Girl Scouts can do anything and everything they set their hearts and minds to! You’ll find it all here. From members sharing their adventures to Highest Award honorees describing their projects and news from council, cookie updates, travel opportunities, volunteer tips and much, much more.
Girl Scout Cookie Program runs February 2 – March 8, 2020
There is a new cookie this year, zesty, Lemon-Ups, that you have to try! Each cookie has a motivating statement on it, inspired by Girl Scouts.
Get ready to rock the Cookie Program by attending a cookie rally. Make sure you’re up to date on training and have reviewed cookie resources.
Cookie Rallies
Visit our events calendar to find a cookie rally near you or check with your service unit cookie manager about a rally in your area.
Download the 2020 Cookie Rally Guide and activity resources.
Find additional GSCO Cookie Program information on our Cookie Resources page.
Booth Selection Dates – Selection opens at 6 p.m. and closes at 11:59 p.m.
Jan. 27: First round of booth selections (Troops can select one booth location.)
Jan. 28: Second round of booth selections (Troops can select two booth locations.)
Jan. 29: Third round of booth selections (Troops can select three booth locations.)
Jan. 30: Fourth round of booth selections (Troops can select four booth locations.)
Jan. 31: Fifth round of booth selections (Remains open throughout cookie program.)
Other Important Dates
Feb. 1: Main Cookie Delivery Day – Troops will pick up cookies at the delivery site they select. Troops MUST HAVE submitted an ACH form for the 2019-2020 membership year in order to pick up their IO on delivery day.
Feb. 2: First day of the 2020 Cookie Program: My Sales booth, select Council booths and door-to-door sales begin.
Feb. 6: Cookie Cupboards open.
Feb. 15: Other Council booths begin.
Reminder: No additional money-earning activities may take place from February 2, 2020 (Cookie Program start date) through March 18, 2020 (ACH debit date).
Cookie Program Volunteer Training
Below are links to register for upcoming cookie program webinars:
Date: Tuesday January 21, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Digital Order Card (DOC) – Webinar
Date: Wednesday January 22, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
New TCM Cookie Program Training – Webinar
Date: Thursday January 23, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
New TCM Cookie Program Training – Webinar
Date: Wednesday February 5, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Online training for experienced troop cookie managers
If you are entering your third year or more as a troop cookie manager you can take your training online on gsLearn!
There are also many other courses available for you to take! Check out the Successful Leader Learning Series for new and updated information to be a successful leader! We are adding new courses all the time. Check back in frequently to see the new courses added to the library.
If you need assistance accessing gsLearn, please contact Kendy Doolen, instructional design manager, at 303-607-4891 or email her at Kendy.Doolen@gscolorado.org.
ACH Forms and TCM Agreements
All troops participating in the Cookie Program must complete an ACH form for the 2019-2020 membership year. Troops who have not submitted an ACH form prior to pickup will not be able to pick-up their cookie inventory Initial Order on delivery day.
Troop that submitted an ACH for the 2019 Fall Product Program, do not need to submit one for the Cookie Program.
Have questions or need assistance? Please contact GSCO customer care at inquiry@gscolorado.org or call 1-877-404-5708.
GSCO on Facebook Live!
Have you checked out our Facebook Live events? We have been using Facebook Live to bring you quick “need to know” chats on everything from Product Program to badges.
To find out about these live events:
Summer Camp registration opens January 23
The outdoor program team is hard at work planning summer camp season 2020! Both Sky High Ranch and Tomahawk Ranch have tons of awesome sessions with time on the zip-line, at the farm, hiking, or trips all over Colorado! Look for more information in the camp mailer sent to homes in early January and on the camp website.
Apply to be a GSCO Delegate
Girl Scouts of Colorado is requesting applications for delegates to attend the 2020 National Council Session. Apply online.
Requirements:
Delegates to the National Council Session must be registered Girl Scout members, at least 14 years of age, and be willing to serve a three-year term (2020-2023).
Delegates and Alternates must commit to participating in preparatory conference calls and webinars and attending all meetings of the National Council Session in Orlando, Florida, October 21-25, 2020.
Volunteer service awards
Recognize outstanding volunteers
Girl Scout volunteers change the lives of girls in their communities every day. Some volunteers go above and beyond all expectations and have a positive impact on their troop and/or their service unit and sometimes the whole council.
Recognize an outstanding volunteer by nominating them for a Volunteer Recognition Award. Nominators are responsible for ensuring that enough endorsements are submitted to support their nomination of a volunteer for an award. Your volunteer support specialist can check nomination and endorsement submissions for you.
Nominations are due on or before March 31. The form to nominate a volunteer for an award will go live later this month. Now would be a great time to designate a service unit team member to coordinate nominations and endorsements!
More information about the awards and the number of required endorsements for each award, is listed on the volunteer appreciation page on our website and in theVolunteer Recognition Award Guide. You can also learn more about how to write strong nominations and endorsements.
Questions? Please contact your volunteer support specialist or customer support at inquiry@gscolorado.org.
Save the Date: Highest awards celebrations
Troops working on their Bronze and Silver award projects have until March 1 to submit the Bronze & Silver Notification Form to be invited to the 2020 Highest Awards Celebrations. Girls who plan on attending one of the celebrations need to RSVP using the GSCO registration link. The registration link will be live after March 1 and emailed to all troop leaders who submit their Bronze and Silver notification form as well as all Gold Award Girl Scouts who receive final approval between March 1, 2019 and March 1, 2020. Find a celebration in your area.
Questions? Kaitie LoDolce, highest awards manager at highestawards@gscolorado.org.
Girl Scouts is a global sisterhood
Take the lead on February 22 to celebrate World Thinking Day with Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from 150 countries! (That’s one big celebration!) This year’s World Thinking Day theme is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Check out our activity guides below to explore many ways girls can be leaders and create the change they want to see in the world—and celebrate being part of the global sisterhood that is Girl Scouts and Girl Guides! Check out all the global opportunities available to Girl Scouts available online through the Global section of anytime activities.
Activity Guide for Daises, Brownie, and Juniors
Activity Guide for Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors
Questions? Contact gscoglobal@gmail.com
Girl Scouts of Colorado begins search for new CEO
In December, Girl Scouts of Colorado President and CEO Stephanie Foote announced her plans to retire at the end of May. Stephanie has been the President and CEO of Girl Scouts of Colorado since May 1, 2012, and, from 2007 to 2012, she served as Chair of the GSCO Board of Directors.
The GSCO Board of Directors has retained Evergreen Executive Source LLC of New Jersey to conduct a nationwide search for a CEO. Evergreen is an executive search firm that specializes in recruiting services for Girl Scout councils.
Board member Shannon Sisler is leading the Executive Search Committee, which will conduct the search process. Shannon is the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer for Crocs, where she is responsible for human resources globally.
The CEO search process will likely take several months.
If you know anyone who would be a great fit for Girl Scouts of Colorado, please share the job posting.
Upcoming Events
We have lots of fun events planned that you can enjoy with your family, friends, or your troop! Invite a non-Girl Scout friend to any of these events and show her how fun Girl Scouts can be. Check the events calendar for more exciting events in your community.
Upcoming events at Denver Center for the Performing Arts! Girl Scouts receive a patch for attending.
January 25
Discounted tickets for 1:30 pm performance. Post-show workshop for Daisies & Brownies!
April 10
Discounted tickets for 7:30 p.m. performance. Troops will be seated together. Information about tickets will be posted to the GSCO events calendar late February 2020.
Lion King
May 30 & June 13
Discounted tickets for 2 p.m. performances. Troops will be seated together. Information on tickets will be posted to the GSCO events calendar spring 2020.
Brownie Fair Play with Air Force Academy Women’s Basketball
January 24, Colorado Springs
Coach Chris Gobrecht will discuss teamwork, sportsmanship and more! Brownies who attend this workshop are eligible to receive their Fair Play badge on the court at the AFA vs Nevada Women’s basketball game on February 5. Participants have exclusive access to $7 pizza party tickets with fan tunnel and signed poster! Add $3 for badge. Registration online opens this week!
January 25, Grand Junction
April 18, Greeley
What is your Secret to Success? Girls will have the unique opportunity to ask that question and many more of top local women leaders at the 2020 Secrets to Success events. Every girl has the power to become what she dreams to be. We are helping today’s girls overcome the challenges they face, giving them the tools they need to become successful leaders. Any girl in grades 6th – 12th is invited to Secrets to Success.
Girl Scout Day with CSU Women’s Basketball
January 25, Fort Collins
Lady Rams take on Utah State. Girl Scouts in attendance receive special patch! Use promo code GIRLSCOUTS to purchase tickets here.
Girl Scout Night with Colorado Eagles
February 7, Loveland
Top two troops with the most ticket referrals each get a cookie booth at the Family & Faith game on Sunday, March 1 at the Budweiser Events Center. To request a custom group code (provide troop name/number), contact Ryan Nugent at 970-686-SHOT (7468) ext. 111.
Girl Scout Night with the CO Avalanche
February 13, Denver
Join us for Girl Scout Day with the Colorado Avalanche! All Girl Scouts, family, and friends are invited. Cheer on the Avalanche as they take on the Washington Capitals. The troop with the most ticket referrals will get to have a cookie booth at the game! Last year’s troop sold over 500 packages at their booth!
Girl Scout Day with CU Women’s Basketball
February 16, Boulder
Lady Buffs take on #1 Ranked Stanford at NOON. Doors open 11 am for activities with CU female athletes from various sports. Meet-and-greet following game. Girl Scouts in attendance receive special patch! Use promo code GIRLSCOUTS to purchase discounted tickets here.
Girl Scout Night with the Harlem Globetrotters
March 1, 2020, Colorado Springs
Troops that refer the most tickets could be highlighted on the court and/or invited to sell cookies outside the venue.
Girl Scout Day at Dinosaur Resource Center
March 7, Woodland Park
All Girl Scouts and Girl Scout Leaders in uniform are FREE for this fun, interactive activity day! From 10am-4pm enjoy stations throughout the center No registration required. Visit rmdrc.com for more info.
Girl Scout Night at Disney on Ice
March 20, Colorado Springs
Disney On Ice presents Celebrate Memories at The Broadmoor World Arena Special Girl Scout section at the performance.
Girl Scout Night with South Metro Fire Rescue
March 30, 6-9 pm, Parker
Learn First-Aid with South Metro Fire’s First Responders, talk to firefighters about their jobs, and learn basic first aid skills. Registration will open in January.
Disney on Ice presents Celebrate Memories
April 3, Loveland
Disney On Ice presents Celebrate Memories at Budweiser Events Center at The Ranch. Use promo code TROOP online for discount pricing to 7pm performance.Seating chart and flyer.
Save the Date: CO Women’s Hall of Fame Patch Workshop
April 4, Grand Junction
Girl Scouts of all ages are invited to earn a Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame patch. This new patch program launched in January 2019 to provide girls across the state an opportunity to learn the stories of women who shaped Colorado and our nation’s history with courage, leadership, intelligence, and creativity.
Save the Date: Secrets to Success
April 18, Greeley
What is your Secret to Success? Girls will have the unique opportunity to ask that question and many more of top local women leaders at our first Northern Colorado program. Any girl in grades 6-12 is invited to the program. Emailcarol.griffin@gscolorado.org to be added to the interest list. Share save the date flier now!
Save the Date: Statewide Bridging at the Royal Gorge
May 2, Cañon City
Save the Date: Daisy Flower Garden Journey at Denver Botanic Gardens
May 17, Denver
Registration will open March 2020.
Sweet Cow Ice Cream, which has multiple locations in Denver and Boulder Counties, will support Colorado Girl Scouts during the 2020 Girl Scout Cookie Program! As in years past, Sweet Cow will purchase Girl Scout Cookies from local girls/troops to make two special flavors to be offered during February/March.
“Mint Girl Scout Cookie” is a Dutch Chocolate and Natural Peppermint ice cream with lots and lots of Thin Mints blended throughout. It will be available at Sweet Cow shops in Louisville, North Boulder, and South Boulder starting February 2 until it runs out, at which point “Samoa Samoa” will take its place!
“Samoa Samoa” is a light caramel ice cream with toasted coconut, lots of Samoas, and a homemade hot fudge and caramel swirl. It will be available at Sweet Cow in the Highlands, Platt Park, and Stanley Marketplace shops starting February 2 until it runs out, at which point “Mint Girl Scout Cookie” will take its place!
Last but certainly not least, Sweet Cow will have their “Vegan Mint Girl Scout Cookie” available on February 2. Just like the Mint Girl Scout Cookie, but without the dairy. A delicious option for anyone dairy free!
You can find out which flavor Sweet Cow is scooping up at your local shop by checking their website, or by using their free Sweet Cow App!
Sweet Cow will purchase the cookies needed to make these special flavors from Colorado Girl Scouts starting February 2, 2020. The number of packages purchased from each Girl Scout/troop will depend on the needs of each shop and the popularity of these special edition ice creams. To sell cookies to Sweet Cow, simply visit one of the shops where these special flavors will be sold and give your best Girl Scout Cookies sales pitch.
NEW FOR 2020! Sweet Cow Ice Cream is hosting a contest on Instagram! Two Girl Scouts each week (through March 8) can win a $5 gift card to Sweet Cow Ice Cream! In order to participate, you must take a picture of yourself (or have a caregiver take your photo) in a Sweet Cow shop or in front of the door. Post it (or have your caregiver post it) to Instagram and use the hashtags #ilovegscookiesinmyicecream and #GSColo.
Selling Girl Scout Cookies online? Make sure you’re taking advantage of all the tools, which Digital Cookie gives you, to be creative and customize your website, like creating and uploading a video. In addition to attracting more customers and increasing sales, your video could earn you $200 in Cookie Credits!
To enter this year’s “Best Cookie Video Contest,” just email your video, along with a brief story and your cookie goal, to Public Relations Director, AnneMarie Harper, at annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org. If your video is too large to send via email, you can send a DropBox or Google drive link. All entries must be received by February 13, 2020. Afterwards, they will be uploaded to the Girl Scouts of Colorado YouTube account. The video that receives the most “thumbs up” by February 25 at 9 a.m. wins! *** Note: You must send the original file for your video to be included. Links to videos hosted on YouTube sites other than GSCO will not be accepted.
First Prize: $200 in Cookie Credits
Second Prize: $100 in Cookie Credits
Third Prize: $50 in Cookie Credits
Girl Scouts 12-years-old and younger can have a parent help them make their video. Videos submitted by Girl Scouts 13-years-old and older must be girl-done. VIDEOS CANNOT CONTAIN ANY COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL.
Troop leaders and individual girls have until March 1, 2020 to finish their Highest Awards project AND submit their Bronze and Silver Award Notification Form to be invited to the 2020 Highest Awards Celebrations.
Bronze and Silver Award Notification Form: https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/content/girlscoutsofcolorado/en/for-volunteers/forms-and-resources/bronze-and-silver-notification.html
In the first week of March, an email invitation will go directly to all troop leaders and parents who submitted a notification form to RSVP for the celebration events.
Questions? Email Kaitie LoDolce, GSCO Highest Awards Manager, at highestawards@gscolorado.org.
Girl Scouts of Colorado was recently alerted to errors in our camp mailer for Summer 2020.
The GSCO website been updated with the correct information. Thank you for your understanding!
Join the GSCO Product Program team for a Facebook Live event on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at noon to discuss Initial Orders and what you should consider when forecasting your Initial Order.
If you miss the live broadcast, you can watch the video on our Facebook page and share it with other volunteers. Go to the videos tab and look for the Girl Scout Cookies video playlist.
For more information: Register for the eBudde live webinar with a focus on Initial Orders on Friday, January 10 at 6:30 p.m. https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/en/events-repository/2020/ebudde_101_w_initial.html
Submitted by Penny “Pan” Roberts
Northern & Northeastern CO
Meadow Mountain Ranch
Imagine a day like this at camp, playing with friends old and new, choosing how to spend your time and enjoying every single minute in the Colorado high country at Meadow Mountain Ranch near Allenspark.
The early morning air is crisp and clean, and the coffee is already made! A short hike to the top of Vista Spur will help open your eyes and your heart to the beauty of the landscape and the surrounding ridges and high mountain peaks. You’ll be back to main camp in time for your breakfast capers, helping make the fire, cook or clean up, and then there’s still plenty of time for morning activities.
There might be a craft scheduled for the Paint Pot, or a nature activity to take a long explore on the Big Circle Tour. Veteran campers can guide new gals to the great grand-tree, Hercules, and stop by the long-standing Grandpa Trees, historical aspens from which all the aspens in the valley were propagated.
A few hearty hikers may have taken off for a day hike to Calypso Cascades or Meadow Mountain or Twin Sisters. Ladies are always welcome to spend time in the Homestead House viewing artifacts from the history of MMR back to its beginning with the Dannels Family in the late 1800s. There are staff memorabilia there as well as scrapbooks tracing the established camping history from 1960 when the first pioneering group of girls reported that, “YES!” this 200-acre property was perfect for a Girl Scout camp.
Lunch gathers everyone back to the main unit to cook. Believe me when I say that the food is one of the highlights of this event. Susan Baker and her support staff help create and bring into being some of the most adventurous and creative outdoor cooking opportunities, where we try everything from bean-hole cooking to canning rhubarb jam to reflector oven cobbler.
Need a little “me time” after lunch? We can come and go as we please, and sometimes new ladies arrive to join the fun. Do you have a special program to offer the group? Can you teach yoga, offer archery, do some needlework or other handicrafts, or sponsor a book review or poetry reading under the trees? Just pass the word. Do you have world travels to report to the group or can we practice some Tai-Chi or strength training or team building activities?
Is it time to cook again already? Dinner might have an international flair or offer a competition to see whose chili is best. Are there special treats you remember from your years ago at camp that we can recreate again? Do you come from a part of the country where there were other camp specialties you’d like to share with us? Dinner might take a while, so come and sit around the fire ring and we’ll probably already be singing. Bring your songbooks, join in, learn new songs, practices some “oldies.” We might even have time for some fairy tales or Pooh stories and eventually we’ll “sing our way home at the close of the day.”
So that was one day. But, we offer almost four whole days! Play, relax, sing, sleep, explore. The whole of MMR is just for our event, so there is plenty of room and time to come and share in the fun.
SAVE THE DATES:
June 22 – 25, 2020
First meal is Monday lunch; last meal is Thursday brunch.
Cost is $200 for the entire time or $60 for part-timers including three meals.
Do you have special memories of MMR from times gone by? Were you a camper there in your early years? Were you a staff member while you were in college, learning how to teach and lead and inspire girls in the magic of camp?
Do you have long-lost friends you would like to reconnect with? Have you forgotten where things were or how to get there?
Do you have daughters or grand-daughters or mothers or grand-mothers or aunts or cousins? Some of the most magical experiences have been had by multi-generational teams who come to share in this special adventure.
Did you hear about us from others who had been to Women’s Week before? We’ve been at this for several years now, and it only gets better with time. The event is ours to plan and bring to reality. It is for sure an event to cherish from one year to the next.
Registration is always open and the informational flyer is below. Please contact the Very Informal Camp Director, Penny “Pan” Roberts, at 970 586 1775 or PO Box 211, Estes Park, Co. 80517
A new Girl Scout Cookie is coming! Lemon-Ups are crispy lemon cookies baked with messages inspired by Girl Scout entrepreneurs, such as “I am a go-getter” and “I am an innovator.” This new cookie replaces Savannah Smiles and joins favorites: Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Trefoils, Dos-Si-Dos, S’mores, and gluten-free Toffee-tastic. Girl Scout Cookies will be available in Colorado starting Sunday, February 2. S’mores and gluten-free Toffee-tastic are $5/package. All other varieties are $4/package. The 2020 Girl Scout Cookie Program ends Sunday, March 8.
Each and every Girl Scout Cookie purchase is key to supporting the change-makers of today and tomorrow. Through the Girl Scout Cookie Program, girls not only discover their inner leadership potential, but also use their earnings to power amazing experiences, including travel, outdoor adventure, and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programming.
Colorado Girl Scouts sell cookies online, in addition to door-to-door and in front of major retailers. The Digital Cookie program was popular during the 2019 program with 8,069 Colorado Girl Scouts participating and selling 832,182 packages to friends and family across the country. This year, Girl Scouts of Colorado expects even more girls to participate in Digital Cookie, as it creates another fun, safe, interactive way for girls to reach their goals. To purchase cookies online, customers must get an invite to shop at a girl’s personal website.
Each purchase of Girl Scout Cookies supports girls in developing five lifelong skills: goal-setting, decision-making, money management, people skills, and business ethics.
“Everyone loves Girl Scout Cookies—but the program is about so much more than cookies,” said Stephanie Foote, president and CEO of Girl Scouts of Colorado. “Girls learn about entrepreneurship as they run their own cookie businesses. The important business and financial literacy skills girls learn through the program are proven to build their leadership skills and position them for success in the future. When you purchase cookies you are helping girls power their Girl Scout Leadership Experience and you’re supporting female entrepreneurs.”
Making the world a better place is central to the Girl Scout mission. During the Girl Scout Cookie Program, Girl Scouts honor non-profit organizations, food banks, military, and uniformed personnel through Girl Scouts’ Hometown Heroes/Gift of Caring program. Through this program, customers have the opportunity to purchase a package of cookies to donate to Girl Scouts’ heroes – a perfect solution for those who pass on the tempting treats! Girls learn about the invaluable work of their recipients by taking tours, learning about careers in public service and helping with service projects. All Hometown Heroes/Gift of Caring purchases may be eligible for a tax deduction. The 2020 goal for the Hometown Heroes/Gift of Caring program in Colorado is 200,000 packages.
If you are looking for cookies, use the “Cookie Locator” online or the mobile app to search for Booth Sale locations. Once you find a location that works for you, add it to your calendar and/or sign up to receive email reminders about sale locations. Visit www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org to get started or learn more.
All Girl Scout Cookie varieties contain zero grams of trans fat per serving. Thin Mints are vegan. Do-Si-Dos and Trefoils have no hydrogenated oils. Further information about Girl Scout Cookie ingredients can be found at littlebrownie.com. High resolution images of Girl Scout Cookies and Colorado Girl Scouts selling cookies are available upon request.
About Girl Scouts of Colorado
Girl Scouts of Colorado is 32,000 strong—more than 22,000 girls and 10,000 adults who believe in the power of every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ to change the world. Our extraordinary journey began more than 100 years ago with the original G.I.R.L., Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low. On March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Ga., she organized the very first Girl Scout troop, and every year since, we’ve honored her vision and legacy, building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. We’re the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. Girl Scouts offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org.
Girl Scouts of Colorado President and CEO Stephanie A. Foote announced in December her plans to retire at the end of May 2020. Stephanie has been the President and CEO of Girl Scouts of Colorado since May 1, 2012, and, from 2007 to 2012, she served as Chair of the GSCO Board of Directors.
“I’m so proud of the work we do at Girl Scouts and the impact our program has on girls, the volunteers who guide them, and the communities that benefit from their leadership and service,” Stephanie said. “In my years with this organization, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting many amazing girls and dedicated volunteers. I’ve literally watched girls become leaders and witnessed their power when they work together to make the world a better place. I’m confident in our future. We’ve been preparing girls to lead for more than 100 years and that work will go on long after my retirement.”
Stephanie models business leadership for Girl Scouts. She helped to establish an Endowment Fund at Rose Community Foundation to maximize the return on this organization’s investments and support the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. In 2015, she established the Stephanie A. Foote Leadership Prize, which is awarded annually to a Girl Scout who has completed her Gold Award in the current year and whose project is selected by an independent panel as an exceptional example of impact through leadership.
Prior to working with Girl Scouts of Colorado, Stephanie served as an elected member of Denver City Council, worked as Chief of Staff to Mayor Wellington Webb, was the first woman in Denver to serve as Deputy Mayor and the first woman to serve as Manager of Public Works.
Her background in government and her business connections helped Stephanie guide Girl Scouts of Colorado to become one of the most respected non-profits in Colorado and a top-performing Girl Scout council. Stephanie’s ability to navigate regional nuances in mission delivery, fundraising, and local leadership has been instrumental in Girl Scouts of Colorado’s continued success.
Under her leadership, Girl Scouts of Colorado invested in technology, downsized office space to more efficiently use resources, elevated programming for older Girl Scouts, reversed the trend of membership decline, expanded Outreach programs to bring Girl Scouting to girls who need it most, and is in the best fiscal shape the organization has seen since the 2007 national council realignment.
Girl Scouts of Colorado Chairperson of the Board Rae Ann Dougherty said Stephanie has positioned the council well for the future.
“Girl Scouts of Colorado is extremely fortunate to have benefited from Stephanie’s leadership, experience, and expertise over the past 13 years,” she said. “She has done great things for us and positioned the council to provide the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to an ever-growing number of girls in Colorado.”
Stephanie is responsible for oversight of $28 million in assets, including several camps and lodges, leased office space across the state and a retail shop. In partnership with her executive leadership team, she manages an annual operating budget of more than $12 million and statewide staff of more than 100 full-time, part-time and seasonal employees who support more than 22,000 girls and 10,000 adult members and volunteers in 56 counties in Colorado.
The GSCO Board of Directors has retained Evergreen Executive Source LLC of New Jersey to conduct a nationwide search for a CEO. Evergreen is an executive search firm that specializes in recruiting services for Girl Scout councils.
Board member Shannon Sisler is leading the Executive Search Committee, which will conduct the search process. Shannon is the Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer for Crocs, where she is responsible for human resources globally. Prior to joining Crocs, she held Human Resources leadership roles with Davita, Janus Capital, and Western Union.
Shannon said the Board’s primary goal is to ensure a smooth transition by hiring the best CEO to lead Girl Scouts of Colorado into the future.
“It’s business as usual at Girl Scouts of Colorado right now, as staff and volunteers focus on delivering the best Girl Scout Leadership Experience possible,” Shannon said.
The CEO search process will likely take several months.
“We want this to be as transparent a process as it can be,” Shannon said. “Regular updates will be given and stakeholder input will be included in the process.”
If you know anyone who would be a great fit for Girl Scouts of Colorado, please share the job posting.
Anyone with questions about the process, should reach out to Board Chair Rae Ann Dougherty at raeannd@rrstrategies.com.
Submitted by Ariella Wells
Northern & Northeastern CO
Fort Collins
Troop 70720 ran a “Three Cheers for Animals” Journey in a Day event for Daisies at the McKee 4H Ranch Building in Loveland. 27 Girl Scouts Daisies from around the state joined them. The girls had a guest speaker from Animal Friends Alliance, made lots of projects, and did activities! For the ending project, they did a Take Action project of making winter feral cat boxes for a local animal rescue! They will distribute the boxes out to areas that have homeless/feral cats which can use them.
This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too.
