2020 CitrusPeel Gold Edition

Now more than ever, the need to connect and
stay in touch was critically important. Troops
began having virtual meetings and girls spread
their wings by participating in global virtual
activities. It is important that girls continue to
receive program materials, badges and patches,
so while the GSC shop remains closed to the
public, orders are being filled and shipping fees
are being waived.
These are unprecedented times filled with
uncertainty and more questions than answers.
Information would be essential for key decision
making, so once alternative virtual programming
was established, Council moved on to reaching
out to members through a “Smile and Dial”
phone campaign. Staying in touch with what
was happening within the lives of Girl Scout
members and the obstacles they were
experiencing provided GSC with the insights
needed to adjust programming and provide
resources girls and volunteers most needed.
SUMMER
STAYCATIONS
Summer came and COVID was here to stay. GSC
continues to develop new virtual programming to
keep girls and their families busy with fun activities
they can enjoy during family staycations. Camp
staff quickly created exciting virtual camp sessions
which were quickly filled. And, with the swirling
uncertainties about when schools will open and
how, GSC staff and volunteers are brainstorming
new ways to introduce the world of Girl Scouting to
Central Florida’s girls.
Yes – it’s a whole new world of Girl Scouting and
many of the innovative programs are likely here
to stay. While we look forward to returning to
traditional in-person meetings, girls and families
appreciate virtual options.
It wasn’t long before the full weight of the COVID
pandemic became apparent. Schools and
childcare centers were closed, posing childcare
issues. On top of this, many families were
experiencing financial burdens due to furloughs
and lost jobs as businesses began to close.
Knowing that many troops had to cancel final
cookie booths and were left holding unopened
cases of cookies, GSC made the decision to
facilitate the return to Council of unsold cookies.
Left with nearly 17,000 cases of cookies, Council
leadership launched the Cookies for Heroes
program, asking supporters to help with the
donation of cookies to our many frontline
heroes who work daily to combat COVID-19.
Girl Scouts around the country were sad to
learn that GSUSA canceled G.I.R.L. 2020 and
moved to hold a one-time virtual session for
the 55th National Council Session in October.
Girls had been saving for years to make the
trip to Orlando to share exciting experiences
with sister Girl Scouts. However, news that
the GSUSA board decided to keep Orlando as
the destination for the 2023 session gives us
something magical to look forward to.
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