Council Program FAQs

What is GSNEO council-sponsored programming?

GSNEO provides council-sponsored programming in an effort to supplement the Girl Scout experience for all registered girl members of GSNEO. These programs are designed to expand a girl's world so she can discover more about herself, connect to other Girl Scouts, and take action.

Who may participate in GSNEO-sponsored programming?

Any registered Girl Scout of GSNEO may participate in council-sponsored programming that is designed for her appropriate age level as noted in the program description. Girls who are not currently registered as Girl Scouts may register by submitting the $12 Girl Scouts of the USA membership fee, in addition to the program fee.

Girls not of the appropriate age level, boys, and any non-registered member will not be allowed to participate in council-sponsored programming.

An exception to this is any program considered a family event such as those at Playhouse Square and E.J. Thomas Hall.

May girls attend a program without a troop?

Yes! Girls who are not registered with a troop, or a girl who wishes to attend a program without her troop may do so. A girl must turn in a Girl Scout parent permission form, along with her medical history form, upon arrival at the event. In some cases, a parent/guardian might be asked to stay with the girl in order to meet our adult/girl ratio requirements.

Are adults supposed to attend programs?

At least two registered Girl Scout adult members must accompany a troop or group of girls participating in a GSNEO program.

Due to space limitations, adult participation may be limited to just the number of adults needed to meet the requirements for adult supervision. Adults only need to pay if participation is noted.

Are programs open to members with special needs?

GSNEO strives to offer program opportunities for all girls. If your girl has special needs, please contact your Program Specialist in advance to determine if the appropriate accommodations can be made so she may participate safely in the program. Reasonable accommodations shall be made for girls with disabilities to ensure that as many girls as possible have access to activities.

How do I register and pay for GSNEO council-sponsored programming?

Please submit the GSNEO program registration form and the GSNEO payment form found in the back of Faces & Places to any GSNEO Service Center by mail, fax or in person. Registrations will be processed in order of date and time received. You may submit your registration via mail, fax, or in person. No phone or email registrations will be taken at this time. Payment is due at the time of registration. Cash, check, money order, or credit card will be accepted. All adults attending a program must register and pay the applicable program fee. If applying for financial assistance, please submit the GSNEO financial assistance form in lieu of payment.

When can I register for a GSNEO council-sponsored program?

All programs conducted by GSNEO will open for registration eight (8) weeks prior to the date of the program and will close ten (10) business days prior to the date of the program. You will find the open and close dates listed with each program online and next to the program description in Faces & Places.

Is there financial assistance available for GSNEO council-sponsored programming?

Financial assistance for GSNEO-sponsored programming is limited. If applying for financial assistance, please complete the GSNEO financial assistance form found in the back of Faces & Places. Financial assistance applications must be received TWO WEEKS PRIOR to the program registration close date.

How can my troop earn money for program fees, field trips, supplies, etc.?

The two council-sponsored product sales include the Fall Product Sale (magazines, candy & nuts) and the Cookie Sale. Troops earn profit and girls earn incentives for participation while also funding all Girl Scout programming in Northeast Ohio.

Additionally, troops may participate in council-approved money-earning activities in which the troop is the sole beneficiary of the profit after they have supported GSNEO through participation in both council-sponsored product sales.

How do we get approved to do a money-earning activity?

The money-earning project request form is available under forms on www.gsneo.org and should be submitted to the Director of Business Services at least 4 weeks prior to the requested start date.

What are some examples of projects troops can do for money-earning?

All money-earning activities must be appropriate for the age level and comply with state and local laws regulating sales by minors, food handling, etc. and may not be conducted on the internet. Acceptable money-earning projects include those where the girls are making an item to sell or providing a service. Examples of APPROVED activities include: bake sale, car wash, gift wrapping, babysitting.

Participation in product demonstration parties, raffles, drawings, games of chance, the direct solicitation of cash, and the sale or endorsement of commercial products or businesses is prohibited. Examples of NON-APPROVED activities include: Tupperware; promoting a business to receive a percentage of their sales; selling event tickets or coupons; reselling a product purchased such as candy bars, cans of pop or t-shirts.

Can I use my Pathway Pass on these programs?

Pathway Pass credits may be applied to all programs indicated online and marked with a flag in Faces & Places. When registering for the program, be sure to indicate your Pathway Pass amounts in the space provided online or on the program registration form, located in the back of Faces & Places.

Will I receive confirmation that we are registered for GSNEO council-sponsored programming?

Yes, registration confirmation will be sent (either via email or postal mail) once your registration has been processed. The confirmation will include program- specific information, including fees paid, number of participants registered, and any items needed for the program.

What will I need on the day of the program?

Please bring the following items with you:

• Program confirmation
• Girl permission slips
• Girl and adult health forms
• Troop roster
• Photo/Video Release forms

What are the cancellation/refund and change policies?

A full refund (including your deposit) will be given ONLY if the registered program is cancelled or has reached capacity.

A partial refund will be given for medical or family emergencies that prevent a member from attending the program. No prorated refund will be given if a member leaves the program early.

To receive a refund, a written request must be submitted with appropriate documentation no later than two weeks after the program.

No other refunds will be granted.

GSNEO reserves the right to alter or cancel program activities for any reason.

In the event of severe weather conditions that may endanger participants, an event may be cancelled based upon information received from the National Weather Service and/or local/state authorities. Girl Scouts of North East Ohio will make every effort to contact program participants when this occurs.

What if I have program ideas?

You may submit any ideas or suggestions you have to Programs@gsneo.org.