An Introduction to
the Basics of a
Troop Mascot
COURSE 4
  Hi Classmates! How are the classes going? Did you find anything useful? Do you think you're ready for a Mascot yet? Want even more info? Well then lets press on with our next lesson.
  Communications.
There are several ways to communicate with troops. E-mail is the most convenient and fastest. Snail mail (US Postal Service) is inexpensive and relativly quick. These two are the most commonly used but there are others such as the Telephone - very convenient but can be costly, Western Union wire service, Fed Ex and UPS - all very expensive.
Communication is the most important aspect of the Mascot Exchange Program. Without good communications on both sides Mascots become lost or off schedule. When a Mascot is lost or off schedule the troops that are still on its schedule to host it lose time with that mascot. We don't like it when mascots show up late and we have to tell the girls "No, Skip's not here yet." Do not think for one minute that the girls don't put it together, they know somewhere along the line someone (usually an adult) messed up and they are the ones who pay the price. We send mascots out on time even if they come to us late because it is not fair to the next troop. If you tell a troop you mailed a mascot, it is best that you have really mailed the mascot. If there is something special that you want the mascot to attend at the last minute, e-mail the Home Troop so they can decide if it is OK. Maybe the next troop has something special at the same time also!
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  Follow ups
It is important for you as a Home Troop and as a Hosting Troop to follow up about the mascots. If you don't hear from a troop that was to receive your mascot, e-mail them. If you are scheduled to host a mascot and it doesn't arrive when it should, e-mail the Home Troop. If your mascot was to be sent out on a certain day and you don't hear from that troop, e-mail them. This is your Mascot Exchange Program keep track of your mascot. Communicating is the key!
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How to GET HELP!
There are several way to find a lost or missing Mascot. Lets start with the simplest.
1. E-mail the troop, use all the email address's that you were given.
Remember in Courses 2 and 3 we asked for a Alternate Contact, this is why.
2. Send a letter to the troop.
3. Call the Host Troop Leader.
4. Call the Alternate Contact.
5. Call the Council.
6. Post a message on the many GS forums. There are some links in Course 3. Please remember when posting messages to forums not to be negitive, you do not know the circumstances of why the mascot is late or missing.

If all else fails send an e-mail to us and we will be more than happy to help. MascotHouse@excite.com
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  What if you're the one holding the mascots?
We all know that emergencies happen and that a sick family member is more important then a stuffed animal. This is exactly why someone else in you troop needs to know the ins and outs of the Mascot Exchange Program. Take 30 seconds and call her/him and say "HELP", then let her help you. She can box up the mascot and take it to the Post Office. It'll be one less thing for you to worry about. Have her e-mail the Home Troop too!
If you have quit answering e-mails because you're embarassed about being late or not sending out the mascot, swallow your pride and send that e-mail. You don't need to include all the sorid details, just say "I'm sorry, the mascot is on it's way." Then mail it.
If you still can't e-mail them, send an e-mail to us at MascotHouse@excite.com with the hosts name and e-mail address and we will act as a go between for you. We will not judge you or ask any questions. If you have an on-line friend, ask her, maybe she'll help. Let us or someone help get these mascots back to the girls that love them.
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  E-mailing - this is a recap from Course 3, that's how important this is.
E-mail, E-mail, E-mail It's very important to e-mail the Home troop when the mascot arrives and when it is sent out. This way the Home Troop can let the next troop know the mascot is on its way. And they can also keep track of their mascot. It's also very important to return e-mails from the Host troop. We know life gets crazy, things happen and computers crash. There are other way to contact the troop. Make your whole troop (even parents) aware of how the program works. Deputize your Co-Leader or another Mom or Dad. Ask how many have e-mail accounts, you may be very surprised. If an emergency comes up and you are unable to contact the home troop have someone else do it for you. If an emergency or something comes up and you are unable to send the mascot out on time have someone else do it. Under no circumstances are you allowed to keep the mascot and ignore the home troop. We have called councils and done what is necessary to get mascots back. We know of one leader that held several mascot and would not send them out. We even suggested she send them COD and we would pay the shipping. Her council took a very hard look at this leader and she was not reappointed as a leader the following year.
Don't get in over your head and don't be afraid to ask for help. Almost every Mascot Mom understands and will help out if asked.