exclusively for leaders and volunteers

Vote on the New Service Center's

Girl Chill Space & Leader Resource Room Designs!

We're making exciting progress on our new Richmond Metro Service Center! This space is for girls, so we want to make sure it's also designed by girls.

Our Girl Chill Space was the most popular request when it came to must-have features of our new service center, so we want to make sure their voices are heard when it comes to how their space will look and feel. We encourage all leaders and volunteers to share this with their Girl Scouts so they can cast their vote.

We've got two options to choose from: Plant Vibes or Out of this World. Girls can cast their vote using the button below!

Option 1: Plant Vibes

Option 2: Out of this World

Leader Resource Room

Our Leader Resource Room is a top priority to make sure Girl Scout Leaders have printed materials, equipment, and everything else they need to run a troop meeting or Girl Scout event smoothly.

Leaders and Volunteers, vote on the Leader Resource Option you prefer!

Option 1

Option 2

The 2024-2025 Program Events & Activities Guide is Here!

It's here! Our 2024-2025 Program Events and Activities Guide has arrived, and it's packed with excitement for EVERY Girl Scout!

We gathered and incorporated valuable feedback from our Operational Advisory Task Groups to create a guide like never before. Whether your troop is ready to explore the great outdoors, dive into STEM, level up their entrepreneurship skills, or bond over family-friendly events, we've got it all. This year’s guide is our best one yet, and it’s ready for you to dive in and start planning your epic Girl Scout year.

Registration is NOW OPEN. Start mapping out your year of fun, growth, and adventure TODAY!

The 2025 Cookie Season is Coming Soon!

The Cookie Rally at Winterfest will take place on December 8th. Get your tickets today using the button below!

Girl Scouts and their families will have exclusive use of the park with some rides and attractions, open from 2:30 P.M. - 4:30 P.M. 

Ticket options:

• Girl Scouts: $28 – early admission to the park, parking, cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus and Girl Scout Cookie-themed activities between 2:30 P.M. and 4:30 P.M. 

• Girl Scout Season Pass Holders: $10 – includes early entrance to park and Cookie Decorating with Mrs. Claus. 

• Family and Friends $20 - includes admission, parking and early entrance. 

Ice Skating will not be included in this year’s Cookie Rally. Anyone wanting to participate in ice skating should purchase a separate ticket through the park. 

The Girl Scout Cookie Program

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the foundation of entrepreneurial experience in Girl Scouts and is an important (and exciting!) part of being a Girl Scout.

Research shows that girls are interested in becoming entrepreneurs, developing financially stable futures, and using their skills to make a meaningful impact on the world. As cookie entrepreneurs, they sharpen their business savvy and work as a team to accomplish common goals and solve problems, while building the confidence they need to shine as girls, as young women, and as future leaders.

And did we mention fun? They have lots of that along the way, too. Every year, Girl Scouts all over the country use their cookie earnings to have amazing experiences in their communities and beyond. 

Troop Leaders and Troop Cookie Managers with less than 2 years managing a cookie program are encouraged to attend New Leader Training.

This training will cover the basics of the Cookie Program, including the two software platforms used to manage the program.

Experienced Leaders with 2 or more years managing a cookie program are recommended to attend the experienced leader training to learn about some minor changes to the program this year and for a quick refresh of the basics. 

In addition to training, we will offer multiple opportunities to pick up your Troop Cookie Packet. If you choose to attend an in-person training, you will pick up your materials at training. If you attend virtual training, you will be able to pick-up your materials quickly at one of the designated Cookie Packet pick-up locations.

A variety sample packages of cookies will be available for $10 at packet pick-up. 

 Cookie Training Details and Registration Link 

In-Person Training 

Saturday, Dec 7th: In-person training and packet pick-up  

GSCV office, 4900 Augusta Ave., Richmond, VA 23230 

• New leader Training 9:00 A.M. - 10:30 A.M. 
  
• Experienced Leader (2 or more years managing the program) 11:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
  
• Packet pick-up available from 8:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M, 
  

Thursday, Dec 12th: in-person training and packet pick-up 

Chancellor Ruritan Club, 5994 Plank Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22407 

New Leader Training (Experienced leaders are welcome to attend)

6:30 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

• Packet pick up available from 4:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.
  

Virtual Trainings 

• Tuesday, December 10th: New Leader Training 9:00 A.M. - 10:00 A.M. 
  
• Tuesday, December 10th: Experienced Leader Training 11:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. 
  
• Tuesday, December 10th: New Leader Training 6:30P.M. - 8:00 P.M. 
  

The link for all virtual trainings can be found here: https://zoom.us/j/98374970623 

Recorded versions of both new and experienced Leader Training will be available on our website after December 14th. 

Additional Packet Pick-Up Dates 

• Monday, December 9th - Friday, December 13th 8:30 A.M. - 4:30 P.M.,
  

GSCV office: 4900 Augusta Ave., Richmond, VA 23230 

• Fredericksburg TBD 

Important Cookie Dates for 2025

 Fall Product Program

Last day of the Fall Product Program is November 7th. Customers still have the chance to order nuts, candy, magazines and the bark box online.  

The ACH for the Fall Product Program will take place on November 13th. Troops will have their Girl Scout bank account drafted for the balance owed to GSCV. Not sure what that balance is?

• Log into M2 media at www.gsnutsandmags.com/GSCV 
• From the dashboard click on Banking and Payments 

You will then see the total sales for your troop, the proceeds earned by your troop, the amount collected online and the balance due. The amount under Balance is what will be drafted. If it’s a negative number, GSCV will ACH those funds back into your troop account.

If you have question or need help finding this balance, please contact our Help Desk at gshelper@comgirlscouts.org.

Real Life Academy - Your Digital Footprint

Social media is here to stay, and so is your digital footprint. Are you posting responsibly?

Join us for Real Life Academy on Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. to discuss the important topic of using social media in a way that's healthy for you and your peers.

Attendees will hear from our very own Director of Marketing and Communications, Janna Joyner, to understand the impact of your online presence, and learn tips and tricks on how to make social media work for you--both socially and professionally!

Richmond Ballet – The Nutcracker 

Richmond Ballet welcomes the Girl Scouts!

With its stunning choreography, lavish sets and costumes, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, The Nutcracker is a magical experience for audiences of all ages! Girl Scouts and their families will enjoy a special post-show Q&A session following the show.

This offer is ONLY valid for the Sunday, December 15, 2024 5:30PM performance of The Nutcracker.

Discount excludes price levels 1 ($142.00) and 6 ($27.00) and is available through December 15th at 3:30 PM. Discount is not available on previously purchased tickets and cannot be combined with any other discounts. Standard online convenience fees apply. We look forward to seeing you at the show! 

Richmond Ballet - Cinderella

Richmond Ballet welcomes the Girl Scouts!

This offer is ONLY valid for the Saturday, February 15, 2025 2:00PM performance of Cinderella.

Discount excludes price levels 1 ($142.00) and 6 ($27.00) and is available through February 15th at 12:00PM. Discount is not available on previously purchased tickets and cannot be combined with any other discounts. Standard online convenience fees apply. We look forward to seeing you at the show! 

SPCA

Saturday, November 9th, 2024 

Daisies: 12:00 P.M. - 1:00 P.M., Brownies: 2:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. 

Richmond SPCA, Richmond, VA 

(Daisies, Brownies, Juliettes) 

Discover the heart of animal care at the Richmond SPCA! Take a guided tour of the facility, meet some of the wonderful animals, and learn about their daily lives. Whether you're a lifelong animal lover or a bit unsure around pets, this interactive experience offers hands-on learning about pet health and shelter operations. Find out how the SPCA cares for the furry friends, the importance of their well-being, and how you can make a difference in their lives. This will be an enriching experience that brings you closer to understanding and supporting our animal companions! 

$10/Girl Scout | $0/Adult 

Min/Max: 10/25 youth | 2/10 adults 

Register by November 8th, 2024 

Registration for Daisies is full.

RVA Financial

Wednesday, November 20th, 2024, 5:30 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. 

GSCV Service Center, Richmond, VA 

(Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Juliettes) 

Join us for an engaging and educational experience with RVA Financial! In this hands-on workshop, girls will learn the essentials of financial literacy, including budgeting, saving, and smart spending habits. Designed to empower our future leaders, this program encourages responsible money management and sets the foundation for lifelong financial success. Younger girls will engage in interactive games and activities that introduce the basics of budgeting and saving. Perfect for Girl Scouts eager to take charge of their financial futures! 

$5/Girl Scout | $0/Adult 

Min/Max: 10/40 youth | 5/15 adults 

Register by: November 6th, 2024 

Cinematic Magic

Saturday, November 16th, 2024, 5:30 P.M. - 8:30 P.M. 

Camp Pamunkey Ridge 

(All Levels, Juliettes, Families) 

Have you ever wanted to taste the snow cones from Monsters Inc.? What about the empanadas from Encanto? Join us for an immersive movie experience at Cinematic Magic! During this special event, girls will not only watch a movie they love, but also immerse themselves in the world of the film like never before. From enjoying delicious dishes inspired by the movie to playing games and singing along to iconic songs, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Plus, you’ll get to help choose the movie—keep an eye out for our social media poll and cast your vote! Come join us for fun, laughter, and cinematic magic as we create lasting memories together. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to bring the big screen to life with your fellow Girl Scouts! 

The movie will begin at 6:30 P.M. sharp! 

$5/Girl Scout | $5/Adult 

Min/Max: All Welcome 

Register by: November 15th, 2024 

REGISTRATION OPEN: EXPLORE Patch Series at the Ashland Takeover

You still have time to register for the Ashland Takeover!

All girl participants will earn the Explore Ashland patch at no charge.  Bring the entire family along and enjoy this historic part of Virginia!

Saturday, November 9th, 2024, 10:00 A.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Discover, Connect, and Take Action with our exciting new EXPLORE Patch Series at the Ashland Takeover!

This event is open to Girl Scout troops and families, offering a fun and educational way to explore the unique aspects of Ashland, Virginia. Enjoy Girl Scout-friendly movies at the Ashland Theater*, visit Randolph-Macon College, decorate cookies (10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M.) at the Sugarfix Bakery*, visit the Ashland Museum to learn about Secretariat the legendary racehorse, earn your Dance badge at the Ashland Dance Academy, and more.

Earn your EXPLORE Historic Ashland patch by participating in this event or visiting anytime with your troop or family. If your troop or service unit is interested in creating a patch for your local community, please contact our Program department.

Prior to the weekend, registered members will receive a detailed list of all activities and any associated costs.

Calling all dog & cat lovers! Who can resist the irresistible charm of a playful puppy and a curious kitty showing their Girl Scout pride? This charming t-shirt features endearing puppy and kitty graphics with crystalline detailing. Go ahead and show your love for furry friends while spreading a little sparkle and style wherever you go.

Do you know a Girl Scout who deserves recognition for making an impact in her community? Perhaps your Girl Scout troop hosted a fun event or created incredible memories this summer. Whatever the occasion, we're looking for Girl Scouts and Girl Scout troops to feature on social media!

Please submit all photos with a short caption to our Director of Marketing & Communications, Janna Joyner, to have your Girl Scouts featured online! Send all submissions via email: jjoyner@comgirlscouts.org.

We can't wait to feature your girls!

Friendly reminder - It takes two!

All Girl Scout Leaders should know that a troop bank account requires a minimum of two signers. Those two signers need to be currently registered members and have a current background check on file. Also, just like leading a troop, neither can be related or live at the same address. Once those two signers are on the troop bank account, don’t forget:

• Both signers should actively know the account activity, as they are acting in their role to safeguard the troop funds.
• Neither signer should write checks to themselves for reimbursement or to anyone for reimbursement in the troop that is related to the signer.

Banking utilizes the buddy system, too. Happy banking, everyone!

Spring training dates coming soon!

Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia

804-746-0590 • 800-4SCOUT4 toll-free

gshelper@comgirlscouts.org • www.comgirlscouts.org

Office hours: Monday - Friday | 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Shop hours: Monday - Friday | 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Saturday | 9:00 AM - 12:o0 PM

Sunday | CLOSED

S'more News is an e-publication for troop leaders and other volunteers

of Girl Scouts of the Commonwealth of Virginia.