QUICK LINKS TO CHAPTERS: TABLE OF CONTENTS | NAVIGATION | QUICK START GUIDE| ABOUT GSNorCal | VOLUNTEERING | GIRL SCOUT PROGRAM | GIRLS & ADULTS | SAFETY-WISE | MONEY | BIENVENIDO (en Español) | GLOSSARY |

Quick Links to ABOUT GSNorCal Chapter Topics: Your Council | Office & Retail Locations | Property & Rental Information | Publications | Reporting Concerns | Staff | Governance & Operations |

YOUR COUNCIL - GSNorCal

Girl Scouts of Northern California council serves approximately 41,060 girls and 29,000 adult members in 19 counties in Northern California which include: Alameda, Butte, Contra Costa, Del Norte, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Mateo, Shasta, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Tehama, and Trinity Counties. Each county is further divided into service units, smaller geographic regions in which our communities participate in Girl Scouting together. GSNorCal is the fourth largest council in the country, and we are viewed as leaders by other councils.

Volunteers are welcome to visit whichever office, service center, or retail store is most convenient to them. Staff are assigned to work in offices according to the regional area they serve, but staff members in any office are eager to assist you.

All offices, service centers, and shops are closed on Thursdays. If you need to meet with a staff person on a Thursday, please make an appointment with them.

Please visit the GSNorCal website for hours for all offices, service centers, and stores: www.gsnorcal.org

We have 83 local service units to serve our 19 counties. Service units are led by local volunteers who will be able to assist and support you. Contact Member Services to find out which service unit you belong to. 1-800-447-4475 ext. 0 or info@gsnorcal.org

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OFFICE & RETAIL STORE LOCATIONS

Visit: www.gsnorcal.org for office and service center hours.
Field based staff are located throughout Northern California.
Contact Member Services to find out which Volunteer Development Manager serves your area.
800-447-4475 Ext 0, or info@gsnorcal.org
Retail Store Locations www.girlscoutshop.com/NORTHERN-CALIFORNIA-COUNCIL

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Greater Bay Area	North Central Area	North Coast Area	Redwoods Area
Alameda Office & Store 1650 Harbor Bay Pkwy Suite 100 Alameda, Ca 94502-3013 Phone: (510) 562-8470 or (800) 447-4475 Shop: (510) 562-8470 ext. 7093 Fax: (510) 633-7925 Shop@gsnorcal.org	Chico Office & Store 50 Landing Circle Chico, CA 95973 Phone: (530) 343-1904 or (800) 447-4475 Shop: (530) 343-1904 ext. 7097 Fax: (530) 343-6465 ShopChico@    gsnorcal.org	Santa Rosa Office & Store 4825 Old Redwood Hwy Santa Rosa, CA 95403 Phone: (707) 544-5472 or (800) 447-4475 Shop: (707) 544-5472 ext. 7091 Fax: (707) 544-5477 ShopSantaRosa@ gsnorcal.org	Eureka Office & Store 3203 T Street Eureka, CA 95503 Phone: (707) 443-6641 or (800) 447-4475 Shop: (707) 443-6641 ext. 7099 Fax: (707) 443-0496 ShopEureka@ gsnorcal.org
San Jose Office & Store 1310 S. Bascom Avenue San Jose, CA 95128-4502 Phone: (408) 287-4170 or (800) 447-4475 ext. 7096 Fax: (408) 287-8025 ShopSanJose@ gsnorcal.org	Redding Office & Store 1670 Market Street Suite 248 Redding, CA 96001 Phone: (530) 221-6180 or (800) 447-4475 Shop: (530) 221-6180 ext. 7098 Fax: (530) 221-5340 ShopRedding@ gsnorcal.org

Girl Scout stores offer more than just Girl Scout handbooks and clothing; they offer the latest information about what’s going on in Girl Scouting, from resource materials to membership and council news. With stores in San Jose, Alameda, Santa Rosa, Chico, Eureka, and Redding, it’s easy to get what you need at your local Girl Scout shop! You can also order uniforms, supplies, GSNorCal T-shirts, sweatshirts, patches, pins and more by mail or through our online store.

Order by Mail, Email, Fax or Phone:
Girl Scouts of Northern California Council Shop
1650 Harbor Bay Pkwy Suite 100, Alameda, CA 94502-3013
     Phone: (800) 447-4475 ext. 7090
     FAX: (510) 633-7925
     Email: Shop@gsnorcal.org

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PROPERTY & RENTAL INFO

Discover the fun of camping, overnights, or other group activities with your friends! Girl Scout groups can enjoy special and affordable getaways at one of the nineteen council camps and program centers located throughout northern California. At our program centers, spread out to do troop activities, try your hand at preparing a meal for a group or have a fun sleepover. At our camps, experience the adventure of outdoor cooking, sleeping in a cabin or tent, gazing at the stars or learning about nature. Each council site offers something unique, from charming houses and play areas to old growth redwoods and the Pacific coast; from urban walking paths to trails that have sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay!

Visit camp.gsnorcal.org/rentals for a rental directory, more information on rental sites and a link to online reservations.

Each rental property has a webpage with a summary of facilities, pricing, camp map, links to local attractions and a slide show featuring facilities, trails and landscape.
Reservations can be made online, by fax or by mail. Reservations cannot be taken over the phone. Mailed and faxed reservations may take two to three weeks to process.   

Fees are based on a tiered system:

1. GSNorCal groups
2. Other non-profit groups (including out-of-council Girl Scouts)

Questions? reservations@gsnorcal.org or call (800) 447-4475 ext. 2091

GSNorCal Property Overview

Program Centers:

A Girl's Place- Fairfield
Benicia Scout House*
Carlton Corners GS House- San Bruno
Livermore Cabin*
Lou Henry Hoover Program Center- Palo Alto
Hayward Cabin*
Rainbow's End Program Center- San Jose
Red Bluff Program Center*
Rohnert Park Scout Hut*
St. Helena Scout House*
* Program Centers reserved through local Service Unit or Office

Camps:
Arequipa- Fairfax
Bothin- Fairfax
Butano- Pescadero
Hidden Falls- Soquel
Ida Smith- San Francisco
Skylark Ranch- Davenport
Sugar Pine- Dorrington
Twin Canyon- Lafayette
Two Sentinels- Kirkwood (not reservable - summer camp use only)

Offices:
Alameda
Chico
Eureka
Redding
San Jose
Santa Rosa

Reservation Opening Dates/Process

Archery Course Rentals

Girls will develop a stronger sense of self by participating in archery of any level, 2nd grade and up. We offer two options for groups to choose from when renting the archery course at Camp Bothin, Skylark Ranch, or Twin Canyon. For both types of archery rentals, participating should be 2nd grade and up. For more information, including fee schedule: Visit camps.gsnorcal.org/rentals or contact registration@gsnorcal.org

Archery Range Rental Only

Reservations of the archery range and equipment only. Groups renting "range only" must provide their own certified archery instructor(s). Certification reviewed on site and during reservation process. 

Instructor-Facilitated Archery

Trained facilitator introduction to safety and basic archery skills. Participates will learn about the parts of the bow and arrow, proper mechanics, and have opportunity to shoot.

• Minimum age: 2nd grade
• Maximum number of partipants: 16 (1 group), 1 group per time slot
• Cost: $150 per group

Ropes Course Rentals 

We offer different options for groups to choose from when renting the ropes course at either Camp Bothin or Skylark Ranch. Unique opportunities are available to build teamwork with your group, develop climbing skills, participate in an individual challenge, and more through this ultimate high adventure activity!

Dynamic Course: High Elements  Participant is attached to a dynamic rope that passes through a pulley or karabiner above them and is kept tensioned by a belayer or belay team. Participants must be in 4th grade or higher.

Challenge Course: Low Elements An element for which safety is achieved through safe and effective spotting. Participants must be in 2nd grade or higher.

Static Course: Participant attaches themselves to various anchor points. This involves the use of a pair of karabiners, attached to the climbers harness with loops of webbing. Participants must be in 4th grade or higher.

Zip Line: Girls will develop courage and confidence in participants as they climb through the cargo nets and descend the zip line through the trees. Participants must be in 4th grade or higher.

For more information and fee information: camp.gsnorcal.org/rentals/book-a-facilitator or contact: registration@gsnorcal.org

Property Reservation FAQs

Q. Must I rent an entire site?
A. Smaller groups can plan their own special trips by renting unit areas within the larger site, and service units and large groups may rent entire campsites for their events. 

Q. May we exceed the stated capacities for sites?
A. No. Day use and overnight capacities at each site are based on several factors, including American Camping Association safety standards and may not be exceeded.

Q. Where can I find out what the rental fees are for properties?
A. Go to camp.gsnorcal.org/rentals/rent-a-property or email
registration@gsnorcal.org, or phone (800) 447-4475 ext. 2091

Q. How can I tell if the site is available for my desired dates?
A. Go to camp.gsnorcal.org/rentals/rent-a-property, email
registration@gsnorcal.org, or phone (800) 447-4475 ext. 2091

Q. How will I know if my reservation has been accepted?
A. Online reservations are confirmed at the time of reservation. Paper reservations are sent a confirmation within 5 business days if the site is available, or you will be informed that the site is not available for the dates requested.

Q. How do I reserve a ropes course?
A. Ropes course information can be found at camp.gsnorcal.org/rentals/book-a-facilitator or you can contact reservations@gsnorcal.org 

Q. How do I reserve an archery course?

A. Archery course information can be found at camp.gsnorcal.org/rentals/book-a-facilitator or you can contact registration@gsnorcal.org

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• Camp Brochure (camps.gsnorcal.org): This brochure houses all available programs for our resident summer camps - Bothin, Skylark Ranch, and Sugar Pine. The brochure is available online in October and is mailed to returning campers, troop leaders and Girl Scout families. 
• The Guide (gsnorcal.org/theguide): The Programs & Events Guide is GSNorCal's annual one-stop-shop for the year's council-run programs. The Guide is published every year in mid-to-late August and is mailed to every Girl Scout family and troop leader.
• The Trailhead (trailhead.gsnorcal.org): GSNorCal's troop leader and volunteer support blog. From quick and easy tips to fun and creative activity ideas, the Trailhead will provide you with exciting new content every Tuesday and Thursday that will help you on your leadership journey.
• GSNorCal websites

  • gsnorcal.org (Council website)
  • camp.gsnorcal.org (summer camp, rentals and troop camping website)
  • facebook.com/gsnorcal
  • twitter.com/gsnorcal
  • pinterest.com/gsnorcal
  • bit.ly/GSNorCalYouTube
  • instagram.com/gsnorcal/
    
• CEO Update: The electronic message from our council CEO, Marina Park, is sent to all registered adults. We publish all previous emails on our website at gsnorcal.org/publications.
• Volunteer Essentials (ve.gsnorcal.org): This online guide is a great resource for all questions related to Girl Scouting. We call it the encyclopedia to Girl Scout volunteering. The guide is fully digital, searchable and printable.
• GSNorCal Annual Report (gsnorcal.org/annualreport): Mailed and/or emailed to all donors and available on our council website

*To subscribe or unsubscribe from GSNorCal electronic mailings   www.gsnorcal.org/subscribe

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• Suspected fraud or questionable or improper accounting
• Abuse or misuse of the GSNorCal’s resources or assets
• Dishonest actions or deeds, including theft
• Suspected conflict of interest
• Experienced or awareness of harassment or discrimination of any kind
• Safety concerns, including child endangerment
• Violations or suspected violations of the Council’s policies
• Illegal activity
  

If you become aware of any of the above types of serious concerns, please report them to our Member Services Department at info@gsnorcal.org and we will direct them to the correct person for handling. 

If you want to report anonymously, call our confidential third-party automated telephone service, available 24/7 at TellGirlScoutsNorCal@getintouch.com or 877-767-7781.

Handling of Concerns All reports received will be treated seriously and investigated to the extent possible to determine the facts and circumstances. GSNorCal will contact the individual within five business days, if possible. It will not be possible to acknowledge receipt of anonymously submitted concerns. Actions taken by the Council will include follow-up with the complainant for complete closure.

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1 (800) 447-4475 ext. 0

info@gsnorcal.org

Much of our staff spends a great deal of time “in the field” away from their email or phones. Each Member Services Specialist has information at their fingertips via an extensive solutions database. In the unlikely event they are not able to answer your question, they will forward your inquiry to a staff person who can. Help is also available in Spanish.

Our friendly Member Services staff can help you with your needs and questions including:

• Any questions about Girl Scout Programming
• Adult background check process or status
• Online membership registration and renewal
• Troop Banking
• The Guide (formerly Program and Event Guide): program event information and registration
• Camp information and registration
• Property information and reservations
• Online and In-person adult learning course information and registration
  

Here is an alphabetical listing of other departments within GSNorCal:

Camp and Adventure: Responsible for the summer council-run and volunteer-run Day and Resident Camps. If your service unit or region is interested in or is running a camp, Camps and Adventures can assist and support you. They are also responsible for the operation of our ropes courses and school-year outdoor experience programming. Visit camp.gsnorcal.org for more information.

eLearning: Responsible for creating and maintaining e-learning modules for volunteers, including fall and cookie product training. 

Finance: Responsible for paying the bills and keeping track of our income, as well as managing the reporting process for grant projects.

Fund Development: Responsible for soliciting grants and individual gifts to support our girl program. If you plan to solicit donations of goods, services, or funds, you should check with our Fund Development Department before doing so. They can assist you with solicitation and/or acknowledgement letters and ensure that donations are tax deductible for your donors. (info@gsnorcal.org)

Human Resources: Responsible for administering employment processes, including job posting, recruiting, and performance evaluation systems, as well as managing employee on-boarding and benefits. They are also responsible for employee relations programs such as diversity, health and safety and employee policies and procedures. 

Marketing/Communications (MarComm): Responsible for recruitment of new members, as well as all interaction with print, radio, or television media. They also produce The Trailhead, Volunteer View and other communication pieces. If you’ve been approached by the media, or would like to place articles in your local media, MarComm can help.

Product Program: Responsible for our two largest girl programs, focused on financial literacy and entrepreneurship. The Product Program Department supports volunteers and girls in achieving their goals through the Fall Product and Cookie programs, both providing exceptional opportunities for girls to develop life skills, such as leadership, teamwork and commitment, along with business skills in marketing, project management and budgeting. 

Program: Responsible for ensuring that all girls in GSNorCal have the benefit of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE). Program staff partner with service units to deliver program opportunities for girls, manage council-run events offered in the Guide, (formerly The Program and Event Guide), oversee girl awards, run girl training courses and in-person adult learning courses, and supply Green by Nature (environmental) and Girls Go Tech (science, technology, engineering, & math) program boxes. Staff also serve girls directly through Discover Together (a program for girls in low-income communities), Got Choices (a program for girls involved with the juvenile justice system), and Daughters of Farm Workers (a program for girls and their families in migrant communities).

Property: Responsible for maintaining GSNorCal’s nineteen properties (council camps and program centers). If you rent any of our camp properties, you will meet our friendly site managers.

Retail Stores: Responsible for running our retail stores in the Alameda, Chico, Eureka, Redding, San Jose, and Santa Rosa office locations. They also bring mini-stores to major events in the council. Shop online anytime: www.girlscoutshop.com/NORTHERN-CALIFORNIA-COUNCIL

Risk Management: Responsible for trip and high adventure approval process, management of the Volunteer Essentials, purchase of additional insurance for members/non-members, management of the high-adventure approved vendor list, signing agreements and contracts, fulfillment of Certificate of Insurance (COI) request, forms creation and editing, and management of the Safety Activity Checkpoints. Contact Insurance@gsnorcal.org for any insurance or policy questions. Contact travel@gsnorcal.org for trip or adventure planning questions.  

Volunteer Experience: Responsible for supporting members and volunteer recognition. Your local Volunteer Development Manager (VDM) or Membership Manager (MM) can assist with many basic questions or can help you find who can. They support the volunteer teams that provide services to leaders and girls in local areas and attend Service Unit Team and Leader meetings.

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Two categories of decisions are made in the Girl Scout organization - governance decisions and operational decisions. Both types of decisions are based on the belief that members should have a voice in major decisions that will have an effect on all or a large part of the membership.

Governance

Governance decisions are broad policy decisions made by the Board of Directors to provide stability within the council and to give direction for the way Girl Scouting is implemented in the council jurisdiction. Governance decisions relate to strategic planning, fund development, fiduciary oversight, selection and evaluation of the Chief Executive Officer, and organizational performance appraisal.

• Service Unit Delegates
  Service Unit Delegates give input to the Board of strategic priorities, attend our council's annual meeting, vote on amendments to our Council Bylaws and elect the Board of Directors, Board Development Committee and National Delegates and Alternate Delegates to the National Council of GSUSA. Service Unit Delegates are elected by members 14 years or older in the Service Unit they are representing. Both adults and girls, 14 or older, may serve as Service Unit Delegates. Nominations are open each year in October. Visit our Volunteer Learning Portal for information about the Service Unit Delegate position. www.training.gsnorcal.org
  
• Delegates-at-Large
  Delegates-at-Large have the same responsibilities as Service Unit Delegates, but they represent constituent groups established by the council that are not Service Units. The Board appoints Delegates-at-Large, who can be adult or girl members. Visit our Volunteer Learning Portal for information about the Delegate-at-Large position.
  
• Board of Directors
  The Board of Directors are volunteers who are nominated by the Board Development Committee, a group of volunteers who take great care to make sure that the Board of Directors represent the council geographically and demographically. The Board sets the strategic direction and goals for the council. They are responsible for setting policies, fiduciary oversight, ensuring compliance with GSUSA charter requirements, oversight of the management of the organization and review of the CEO. The Board also supports fund raising efforts and opens doors to resources in the community.

• National Delegates 
  National Delegates represent the council at the National Council Session and convention held every three years. They gather input and vote on proposals that impact Girl Scouting across the country. They also elect the National Board of Directors and Board Development Committee.
  

• Visit the council website for more information about our Board of Directors, National Delegates, Service Unit Delegates and Delegates-at-Large www.GSNorCal.org/en/our-council/leadership/board-ceo.html
  

Operations

Operational decisions relate to annual planning, budgeting, the selection, placement, and supervision of operational volunteers and staff, the development of systems to ensure the effective delivery of Girl Scout program to all girls within
the jurisdiction, oversight of fiscal and physical resources, and the implementation of policies and standards established by the Board of Directors.

Operational decisions are made by the Chief Executive Officer and are concerned with the organization and management of all operational work within the framework of the council’s goals. They are based on governance decisions made by the Board of Directors, as well as reflecting input from volunteers and staff who bring ideas from their experience.

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