Sweet Inspiration: Elizabeth “Honey” Gwin’s Girl Scout Story

From Alumnae E-News from GSUSA

Elizabeth “Honey” Gwin has an unrelenting passion for Girl Scouting and devotion to girls. Honey came to Girl Scouts as a volunteer and eventually became the executive director for the Prairie Girl Scout Council, now known as Girl Scouts Heart of the South. For over forty years this phenomenal woman has inspired hundreds of girls and adult volunteers.

During her tenure Honey exceeded all expectations and grew council membership from 400 to 5,000, using innovative ideas, tenacity, and a relentless work ethic. She also recognized the need for a permanent site for a residential Girl Scout camp and spent many years cultivating relationships that would accomplish this goal. Honey was instrumental in finding and securing the land for Camp Tik-A-Witha in Van Vleet, Mississippi, in 1970; and, adept as she was at utilizing resources, she convinced the architectural department at Mississippi State University to design the camp. Moreover, when the Tombigbee State Park wanted to dispose of cabins, she was first in line with a request: that the cabins be given to Girl Scouts. Soon after the camp opened, she began work on another dream—providing a residential camp session for children with special needs.

Recently, Honey reflected on the special session, now named in her honor: “We had the 35th camp for the handicapped this year. It’s the most wonderful feeling that these children get to act like other campers—they swim, they canoe... And their parents get this whole week of freedom.”

At the age of 100, Honey continues to inspire all Girl Scouts to be the best they can be, to never give up their dreams, and to stand tall with grace whenever adversity strikes. Honey insists that it’s the girls and volunteers who deserve credit for building the council and camps; however, without strong female leaders like her, girls and volunteers wouldn’t have had such a shining example of how to persevere and lead towards a better future.

Thank you Ms. Gwin for all you have done and continue to do for girls in the Heart of the South!

Everything Needed To Know, I Learned Being a Girl Scout Leader

1. Green is always an appropriate fashion statement.
2. There is no such thing as trash, only future craft supplies.
3. Sleeping under the stars is invigorating to the soul.
4. You can survive in the wilderness with a flashlight and a pocketknife.
5. Girl Scout cookies have no fat and no calories.
6. Walk softly and carry a copy of Safetywise.
7. Always travel with a buddy.
8. Don't cry over spilled paint and don't sweat the small stuff.
9. Girls like to be seen and heard.
10. No song is too silly to sing and nobody sings off key.
11. Working on a team is much easier than working alone.
12. Plans gone awry can lead to the very best times.
13. That responsibility, opportunity, hard work and success are all related.
14. Girls really can rub two sticks together to make a fire.
15. You can learn something from the tiniest Girl Scout.
16. Good friends are like silver and gold.
17. There is no substitute for advance preparation.
18. There is no such thing as failure, only a change in plans.
19. You are never too old to try new things.
20. Leadership is a two way street.
21. Sharing knowledge is truly a path to immortality.
22. Never let petty politics keep you from your mission.
23. Patience really is a virtue.
24. If a Girl Scout Leader can't do it, nobody can.
25. A girl's smile is worth a thousand words.
26. If they are leading or succeeding, they probably were a Girl Scout.
- Kathy Little, 2001

What have you learned from being a leader? Share with us!

Are You a Remarkable, Energetic, Aspirational Leader?

New York, N.Y.–Girl Scouts everywhere are encouraged to tell the world how they are Remarkable, Energetic, Aspirational Leaders by entering the Justine R.E.A.L. Girl contest where the prize is a feature in the national teen/tween lifestyle magazine, Justine.

This R.E.A.L. Girl Contest is open only to Girl Scouts between the ages of 13-19, who are working to make the world a better place in their local communities and beyond. The winner will be featured in an article telling all about her activities as the R.E.A.L. Girl, and she will win a trip to the Justine offices in Memphis, Tennessee, for a professional photo shoot, as well as other fun prizes and Justine subscriptions for her troop and her school library.

“As the publisher of Justine (and a former Girl Scout), I am thrilled that we are partnering with Girl Scouts of the USA to showcase amazing Girl Scouts through our R.E.A.L Girl Contest. Justine is proud to feature these girls and their many accomplishments in their schools and communities,” said Jana Kerr Pettey, Publisher/Editorial Director, Justine magazine.

Submissions will be accepted until January 20, 2010, and the finalists and winner will be selected in February. For more information and contest rules, check out: justinemagazine.com.

“Making the world a better place is a priority among Girl Scouts, and it is an exciting opportunity to have one of our girls featured in Justine, showcasing her extraordinary service,” said Laurel Richie, Chief Marketing Officer, GSUSA. “We hope that our girls enter the R.E.A.L. Girl contest and tell the world about the great things Girl Scouts are accomplishing through their leadership.

COUNCIL COMMUNITY EVENTS

October 23 Edition
NEW! ONGOING: STATE OF MISSISSIPPI VETERANS HOME

Service Project Opportunity with The State of Mississippi Veterans Home at 120 Veterans Drive in Oxford, MS is looking for troops or groups who are willing to volunteer at the home.

Volunteers can assist with various recreational activities – reading to those whose eyesight is failing them, delivering mail, walking with them inside or outside, pushing their wheelchairs for a short stroll inside or outside, giving them snacks, playing checkers or cards, writing letters for them, playing or singing music for them or just simply conversing with them.

If your troop is interested in volunteering at the home, contact Janie Lunceford, Recreation Director at 662-236-7641, ext. 24.

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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: 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 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 24: OREN DUNN CITY MUSEUM'S ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL & SCARECROW CONTEST

Create a scarecrow representing the Girl Scouts and enter it in the Oren Dunn Scarecrow Contest - scarecrows must be entered by Oct. 23.

Come Saturday, Oct. 24 for the Annual Fall Festival from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. with live history demonstrations, FREE museum admission, pioneers games, plus food, fun & fantastic family time!


CLICK HERE for complete details.

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OCTOBER 30: SCARE ON THE SQUARE
Main Street Collierville invites you to a frightening good family afternoon on the downtown square! There will be trick-or-treating with downtown merchants, a costume parade, story time, festive games & activities and much, much more!

CLICK HERE for event flyer.


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NOVEMBER 14: 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!

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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It's Official! President Obama signs a bill today authorizing the minting of a commemorative coin to mark Girl Scouts USA centennial!

The U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate have passed the Girl Scouts USA Commemorative Coin Act, and President Obama signed the bill making it a law on October 29, 2009!

This victory would not have been possible without the efforts of thousands of Girl Scout supporters—girls, alumnae, volunteers, parents, staff, board members, and friends who wrote, e-mailed, and called their members of Congress. In fact, more than 40,000 messages were sent from Girl Scouts all over the nation. What an amazing tribute to the impact Girl Scouting has had on its 50 million past and current members.


COMMEMORATIVE COIN FAQS

How does the coin relate to the 100th anniversary celebration?
We have four goals for the 100th Anniversary:

• Showcase the Girl Scout Leadership Experience
• Advance the Brand
• Raise a Significant Amount of Money
• Increase Membership and Diversity

The 100th Anniversary projects, programs, and activities were selected according to several criteria, one of which was that each activity meet at least one of the 100th Anniversary goals.

Why is the coin being issued in 2013?
Congress only allows for the minting of two coins per calendar year. GSUSA chose 2013 as it will mark the end of our year-long celebration of our 100th Anniversary, and kick-off the next century of Girl Scouting.

How much will the coin cost?
The sale price will be determined by the U.S. Mint, and varies from year to year, depending on the price of silver and other cost factors. Recently minted silver commemorative coins were sold by the Mint for about $42 per coin.

Can it be used as currency?
The coin is considered legal tender. However, because they are commemorative coins, and cost much more than the face value, it is unlikely that they will be actually used as legal tender.

How much of the cost of the coin will go to Girl Scouts?
350,000 coins will be minted, and a surcharge of $10 per coin sold will be allocated to Girl Scouts of the USA, resulting in the potential to raise $3.5 million.

How will the proceeds from the coin be used?
The funds have been designated for critically needed restoration and improvements to the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace.

What metals will the coin be made of/percentages?
The Girl Scouts Centennial Commemorative Coins will be silver $1 coins, weighing 26.73 ounces and sized at 1.5 inches in diameter. They will be 90 percent silver, 10 percent copper.

What is the design of the coin?
The design, according to the Bill, “shall be emblematic of the Centennial of the Girl Scouts.” The design will be selected by the Secretary of the Treasury, after consultation with the Girl Scouts of the USA and the Commission of Fine Arts. The design will also be reviewed by the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee.

How can I purchase the coin?
Individuals and councils will be able to order online, by mail, and by phone. Girl Scouts of the USA will share—well in advance—with councils, alumnae, and supporters details about how to order.

Can the coins be sold in council shops?
Yes, and council shops may be able to get a small discount. However, the U.S. Mint requests that councils do not sell the coins for more than the Mint’s published price.

How many coins can individuals and councils order?
For the first 30 days, there will be a limit of 50 coins per household. Councils and council shops will be able to place advance orders, and the details will be shared as soon as they are available.

When will the coin be made available?
The coin will be made available in 2013. The Mint will not give us an exact date.

What is the bill/law number?
H.R. 621 was the final version of the legislation passed by both the House and Senate. It can be viewed by visiting www.thomas.gov.

How many coins will be made available?
350,000 coins will be minted.

Where will the coin be minted?
The coin will be minted in West Point, New York.

How to Raise Girls with Healthy Self-Esteem | AboutOurKids.org

Yikes! Here is a shocking statistic, a girl's self-esteem peaks at the age of 9 and then nosedives, according to Anita Gurian, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the NYU School of Medicine.

In this compelling article, How to Raise Girls with Healthy Self-Esteem on AboutOurKids.org, she looks at the main causes and offers some very helpful tips on how adults can help their girls. For example she says to watch your own stereotypes - let daughters help fix the kitchen sink and let sons help make dinner.

READ MORE HERE.

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Calling All Artists

LeBonheur Children's Medical Center is completing a massive expansion of a 610,000-square-foot hospital that will double Le Bonheur’s current space for patient care, research and teaching. This means they'll have a lot of blank walls that need decorating. You can help Le Bonheur inspire, entertain and soothe patients, families, employees and visitors with your original artwork and poetry!

The art and poetry contests are open to all students grades K-12. CLICK HERE for more information and guidelines on the contests.

Artwork must be submitted the week of November 16-20 and poetry will be collected in the spring of 2010.