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Volunteer View: January 2021

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Girl Scout Cookie Program runs January 31 – March 7

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 Little Brownie Baker Virtual Rally Guide, rally modules, and activities on our Cookie Resources page.  Also available for download are the new Booth Guide, mini guides, and tip sheets.

Booth Selection Dates

January 25        Round One Booth selection (6-11:59 p.m.) – pick one booth

January 26        Round Two Booth selection (6-11:59 p.m.) – pick two booths

January 27        Round Three Booth selection (6-11:59 p.m.) – pick three booths

January 28        Round Four Booth selection (6-11:59 p.m.) – pick four booths

January 29        Round Five Booth selection (6 p.m.) – limit 100 total booths until February 8

Other Important Dates

January 30: Main Cookie Delivery Day

Troops will pick up cookies at the delivery site they select. Troops MUST HAVE submitted an ACH form for the 2020-2021 membership year in order to pick up their IO on delivery day.

January 31: First day of the 2021 Cookie Program

My Sales booth, select Council booths and door-to-door sales begin.

February 4: Cookie Cupboards open.

February 12: Other Council booths begin.

Reminder: No additional money-earning activities may take place from January 31 (Cookie Program start date) through March 17 (ACH debit date).

Online Volunteer Training

Troop cookie managers can take TCM Cookie Program training online on gsLearn! To access the training in gsLearn, TCMs must have completed a TCM agreement and been approved in their role.
If you need assistance accessing gsLearn, please contact Kendy Doolen, instructional design manager, at 303-607-4891 or email Kendy.Doolen@gscolorado.org.

Look for just-in-time training to post to the GSCO Facebook page and YouTube channel.

Spanish Language Cookie Resources

We have a lot of cookie resources on our website! You can download them from the website or email espanol@gscolorado.org if you need printed copies of resources in Spanish.

Have questions or need assistance?

Join the Product Program team for open discussions on different topics every Wednesday at noon and 6 p.m. Ask the questions you have and get them answered by GSCO staff. The link to join the Cookie Chats is on the GSCO Cookie Resources page. No need to register, just click the link to join the conversation and get your questions answered!

ACH Forms and TCM Agreements

All troops participating in the Cookie Program must complete an ACH form for the 2020-2021 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 2020 Fall Product Program, do not need to submit one again for the Girl Scout Cookie Program.
  • All TCMs must complete and sign a TCM agreement.
  • A TCM must fill out the TCM agreement, be approved by council, and have an approved ACH agreement in order to receive eBudde access. If a TCM did not receive a registration email from eBudde, they should reach out to their SUCM immediately.
  • TCMs should ensure all girls in their troop are registered and each girl has a valid email for their preferred contact in the membership database if they will be selling through the Digital Cookie (DOC).

Questions? Please contact GSCO customer care at inquiry@gscolorado.org or call 1-877-404-5708.

GSCO System Update

In early December, GSUSA released a refreshed new member management portal as part of the myGS community of online member resources. My Account makes it easier than ever to manage your household’s Girl Scout memberships and keep track of your Girl Scout experiences. To get started you’ll need to reset your password.

As with the launch of any new system, we are experiencing some bugs and system issues that we are working hard to remedy. At this time, a known issue is that email notifications are not being sent to troop leaders when a new girl joins a troop. Please log in to your account to review your troop roster on the Volunteer Toolkit and make sure that you are reaching out to any new families who may have joined your troop.

Need help managing your troop in the new myGS? There is now a course in gsLearn! Log into gsLearn through myGS and you will see a course on your dashboard named GSUSA Managing My Troops from My Account.

Have questions or need additional assistance? Email  inquiry@gscolorado.organd/or call 877-404-5708.

GSCO Clubs Starting Now

Girl Scouts of Colorado’s club program is a great way for your Girl Scout to connect with others, while also learning a new skill or participating in a fun activity. Clubs run from January until May and are for girls of every program level. Check out our offerings and register today!

Latinx Engagement

Make sure to check out all the Latinx events we have coming up in 2021!

Have you checked out our series for Troop Leaders interested in learning more about our Spanish resources and programs? This is open to all leaders – come check it out!

You can register for all the events easily by finding them in our council events page.

Check out our new Spanish Resources for anyone that needs it:

GSCO Day of Service

Participate in GSCO’s Day of Service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 18! This is an opportunity for girls, volunteers, and their families to connect with their communities and give back, while following current public health guidelines in their community. Girls can even earn our limited GSCO Day of Service patch. We want everyone to continue to be safe*, so we have compiled a list of community service projects that you can safely do in any part of the state to connect and help your community.

Learn More

Camp Registration Opens January 28

GSCO is excited to be planning summer outdoor programs for 2021! Yes, we are planning for summer resident camp programs in 2021! While we are thrilled for resident camp to return, we know things will look different this summer. Because safety of girls, staff, and volunteers is always our number one priority, we must adapt to our current environment and consider how best to give girls an amazing summer experience and give caregivers and staff peace of mind.

Visit camp.girlscoutsofcolorado.org for details on sessions, safety procedures, registration process, FAQs, and more.

Registration is open for spring 2021 Troop Days at camp!

This winter and spring, troops can visit select GSCO properties and participate in a half or full day of staff-led programs like building outdoor skills, team-building, working on badges or just have fun together as a troop outside at camp! Read all about the updated spring 2021 program options, pricing and dates here. For more information on the registration process, COVID -19 safety guidelines, and what to expect on program review our Troop Day Programs FAQs. Questions? Email property.reservations@gscolorado.org

Family Reservations are open at select GSCO properties

Cozy up inside one of our GSCO cabin at Twisted Pine in Genesee with your family. Reservations must be for the whole weekend and the fee is $300/weekend. Read more information and booking instructions here.

MMR Nature Trail open for reservations!

The Meadow Mountain Ranch Nature Trail is now open for Girl Scout families! Due to COVID-19 troop meeting guidelines, reservations are currently only open to families or no more than two households, but troops will be able to reserve as soon as guidelines allow. Read more information about the nature trail and how to reserve here.

Highest Awards Update

Troops and girls have until March 1 to complete their Highest Awards projects and submit their Bronze and Silver Notification Form to be included in the spring 2021 celebrations!

As a reminder, girls have until they bridge to the next program level on October 1 to complete their projects. Any girls who finish their projects after March 1, 2021 will be included in the next year’s celebrations.

Have girls who are working on their Gold Award projects?

Remember to have them email Highest Awards Manger, Kaitie LoDolce, when they submit their initial proposals through Go Gold. Girls and troop leaders are encouraged to reach out at any stage of their projects for help at highestawards@gscolorado.org.

Conversation Starter: Mental Health During COVID-19

Join us on January 26 at 6 p.m. as we talk with Dr. Laura Anthony, a child psychologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado in the Pediatric Mental Health Institute and an Associate Professor at the CU Anschutz School of Medicine. Dr. Anthony will offer advice on how to recognize warning signs that indicate your girl may be struggling due to the pressures of COVID-19. This live event is open to all adult members as well as any non-members from our community.

Register today

Earn Your 2021 World Thinking Day Award

Start planning now for your World Thinking Day 2021! This year, in an effort to bring more program opportunities directly to girls safely at home, we have complied a list of World Thinking Day programs across the country. Each program and Girl Scout council listed on this resource has opened their virtual doors to Girl Scouts from anywhere in the country. Do you have a Girl Scout friend or family member in another state? Give them a call and see if you want to participate in a World Thinking Day program together, no matter where you are!

Girl Scouts of all ages can also recognize this important day with at-home activities using guides from WAGGGS and GSUSA. Activity guides are now available for 2021 for all Girl Scout levels.

Upcoming Events

Check the events calendar for exciting events in your community. Girl Scouts of Colorado is always planning fun and educational events for girls across the state. Some of these events are highlighted below!

Meet an Expert: Women of the U.S. Space Force (C/S/A)

January 19, 4 p.m.

Girl Scouts of Colorado is excited to invite girls of all ages to attend special “Meet an Expert” sessions with women in the U.S. Space Force (USSF). Girls will hear from an amazing panel of women and participate in a live Q&A session.

Virtual Cookie Cheer with Denver Broncos Cheerleading

January 23 — 9 a.m.

Girl Scouts and their families are invited to a special session to get moving and get excited for cookies with Denver Broncos Cheerleaders! The Denver Broncos Cheerleaders promote self-esteem, pride, commitment, and discipline among young women in our community. This collaboration with Girl Scouts offers a rare and truly special opportunity for young women to learn from the experts in dance, movement, and fitness! Denver Broncos Cheerleaders will lead Girl Scouts through activities focused on movement, stretching, dance. They will also teach girls a short cheer to get excited about cookie season!

Meet an Expert: 9-1-1 Center Manager

January 28, 4 p.m.

Girl Scouts of all ages are invited to meet Jennifer Kirkland, a 9-1-1 Center Manager at the Grand Junction Regional Communication Center. Jennifer will take girls on a virtual tour of the Grand Junction 9-1-1 Center, and then talk about the job, how to get started, and how rewarding being a 9-1-1 professional can be. This will be a behind-the-scenes look at a job that happens 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year.

The CELL’s Virtual 365 Series: Radicalization & Violent Extremism Today

February 4, 4 p.m.

Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors are invited to attend The CELL”S Virtual 365 National Security Event Series: Radicalization & Violent Extremist Today. This program session is for Girl Scouts in grades 9-12 only. This program has been adapted specifically for virtual learning. A CELL educator will take girls through a lesson and they will hear from Jesse Morton, former Al-Qaeda propagandist, and Christian Picciolini, a former white supremacist.

Avalanche Awareness & Snow Science  (Registration coming soon!)

February 8, 5-6 p.m.

We love skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, but what if we want to do those things outside of a resort? Knowing Colorado is highly prone to avalanches, how can we stay safe in the mountains in winter? Join us for this virtual event to learn more about avalanches including how to recognize avalanche territory and how to stay safe if you plan to recreate in avalanche prone areas.

Snow Badge Spectacular

February 10, 5-6 p.m.

Ready to earn your Snow badge? In this webinar, GSCO Outdoor Program staff and experts from The North Face will walk you through steps of the badge and give you tips, tricks, and resources to help you plan, prepare, and train for your winter adventure!

GSUSA Virtual Calendar

Check out awesome virtual experiences for Girl Scouts of all ages from Girl Scouts of the USA. You can also access past recordings through this calendar.

Cookies, Cookies Volunteers, Girl Scout News, Girl Scouts News, Volunteer News

Troop Cookie Manager Training Update

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Troop cookie manager (TCM) live webinar trainings for the 2021 Girl Scout Cookie Program were offered on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in December 2020. Hundreds of volunteers attended the webinars, but not all volunteers were able to attend one of the events.

If you’re a TCM who needs to take cookie training, there are several options to choose from!

TCM training is in our online learning platform, gsLearn, which can be accessed through the GSCO website, myGS tab: https://mygs.girlscouts.org/. The course is divided into sections with a few short knowledge checks and resources to review as well.

However, only TCMs who are approved in their role – after submitting their TCM agreement and after their troop has submitted their ACH form – have access to the TCM training in gsLearn. TCMs are granted access to the training once they are approved, but since administrative processes can take a few days, there is now an alternative option.

Below is a link to watch one of the live webinar recordings on the Girl Scouts of Colorado YouTube channel.

2021 TCM Training – recorded webinar

If you opt to watch the TCM Training on the GSCO YouTube channel, please complete the training survey below. It will ask for your name and a few questions related to the training and take just a few minutes to complete. Once you submit the survey, GSCO will log that you completed the required training.

Here’s the link to the survey:

https://girlscoutsusa.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bfjkQTLcMegBUJn?Q_CHL=qr

Key Resources

Drop in for Cookie Chats on Wednesdays at noon or at 6 p.m.  They will be every Wednesday until the end of the Cookie Program. Our Product Program Specialists host the Zoom calls. The Cookie Chats are an open forum discussion/Q and A. No need to register, just click the link and join the team to talk about all things cookie.

There is now an electronic parent permission form for the cookie program! Parents/caregivers can complete the form and will be emailed a copy and they can click a request button on the form and have a copy of the permission form emailed to their TCM!

Here’s a link to the permission form: 2021 Girl Scout Cookie Program Permission Form – Formstack Share it with the families in your troop!

Find other cookie program resources on our website under the “Cookies” tab:

https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/en/cookies/resources.html

We want to hear how your girl is using her Girl Scout skills by taking initiative, caring for the community, and Girl Scouting at home. She was at the can send in her story here.

Cookies, Cookies Volunteers, Girl Scout News, Girl Scouts News, Volunteer News

Booth Updates for the 2021 Girl Scout Cookie Program

Council Booths

Walmart says yes to Council Booths for the 2021 Girl Scout Cookie Program! Staff and volunteers are making the ask of store managers and getting approval for cookie booth locations.

GSCO staff has been working with King Soopers/City Market and Safeway stores statewide as well, to secure Council Booth locations and dates. Follow-up communications from stores are expected next week.

GSCO is also excited about new Council Booth partnerships, such as GNC stores and others, that have stepped forward in support of Girl Scouts!

In previous years, most of our Council Booth locations were secured in January. This year is no different. Communications about booths begin in November and December, but usually our council partner locations ask that we check back with them right after the holidays – and that’s exactly what’s happening now!

As Council Booth locations are secured and confirmed, they will be entered into eBudde and ready to roll for booth selections the week of January 25.

My Sales Booths

Many local business owners are willing to partner with Girl Scouts and offer space for booths. They want to support girls throughout the cookie season!

Some troops have already secured My Sales booth locations and those locations have been entered and approved in eBudde. If you’re not sure how to make the request for a My Sales Booth and get it approved, talk with your service unit cookie manager (SUCM).

Be creative! Volunteers and parents know which businesses are popular in their communities and/or which locations have been successful booth sites in previous years. Make the ask for My Sales booth locations of those business owners first.

Also, consider which businesses are in areas that get lots of foot traffic, and that have a sizeable space in front of the business and/or a good-sized parking lot. If the location is closed on the weekend, but has great visibility and a large parking lot, ask the business owner if you could set-up a drive-thru booth, and have enough girls, volunteers and signs to direct customers to the cookie booth – similar to a community group car wash set up.

Here’s some suggested My Sales booth locations:

  • Outside favorite restaurants and local shops
  • Libraries
  • Parks and playgrounds
  • School/college parking lots
  • Places of worship parking lots
  • Business parking lots closed on weekend days (i.e., banks, dentist office)

Show your Girl Scout Spirit in your community!  

Cookie booths are run by troops, Juliettes, volunteers, and families. In support of their efforts,  GSCO created a Booth Guide that’s perfect for first cookie season girls and adults, and mini break-out guides and tip sheets perfect for all. The guide includes general information about types of booths, what to bring to a booth, as well as detailed safety guidelines and set-up diagrams and other tips and information, to help make every cookie booth a success!

Check out the complete booth guide, mini guides, and tip sheets on the GSCO website Cookie Resources page or click the links below. There are also links to additional booth resources on the resources page, such as booth signs, a menu board, and goal tracker – along with promotional materials from Little Brownie Baker to make the cookie booths look sharp!

Complete Booth Guide

Drive-thru Booth Mini Guide

Booth Safety and Etiquette Mini Guide

DIY Tabletop Shield

Council Booth Selection Starts Monday, January 25

Mark your calendars and get your cookie team poised to make your selections!

If this is your first-time doing booth selections and you have questions or need assistance, contact your service unit cookie manager (SUCM).

January 25                 Round One Booth selection (6 -11:59 p.m.) – pick one booth

January 26                 Round Two Booth selection (6 -11:59 p.m.) – pick two booths

January 27                          Round Three Booth selection (6 -11:59 p.m.) – pick three booths

January 28                 Round Four Booth selection (6 -11:59 p.m.) – pick four booths

January 29                          Round Five Booth selection (6 p.m.) – limit 100 total booths until Feb 8

Have questions or need additional support? We’ve got YOU!

Join the Product Program Specialist team for open discussions on different topics every Wednesday at noon or at 6 p.m.

No need to register, just click the link and join the team to talk about all things cookie!

We want to hear how your girl is using her Girl Scout skills by taking initiative, caring for the community, and Girl Scouting at home. She can send in her story here.

Cookies, Cookies Volunteers, Girl Scout News, Girl Scouts News, Volunteer News

2021 Girl Scout Cookie Program Permission Form: Electronic Version

Attention troop cookie managers! You asked and GSCO answered! Below you will find a link to an electronic version of the Cookie Program Permission Form for the 2021 Girl Scout Cookie Program. Parents/caregivers can complete the form online, have a copy emailed to them, and have a copy emailed directly to the troop cookie manager.

Complete the form for your Girl Scout now – 2021 Girl Scout Cookie Program Permission Form – Formstack

We want to hear how your girl is using her Girl Scout skills by taking initiative, caring for the community, and Girl Scouting at home. She can send in her story here.

Cookies, Cookies Volunteers, Girl Scout News, Girl Scouts News, Volunteer News

Booth Guide for 2021 Cookie Program Available Now

Girl Scouts of Colorado’s Booth Guide for the 2021 Girl Scout Cookie Program is now available! This online resource contains all you need to know about Council, My Sales, and alternative booths. It also includes detailed safety guidelines, the DIY tabletop shield instructions, set-up diagrams and tips for drive-thru booths, no-contact deliveries, and steps for recording booth sales!

GSCO’s Product Program team has also created a drive-thru booth mini guide and tip sheets for specific topics! Check out the booth guides and tip sheets on the Cookie Resources page of the GSCO website: https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/en/cookies/resources.html

Complete Booth Guide: https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/content/dam/girlscoutsofcolorado/documents/21_Booth%20Guide_final.pdf

Drive-thru Booth Mini Guide: https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/content/dam/girlscoutsofcolorado/documents/21_Drive-thru%20Booth%20Guide_final.pdf

We want to hear how your girl is using her Girl Scout skills by taking initiative, caring for the community, and Girl Scouting at home. She can send in her story here.

Girl Scout News, Girl Scouts News, Volunteer News

Volunteer View: December 2020

Get Ready for the 2021 Cookie Program

Cookie training wrapping up soon!

Only two more virtual training options remain for TCMs this December. Check the Events Calendar on the GSCO website to register.

Please remember that no additional money-earning activities may take place during the Cookie Program – January 31 (Cookie Program start date) to March 17 (ACH debit).

Cookie Program – Time to Get Ready!

Check out the cookie season prep checklist on the GSCO blog to see the steps to take in December and January to get ready for cookies.

  • Troop leaders and/or troop cookie managers be sure your troop has submitted an ACH agreement form and a TCM agreement form. eBudde is now open! TCM’s who have completed their ACH form and TCM agreement form, will gain access to eBudde as soon as they’re uploaded after approval.
  • Thank you to all troop cookie managers that have already attended a TCM training!
  • Check your troop rosters now to make sure all girls participating in your troop have current memberships.
    • If there are girls on your roster who are not participating in your troop, contact your Volunteer Support Specialist.

Have questions or need assistance?

Join a weekly Cookie Chat on Wednesdays at noon or 6 p.m. – hosted by the product program team. The link to join the Cookie Chats is on the GSCO Cookie Resources page. No need to register, just click the link to join the conversation and get your questions answered!

Please call GSCO Customer Care at 877-404-5708 or email inquiry@gscolorado.org.

Girl Scouts NEW Member Account Portal is HERE!

Our NEW member management portal is here! As part of the My GS community of online member resources, My Account makes it easy to manage your household’s Girl Scout memberships and keep track of your Girl Scout experiences. With so many new features, we’re choosing to highlight just a few for you today like:

  • The *NEW* Household Summary View: A scrollable list of all current and inactive Girl Scout members in your household along with troop affiliations and the status for all household memberships – renewing your girl has never been easier!
  • The *NEW* Troop Summary View: There to provide you with a quick look at basic information on the troops that your household members are a part of!
  • The *NEW* My Account Menu: Ready to take to you pages like My Household, My Troop, and My Profile, where you will be able to find more details and information – beyond the summary views on your landing page—and where you’ll go to update and edit your member account information!

Of course, there’s more but we wanted to save a few surprises for you to find! Be sure to check it out! We think you’re going to like what you find!

To get started you’ll need to reset your password.

From the GSCO website, click on My GS and follow the system provided prompts and guidance. Of course, if you have any trouble, be sure to reach out to inquiry@gscolorado.org and/or 877-404-5708 and we’ll be happy to support and welcome you to our refreshed Girl Scout member platform!

Have fun exploring!

2021 Summer Camp Update

GSCO is excited to be planning summer outdoor programs for 2021! Yes, we are planning for summer resident camp programs in 2021! While we are thrilled for resident camp to return, we know things will look different this summer. Because safety of girls, staff, and volunteers is always our No. 1 priority, we must adapt to our current environment and consider how best to give girls an amazing summer experience and give caregivers and staff peace of mind.

We are working closely with Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the American Camp Association, Association of Camp Nurses, the CDC, and the Colorado Governor’s office as the COVID-19 regulations and guidance for 2021 camps are still being determined. We do know that session offerings, schedules, capacity, and design of our camp programs will be adapted this upcoming year for enhanced safety measures.

If summer were today, we could operate at less than 50% capacity and that is where we are allowed to set sessions when registration opens. Registration for resident camp will open in late January/early February and we will have very limited spots available. Registration dates will be announced in early January.

We are hopeful that we will be able to add capacity later this spring if things get better and it is safe to do so, but we also have to be realistic that summer 2021 will have many COVID-19 considerations. With that in mind, we are coming up with additional creative, safe ways to get Girl Scouts a summer camp experience through troop and day programming. Watch for more on that in the coming months. We appreciate your patience as we work through this ever-changing situation keeping what’s best for our girls top of mind.

Visit camp.girlscoutsofcolorado.org for details on sessions, safety procedures, registration process, FAQs, and more.

Learn More

Girl Scout Destinations

Due to issues stemming from the pandemic and because we prioritize the safety of our girls, summer 2021 Girl Scout Destinations will not take place. Girls can receive more information and details about applying to 2022 Destinations here: http://forgirls.girlscouts.org/travel/

GSCO 2021 Day of Service

Participate in GSCO’s Day of Service in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 18, 2021! This is an opportunity for girls, volunteers, and their families to connect with their communities and give back, while following current public health guidelines in their community. Girls can even earn our limited GSCO Day of Service patch. We want everyone to continue to be safe*, so we have compiled a list of community service projects that you can safely do in any part of the state to connect and help your community.

Learn more

Outdoor Program News

GSCO Get Outdoor Challenge Patch

The winter break is a great time to get started on your GSCO Get Outdoors Challenge Patch! This is a checklist challenge full of fun outdoor activities. Challenge yourself to get outdoors and complete the required number of activities.

Registration is open for spring 2021 Troop Days at Camp!

This winter and spring, troops can visit select GSCO properties and participate in a half or full day of staff-led programs like building outdoor skills, team-building, working on badges or just have fun together as a troop outside at camp! Read all about the updated spring 2021 program options, pricing and dates here. For more information on the registration process, COVID -19 safety guidelines, and what to expect on program review our Troop Day Programs FAQs. Questions? Email property.reservations@gscolorado.org

Outdoor Adventure Club

The Outdoor Adventure Club (OAC) is returning in Spring 2021! The OAC is a staff-led program offering outdoor adventures around the state that expose older Girl Scouts to outdoor activities and skills beyond what they might do with their troop. They also get a chance to make new friends from around the state! Check out the spring event calendar and find more information on the OAC page. Registration for our first event, rock climbing at Garden of the Gods, opens on January 14.

Family Reservations are open at select GSCO properties through the end of March!

As the temperatures drop in Colorado, cozy up inside one of our GSCO cabin properties with your family. Reservations must be for the whole weekend and the fee is $300/weekend. Read more information and booking instructions here.

MMR Nature Trail open for reservations!

The Meadow Mountain Ranch Nature Trail is now open for Girl Scout families! The Nature Tail at Meadow Mountain Ranch is a 1.25 mile one-way trail with 21 stops along the way. There are four activities guides and accompanying patches for each season: fall, winter, spring and summer. Due to COVID – 19 troop meeting guidelines, reservations are currently only open to families or no more than two households, but troops will be able to reserve as soon as guidelines allow. Read more information about the nature trail and how to reserve here.

Conversation Starter: Youth Mental Health During COVID

Join us on January 26 at 6 p.m. as we talk with Dr. Laura Anthony, a child psychologist at Children’s Hospital Colorado in the Pediatric Mental Health Institute and an Associate Professor at the CU Anschutz School of Medicine. Dr. Anthony will offer advice on how to recognize warning signs that indicate your girl may be struggling due to the pressures of COVID-19. This live event is open to all adult members as well as any non-members from our community.

Register today

2021 Activity Guides for World Thinking Day and Global Action Awards now available

Start planning now for your Girl Scout’s 2021 World Thinking Day and Global Action Awards! The theme this year is peacebuilding. Activity guides are now available for 2021 for all Girl Scout levels.

Upcoming Events

Check the events calendar for exciting events in your community. Girl Scouts of Colorado is always planning fun and educational events for girls across the state. Some of these events are highlighted below!

Day of Dance with Colorado Ballet

January 9 at 9:30 a.m.

Join the Colorado Ballet for a Day of Dance! Girl Scouts will experience three different dance genres throughout the program including ballet, jazz, and creative movement. Dancers will be exposed to the specific techniques as well as improvisation and dance concepts

Meet an Expert: Robotics Professionals at Arrow Electronics

January 13  at 4:30 p.m.

Girl Scouts of all ages are invited to meet two women in robotics at Arrow Electronics. Arrow Electronics is a technology company with a passion for innovation and transforming the way we look at technology. Make, manage and create are core values of Arrow Electronics. During this webinar we will be talking about a special robot Arrow is making to transform a girl’s life.

Our experts for the webinar will be Victoria Bohannon-Pea, project manager, and Anjelica Roman, business development manager.
Girl Scouts participating in the Robotics badge series in January are strongly encouraged to participate.

The CELL’s Virtual 365 Series: Radicalization & Violent Extremism Today

February 4, 4 p.m.

Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors are invited to attend The CELL”S Virtual 365 National Security Event Series: Radicalization & Violent Extremist Today. This program session is for Girl Scouts in grades 9-12 only. This program has been adapted specifically for virtual learning. A CELL educator will take girls through a lesson and they will hear from Jesse Morton, former Al-Qaeda propagandist, and Christian Picciolini, a former white supremacist.

Avalanche Awareness & Snow Science  (Registration coming soon!)

February 8, 5-6 p.m.

We love skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, but what if we want to do those things outside of a resort? Knowing Colorado is highly prone to avalanches, how can we stay safe in the mountains in winter? Join us for this virtual event to learn more about avalanches including how to recognize avalanche territory and how to stay safe if you plan to recreate in avalanche prone areas.

Snow Badge Spectacular (Registration coming soon!)

February 10, 5-6 p.m.

Ready to earn your Snow Badge? In this webinar, GSCO Outdoor Program staff and other snow sport experts will walk you through steps of the Snow Badge and give you tips, tricks, and resources to help you plan, prepare, and train for your winter adventure!

GSUSA Virtual Calendar

Check out awesome virtual experiences for Girl Scouts of all ages from Girl Scouts of the USA. You can also access past recordings through this calendar.

Girl Scout News, Girl Scouts News, Volunteer News

Great News: myGS is Live!

Our refreshed Girl Scout member account management system is LIVE and we’re so excited!

Over the last couple of weeks, Girl Scouts has been busy making updates to myGS to make it easier than ever to manage your household’s Girl Scout memberships and keep track of your Girl Scout experiences – from troop participation, activity and event registrations, and more! To get started, you’ll need to reset your account password.

To help, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) will be sending a special email to members and household account managers containing a link to reset your Girl Scout account password. Look for the email to arrive sometime between December 6 and December 8. Once you receive your email, simply click on the Reset Password link, follow the steps provided, and you’ll be all set to begin exploring Girl Scouts’ new member portal!

Can’t find the email? We understand. Emails can land in junk folders or simply get lost in today’s crowded inboxes. You can still get started. From the GSCO website click on myGS and follow the system provided prompts and guidance. Of course, if you have any trouble, be sure to reach out to inquiry@gscolorado.org or 877-404-5708 and we’ll be happy to support and welcome you to our refreshed Girl Scout member platform!

We want to hear how your girl is using her Girl Scout skills by taking initiative, caring for the community, and Girl Scouting at home. She can send in her story here.

Girl Scout News, Girl Scouts News, Volunteer News

GSCO Connections: December 2020

Is your Girl Scout a tough cookie?

Girl Scouts of Colorado is excited to partner with CBS4-KCNC TV to produce a GSCO commercial and YOUR GIRL could be in it! Enter to win by submitting a short video using this form of your Girl Scout answering the prompts “I love Girl Scouts because …” and “I’m a tough cookie because….” Please keep answers for each prompt to no more than 10 seconds.

Clips from several Girl Scouts will be chosen for the final commercial that will air on CBS in Denver, Grand Junction, and Colorado Springs in late January through mid-March. The deadline to enter is 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, 2020.

Submit Your Entry

Support GSCO and Schedule Your Colorado Gives Day Donation

Year-round, you support our efforts to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. On December 8, you can make your gift go even further. Colorado Gives Day is an annual statewide effort to celebrate and increase philanthropy through online giving.

Donations made on Colorado Gives Day unlock additional funds for Girl Scouts of Colorado! All participating nonprofits will receive a portion of the $1 million incentive fund made possible by Community First Foundation, First Bank and other community members.

Whether you schedule your donation today or give on December 8, you are making a difference in the lives of Girl Scouts throughout Colorado and we can’t thank you enough!

Learn More

Join Us for Holiday Celebrations at Camp

Holiday Lights at Sky High Ranch

December 4, 5, 11, and 12

Come to Sky High Ranch for our drive-through holiday light display. Do you have a Cadette, Senior or Ambassador troop looking for service hours? We’re looking for troops to greet cars and help out with some farm animals during this event. Contact kim.petau@gscolorado.org if interested in a shift.

Drive Up Fun with Santa at Tomahawk Ranch

Sunday, December 13

Bring your family to Tomahawk Ranch for a drive up outdoor social distanced visit with Santa. Drive through camp, savoring sweets and lollies, drinking hot cocoa & more drive by surprises. One car at a time will have the opportunity to get out, visit Santa from afar. Don’t forget your camera for photos at camp with Santa in the background!

Pre-registration is required to attend. One vehicle per registration form, as we must limit our time slots to 5 vehicles per slot. Time slots for registration are 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Social distancing requirements and the use of face coverings is mandatory. Cost: $5 (ages 3-17); adults and children under 3 are free. For more information please contact Tomahawk.Ranch@gscolorado.org or 303-816-1642.

Badge Series

Badge Series are a virtual way to engage your girl(s) in badges and Journeys. We have taken our traditional Girl Scout program and translated it to be accessible at home. Each month we will cover new badges or Journeys. Girls can sign up to participate individually or leaders can register to get the materials to lead for their own troop. Questions? Contact GirlExperience@gscolorado.org

December Club Spotlight

Tools for Independence: Financial Literacy — Budgeting

December 9 at 4 p.m.

Is your Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador looking for information on financial literacy? This is the club for her! In Tools for Independence Older Girls series, girls get to know themselves and what they are capable of by discussing topics that are important for their independence. This series is created especially for Seniors and Ambassadors. The December club meeting will show girls how to determine the difference between “wants” and “needs” and how much money it takes to live on your own, save for a big purchase or a rainy day, and budgeting for philanthropy.

We have clubs for girls of all ages!

Girls will enjoy engaging with other girls in a creative environment under the guidance and encouragement of Girl Scout staff. In each session girls will complete one activity and receive ideas to continue to spark their creativity and learning in between sessions. It’s not too late to join!

Learn More

Bilingual Workshops

We are excited to announce new bilingual workshops. We have monthly sessions where girls will meet experts from one of our Latinx partner organizations, connect to one of our digital pen pals from one of the 23 Spanish speaking countries around the world, and complete activities to earn a badge. Check out these upcoming events including new patch programs, Engage Hispanic Families Series for Troop Leaders, Latinas Taking the Lead and Make Your Path workshops!

To register for upcoming events please check out the events on the GSCO events page. All programs are run bilingually in Spanish and English.

Do you have any questions? Please reach out to Korina Padilla at espanol@gscolorado.org

Get Ready for the 2021 Cookie Program

Yes, the Girl Scout Cookie Program is going to look different this year just like all businesses look different right now! When girls participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program, they develop essential life skills—goal setting, decision-making, money management, people skills, and business ethics—all while soaring in confidence and practicing leadership the Girl Scout way.

“We’ve Got This” couldn’t be a more fitting theme, as Girl Scouts rise to the challenge and innovate new ways of doing business. Think online orders and porch drop-offs, drive-thru booths and contactless cookie pick-ups, QR codes and scanned credit cards, and so much more.

Take this quick 2-minute survey to let us know how you’re feeling about the 2021 cookie program.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program runs January 31 – March 7.

Visit our website to find a training for you! TCM training is open to anyone wanting to find out more about what’s in store in 2021.

Learn More

In-Person Shopping at the GSCO Shop

We are excited to welcome you back to the Girl Scout of Colorado Shop with scheduled shopping hours. Customers can reserve a 30-minute slot. Girl Scouts of Colorado puts everyone’s safety and health first. A maximum of four customers are allowed in the shop at one time. Please continue to be respectful of recommended guidelines of six-feet physical distancing. Face masks are required at all times. Due to safety concerns, returned merchandise is not being accepted until further notice.

Upcoming Events

Check the events calendar for exciting events in your community. Girl Scouts of Colorado is always planning fun and educational events for girls across the state. Some of these events are highlighted below!

Meet an Expert, Senator Kerry Donovan

December 3 at 4:30 p.m.

Girl Scouts of all ages are invited to meet Colorado State Senator Kerry Donovan.  From Senator Donovan: The presidential election is over, now we can take action on important policy that matters to you! There are lots of ways to impact the laws and policies that impact your life. Join me, Colorado State Senator Kerry Donovan, a rancher and former teacher, to learn about how you can continue to make your voice heard!

Meet an Expert: National Park Ranger

December 8 at 5 p.m.

Girl Scouts of all ages are invited to a special, one-hour webinar to meet Park Ranger Laura from the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is just one of many national treasures called “National Parks.” Join Ranger Laura and learn how national parks protect wildlife and nature, how Black Canyon protects the environment, what it’s like to be a park ranger, and learn how you as a Girl Scout can help park rangers protect the environment.

Meet an Expert: Robotics Professionals at Arrow Electronics

January 13  at 4:30 p.m.

Girl Scouts of all ages are invited to meet two women in robotics at Arrow Electronics. Arrow Electronics is a technology company with a passion for innovation and transforming the way we look at technology. Make, manage and create are core values of Arrow Electronics. During this webinar we will be talking about a special robot Arrow is making to transform a girl’s life.

Our experts for the webinar will be Victoria Bohannon-Pea, project manager, and Anjelica Roman, business development manager.
Girl Scouts participating in the Robotics badge series in January are strongly encouraged to participate.

Secrets to Success, Grand Junction

January 16 at 9 a.m.

Colorado Mesa University

Girls will have the opportunity to ask top local women leaders about their secrets to success in our fifth annual Secrets to Success event. We believe that 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.

GSUSA Virtual Calendar

Check out awesome virtual experiences for Girl Scouts of all ages from Girl Scouts of the USA. You can also access past recordings through this calendar.

Girl Scout News, Girl Scouts News, Volunteer News

GSCO System Upgrade: Update for November 18, 2020

We’re getting an upgrade! In early December 2020, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) will release a refreshed member account management system. The upgraded system will provide increased visibility to your Girl Scout member account, make it simpler to manage and maintain household (and for troop leaders, troop memberships too!), and find more fun for your girl!

To prepare for the system upgrade, the myGS tab on the GSCO website will be inaccessible from November 18 – December 3. This means that you will be unable to access your member profile, the Volunteer Toolkit, and gsLearn.

Please watch for an email from Girl Scouts in early December announcing the debut of our refreshed member account management system, as well as updated login information and instructions for accessing your account.

To continue the fun with your Girl Scout(s) during this time, visit the Girl Scouts at Home section on the GSCO website for badge and Journey activities, service projects, patches, and event recordings that you can use either in-person or virtually. You can also visit the Girl Scout Shop for printed or downloadable program materials by badge and Journey.

Thank you for your patience while we work to enhance your Girl Scout member experience.

Have questions or need additional assistance? Email inquiry@gscolorado.org.

We want to hear how your girl is using her Girl Scout skills by taking initiative, caring for the community, and Girl Scouting at home. She can send in her story here.

Girl Scout News, Girl Scouts News, Volunteer News

Volunteer View: November 2020

Is your Girl Scout a tough cookie?

Girl Scouts of Colorado is excited to partner with CBS4-KCNC TV to produce a GSCO commercial and YOUR GIRL could be in it! Enter to win by submitting a short video using this form of your Girl Scout answering the prompts “I love Girl Scouts because …” and “I’m a tough cookie because….” Please keep answers for each prompt to no more than 10 seconds.

Clips from several Girl Scouts will be chosen for the final commercial that will air on CBS in Denver, Grand Junction, and Colorado Springs in late January through mid-March. The deadline to enter is 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, 2020.

Submit Your Entry

Help Spread the Word about Girl Scouts

The No. 1 reason girls join Girl Scouts is because a friend invited them. Can you help spread the word? The GSCO blog has simple ways (like posting in your local Facebook groups or hosting a Zoom Robot-Building party for the kindergartners in your neighborhood) you can help new girls get connected to Girl Scouts.

Girls can also earn points toward a sloth Make New Friends patch (it fits together with the renewal patch!) by participating in fun and simple challenges that help get the word out and encourage other girls to join Girl Scouts. Check the blog for details!

Are you missing connecting with your girlfriends? Invite them to participate in one of our awesome virtual programs. Our clubs are a great way to participate in activities together and then meet separately, either in-person or virtually, to celebrate what you learned.

November Club Spotlight

Tools for Independence: How to Find a Job

Is your Girl Scout Senior or Ambassador looking to learn tips and tricks for applying and interviewing for a job? This is the club for her! In Tools for Independence Older Girls series, girls get to know themselves and what they are capable of by discussing topics that are important for their independence. The Older Girl series is created especially for Seniors and Ambassadors.

GSCO System Upgrade

We’re getting an upgrade! In early December, Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) will release a refreshed member account management system. The upgraded system will provide increased visibility to your Girl Scout member account, make it simpler to manage and maintain household (and for troop leaders, troop memberships too!), and find more fun for your girl!

To prepare for the system upgrade, the myGS tab on the GSCO website will be inaccessible from November 18 – December 3. This means that you will be unable to access your member profile, the Volunteer Toolkit, and gsLearn.

GSCO staff is here to guide you through the transition from beginning to end! As we approach system downtime, we will reach out with additional details. Be on the lookout for emails and communication in the weeks to come to guide and support you throughout this time!

Things you can do prior to November 18 to help to make this upgrade go smoothly:

  1. Login to your myGS account and review the email addresses for your household. Are the parents/caregivers in your household using the same email address? If yes, provide a new email address for the secondary caregiver.
  2. Verify your troop’s roster and make sure all members are correctly listed. Contact your Volunteer Support Specialist (VSS) to assist you in renewing or adding members to your troop before the downtime. Don’t know who your VSS is? Email inquiry@gscolorado.org.
  3. Login to Volunteer Toolkit and download any meeting plans, planning materials, and resources you might need during the downtime.
  4. Take any gsLearn training that you need.

Support Girl Scouts of Colorado and Schedule Your Colorado Gives Day Donation

Year-round, you support our efforts to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. On December 8, you can make your gift go even further. Colorado Gives Day is an annual statewide effort to celebrate and increase philanthropy through online giving.

Donations made on Colorado Gives Day unlock additional funds for Girl Scouts of Colorado! All participating nonprofits will receive a portion of the $1 million incentive fund made possible by Community First Foundation, First Bank and other community members.

Whether you schedule your donation today or give on December 8, you are making a difference in the lives of Girl Scouts throughout Colorado and we can’t thank you enough!

Learn More

Volunteer Essentials/Safety Activity Checkpoints Update

Every year we update our critical volunteer resources: Volunteer Essentials and Safety Activity Checkpoints. You are encouraged to review these resources periodically to ensure you have the most up-to-date information as policies may have changed.

We also have a new process for council approval for activities, events, and trips held by troops and service units. Activities that require prior approval include any:

  • Troop or service unit hosting a money earning event or activity.
  • Overnight or travel experience.
  • High-risk activity or that requires approval per the Safety Activity Checkpoints.

Please complete the Activity and Event Approval Form at least 30 days prior to your event, activity or trip. Be aware that additional insurance may be required for your activity, event, or trip. Review the Insurance section of Volunteer Essentials for more information. Email insurance@gscolorado.org to purchase additional insurance.

Spring Troop Days at Camp: Registration Now Open!

Registration is open for spring 2021 Troop Days at Camp! This winter and spring, troops can visit select GSCO properties and participate in a half or full day of staff-led programs. Participate in programs building outdoor skills, team-building, working on badges and just having fun together as a troop outside at camp! Read all about the updated spring 2021 program options, pricing and dates here. For more information on the registration process, COVID -19 safety guidelines, and what to expect on program review our Troop Day Programs FAQs. Questions? Email property.reservations@gscolorado.org.

Missed the Trail Adventure Webinars?

Girl Scouts who complete all the Trail Adventure badge requirements by February 1, 2021 are eligible to receive the badge and a Girl Scout bandana for FREE. Learn more about the Trail Adventure Badge requirements and resources to help you earn the badge on the recorded webinars.

Join us for Holiday Celebrations at Camp

Holiday Lights at Sky High Ranch

December 4, 5, 11 and 12

Come to Sky High Ranch for our drive-through holiday light display. Do you have a Cadette, Senior or Ambassador troop looking for service hours? We’re looking for troops to greet cars and help out with some farm animals during this event. Contact kim.petau@gscolorado.org if interested in a shift.

Holiday Fun with Santa at Tomahawk Ranch

Sunday, December 13

Bring your friends and family to Tomahawk Ranch for a visit with Santa and the barnyard. Even have the chance to savor sweets and lollies a plenty and warm up fireside. Don’t forget your camera for photos with Santa and his furry friends at the barn. Advanced registration is required. Time slots for registration are 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Social distancing requirements and the use of face coverings is mandatory at this event. Cost: $5 (ages 3-17); Adults and children under 3 are free. For more information please contact Tomahawk.Ranch@gscolorado.org or 303-816-1642.

Fall Product Program Wrap-Up

Thank you to all volunteers for making Fall Product Program a success!

A few things to note:

  • Delivery of nuts and candies to service units has started and will continue until all items have been distributed. Please encourage girls to deliver products to their customers within a week after receiving the items. Many people will want to have their goodies ahead of Thanksgiving!
  • There’s still time to enter the Giant Plush Sloth contest!
  • Girls who sold 15+ magazine subscriptions can still complete the form for a hammock!
  • Girl rewards will be delivered to service units starting the first week of December.

Cookie Program – Time to Get Ready!

  • Troop leaders and/or troop cookie managers please make sure your troop has submitted an ACH agreement form and a TCM agreement form.
  • Check your troop rosters now to make sure all girls participating in your troop have current memberships.
    •  If there are girls on your roster who are not participating in your troop, contact your Volunteer Support Specialist.
    • The deadline to transfer girls between troops or to note them as inactive in your troop is December 14, 2020.

Cookie training beginning soon!

SUCM training begins mid-November. Virtual trainings for TCMs will be offered on Tuesday and Thursday evenings in December. Check the Events Calendar on the GSCO website to register.

Please remember that no additional money-earning activities may take place during the Cookie Program – January 31 (Cookie Program start) to March 17 (ACH debit).

If you have questions about either the Fall Product Program or the Cookie Program, please contact inquiry@gscolorado.org.

Latinx Engagement

We are excited to announce a new workshop for our Latinx/Hispanic Girl Scouts. We will have a monthly sessions where girls will meet experts from one of our Latino partner organizations, connect to one of our digital pen pals from one of the 23 Spanish speaking countries around the world, and complete activities to earn a badge. Check out these upcoming events including new patch programs, Engage Hispanic Families Series for Troop Leaders, Latinas Taking the Lead and Make Your Path workshops!

To register for upcoming events please check out the events on the GSCO events page. All programs are run bilingually in Spanish and English.

Do you have any questions? Please reach out to Korina Padilla at espanol@gscolorado.org.

Upcoming Events

Meet an Expert, Special Edition: Lockheed Martin Women’s Impact Network

Daisy, Brownie, Junior session: November 17 at 4 p.m.

Cadette, Senior, Ambassador session: November 18 at 4 p.m.

Girl Scouts of Colorado and Lockheed Martin Women’s Impact Network present a special opportunity for Girl Scouts to learn about goal setting, networking, and branding! Girls will hear from an amazing panel of women and participate in a live Q&A session.

Meet an Expert, Senator Kerry Donovan

December 3 at 4:30 p.m.

Girl Scouts of all ages are invited to meet Colorado State Senator Kerry Donovan.  From Senator Donovan: The presidential election is over, now we can take action on important policy that matters to you! There are lots of ways to impact the laws and policies that impact your life. Join me, Colorado State Senator Kerry Donovan, a rancher and former teacher, to learn about how you can continue to make your voice heard!

Meet an Expert: National Park Ranger

December 8 at 5 p.m.

Girl Scouts of all ages are invited to a special, one-hour webinar to meet Park Ranger Laura from the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is just one of many national treasures called “National Parks.” Join Ranger Laura and learn how national parks protect wildlife and nature, how Black Canyon protects the environment, what it’s like to be a park ranger, and learn how you as a Girl Scout can help park rangers protect the environment.

Meet an Expert: Robotics Professionals at Arrow Electronics

January 13  at 4:30 p.m.

Girl Scouts of all ages are invited to meet two women in robotics at Arrow Electronics. Arrow Electronics is a technology company with a passion for innovation and transforming the way we look at technology. Make, manage and create are core values of Arrow Electronics. During this webinar we will be talking about a special robot Arrow is making to transform a girl’s life.

Our experts for the webinar will be Victoria Bohannon-Pea, project manager, and Anjelica Roman, business development manager.
Girl Scouts participating in the Robotics badge series in January are strongly encouraged to participate.

Secrets to Success, Grand Junction

January 16 at 9 a.m.

Colorado Mesa University

Girls will have the opportunity to ask top local women leaders about their secrets to success in our fifth annual Secrets to Success event. We believe that 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.

GSUSA Virtual Calendar

Check out awesome virtual experiences for Girl Scouts of all ages from Girl Scouts of the USA. You can also access past recordings through this calendar.