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A Message from Kimberly Trueba: COVID-19 (Coronavirus)

February 11, 2021:

Girl Scouts,

Following Governor Sisolak’s announcement on Thursday, February 11, GSSNV is approving the following guidelines for in-person meetings and activities beginning on February 15

  • Public gatherings and events (including troop meetings and indoor and outdoor gatherings) are open to 100 individuals or 35% of fire code capacity.
  • If dividing girls into smaller groups for an activity, girls should be in groups of two to three girls.
  • If attending a large event, girls shall remain in their group for the duration of the event and limit contact with other troops.
  • Social distancing is to be maintained throughout the activity
  • Face masks are required to be worn throughout the activity.

Due to the changing nature of COVID-19, Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada’s 2021 cookie program will continue operate as contactless booths or limited contact locations. GSSNV will not be participating in or approving in-person cookie booths at retail or community partners such as Wal-Mart, Smith’s Food and Drug, etc.

Council staff is here to assist you! To keep the number of people in the office at a minimum, please schedule an appointment with council staff (including the council shop) by calling 702-385-3677 or by emailing customerservice@girlscoutsnv.org.

Thank you for all the work you do now and year-round for Girl Scouts and for navigating the pandemic with us.

For more information, please refer to the GSSNV Covid-19 guidance page.

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Kimberly Trueba

CEO

Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada

Previous COVID-19 statements: 

3.9.20 - COVID-19 statement

March 9, 2020:

As we continue to follow the developments of COVID-19 (coronavirus), I want to ensure our girl and adult members, volunteers, parents, and caregivers that the safety and wellbeing of our members is always our top priority. The GSSNV leadership team and board of directors is closely monitoring the recommendations set forth by the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) and the school districts we serve. 

While the immediate risk from the virus to the general public in Southern Nevada and the United States remains low at this time, the SNHD recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing­­ your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place.
  • If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • To the extent possible, avoid touching high-touch surfaces in public places – elevator buttons, door handles, handrails, handshaking with people, etc. Use a tissue or your sleeve to cover your hand or finger if you must touch something.
  • Wash your hands after touching surfaces in public places.
  • Avoid touching your face, nose, eyes, etc.
  • Clean and disinfect your home to remove germs: practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces (for example: tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks & cell phones).
  • Avoid crowds, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.

At this time, we do not have plans to cancel our upcoming events including STEAM Break Camp, Rock the Dam, Highest Awards Ceremony, and additional trips and travel. However, we will continue to evaluate the situation and make changes as we deem necessary for the safety of our members and council staff. 

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Kimberly Trueba

CEO

3.12.20 - COVID-19 statement

March 12, 2020:

Following today’s announcement by CCSDGSSNV is canceling all council-sponsored programs, property reservations, trainings, and activities scheduled through March 31, 2020. The closure incudes the cancellation of external partner events, council in-person trainings, and events held at Frias Frontier. GSSNV will offer refunds to all cancelled programs through March 31 within 30 days.

Out of an abundance of caution and for the safety of council staff and our girl and adult members, beginning Friday, March 13, 2020, the council office and shop are closed to external visitors and meetings. 

Following today’s announcement by CCSD, GSSNV is requiring troops to suspend all in-person meetings and partner events through March 31.

We are currently evaluating events beyond March 31. At this time, we do not have plans to cancel STEAM Break Camp, Rock the Dam, Highest Awards Ceremony, and additional trips and travel. However, we will continue to evaluate the situation and make changes as we deem necessary for the safety of our members and council staff. 

While this is certainly a shift in normal Girl Scout operations, we encourage our Troop Leaders, volunteers, and girls to lead the only way Girl Scouts can! 

Girls need community now more than ever. Here are a few ideas to make the best use of this unique societal experience:

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Kimberly Trueba
CEO 

3.16.20 - COVID-19 statement

March 16, 2020:

As we all work together to flatten the curve of COVID-19 (coronavirus), we have made additional adjustments to protect council staff and our members. Following the announcement by CCSD and The President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America, GSSNV is canceling all council-sponsored programs, property reservations, trainings, and activities scheduled through April 13, 2020. (updated from original date of March 31, 2020). As of Friday, March 13, the council office and shop are closed to external visitors and meetings through April 13, 2020.

On Tuesday, March 17, all GSSNV staff will move to an electronic working environment. While we will not be in the office, we are here to support you!

We encourage you to reach out to us in the following ways:

Phone: 702-385-3677

Email: customerservice@girlscoutsnv.org

Facebook: facebook.com/girlscoutsnv

Twitter: twitter.com/girlscoutsnv

Instagram: instagram.com/girlscoutsnv

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/girlscoutsnv

YouTube: youtube.com/girlscoutsnv

We know this new, temporary normal can be a confusing time for young minds and can be frustrating for parents who had a spring planned full of events. At GSSNV, we want to be a resource for creative tools and inspiration for both our girls and adults.

Girls need community now more than ever. Here are a few ideas to make the best use of this unique societal experience:

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Kimberly Trueba
CEO 
Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada 

4.2.20 - COVID-19 statement

April 2, 2020:

Happy National Volunteer Month! This may not seem like a time for celebration, but I want to say thank you to each and every one of you for being volunteers in all aspects of life right now.

As we continue to practice social distancing and getting used to our new, temporary normal, I want to provide a few updates:

  • Based on Governor Sisolak’s extended stay at home directive, the Council office and shop will be closed through Thursday, April 30. GSSNV is requiring troops to suspend all in-person meetings and partner events through April 30.
  • April is National Volunteer Month and you can spotlight your fellow volunteers all month long on GSSNV social media channels here.
  • Visit the GSSNV COVID-19 Resources page. This is updated almost daily with videos, virtual activities, event announcements/postponements, and more.
  • Live Chat with us! Have a question? Use the live chat feature at the bottom of our website to stay in touch with us M-F from 9-5.
  • Need something from the council shop? Call Teresa at 702-385-3677 on T and Th from 9am  - 1pm to place orders, pay by credit card, and your order will be shipped for free!

Until we’re back in the office, we encourage you to reach out to us in the following ways:

Phone: 702-385-3677

Live Chat: girlscoutsnv.org

Email: customerservice@girlscoutsnv.org

Facebook: facebook.com/girlscoutsnv

Twitter: twitter.com/girlscoutsnv

Instagram: instagram.com/girlscoutsnv

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/girlscoutsnv

YouTube: youtube.com/girlscoutsnv

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Kimberly Trueba
CEO 
Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada 

4.9.20 - COVID-19 statement

April 9, 2020:

To Our Girl Scout Family,

On March 12, following the announcement by CCSD to cancel after school activities, GSSNV heeded the call for social distancing by canceling all council-sponsored programs, property reservations, trainings, activities, and external partner events through March 31, 2020 (recently extended to April 30, 2020 by Governor Steve Sisolak). For the safety of council staff and our girl and adult members, we also closed the council office and shop to external visitors and meetings and required troops to suspend all in-person meetings and partner events.

On March 16, council staff transitioned to working remotely and within a few days we launched “Girl Scouts at Home,” a dedicated resource page with ideas, links, and activities to keep girls engaged. This week, we launched the “Stay Home for Nevada” Bingo card and fun patch. We continue to highlight our amazing volunteers and sharing all of the wonderful activities the girls are doing from home. It has truly been remarkable how our staff stepped into action to provide virtual connection to Girl Scouting and connectivity in a time of grief and uncertainty.

While we cannot predict the future, we must plan accordingly to ensure the long term sustainability of the council.  With guidance from many resources, including  the GSSNV Finance Committee, we have made the incredibly difficult decision of taking necessary steps to protect our limited resources and ensure the financial future of our council.

Today, GSSNV announces its decision to implement a temporary furlough of staff positions most impacted by our inability to directly deliver programs to girls and volunteers in our schools and communities. The GSSNV leadership and management teams are also taking temporary pay reductions.

This decision was not made lightly. We value our staff and all they bring to our council. This decision, along with a commitment to significantly reduce expenses, provides us with a window of time in which to analyze our financial outlook and implement innovative approaches to our delivery model. We will continue to work closely with our financial institutions to apply for all applicable stimulus relief, including pursuing relief under the CARES Act with applications under review for the Payroll Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

Girls need community and connection now more than ever before. As we’ve demonstrated for over 108 years, we will navigate the impact and difficulties of COVID-19, as we always have. With courage, confidence, and character. Like Girl Scouts.

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Kimberly Trueba
CEO 
Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada 

5.1.20 - COVID-19 statement

May 1, 2020:

Due to the evolving nature of COVID-19 and social distancing updates from Governor Sisolak, we have decided to extend the GSSNV office and shop closure and the suspension of all in-person troop meetings and activities until further notice. We will communicate to all members once we know for certain that in-person activities can resume.

Until then, keep Girl Scouting going!

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Kimberly Trueba
CEO 
Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada 

7.8.20 - COVID-19 statement

July 8, 2020

Dear Girl Scout members,

Out of an abundance of caution, we are informing you that we have learned that one of our treasured GSSNV staff members has tested positive for COVID-19. They are currently at home in quarantine and we are working with the Southern Nevada Health District to collect as much information as possible. Our thoughts go out to this member of our Girl Scout family, and we ask that their privacy please be respected during this difficult time for their family and our council.

These are the details that we currently have about their involvement with Girl Scouts: Based on interviews and staff checking, the staff member did not have interaction with Girl Scout members or volunteers.  

We are supporting our staff member in all ways practical and thank them for their communications and cooperation and their appropriate efforts to aid the Girl Scouts’ broader health as soon as possible. We wish to emphasize that they notified their direct contacts right away.

Please know that we are following all public health guidelines to ensure we have contained their exposure. We are sharing this with our Girl Scout members to ensure that you have all of the information you need to safeguard your health and that of your family.

Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada takes the health and well-being of our girls, volunteers, employees, and families very seriously.

Our staff continues to support members virtually by phone at 702-385-3677, email at customerservice@girlscoutsnv.org and via Live Chat.

We would like to make you aware of the following links to health resources:

·      Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD)

·      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

·      World Health Organization (WHO)

We are all working together, inside Girl Scouting and outside it, to do all we can to protect and support each other.

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Kimberly Trueba,

CEO

Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada 

11.11.20 - COVID-19 statement

November 11, 2020:

Girl Scouts,

Following Governor Sisolak’s "Stay at Home 2.0" recommendation on Tuesday, November 10, GSSNV is postponing council-sponsored programs, property reservations, trainings, and activities scheduled through November 30, 2020. The postponement incudes partner events, council in-person trainings, and Girl Scout events held at Frias Frontier. GSSNV will offer refunds within 30 days for all postponed programs through November 30.

Following the "Stay at Home 2.0" recommendation, GSSNV is asking troops to suspend all in-person meetings and partner events through November 30.

Council staff is here to assist you virtually! To keep the number of people in the office at a minimum, please schedule an appointment with council staff (including the council shop) by calling 702-385-3677 or by emailing customerservice@girlscoutsnv.org.

Looking for something fun to do with your Girl Scout while you’re at home?

Let’s work together to #stopthespread and keep Nevada healthy.

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Kimberly Trueba
CEO 
Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada 

11.23.20 - COVID-19 statement

November 23, 2020:

Girl Scouts,

Following Governor Sisolak’s statewide pause issued on Sunday, November 22, GSSNV is postponing in-person council-sponsored programs, property reservations, trainings, and activities scheduled through December 15, 2020. The postponement incudes partner events, council in-person trainings, and Girl Scout events held at Frias Frontier. GSSNV will offer refunds within 30 days for all postponed programs through December 15.

Following the statewide pause, GSSNV is asking troops to also suspend all in-person meetings and partner events through December 15. We encourage troops to continue meeting virtually. We will send an update following the next announcement by Governor Sisolak.       

Council staff is here to assist you virtually! To keep the number of people in the office at a minimum, please schedule an appointment with council staff (including the council shop) by calling 702-385-3677 or by emailing customerservice@girlscoutsnv.org.

Looking for something fun to do with your Girl Scout while you’re at home?

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Kimberly Trueba
CEO 
Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada 

12.14.20 - COVID-19 statement

December 14, 2020:

Girl Scouts,

Following Governor Sisolak’s extension of the statewide pause issued on Sunday, December 13, GSSNV is postponing in-person council-sponsored programs, property reservations, trainings, and activities scheduled through January 15, 2021. The postponement incudes partner events, council in-person trainings, and Girl Scout events held at Frias Frontier.

Following the statewide pause, GSSNV is asking troops to also suspend all in-person meetings and partner events through January 15, 2021. We encourage troops to continue meeting virtually. We will send an update following the next announcement by Governor Sisolak.       

Council staff is here to assist you virtually! To keep the number of people in the office at a minimum, please schedule an appointment with council staff (including the council shop) by calling 702-385-3677 or by emailing customerservice@girlscoutsnv.org. A friendly reminder that the office and shop will be closed December 24 – January 3 for winter break.

Looking for something fun to do with your Girl Scout while you’re at home?

  • Color Flat Juliette Gordon Low and tag #gssnv on all social media channels.
  • Order a Paint-at-Home Ornament Kit from All Fired Up!
  • Donate coats and blankets now through December 18.
  • Participate in at-home activities led by GSSNV council staff.
  • Recruit more friends to your troop through the “Green on Ice” membership drive (November 19 – January 4).

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Kimberly Trueba
CEO 
Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada 

1.11.21 - COVID-19 statement

January 11, 2021:

Girl Scouts,

Following Governor Sisolak’s extension of the statewide pause issued on Tuesday, January 11, GSSNV is postponing in-person council-sponsored programs, property reservations, trainings, and activities scheduled through February 11, 2021. The postponement incudes partner events, council in-person trainings, and Girl Scout events held at Frias Frontier.

Following the statewide pause, GSSNV is asking troops to also suspend all in-person meetings and partner events through February 11, 2021. We encourage troops to continue meeting virtually. We will send an update following the next announcement by Governor Sisolak.       

Council staff is here to assist you virtually! To keep the number of people in the office at a minimum, please schedule an appointment with council staff (including the council shop) by calling 702-385-3677 or by emailing customerservice@girlscoutsnv.org

Looking for something fun to do with your Girl Scout while you’re at home?

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Kimberly Trueba
CEO 
Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada