Your adventure in Costa Rica and Panama awaits

Submitted by Helen Kidwell, Outward Bound Costa Rica

Each summer, more than 100 Girl Scouts from across the country travel to Costa Rica and Panama to participate in the Girl Scout Destinations program with Outward Bound Costa Rica.

Journey through some of the most spectacular landscapes that Central America has to offer, while building lifelong friendships along the way. From scuba diving along coral reefs in Panama to trekking through the rainforest in Costa Rica, each Girl Scout Destination course is packed with adventure.

These unforgettable trips will introduce you to exciting new challenges that will develop your leadership skills and help you discover hidden inner strengths.

It was a crazy experience to open your eyes to look within yourself and at the world around you. Before I was stuck in my comfort zone, and now I feel stronger and braver.” —Annika, Girl Scout Alum

There are also opportunities to give back by working on impactful volunteer projects. Girl Scouts visit indigenous communities and bring much needed restoration to schools and other important community buildings. Those with a passion for conservation can help protect endangered sea turtle populations and play a key role in rainforest reforestation projects.

These service projects are also the perfect chance to develop your language skills and expand your cultural awareness.

It was a great experience for my daughter to be involved hands-on with helping the endangered turtles to lay their eggs in safety. She also enjoyed trying new fruits and other foods, helping to refurbish the sleeping location for future participants, meeting new friends from all over the country, and becoming more aware of the world we live in and need to protect.” —Valerie, Girl Scout mom

Multiple Girl Scout Destination sessions and dates with Outward Bound Costa Rica are now available for Summer 2020!

Courses are open to current members of Girl Scouts of the USA who are between 13 and 18-years-old at the time of course.

To apply, visit the Girl Scouts Destination application page and get ready to start your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Costa Rica and Panama.

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

Brownie “Think Like an Engineer” overnight camp

Submitted by Maria Cross

Northern & Northeastern CO

Longmont

Camping, Journeys, and Girl Scout sisters~ Oh My! Join Ambassador Troop 78527 for a fun-filled overnight camp as you earn your “Think Like An Engineer” Journey!

Who: Girl Scout Brownie troops or Juliettes with adult chaperone

Dates: Friday, January 24 to Saturday, January 25, 2020

When: Arrive at 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Friday, Depart at 2 p.m. Saturday

Where: Tomahawk Ranch Girl Scout Camp near Bailey– enjoy heated cabins with bunk beds and bathrooms

During this Journey camp, Brownies will have a blast finding out how engineers use “design” thinking to solve problems. The Ambassadors will guide them in three “design” thinking activities to explore hands-on what it is like to think like an engineer. You will also receive materials for your group to work on a design project to help others. Your girls can take their design project with them to share with their community for their Take Action Project to complete their Journey.

Cost: $70 per girl, $40 per adult- price does not include Journey patches. Girls must attend with adult. Adults above safety-wise ratios pay girl rate.

Registration deadline: Tuesday, January 7

Register/pay online: https://browniethinklikeanengineer.cheddarup.com

Email cross.maria.e@gmail.com with questions.

40963104_tle_brownie_flyer_registration

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

Molly Brown inspires girls 100 Years Later

Submitted by Stacie Gonzalez

Pikes Peak

Colorado Springs

On Sunday, September 29, 2019, Colorado Springs Girl Scout Troop 43841 toured the Molly Brown House in Denver! The tour meets one of the requirements the girls need to satisfy to earn the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame patch. (The CWHF’s goal is to educate society about the contributions of Colorado’s remarkable women and ensure their legacy for future generations.) Here are some of the things the girls had to say about this fascinating tour:

“I never knew that JJ and Margret were separated from each other and traveled apart. I didn’t know they had kids.” Karis 9, Junior

“I never knew that she helped so many people.” Olivia, 10, Junior

“I never really knew about what she did and how she did it. For example, how she spent so much of her time helping other people when she could have been relaxing.” Alena, 11, Cadette

“I found it really interesting how big the house was – super big! It was kind of interesting that her name wasn’t actually Molly. That was her nickname after she passed away.” KC, 11, Cadette

“I learned there were three sister ships that looked the same as the Titanic and all three sank.” Eva, 12, Cadette

“My favorite part about the Molly Brown House tour was the stain glass because it gave all the stairs really pretty lighting. I learned that Molly Brown lived to read.” Izzy, 12, Cadette

“My favorite things on the tour was the formal parlour. It was interesting how kids under 14 weren’t allowed in there.” Tavin, 9, Junior

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

Gold Award Girl Scout: Christine Bolt, Steamboat Springs, “Camp Bloom”

What did you do for your Gold Award Project?

The issue my project addressed was the lack of summer camp opportunities in our area for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other varying disabilities. Ultimately, I organized and arranged for a weeklong summer camp for children with autism. Each day was centered around an aspect of camping and outdoor skills, such as: building a fire, setting up a tent, and wildlife awareness. At the end of the week, the kids were to use the knowledge my team and I had taught them to camp away from home for one night.

How did you measure the impact your Gold Award Project made on your target audience?

I measured my impact by how happy or excited my campers looked each day. Camp Bloom was for the children more than everything. The name of Camp Bloom was inspired by the different stages of flower growth, with the notion that no matter where one is at, they may continue to grow and learn and experience new things. Now regardless if they retained anything from my camp, the most important aspect is the most powerful one of them all; it’s if they have fun. If they laugh, giggle, or however they express happiness appears, then I feel as though I was successful.

How is your project sustainable? How will your project continue to impact after your involvement?

A local company in our town of Steamboat Springs has agreed to a permanent sponsorship for the next five years. However, if I am unable to continue to assume leadership and be “camp director,” I planned Camp Bloom with the Yampa Valley Autism Program (YVAP), which is an already substantiated organization in the community. By doing so, YVAP can proceed with my program, with the curriculum already created, in the future without me. While not as pertinent, I would like to “train” another Girl Scout in the hopes of her taking over my position and leadership of Camp Bloom. I really like the idea of the two intertwined organizations: YVAP and Girl Scouts.

What is your project’s global and/or national connection?

Dealing with an autism diagnosis is already unsettling enough. Costs for specially devised programs and support are very expensive to begin with. While the state of Colorado has extremely low funding for family aid and autism research, I wanted to create a free camp to grow these kids’ knowledge and educate them on a topic that I very much appreciate and enjoy doing.

What did you learn about yourself?

I learned that do not, and should not, always need to seek approval in things that I do. I must be confident in my choices and if things go awry, I still need to stay positive and be proud of myself and what I ultimately accomplished. I also learned that it is important to take command and not be afraid to say what I want or prefer. And that prior to Camp Bloom, I was more timid to organizing things than I am now.

How will earning your Gold Award impact you in the future?

Forevermore, I will be able to say that I accomplished something that I am genuinely proud of. This achievement of mine can now be entered into resumes and applications for various things. I now have an idea of how to plan events and just how much work goes into doing such, and this knowledge I will be able to use in the future if need be.

Why do you feel the Gold Award was an important part of your Girl Scout experience?

This project taught me to open my eyes and look at the world around me. To affirm my role in the community and show me how I may influence those around me; and influence my sister Girl Scouts as well.

How did earning your Gold Award help you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)?

Of course, I learned to take charge and lead my camp. However, I will say that I definitely had to be a risk-taker for Camp Bloom. This required me to do things I had never done or tried before. I ultimately learned new things and did things through “trial and error.” I had some worries, but by taking chances, it certainly paid off.

**IMPORTANT NOTE: This blog represents only a small fraction of the hard work, dedication, and requirements that go into earning a Girl Scout Gold Award. It is simply a brief summary, which is meant to inspire Girl Scouts to Go Gold in the future. For more information on earning your Gold Award, please email highestawards@gscolorado.org

Last kayak/paddleboard workshop of the season

Submitted by Sharon Manning

Northern & Northeastern CO

Longmont

Troop 73392 hosted their last kayak/paddleboard workshop of the season. Although the air and water temperature were on the cool side, the girls from Troop 60350 had a beautiful morning to enjoy blue skies and a gorgeous view of Longs Peak while playing on the water.

Troop 60350 had the opportunity to challenge their water craft skills with a variety of different kayaks and paddleboard while enjoying the scenery and wildlife at McIntosh Lake in Longmont.

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

The Beauty of the seasons at Meadow Mountain Ranch

Submitted by Barbara Light

Metro Denver

Aurora

It’s a new season. A perfect opportunity to do something new, something bold, something beautiful. Over the past year, in the striking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Cadette Troop 71 has been trekking up to Meadow Mountain Ranch and hiking the Nature Trail on the property. We completed all four seasons this past weekend and earned the connecting patch.

We stayed on the property and used the time to bond together and learn different outdoor skills. We learned a lot going through the guidebooks and gathered more information when we found ourselves curious about our learnings. We saw the beauty and struggles that each season presented on the same path. We grew closer as a team and in our own abilities. We laughed so hard we cried and helped each other when things got tricky. We have had experiences that will stay with us forever. We highly recommend if you have the chance to go, that you take it; because our biggest learning is that, just like the seasons, with change, comes growth.

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

Junior “Think Like an Engineer” overnight camp

Submitted by Maria Cross

Northern & Northeastern CO

Longmont

Where better to earn your Junior “Think Like An Engineer” Journey than at Tomahawk Ranch! Join Ambassador Troop 78527 for a fun-filled overnight camp.

Who: Girl Scout Junior troops or Juliettes with adult

Dates: Saturday, January 25 to Sunday, January 26, 2020

When: Arrive at 3 – 4 p.m. Saturday, Depart at 2 p.m. Sunday

Where: Tomahawk Ranch Girl Scout Camp near Bailey- enjoy heated cabins with bunk beds and bathrooms

Cost: $70 per girl $40 per adult. Girls must attend with adult. Adults above safety-wise ratios pay girl rate. Price does not include Journey award patches.

Registration deadline: Tuesday, January 7, 2020

During this fun Journey camp, Juniors will have a blast finding out how engineers use “design” thinking to solve problems. The Ambassadors will guide them in three design thinking activities to explore hands-on what it’s like to think like an engineer. You will also receive the materials needed for your group to work on a design project to help others. Your girls can take their design project with them to share with their community to complete their Take Action Project are complete their Journey!

Register/pay online
https://junior-think-like-an-engineer-journey-in-a-day.cheddarup.com or mail in registration form below.

40963104_tle_junior_flyer_registration

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

Junior “aMuse!” Journey

Submitted by Meredith Locke

Northern & Northeastern CO

Lafayette

Join Troop 2235 for a fun-filled time breaking stereotypes and learning roles of women around the world!

Junior “aMuse!” Journey

Date: October 20, 2019

Time: 1 – 4 p.m.

Location: Arts Hub, 420 Courtney Way, Lafayette

Price: $30 per girl, badge Included

To register, please click https://junior-amuse-journey-22112.cheddarup.com.

If you have any questions, please email Meredith at mltlocke@gmail.com.

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

Daisy’s Circle Supporter Spotlight: Nicole Eubanks

Tell us about your connection to Girl Scouts.

I am a third generation Girl Scout. My grandmother, mom, and I have all participated as Girl Scout volunteers. I have two daughters that are now Girl Scouts and this makes them fourth generation Girl Scouts. I served in various roles in the Girl Scout organization from troop support volunteer, service unit team member, troop leader, and also was on staff at GSCO at one time.

What is the most valuable thing that Girl Scouts gives girls today?

Girl Scouts gives girls the empowerment to build them into strong women as they graduate high school. It offers opportunities for service to others and to improve our communities. The girls receive education in various topics from STEM to the outdoors.

Why did you join Daisy’s Circle?

I believe it is important for all girls to have any opportunity to participate in the Girl Scout program. Girls have an opportunity to participate not only in troop activities, but also in camps and Destination programs. These programs define the women they become. All girls deserve to be courageous and strong!

What is the best thing about monthly giving?

It is easy because you don’t have to remember to write checks.

Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?

Please consider joining Daisy’s Circle. It is easy to set up and then you can make monthly contributions without having to write checks! It provides support to girls in Colorado to have an opportunity to participate in the Girl Scout program. It is an investment in the future of the young women in our state!

Named after Girl Scout founder, Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low, Daisy’s Circle is Girl Scouts of Colorado’s monthly giving program. Funds raised through Daisy’s Circle provide financial assistance for girls and volunteers, support Outreach Programs and more.  For more information: https://www.gscodaisyscircle.org/

Girl Scouts earn NEW space science badges with Lockheed Martin

More than 100 Colorado Girl Scouts in grades 6–12 earned NEW STEM badges with the help of Lockheed Martin employees on Sunday, October 6, 2019 at Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, one of the region’s premier aerospace museums.

These Girl Scouts are among the first in Colorado to earn three NEW space science badges, which were among the 42 badges released by Girl Scouts of the USA in July. Cadettes (grades 6–8) earned the “Space Science Researcher” badge by learning about the properties of light and how we use it to make discoveries about the Universe and space science. Seniors (grades 9 and 10) earned the “Space Science Expert” badge by gaining a deeper understanding of the Universe– her place in it and how light is used to make discoveries about it. Ambassadors (grades 11 and 12) earned the “Space Science Master” badge by discovering how they can be a part of NASA now and in the future. Girl Scouts also had the opportunity to network with female Lockheed Martin employees and learn about high school internships.

A special thanks to CBS4/KCNC-TV and Fox31/KDVR-TV for joining us for this special event and sharing the story with their viewers! Media Stars Alison, Diana, and Tessa did an AWESOME job representing GSCO in interviews about the event.

Girl Scouts of Colorado