Hurricane Helene Updates
One P2P family,
You have exemplified the Girl Scout way as you all have handled the past few months of hurricane recovery and healing with grace and compassion. From the very first day of this journey, council leadership has been working diligently with a multitude of partners to provide critical resources to our sisters in need and develop a plan to rebuild our camp properties so our Girl Scouts, families and volunteers can use and enjoy them safely. I’m thrilled to announce that Phase 1 of our property recovery efforts begins today!
We’ve completed many assessments with contractors, architects, engineers and insurance companies to develop this first phase of our recovery plan to bring these camps back into a usable state. Camp Pisgah and Camp Ginger Cascades have many trees down across the properties that damaged cabins and challenge courses, some roads and bridges were washed away, furniture (like mattresses and dining hall equipment) was ruined, and our network hardware was destroyed- to name a few of the many damages. Thanks to our insurance claims, this first phase will see about a $600,000 investment to restore these camps by mid-summer!
We’re incredibly thankful that our dedicated volunteers and Girl Scouts have been patient and understanding as we navigate this process to get your troops back at camp. We’ve worked with volunteers and service units to reschedule camporees and troop camping trips to Keyauwee Program Center or to a later date in 2025 at our camps currently under construction. The good news is that some facilities at these camps are in working condition and have partial openings beginning in April. In June, we will resume full property reservations at Camp Ginger Cascades and Camp Pisgah. There’s also opportunities in May for our volunteers to get back to camp and join us for two workdays! We need the community’s help for the finishing touches like clearing trails, painting and other minor construction projects to help us get ready to relaunch those camps this summer. Registration will be available on our calendar soon, but please save the date for May 4 at Camp Pisgah and May 18 at Camp Ginger Cascades.
Our Asheville Service Center also experienced disruptions due to Hurricane Helene, but we’re now back on track to complete those renovations. Over the next several weeks, our staff will be moving around the building so our construction crew can easily access areas to repaint, add new carpet and reconfigure the space. Once the renovations are complete, there will be an improved experience center available for troops and service units to reserve, a co-working staff space and a retail shop. Although the building is under construction, the Asheville Service Center is still open for normal business hours. Please pardon the mess and know that we greatly appreciate your patience throughout this process. We hope to see you (and stay tuned for progress photos!).
The past few months have been challenging for all of us as we find this new way forward, but we are Girl Scout strong, and we will work through this recovery plan together.
Jennifer Wilcox, CEO
Sweet Surprise in 2025 Challenge This Week
The 2025 Girl Scout Cookie Program extension is bringing more surprises! Learn how you could snag a free patch and free Wendy’s Frostys for the rest of the year by joining in the fun February 17-22.
We love surprises too and can’t wait to see your Think “Out of the Ordinary” for Success Challenge submissions! Today is the last day to enter, so don’t miss your chance to receive a 50-package credit of cookies to the Cookies for a Cause service project.
Closing Early Next Week
Please note that the Asheville Service Center and Shop will be closing at 4 p.m. on Monday, February 24.
Board Forum
We are hosting several informational events with our Board of Directors, and your feedback is imperative. You can be a powerful tool in shaping the efforts of our organization and we welcome you to attend a forum at a service center or to attend virtually.
RSVP for one of the dates below:
Tuesday, February 25, 6 p.m. (Hickory Service Center)
Tuesday, March 11, 6 p.m. (Triad Service Center)
Thursday, March 27, 4:30 p.m. (Virtual only due to construction at our Asheville Service Center)
Historic Change: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Juliette Gordon Low Event in D.C.
Join the National Postal Museum on Wednesday, March 26 to celebrate the release of the new Juliette Gordon Low quarter with presentations and activities alongside the Smithsonian American Women’s History Museum, Girl Scouts of the USA and the U.S. Mint! Part of the American Women Quarters™ Program, which celebrates the accomplishments and contributions made by women of the United States, the quarter honors Juliette Gordon Low as the founder of Girl Scouts of the USA.
25th Annual N.C. Girl Scout Collectors Show
On March 7 and 8, you can explore the N.C. Girl Scout Collectors Show in Conover, NC. Discover the exciting past of Girl Scouts with a memorabilia scavenger hunt, explore the displays and visit with collectors from across the eastern part of the United States. Many girl activities can be used for the P2P History Patch! All ages can enjoy seeing some of our history, and you don’t need to be a Girl Scout to attend! The show is all about Girl Scout memorabilia through the decades. Girl Scout items from the past to the present are on sale for anyone interested in adding to their collections. There will also be special “Girl Only” tables full of items priced just for girls.
Environmental Stewardship Events
Help us be kind to the earth and join us for two environmental stewardship events this spring!
We’ve teamed up with the Western Piedmont Council of Governments to show some love for our local lakes and rivers in Sawmills, NC! Register for Watershed Exploration and Cleanup Day on Saturday, March 15 and spend the first part of the afternoon learning about watersheds, pollution and how to test water quality with a hands-on exploration of a local stream. Then, the group will practice being good stewards of the environment by picking up litter around the park.
On Saturday, April 12 we will join forces with Keeping Gastonia Beautiful for Pliking at Crowders Mountain. Pliking is the act of picking up litter while hiking, allowing you to help your community while enjoying the great outdoors.
Patches to Explore This Month
Patch of the Month: Friends Around the World
Did you know there are Girl Guides or Girl Scouts Associations in 150 countries? Learn all about Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world! Download the activity guide and get started earning this patch!
Black History Month Patch
February is Black History Month where we honor the incredible contributions the Black and African American communities have made throughout U.S. history — from civil rights leaders to artists, politicians to inventors. Take this opportunity to learn more about the community’s central role in U.S. history and the world. We’ve got plenty of activities to choose from, so you can make new discoveries and have tons of fun while earning your Black History Month patch.
Mobile Shop Reminders
We are excited to hit the road and deliver Girl Scout shopping experiences to you! Reserve a Pop Up Shop or Troop Uniform Shop using our GSCP2P Shop Order Form. And, to ensure you have a great experience, we’re extending our mobile shop special offer! Enjoy 10% off orders of $25 or more when you schedule your next Pop Up Shop or Troop Uniform Shop event to take place by Monday, March 31.
View our locations and hours and use the GSCP2P Shop Order Form to coordinate a pickup or to have items shipped to you.
Adult Volunteer Resources & Trainings
Ready to take the adventure up a notch and earn your Backpacking License? Backpacking is a two-part certification. You must complete the pre-session training, which is offered virtually on Tuesday, March 25 or at the Outdoor Adventure Training Weekend March 28-30. Then, join us for an overnight backpacking trip in Asheville April 11-13 to put your knowledge to the test!
Upcoming Adult Programs:
VIRTUAL: Basic Camping Skills License Renewal
Monday, February 24
Register by February 20.
VIRTUAL: Camporee Information Session
Thursday, March 6
Register by March 4.
VIRTUAL: Troop Leader Support and Q&A
Wednesday, March 12
Register by March 11.
Basic Camping Skills License
Saturday, March 15
Gastonia, NC
Register by March 6.
VIRTUAL: Backpacking Pre-Session
Tuesday, March 25
Register by March 24.
Outdoor Adventure Training
Friday, March 28 – Sunday, March 30
Sophia, NC
Register by February 28.
Basic Camping Skills License
Saturday, April 5
Statesville, NC
Register by March 28.
Upcoming Programs at a Glance
Riding-Instructor-In-Training Orientation
Saturday, February 22
Greensboro, NC
Register by today!
VIRTUAL: Highest Awards Q&A
Thursday, March 6
Register by February 27.
Keyauwee Program Center Camp Work Day
Saturday, March 8
Sophia, NC
Register by March 1.
Keyauwee Program Center Open House
Sunday, March 9
Sophia, NC
Register by March 5.
Watershed Exploration and Cleanup Day
Saturday, March 15
Caldwell County, NC
Register by March 6.
VIRTUAL: Gold Award Training
Tuesday, March 25
Register by March 18.
STEM Games
Saturday, April 5
Sophia, NC
Register by March 20.
VIRTUAL: Gold Award Training
Thursday, April 10
Register by April 3.
Pliking at Crowders Mountain
Saturday, April 12
Kings Mountain, NC
Register by April 4.
Monday Markdown
Enjoy 50% off our Short Sleeve GSCP2P Cookie Time T-shirt for only $7 today only! Crafted from 100% heavy cotton and available in light pink and burgundy, these shirts come in youth and adult sizes. Order using the GSCP2P Shop Form for in-store pickup or to be delivered to your door.
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