Volunteer Scoop: December
12/19/2024
Holiday Office Closures
All GSDH offices and retail stores will be closed from December 23 – January 3.
With our offices closed, our Member Services team will also be unavailable from December 23 to January 3. The team will respond to all voicemails and emails once we resume regular business hours on January 3.
If you have an emergency during that time, please contact Rochelle Rasmussen, VP of Member Experience and Membership, at 605-359-3943.
Cookie Program – Embrace Possibility
- Troop cookie coordinators and troop co-leaders now have access to eBudde.
- Subscribe to our new Google calendar to have important dates right on your phone. Be sure to check the details for links to Just-in-Times and other documents.
- Visit the Cookie Resources page for up-to-date resources.
Volunteer Training
Pre-Training in gsLearn
Troop Cookie Coordinators are required to complete the 2024 Troop Cookie Training in gsLearn. This training will take around 45 minutes to complete. Learn how to access gsLearn.
Service Unit Training
Troop Cookie Coordinators should attend their service unit's training for updates and picking up sales materials.
Virtual Troop Cookie Coordinator Training
January 6 | 6:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM MT
2025 Cookie Program Overview
Initial Order Webinar and Q&A
January 6 | 7:30 PM CT / 6:30 PM MT
Learn about the Initial Order and ask questions about the program.
Important Dates Coming Up
- January 2: Priority Cookie Booth Sign-Up (Qualifying Troops)
- January 3-4: Cookie Booth Sign-Up #1
- January 5-6: Cookie Booth Sign-Up #2
- January 6: Troop CC Virtual Training
- January 6: Initial Order Webinar & Q&A
- January 7: Cookie Booth Sign-Up #3
- January 9: Troop Initial Orders Due
- January 10: Digital Cookie Invitation Email to Troop CCs
- January 22: Digital Cookie Invitation Email to Girls
Reminder: PLEASE make sure you are opted in for GSDH emails so you can receive all cookie communications! If you need to change your opt-in status, reach out to Member Services.
Cookie University
Daisies, Brownies, Juniors: It is a Girl Scout tradition - selling cookies. Before the season starts, make sure you are well-prepared to get the most out of this product program. At Cookie University, you'll get a crash course in all things cookie. Start working on your cookie finance badge, test the product, and have plenty of fun along the way! To wrap up the day, you'll graduate with pomp and circumstance. After graduation, browse the Girl Scout Pop-Up Shop and snag some much-needed cookie gear and other Girl Scout items.
Beyond Cookie University for Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors: At Beyond Cookie University, girls will bond with their fellow Girl Scout sisters over a meal before diving into the lessons. Girls will start working on their cookie finance badge, taste some Girl Scout Cookies and participate in fun activities and games, then graduate with pomp and circumstance! There will be time to shop for those much-needed cookie (and other) Girl Scout items after the event.
Visit the website for locations, dates and to register.
Just in Time: Managing a Multi-level Troop
Do you have a multi-level troop? We are excited to share a new Just-in-Time: Managing a Multi-level troop with strategies, leader tips, and FAQ’s!
*NEW* Gold Award Committee
The Gold Award Committee supports Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts in achieving the Girl Scout Gold Award. They meet monthly to review project proposals and final reports and offer guidance to ensure high-caliber projects are approved.
Committee members mentor their Gold Award candidates, providing coaching and guidance throughout the process. They also take opportunities to educate the community about the Gold Award.
Applications are open through January 17.
Delegates Needed for Annual Meeting
The GSDH Annual Meeting is scheduled for April 15, 2025. Before our meeting can take place, service units must elect delegates to represent them during the meeting and vote on important council topics, like our Board of Directors and revisions to our bylaws.
Once elected, delegates should register for the meeting. If registered before February 14, delegates are in the running to win an early registration prize – an Lululemon Belt Bag or JBL Speaker.
Girl Advisory Board
The Girl Advisory Board (GAB) is a group of girls, Cadette through Ambassador, who have their voice heard with opinions and ideas to council and help to make important decisions for council.
All Cadette, Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts are welcome to attend GAB meetings. RSVP to our Girl Experience Manager for meeting details and invitation.
Adult & Girl Awards Due February 1
- Girl Leadership & Highest Awards Paperwork: The deadline for submissions of Girl Scout Highest Awards and Girl Leadership Awards is February 1 for awards to be presented at Honoring Excellence on June 8, 2025.
- Graduating Girl Scouts can apply for the GSDH Graduating Girl Scout Scholarship for study at an accredited post-secondary institution or program of their choice. Applications are due to council February 1st. Online Application | PDF Worksheet
- Adult Achievement Awards: Know a volunteer who went above and beyond during the 2024 year? Honor them with a nomination for an Adult Achievement Award! Nominations and required endorsements are due by February 1 for awards to be presented at Honoring Excellence on June 8, 2025.
Adobe Digital Academy Training
Get your Girl Scouts ready to take marketing their cookie business to the next level? Join Girl Scouts of Western Washington for Adobe Express Digital Academy Training.
You'll learn how to design flyers, make videos, and create graphics using AI with Adobe Express—and receive a complimentary one-year subscription to Adobe Express for Education PLUS a special Adobe Express patch! Dakota Dough is not accepted for this event.
Share your Story
Girl Scouts always have great, inspiring stories to tell. Whether they're taking on change-the-world service projects, going on life-altering trips to new places, or forging forever friendships, the stories of girls, volunteers, parents, and alum are a true testament to the power of the Girl Scout Experience. Submit the form that includes a photo and description of your project, adventure, or accomplishment and you or your troop could be featured on our blog, social media channels, or email newsletters!
Retail Services
Dakota Horizons' Retail Services offers a variety of ways to shop for badges, uniforms, awards, gifts, specialty items, and more! Find the shopping option that best meets your needs at //gsdakotahorizons.org/shop.
Free Shipping Thursdays! Orders placed on the First Thursday of each month directly with our retail services will ship free to your doorstep. Call 1-800-666-2141 or email help@gsdakotahorizons.org to place your order.
