After years of dealing with leaders with unrealistic expectations we are adding this page so that you will know exactly what to expect when making your decision to participate in Rose Parade float decorating. Please read it carefully to make sure this event is suited for you and your troop.

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REGISTRATION

1. Please register in the same way you wish to communicate. If you do not check your e-mail on a regular basis (at least twice a week), PLEASE do not register by e-mail. You may register by mail or fax and we will send further communications in the same manner.

2. When corresponding with us by any means **ESPECIALLY on an answering machine or voicemail** include your troop number AND your Council. (NOT your service unit/neighborhood!)
We work with literally hundreds of leaders from all over California and many, many hundreds of communications and it's impossible to remember you all by name. Following this procedure ensures you a speedier reply.

3. Communication is critical, if your number of participants change by more than five (either 5+ more or -5 less) you MUST let us know as soon as possible. (phone, e-mail, or fax)

4. After December 25th we have no E-Mail access. No e-mails sent after that date will be responded to. Instead, call the cell phone number provided upon registration.

5. Please respect our family when telephoning and do not call before 9:00 am or after 9:00 pm.

6. Most Importantly: DO NOT CALL ON CHRISTMAS DAY (or Christmas Eve.) I would like to be able to spend uninterrupted time with my family these days, so please complete all your last minute phone calls by December 23rd.

BEGINNING DECEMBER 26th:

Firstly, your attitude as the leader is supremely important. If you handle change with aplomb and are able to deal creatively with disappointment and are willing to turn such situations into learning experiences for your girls, you are most welcome. If, however, you or your troop are easily offended or upset please be aware that this event may not be for you.

1. This is NOT the usual Girl Scout event, this IS a real-life working situation. We cannot guarantee you anything.

You are NOT guaranteed a job:

A. Because of the nature of the work, there are odd periods of no work and sometimes there is a great deal of waiting. (Sometimes 3 hours or more.) There is simply nothing we can do about it.

B. Complaining to a Fiesta Float Supervisor (the company we contract with) or a Girl Scout Supervisor about a lack of job or a job you do not like will likely conclude with your being asked to leave. This HAS happened before. Though if you are having difficulty with your job, BY ALL MEANS ask for help.

C. Those who wait patiently and are helpful with the ever needed task of cleaning up will be given jobs before those who complain.

D. On occasion, troops have been sent home because there was no work for them (heads-up: it's usually those who arrive late that get sent home).

E. Even if you worked a Dry-Dec day, there is still NO GUARANTEE that you will not be sent away. If there is no work to be done, or if every job is filled already, all the experience and dry-dec days in the world still can't create something to do.

F. If the Fiesta or Girl Scout supervisor deems your work not suitable or satisfactory, you will be re-assigned to a job that is better tailored to your skills. Often times the move is abrupt or critical words may be spoken. Please DO NOT take it personally! Remember this is a real world job and the end product is supremely important.

You are NOT guaranteed work ON the float:

1. Sometimes the only place we need people is in flower prep and you will be sent there. Smile and chop flowers. :-) Those who attend mulitple times per year are ALWAYS given priority to work on the float.

2. Know what floats we are working on.
Look at the renderings on this website and be sure to sign up with the right Girl Scout group when you arrive.

Some of the vendor groups (i.e. float sponsors - Subway, Starbucks, etc.) also have Girl Scouts with them, signed up through them. If you sign-up and work with the wrong group on the wrong float, you will not be paid.

If you are reading this page and signing up with us, then you are working with the GREATER LOS ANGELES GIRL SCOUTS (aka "Candy's group.") Even if you aren't a girl scout, for the day(s) you decorate, you are considered to be with the GLA GIRL SCOUTS.

5. IF YOU CAN'T BE ON TIME, BE EARLY!
When we say arrive 15 minutes early, WE REALLY MEAN IT! If you habitually run late, PLEASE make the necessary adjustments. We need to know how many people we actually have to work with in case changes in assignments have to be made. Your lateness causes other troops to wait as well. If you are running late, please call us on the cell phone number provided upon registration.

Finally, we need you to understand the sheer scale of the event. We service over 3,000 people from 300+ troops from multiple councils over 12 days, with over 200+ people per shift starting December 26. And we handle all of Fiesta's requirements as well. This is a VERY time consuming and exhausting job and we need your cooperation to make it run smoothly so as to ensure everyone has a good time, including us ;-) Frankly, the process is MONUMENTAL so we ask you for your most tolerant and charitable consideration!

Again, thank you for taking the time to read this. We hope the truthful nature of this document helps you make an informed decision as to whether or not you participate. We've found that sugar coating the truth only leads to disappointment, frustration, and hurt feelings. We truly desire that every participant has the best time possible, and we as the directors hope to have the best time as well. With a little patience, understanding, and respect from everyone (including us!) this can be a truly memorable opportunity for everyone. We look forward to seeing you down at the floats!

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