VISTA 15:

VISTA Reports

VISTA Cabinet Ambassadors present: ___

Absent: ___

Girl Scout Leaders present: ___

Others present: ___

ADMIN

1.     Libertyville and Mundelein/Fremont Communities are making progress on filing their Community Ambassador positions but are not done yet.  At our June VISTA meeting, we agreed that the VISTA Ambassador positions would be filled with a combination of three Community Ambassadors.  That way no one’s workload would significantly increase, and Communities would still be represented.  So let your voice be heard - volunteer!

2. Our VISTA Web site is operational and contains details on events and activities.  The schedule for all VISTA meetings is also posted, along with upcoming training opportunities.  Please note the Feb 13 VISTA meeting is on Tuesday.  A huge thank you goes to Eden, our VISTA Communications Ambassador for getting us up to speed so quickly!   Because we now have a functional Web site, this will be the last e-mail of VISTA minutes or agenda you will receive.  All future information will be posted on the Web site.  Please log on frequently to keep your troop up to date with news, activities and events.  <http://www.ilcrossroads.org/vistas/15/>
Here is a note from Eden: 
Please have all current and future flyers e-mailed to me so I can just post it to the site.  If not, you are reyling on my practically perrfect typing skills to relay your message to the rest of the commmunities.  Just kidding, actually I’m a perfectionist but don’t want to have to type over all of these flyers by hand (as I have already done with past flyer info).  It will be much prettier if you just attach a document for me to put up on the site.  Contact Eden. 

3. Please note the Fall Product Training for VISTA/Community Ambassadors is as follows:
Tuesday, Sept 12, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., at The HUB
Wednesday, Sept 13, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., at The HUB
Wednesday, Sept 13, 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., at The HUB
Every Community in our VISTA should be represented so you can forward the info to your leaders.  Ambassadors, please plan to attend.

EVENTS

4.     Almost 30 leaders signed up on the First Aid and/or CPR class interest sheet.  Vicki has offered to search out training for us.  More info will be provided when she has it.

5.     The VISTA event at Medieval Times is still on!  Details are: Schaumburg, Sat, Nov 4, 11:00 a.m., $19.95 per Girl Scout/leader/child 3-12, $29.95 family members.  Includes pizza, soft drink, cookie and show.  Leaders must contact Jill by Sept 11 if your troop will be participating.  Its sure to be a great time - don’t miss it!!  See the VISTA Web site - Events - for details.

6.     The Mundelein/Fremont Camporee is now full, but if you are still interested please call Ann for details.

7. Lesley handed out a flyer detailing a great service project to support the Brennan Ammentorp Angel Foundation.  Donations are needed by Sept 5th.  See the VISTA Web site - Events - for details, contact Lesley or you can access the web site <http://www.brennanammentorpangelfoundation.org>

8. Please e-mail Nina with ideas for troop activities and outings.   She is compiling a database of age level appropriate activities that troops have done in the past.  This is a great resource for all of us so please contribute! 

9. Another flyer handed out was for KidFest Chicago, to be held Oct 12 - Oct 14 at DuPage Expo, 4050 E. Main St., St. Charles.  Admission and parking is free!  KidFest enables children to learn about healthful food and activity options in an interactive setting.  Call 800/466-7998 for details.

10. A flyer was handed out for our first VISTA Camporee on Saturday, May 5 - Sunday, May 6, 2007, at Camp Timber-lee, East Troy, WI (this could be expanded to 2 nights).  The entire camp has been reserved - just for us!!  There are a variety of sleeping options, and activities include hayrides, high ropes, trail rides, climbing tower, geology, bouldering, archery and more!  Here’s the catch - your troop needs to make its decision by Sept 24, 2006!  We have to have enough individuals signed up by then or we lose the date.  So please get your deposit of $10 per participant to Lisa by Sept 24!  Log onto the VISTA Web site - Events - for more details.

11. Cheap group tickets to Wicked! are available for Girl Scouts.  See the VISTA web site - Events - SOON so a date can be chosen.  Or contact Eden for details.

OTHER

12.     The Membership Specialists for VISTA 15 are Sophie Laura.  There is also a HUB representative for each Ambassador position.

13.     The Technology Center at the HUB is a resource for all troops in the council.  It is still under development and Laura will appreciate any input or ideas for what you and your girls would like in it.  E-mail Laura at lruffridge@ilcrossroads.org <mailto:lruffridge@ilcrossroads.org>

14.     The HUB Resource Center is being broken down into VISTA resources.  This process is not yet complete, and we do not yet have a location for our VISTA items.  In the meantime, if you or your troop is in need, please contact the HUB. 

15.   Sophie is checking into the placement of VISTA funds since there is no VISTA treasury.

COMMUNITY BREAK OUT

16. We concluded with a Community breakout.