Step up the the stairs...not stare up the stairs.

It was 5:45 in the morning, when Ate Teza whistled with so much energy though tired after a very busy evening and the work they did together with the staff. Few minutes after, the sleepy girls gathered at the conference hall but then, they were all transformed into active and alive girl scouts through the harmonious Pilates Physical fitness session of Tita Mavic. Their bodies, muscles especially their power house were exercised and stretched that made them awe with much fun and body pain (since Pilates was new to the girls and not yet used to exercises like it).

After a relieving session, the girls had a very delicious and healthy breakfast that gave them the right energy to interact with the next activity in the morning which was the evaluation of action plans by region.

It's amazing and very overwhelming to know that Girl Scouts at a young age are already aware of the things happening in their environment. They all presented their action plans guided by the S.W.O.T. analysis (Strength,Weakness,Opportunities and Threats), goals,strategies and plans. They were all very eager to initiate and implement their proposed project as soon as possible and realized that if you are failing to plan, then you are planning to fail.The session was audienced by Ate Kat, event coordinator; Ate Trinia, NSCC Chairperson and the rest of the staff.

The evaluation was then followed by a mass with Rev. Father Adelbert Barut of San Pablo Seminary. The morning activities was a great success and ended with smiles on the girls faces bringing the thoughts of LEADING THE CHANGE. :>

We are now prepared... To Lead the Change

This afternoon we had tackle 3 sessions the blog, print, and internet..

This is albout in mass communication or what called the networking.

After all the session have been tackle each group present there outputs which is related to there assigned topic.

After all the presantation have been done the most memorable moment have come....

It is '' THE CLOSING CEREMONY ''..

All the girls have mix emotions like happiness because atlast the confirence have been come to its end. While its on the middle of the ceremony all of the girls crying and treasuring the memories that have been build in the conference.. Even the planning staff's are crying. All the girl scouts feel the sacrifices of the planning team..

In be half of the Girl Scouts of the Phillipines we would like to say thank you for a job well done..

Action Planning...A Dare to Take the Lead!

What is action planning all about? Action planning is important in organizations before starting any activity. It is specially important in Girl Scouting in performing different activities such as encampments, seminars, workshops and conferences. That's why, the first session that we had in the third day was all about it. Making an action plan ahead of time results to a better output of any activity. Also, the activity implementation is well-organized all throughout.

Representatives from each region were grouped aiming to practice action planning. Here are some proposed action plans from each region:

• Northern Luzon, Central Luzon, Visayas and Western Mindanao
  Regional Senior and Cadet Conference
• Southern Luzon
• GSP Membership Campaign

Everyone in this said conference is asking for your cooperation to make these proposed projects possible. Dare to take the challenge and lead the change!

Girls of Wanderlust

It is undeniable that every participant in the National Senior-Cadet Conference was excited to conduct the first part of the tour in the City of Baguio; everyone did prepare, and nobody could conceal the perked up grins in their faces.

The group preceded to The Mansion, went to the Mines View Park, which is their second destination; had a peep on the faces of the real beams of the horses in the Wright Park, and enjoyed the cool fog the Philippine Military Academy usually offers.

Everbody enjoyed taking photopgraphs which serve both as their documentations and remembrance from the City of Pines; though the weather didn't cooperate with the said event that much, the participants didn't still forget to purchase pasalubong for their loved ones.

We had fun with the cold weather the City of Baguio renders and we precisely enjoyed the temporary freedom our Ate's and Tita's gave when the schedule for the Market already took place.

We're lucky to be considered as a part of the National Senior-Cadet Conference! We give you the grins.

Overflowing Stories...Overflowing Lessons

"It is better to endure the hardships of learning than to suffer from the bitterness of ignorance." This is a relevant quote relative to what we have just done today-- attending our sessions and activities.

During sessions, delegates listened attentively to speakers to gain more knowledge about different topics such as peer education, ARH, self-esteem, body talk, flower arrangement, fine dining, intergenerational relationship, stress and time management, empowering women and strategic leadership. As a result, after each session, girls earned different information about certain topics.

In the morning, one of the sessions dealt on peer education and ARH. After the discussion, the girls were asked to do activities where they could put into action what they have learned. There were sessions about self-esteem (and also the body talk), where the self-confidence of each participant was enhanced.

"Learn to improve your personality through a positive way" is the best sentence that summarized what personality development is. Tita Maveec taught the girls how to walk, talk, stand, pick a thing or do something properly. In the intergenerational relationship session meanwhile, the girls learned that it is normal to commit "gaps" between them and their parents and grandparents due to changes brought by time. But what is important is that we do something to fix that gap between them.

Girls like us usually love flowers that’s why many girls chose to attend the session about flower arrangement where they’ve learned styles and techniques in arranging flowers.
So, that’s what the girls did for the whole day. They were very attentive during sessions because they believe that someday these things will help them. Indeed, it is better to endure the hardships of learning than to suffer from the bitterness of ignorance.

Expectations

One’s level of expectations is desired depending on the kind of camp/activity that is intended to be undergone. As we are attending this National Senior-Cadet Conference ’07, we undoubtedly hope for the positive outcomes of it. This confab, will surely bring out the best of who we are and we’ll be honed to become well-rounded individuals. We do expect to gain knowledge and further learnings about certain things which are unknown to us. Likewise, we have in mind the expectation that we’ll be generating unexplored strategies on how to become effective leaders and followers in the future. It is indeed expected that we’ll be establishing friendships among our co-girl scouts coming from various councils. For sure, leadership topics won’t be omitted in this conference. We are hoping that our skills will be enhanced. Also, we are expecting that we will be trained into becoming independent and responsible citizens. Lastly, its time for recreation as well! We are in full anticipation in seeing the beauty and nature of Baguio.

Impression: What I Found?!?

We weren’t hesitant to join in this National Senior-Cadet Conference ’07, for we know that the learnings that we’ll be acquiring, will be of great help. At the start, we find it really hard to adjust with our environment for the ambiance and people are unfamiliar to us. We thought that this confab will be boring knowing that there are numerous lectures but then, it turned out that we were absolutely wrong. The resource/guest speakers were undoubtedly entertaining. The staff was well-accommodating and friendly. The confab site definitely coordinates with the climate. We look forward to visit the historic landmarks in this city and the facilities. We are glad that the facilitators wholeheartedly accept their mistakes and faults.

The Conference Has Officially Started!!

The rain poured but spirits were high when the conference was declared open. Ninety-six girls and young women from the 95 Girl Scout Councils trooped to the Philippines' City of Pines, Baguio City, for a 4-day conference with the theme "LEAD THE CHANGE" Uplifting Young Women's Potentials to Break Boundaries and be Effective Leaders.

The Opening Ceremony was graced by the presence of the National Officers of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Baguio City's political leaders, and members of the mass media.

An orientation then ensued, where concerns were clarified and house rules were laid down. Participants were then given a chance to get to know each other and make new friends.

After refreshments, the girls had a chance to know all about leadership. They listened well as key concepts on the topic were revealed.

The day ended with a talent audition for the Senior Girl Scouts and a separate session for the Cadet Scouts. The Seniors started the preparations for their Night-In, while the Cadets talked about improving the Cadet Girl Scout Program.

The day was certainly packed, but each moment was definitely an experience of a lifetime!

NATIONAL SENIOR-CADET CONFERENCE
MAY 21- 25, 2002

Opening Remarks of Mrs. Teresita Choa

National President

Today, we are truly blessed. We have a beautiful morning. We are in the company of beautiful Girl Scouts and I can feel this place reverberating with the enthusiasm and vibrance of an organization that is propelled to succeed.

In this triennium 2006 to 2009 I have several dreams. One is to make all Girl Scouts realize that change can be their friend. Second—that technology can be a solution, not the one and only solution. Third, that developing girls to be strong, coping women—equates with a strong community and nation.

The future of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines depends greatly on you, our emerging leaders. You are the reason for today’s conference of Senior and Cadet Girl Scouts. To provide continuity to GSP’s legacy of service to girls and young women worldwide. To cascade the imperatives and benefits of our 8-point challenge to present and future Girl Scout generations. To develop and nurture Girl Scout leaders of GSP’s six regions and 95 councils.

Indeed leadership and leaders are the operative words for this 4-day interaction among Senior Scouts and Cadets. A leader has myriads of roles. Let me mention some, in the context of Girl Scouting:

Navigator-Strategist
Mobilizer
Captivators
Communicator
Fund Raiser
Guardian
Catalyst
Servant Leader

The Navigator-Strategist plans the journey and steers the ship to arrive at the destination of a just and humane organization whether at International, National, Region or Council Level. She has foresight and definitely an analytical mind.

The Mobilizer knows how to implement and execute well. She builds alliances with concerned sectors to achieve complex objectives and builds consensus.

The Captivator inspires unity, trust, enthusiasm, and optimism among the people, and moves them away from complacency and cynicism. She has charisma. She motivates and is proactive.

The Communicator articulates what the organization does and what it expects the members to do and achieve. She knows when and how to project her organization effectively.

The Fundraiser has the ability to source funds both from outside and inside the organization. She has the connections, the creativity and the credibility to mount revenue generating programs.

The Guardian is the protector of the organization’s secrets, its integrity, its image, its culture, values and ideals. She is the staunch proponent of good governance.

The Catalyst initiates and innovates. She is the risk-taker. She will dare to venture where angels fear to tread. She sees the big picture and anticipates change before it happens.

The Servant Leader is the most unique role of all and the most challenging. To be a servant leader is to know how to be a follower and comply with rules and policies. At the same breath, she knows how to lead and serve one’s flock with humility and a caring heart. Service is second nature to her. The Servant Leader is one of the crowd, yet shines the brightest.

Which of these roles do you identify with? One young woman perhaps, could not possibly be all that I have described. And that is why we have various levels and positions within GSP—to assume each of these roles, and to assure that the leader of each troop, council, region or nation is surrounded by experts with individual skills, attitudes and leadership styles to produce a collective energy for the organization and come up with ONE TEAM. For we are One Team as we are ALL leaders of GSP. Leadership and Teamwork go hand in hand. Good leaders inspire outstanding teamwork.

There are at least five qualities of an excellent leader. Character, competence, conviction, honest and hard work ethic and a deep sense of fellowship or community.

It is my hope that in this Senior and Cadet Conference, every girl and young woman will take the bull by its horns. We are hoping that this leadership training will help you realize your own potentials and intensify your desire and commitment to shape a productive world for girls and young women in marginalized communities.

If you so wish, you have the power to help eradicate poverty in your local communities. You have the capacity to lead the fight against trafficking of girls and young women. You have the facility to promote a safe and healthy environment for your community, and establish educational programs for GSP beneficiaries. If you accept the shared challenges and responsibilities of being a Girl Scout Leader—all these are within your power.
It may seem overwhelming to see oneself as a vital part of a whole—but that is what you truly are. You are a rare grain of sand destined to become a pearl. I’ve always felt that God is biased. He created Girl Scouts to become that special grain.

We at GSP are truly fortunate to have an overwhelming number of outstanding leaders. I pray that you—Senior and Cadet Leaders, pass on the torch of leadership to your successors. Pass on to them the GSP ideals and traditions embodied in our Promise and Laws.
And always remember—the heart of Leadership and the soul of Girl Scouting is Service.
Good Morning!

NATIONAL SENIOR-CADET CONFERENCE
May 21-25, 2007

M E S S A G E

Ma. Dolores T. Santiago
National Executive Director

It is always a welcome respite from the routines of my job as National Executive Director when I come to an event where I see our girls in action. This year’s National Senior Cadet-Conference unleashes our girls’ potentials to be leaders at this stage of their lives which will prepare them for greater responsibilities and challenges in the future.

I salute the planning team of this conference composed of very talented, creative, innovative and articulate young girls who have shown excellent leadership skills. I can see in them the future young Members of the Central Board of the GSP.

To all the participants, I urge you to learn as much as you can in this 5-day conference. You have been chosen from amongst the thousands of girls in your Councils and I trust tat you will make the most of your time to benefit from this learning experience.

When you return to your respective places, tell your families, friends, classmates and neighbors about the wonderful time you had in Baguio and how Girl Scouting is making an amazing difference in your lives. Encourage other girls in your community to join Girl Scouting so that they too will be transformed into dynamic girls like all of you.

You go girls!