What You Should Know About
Girl Scouts of Dogwood Trails Council, Inc.

"Discovery is the process of seeking out something that is already present. There are no boundaries on what may be found, but the greatest discoveries are the talents we find within ourselves. In Dogwood Trails Girl Scout Council, each girl is challenged to look inside herself and discover her unique gift."

Dogwood Trails Girl Scout Council, Inc. was chartered in its present jurisdiction in 1955 by Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. The council serves southwest and south central Missouri in 25 counties: Barry, Camden, Cedar, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Dent, Douglas, Greene, Hickory, Howell, Laclede, Lawrence, Oregon, Ozark, Phelps, Polk, Pulaski, St. Clair, Shannon, Stone, Taney, Texas, Webster, and Wright counties; an area of over 17,000 miles. Council services are coordinated through the Girl Scout Service Center in Springfield and program centers located in Rolla and West Plains, Missouri. Finbrooke Outdoor Center, our Girl Scout Camp that serves girls and adults in a year-round outdoor education program, is located near Rogersville, Missouri on the banks of the beautiful Finley River.

Dogwood Trails Girl Scout Council operates a modern Service Center in Springfield, Finbrooke Outdoor Center near Rogersville and program "huts" in Rolla and West Plains. In 1999, the council hired a professional camp planning firm to develop master plans for Finbrooke Outdoor Center. These plans should be completed by the end of 2000. Also the council is continuing work with the Army Corps of Engineers to secure a lease for the Cow Creek property on Table Rock Lake. When this new council property site is developed, it will allow the ushering in of new aquatic programs for girls in our council.

The Council Shop, renamed The Ladybug Shop in March, 1999, in honor of retiring council President, Linsey Godfrey, was rearranged to provide a more membership friendly atmosphere. A new system was installed to increase customer service which resulted in a 9 percent growth in sales in 1999 over that of 1998. In 1999, The Ladybug Shop served over 7,000 customers and processed over 500 mail orders.

Volunteers are extremely active in all of the Property Department's actions. Along with many individuals and volunteers, some of the organized groups and programs included the United Way Day of Caring, Me and My Gal, Me and My Guy, Red Hats, Lutheran Brotherhood, Women in Construction, Hibernation Party, Property Committee and the West Plains Maintenance Group.

The United Way Day of Caring was a complete success in 1999 with over 150 volunteers, board members and staff participating. The reputaion for this productive day has spread like wildfire throughout our community with companies like All Around Repairs, City of Springfield Public Works, Dillons, Job Council of the Ozarks, Cox Health Systems, General Electric and Springfield Chapter of Credit Unions all pitching in together to help out. We would like to thank all of the volunteers that gave their time to complete many valuable projects during this program!

CORPORATE GOAL:
"Girl Scouts of Dogwood Trails will increase and retain a girl/adult membership that is reflective of the diverse population through a flexible delivery system."

1999 opened with the theme, "Girl Scouts: It's Not Just Volunteering: It's An Adventure!" Our adult membership grew over four percent in 1999 to 2,522. Fourteen of our Service Units reached their membership goals with two of those, Pulaski County and Glade Top (Ava), receiving the prestigious "Service Unit Award of Excellence" for their efforts. The council is now serving 6,691 girls and the Early Bird program has continued to grow with 789 girls and 384 adults registering early in 1999.

A full-time Outreach Director position was added in 1999 to work with organizations such as Delmina Woods ands Excel School to provide customized delivery progams to girls in high-risk and underserved areas. Currently, the council serves ten percent of its girl membership through customized programs.

"Our Future's So Bright, We Gotta Wear Shades" said it all for the 1998 membership year. That was the theme of the year, and council volunteers and staff proved it when we registered another increase in membership--6,866 girls and 2,424 adult members! Girl membership was up 1.5% and adults were up a whopping 6%. Twenty-two service units showed an increase in membership, and sixteen made their membership goal. It was wonderful to be able to reach out to even more girls through Girl Scouting!

Three service units received the first annual "Service Unit Award of Excellence" for commendable work in their service units through serving girls, supporting adults and spreading the word about Girl Scouting in their communities.

In 1997, a total of almost 6,800 girls enjoyed Girl Scouting in Dogwood Trails Girl Scout Council, thanks to the efforts of almost 2,300 superb volunteers and a dedicated professional staff. The number of girls increased from the previous year by 183 girls and the number of adults increased from the previous year by 122 adults. The volunteers were given a "Mission: Possible" challenge to reach out and serve 10% more girls in 1997. Fourteen of our thirty-eight service units met that goal while 21 showed an increase over the year before! For the 1997-1998 year the theme, "Our Future's So Bright, We Gotta Wear Shades", kicked off our membership drive and we hope to continue to reach even more girls in the coming year.

"Early Bird" registration was introduced for the first time in 1997, allowing troops to register in the Spring and avoid the Fall rush. A total of 81 troops responded, with 591 girls and 238 adults registering as early birds.

In 1997 a new staff position was added, Field/Outreach Director, to focus on the changing needs of our community. Troops, special interest groups and activity centers across the council serve the needs of Girl Scouts in rural communities, homeless shelters and various youth facilities.

Because Girl Scouting welcomes all girls, ages 5-17, in grades K-12, a girl can join at any age, any time of the year; through a local troop, an interest group, a summer opportunity or as an individual member. Participation can take many forms from attending a lively meeting at any one of our 633 troops or visiting a Girl Scout activity center, to working with the Girl Scout group at the Missouri Hotel homeless shelter or conducting a program for our Teen Mom group. About 10% of our membership is served through customized group involvement. The delivery systems in years past have included the formation of a group at the Migrant Center in Monett, Missouri, organizing activity centers with the Juvenile Detention Center and Excel School in Springfield, an after-school "Latch Key" program at Fort Leonard Wood. a basketball interest group formed through collaboration with the University of Missouri at Rolla. Summer opportunities have included programs such as "Wonders of Nature" and "Through the Looking Glass". Many of these programs were generously funded by a special United Way grant and Sunrise Rotary Club. Campus Girl Scouts made a strong comeback in 1997 with a group at Southwest Missouri State University. The ambitious young adults have assisted with the Missouri Hotel troop, Teddy Bear Fairs and have even taken on the responsibility of running an activity center.

In keeping with our commitment to pluralism, we strive to ensure that everyone feels welcome and valued in Girl Scouting. Our membership is represented by many racial/ethnic groups other than white and our services are reaching out to 1 in every 10 girls within our jurisdiction.

CORPORATE GOAL:
"Girl Scouts of Dogwood Trails will implement a flexible system to support volunteers in every aspect of the council."

The list of volunteer positions to be held in our council is extensive! Providing quality training to those volunteers is essential to our success. In 1999, the volunteer trainer corps increased their ranks by fifty percent and delivered 7,579 hours of training to 1,709 volunteers! These trainers kept current by attending Training of Trainers programs as well as Trainers Update programs in 1999.

Being an adult involved in Girl Scouting is always an adventure; learning, teaching, growing side by side with the girls we serve. Adventure was around every corner in the Adult Development Department in 1998, as over 2,000 volunteers participated in 233 trainings. Ninety-two topic areas covered everything from Orientation to Girl Scouting to Black Powder Shooting to Weather Spotters.

Without our dedicated adult volunteers, it would be impossible for our girls to discover their hidden gifts. They give their time, their patience and their love to help our girls have the best Girl Scout experience possible. In 1997 the Adult Development Department educated 1800 volunteers in 35 different trainings on the many aspects of Girl Scouting. Four new trainings were offered including Weather Spotters, Fun Skills, Make It & Take It, and Cave Ecology. Ten caring volunteers also braved cold February weather to attend Gray Season training! The skills and talents of almost 50 council trainers were brought into training workshops. Home study courses are also available to help volunteers enhance their skills.

Dogwood Trails Girl Scout Council expresses its heartfelt appreciation for all that our superb volunteers do every day!

CORPORATE GOAL:
"Through a flexible system based on identified needs and interests, Girl Scouts of Dogwood Trails Council will provide opportunities and resources for challenge, growth and leadership enabling girls to develop life skills necessary to function in a contemporary society."

• Self Respect and Self Esteem
• Leadership Skills
• Respect For Others and Caring About Others

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1999 Program Summary:

Topping the list of programs offered in our council is the Older Girl Recognition Program. In 1999, we were proud to present five Senior Girl Scouts with the Girl Scout Gold Award and fifty Cadette Girl Scouts with the Girl Scout Silver Award. Also, seven girls were selected to participate in Wider Opportunity programs on the national level, and travelled all over, and even out of, the country to experience them. The Outdoor Program went into high gear in 1999 with over 4,000 girls seeking new outdoor adventures in life guarding, canoeing, water rescue, backpacking, biking, caving, camping and the challenge course. A council sponsored backpacking trip to Colorado for ten days, allowed fourteen older girls and adults the opportunity to experience backpacking in high altitudes.

From Brownie Samplers to Wider Opportunities, program was filled with adventure in 1998. Dogwood Trails Girl Scout Council provided leadership training to Junior, Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts as girls took the lead in a number of council wide events. Adventures in program ranged from math, science and technology with the 2+2 program where Girl Scouts were given a fresh look at these fields in a lab environment, to adventures in the out-of-doors where Girl Scouts had the opportunity to team up with their favorite guy or gal and spend the weekend on service projects.

Outdoor adventures were everywhere in 1998. Resident campers couldn't wait to try the new swimming pool and bathhouse. The pool isn't just for swimming any more--now there is a diving board, volleyball net and water tether ball equipment! The first week of camp saw the largest Cadette/Senior group in years signed up for High Adventure which focused on the Ropes/Challenge Course. In 1998 the ropes course added three high elements--a postman's walk, giant's ladder and a zip line. Adventure didn't stop with the ropes. Finbrooke now has a set of mountain bikes and helmets as well as trails to challenge riders. Overall, camp was up 7% in 1998 with 552 girls from 33 service units in attendance.

Other outdoor adventures included day camps and troop camping. Day camps offered adventure close to home. Volunteers conducted camps in 24 service units. Local day camps lasting three to five days gave many girls their first outdoor experience. Troop camping at Finbrooke Outdoor Center provided troops an opportunity to plan their own adventures. From March through October troops explored the camp, learned new skills and worked on outdoor badges. In 1998, 39 troops, 522 girls and 173 adults took advantage of troop camping opportunities at Finbrooke.

In 1997 the program departments provided many opportunities to try new things. Almost 2,500 girls and 650 adults participated in council-wide events.

Programs:

1. G.O.A.L.S. Girls Outdoor Adventures In Leadership and Service: Through this program, girls advance their outdoor skills and, in return, teach them to younger girls. Three new positions have been added: Craft Camp Aide, Pool Camp Aide and Camp Program Aide. To qualify, girls must complete the council Program Aide training program.
2. Wider Opportunities: A Cadette from Osage Beach was selected in 1997 for a "Quantum Leap" in 1997 where she traveled to Toledo, Ohio to explore science, physics and engineering principles. In 1998, a Cadette from Marshfield and her mother will serve as a team traveling to Wyoming where they will experience "Natural Science in the Tetons".
3. The Girl Scout Chorus: This was formed to celebrate the 85th Anniversary of Girl Scouting and offers the chance to keep traditional Girl Scout songs alive. It is offered to all Girl Scouts from the Daisy through the Senior level.
4. Savannah Bound: In August of 1997, 19 Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts along with 6 adult chaperones bused to Savannah, Georgia to visit the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts. They sampled the local cuisine and some saw the ocean for the very first time.
5. Japanese Exchange Program: Dogwood Trails served as host in 1997 to our sister Girl Scouts from Japan. Nineteen girls and adults were placed with sixteen host families. Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts accompanied their guests through outdoor skills, backpacking, cooking, hiking, tubing and a challenge course.
6. Outdoor Programs: Brownies through Seniors attended Resident Camp at Finbrooke Outdoor Center. 479 Girl Scouts participated in 26 different programs with names like "Brownie Bites" and "Camp Shorts", popular mini-sessions that made for wonderful first-time experiences. Eighty-seven percent of our service units were represented and 50 girls attended free sessions earned during Cookie Sales! Troop camping was popular, as well, with 38 troops, 420 girls and 160 adults taking advantage of our camp facilities at Finbrooke and the camp also hosted Day Camps with 7 troops, 87 girls and 56 adults. The outdoor Program Department also implemented activities such as canoe training, horseback riding, ropes course and a caving program. Family Camp Weekends are held over Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend and Leader's Weekend is held every year near the end of April.
7. Day Camp Programs: Summerbration was the Day Camp theme for 1997 and Living the Law is the 1998 theme. Day camps run from 3 to 5 days in a week and offer girls the chance to develop many new skills as well as having a whole bunch of fun!

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COUNCIL FUNDING:

CORPORATE GOAL:
"Girl Scouts of Dogwood Trails Council will increase and diversify fund development and funding sources emphasizing adult responsibility, while ensuring sound financial management."

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In 1999, Girl Scouts of Dogwood Trails Council received a total of $128,775 from area United Way agencies. A total of $464,629 was given to the council through United Ways, United Funds, special gifts, grants, Annual Givers, in-kind gifts and memorials. Anonymous gifts totaling $225,000 were given for facilities development at Finbrooke Outdoor Center and Cow Creek. Grants from the Gannett Foundation/Springfield News Leader, Webster Electric Foundation and Associated Electric Cooperative totaling $14,600 are helping to restore Jake's House into a nature program center. Also, the council received grants totaling $12,000 from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks and Visiting Nurses Association Foundation for the Outreach Educational Programs for High-Risk Girls. While the fall QSP/Trophy Nut Sale program increased by eight percent over the previous year, the 1999 Girl Scout Cookie program enjoyed a five percent increase with 532,000 boxes of cookies being sold throughout the 25-county area of jurisdiction.

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COMMUNICATIONS:

CORPORATE GOAL:
"Girl Scouts of Dogwood Trails Council will develop and implement the resources necessary to position the council as the premier organization for girls in southwest Missouri."

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In 1999, Girl Scouts of Dogwood Trails Council purchased new computers, a new scanner, and a new color printer to increase the quality of communication pieces. Efforts are also underway in 2000 to produce a new council web page that will provide a quicker, more efficient communication avenue. To access this web page, click on the link below:

Girl Scouts of Dogwood Trails
Staff Website

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SERVICE UNITS:

There are a total of 35 Service Units within our council. We encourage you to follow any links we have listed in order to learn more about what these groups are doing in Girl Scouting! The schools that these groups service are listed on another page that can be reached from our home page.

Dogwood Trails Service Units:

Apple Falls	Bear Creek	Camden County
Cedarwood	Daisy Patch	Fort Leonard Wood
Glade Top	Hills 'N Hollers	Jack's Fork
Lake In The Hills	Mark Twain	Marshfield
Old Mill Trails	Ozark/Sparta	Ozark Mountain
Pulaski County	Redbud	Rivershores
Salem	Scenic Rivers	Silver & Gold
Silver Skies	Southwest Corners	Southeast Springfield
Springfield I	Springfield II	Springfield IV
Springfield V	Springfield VI	Sunset
Table Rock	Three Corners	Trailblazers
Trefoil Trails	Winding Trails	-

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DOGWOOD TRAILS GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

OFFICERS:

Officer	Position	Term Expiring In:
Fred Rosenberger	President	2001
Dr. Al Manning	1st Vice President	2001
Jane Paul	2nd Vice President	2001
Dr. Dee Telting	3rd Vice President	2001
June Wilson	Secretary	2001
Camile Lockhart	Treasurer	2001
Anne Soots	CEO/Executive Director	2001

MEMBERS AT LARGE:

Member:	Organization:	Term Expiring In:
Kirk Bossert	Signature Bank	2000
Rob Haik	Wischmeyer	2000
Jim Rogers	Consultant	2000
Tina Stillwell	Southwest Missouri State University	2000
Roger Terrill	State Bank of Southwest Missouri	2000
Senator Roseann Bentley	Missouri State Senate	2001
Paula Glossip	Citizen's National Bank	2001
Anne Johnson	Cox Medical Systems	2001
Samuel Knox	...	2001
Kim Light	Central Bank	2001
Ferba Lofton	...	2001
Jerri Loveland	Jerri Loveland, CPA	2001
Tom Maher	Meek's	2001
Nancy Southworth	Associated Electric Cooperatice, Inc.	2001
Cindy Stephens	...	2001
Craig Fishel	...	2002
Nancy Lewis	...	2002
Lisa Officer	McCullough, Officer & Co.	2002

NOMINATING COMMITTEE:

Committeeperson:	Term Expiring In:
Lisa Officer	2000
June Wilson	2000
Janice McAnally	2001
Ken Schwab	2001
Nancy Southworth	2001
Gail Davis	2002
Lindsey Godfrey	2002

This page updated May 14, 2000

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Music: Theme from the movie, Back to the Future

Great Scott! Did you think that I would forget this song? Just how many giga-watts did it take to power up the Flux Capacitor in that DeLorean?

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