2023 Volunteer Symposium | GSHNJ

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2023 Volunteer Symposium

2023 Volunteer Symposium

Join us for this incredible event!

This event brings together troop, service unit, and council volunteers from across our service area to be inspired and empowered, to form an agenda that will increase engagement in the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, and to celebrate the exceptional service of this year’s Adult Achievement Award recipients.

Join us to combine volunteer recognition, development, and networking and take some time for yourself to learn, grow, and succeed in fulfilling our promise to give Girl Scouts access to life-changing experiences that inspire them to do something big.

April 22, 2023 | 8:30am-2:30pm

Olde Mill Inn | 225 US 202, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920

Workshops | 8:30am-12pm | $15/adult; $20/child†

Adult Achievement Awards + Lunch | 12:15pm-1:45pm | $45/adult*; $30/child†

Peer Networking | 1:45pm-2:30pm | Free!

*Free for Adult Achievement Award honorees
†Children in grades K-8 only

GSHNJ gathered some of the brightest minds in our area to host workshops with topics relevant for newbies and veterans alike. Learn new skills, get insights, and network with experts in making volunteerism with Girl Scouts easier and more fulfilling.

Adult Workshops

Session One Choices

Engaging Teen Girl Scouts – This is When the Magic Happens!

Karen Freundlich, GSUSA National Volunteer Partner

Join veteran volunteer Karen Freundlich for a review of the programs, activities, and opportunities that are available to our Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scouts. You’ll learn how to pivot from a “leader” to an “advisor” as your troop grows to take on more responsibility. Karen comes with ideas for how to present opportunities to bridging 5th graders as a means of retention, but also as a means of fully leveraging Girl Scout resources to enable them to reach their personal potential, journey beyond their comfort zone, serve and lead in their communities, and position themselves for success in adulthood.

New Leader Chat – How Did Your First Year Go?

Maria Villalobos, GSHNJ Staff

Here’s an opportunity for new leaders to share your experiences and any best practices you have learned during your first year of Girl Scouts. We’ll talk about useful resources and brainstorm activities for next year. As both a staff member and a new leader herself, Maria Villalobos will be able to relate to your experiences and share some best practices. New leaders from all levels welcome.

Troop Trips and How to Fund Them

Lori Coleman, GSHNJ Volunteer

Planning that troop trip they’ve been asking for but not quite sure how you’re going to get there? As a veteran leader of two Girl Scout troops, Lori Coleman has valuable experience and plenty of ideas for raising funds to get you to your destination.

Year Planning with the Volunteer Toolkit (VTK)

Kay Stephenson, GSHNJ Staff

The Volunteer Toolkit is an online platform that helps you plan your entire Girl Scout year with just a few clicks of your mouse. Staff member Kay Stephenson will show you the features of the VTK in a live demonstration on how best to use it.

Session Two Choices

Service Unit Event Planning

Andrea Beck, GSHNJ Volunteer

Learn tips, tricks and best practices for planning service unit events large and small. Understand how to budget for these events and recruit volunteers to help. Service unit events bring Girl Scouts together, so this workshop is especially useful for service unit team members. Andrea Beck’s experience and expertise will make planning your next SU event a breeze.

Resume Tips for Volunteers

Chris Gratzel, Ildiko Acs, and Kay Stephenson, GSHNJ Staff

Did you realize your Girl Scout volunteerism can be a valuable addition to your resume? Learn how to best reflect your skills and experience in this informational workshop. Bring a copy of your resume for a personal review session with GSHNJ’s Human Resources team, Chris Gratzel and Ildiko Acs.

Troop Trips and How to Fund Them

Lori Coleman, GSHNJ Volunteer

Planning that troop trip they’ve been asking for but not quite sure how you’re going to get there? As a veteran leader of two Girl Scout troops, Lori Coleman has valuable experience and plenty of ideas for raising funds to get you to your destination.

High Awards Information Session

Ellie Pan, GSHNJ Gold Award Committee, and Ramie Fung, GSHNJ Staff

Is your troop planning to embark on earning their Bronze, Silver, or Gold Awards? This workshop will help you get started on the journey, laying out resources you’ll need along the way, and providing some thought starters to take back to your Girl Scouts. Ellie Pan is a recent Gold Award recipient and her experiences will help you to help your Girl Scouts earn these prestigious awards. Ramie Fung handles Bronze and Silver Award inquiries and will be able to answer your questions about the High Awards process from a staff perspective.

Session Three Choices

Outside and On Our Feet

Laura Hornby, GSHNJ Volunteer

When volunteer Laura Hornby realized that her troop didn’t want to sit still—ever—she knew the answer to keep her troop engaged: get them outdoors! Her troop has thrived, and Laura has a tremendous knowledge of outdoor activities and resources, as well as success stories to share. Come be energized to get your troop outdoors!

Patches and Awards You Never Knew About

Faith Thompson, GSHNJ Staff

Join staff member Faith Thompson for a deep dive on awards and patches from GSHNJ and GSUSA that maybe you didn’t know to look for. These awards go beyond the core program portfolio, levelling up your Girl Scouts’ opportunities to learn and grow with the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Unleash Their Superpowers

Gwen Duralek, GSHNJ Volunteer

Veteran volunteer Gwen Duralek brings a wealth of experience to this informative conversation with practical, successful solutions to have Girl Scouts of all ages take the lead in all aspects of their Girl Scouting experience. You’ll come away inspired and eager for next year.

Meet our Mobile Classroom!

Leslie-Ann Lukoma, GSHNJ Staff

Ready for a completely new Girl Scout experience? Come explore GSHNJ’s state-of-the-art mobile classroom! Staff member Leslie-Ann Lukoma will give you a tour of the classroom and showcase activities we can bring to your troop when and where you need them. Leslie will also explain how to book a session in the mobile classroom and help Girl Scouts drive into the future!

Children in grades K-8 are invited to spend the morning with our Girl Experience team participating in activities inspired by Girl Scouts’ four programming pillars. After lunch, children will experience our new Girl Scouts on the Go! Mobile Classroom.

The Volunteer Symposium is funded in part by

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