wishart said.

Each extra year of education increased a girl's income by 10 to 20 per cent and meant she was more likely to have a smaller, healthier family, and to start to break the cycle of poverty.

The report says in hard-pressed times families have to make choices: ''In these circumstances girls, whatever their inherent abilities and potential, are worth less to their families.''

What has been called the world's ''first fully feminised recession'' - due to women now being a big part of the workforce - is believed to have stymied progress on girls' education, workforce participation, and gender equality. As well, the recession is predicted to lead to a huge rise in infant mortality, push more girls into the sex trade, and lead to unemployment for another 22 million women.

In a call to action to governments, aid agencies, businesses and civil society, Plan International says girls should be ''right at the heart of a new economic revolution''.

''We know from extensive research that mothers … are more likely to spend their income on the welfare of their household, so creating the conditions for the next generation to move out of poverty,'' the report says.

The report acknowledges gains in the past decade for the 500 million girls and young women living in developing countries - for example, 83 per cent of girls are now in school, and the global economy has brought young women some new job opportunities. But girls' chances of reaching their potential were still ''considerably less than those of their brothers''.

The report shows that the countries with the highest levels of discrimination embedded in their legal, social, and education systems are some of the least developed in the world. These include Mali, Sierra Leone, Afghanistan and Sudan. It urges national governments to eliminate legal restrictions on girls' right to own, inherit or acquire property and land, to end discriminatory inheritance laws, and to mandate registration of births in order to give girls a crucial legal identity.

Mr Wishart said governments, development agencies, and the UN should design all their programs with a view to improving outcomes for girls.

''It's a slow process because it's about changing values within a community,'' he said. ''There's a long way to go.''