Happy Holidays

On behalf of the Girl Scout Council of Southeast Louisiana, let us wish you and your families a safe and joyous holiday season. You have been a blessing to the Girl Scouts of southeast Louisiana, and please know that you are making a difference in the lives of many!  May 2008 bring nothing but happiness and prosperity to you and yours.

Office Closures

Just a reminder -- The Council Service Center will be closed for the holidays, December 21-January 1. The Service Center will reopen Jan. 2 at 8:30 a.m. and the Council Shop will reopen at 12 p.m. The Council Shop is currently closed this week for inventory.

Additionally, on January 16, 17, and 24, the Council Service Center will be closed all day due to staff trainings. Please plan accordingly. Thank you.

WeatherFest on January 20

WeatherFest, a free supersize science fair that is part of the American Meteorological Society’s 88th Annual Meeting, will be Sunday, January 20 from 12 - 4 p.m. at the Morial Convention Center.

Visitors can take part in science experiments such as making tornadoes in a bottle, building an anemometer, making clouds, and will learn how weather and climate affects daily life in New Orleans. Girl Scouts will have a chance to earn their weather badge.

You can also meet some of your favorite TV meteorologists from local TV stations, The Weather Channel, the National Hurricane Center, the United States Navy and many others at the “Ask the Meteorologists” booth. There will be weather games with great prizes such as books, weather radios, weather stations, T-shirts and much more.  See you there!

Toastmasters Dinner/Workshop Jan. 17

Cadette/Senior Girl Scouts are invited to be a part of a professional leadership building workshop presented by Toastmasters Int'l on Thursday, January 17, from 6-9 p.m. at the Council Service Center. Participation will fulfill some of the requirements for the Leadership and Public Relations Interest Projects as well as strengthen communication and presentation skills.

Cost is $10 per girl which includes pizza dinner and presentation materials. The registration deadline is January 10, and register by completing the event registration form for an individual and faxing or mailing it to the Council office at 841 S. Clearview Parkway, New Orleans, LA 70121 / Fax: (504) 733-8219.

Adult recognitions 2008

Is there someone that went above and beyond to help your troop or service unit this year? Now is the time to thank them for all that they have done. We are accepting applications for the Appreciation Pin, Honor Pin, Thanks Badge, Thanks Badge II, Outstanding Leader, and Outstanding Volunteer. The Council level recognition applications forms are online, and January 16, 2008 is the deadline. Let's make sure we recognize our volunteers!

Make It a Hit! Cookie Sale begins Jan. 12

Girl Scouts will begin taking cookie orders on January 12. Cookies will be delivered beginning Feb. 23 and will be sold at various booth locations until March 9.  Please DO NOT sell cookies before the sale start date of January 12.

Parents, stay tuned to your leaders regarding cookie trainings, cookie rally dates, and other cookie sale information. For information on how you can encourage her in the sale, visit www.girlscoutssela.org/cookies/index.html      

National Girls and Women in Sports Day at Tulane

Proclaimed a national day by Congress each year since 1987, the National Girls and Women in Sports Day is celebrated each February and recognizes the progress of girls and women in sports and the benefits that sports and fitness activities can bring to the lives of all girls and women. 

The Tulane University Athletics Department invites Girl Scouts to join them and other youth for the Tulane Women's basketball game vs. Marshall on Sunday, February 10,  at 2 p.m. as well as pre-game activities, including a one-mile run in the morning followed by activities with Tulane student athletes.  The cost is $4 for the game (youth), $8 for adults. Pre-game activities are free. Free T-shirts and bracelets will be passed out at the basketball game. To register, call William Thacker at Tulane at (504) 862-8223.

Sign up for some fun events this winter

Don't forget to sign up early since programs fill up fast. Just a few of the events include:

• Evening at the National WW II Museum - Jan. 12, 6 - 10 p.m. Junior Girl Scouts. $10 per girl. Registration deadline is January 2.
• Nursing Exploration Day at Lakeview Regional Medical Center- FULL
• New Orleans Boat Show First Mate Scouting Patch Program - Jan. 12 & 13
• Arbor Day & Family Camping at CWP - February 9, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Girls all ages. $5 per person. Registration deadline: January 25.
• Arbor Day at Covington - February 16, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Junior - Senior Girl Scouts. $5 per girl. Capacity: 150 girl maximum. Registration deadline: January 7.
• Chemistry Fun Day for Brownies - February 16, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m., Loyola University. $8 per girl.
• Chemistry Fun Day for Juniors - March 1, 1:30-4:30 p.m., Loyola University, $8 per girl.
• GIRLfest at CWP- March 15, $10 per girl. Limited to a maximum capacity of 500 girls. Registration deadline: February 23.
• Harlem Globetrotters - March 15, 11:30 a.m. New Orleans Arena. $15 per ticket (patch, handling extra). Deadline: February 22.

Answer the STEM question* and camp for free

Have you submited your answers to this month's STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) challenge question? Don't miss out on receiving a free weekend of camping at CWP! The deadline is Jan. 13. *Click here for your age-appropriate STEM Question and rules.