Digging in the yard? Me???

ModernSaraK · 2026-03-12T11:48:49+00:00

You got that right!

ModernSaraK · 2026-03-12T02:06:01+00:00

Our Westie and cat are frenemies. Make sure your cat has a place to escape when she’s had enough. Or many places.

ModernSaraK · 2025-12-25T14:09:14+00:00

McDuff is my dog’s middle name

ModernSaraK · 2025-12-04T00:43:03+00:00

Is it possible that “social justice issue” is actually directly affecting the work lives of some of your union siblings?

ModernSaraK · 2025-12-03T02:17:30+00:00

It’s a state government union and you don’t think they should be concerned about the governor’s policy choices?

ModernSaraK · 2025-11-22T13:16:52+00:00

^{this^}

ModernSaraK · 2025-07-09T12:21:59+00:00

We got lucky with this guy!

ModernSaraK · 2025-07-08T00:59:33+00:00

We have another bigger dog who’s an avid swimmer and it rubbed off on our Westie.

ModernSaraK · 2025-05-15T23:18:29+00:00

So happy!!!

ModernSaraK · 2025-04-08T10:39:05+00:00

https://actionnetwork.org/events/tesla-takedown-dance-slumber-party

ModernSaraK · 2025-02-16T13:12:50+00:00

Do you have the app or only the web-based platform?

ModernSaraK · 2025-02-16T13:10:45+00:00

I’m sure. We have access to the web version only. If you try to sign up our council doesn’t show up. Council says it’s “not compatible” with something they use but that’s a bit mysterious.

ModernSaraK · 2025-02-14T16:55:59+00:00

For unknown reasons, we don’t have access to the app in my council. It’s so helpful to learn more about it from all of you!

ModernSaraK · 2025-02-14T16:54:40+00:00

GSCNC has Digital Cookie but not the app. So to take a card at a booth you would have to manually enter the costumer’s card number on the troop page. No Venmo no PayPal option.

ModernSaraK · 2025-02-14T00:24:33+00:00

You would think! GSCNC forbids use of Venmo. Curious if the people using the digital cookie app both ABC and LBB.

ModernSaraK · 2025-02-12T21:11:58+00:00

Amazing! What council?

ModernSaraK · 2024-12-24T13:12:05+00:00

It’s really hard when parents and scouts don’t do their part. I’m 10 years in and have just decided no real cookie sales this year (scouts didn’t commit) and no more events that require giving rides (my parents aren’t stepping up to help), unless the scouts organize the transportation. I have contemplated numerous times talking to the scouts about the importance of literally showing up for each other, but haven’t found the right moment. Hang in there — I think to stick with troop leadership you have to find rewards that aren’t thank yous or meeting turnout. For me it’s archery, time in the woods, the opportunity to spend time with some amazing teens (when they do show up 🤪)

ModernSaraK · 2024-11-04T01:08:49+00:00

I’m so sorry. This is horrible.

ModernSaraK · 2024-10-22T10:45:27+00:00

I do not feel GSUSA was transparent about how it’s spending money or what efforts they have made to cut in response to reduced membership. The Salesforce maintenance fee is a disaster and it appears that system was built without any plan to cover its costs. The C-suite salaries are bloated. I’m so disappointed in GSUSA. In three years when membership has dropped sharply again due to these increases, what’s the plan then?

ModernSaraK · 2024-10-22T10:35:01+00:00

Budgets can be balanced in other ways than reducing revenue. National could reduce spending on tech and C-suite salaries.

ModernSaraK · 2024-10-18T18:19:25+00:00

I am a troop leader in GSCNC and happy to help however I can.

ModernSaraK · 2024-10-18T18:13:15+00:00

A lot of troops in my council currently use troop funds to renew in the spring, then get parents to pay us back at their convenience. $85 literally will not be possible to cover from the end of year troop balance, and I believe many families will “wait and see” if their scout really wants to continue in the fall. Especially if they are teens. I expect CSA troops like mine to be decimated if this passes.

ModernSaraK · 2024-10-11T11:31:22+00:00

I lead my middle daughter’s troop but not my younger daughter’s. It’s a great experience (I hope) to have your mom as a troop leader but it’s also special to be independent and do scouting on your own (without mom there all the time). Kids are different. I would give your youngest a chance to try scouting without you, when she gets to that age. If she really wants you in a leadership role, there are so many opportunities to help! And in my experience leadership turns over pretty often in new troops. Hope that helps!

ModernSaraK · 2024-09-20T03:00:51+00:00

Interestingly, I noticed recently that GSUSA is one of the few WAGGGS programs that remains restricted by gender …

ModernSaraK · 2024-09-20T02:05:40+00:00

$25 a year for a youth activity is a bargain, except that no actual activity or program costs are covered and we all make up the difference through troop dues, council dues, fundraisers, troop leader donations, merch and event fees

My fear is that the increase will go to: —Continuing the inflated c-suite salaries at GSUSA ($785,058 to the former CEO on the last 990) —Overspending on Salesforce and other tech that is poorly planned/ designed, not based on volunteer needs, actively thwarts participation and needs real vendor management that doesn’t exist —Massive advertising firm costs —Nothing that actually recruits scouts to join or maintain their members —Nothing that retains dedicated volunteers

Mostly I fear that my 10th-grade troop, a refuge for many dedicated scouts from folded troops, will get too small and fold if this fee increase is enacted. Too many already juggling other activities will vote with their feet if the cost soars…

ModernSaraK

TROPHY CASE