It’s that time of year when we look forward to the end of winter and get excited about the opportunities to spend more time together outdoors. We’re nearly halfway through the fiscal year, and some great things are happening! We’re also facing some challenges, and I want to ask for your forgiveness and your help.
All of us at GSNI are truly sorry about the many issues the cookie program has had this year—all of which were completely beyond our control. We are as displeased about the performance of the Digital Order Card, as well as inventory and supply problems, as you understandably are. My fervent hope is that the worst of the issues are behind us, and the remainder of booth sales go well for your Girl Scouts and your troops. Please accept my personal apologies for all the problems you have overcome! If there is a silver lining in all of this, it is that Girl Scouts are getting real-world experience in technology and supply chain problems which beset many entrepreneurs!
We are not recruiting new Girl Scout members at the rate we had hoped and forecasted. There are many reasons for this. If you know of an adult who would like to volunteer in the many capacities, we have available at GSNI—from troop support to camp clean-up—please ask them to contact us. If your Girl Scout has a friend who would like to join Girl Scouts, now is the time to start! If your neighbor has a Kindergartener or rising Kindergartener, please put them in touch with us. Every member and potential member is important to us!
On the positive side, we have a jam-packed program of opportunities and adventures for your Girl Scouts! We are looking forward to Girl Scout Week, from March 6–12, 2022, which also celebrates Girl Scouts turning 110 years old this year! We are looking forward to our in-person Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Event on April 30 at NIU. It is important you come and support volunteers and our Board. At this meeting, we expect to change the By Laws to allow for future Annual Meetings to be online, so we can hold separate Volunteer Recognition Events in-person, like the wonderful outdoor ceremony we held at Camp McCormick last summer.
I would be remiss not to highlight our full summer camp program for which registration is now open. This is the first time in three years we expect camp to be more or less “normal” and are excited to welcome many Girl Scouts who are wanting their first or repeat camping experience in a fun and safe environment! We look forward to welcoming your Girl Scout at staff and volunteer-led camping opportunities throughout the summer.
Troops and families can sign up for weekend camps and participate in the same activities Girl Scouts do—such as swimming, archery, crate stacking, climbing, ziplining, and at Camp McCormick, our new high ropes challenge course for older Girl Scouts and adults.
Come and make happy memories with us!
Best wishes,
Fiona Cummings, CEO, Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois
