THINKING DAY IS FEBRUARY 22!
The theme for World Thinking Day 2011 is girls worldwide say “empowering girls will change our world.”World Thinking Day not only gives girls a chance to celebrate international friendships, but is also a reminder that Girl Scouts of the USA is part of a global community—one of nearly 150 countries with Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.  WAGGGS selected five countries of focus for World Thinking Day 2011 to represent the five WAGGGS regions:  Bolivia (Western Hemisphere), Cyprus (Europe), Democratic Republic of Congo (Africa), Nepal (Asia/Pacific), Yemen (Arab Region). 
— PURCHASE 2011 Thinking Day patch

February 22 is the joint birthday of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell. Lord Baden-Powell is the founder of the Boy Scout Movement. He asked his sister Agnes to begin a program for girls, after the appearance of many girls at an event at London’s Crystal Palace, who announced that they were “Scouts.”

On Thinking Day, the girls are to think about other Girl Scouts and Girl Guides around the world. Girls can receive their WORLD TREFOIL PIN (at left) on Thinking Day, if they haven’t received them already.

Some Thinking Day links:
— World Thinking Day (GSUSA site)
— World Thinking Day (WAGGGS site)
— ScoutingWeb.com
— International postcard exchange

MARIN DEL CENTRO CAMPOREE 2011
Greek Myths, Goddesses and Games
Friday - Sunday, May 20-22, 2011
MARIN DEL CENTRO will hold a Camporee this year!
— MORE information (public)
— MORE information (members only)

BE A SUPER TROOP!
MARIN DEL CENTRO has a Super Troop patch program, which encourages and recognizes troops that complete a well-rounded Girl Scout program, rich in traditions.
— MORE information about the Super Troop Program
— GET Super Troop Worksheet (pdf)

TRIP FAQs
ARE you planning a trip and are unsure about what forms need to be submitted and to whom? This handy set of FAQs and accompanying map will help you through the requirements.
— GET Trip FAQs & map (pdf)
— GET Crisis Management Plan (pdf)

For Council activities,
check the Council Calendar
or the “CHOICES” Activity Guide

MORE fun events:

Badge Bonanza!
- Sat, Jan. 22, 2011, 10am - 2pm
West Portal Lutheran Church, San Francisc
Who: Girls grades 4-5
Cost: $20.00 per girl; $10.00 per adult
Registration closes: Jan. 10, 2011 [REGISTER ONLINE]

Zoo Fun: Wild Night - Wildlife Badge at the SF Zoo
- Sat, Jan. 29, 2011, 5:30pm - Sun, Jan. 30, 2011, 10am (overnight)
San Francisco Zoo, San Francisco
Who: Girls grades 4-5
Cost: $58.00 per person
Registration: Contact San Francisco Zoo at scouts@sfzoo.org 

Zoo Fun: Twilight Keeper Caper at the SF Zoo
- Sat, Jan. 29, 2011, 4pm - 6:30pm
San Francisco Zoo, San Francisco
Who: Girls grades 2-3
Cost: $28.00 per person (one adult free for every 5 girls)
Registration: Contact San Francisco Zoo at scouts@sfzoo.org 

GBN: In the Bay Interest Project Sleepover
- Sat, Jan. 29, 2011, 7:30pm - Sun, Jan. 30, 2011, 9am (overnight)
Aquarium of the Bay, San Francisco
Who: Girls grades 6-12
Cost: $64.00 per person (includes late night snack)
Registration closes: Jan. 15, 2011 [REGISTER ONLINE]

San Francisco Ballet's Giselle
- Sat, Jan. 29, 2011, 8pm - 10:30pm
- Fri, Feb. 4, 2011, 8pm - 10:30pm
- Sat, Feb. 12, 2011, 2pm - 4:30pm
War Memorial Opera House, San Francisco
Cost: $56.00 per person for Balcony Circle or Dress Circle
Registration: Call San Francisco Ballet at (415) 865-6785, or email grpsales@sfballet.org. For more information visit www.sfballet.org/girlscouts

COUNCIL EVENTS coming soon to Marin
FOR MORE INFORMATION and to register online: www.girlscoutsnorcal.org/pages/events/choices.html
OR DOWNLOAD the 68-page 2010-2011 Choices Activity Guide (pdf - be patient)

GSSTB: SALMON HABITAT RESTORATION
Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011 • 10am-2pm
Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011 • 10am-2pm
Laguinitas Creek
This is a hands-on opportunity to help salmon survive. You will get to repair banks, remove invasive species, and plant trees, shrubs and grasses. Get up close and personal with the lovely willow, the sturdy young oak, protective dogwood! This event is hosted by the Salmon Protection and Watershed Network.
Who: Girls grades K-12
Cost: $6 per girl; $6 per adult; includes participatation patch
Registration closes: Dec. 25, 2010 [REGISTER ONLINE - Jan. 8]
Registration closes: Jan. 29, 2011 [REGISTER ONLINE - Feb. 12]

MARINE MAMMAL BABIES
Sat, Jan. 22, 2011 • 10am-noon & 12:30-2:30pm
Marine Mammal Center
Visit the Marine Mammal Center at the Marin Headlands to learn about Elephant Seals. Activities include games to experience what it must be like to be a elephant seal pup and face the daily dangers of life. Then go on a tour of facility which functions as an animal hospital to our local marine mammals. Other sessions may be available.
Who: Girls grades 2-3
Cost: $15 per child; $7 per adult. Includes participation patch.
Registration closes: Jan. 8, 2011 [REGISTER ONLINE - morning]
Registration closes: Jan. 8, 2011 [REGISTER ONLINE - afternoon]

SELF DEFENSE 101
Sat, Jan. 29, 2011 • 3:00-5:00pm
United Studios of Self Defense, San Anselmo & San Rafael
Do you think karate is cool, and you would like to learn some sweet defense moves? If so, here is a unique opportunity for you to try something new! It is time to be safe and be strong! Learn how to be safe in the everyday world by participating in this fun and exciting self-defense class. Using hands-on exercises, you will be transformed into a confident, powerful girl to be reckoned with! Moms: This FUN, positive class is geared towards building self-confidence and empowerment for girls. Every girl should experience this event.
Who: Girls grades 3-6
Cost: $15 per girl; FREE for adults (limit of 1 adult per 4 girls). Includes participation patch.
Registration closes: Jan. 15, 2011 [REGISTER ONLINE - San Anselmo]
Registration closes: Jan. 15, 2011 [REGISTER ONLINE - San Rafael]

BE PREPARED: First Aid for Girls
Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011 • 1:30-4:30pm
American Red Cross, San Rafael
Picture it…You are walking through the park when the ground begins to shake! Do you know what to do? What if you have a minor cut on your hand? If you are unsure then you have to join us at this special event hosted by the American Red Cross in learning First Aid Training and Emergency Preparedness! The class is designed to teach you basic first aid, safety skills, how to recognize dangerous situations, and how to respond to them. This event is a must for everyone!
Who: Girls grades K-3
Cost: $7.50 per girl; FREE for adults. includes participatation patch
Registration closes: January 29, 2011. [REGISTER ONLINE]

OUTDOOR HOSTEL ADVENTURE
Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011 • 10:30am-3:30pm
Marin Headlands Hostel
Come explore the unique environment of the Marin Headlands. Discover black-tail deer, red tail hawks, and river otters in the wild.  Trained naturalists will lead a variety of outdoor challenges, environmental activities, and group games.  Bring a wholesome bag lunch, water bottle, backpack, comfortable shoes for hiking, and warm layers.
Who: Girls grades 3-6
Cost: $20 per person; patch not included
Registration: Call Hostelling International, Golden Gate Council (415) 863-1444 x302 or email info@hosteladventures.org

CLUES IN THE CITY: SF Scavenger Hunt
Sat, Feb. 26, 2011 • 9am - 7pm
Larkspur Ferry, Larkspur (& San Francisco)
Using alternative transportation, such as BART, the bus, a ferry boat or a cable car, you will make your way around San Francisco to collect clues for this awesome Scavenger Hunt! I hope you are very clever because these clues are tricky! Meet at the Larkspur Ferry Terminal where teams will be formed and then spend the day in the city. The items you collect will be at no cost to you. Relax on the ferry back to Larkspur and then we’ll compare items, eat pizza and lavish prizes on the winning teams. Fee includes transportation costs, starting & ending with the ferry. Girls must bring their own sack lunch or money to eat out. This can be a troop event or for individual girls with adult supervision. Teams will consist of 3-4 girls and at least one adult.
Who: Girls grades 8-10
Cost: $35 per girl; $35 per adult. No patch.
Registration closes: Feb. 12, 2011 [REGISTER ONLINE]

INTRODUCE A GIRL TO ENGINEERING DAY
Sat, Feb. 26, 2011 • 10am - 2pm
Agilent Technologies, Santa Rosa
To celebrate National Engineers’ week, Agilent Technologies hosts this opportunity to learn what engineering is about, participate in fun hands-on activities and win prizes. Girls talk to working engineers about their projects and experiences and find out about school organizations that promote engineering. Lunch is provided
Who: Girls grades 8-10
Cost: FREE
Registration closes: Feb. 12, 2011 [REGISTER ONLINE]