Scouting in general, all of the neat things that GSSJC has to offer girls and what to expect at a Girl Scout rally in the fall are an excellent way to educate parents in advance! Surely, they will be thrilled to discover that their daughter is joining the premier organization for all girls, building character, values, and skills for a lifetime. From such an article, parents will better understand the rally process and attend knowing that an appeal will be made for volunteer leaders at the event and that a troop with a trained, appointed leader probably will not be awaiting them! (FYI: please submit any written copy to the Communications Department to proof in advance of publication.)
     Another opportunity to get the word out is through a blurb in Sunday church bulletins. Let parents and clergy know that a church-sponsored troop typically becomes part of that congregation’s youth ministry. Be sure to mention the opportunity for a girl to earn religious recognitions.
     Usually in July, schools hold registrations for new students who have recently moved into the area. As with spring kindergarten registrations, seek permission to distribute flyers to parents of these girls.
     Don’t forget to reach out to homeschoolers. They often do not have access to fall recruitment flyers and sometimes think that Girl Scouting is only for public school students. Circulate Girl Scout information to libraries, school supply stores, and bookstores where homeschoolers visit. Homeschooling families already registered in Girl Scouting are great recruitment resources. Ask them to spread the word at support group meetings and post Girl Scout information to their e-mail group lists.
     The best way to get that “perfect” person as a Girl Scout leader/advisor is to just ask! Many people don’t volunteer because they lack awareness. There is the myth that someone can be a leader only if she or he has a daughter or a heritage in Girl Scouting. Please help dispel that myth. Let the right people know that they would be great guides, mentors, and role models for girls. They might just say “yes!”
     And last, but not least, don’t forget the 40 Developmental Assets TM and the important part they play in Girl Scouting. These necessary building blocks from the Search Institute TM spell out what is needed to successfully transition from childhood into a healthy, productive adult. Become familiar with these. Recognize how many of the 40 Assets, both internal and external, Girl Scouting brings to young people. Every time a girl or adult recites the Promise and Law, many of the 40 Assets are echoed, such as honesty, responsibility, caring and equality. The assets of Girl Scouting can be a great revelation to parents, as they worry about the stress and enticements their children live with today, and, at the same time, try to discern which extracurricular activities are best for them!
     So, here are some ideas on how to prepare this spring and summer for recruitment. Individual service units may have “tried and true” approaches already in their plan of work. Be sure to partner with your membership manager for these and other strategies which brings us to the third reality: with some effort and planning before fall rallies, a service unit can develop a climate where fall recruitment is the most successful ever!

Let the Summer Activities Begin!
by Jo Anna D. Harris

After the bridging ceremonies are done and you’ve distributed all of the girls’ recognitions, you finally have time for yourself. No more Girl Scouts until August or September. WHEW! Now you can breathe again. But does Girl Scouts really have to end?      Some parents, girls, and leaders welcome the break from the Girl Scout schedule but you can keep Girl Scouts alive in the summer by hosting monthly troop/group activities. Check out these fun activities for the leaders and the girls. Summer Scoops! Yes, it can be an ice cream party, but it’s mostly a fun monthly meeting with your Girl Scout troop/group. You don’t need to focus on badge-work, just have fun with summer flair! You can make cool treats, beaded or shell jewelry or simply have a summer luau and talk about sun safety. These two meetings in June and July can be all that’s needed to keep the girls’ interest in Girl Scouting.

Party by the Pool! This summer pool party idea will make a splash with the troops in your service unit. This event can be held as a celebration for troop/groups after achieving service unit membership goal or just as a summer get-together retention tool for the girls. After locating a lifeguard and meeting all safety concerns, invite your service unit and have a great time! Leader Appreciation Afternoon! The service unit administrative team can plan an afternoon event just for leaders and co-leaders, expressing appreciation for all of the hard work given throughout the membership year. Have a mini-spa event or simply an afternoon tea to just hang out and talk. Invite leaders to invite their friends who are interested in Girl Scouting. At a later date, follow up with these individuals…you may just gain a few more Girl Scout troop/group leaders.