Girl Scouts earning their way to Disney!

TinaLala · Feb 13, 2015

Starting at a Brownie level is smart! I would say start saving about 10 - 20% each year specifically for trips. Then you can start fundraising specifically for the trip.

Our Disney trip is budgeted like this - 4 day MYW ticket including 2hr YES program - $200, hotel and dining plan - $450 and airfare - -$380 -- $1,030. We will have saved for two years. Each scout had to sign a contract and put down a $100 deposit. Our goal was to fundraise for the entire thing however they can make donations periodically.

Fundraising - we've done programs, car washes, golf tournament, movie night, tea party, spaghetti dinner, Applebee's breakfast.

I set up a separate account specifically for this trip given the amount of money coming thru. On a spreadsheet I set up each scouts name and allocation of fundraising profit is given based on scouts participation of fundraiser. So not everyone has the same amount saved. In August each scout will have to fund anything outstanding per our contract.

* i feel trips help build so many leadership skills - budgeting, teamwork, planning, organizing. I hope this helps. If you have any questions please let me know.

pednurse · Feb 17, 2015

We calculated that if cookie sales were to be our only fundraiser, the girls need to sell 3700 boxes of cookies to completely earn their way to WDW. So far they've sold 1000 boxes. Pretty good start!

ammag · Feb 18, 2015

Can I ask how old are the girls in your troops? We are only in second grade we won't be going to disney anytime soon! Bbt I am thinking of proposing a trip to D.c. By the time they reach 5th grade. This will require some of the fundraising you guys have mentioned here. I think half my parents would rather just pay for it (they can afford it) rather than volunteer and do work raising the money which leaves the rest of us without the help. Any ideas on how you might be able to get everyone to participate?

caselaw3 · Feb 18, 2015

I think that for big trips it is a good idea to keep a separate accounting of the money each girl earned...why should the girl who does not contribute reap such a huge reward off the work of the other girls? Also - I think that keeping that separate accounting will motivate the girls to particpate and work hard - which is an important lesson for them...we are teaching them that life isn't handed to them but worked for...
I think we are going to try to do small trips every other year and save for the big trip for like 6th grade and then start over for a trip their senior year.....
lot to think about
this thread is great!

ammag · Feb 19, 2015

Do it you keep the girls money all in the same troop account? I am wondering how to manage the banking for 9 individual girls.

TinaLala · Feb 24, 2015

We are Cadettes. Been saving for two years.

We do have a separate account for trips. I have a huge spreadsheet with each scouts name at top of column. When we have a fundraiser only those scouts who participate in fundraise receive profit allocation. That's how I know how much each scout has actually earned. Any amount outstanding in August parents will have to fund.

Any funds left over after this trip will go towards the next trip.

TinaLala · Feb 27, 2015

February's mandatory Disney meeting was this week and the scouts picked their roommates, the color of their magic band and covered their autograph book covers with Disney duct tape. We had time leftover so we worked on our ADRs, here they are

Friday - MK - Chef Mickeys
Saturday -HS - YES program day - Hollywood & Vine for VIP Fantasmic passes
Sunday - Epcot - 1900 Park Fare
Monday - AK - home

I liked how they picked a Mickey meal and a princess meal! I had the menus for these restaurants so they were able to look thru and get ideas. Of course I have one VERY picky eater who said she couldn't find anything to eat. I plan on sending menus to the parents so they can look them over with scouts cuz #1 they are paying for food (dining plan included), #2 I'm not bringing or buying them any extra food and #3 the scout will have to deal with it; either by bringing or buying food she will eat. With that said I immediately alerted the other adults going that we would have to watch this scout to ensure she's eating a good meal. I don't need anyone passing out at Disney.

BTW did I mention I have scouts who have NEVER eaten on Disney property, or at a character meal OR seen a night show! That's why we picked some of the dining options we did. Can't wait to book my ADRs!

TinaLala · Mar 4, 2015

Oh the joys of fundraising!

We are doing an Applebee's flapjack fundraiser in a few weeks and the scouts have barely sold a ticket. I emailed to parents is week that if we don't make the mandatory $500 Applebee's requires for the function the difference will come out of their allocation. I'm also going to talk to the scouts about lowering the cost. Praying this will jump start some ticket sales! Last time we did this fundraiser we made $800 and that was after the $500 payment!

Also starting work on our Golf tournament. My dad's going to help me create a website so golfers can register online, less paperwork! SO MUCH WORK!!

TinaLala · Mar 4, 2015

Omg after I hit send I forgot to mention!!

I was talking to the new trip coordinator at council and we started to talk about this trip. She was so impressed with everything we are doing she asked if the troop would be interested in BLOGGING DURING OUR TRIP TO ALL OF COUNCIL!! So exciting. I told her I'd have to ask the scouts, but already one got word and is asking about a video and topics. How amazing is that!

TinaLala · Mar 24, 2015

JRHMC - the animal behavior was one I thought my group would pick! Can't wait to hear how it goes.

For our March meeting I had a parent come in and teach the digital video making badge so they could be pros before we go. Everyone got homework to interview their Mom about how difficult and exciting parenthood can be. Trying to get them preped for their Silver when they mig have to interview people.

Trying to plan a visit to the airport for next month. Although we can't actually take a tour (homeland security rules) we can wander around, see what security will do, learn about baggage claim and watch a few planes take off. I have a few cards up my sleeve! Most of my troop haven't flown in years and I want our group of 13 people to get thru security without an issue.

Hit a speed bump last week. DD12 diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes! Scouts were more worried that she would miss out on Disney then what the diagnosis was. A few came up to hospital to learn, watch testing, and check her status entire time! Ironically we are doing an advocacy discussion this week to finish our journey (educate about different issues so you have the knowledge when faced with those decisions and help you take the proper road that's right for you). DD12 was going to talk about sharks (IK!) but now she's going to talk about diabetes and healthy food choices. So proud of her!

Shanna-like-Banana · Mar 24, 2015

WOW ! That's a lot to keep up with

Our girls decided their next long term savings goal was doing to be a build-our-own Destinations trip. Going back to Disney was in the mix, but the girls decided on something new. I was happy and sad at the same time. I was sad because how disastrously awful our last trip was and I really wanted the girls to have a blast on a do over trip, but happy that we are expanding our horizons and seeking new adventures.

How did ya'lls cookie season go ?
Did Applebees work out ?

I'm pretty sure next we're going to try the Flamingo Flocking, we already have a profession yard sign made for it so.

TinaLala · Mar 24, 2015

Shanna-like-Banana said:
WOW ! That's a lot to keep up with

Our girls decided their next long term savings goal was doing to be a build-our-own Destinations trip. Going back to Disney was in the mix, but the girls decided on something new. I was happy and sad at the same time. I was sad because how disastrously awful our last trip was and I really wanted the girls to have a blast on a do over trip, but happy that we are expanding our horizons and seeking new adventures.

How did ya'lls cookie season go ?
Did Applebees work out ?

I'm pretty sure next we're going to try the Flamingo Flocking, we already have a profession yard sign made for it so.

Shanna so good to hear that they are even considering it! We plan on going to the DC Rock the Mall in 2017. Just to give you an idea!

Cookies were ok. They extended it about a month with the weather issues we have had. I have a new cookie mom and she's done a great job.

Applebee's - well let's just say my parents weren't feeling it with it being cookie season at the same time. We made about $350 but it was tough.

Our next fundraiser is a Harry Potter movie night (our Camporee theme is Harry potter) then a spaghetti night, car wash and golf tournament. So much work for the golf tournament.

TinaLala · Apr 6, 2015

I can't believe I'm going to say this but Sunday is my ADR day!

I am so freak in excited! Ok here's my list

Friday - MK - BOG for late lunch and Chef Mickey for dinner - hoping to book MNSSHP too to surprise the
Saturday - HS - Hollywood and Vine Fantasmic package
Sunday - E - 1900 Park Fare for a Cinderella experience

This months troop meeting is all about packing and our luggage. A few scouts have already started a packing list so we're going to play a do or don't pack game to test them. Plus I'm bringing in my suitcase fully packed so they can see all the crap I'm bringing. We're also going to make Mickey luggage tags! I hope to get over to the local airport to show the, security, baggage claim and some planes landing/taking off. All have flown, but for a few it's been over five years ago or they were very young.

Our Golf tournament planning is in full swing. I've set up a website for golfers to sign up and buy raffle tickets. I just sent out over 100 tee sponsor requests to local companies. Fingers crossed.

Shanna-like-Banana · Apr 6, 2015

Tina, Sounds like your plans are moving right along !

I'm still am just in awe of how ya'lls fundraising is going. Our council is so strict, that's awesome they see the value of the girls work and leadership developing.

I don't remember if you had said what your accommodations where. I can share with you, it was a heaven send staying somewhere that had in-room laundry. We did at least one load of darks every day. It was so much better than having piles of smelling stinky clothes, and much better than having the girls pack dirty clothes back home. Since we ended up being able to do laundry every day, by the end of the week many of us realized how much we had over-packed, which is something that may be a concern if you have to pay for over-weight bags.

TinaLala · Apr 7, 2015

We are staying at art of animation. We're only going for four days so I'm hoping luggage will be light.LoL.

TinaLala · Apr 10, 2015

Omg updated our magic band colors yesterday and ordered the MNSSHP tickets. Scary that I can drop $1000 of someone else's money and have no issue.

Waiting not very patiently for Sunday's ADRs at 6am!

Tomorrow we're going to a Beatuy and the Beast musical at the high school - kind of a pre Disney adventure. 182 more days!

Shanna-like-Banana · Apr 11, 2015

Pixie dust that your girls get all their 1st choice ADR's.

TinaLala · Apr 12, 2015

OK ADRs - SO MAD!!

Got up at 5:30am to be online at 6am - then ended up on the phone with WDW Dine until 8am and still didn't get what I wanted.

10/9 - BOG - lunch - couldn't even book this. Ended up email them to ask for reservation due to group size.
10/9 - Chef Mickey - 8:15pm - which stinks cuz we're are MNSSHP 7-12pm
10/10 - Prime Time 6pm
10/11 - 1900 Park Fare - 4:25pm - which stinks cuz we're at Epcot this day and will have to leave the park at 3:30. ALSO found out that group will be separated for seating - NOTHING was indicated on screen - Call rep told me.

So I'm disappointed however I'll be looking on here for cancelations and online for different timeframes. Not sure if the Chef Mickey timeframe is going to totally screw up DD12's diabetes schedule. UGH

scrapquitler · Apr 12, 2015

TinaLala said:
OK ADRs - SO MAD!!

Got up at 5:30am to be online at 6am - then ended up on the phone with WDW Dine until 8am and still didn't get what I wanted.

10/9 - BOG - lunch - couldn't even book this. Ended up email them to ask for reservation due to group size.
10/9 - Chef Mickey - 8:15pm - which stinks cuz we're are MNSSHP 7-12pm
10/10 - Prime Time 6pm
10/11 - 1900 Park Fare - 4:25pm - which stinks cuz we're at Epcot this day and will have to leave the park at 3:30. ALSO found out that group will be separated for seating - NOTHING was indicated on screen - Call rep told me.

So I'm disappointed however I'll be looking on here for cancelations and online for different timeframes. Not sure if the Chef Mickey timeframe is going to totally screw up DD12's diabetes schedule. UGH

I would DEFINITELY change the Chef Mickey reservation. The party is expensive and only a relatively few short hours, and to leave for an outside the park meal is going to cost you at least 3 hours of the party time that you are paying for. No way would I do that. I would plan a Quick Service meal during the party or any other table service much earlier (like 4:30/5:00).

TinaLala · Apr 14, 2015

Rescheduled the 1900 park fare meal to the princess meal in Norway since we will be in Epcot and I really don't want to travel all over.

Girl Scouts earning their way to Disney!

Hold My Table at Ohana's I'm on My Way!

Hmmm....wonder how long until I can talk DH into g

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Hold My Table at Ohana's I'm on My Way!

Hold My Table at Ohana's I'm on My Way!

Hold My Table at Ohana's I'm on My Way!

Hold My Table at Ohana's I'm on My Way!

Hold My Table at Ohana's I'm on My Way!

DIS Veteran

Hold My Table at Ohana's I'm on My Way!

Hold My Table at Ohana's I'm on My Way!

DIS Veteran

Hold My Table at Ohana's I'm on My Way!

Hold My Table at Ohana's I'm on My Way!

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Hold My Table at Ohana's I'm on My Way!

DIS Veteran

Hold My Table at Ohana's I'm on My Way!

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