Happy Birthday, Black Diamond!

In 2009 we are celebrating our 35th Birthday – and what a wonderful thirty-five years it has been. Girl Scouting has never been stronger and girls have never had as many opportunities as they have today. How can you celebrate?

1. Take advantage of special Birthday Pathfinder events. Check with your local Field Executive to find out about other events or activities in your area.

2. Complete the GSBDC Birthday Patch requirements so that you can proudly display the unique patch designed especially for this celebration year. There are four categories of activities featured in this patch program: General Girl Scout History Activities; Black Diamond History Projects; 35 Years of American History Projects; and Your Own Girl Scout History Actvities. For more information, download the patch program or call the Program Team at 1-800-756-7616 x13.

3. Our 2008-09 service project is Birthday-in-a-Box. This project will provide those who might not otherwise be acknowledged or celebrated on their birthday with the essentials like a cake, streamers and small gifts. The Birthday-in-Box packet is now available. You may e-mail the program department at program@bdgsc.org to request a copy.

4. Share your Girl Scout story with everyone at the Annual Meeting in April. We are creating a book to contain the stories. Tell us about your fun times, the times that pushed you higher and the times that brought a sentimental tear to your eye. Everyone’s story combines to weave a tapestry of the long and proud tradition of Girl Scouting in GSBDC. Write up and send us your story via e-mail at info@bdgsc.org or mail it to the council headquarters.

5. Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity for your service unit to be represented on the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council 35th anniversary quilt that will be on display at the Annual Meeting on April 4, 2009. The quilt will also be available in a circulating display and eventually hung in a prominent and permanent location for everyone to see. Many service units have already responded with quilt squares that are beautifully done and representative of the highlights of the service unit ... take a look and imagine how beautiful the finished quilt will be. We want every service unit to be represented. If your service unit quilt square is not pictured, be sure to get one done today. Every delegate received fabric squares at the 2008 Annual Meeting. If your fabric is lost or misplaced, a limited number of squares are still available. Some of the squares are embroidered, some are hand appliquéd and others are painted with acrylic paints—the requirement is that the medium you choose is permanent and washable. The quilt will have a more professional image if the squares are completed by the adults in the service unit rather showcasing the artwork of children. Remember, this quilt will be a permanent piece of our history!All submissions must be received before February 15 to be included in the quilt. Now that many of the squares are completed and you have a chance to compare your service unit’s submission, you may want to re-submit the square. This is certainly possible simply request another piece of fabric and we will accept these replacement squares until February 15. Contact Marla Akers at marla.akers@bdgsc.org.

6. Get your commemorative 35th birthday celebration items now, contact Susan Smith at 304.342.7722, ext. 22 to place your order. Proceeds benefit Troop Europe, a council group traveling overseas this summer.