Glossary

Glossary of Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas Terms

This glossary offers definitions of some of the frequently used terms in Girl Scouting.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y

Accidental Activity Insurance: Insurance, by Mutual of Omaha, included in GSUSA membership that covers injured members during approved Girl Scouts events.

Activity Approval Notification Form: Form needed before a Girl Scout Troop can participate in the following activities:

Simple Overnight (e.g., camping & trips)
Extended Trip (e.g., camping & trips) of three (3) nights or more
Money-Earning Projects that are not council-wide
Activities that require a Special Site, Equipment and/or Instructor
Activities involving Sensitive and/or Controversial Topic
Cooperative Project with another Organization
Activities that require Site Agreement or Transportation Charter
Activities that require a Contract for Authorized Signature

Adult: A person, 18 years of age or older, as defined by state statute.

Adult Recognition System: The system whereby Girl Scout volunteers, serving in a defined volunteer position(s) are nominated, and the nominations are processed for outstanding service above and beyond what is required for their position. In addition, this system provides the opportunity for Girl Scout volunteers to submit information through which they may received earned recognitions such as Years of Service awards.

Advocacy in Girl Scouting: An effort that helps inform and educate policymakers and community leaders about the issues that directly affect girls or the rights of the Girl Scout organization. These efforts include motivating community involvement; influencing GSUSA’s practices and governmental policies at the federal, state, and local levels; and ensuring the fair enforcement and implementation of laws that have an impact on girls and on Girl Scouting. Girl Scouts does not, however, endorse or align itself with political parties or candidates for political office.

Annual Giving: An organized effort by council to secure unrestricted public support on an annual basis to support the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas operations for that year.

Annual Giving Campaign: See Family Partnership Campaign.

Annual Meeting: The yearly gathering of Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas’ governing body, made up of delegates (elected by each Girl Scout Service Unit), members of the Board of Directors, and non-voting girl representatives. The Annual Meeting is held once a year (usually in April) to conduct business essential to the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, and to elect new Board of Directors and Officers.

Articles of Incorporation: A legal document that establishes the organization as a nonprofit organization in the state; the chief self-governing rules of an organization. This document is known in some states as a Certificate of Incorporation for certificate of formation, and is filed with the designated government agency of the state in which incorporation is to occur, usually the state where the organization carries out its operations.

Ashes Ceremony: A ceremonial campfire at Girl Scout/Girl Guide gatherings. Ashes from this fire are shared among the participants to be used at a future Ashes Ceremony.

Association of Girl Scout Executive Staff (AGSES): A national organization for enhancing professional excellence for eligible Girl Scout staff. Provides workshops focused on three (3) areas:

Building skills and competencies for Girl Scout employees and strengthening capacity for the organization,
Promoting Girl Scouting as a career, and
Advocating on behalf of Girl Scout-employed staff.

Awards and Insignia: An earned recognition such as badges, pins, charms, or medals.

Baden-Powell, Lord and Lady: He was the founder of the Boy Scouts and she was the first Chief of WAGGGS. Their joint birthday is on February 22nd.

Badge (proficiency badges): An official Girl Scouts of the USA recognition earned by Girl Scout Juniors and Cadettes designed to indicate increased knowledge and skill in a particular subject; round embroidered recognitions worn on the front of a Girl Scout’s sash/vest.

Bandana: A multipurpose, cotton square that girls wear as a scarf or use as a sit-upon, tote or potholder.

Basic Outdoor Skills: The skills learned by girls to prepare them for outdoor activities.

Benchmarks: A performance data used for comparative purposes.

Best Practice: The most effective techniques, processes, standards, or other methods for achieving-or exceeding-a desired and measurable outcome.

Juliette Gordon Low’s Birthplace: The Savannah, Georgia birthplace and childhood home of Juliette "Daisy" Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouts of the USA. The Birthplace is now a historic house museum and Girl Scout Troop program facility.

Blue Book of Basic Documents (2006): A GSUSA publication that contains the official documents of the national organization: Congressional Charter, Constitution, Bylaws, Policies, Procedures for issuing credentials, and the criteria and standards for running an effective Girl Scout council. The Blue Book is revised in accordance with actions taken by the National Board of Directors. An abbreviated version, The Leader’s Digest: Blue Book of Basic Documents, is distributed to Girl Scout Leaders.

Board Committees: Committees established by Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas’ Board of Directors to assist in carrying out many ongoing responsibilities. These committees are made up of Board Members, volunteers and staff appointed by Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas executive staff and approved by the Board of Directors.

Board Development Committee: A Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas Board Committee that is accountable to the elected constituency for bringing a single slate of Board Member candidates. The committee works collaboratively with the Board of Directors in education and evaluation.

Board of Directors: Elected by the corporate membership body of a council, the council board of directors is accountable to the membership for governance of the council and the stewardship of resources.
Board Resolution: A significant, formal written expression of intent (motion) approved by the Board of Directors.

Booth Sale: A part of the Cookie Program where girls set up booths outside local stores and sell their famous Girl Scout Cookies to the store's patrons.

Booth Sale Reservation System: Online tool that allows Girl Scout Troop Cookie Managers (TCMs) and Girl Scout Service Unit Cookie Coordinators (SUCCs) to schedule cookie booth sales at various locations.
Brand: A reflection of everything associated with the organization, including but not limited to the quality of the organization's work, as well as its reputation, staff, leadership, culture, core values, programs, services and products.

Brand Image: How Girl Scouts is perceived by the public.

Brand Management: A communications, marketing and public relations strategy that unifies and expresses the goals of an organization both internally and externally.

Brand Personality: The brand image, or brand identity, expressed in terms of human characteristics. The brand personality must ideally include distinguishing and identifiable characteristics that offer consistent, enduring messages and mental perceptions.

Brand Voice: The style, tone and manner of the brand; specifically how the language and expression of the brand is used to create character and personality.

Bridging Ceremony: A ceremony that celebrates when a Girl Scout "crosses the bridge" from one grade level of Girl Scouting to the next.

Bridging Activities: The activities that prepare a Girl Scout member(s) for the next Girl Scout grade level and a way to transition a Girl Scout member(s) into using different grade-level resources. The bridging Girl Scout member(s) frequently does an activity from the Girl Scout resources that are used by the Girl Scouts in the upcoming grade-level and completes a project or does an activity with them. After the Girl Scout member(s) has had a taste of what lies ahead for them in Girl Scouts, a ceremony known as a "Bridging Ceremony" will be held to mark the transition. Bridging Activities are a great way to introduce a bridging Girl Scout member(s) to her new Girl Scout Troop members. All grade-levels can earn a Bridging Patch (See Leader’s Guide).

Brownie: See Girl Scout Brownie.

Brownie Pin: See Girl Scout Brownie Pin.

Brownie Ring: See Girl Scout Brownie Ring.

Brownie Gold: See Girl Scout Brownie Gold.

Buddy Burner: A type of cook-out stove made from a #10 can.

Buddy System: A safety practice that groups two (2) or three (3) girls (or volunteers) of equal ability are "buddied-up," or travel in pairs, to help keep track of each other during a Girl Scout activity. This is especially helpful for field trips and campouts!

Building Capacity: A process for strategically and systematically establishing, and improving, Girl Scouts’ abilities to attract the resources to fulfill the mission.

Bylaws: The rules and regulations made by an organization to manage its affairs by defining the rights and obligations of its members, directors, and officers in the organization and among themselves, and must be consistent with the articles of incorporation.

Camp Certification: Training for volunteer who wish to take a Girl Scout Troop/group camping. A Girl Scout Troop must have a Camp Certified volunteer with them whenever they camp.

Campus Girl Scouts: A registration category for young adults in institutions of education beyond high school who want to support Girl Scouting through active volunteering. A Campus Girl Scout must:

Be a student at a college, university, junior college, vocational/technical school, or other institution of higher learning.
Believe in the principles of Girl Scouting.
Be a registered member of Girl Scouts of the USA.

Candlelight Ceremony:A ceremony, where girls hold candles or flashlights, that helps remind people of the words and meaning of the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

Capital Campaign: A campaign to raise substantial funds for an organization that is financing major building projects, supplementing endowment funds, or meeting other needs demanding extensive outlays of capital.

Certified:A person who holds a current card, certificate, or other documentation from an established reputable group, verifying completion of training in a particular field (e.g., first-aid certified).

4B Challenge:A Girl Scout Cadette award for achievement in a special area, indicated by a work in that area and satisfactory completion of a challenge situation.

Change in Jurisdiction: When two (2) or more Girl Scout councils request a jurisdictional change, the National Board of Directors (in the case of a merger or dissolution) approves the extension of the jurisdiction of the surviving corporation to include the jurisdiction(s) of the other council(s) involved.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO): A person employed by and accountable to its board of directors who provides strategic direction and vision for development and achievement of the organization's purpose, as well as lead Girl Scout staff in achieving the organization's goals; works in partnership with the Chair of the Board of Directors on governance functions of the Board.

Color Guard: Girl Scouts who carry, guard, raise /lower the flag, or present the colors, at a meeting or ceremony.

Connections:An annual Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas publication for Girl Scout Leaders and Co-Leaders that is available in late August and provides program, membership and training information.

Connect: One of Girl Scouts’ three (3) keys to leadership that describes how girls care about, inspire, and team with others locally and globally.

Consultant: An adult member who provides direct assistance and support to volunteers.

Cookie Box Creations: A competition that pairs teams of Girl Scouts with professional female architects, engineers and designers. Each team crafts impressive structures made out of empty Girl Scout Cookie boxes. Local celebrities judge the structures based on the following criteria: creativity in design, engineering difficulty, best use of color and materials, and adherence to that year’s Girl Scout Cookie Theme.

Cookie Dough: An additional Cookie Program incentive for Girl Scouts* to help offset fees for council programs and events (camping trips, summer camps, destinations, etc.) and Girl Scout merchandise. Cookie Dough may also be used to offset the cost for other registered family members when attending council-sponsored events.
*Girls in grades 6-12 who choose the "cash option" are not eligible for Cookie Dough.

CookieNews: A Cookie Program e-newsletter provided by GSNETX sent monthly via email during the Cookie Season.

Cookie Program:An integral part of Girl Scouts’ Business and Economic Literacy initiative for girls in grades K – 12. Participating girls learn valuable life & business skills:

Goal Setting
Public Speaking
Teamwork
Brand Awareness
Responsibility
Money & Time Management
Financial Literacy
Grassroots Entrepreneurship in its Finest Form

Cookie Season: A period of time when Girl Scouts prepare and implement the Cookie Program.

Cookies 101 for Parents: A video produced by Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas and streamed on the council website that features GSNETX CEO Colleen Walker. The video reminds parents of the benefits of participating in the Cookie Program and ways they can help their Girl Scout meet her Cookie Program goals. Girl Scout Troop Leaders play this video at their Cookie Parent Meetings to ensure that each and every parent/guardian receives the same important information.

Cookie Theme: A theme provided by Little Brownie Baker to energize the Cookie Program. The Cookie Theme changes yearly and all Cookie Program activities incorporate the specific year's theme.

Cooperative Learning: The way Girl Scouts work together toward shared goals in an atmosphere of respect and collaboration that encourages the sharing of skills, knowledge, and learning. Working together in all-girl environments also encourages girls to feel powerful, emotionally and physically safe, and it helps them experience a sense of belonging even in the most diverse groups.

Core Business Strategy: The vision, established in 2006, for transforming Girl Scouting into a more innovative Girl Scout Movement positioned and committed to meeting the needs, interests and challenges of girls today. It is based on five strategic priorities:

Develop the world’s best leadership experience for girls
Develop a flexible, state-of-the-art volunteer management system
Establish a thriving culture of philanthropy
Reestablish the Girl Scout brand as compelling and contemporary
Create and efficient and effective organizational structure

Council:A non-profit corporation chartered by GSUSA devoted to the Girl Scout movement and responsible for developing, managing and maintaining Girl Scouts within the specific area of jurisdiction.

Council Trainer: A volunteer who provides various types of training to other volunteers.

Council Enterprise System (CES): A comprehensive membership relationship management system that allows full integration of work processes and information across the entire council.

Council Headquarters:See Headquarters.

Council Patches: Specific program designed for use within Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas’ jurisdiction only. Upon completion of the requirements, Girl Scouts may earn a patch for participating in that program. This patch is worn on the back of their sash or vest as it is not considered an official GSUSA insignia.

Council-Wide Events: A special event planned for all the members in Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas’ jurisdiction, usually planned by staff and volunteers.

Counselor-in-Training (CIT): A girl who has completed grade ten (10) or above and who is taking a course to learn outdoor group leadership skills. The Girl Scout will complete hands-on training in camping skills and outdoor education and about a two-week internship with an experienced counselor.
Counselor-in-Training II (CIT II): An advanced CIT course, allowing a Girl Scout to further specialize in an area of her own interest.

Court of Awards: A ceremony that can be held any time during the year at which Girl Scouts receive recognitions such as badges, patches, membership stars and other insignia for their achievements.

Court of Honor:A form of Girl Scout Troop government used by Girl Scout Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors. The Court of Honor is the decision-making and planning body that represents all the members and is made up of Girl Scout patrol leaders and Girl Scout Troop/group officers and Leaders.

Closing Ceremony: A short ceremony to close a Girl Scout Meeting.

Cultural Awareness: A sensitivity to cultural differences.

Culture of Philanthropy: The way Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas cultivates, increases, and retains its pool of stakeholders in order to fulfill its mission. Vital to this process is demonstrating how the values of Girl Scouting are aligned with specific community needs and how Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas supports those needs.

Daisy: A nickname for Juliette Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouts of the USA, and the name of Juliette’s niece. Also see Girl Scout Daisy.

Daisy Circle: See Girl Scout Daisy Circle.

Daisy Pin: See Girl Scout Daisy Pin.

Day and Twilight Camps: Camping that is perfect for first-time campers and is provided at sites throughout Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas’ jurisdiction for girls completing grades K-12. Girls may sign up as individual campers, or with a buddy, and are placed in units based on their Girl Scout program grade level (e.g., Girl Scout Brownie, Girl Scout Junior, etc.). Trained camp volunteers are assigned to each unit to help girls experience varied outdoor programs.

Decision-influencing: A process by which the opinions and feelings of a variety of groups is sought before decisions are made.

Decision-making: The process of the board of directors and the CEO gathering all of the pertinent information and facts before a final decision is made.

Delegates (Council): Any registered Girl Scout member 18 years of age or older (including adults), elected as a voting member of the council by a specific geographic area or other entity established by Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas’ Board of Directors to represent them at the annual meeting. Delegates are elected for a specific term as defined in Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas’ bylaws. The number of delegates that geographic areas are allowed to elect is usually based on the total number of girls registered as of a specific date.

Delegate (National Council): Members of the National Council, 14 years of age or older, who serve for three (3) years from the date of their election or until their successors are elected. The number of delegates each council may elect is based on formula tied to girl membership and is determined by the National Board of Directors.

Delegate Meeting: A meeting of Delegates for the purpose of voting or discussing Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas affairs.

Democratic Process: Various means through which the Girl Scout membership can influence decisions and have access to those making decisions.

destinations: A national or international travel program for Girl Scouts at the Cadette level and above where Girl Scouts participate in activities that go beyond the Girl Scout Troop/group. Girls apply for a specific trip and meet other girls from across the country or around the world, giving them unique opportunities to develop leadership skills, gain self-confidence, and participate in valuable service-learning experiences.

Discover: One of the three (3) keys to leadership; girls understand themselves and their values and use their knowledge and skills to explore the world.

Diversity: Differences among people or peoples reflected in a variety of forms, such as age, race, culture, perspective, talent, interest, or religion. Girl Scouts are strongly committed to increasing the diversity of our girl and adult membership.

Documented Training and Experience: Written evidence of competence in a particular activity.

Dues:Money paid by each girl to cover Girl Scout Troop expenses and project costs.

Dunk Bag (also known as Dip Bag): A mesh bag with a drawstring, used to sterilize and hang dry eating utensils and plates when washing dishes.

Early Bird: An early registration period held in spring.

Early Bird Patch: A Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas patch that encourages members to register in spring, prior to the upcoming membership year.

Earned Grade-Level Awards: An insignia from Girl Scout grade-level books; earned by completing requirements or by demonstrating understanding of a concept. Included in this category are such awards as Try-Its; Badges; Girl Scout Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards; Interest Project Awards; and Charms.

eBUDDE: A web based tool used by Cookie Program volunteers and council staff to record and track all Girl Scout Cookie Program transactions. It is provided as a service by Little Brownie Baker - GSNETX’s Cookie baker.

e-Connections: An e-newsletter provided by GSNETX’s Program Department and emailed twice a month. e-Connections provides weekly updates on programs, training opportunities and camp availabilities.

Edith Macy Conference Center: A year-round, GSUSA educational training facility located 35 miles north of New York City in Briarcliff Manor, New York, that provides professional development courses for Girl Scout adults and non-profit and for-profit groups.

Emergency Contact Person: The person to call in an emergency or for guidance and advice who is not at the activity or function. This person should have all pertinent information to assist in an emergency.

Emergency Procedures: Basic plans, established in advance, stating what to do in an emergency. At the Girl Scout Troop/group level, girls and adults formulate the plans orally as well as in writing and post them in a highly visible location.

Emergency Procedure Cards: An informative yellow card provided by council to all Girl Scout Leaders that lists the procedures to follow when an emergency occurs as well as the council emergency telephone number.

Encampment: A large gathering of Girl Scout Troops/groups of girls from a specific area or program level for a camping event at a single site.

Equivalent Training/Certification: Replacement course contents for a particular skill, including all elements required by its nationally recognized certifying body.

Ex Officio: A member, by virtue of office or other position, who has all the privileges of a regular member of a specific board, committee, council, or other group for as long as the office is held. For example, the Chief Executive Officer shall serve as an Ex-Officio member of the Board of Directors without the right to vote and make motions.

Executive Director: Former title for the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Girl Scout councils.

Executive Session: Any meeting of a deliberative assembly, or a portion of a meeting, where the proceedings are kept private and confidential. A motion to go into Executive Session is a question of privilege and therefore is adopted by a majority vote. Only those members, as the assembly or its rules may determine to be necessary, are allowed to remain in the room. The minutes or record of proceedings of an executive session must be read and acted upon only in executive session.

Extended Trip: A trip lasting more than three (3) nights. This requires a health examination, health history, Girl Scout of Northeast Texas approval, and additional insurance coverage; Activity Approval Notification Form must be completed.

Family Guide to the Cookie Program: A resource guide provided by Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, mailed to parents/guardians of registered Girl Scouts, illustrating the benefits of participating in the Cookie Program, important dates, FAQ, and other important information.

Family Partnership Campaign: Annual fundraising campaign giving Girl Scout members (parents, families, volunteers, GS Troops, GS Service Units, ect.) an opportunity to provide financial support for Girl Scouting. The Family Partnership Campaign accounts for 9% of the revenue generated to meet the annual $11 million goal needed to provide quality programming, volunteer training and screening, and maintenance of camp and council sites to better your girl’s Girl Scout Journey. Gifts to the Family Partnership Campaign are counted toward Girl Scout Service Unit goals. Rebates of 5-10% are given back to Girl Scout Service Units to be used to support girl programs.

Financial Assistance: A system by which girls and adults who might not otherwise be able to afford to participate in Girl Scouts can receive help with the cost of membership dues, uniforms and other materials.

First-Aider: An adult who has taken Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas’ approved first-aid training provided by a nationally recognized organization.

First-Aid Kit: A required kit that must contain a copy of recognized first-aid book, activity insurance forms, parent consent forms, health history forms, coins or calling cards for emergency telephones calls, and the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas emergency procedure card that includes emergency telephone numbers. A First-Aid Kit is required during every Girl Scout meeting or function. Refer to Safety-Wise for more information.

Flag Ceremony: A Girl Scout ceremony, involving the American flag and Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas flag, commonly used for opening or closing meetings or special events; honoring a special occasion or person; or for retiring a worn flag.

Fly-Up Ceremony: When Girl Scout Brownies "fly up" to the Girl Scout Junior level and, and receive the Girl Scout pin and their Girl Scout Brownie "wings."

Focus Group: A qualitative research technique for exploring the attitudes, beliefs, opinions, motivations, and reactions of people. A focus group uses a small-group interviewing technique and requires a trained facilitator. The results are interpretative, not statistical.

Founders Day: Girl Scouts of the USA’s founder Juliette Gordon Low's birthday - October 31st.

Free Materials: Publications, forms, resources, etc. that are provided by Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas at no charge. May be ordered anytime during the year or picked up at any of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas Service Centers.

Friendship Circle: A circle formed by Girl Scouts that represents the unbroken chain of friendship with Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world - often formed at the end of meetings or campfires as a sort of closing ceremony. Girls stand, cross their right arm over their left, and grasp hands with their friends on both sides. Everyone is silent as a friendship squeeze is passed from hand to hand. Often Girl Scouts will make a wish after their hand has been squeezed before they pass the squeeze along. Also, in some larger groups, the girls put their right foot out into the circle when they receive the friendship squeeze, so that everyone can see it travel along the circle.

Friendship Squeeze: A hand squeeze that travels around a Friendship Circle (see definition above) from one person to another.

Friendship Stick: A small carved and painted "totem-like" stick that the creator gives to a friend upon completion. The colors used represent the different races of the world.

Friendship Tie: There are two (2) versions of the tie; both are knotted and tied together to represent the Promise and Law. Once made, the tie is given away as a gift.

Fundraising: A technique where adults make a public appeal for contributions to fund the program and activities of the Girl Scout organization. In Girl Scouting, fundraising is the responsibility of adults and must be coordinated through the council.

Gift of Caring: A Girl Scout service initiative that encourages members of the community to buy packages of Girl Scout Cookies to donate to a specific organization, community cause, or group that could not otherwise purchase Girl Scout Cookies - such as Senior Citizen Centers, Women’s and Children’s Shelters, or Food Banks.

Girl Advisory Board (GAB): This is an advisory committee made up of Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors who are part of the Girl Scout decision-making process. Members of this committee meet roughly once a quarter and discuss topics dealing with girls in Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas.

Girl Guide: The term used to identify girls and adults who are members of the Girl Scout Movement in many countries. Agnes Baden-Powell, sister of the Boy Scouts' founder, Lord Baden-Powell, started the first Girl Guide Troops in England. Girl Guides and Girl Scouts are part of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS), headquartered in London, England.

Girl Led: Refers to girls playing an active role in the planning and implementation of activities, which is integral to a high-quality Girl Scout experience. This ensures that girls are engaged in their learning and experience leadership opportunities as they prepare to become active participants in their local and global communities.

Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA): The national organization, chartered by the United States Congress, which directs and coordinates the Girl Scout movement.
Girl Scout: A member of Girl Scouts of the USA or another country's national Girl Scout organization. The U.S. organization grants membership to any girl who has:

Made the Girl Scout Promise.
Accepted the Girl Scout Law.
Paid the annual dues.
Met applicable grade-level requirements.

Girl Scout Adult: An adult member of Girl Scouts of the USA. The organization grants membership as a Girl Scout adult to any person who has:

Accepted its principles and beliefs, as stated in the preamble of its constitution.
Paid the annual or lifetime dues.
Met applicable age/education standards. A Girl Scout adult must be 18 or older or have a high school diploma or the equivalent.

Girl Scout Alumnae Association: A national association that registers and reconnects former Girl Scout members to form one of the largest and most diverse networks of women in the country.

Girl Scout Ambassadors: A grade-level in Girl Scouting. Girl Scout Ambassadors are in grades 11 and 12 who are registered with GSUSA.

Girl Scout Badges: Circular-shaped recognitions earned by Girl Scouts Juniors. Requirements for these recognitions are in the Girl Scout Junior Badge Book, available at GSNETX Shops and GSNETX Online Shop.

Girl Scout Birthday: The day the first Girl Scout Troop was formed in the United States by Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low in Savannah, Georgia on March 12, 1912. Girl Scout Birthday is celebrated annually on March 12th.

Girl Scout Brownie: A grade-level in Girl Scouting. Girl Scout Brownies are in grades 2 and 3 who are registered with GSUSA.

Girl Scout Brownie Pin: Specific pin for Girl Scout Brownies which has the basic trefoil shape with the "dancing" Girl Scout Brownie-Elf in the center.

Girl Scout Brownie Ring: A form of Girl Scout Troop government used by Girl Scout Brownies where a circle is formed by members of a Girl Scout Brownie Troop for discussing their Girl Scout Troop business and planning activities.

Girl Scout Brownie Gold: Weekly Girl Scout Brownie Troop dues that go into the Girl Scout Brownie Troop fund.

Girl Scout Camping: An experience that provides a creative, educational opportunity for group living in the outdoors. Its purpose is to use the Girl Scout program, trained leadership, and the resources of natural surroundings to contribute to each camper's mental, physical, social, and spiritual growth.

Girl Scout Cadette: A grade-level in Girl Scouting. Girl Scout Cadettes are in grades 6, 7 and 8 who are registered with GSUSA.

Girl Scout Catalog: Yearly publication showing all official insignia, uniforms and related Girl Scout merchandise available for sale at local GSNETX Shops.

Girl Scout Council: One of Girl Scouts of the USA's local affiliates, with authority over Girl Scouting in a specific section of the country. Or, the council jurisdiction and membership, including all girls and adults the council has registered and its corporate body, nominating committee, and board members, committees and task groups, as well as its employed staff. Also the title of the council corporation's membership body in meetings assembled. In this sense, the council includes delegates elected by geographic areas (or other units), its nominating committee, and its board members, committees, and task groups, as well as other members prescribed in its bylaws. Currently, there are over 109 Girl Scout Councils in the USA.

Girl Scout Daisy: A grade-level in Girl Scouting. Girl Scout Daisies are in grades K and 1 who are registered with GSUSA.

Girl Scout Daisy Circle: A form of Girl Scout Troop government where Girl Scout Daisies and their Girl Scout Leaders sit in a circle and plan future activities.

Girl Scout Daisy Pin: A specific pin worn by Girl Scout Daisies.

Girl Scout Daisy Promise Center and Learning Petals: An insignia with the center representing the Girl Scout Promise and the surrounding ten (10) petals representing a phrase from the Girl Scout Law.

Girl Scout Gold Award: The highest award in Girl Scouting. Earned as a Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador, this award culminates her experiences in the Movement.

Girl Scout Gold Award Alliance: Composed of members of Girl Scouting who have achieved the highest award available to them-including the Golden Eaglet, First Class, the Curved Bar, or the Girl Scout Gold Award. Member activities include the following:

Serve as mentors to Girl Scouts working toward the Girl Scout Gold Award
Support Girl Scout Leaders as they help girls build skills in planning, decision-making, resource-gathering, and self-esteem
Foster collaborations between local community organizations or groups and Girl Scout councils
Identify, cultivate, recruit, and refer potential volunteers and/or donors
Inform colleges, businesses, and other nonprofit organizations about the Girl Scout Gold Award
Foster community service and the value of volunteerism

Girl Scout Group: Girls with common interests or needs who meet either on a part-time or short-term basis under the guidance of a trained adult.

Girl Scout Handshake: A formal way of greeting other Girl Scouts and Girl Guides. Girls shake hands with the left hand and give the Girl Scout Sign or Girl Guide Salute with the right hand. The left handed handshake represents friendship because the left hand is closer to the heart than the right.

Girl Scout Journey: A themed set of activities focused on building specific leadership skills. Each Girl Scout Journey is broken out into different grade levels, placed into book format, and includes between six and eight sessions that are customized for the specific needs and interests of girls. Girl Scout Journeys can be done in a variety of Girl Scout Pathways including stand-alone, short term activities. Each Girl Scout Journey is tied to Girl Scouts’ three keys to leadership with special emphasis on choosing and implementing related "Take Action" projects. Each of the sessions within Girl Scout Journeys are directly related to the national leadership outcomes.

Girl Scout Junior: A grade-level in Girl Scouting. Girl Scout Juniors are in grades 4 and 5 who are registered with GSUSA.

Girl Scout Law: Along with the Girl Scout Promise, the Girl Scout Law is the credo of Girl Scouting. A girl lives the 10 parts of the Girl Scout Law to fulfill the Girl Scout Promise.

Girl Scout Leader: A registered Girl Scout adult and trained volunteer who meets regularly with girls to help them achieve the purposes of Girl Scouting. May also be referred to as an advisor, particularly when working with Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors.

Girl Scout Leader's Day: A day of appreciation for volunteers in Girl Scouting - April 22nd.

Girl Scout Leadership Experience: Activities that incorporate the Discover, Connect, and Take Action keys to leadership, as well as the three processes"girl led, learning by doing, and cooperative learning"that make it possible for girls to achieve the intended leadership outcomes.

Girl Scout Motto: "Be Prepared"

Girl Scout Movement: A voluntary movement dedicated to the purpose of inspiring girls with the highest ideals of character, conduct, patriotism and service so that they may become happy and resourceful citizens as well as leaders in their community and the world.

Girl Scout National Organization: A grouping that includes the National Council, Board of Directors, Committees ,Task Groups, and the staff.

Girl Scout Outcomes: The tools to measure the specific knowledge, skills, attitudes, behaviors, and values that girls gain in Girl Scouting. The Girl Scout Leadership Experience has 15 specific outcomes. There are five common outcomes in each of the three (3) keys to leadership: Discover, Connect, and Take Action. The short term outcome is that girls gain specific knowledge, skills, attitudes, behaviors, and values in Girl Scouting, while the long term Girl Scout outcome is that girls lead with courage, confidence and character to make the world a better place (the Girl Scout Mission).

Girl Scout Pathways: Flexible ways girls and adults participate in Girl Scouting. Girl pathways include camp, events, travel, special interest, Girl Scout Troops, and virtual.

GSNETX Shops: Sells Girl Scout merchandise at all Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas Service Center locations; online shopping and mail order available.

GSNETX Newsflash: An e-newsletter that is provided by GSNETX’s Marketing/Communications Department and emailed to administrative volunteers, Board Members, and staff. GSNETX Newsflash contains GSNETX administrative news and updates.

Girl Scouts’ Own: A special girl-planned, inspirational occasion held at Girl Scout Troop gatherings where the girls express their deepest feeling about their Girl Scout ideals.

Girl Scout Promise: Along with the Girl Scout Law, is the credo of Girl Scouting; the pledge that binds members together as part of the Girl Scout Movement. A girl must make the Girl Scout Promise to become a Girl Scout member.

Girl Scout Research Institute: A center for research and public information on the healthy development of girls; the GSRI originates new projects and initiatives that bolster knowledge about girls, and synthesizes existing research on their healthy development.

Girl Scout Sabbath or Sunday: The Saturday or Sunday in Girl Scout Week; it is a time for members to be recognized in their place of worship or to recognize the place of worship of a Girl Scout Troop/group. It is also an appropriate time for religious recognitions to be awarded to Girl Scouts exploring their own faith.

Girl Scout Senior: A grade-level in Girl Scouting. Girl Scout Seniors are in grades 9 and 10 who are registered with GSUSA.

Girl Scout Service Center: A Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas facility that provides offices for staff and at least one of the following: training, program, and meeting rooms; GSNETX Shop, GSNETX Library or Resource Center.

Girl Scout Service Mark: This is composed of two parts: the symbol (the trefoil with three profiles) and the logotype (the words "Girl Scouts").
Note: GSUSA owns the exclusive use of the Girl Scout Service Mark.

Girl Scout Service Unit (GSSU): A geographic subdivision that groups schools and communities that are close to each other to provide the organizational structure necessary to support local Girl Scout Troops/groups.

Girl Scout Service Unit Manager (SUM): A volunteer appointed by staff to administer the Girl Scout Service Unit.

Girl Scout Service Unit Team: A group of volunteers who work as a team to assist the Girl Scout Service Unit Manager in supporting the Girl Scout Service Unit.

Girl Scout Sign: Made by raising three (3) fingers of the right hand. This sign stands for the three (3) parts of the Girl Scout Promise. Girl Scout members give the sign when:

Saying the Girl Scout Promise
Welcomed into Girl Scouting at an investiture ceremony.
Receiving a patch or badge
Greet other Girl Scouts and Girl Guides

Girl Scout Silver Award: The second highest award in Girl Scouting, earned by Girl Scouts Cadettes.

Girl Scout Slogan: "Do a good turn daily."

Girl Scout Trefoil: "Trefoil" means three (3) leaves. Each leaf in the traditional or stylized Girl Scout trefoil stands for a part of the Girl Scout Promise. Within the traditional Girl Scout trefoil is the American eagle and shield, which are part of the Great Seal of the United States of America. The eagle is a symbol of strength and victory, and the shield on the eagle's breast signifies self-reliance. In his talons, he clutches on his right an olive branch, the symbol of peace, and on his left, a shaft of arrows, the symbol of might. The eagle faces right, which is the position of honor, looking toward the symbol of peace. The eagle and shield within the trefoil signify that Girl Scouts stand ready to serve their country. The stylized Girl Scout trefoil, introduced in 1978, symbolizes both the contemporary and continuing commitment to the three-part Promise in its trefoil shape. The three (3) faces stand for the diversity of Girl Scouting and its focus on girls.

Girl Scout Troop: A group of girls working at a specific grade level on the Girl Scout Program; they meet at regular times with adult mentors.

Girl Scout Troop/Group Camp: A camping experience of 24 or more consecutive hours, planned and carried out by a group of Girl Scouts and their Girl Scout Leader(s).

Girl Scout Troop Kit or Box: A kit that contains specific publications and materials for the Girl Scout Troop including Handbooks, Girl Scout Leader’s Guide, Safety-Wise, Blue Book, First Aid Kit, and other resources. Any items purchased with Girl Scout Troop funds are considered part of the Kit. It is to be passed on when there is a change in the volunteer leadership.

Girl Scout Troop Committee: A group of registered adults who provide support for a Girl Scout Troop; usually Girl Scout parents/guardians.

Girl Scout volunteer: An adult who contributes her or his time to a local Girl Scout council or Girl Scouts of the USA without the expectation of compensation (other than reasonable reimbursement or allowance for expenses) or any other thing of value in lieu of compensation.

Girl Scout Week: The week in which March 12th falls; it starts on Girl Scout Sunday and ends the following Saturday or Girl Scout Sabbath.

Girl Scouting in the School Day: A local Girl Scout council-sponsored partnership to include Girl Scouting in schools.

Girl Scouts of the United States of America (Girl Scouts of the USA or GSUSA): The official name of the national Girl Scout Corporation chartered by the U.S. Congress and incorporated in the District of Columbia. The headquarters is in NYC and is often referred to as Girl Scouts of the USA or GSUSA.

Global Girl Scouting: Ensures the Girl Scout Movement provides opportunities for girls to understand their relationship to the larger world, so they develop into responsible global citizens.

Going Places: An annual publication that contains exciting Girl Scout opportunities for Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors and is distributed through their Girl Scout Service Unit in late August. Click here to view a copy of Going Places.

GORP (Good Old Raisins and Peanuts): A favorite snack food of Girl Scouts especially when hiking. Usually consists of raisins, M&M’s, edible seeds, nuts and other natural foods; sometimes called "birdseed".

Governance: The practice of a board of directors, who are the ultimate authority, to collectively control and foster an institution in fulfilling the purpose for which it exists, and to direct the making and administration of policy that will ensure organizational stability and give direction for the future. Governance pertains to the work of the board as the policy-making side of the council. Utilizing input from all areas of council membership, they are responsible for the fiduciary and legal stewardship of the council, as well as determining the strategic direction of the council.

Grant: A gift solicited by written request, ranging from an informal letter to a highly structured formal document, usually to support a specific project or activity. Only council may make a grant request.

GSNETX: Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas.

GSNETX Alumnae Association: A local association for adults who are former Girl Scouts (Girl Scout Alumnae) and current/former GSNETX staff and volunteers. GSNETX Alumnae Association provides an opportunity for these individuals to reconnect and embrace each other in the Girl Scout tradition of sisterhood through various activities and networking.

GS Service Unit Update: A GSNETX newsletter that is distributed to Girl Scout Troop Leaders during the months of August - May. GS Service Unit Update provides monthly program, membership, and training information.

GS Service Unit Update EXTRA: A GSNETX newsletter that is distributed to administrative volunteers, or Girl Scout Service Unit Team members, once a month (except July). GS Service Unit Update EXTRA contains GSNETX administrative news and updates.

Handbook: A book for each level of Girl Scouting that is available at the GSNETX Shop that is filled full of fun and educational programs. There are also Girl Scout Leader’s Guide Handbooks for all levels as well.

Headquarters: The main Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas Service Center located at 6001 Summerside Drive, Dallas, Texas, 75252. Headquarters contains a GSNETX Shop and Library; Training, Meeting, and Program Rooms, Distribution Center, and offices the majority of GSNETX staff including all the Chiefs (CEO, CDO, CPO, CAO) and the majority of Directors.

Health Examination: A medical checkup given by a licensed physician, physician's assistant, nurse practitioner, or registered nurse within the 24 months preceding a girl's participation in Resident Camp, a trip of more than three (3) nights, or organized competitive contact sports.

Health History:An updated record of a Girl Scout’s past and present health status (e.g., allergies, chronic illnesses, and injuries) which is filled out by her parent/guardian. Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas requires a Health History Form for participation in physically demanding activities, such as water sports, horseback riding, or skiing.

High-Performing Council: A Girl Scout Council with sufficient volunteers and resources to consistently deliver a high-quality Girl Scout program to an increasing numbers of girls from all parts of its jurisdiction.

Honor Guard: A group of Girl Scouts who leads flag ceremonies. The flag carriers wear red sashes across their chest and the "guards" wear a red sash around their waist.

Individual Girl Record: This form records everything a Girl Scout has done as a member of Girl Scouts. When a Girl Scout moves to another Girl Scout Troop, her Individual Girl Record Form goes with her. Often, older Girl Scouts will use the information from their Individual Girl Record Form on job, college and/or destinations applications.

Insignia: The umbrella term for Girl Scout earned grade-level and religious awards, emblems, buttons, badges, pins and other forms of recognition that may be worn on the front of the Girl Scout uniform.

Interest Group: A group of Girl Scouts exploring specific areas of mutual interest, such as sports, high adventure, trips, etc.

Interest Project: Programs for Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors designed to build new life skills or improve upon skills already acquired.

Interest Project Patch: A rectangular-shaped embroidered earned recognition by Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors that is acquired after successfully completing an Interest Project. (See Interest Project for more information.)

International Friendship: Any Girl Scout activity which promotes the sisterhood of Girl Scouting and Girl Guiding around the world; an important part of the overall Girl Scout Program.

Investiture: A ceremony where new girl and/or adult members become Girl Scouts for the first time; usually held when the Girl Scout Troop year begins and the girls have an understanding of the Girl Scout Promise and Law. During the ceremony, the new members make the Girl Scout Promise and accept the Law as an individual or with a group and the Girl Scout Daisy Pin, Girl Scout Brownie Pin, or Girl Scout Pin is presented.

"It" Bag: A fair way to choose "it" for games, kapers, or special help. Two lunch bags are used (one is marked "it" and the second is marked "other"). A card with each girl’s name goes into the "it" bag. When you need "it" for a game, pick one card, then put that card into the "other" bag. This way everyone gets a turn to be "it"!

Juliette: An individually-registered Girl Scout. Juliettes can participate in programs, earn try-its/badges/IPs and even sell cookies, but they do not belong to an organized Girl Scout Troop or group.

Juliette Coordinator: A member of a Girl Scout Service Unit Team who coordinates communication between the Girl Scout Service Unit and the Juliette members in the Girl Scout Service Unit jurisdiction.

Juliette Gordon Low: Founder of the Girl Scout Movement, lived from October 31, 1860 to January 17, 1927, known to many as "Daisy".

Juliette Low’s Birthday: October 31st. (See Founder’s Day)

Juliette Gordon Low Girl Scout National Center: A national center in downtown Savannah, Georgia that was the birthplace of Juliette Gordon Low. (See Girl Scout Birthplace)

Juliette Low World Friendship Fund: A Girl Scouts of the USA-operated fund, established in 1929 to honor Juliette Gordon Low and her vision of worldwide friendship, that supports educational programs, service projects, training, and international travel to foster friendship among girls from the 144 countries of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

Kaper: A duty that is temporarily assigned to one (1) Girl Scout within a group of Girl Scouts.

Kaper chart: A grid system, wheel, or table showing rotations of temporary duties assigned to each Girl Scout or group of Girl Scouts for any given project. Useful for meetings, camp-outs, and special events

Kick-off: A Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas event held annually in August for Administrative Volunteers to "kick-off" the new Girl Scout year. Activities include specialized trainings, disbursement of new Girl Scout publications and free materials, Girl Scout vendor booths, and exciting announcements from the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas’ staff and board.

Leader:A magazine published quarterly by the Girl Scouts of the USA (Girl Scout national headquarters) that is sent to all registered Girl Scout adults. Leader highlights an array of local, national and global Girl Scout and Girl Guide news.

Leader-In-Training (LIT): A girl who has completed ninth grade that is taking a Leader-in-Training course to learn group leadership skills.

Leader-In-Training (LIT) Course: A course for Girl Scouts who have completed the ninth grade, designed so that high school girls can acquire the skills and confidence necessary to guide a group of younger girls, and to hold future leadership positions within and outside of Girl Scouting. The course requires participating girls to complete five (5) hours of instruction and an internship under a specially trained mentor Girl Scout Leader for at least six (6) months.

Leader-In-Training (LIT) Patch: Recognitions earned upon completing the Leaders-In-Training course.

Leader’s Digest: The basic book of documents for Girl Scout Troop Leaders, published by GSUSA, which covers all Girl Scout policies and procedures with excerpts from the Congressional Charter.

Learning by Doing: A hands-on learning process that engages girls in continuous cycles of action and reflection that result in deeper understanding of concepts and mastery of practical skills. As they participate in meaningful activities and then reflect on them, girls get to explore their own questions, discover answers, gain new skills, and share ideas and observations with others. Throughout the process, it’s important for girls to be able to connect their experiences to their lives and apply what they have learned to their future experiences.

Leadership Keys: The three (3) keys to leadership that encompasses the discover (self and values), connect (others), and take action (improving the world) components of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Learning Petals: Recognitions earned by Girl Scout Daisies; each petal is a different color and represents one of the ten (10) parts of the Girl Scout Law. To earn a petal, a Girl Scout Daisy shows her Girl Scout Troop Leader she understands the corresponding part of the Law.

Lifeguard: A person with current certification in lifeguarding skills and techniques from a recognized sponsoring agency and with additional training specific to the facility/body of water where she or he will guard. A lifeguard is trained in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The type of certification needed depends on the kind of facility/body of water where the activity will take place.

Lifetime Membership: Granted to any person 18 years of age or older or a high school graduate or the equivalent who:

Accepts the principals and beliefs as stated in the Preamble of the Girl Scout constitution.
Has paid lifetime membership dues of 25 times the annual membership dues (lifetime membership dues of 13 times the annual membership dues shall be offered to any girl who is a registered Girl Scout at the time of her high school graduation or equivalent, and be available to her before the girl's current membership expires).
Meets applicable membership standards.
Once a Lifetime Membership is purchased, you are a Girl Scout member for life and will receive a permanent membership card, recognition certificate, and a lifetime subscription to Girl Scout Leader magazine.

Meeting: An official gathering of people in one room or through teleconferencing or video conferencing to transact business at a definite time, place, and duration, to follow an agreed upon agenda. Members do not separate from the meeting unless for a short recess. Depending on the business being transacted, a meeting may last from a few minutes to several hours.

Membership Specialists: A GSNETX staff member responsible for providing managerial and consultation services, such as recruitment and retention, to members within a geographical area.

Membership Dues: A $12 fee paid annually to Girl Scouts of the USA for registration as one (1) of the requirements for becoming a member of Girl Scouts.

Membership Stars: See Year Pins.

Minimal-Impact Camping: Camping in which no trace of activities is left at the site. The physical landscape of the campsite is preserved, as well as the solitude and spirit of the wilderness. At an established site, minimal-impact camping means that the camper leaves the place cleaner than she found it and minimizes her impact on the Earth.

Money-Earning Activity: An activity planned and carried out by girls to earn money for their Girl Scout Troop/group expenses.

National Council: The membership body of the national Girl Scout organization in meeting assembled. It includes:

Delegates elected by local Girl Scout councils and Girl Scouts Overseas.
Members of the National Board of Directors and National Nominating Committee.
Past Chairs of the National Board of Directors.
Other members elected by the National Council.

National Council of Girl Scouts of the USA: The membership body of the national corporation in meeting assembled. It includes delegates elected by councils, members of the National Board of Directors and the National Nominating Committee, past National Presidents of Girl Scouts of the USA, and other such members as may be elected by the National Council.

National Council Session: Regular meeting of the National Council held every three (3) years, consisting of a series of meetings devoted to discussion and debate related to the overall improvement of Girl Scouting, the election of the National Board of Directors and National Nominating Committee, and amendments to the Girl Scout constitution.

National Headquarters: The Girl Scout national organization's center of operations, located at 420 Fifth Avenue in New York City. This nucleus for U.S. research and development in Girl Scouting takes up nine floors of a 39-story office condominium building that extends from 37th to 38th Streets. The building houses the organization's national staff.

National Operational Volunteer (NOV): Assigned to councils according to their areas of expertise, NOVs are primarily responsible for preparing and conducting training/group facilitation for Girl Scout councils, either individually or in partnership with national staff, and for completing other assignments as determined by the director of Council Partnerships Administration or other GSUSA functional directors.

Non-profit Organization: A corporation defined under 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code. To qualify for a public charity status under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code, the corporation must be organized exclusively for a specific tax-exempt purpose and also conform to state law in the state where the corporation is chartered.

Nosebag Lunch: A meal which does not need cooking and is carried in a bag or bandana.

Objectives: Specific statements of attainable outcome developed annually to implement the goals of Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas.

Older Girl: Refers to girls who are Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, or Ambassadors.

Operational Volunteer: An adult member who provides indirect service to girls by volunteering as a trainer, community organizer, event planner, or in other capacities such as administrative support for Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas staff.

Organizational Capacity: The extent to which an organization can mobilize the resources required to accomplish its purpose. The capacity of an organization is limited both by the level of required resources existing in the environment and by the systems in the organization necessary to access, develop, and manage those resources to accomplish its goals.

Organizational Interdependence: The three (3) interdependent parts of the Girl Scout movement in the United States-the National Council, National Board of Directors, and Girl Scout councils-that are dependent upon one another for sustaining their existence.

Organizer: A Girl Scout Service Team member in a specific geographic region, who recruits Girl Scout Leaders, organizes girls into Girl Scout Troops, arranges meeting places, and helps get parental assistance for the Girl Scout Leaders.

Our Cabaña: A program center located in Cuernavaca, Mexico, owned by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

Our Chalet: A program center located in Adelboden, Switzerland, owned by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

Outcomes: See Girl Scout Outcomes.

Oversight: Examining what is, and what has happened to ensure conformity with some existing, predetermined targets or principles.

Parent Permission Slip: A form that must be used for each Girl Scout activity that is away from the regular Girl Scout meeting place.

Participation Patches and Pins: Supplementary insignia received by girls for participating in an event or activity that is designed to develop skills in leadership, service, outdoor education, human relations, history, health, personal empowerment, or just for fun! Girls wear participation patches and pins on the back of their Girl Scout uniform.

Pathways: See Girl Scout Pathways.

Patrol: A form of Girl Scout Troop government that is a subdivision of a Girl Scout Junior, Cadette, Senior, or Ambassador Troop; usually with no more than eight (8) girls.

Patrol Leader: A Girl Scout that is elected or appointed leader of her Girl Scout Troop Patrol.

Pax Lodge: A program center owned by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. Located at Olave Centre, the association's main office in London, England.

Phone Tree: A list of people and their phone numbers, arranged to facilitate a chain of calls in an emergency. The person who gets the first call contacts a designated small group of people, who then call others on the list. A phone tree is a great way to set up emergency notification for any Girl Scout trips, overnights or to let parents know that the girls will be late coming back from a trip.

Plan of Work: An operational plan in which action steps are outlined in detail to implement the annual operational objectives in a timely manner.

Pluralism: A system that includes individuals from groups differing in basic background experiences and cultures. Pluralism allows for the development of a common tradition while preserving the right of each group to maintain its cultural heritage. It implies mutual respect.

Policies: GSUSA Policies and Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas Policy Statements/Procedures set guidelines for appropriate Girl Scout actions. Policies are binding on all Girl Scouts.

Position Statement: A statement that describes the "place" that a brand should occupy in the minds of target customers. It serves as an internal touchstone that guides most of the organizations marketing communications strategies, programs, and tactics.

President's Award: An award designed specifically for GS Service Units. The criteria is based on the council’s overall goals and objectives, and has been weighted based on importance. GS Service Units earn the President’s Award by achieving 100 points out of a possible 142 points. President’s Award Pins for each GS Service Team member will be presented to those GS Service Units who achieve the President’s Award. A Goal Setter Service Unit Certificate will be given to all GS Service Units who apply for the President’s Award, but do not achieve it. GS Service Units should think through the award process and utilize it in goal setting, as well as a measurement of their growth and successes.

Program Aide (PA): A Girl Scout Cadette, Senior or Ambassador who works directly with a Girl Scout Troop/group under the supervision of a volunteer. The Program Aide is required to attend training sessions where she gains expertise in a particular field of interest, such as science, computers, or song leading.

Program-Related Income: One of the sources of council funds that is generated from program fees and events, camp fees, council retail store sales, and proceeds from product sales. Other sources of income are public support, investment income, and other revenue.

Program Standards: Guidelines for appropriate Girl Scout actions; listed in Safety-Wise; responsibility of all volunteers and staff who work directly or indirectly with girls.

Program Trail: A diagram for planning program activities in which one (1) idea sparks another.

Project Troop to Troop: A component of the Girl Scout service initiative Gift of Caring that encourages members of the community to buy packages of Girl Scout Cookies to donate to service men and service women. Girl Scout Cookies donated to Project Troop to Troop are transported to Fort Hood, the USO, the American Red Cross and ultimately service men and service women at home and abroad. Girl Scout Cookies also reach local Veterans Organizations and wounded soldiers.

Progression: The rate at which Girl Scouts learn and grow with the Girl Scout program. At each level the girls take on more responsibility for Girl Scout Troop Government and Girl-Adult Planning.

Promise Center: A recognition earned by Girl Scout Daisies when they understand the Girl Scout Promise; the ‘center’ to go with the Learning Petals.

Public Support: Includes federated campaigns; direct contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations; planned giving; fundraising events; and government grants.

Quiet sign: The Girl Scout signal for silence in a group situation. Someone raises their right hand and keeps their five (5) fingers up to remind others of the fifth part of the Girl Scout Law: I will do my best to be friendly and considerate. Each person who sees this sign stops talking and raises her or his hand until everyone is quiet.

Quorum: The minimum number of members that must be present in a vote at all times for the transaction of business.

Realignment: A component of GSUSA’s Core Business Strategy with the goal of creating 109 high-performing councils that will have the staff and resources to deliver a consistent, high-quality Girl Scout program to increasing numbers of girls from every part of the council’s jurisdiction.

Recertification: A short training provided to volunteers to update any changes in procedure.

Rededication Ceremony: A ceremony for both girl and adult members who are currently Girl Scout members or were previously members and re-joining. Members reaffirm their belief in Girl Scouting by saying the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

Registrar: A Girl Scout Service Team member who processes membership forms of girls and adults within the Girl Scout Service Unit’s jurisdiction.

Registration: Membership registration is accomplished by submitting a completed Member Registration Form and membership dues. Registration is renewed annually.

Religious Award: An emblem that is presented by a religious group to girl or adult who has meet specific qualifications; worn as official recognition on the uniform.

Resident Camp: A camping experience in which campers stay overnight at an established Girl Scout Camp. Girls sign up as individual campers or with a buddy. The girls and their camp counselors plan activities that take advantage of the resources available at the campsite. Exploring new challenges, becoming self-reliant, participating in fun activities, and learning to work with girls from different places and varied backgrounds are all great reasons for attending Resident Camp.

Resource Guide: A guide given to volunteers designed to provide them with the information they will need when to do their volunteer jobs.

Restricted Funds: Contributions that have either a donor imposed time or purpose restriction. Acceptance of the gift is acceptance of the stipulations. Only donors may restrict the funds’ usage.

Safety-Wise: An official Girl Scout of the USA publication addressed to all adults (and girls) in Girl Scouting containing Girl Scout Program Standards and Guidelines that provide for the health and safety of all girls.

Sangam: A program center located in Pune, India, owned by the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

Sash/Vest: A part of the Girl Scout uniform where the girl may display her Girl Scout recognitions and insignia.

Scout’s Own: A quiet, reflective type of themed ceremony planned by Girl Scouts and volunteers.

Senior: See Girl Scout Senior.

Service Project: A Girl Scout activity or program that benefits the community.

Service Unit: See Girl Scout Service Unit.

Session: A meeting or series of connected meetings devoted to a single order of business, program, agenda, or announced purpose. When there is more than one meeting, each succeeding meeting addresses business at the point where it was left off at the previous meeting.

Single-Entry System: An online-supported, volunteer management system that aids councils in managing their entire volunteer development process using a 10-step approach to full implementation.

Sister Troop: One of two Girl Scout Troops/groups of different grade levels, generally formed within the Girl Scout Service Unit, that share activities to allow for the natural progression of girl members from one (1) grade level to another.

Sit Upon: A soft, lightweight, weather-proof "cushion" made by Girl Scouts to use when sitting on the floor or ground.

"S’MORES": A favorite campfire treat consisting of graham crackers, chocolate bars and toasted marshmallows.

Special Interest: Program activities for Girl Scout Troops and individual girls year round.

Staff: Personnel employed by Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas who work at one (1) of GSNETX Service Centers or Camps providing assistance and support to the membership.

Stakeholder: Any person with a stake in Girl Scouting - members, parents, funders, or members of the community.

Standard: An established level of quality for measuring and judging performance in delivering Girl Scout Program to the girls.

S.T.A.R.: A web based communications system for Administrative volunteers and staff.

Steering Committee: A form of Girl Scout Troop Government where a committee is elected by the Girl Scout Troop in order to represent the Girl Scout Troop and make important decisions.

Strategic-Learning Model: A dynamic process of strategy development and implementation that focuses on continual learning, insight, adjustment and renewal. Columbia University’s Willie Pietersen developed this cyclical model as a practical alternative to traditional linear notions of strategic planning.

Strategic Leadership: The capacity to lead and position the future of the organization.

Strategic Thinking: Ongoing process of determining future organizational direction based on clearly defined outcomes.

Strategic Planning: The process of formulating and developing long-range corporate goals that support the ideal goals of Girl Scouting, and then implementing an integrated strategy for the acquisition, allocation, and stewardship of critical resources to achieve the goals.

Swap: A token that is made by a Girl Scout and exchanged at special Girl Scout/Girl Guide events that signify friendship. These tokens represent the home location of the giver.

Tagalong: A nonmember or member’s child present at a Girl Scout activity but not participating in a supervised program designed for her/his grade level; also the name of a Girl Scout Cookie.

Take Action: One of the three (3) keys to leadership; girls act to make the world a better place.

Task Force: A group of volunteers, assisted by staff, which work on and implement a short term assignment for Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas.

Tent Unit: A group of dwellings including tents, a wash house, and toilet facilities.

Thanks Badge: The highest award for volunteers in Girl Scouting at the national level.

Training: Specific courses for adults and Older Girls where they are trained to carry out the Girl Scout Program according to Girl Scout Policy and Procedure. Training is required for all volunteer positions.

Training Coordinator: A volunteer who connects volunteers to training opportunities and maintains volunteer training records within a Girl Scout Service Unit.

Travel or Trip Camping: A camping experience of three (3) or more nights, carried out by a group of experienced girl campers and volunteers that uses motorized transportation to move from one site to another. Transportation is normally by van, bus, or automobile but may also be by airplane, boat, or train, or by a combination of these vehicles.

Trefoil: The international symbol of Girl Scouting. The three (3) leaves represent the three (3) parts of the Girl Scout Promise: serving God and country, helping people, and living by the Girl Scout Law.

Trefoil Guild: A group of volunteers who work together to assist Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas staff and volunteers with special projects: baking cookies, stuffing envelopes, making copies, etc.

Troop: See Girl Scout Troop.

Try It (proficiency badges): An official Girl Scouts of the USA recognition earned by Girl Scout Brownies designed to indicate increased knowledge and skill in a particular subject; triangular embroidered recognitions worn on the front of a Girl Scout’s sash/vest.

Twilight & Day Camps: A camping experience provided at sites throughout GSNETX’s jurisdiction for girls completing grades K-12; perfect for first-time campers. Girls may sign up as individual campers, or with a buddy, and are placed in units based on their Girl Scout program grade level (Girl Scout Brownie, Girl Scout Junior, etc.). Trained camp volunteers are assigned to each unit to help girls experience varied outdoor programs.

Unrestricted Funds: Contributions without donor imposed restrictions and are available for any use the board deems appropriate.

USA Girl Scouts Overseas (USAGSO): Girl Scouts of the USA's overseas arm, which delivers the Girl Scout program to American girls and girls attending American or International schools outside the continental United States.

Vision: A long-range picture of a desired future; leads an organization by clarifying the direction and focus of change.

Volunteer: An adult-registered member who contributes her or his time to a Girl Scout Council without the expectation of compensation (other than reasonable reimbursement or allowance for expenses) or any other thing of value in lieu of compensation.

Volunteer Policy: An established course of action that all members must follow. GSNETX Board of Directors is the only body that can formulate and adopt policy.

Watcher: A person trained in basic water rescue who works under the direction of the Lifeguard.

Web Calendar: An online directory located on this website of all GSNETX program events and trainings.

Wide Game: A "trail" or series of games with a story or theme to explore different skills.

World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS): An association established in 1928 of Girl Scout and Girl Guide national organizations around the world. WAGGGS serves approximately eight million Girl Scouts and Girl Guides in 144 countries. Through Girl Scouts of the USA's membership in WAGGGS, each girl and adult registered as a Girl Scout in the United States becomes part of the Girl Guide/Girl Scout world movement. The World Association's mission is to enable girls and young women to develop to their fullest potential as responsible citizens of the world. Learn more in Global Girl Scouting: WAGGGS.

World Association Pin: A pin showing membership in WAGGGS worn by all Girl Scouts (except Girl Scouts Daisies) and Girl Guides. It is not earned, but given at a special ceremony such as World Thinking Day.

World Centers: Owned and operated by WAGGGS, these facilities are for the use of visiting Girl Scouts and Girl Guides. The centers are: Olave House (London England) which includes Pax Lodge, Our Cabana (Cuernavaca, Mexico), Our Chalet (Switzerland), Sangam (Pune, India).

World Thinking Day: February 22, the birthday of both Lady Baden-Powell (World Chief Guide) and her husband Lord Baden-Powell (founder of Boy Scouts). First celebrated in 1927, the day was renamed at the 1999 Girl Guide/Girl Scout World Conference. Girl Guides and Girl Scouts all over the world use the day to think of each other and exchange greetings, learn about other countries, and give to the Juliette Low World Friendship Fund.

Year-End Reports: A group of forms filled out at the end of the year by Girl Scout Troop Leaders that cover the Girl Scout Troop’s finances, demographics, trips and activities throughout the year.

Year Pins: A recognition awarded yearly to Girl Scouts that represents each year in Girl Scouting. The color of the disc behind the star shows the Girl Scout level when it was received. There is also a ten (10) year pin for girls. Adults receive year pins or numerals which are given in increments of five (5) years.

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