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Gold Award Girl Scout Bailey Stokes awarded Johanna Farrar Girl Scout Memorial Scholarship

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Gold Award Girl Scout Bailey Stokes of Buena Vista is the 2018 recipient of the Johanna Farrar Girl Scout Memorial Scholarship. She earned her Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouts, earlier this summer for creating a nature program that will be sustained by teachers in her community.

Johanna Farrar’s husband and children started this scholarship in 2015 to celebrate all of her accomplishments, particularly those within the Girl Scout community. Born in London, England and raised in a small village on the south coast of England, Johanna was a Girl Guide in her childhood. She was also the youngest ever to have achieved the Queen’s Guide Award at that time, the English equivalent of the Girl Scout Gold Award. After earning a software engineering degree from Loughborough University, Johanna moved to New Jersey to work for Bell Labs. In 1985, she accepted a position with FedEx in Colorado Springs, where she met and married Gene Farrar in 1990. Johanna and Gene lived and worked in the Colorado Springs area, moving to Monument in 1992 when their oldest daughter, Hannah, was born. In 1995, after their second daughter, Rachel, was born, Johanna retired from a successful career as a Technical Advisor at FedEx for an even more successful and rewarding career as a dedicated full-time mother.

Johanna introduced her daughters to Girl Scouts at the first opportunity and became a local leader in Monument, then again after relocating to Buena Vista. When Johanna first arrived in Buena Vista, she learned Girl Scouts had all but disappeared in Chaffee County. Johanna believed so strongly in the values and skills that Girl Scouts develops, it became a passion to reestablish Girl Scouts for girls in the high Rockies. Known to many of her friends as the “Engergizer Bunny” because of her seemingly never-ending energy and indomitable spirit, Johanna provided the leadership and drive to rejuvenate Girl Scouts in the valley. Now, for the first time, there are troops for all ages.  Additionally, Johanna loved the outdoors, including skiing, hiking, biking, mountain climbing, and especially gardening – passions she loved to share and instill in young women.

 

 

Alumnae News, Girl Scout News, Girl Scouts News

Girl Scouts gives girls a readymade resume

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From Sylvia Acevedo, CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA

As the CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA, I have the best job in the world because I get to travel across the country, talk about Girl Scouts all day, and tell everyone about all the awesome things girls are doing.

I also get to meet some incredible Girl Scouts—true go-getters, innovators, risk takers, and leaders—and see firsthand their G.I.R.L. spirit and ingenuity in action.

I recently met Ellie, an amazing Girl Scout from our California’s Central Coast council, when she came to visit GSUSA in New York, and wow did she impress me. A freshman in high school who has earned her Silver Award and is currently working on her Gold Award. Ellie told me about how she was trying to get a job, but she didn’t have any work experience yet and the job she was trying to get required a resume. So she decided to build her resume around all the skills she’d cultivated over the course of her ten years as a Girl Scout. That’s right—Girl Scouts enabled this G.I.R.L. to have a readymade resume. Talk about go-getting and innovating!

We’ve deleted identifying information for sharing purposes.
On your resume, you should include your last name, school,
and contact information.

In her resume, Ellie talked about how at Girl Scouts she learned effective leadership and communication skills, and that through the cookie program she built entrepreneurial and business skills while selling up to 500 boxes of cookies a year. She also listed her work as a Program Aide at a Girl Scout summer camp for three years, leading groups of kindergarten, first-, second-, and third-grade girls. And she detailed her Silver Award Take Action project, for which she organized and created “Barton Boxes” of art supplies that she donated to the Red Cross for children affected by the 2017 hurricane.

She got the job and has already been promoted!

I was so inspired by Ellie’s story, and it really drove home for me what Girl Scouts does for today’s girls—just as it did for me when I was a young Girl Scout.  

Girl Scouts builds the complete girl, offering her activities and experiences that will ensure she can thrive in whatever path she chooses to pursue. Girl Scouts learn how to solve problems, they learn teamwork, they learn the power of collaboration. They learn how to identify and seize opportunities. How to be prepared so they can create their own luck. And how to persevere—to create a plan, to regroup when things go off-course, to learn from failure and try again.

It’s enterprising and ambitious Girl Scouts like Ellie who make me so excited and hopeful about the next generation of girls who will lead us into the future. We are in great hands.

Alumnae News, Camp

Pinecrest Memorial Unit Shelter dedicated

Girl Scout alumnae, donors, and friends  gathered on Wednesday, July 25, 2018 to celebrate the dedication of the Pinecrest Memorial Unit Shelter at Meadow Mountain Ranch. Women’s Week camper Deb Allison McDonough beaded a necklace in Morse code. She used the chorus of Girl Scout favorite “I want to be strong.”
Alumnae News, Council News, Volunteer News

Daisy’s Circle: We met the challenge! 

One year ago, Kathy and Rick Ambrose issued a challenge that Girl Scouts of Colorado couldn’t refuse! They pledged to match new or increased Daisy’s Circle donations received (up to $25,000) between June 1, 2017 and May 31, 2018 and we did it, you did it.

Thanks to you we met the full $25,000 goal and more.  As a result, Girl Scouts throughout Colorado will have the opportunity to become the G.I.R.L.s (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker,Leader)™ that we know they can be.

Still not a member of Daisy’s Circle? What are you waiting for?Join online at www.gscodaisyscircle.org. Questions? Contact donor relations manager Carol Griffin at carol.griffin@gscolorado.org or (303) 607-4879.

Alumnae News, Camp, Events

Women’s Week 2018

Submitted by Penny Roberts

Northern & Northeastern CO

Meadow Mountain Ranch

It’s not too late to sign up for the fifth annual Women’s Week July 23 – 26, 2018 at Meadow Mountain Ranch near Allenspark. Summer is blossoming in the Colorado high country, and the wild iris and soon the columbine will be blanketing the meadows and woods at our home-away-from-home.

Open to any gals at least 18 years of age, Women’s Week has brought together ladies from all over the country – – from Maine and Connecticut to Washington, Oregon, Utah and Nevada  – – friends who tell friends, and moms who bring daughters and grand-daughters. It’s a spectacular, easy, and fun way to get away from everything that tugs and pulls at us these days and just go to camp and play. Participants don’t need to be Girl Scouts or even ever attended camp.  Friends, co-workers, camp alums, GSCO staff members, board members, let’s all come and join the fun!

What do we do there? ANYTHING WE WANT ! If you can imagine it or remember it or bring it with you to share, we can fit it into the schedule. Fly kites? Make crafts? Take a hike? Sing into the night? Sleep out in the back meadow? Do archery? Help with cooking and firebuilding? Can you lead a session of yoga, drumming, dancing, drama, art? We’ll gather a group for you most any time of day.

Where do we sleep? In the regular units in the “tabins,” close in or farther away from main camp. Larkspur is our headquarters, but you can stay in Lyra or Meeker’s Bluff for a little more peace and quiet.

Food? Of course, and it’s great! Our food service gals go all out to create delectable delicacies not always imagined out in the woods. We’ve cooked rhubarb jam, baked cakes in dutch ovens, held a chili cook-off just like on TV, taken a progressive “jungle breakfast” hike, and dug a bean hole!  We can accommodate dietary restrictions easily. We’ll try to cook out most meals in the unit over an open fire and have fun experimenting with more advanced cooking techniques (per fire restrictions, of course).

Some new and firm friendships have been made and some old old old acquaintances rekindled at Women’s Week.

Of special note is that on Wednesday morning, July 25, we will hold a special dedication ceremony for the new Pinecrest Memorial Unit Shelter. We’ll “cut the ribbon” and talk about the creation of this new addition to MMR, which will hopefully attract groups large and small to this outpost-type setting. Donors will be on hand as well as some staff and board members to celebrate this milestone.

Below is the information flyer and additional details can be obtained from the very informal camp director, Penny Roberts, at probertscolo@gmail.com.

This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too.

2018 Women’s Week publicity flyer

 

 

 

Alumnae News, Girl Scout News, Girl Scouts News

Girl Scout alums Katie Couric, Queen Latifah, Melinda Gates, Dolores Huerta, Karlie Kloss, and others remind the world that Girl Scouts grows female leaders who drive powerful change

From Girl Scouts of the USA

Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) released a new national PSA, “Lifetime of Leadership,” heralding the organization’s legacy of fostering female change-makers and preparing girls for a lifetime of leadership, success, and adventure. Featuring notable Girl Scout alums in fields such as technology, politics, media, and sports, the PSA showcases the positive change these powerful female leaders have created through activism, speaking up, breaking glass ceilings, and more—and illustrates the importance of Girl Scouts in providing girls with the leadership experiences they need to make their voices heard and effect change.

From philanthropist Melinda Gates and athlete Venus Williams, to supermodel and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss, Girl Scout alums highlighted in the PSA have inspired people worldwide. Narrated by Queen Latifah, the PSA also features Dolores Huerta, Barbara Walters, Katie Couric, Senator Tammy Duckworth, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Ellen Kuras, Dr. N. Jan Davis, Tyra Banks, Sheryl Crow, Céline Dion, Dakota Fanning, Susan Wojcicki, Senator Susan Collins, and Cassandra Levesque, a 19-year-old Girl Scout alum who worked to ban child marriage in New Hampshire.

“Lifetime of Leadership” brings to life what recent studies have shown: Girl Scouts have better life outcomes than their non–Girl Scout peers. They are more confident, seek challenges to a greater degree, are more active decision-makers, and are more proficient problem-solvers in their communities. The PSA also shows how civic engagement is a core part of the Girl Scout DNA—which is why it premiered today at G.I.R.L. Agenda 2018: Leading Change Through Civic Action. This unique event, which took place in Philadelphia, featured a keynote address from educator and former second lady of the United States Dr. Jill Biden, and a panel moderated by writer, professor, and television host Dr. Melissa Harris-Perry. Thousands of girls and those who care about them joined in-person and virtually for a conversation about preparing girls to lead positive change. The PSA brought to life what a Girl Scout’s leadership journey can look like as she grows into a woman, and it inspired all in attendance to take the lead and take action in support of causes they care about.

“We are proud to premiere our powerful new PSA and showcase the impactful change that Girl Scout alums have created to make the world a better place,” said Sylvia Acevedo, GSUSA CEO. “We know that leadership and meaningful civic action start at a young age—at home, at school, and in local communities. This PSA is a rallying cry for more girls to realize their leadership potential with Girl Scouts. The world is counting on them, and we hope our more than 50 million alums will be inspired to reconnect with us and share their leadership journey with the next generation of girls who will lead our country into the future.”

“I have no doubt that the girls of today will become the leaders and change-makers of tomorrow. Supporting them, empowering them and ensuring they have the opportunities they deserve is good for all of us,” said Dr. Jill Biden. “My Girl Scout experience taught me confidence, perseverance, and gave me skills that inspired me to pursue public service and helped me become a better leader. Girl Scouts is the preeminent organization that gives girls the place and the opportunity to develop their powerful voices.”

The new Girl Scout PSA was created and written by Girl Scout alum, Rachel Howald, founder and CCO, Invisible Man.

To watch the PSA and for more information about Girl Scouts, visit www.girlscouts.org/leadership. To join or volunteer, visit www.girlscouts.org/join.

About the G.I.R.L. Agenda Powered by Girl Scouts

A nonpartisan initiative to inspire, prepare, and mobilize girls and those who care about them to lead positive change through civic action, the G.I.R.L. Agenda makes expert-curated civic engagement resources, derived from Girl Scouts of the USA’s programming, accessible to all girls, as well as adults. The free tools give hundreds of thousands of girls and adults tangible ways to take civic action on topics of their choosing. To advance the G.I.R.L. Agenda and for tips on leading positive change through civic action, visit www.girlagenda.org.

 

Alumnae News, Council News, Events

Girl Scouts announces 2018 Denver Metro Women of Distinction: 10 Extraordinary women honored

This year’s honorees were selected by a committee of their peers led by Selection Chair Tasha Jones, Woman of Distinction ‘15, and chosen based on their contributions to the community, both professionally and personally. They are shining examples of corporate, civic and philanthropic leadership and serve as role models for our female leaders of tomorrow. The Women of Distinction program brings together a group of women dedicated to raising support for Girl Scout leadership programs.

  • Janine Davidson, President, Metropolitan State University of Denver
  • Ruth Fountain Eide, Community Leader
  • Therese Ellery, Senior Program Officer, Aging Program, Rose Community Foundation
  • Gretchen Hammer, Medicaid Director, Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing
  • Peggy E. Jennings, CPA, Partner, Eide Bailly LLP
  • Lisa Zúñiga Ramirez, Principal, Senior Portfolio Manager, Segall Bryant & Hamill
  • Meshach Rhoades, Partner, Armstrong Teasdale LLP
  • Terri Richardson, MD, Kaiser Permanente Colorado
  • Tinesha Ross, Government and Commercial Programs, Manager, System Safety & Quality, United Launch Alliance
  • Becky Takeda-Tinker, Ph.D., President & CEO of Colorado State University-Global Campus; and CEO of Beyond Campus Innovations, Inc. an entity of the CSU System Foundation

Girl Scouts of Colorado will welcome the Class of 2018 honorees with a private reception on June 21, 2018 at the Colorado Auto Dealers Association from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The celebration concludes with the Thin Mint Dinner on October 2, 2018 at Denver Marriott Tech Center from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event includes Thin Mint Cocktails and dessert made with Thin Mints, three-course meal, and event program. Event co-chairs are Brook Kramer, Senior VP, Senior Regional Fiduciary Manager, Philanthropic Services, Wells Fargo Private Bank, Woman of Distinction ‘16 and Pat Cortez, Senior VP, Community Affairs Manager, Community Relations and CRA Risk Management Department, Wells Fargo Government and Community Relations Group, Woman of Distinction ’04.

For information regarding tickets and sponsorships, visit girlscoutsofcolorado.org/woddenver or contact Heidi Books at 303-607-4833 or at heidi.books@gscolorado.org.

 

Alumnae News, Council News

Women of Distinction Corporate Champion Award: Nominations now being accepted

Do you know of a Denver business or corporate team who is dedicated to helping women and girls succeed through their volunteerism, mentorship, and philanthropic efforts? Nominate now for the Women of Distinction Corporate Champion Award. Honorees will be announced in May 2018.

The 2018 Corporate Champion will be recognized at the 2018 Women of Distinction Thin Mint Dinner on October 2, 2018 in Denver. The annual Thin Mint Dinner recognizes Women of Distinction and Corporate Champions who serve as models of inspiration to Girl Scouts.

A nominated business should:

• demonstrate dedication to advancing women in their industry
• provide support and encouragement to women and girls in their industry, including a dynamic and inclusive working environment
• have a proven track record of community service/volunteerism to support girls’ and women’s issues
• raise awareness about the remarkable work of talented women in our community

Nominations open through March 23, 2018 at https://gscolorado.formstack.com/forms/untitled_form_64. (to nominate a business, select Denver, and Woman of Distinction Corporate Champion)

Questions? Contact Heidi.Books@gscolorado.org or 303-607-4833.

Alumnae News, Cookies Volunteers, Council News, Events, Volunteer News

Pikes Peak Region to host open house

The Pikes Peak Region of Girl Scouts of Colorado will host an open house at its office on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. The office is located at 5353 N. Union Blvd., Suite 101 in Colorado Springs. Anyone is welcome to attend, and while an RSVP is not required, it is appreciated. Please call Debbie Swanson at 719-304-8322, or contact her at debbie.swanson@gscolorado.org, to give her your reservation.

The invitation to attend has been sent to community and business leaders in the area, along with donors, alumnae, and volunteers. Guests will sample Girl Scout Cookies and learn how to find cookie booths in their area, so they can purchase cookies. They will also see a demonstration of the online cookie ordering process for those guests who are acquainted with a Girl Scout with whom an order can be placed. Other snacks and beverages will be provided.

Guests will also hear about what the Girl Scouts will be doing in the Pikes Peak Region for 2018. This will include an Outreach Program to enroll girls who come from low-resource areas, the Gold Award, and some potential fundraisers. All are invited to come and learn more about the Girl Scouts of Colorado!

Alumnae News, Cookies, Cookies Volunteers, Events, Girl Scout News, Girl Scouts News

Girl Scout Cookie Program 2018 Display at Loveland Public Library

Submitted by Linda Robinson

Northern & Northeastern CO

Loveland

The GSCO History Committee has set up a display at the Loveland Public Library (300 N. Adams Ave, Loveland, CO 80537) featuring the 2018 cookie program. The display will be up for the entire month of January.

It is a colorful display of cookie packages, prizes, and information on the program. The committee highlighted this year’s program and The 5 Skills to help educate the public about all that goes into the Girl Scout Cookie Program. It is so much more than girls selling cookies and getting prizes. It is about girls learning goal setting, money management, people skills, decision making, and business ethics. Be sure to check out the bottom shelf for some history of the Girl Scout Cookie Program and see some vintage cookie cases.

If you’d like more information on the history of the cookie program or would like to see some of past year’s prizes and themes, please contact the GSCO History Committee at gscohistory@gmail.com.
Since this display will only be up during the month of January, it will be available for use in another community during the cookie program. Let the History Committee know if you have a place in your area for this display.

We have several programs available for troops to do while visiting the GSCO History Center in Loveland and several take out programs. The History Committee works on Tuesdays and is open by appointment on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month.

This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too