Newsletter Contents

Product Program UpdatesUpcoming Events2014 ConventionGSLI & NYWODState of the Girl in New Mexico Girls, Politics, and AdvocacyOutdoor ProgrammingAwards Ceremony2014 Annual MeetingVolunteer DevelopmentTake Action & Community ServiceDonors & Sponsors

Connections

NMGirlScouts.org

Council Contact Info & HoursCouncil Headquarters (Albuquerque): p: 505.343.1040 f: 505.343.1050

Business Hours (Headquarters): Mon-Thurs: 8am-5pm Friday: 8am-12pm

Office Closure Dates: 11/27-28, 12/12, 12/17, 12/24-1/4, 1/9, 2/13, 3/13, 4/10.

LaTienda505.923.2522Shop Hours: Mon-Thurs: 10am-5pmFriday: 9am-12pmSelect Saturdays from 9am-2pm: 12/06

Fall 2014 Edition

Thank you all for your support. In this season of thanks, I want to acknowledge and thank our parents, volunteers, and communities throughout New Mexico for the support provided so generously to our Girl Scouts. Girl Scouting is successful due to the enthusiasm of our girls, the dedication of parents, and the commitment of volunteers throughout the council. Without you, our Girls Scouts would not have the opportunity to participate in this premier leadership organziation for girls.

Our Girl Scouts are succeeding. For over 102 years, Girl Scouts have been developing strong skills, and looking to the future to become the women they want to be. They know the value of service and they are giving back and giving forward to their communities. They are becoming our next generation of leaders in the legislature, in engineering, in boardrooms, in schools, in our families, and they have and will continue to change the world.

TOGETHER we can get her there. To support nearly 4,000 Girl Scouts from around the council, we have over 2,000 volunteers and 30 staff dedicated and committed to providing the best Girl Scouting experience for girls throughout New Mexico. We appreciate your commitment.

We have many sponsors, donors, and financial supporters for which we are very grateful. And we have many cookie customers who know every box purchased invests in the future of a girl. We are grateful to all of you for your support.

Girl Scouts makes a significant difference throughout New Mexico by providing girls a bright future- a future that includes an education, financial skills building, and leadership development- all attributes that will prepare her become an independent young woman in her future.Happy Holidays and thank you, our community of supporters. Peggy Sanchez Mills

Upcoming Program, Training, & Event Dates

Gingerbread Enchantment Dec 5 Public event. $15 per team.

GirlSports Highlands Basketball Game, Las Vegas Dec 6 Public Event. Adults $10, Students $5,

Children uner 12 free.

FLL Qualifying Tournament, Socorro Dec 13 Public event. Free!

GirlSports Basketball Workshop at UNM Dec 14 DBJCSA. $2, register by 12/9.

GirlSportsUNM Basketball Game Dec 14 Public event. $5, register by 12/9

FLL Qualifying Tournament, Los Alamos Dec 13 Public event. Free!

Frozen Fun at Barker Jan 24-25 DBJ & volunteers. $20/person if registered by 1/9, $25/person if registering after 1/10.

Train the Trainer, Abq Jan 24 Adult volunteers. Free. Register by 1/20.

Winter Wonderland, Barker Jan 31-Feb 1

CSA & volunteers. $20/person if registered by 1/16, $25/person if registering after 1/17.

FLL Championship Jan 31 Public event. Free.

Discover STEM Day, Nat’l Museum of Nuclear Science & History Feb 7 Public event. Museum admission required.

Cookie Challenge, Sheraton ABQ Uptown Feb 8 Public Event. Adults $25, Children 5-17 $10,

Children uner 5 free if registered by 2/5.

Girl Scout Day at the Roundhouse Feb 18 Public event. Free. Suggest rsvp by 2/17.

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day Feb 28 Public event. $6. Register by 2/24

D = Daisy, B = Brownie, J = Junior, C = Cadette, S = Senior, and A = Ambassador.

For further information, visit our website and look at our online Event Guide: nmgirlscouts.org -> Program

2014 National ConventionThe 2014 National Council Session/53rd Convention was held in Salt Lake City, Utah, from October 16-19. In addition to conducting the business of the Movement, delegates and visitors engaged in important strategic conversations about the future and provided exciting educational opportunities about Girl Scouting. GSNMT sent 4 voting delegates to the National Council Session.

National Council Session. The National Council Session is the Girl Scouts’ major governance meeting. Hosted every three years, this session brings together the leaders of our movement and the members who help shape the future for 2.3 million girls. Girl Scouts gather together to reinvigorate our Movement, celebrate our accomplishments, and chart our future. Delegates are elected by each council and have voting privileges at all business meetings. Delegates must be Girl Scout members over 14 years old. Delegates also include representatives from USA Girl Scouts Overseas, National Board Members, the National Development Committee, and past presidents.

MagNut Product ProgramCongratulations to our girls who participated in the fall product program sale - we exceeded our goal!The Fall 2014 magazine, chocolate, and nut program, also known as MagNut, had 877 girls in 135 troops sell $195,025 worth of MagNut products. The per girl average has continued to increase: $222 (2014), $184 (2013), $171 (2012), $144 (2011).

2015 Cookie SaleAre you ready for the 2015 Cookie Sale? We are! Here are some upcoming dates to get ready for:January 2015: Troop TrainingsFebruary 13-20: Cookies to TroopsFebruary 16: Goal Getter Friends & Family SaleMarch 6: Booth sales beginMarch 29: Cookie sale endsWeek of May 11: GS$ Cards mailedJune 7: Cliff’s Event

Cookie Challenge!Save the Date: Sunday, February 8at the Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown, we will have our Cookie Challenge with local chefs creating sweet and savory treats using our Girl Scout cookies. This is a great troop and family event. Online registration will open in early December.

nmgirlscouts.org

Product Program

Upcoming Program, Training, & Event Dates

Gingerbread Enchantment Dec 5 Public event. $15 per team.

GirlSports Highlands Basketball Game, Las Vegas Dec 6 Public Event. Adults $10, Students $5,

Children uner 12 free.

FLL Qualifying Tournament, Socorro Dec 13 Public event. Free!

GirlSports Basketball Workshop at UNM Dec 14 DBJCSA. $2, register by 12/9.

GirlSportsUNM Basketball Game Dec 14 Public event. $5, register by 12/9

FLL Qualifying Tournament, Los Alamos Dec 13 Public event. Free!

Frozen Fun at Barker Jan 24-25 DBJ & volunteers. $20/person if registered by 1/9, $25/person if registering after 1/10.

Train the Trainer, Abq Jan 24 Adult volunteers. Free. Register by 1/20.

Winter Wonderland, Barker Jan 31-Feb 1

CSA & volunteers. $20/person if registered by 1/16, $25/person if registering after 1/17.

FLL Championship Jan 31 Public event. Free.

Discover STEM Day, Nat’l Museum of Nuclear Science & History Feb 7 Public event. Museum admission required.

Cookie Challenge, Sheraton ABQ Uptown Feb 8 Public Event. Adults $25, Children 5-17 $10,

Children uner 5 free if registered by 2/5.

Girl Scout Day at the Roundhouse Feb 18 Public event. Free. Suggest rsvp by 2/17.

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day Feb 28 Public event. $6. Register by 2/24

D = Daisy, B = Brownie, J = Junior, C = Cadette, S = Senior, and A = Ambassador.

For further information, visit our website and look at our online Event Guide: nmgirlscouts.org -> Program

Girl Scout Leadership Institute

National Young Women of Distinction

Haley Hanson, 2013 Gold Awardee and 2014 GSUSA Young Woman of DistinctionHaley was chosen as one of GSUSA’s National Young Women of Distinction. She received this honor at the National Convention in Salt Lake City this October. National Young Woman of Distinction is the designation, and special honor, conferred by Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) on ten Girl Scout Gold Award recipients whose final projects demonstrated extraordinary leadership, had a measurable and sustainable impact, and addressed a local challenge that related to a national and/or global issue.

The Girl Scout Leadership Institute (GSLI) was the portion of the convention where girls 14 and older gathered together to experience three days of leadership skill-building activities tied to the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE). Seven girls from across GSNMT participated in GSLI.

At the GSNMT Annual Meeting, Delanie reported out to the membership on her experience at GSLI. She shared that the GSNMT attendees had difficulty at GSLI with expectations unmet. They responded by speaking to their GSLI chaperones, our CEO, and even GSLI organizers to fix the problem rather than leave unfulfilled. These girls truly took their leadership skills and put them into action in a proactive and responsible manner. Girl Scouting works!

Delanie reports out on GSLI at the GSNMT Annual Meeting.

The GSLI girls realized that their version of “formal” was

as individual and unique as they all are. This photo

was taken the night of their closing party, highlighting their individual styles and

personalities. We love being part of an

organization that accepts and encourages this

expression!

State of the Girl in New Mexico

Girls, Politics, and Advocacy

The Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI) recently released The State of Girls: Unfinished Business report that stakes out key issues and major trends affecting girls’ healthy development in the United States today, broken down by state. When we see reports ranking states, we prepare ourselves - New Mexico rarely fares well in health, education, or economic well-being ranking. But, data is not destiny! And the Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails is exceptionally well positioned to help provide girls tools, skills, and resources to overcome these obstacles.

As the premier leadership organization for girls, Girl Scouts is committed to ensuring that all girls develop to their full potential. To learn more, visit www.girlscouts.org/stateofgirls.

In New Mexico, about 28% of school-age girls are living in poverty.About 31% of girls 10 to 17 are overweight or obese. Roughly 15% of girls ages 6 to 17 have experienced neighborhood violence.

Local Initiatives. Through direct and indirect programming, GSNMT offers girls valuable life skills and opportunities. Our product sales programs offer girls tools and training to develop five specific skills: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. Each of these skills will benefit girls throughout their lives.

Other initiatives GSNMT has chosen to support include outdoor programming, health and wellness, BFF (our anti-bullying program), and STEM. Each of these initiatives are designed to address gaps and/or obstacles our New Mexico Girl Scouts are facing.

The Girl Scout Research Institute also conducted a “pulse poll” with a national sample of 1,088 teen and tween girls ages 11–17 in the U.S. to determine their interest in, attitude toward, and perception of politics.

Portraits of Leadership. In December, GSUSA will be releasing a series of videos called “Portraits of Leadership.” These videos were conducted over the summer by Girl Scouts across the country, interviewing local female congresswomen who were Girl Scouts, asking them about the influence of Girl Scouts on their career choices. GSNMT Girl Scout Ambassador and Gold Awardee Annika Cushnyr interviewed both Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham and Governor Susana Martinez for this video series. Stay tuned - we will share these videos with you as soon as they are released!

Girl Scout Day at the Roundhouse Join us February 18 (9am-12pm) at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. This is an excellent opportunity for troops or families to visit the Roundhouse and learn more about politics in action. Meet your local legislators, participate in a flag ceremony in the House or Senate, tour the Roundhouse, and learn how bills are passed. Learn how to have a voice in local politics. RSVP encouraged: CAShort@gs-nmtrails.org

Girl Scouts is already a step ahead in this conversation. In fact, previous research has shown that Girl Scouts are more likely to have political aspirations than non-Girl Scouts. But all girls can benefit from learning firsthand from politicians who would be willing to mentor girls and young women. Consider a career day that includes a politician or someone working in a political office. Once girls learn about great female politicians in their community, district, or state, have them write a positive story about these individuals and share it with us! And continue to provide community service opportunities for girls and encourage them to advocate for changes that need to be made in their community.

This research shows that girls have interest in politics and have had an array of political and civic engagement experiences both in and out of school. However, their interest and experience doesn’t add up to future political career intent. Girls are well aware of the stereotypes that exist for females and political careers, especially as perpetuated by the media, and they believe that women are quite capable of pursuing political careers. Girls call for more guidance, opportunities, and general support to further their political interests and capabilities.

Let’s Continue the Conversation! What obstacles do you see in your community? Do you see girls in your area struggling to overcome something specific? Do you have an idea of how we can work together to give girls throughout New Mexico - or even a specific area - the opportunity to rise above this data? How can we introduce girls to opportunities in politics? Let us know! We must all work together to make sure that this data is not our girls’ destiny!

Environmental service can provide girls with a sense of purpose and promote a

connection with and concern for environmental conservation.

Learn more: girlscouts.org/research

State of the Girl in New Mexico Outdoor Program

New Outdoor Badges: Girls’ Choice! Four Outdoor Badges added next year—one each at Brownie, Junior, Cadette, and Senior levels. ALL Girl Scouts; Daisies - Ambassadors, may vote. A “Girls’ Choice” process will be used that includes polling our girl membership to determine what those badges are. The intention is to use this “Girls’ Choice” process going forward for future badge development, girls will take the lead deciding which new badges will be created.The Outdoors has been chosen this year based on girl interest and feedback from the field. In the future, polling tools will be used the year before to ask what their interests are for future years.

This year, there will be two rounds of polling:1. First, girls will vote on which content area they’re interested in within the Outdoor category (i.e.: Outdoor Recreation, Outdoor Environment, or Outdoor Survival).2. Once we have a majority vote on the content area, girls will vote on the actual badge topic (for example, Hiking, Camping, Trail Blazing, etc.), based on their grade level in the coming year.

Here is the timeline:October 31 - November 30: Girls vote on content area they are interested in within the Outdoor Category. VOTE NOW: nmgirlscouts.orgDecember 1 - December 31: Girls vote on the actual badge topic based on their grade level in the coming year.March 12, 2015: The four Outdoor badges will be announced.March 12- October 1, 2015: Content and Product Development will take place.June 2015: Badge content will be shared.

Why Outdoor Programming MattersMany of us have fond memories of roasting marshmallows over an open fire, camping out in a tent, making friendship bracelets, and hiking in the wilderness. But, outdoor programming is about so much more than just fun and s’mores. Outdoor experiences such as hiking or playing provide girls with a low-stakes, supportive social environment in which to practice cooperation and teamwork. Girls, Politics, and Advocacy

Troop 10230 worked with the Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority to relocate burrowing owls in November.

Bronze, Silver, & Gold CeremonyThe morning of November 15th, we were proud to gather to recognize our young Girl Scouts who chose to accept the challenge to make their communities a better place.

With each and every award, we were impressed by the commitment and impact our Girl Scouts around the council have had on their communities around them.

2013-2014 Bronze AwardeesThe Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest honor that a Junior Girl Scout can earn. It requires her to learn the leadership and planning skills necessary to follow through on a project of her choice that makes a positive impact in the community. Working toward this award demonstrates her commitment to helping others, improving her community and the world, and becoming a strong and independent leader. The Bronze Award may be achieved as a group or individually.

2013-2014 Silver Awardees. The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest honor a Cadette Girl Scout can earn. This award highlights a girls’ accomplishment in changing her community to improve her life and the lives of those around her. The Girl Scout Silver Award helps girls build important life and leadership skills while exploring possible career paths. This award can be earned individually or as a small group.

Troop 23 - Trinity Jensen Troop 59 – Ainsley Martin and Sierra MartinTroop 310 – Alyssa Candelaria, Isabella Clarke, Gabriella Garcia, Mikaela Garcia, Nora Hennessy, Donie Torres, and Noelle ValdezTroop 1135 – Alicia Leon and Jada MartinezTroop 1385 – Amber Sizemore, Emma Meeks, and Shaylee CountsTroop 4077 – Reagen Mitchell, Abygail Romo, Helen Ward, Alyssa Orton, Margaret Orton, and Alyssa Daniel-Peterson Troop 10020 – Eloise Schappert, Victoria Nisoli, Hailey Norman, Lidia Appell, Amelia Duffy, Rachel Norman, Amber Royer, Cassidy TrujilloTroop 10027 – Jillian Puckett, Brittney Nguyen, Karin Ebey, Naloni Varela, Kaitlin Remde, and Ella HaileyTroop 10053 – Samantha Valdez, Talia Leger, Sara Mangiacapra, Micaela Gallegos, Grace Smith, Shiri Mangiacapra, Isabell Valdez, and Karishma RobertsonTroop 10080 – Jessica Apodaca, Alesha Foster, Emma Kennington, Alycia Lopez, Kelly Marry, Amanda Sparks, Rebekah Sparks, Allison Storch, and Sarah RutherfordTroop 10157 – Hannah McBrayer, Reagan Morimoto, and Isabela Doyle Troop 10191 – Samantha Hautz and Cheyenne SanchezTroop 10193 – Bryna Kelly, Risa Smith, and Annalynn BothTroop 10264 – Melia McDaniel, Mia Vigil, Autumn Sanchez, Breanna Gresham, and Isabell SallbergTroop 10292 – Jasmine Franklin, Emily Rogers, Brianna Gresham, Milan Ciddio, and Taylor WeareTroop 10305 – Andra Smith, Mallory Connell, Jada Solano, Lindsay Eckleman, Sheva Berry, Janea VardasTroop 10449 – Penny Benak, Sydney Brooks, Mackenzie Jarrell, Hailey Kiehne, Leah Thomas, Katherine Lafferty, Taryn Ficklin, Caroline Babcock, and Kate AlcaldeTroop 11680 – Arianna Medley, Emily McLaughlin, Maya Chavez, Gabrielle Ortiz, Sophia Campbell, and Nayeli Akins

Troop 23 – Alice ReesTroop 44 – Elizabeth HedenbergTroop 47 - Naomi Rankin, Arianna Fernandez, Samantha Multari, Marisa Sala, and Sarai RankinTroop 97 – Shannon Irwin, Maia Menefee, and Jessica HallTroop 151 – Reaghan Allison, Mackenzie Allen, Madison Muryer, Devan Quintana, Haley Flanagan, Madison HodgenTroop 171 – Shantel Cantu-Esparza, Katie Fields, Hayley Benevidez, Ellie Bubchak, Karissa Baca, Ashleigh JaramilloTroop 707 – Muriel Olander, Courtney Fairchild, Kiley Reil, and Devin MarshallTroop 1416 – Nicole LeslieTroop 5151 – Starleen CooleyTroop 10048 – Sophie Secrest, Ashley Felsch, Samantha Cusco-Marhefka, and Isis StaffordTroop 10371 – Emilia Avila, Casey Day, and Isabella SanchezTroop 10429 – Alexis Frias

Bronze, Silver, & Gold Ceremony Congratulations to our Gold Awardees!

Erin AlbertoGalloping Grace Youth RanchErin’s project addressed the idea that many children do not know where their food comes from (i.e., milk comes from cows). She hoped to educate others concerning the animals that provide food. Her final project was to create informational signs for display and then to have a booth and interactive table for Galloping Grace at the Pumpkin Patch. She learned that “sometimes when you start a project and you go through all of the stages such as planning, executing, and wrapping up that it may or not have turned out exactly as you hoped. I feel that while this project had some difficulties, I continued on and this is a good skill to have in the future.”

Cassie Sparks, Erin Alberto, and Haley Hanson

Cassie SparksTrick or CanCassie’s project involved school children in meeting the hunger needs of their communities. Children collect canned goods and non-perishable food items and bring them into their classrooms, celebrating through Halloween themed activities. The collections are then picked up and brought back to Roadrunner Food Bank and weighed. Every 1.2 pounds feeds an average of one person for one day. In moving toward sustainability for this project in the schools, the Department of Education was involved and more than 100 Girl Scouts collected over 4,000 pounds of food, feeding over 3,300 peo-ple. In the coming years it is hoped that this project will feed those who need it the most and teach children about New Mexico hunger and how they can impact their communities.

2014 Annual MeetingNovember 15, 2014 National Hispanic Cultural Center

Delegates, members, staff, and Board of Directors came together on Saturday, November 15 at the National Hispanic Cultural Center for the 2014 Annual Meeting.

Silver Awardees and Girl Board Member Delanie Montoya started the meeting with a flag ceremony.

The business meeting began with the credentials report and adoption of the agenda. Peggy Sanchez Mills and Marti Fournier-Revo then presented the leadership report, sharing the challenges the council faced during the 2013-2014 membership year. And they shared what successes the council had as well, including great strides with our STEM initiative and outreach to underserved girls in several pueblos.

With great obstacles come great opportunities!

During lunch, Delanie shared with attendees her Girl Scout Leadership Institute experience at the National Convention.

After lunch, Peggy introduced a new forum for sharing information - from the staff and from the members, called the Conversations of Consequence. The topics of the Conversations included:

Outdoor Programming: In this Conversation, we shared the benefit of outdoor programming to the overall Girl Scout experience. Recent research shows us that girls who participate in an outdoor experience, like hiking or camping, are better problem solvers. Staff will also shared what outdoor program initiatives and collaborations are being developed for girls across the council. Older Girl Initiatives: We know that girls who choose to continue in Girl Scouting through high school benefit tremendously from the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, but how do we get the girls to stay in Girl Scouts? Staff will share older girl programs, pathways, and initiatives that GSNMT and GSUSA are offering specifically for older girls. We discussed what obstacles, ideas, and opportunities we have and how we can work together and with our communities to ensure that girls receive the full benefit of Girl Scouting, simply by engaging in our programming.

State of the Girl in New Mexico: The research is not surprising. We know there are studies ranking New Mexico against other states and we rank at the bottom. We know there are challenges and the reports substantiate this statement. However, data is not destiny! Girl Scouts are in a fabulous position to help girls overcome these obstacles. We shared what we are offering directly and indirectly.

Girls and Politics - Finding Your Voice: Recent GSUSA research found that girls 11-17 have savvy, insight, and awareness about the world around them. GSNMT has been actively engaged with New Mexico legislators this year - learn what we have been doing and why. And help us get girls and volunteers actively engaged. Let’s empower girls to pursue their dreams and support them in getting involved in the world of politics!

Conversations with the Executive Board: Have a question about the role of the Executive Board? Our officers shared their role in council governance, explaining how decisions are made and how you can have a voice.

The 2014 Annual Report and other Annual Meeting resources are available on the website: nmgirlscouts.org

2014 Annual Meeting

Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails Board of DirectorsOfficers

Marti Fournier-RevoChair of the Board of Directors

Maribeth Thornton Vice Chair

Sherry SchulzTreasurer

Becky TeagueSecretary

Peggy Sanchez Mills CEO

Members at LargeKaren Bergren

Pamelya HerndonMary Hockaday

Casey HoytCharissa Lin

Jodi MaherasDelanie Montoya

Emily NailMarny Schantz

Don WelkerMarian Wrage

Stacey Niver, 2012-2014 GSNMT Board of Directors Girl MemberHello! Stacey, girl member of the Board of Directors here. I just graduated from Eldorado High School in Albuquerque and am looking forward to this new chapter of my life. This August, I moved on to the University of Alabama-Birmingham where I am studying neuroscience. I’m really looking forward to learning how our brains work and how people think. I learned a lot in my two years on the Board. The women and men of the board are highly competent interesting people who are clearly invested in the mission of our council. They really value the opinions of the girl members and everyone’s voice is heard. I would like to encourage those who are at all interested in how our council is run and contributing their talents towards its success to apply for a position on the board. You gain some really fascinating insight into how our council functions and engages with the community. Even if you don’t want to join the board, your voice still matters. So use it. Come talk to the board. The meetings are open to visitors and we wish more would come. Our council has some challenges but we’re working to address them and I’m confident in our future helping to create empowered young women. My time with the Board of Directors has come to an end; I’d like to thank them for the confidence they inspired in me and the support they offered. And for those of you whose journey in Girl Scouting is only beginning, don’t ever stop trying to make the world a better place.

Induction of our new Board and Committee Members at the 2014 Annual Meeting.

Welcome to our new Board Officers, Directors, and Committee Members:

Vice Chair: Maribeth ThorntonSecretary: Becky Teague

Members at Large: Charissa Lin, Pamelya Herndon, Marny Schantz, Marian Wrage, Mary Hockaday, Jodi Maheras

Girl Board Member: Casey Hoyt

Board Development Committee: Marian Wrage, Marny Schantz, Delanie Montoya, Nancy Jo Nicholas, and Teresa Martinez

Volunteer Development

What is a Trefoil Guild? This group is for adults, aiming to provide social and service opportunities.

Objectives of the Trefoil Guild are:• To keep alive among members the spirit of the Girl

Scout Promise and Law• To carry that spirit into the communities in which

members live and work• To give practical, financial and moral support to Guiding

and Scouting

The Trefoil Guild of New Mexico Trails will have our first organizational meeting on December 8 at 6:30pm at the Albuquerque Service Center Board Room. Everyone is invited!

Questions? Contact Nancy at HeadCookie@aol.com

Troop 75 AlbuquerqueTroop 285 AlbuquerqueTroop 707 AlbuquerqueTroop 3291 Rio RanchoTroop 10048 Rio RanchoTroop 10053 AlbuquerqueTroop 10080 Los LunasTroop 10095 AlbuquerqueTroop 10213 Los AlamosTroop 10243 Rio RanchoTroop 10281 AlbuquerqueTroop 10284 Bosque FarmsTroop 10292 Rio RanchoTroop 10408 BloomfieldTroop 10473 Aztec Troop 10520 Santa FeTroop 10503 AlbuquerqueTroop 10513 Los Lunas

Congratulations 2013-2014 Chile Award Troops

The Chile Award is a program designed to guide troops to become well rounded. Requirements include training for troop volunteers, registering on time, participation in product program, and learning about Girl Scout traditions.

Call for Nominations: Adult & Community Recognitions

Girl Scout awards and recognitions are offered through GSUSA, GSNMT, and through partnering organizations. These awards and recognitions are available to eligible volunteers, community partners, troops, and sometimes even for girls.

Council awards show recipients that they are noticed and appreciated. You can participate in thanking and recognizing those adults who make a difference in the lives of girls by nominating someone you know for a council award.

Know a Volunteer or Community Partner you would like to thank? Find the nomination forms on our website: nmgirlscouts.org Nomination deadline is January 31.

Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails Trefoil Guild

Volunteer Development Take Action & Community Service: Get Inspired

Annika Cushnyr2013 Gold Awardee & Gold Award Committee MemberAnnika’s Gold Award project has been inspirational to many in the community. Over the past year, she has been honored with a variety of awards, including: Red Cross Real Heroes Youth Good Samaritan for New Mexico, Prudential Spirit of Community Awards State Level, Veterans of Foreign Wars Scout of the Year, the first girl to ever win this award in New Mexico, Presidential Service Award.Annika shares the following with girls interested in going for the Gold: Sustainability. “My project is fully self sustaining, meaning I could walk away from the project today and it would go on without me. The hospital where the library is located has graciously taken on the project. Volunteers now sort new donations, clean and organize books, and restock the library shelves. The library continues to receive new donations of books that can be taken directly to the hospital and there are about 4,000 books currently stored in the hospital for future use.”Developing New Skills. “Throughout the Gold Award project I gained quite a few new skills. The most notable is public speaking. Throughout the project I was forced to speak to many different people and groups about my project. This gave me the opportunity to increase my public speaking skills and I now feel comfortable speaking in front of any size group. I also gained networking skills. During the project it’s important to make connections that could benefit your project in the future. This also plays into public speaking and is a skill I have at least started to work on.”Where She Is Now. “I am currently an Ambassador Girl Scout in Girl Scout of New Mexico Trails. I am a Juliette Scout and a Senior at Bosque School in Albuquerque. I hope to attend West Point, the United States Military Academy for my undergraduate education and currently am hoping to double major in Arabic and Political Science.”

Go for It! “I would recommend that all Girl Scouts earn the Gold Award and if they have the opportunity to earn the Bronze and Silver Awards they should earn those as well. The Gold Award was definitely a learning experience and has opened up many other opportunities for me. For any girls starting their Gold Award Project I encourage them to dream big and start small. Your project will grow in ways you don’t expect. For example, I had the opportunity to send books to Tajikistan and my project served as the inspiration for a growing non-profit. Pick an issue you are passionate about and research it. Every issue impacts your community on a local level and it is at this local level that you can be the most effective, start there. Your projects will have some ups and downs but stick with it, it will all be worth it in the end.”

The GSNMT staff were so inspired by all of the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awardees that they came back to the office and decided to make a plan to give back to the community as well! Thanks for the inspiration, girls!

In this season of giving, many people get inspired to make a difference in their community, but aren’t sure where to get started? Giving back is a great way to fulfill your community service requirement for school or a club, spend time with your troop or family, build your resume, make a difference in your community, or simply to do something that makes you feel good. Sometimes it’s difficult to find an exciting volunteer opportunity. Try some of these community service ideas and get inspired to volunteer. You might just find a project or cause that you can be passionate about; this project may even become a “take action” and/or award project! Read Annika’s suggestions for girls thinking about “going for the Gold,” or even Silver or Bronze.

Donate old clothes or household goods.

Donate children’s books, novels, and other reading materials to shelters, libraries, and schools.

For your next birthday, ask that people give donations to a charity of your choice instead of gifts.

Write a letter to your Congressman about an issue that you care about.

Offer to rake leaves, shovel the walk, or do housework for an elderly neighbor.

Fund DevelopmentIndividual DonorsAbel, Elizabeth E.Ackermann, NancyAdkins, RyenAguilera, StephanieArmstrong, RicAsbridge, KarenAsbridge, Marilyn & JohnBarger, PatriciaBenac, RobinBergren, Kenneth & KarenBingham, Kimberly & RodneyBrundage, ChristyByrd, CodyCallan, Joe, Kathy & ZoeCasey, PaulaCavalluzzo, VirginiaCazares, FranciscoChambliss, GailChrissinger, Jill & C MCochran, John & CarolCockburn, Alden & JudyCollier, GlennCuthbertson, DariaCzuchlewski, Kristina & DavidDaniel, JenniferDash, ZoraDavies, CindyDavis, LindaDean, Michael & Bobbie JeanDeGuzman, YolandaDel Toro, Gwyn & ArmandoDockendorff, Denise & JamesDonahoe, PatriciaEagle, StephanieEbey, Peter & RuthEby, Lynn C.Elliott, Mr. and Mrs. RussellEllis, BradEyester, CatherineFelsch, Colleen & RobertFournier-Revo, MartiFrederickson, Rosemarie & PaulFrick, Rebecca & RickGail, NortonGalke, JacquelynGardenhire, SusanGarland, HenryGemma, Marilyn Gilford, JudithGladney, JuneGold, SandyGraff, PatriciaGreen, Clinton & JoyceGreen, Ed & JanGreen, RandyGreenwalt, Robert & LouiseGrose’, VanessaHaist, JanetHall, James & JanetHammon, KimberlyHammond, SarahHansen-Hellwege, PamelaHartson, David & NancyHatch, Steven & AnnetteHaulenbeek, KimberlyHeffron, Dr. & Mrs. RosaleeHirschfield, DeidreHodges, RebeccaHoman, Mary

Hunt, RebeccaJiminez, SarahJiron, Cierra, Jessica & PeterJohnson, BarbaraJohnson, Lucinda E.Johnson, Ruth & RobertJones, WendyKaczar, GregoryKaufman, Kim E.Kendall, DanielKennedy, MelissaKipnes, TraciKlinglesmith, GerryKoeberle, JanetKoenig, BarbaraKoiter, Karen E.Korzekwa, Deneice & DavidKrohn, Burton J.Krostag, DianeLambert, David & MargueriteLeFebre, AnnetteLeFebre, DonaldLevy, Schon S.Lyle, John & GeorgiaMaguire, Patricia & RichardMah, Richard & MaryMarberry, KarenMarohl, LizMartin, JoanneMaxwell, PatriciaMcGee, Kathy & LarryMcInnis, WendyMiller, Evelyn M.Mills, JimMills, JasonMilnes, EstherMontoya, Delanie, Marcia & TimMoody, JacquelineMorgan, Christine A.Mueller, CathyMurray, WilliamNail, EmilyNapolitano, JanetNordholm, KarlyneNorton, GailNylund, BarbaraO’Brien, Wendy & TerryOldenborg, Richard & MaryOlson, MindyOrmerod, Donna & KevinOrner, William & DaphneParsons, Roberta LynnPattillo, BethPennington, MariePeterson, Klaus & BarbaraPeterson, MarjoriePickering, SusanPonce, NoemyRamirez, HelenRay, DennisReck, Karen L.Revo, TerrenceRightley, Maria & PaulRogers, LisaRoof, TammyRuiz, SarahSanchez Mills, Peggy Sanchez-Godin, TamaraSauer, NancySayler, Brandon & Angela

Scala, BeverlySchantz, Marny & JoelSchiller, JessicaSchillinger, LeslieSchmidt, KevinSchulz, Sherry Lynn & GeorgeSedillo, DominicSellers, Beth & BillShoultz, DawnSieck, DougSmithour, Mell A.Smoker, LindaSnyder, NancySpeirs, John R. & FrancesStark, GlennStowe, Eugene & DianeStrohacker, Conrad & MarySwiler, Tom & LauraSwinderman, AlisaTarbox, MaureenTeague, Rebecca & WeldonTerrill, Shirley PhyllisThompson, Robert & SusanThornton, Maribeth & ChristopherTomlinson, Brett & DebbieTrollinger, RussellUlibarri, Kristin & RossWard, SylviaWaterman, RogerWebb, JanetWelker, Don & DeborahWenk, Colleen & RobertWheeler, VanessaWilson, Karen P.Wing, EdwinWinsor, SuzanneWood, James Wood, MargaretWoodard, ChadWoodcock, Randy & JacquelineWouters, Laura & JanWrage, MarianYeager, LindaYost, Gretchen

Corporations & FoundationsACESAlbertson’s Community PartnersAll American Moving Services of NMAllied Physicians Clinic, Inc.Alpine LumberAngel Fire Garden ClubBank of AlbuquerqueBB&B FundBBVA CompassBlue Cross/Blue Shield of NMBoard RescueBohannan HustonBurt & Company CPA’s LLCCentury BankCity of Rio Rancho - Dept. of WaterClark’s PetsClearChannelCliff’s Amusement ParkCreamland DairiesCS Custom ServicesCustom Paint CenterCVS CaremarkElephant Bar & GrillFaith & William Pautler Family Fund

First New Mexico Title & Abstract Co.Flying StarGeneral FoodsGSNMT Troop #2972Harris JewelersHershey’s CompanyHinkle Family Fun CenterHyatt Regency Tamaya Resort & SpaInquiry Facilitators, Inc.Intel CorporationIntel FoundationIsotopesIT’zJack and Mary Gilliam EndowmentJerome Lippett Charitable TrustJimmy’s CaféKohl’sLilly BarrackLinton & Associates, LLCLockheed MartinLos Alamos National BankLos Alamos National Labs FoundationMark Pardo Salon SpaMotorola Solutions FoundationNew Mexico Bank and Trust Co.New Mexico MutualNorthern New Mexico Gas Co.Northrop Grumman CorporationPerfection HondaPizza 9PNMPNM Resources FoundationRGK FoundationRotary Club of Clovis High PlainsSam’s ClubSan Juan United WaySandia National LabsSanta Fe Community FoundationShepherd Business ServicesSS Rocks y Mas, Inc.State of NM, Department of Finance & AdministrationStudio 9900Summit Food ServiceTaos Ski Valley, Inc.TargetTen Thousand WavesThornburg Investment ManagementUnited Way Mile High, DenverUnited Way of Central New MexicoUnited Way of Eastern New MexicoUnited Way of Northern New MexicoUnited Way San Juan CountyUS BankValencia Power, LLCWalmart FoundationWeems GalleryWild Birds UnlimitedXcel Energy Foundation

*The Fund Development staff have made every effort to ensure that this list is accurate. The list reflects donations received from October 1, 2013 – September 30, 2014. If you find an error or omission, please contact Charlene Kalbfell at 505.923.2513 CKalbfell@GS-NMTrails.org

Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails4000 Jefferson Plaza NE Albuquerque, NM 87109nmgirlscouts.org GSNMTinfo@gs-nmtrails.org 505.343.1040