GSWPA websites are getting a makeover!

By now, we hope you've heard about the new Customer Engagement Initiative and Volunteer Toolkit to be launched this summer. But, we haven't talked much about the other major piece to this project: the website! Yes, gswpa.org is getting a complete makeover, including a new design, navigation and functionality, all geared toward making the site more user-friendly, particularly for potential members. Some of the new site features will include:  an events calendar with advanced search capabilities and a convenient calendar view;  a searchable forms tool that will allow users to easily find forms and files;  banner ads throughout the site to promote seasonal initiatives; and a mobile-friendly design so it can be easily navigated on any device. (Nearly one-third of our site visits come from a mobile device, so this is a much-needed improvement!) Want to see what our site will look like? Check out a few examples from other councils that have already moved over to the new platform, including West Central Florida, North Carolina Coastal Pines and Eastern Oklahoma. The website migration will begin in mid-April, with the new site expected to launch in late-May. Stay tuned for more updates and feel free to contact us with any questions. Online Shop Makeover, too! A few weeks after our website gets a makeover, it's the online shop's turn in June! Our online shop will be managed by GSUSA. GSUSA will process all online orders and ship them directly from their NJ distribution warehouse. Customers can still purchase GSWPA merchandise online and those items will be shipped directly from GSWPA. This will reduce council operating costs (inventory, freight, data hosting, mailing supplies, and postage). This will offer an improved 24/7 online and mobile shopping experience. This conversion will help us to maintain consistent branding, pricing, and a full assortment of merchandise with GSUSA. We'll provide you with more information next month. In the meantime, let us know if you have any questions!

Girl Scouts race to victory in Warren

Girl Scouts were ready to roll at the annual Powder Puff Derby at the Warren Mall, March 18-20. Two hundred girls raced the cars they created from blocks of wood as friends, family and sister Girl Scouts cheered them on.

This annual event—which is a favorite among local Girl Scouts—teaches girls important skills in design, collaboration, sportsmanship and teamwork.

Trophies were awarded for the top three finishers in each category.

Well done, Girl Scouts!

And the winners are…

Daisy winners

Angel Beaver (3rd), Catherine Reynolds (2nd) and Kate Shippee (1st)

Brownie first night winners

Madison Carnahan(1st), Allyson Johnson (2nd) and and Grace Hobbs (3rd)

Brownie second night winners

Kyli Thom (1st), Addyson Hannold (2nd) and Paige Penley (3rd)

Junior, Cadette, Senior, Ambassador night winners

Elyse Rylance (3rd), Abagaile Powell (2nd) and Lexis Drukenbroo (1st)