Help organize clothing bank for HOPE

August 12, 2015 admin

Submitted by Amanda Kalina

Englewood

Denver Metro

Annually HOPE Online Learning Academy Co-Op, which is a charter school in Colorado that serves at-risk youth, organizes a back-to-school clothing bank to assist their families who may be homeless or struggling financially. The clothing bank is in a warehouse in Aurora near Children’s Hospital Colorado. We are looking for Girl Scout groups who would like to volunteer the weekend of Aug. 21-23 to help us organize the clothing we’ve collected to give away Aug. 28-29 to our families. We so appreciate the Girl Scout troops who have helped HOPE with projects over the last year, including the organizing of the clothing bank last August (photos included)!! If you are interested, please contact Melanie Stone at HOPE. She can be reached at melanie.stone@hopeonline.org or 303-727-0315.

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

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Juniors complete “Get Moving” Journey

August 11, 2015 admin

Submitted by Jennifer Brown

Wheat Ridge

Denver Metro

Troop 3955 and 4071 combined efforts and got energized to find ways to reduce energy use. First, we learned ways to be energy smart and completed a building energy audit at Red Rocks Community College. We experimented with various types of light bulbs and decided that replacing CFL light bulbs with LED was a more efficient way to use energy. We presented our ideas to others at RRCC’s Sustainability Celebration. With a donation from Xcel Energy, we delivered and installed 144 high efficiency light bulbs to individuals who are part of a non profit called A Little Help to help reduce their energy consumption. This organization helps older adults thrive in their homes by connecting them with services and resources. We continue to use what we learned throughout this journey in our everyday lives.

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

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Girl Scouts to hold 2015 Women of Distinction event in Colorado Springs

August 10, 2015 admin

WHO: Girl Scouts of Colorado honors Pikes Peak Women of Distinction on Sept. 10, 2015 at Thin Mint Dinner.

Kathy Boe, CEO, Boecore, Inc.
Brigadier General Dana M. Capozzella, ARNG, Retired, Compliance Officer/Partner, Cascade Investment Group
Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, Chief of Organizational Excellence, United States Olympic Committee
Karla Grazier, CEO and President, Discover Goodwill of Southern & Western Colorado
Phoebe Lostroh, PhD, Associate Professor of Molecular Biology and Director of Feminist and Gender Studies, Colorado College
Mia Ramirez, MPH, Senior Community Health Specialist, Kaiser Permanente

WHAT: The six honorees were selected by a committee of their peers led by Selection Chair Lynne Telford, President/CEO of Care and Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado and Woman of Distinction 2014. They women were chosen based on their contributions to the community, both professionally and personally.

The Sept. 10 event includes a three-course dinner and creative desserts featuring Girl Scout Cookies. Girl Scout Christina Bear, who recently earned the Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouts, is the Keynote Speaker. Alicia McConnell, Director of Training Sites and Community Partnerships at the United States Olympic Committee and Woman of Distinction 2007, is the event chair.

Sponsors include Delta Dental, El Pomar Foundation, Ent Federal Credit Union, Kaiser Permanente, Cascade Investment Group, Colorado College, Colorado Springs Health Partners, Discover Goodwill, Garden of the Gods Club and Resort, Health You, United States Olympic Committee, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and The Eastern Colorado Bank. Special thanks to Jym Fair, American Made Film & Media, for the event video.

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 10, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

WHERE: Antlers Hilton, 4 S. Cascade Avenue, Colorado Springs

For more information, contact Karen Burghart at 719-304-8322 or karen.burghart@gscolorado.org.

For media, RSVP by Sept. 7 to AnneMarie Harper at 303-607-4844 or annemarie.harper@gscolorado.org.

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Colorado Girl Scouts celebrate National S’mores Day

August 10, 2015 admin

August 10 is one of our favorite days of the year! Its National S’mores Day!

DID YOU KNOW? The first official s’mores recipe can be found in an official Girl Scouts publication from 1927. The recipe is credited to Loretta Scott Crew, who reportedly made them by the campfire for the Girl Scouts. Originally called “Some Mores,” it is unknown when the name was shortened to “S’Mores,” but recipes for using the longer name are in various Girl Scout publications until at least 1971.

While most people think you have to have a campfire to enjoy s’mores, Colorado Girl Scouts know that is simply not true. In honor of National S’mores Day, they appeared on 9NEWS in Denver to share some of their favorite recipes for making s’mores without a campfire! Click here to watch the segment.

Here are some behind-the-scenes photos from the interview:

Girl Scouts across Colorado also shared the following recipes for making s’mores without a campfire:

No Cook S’more Cone

S’mores Cheesecake Pie

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GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD PROJECT: Catherine Welch, Highlands Ranch, “ iTech for Seniors”

August 7, 2015 admin

What did you do for your Gold Award project?

My project addressed senior citizens and their connection to technology. Because most of the older generations aren’t as familiar with technology as my generation is, my goal was to increase their knowledge about different electronics in our world today. I set up multiple open-house technology sessions at Holly Creek Retirement Community. Along with the help of my volunteers, we were able to help over 33 residents with their technology questions.

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

I created surveys for residents in the Skylark Adult Day Care to complete at the end of every session. This helped me get feedback from the residents. It was a way to help me improve my sessions to ensure all their questions were getting answered. I also was able to learn what different technology they were having difficulties with and they ranged from cordless phones to iPads.

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

After I completed my sessions at Holly Creek, I spoke with several members of my community, sent emails to multiple church youth groups, presented my project to the Centennial Star Service Unit leaders, and posted in the Facebook page for the service unit. Through these efforts, I was able to come in contact with Junior Girl Scout Troop 62599 to carry on my project with Holly Creek. I am so excited that others in my community will be able to see what a rewarding experience this can be. I have also left manuals at Holly Creek so the residents can refer to them on a daily basis.

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

Technology is present everywhere in our world today and the need for assistance with it is not only present in my community, but it is also present in other communities across the nation, and across the globe. One resident that my team and I helped was able to connect with his grandson on the east coast whom he hadn’t seen in many years. By giving the residents access to this technology, and knowing how to use it, they can be better connected to our society.

What did you learn about yourself?

I learned a lot about myself while doing this project. I had to figure a lot of things out on my own and sometimes I would get to the end of the rope and think it was the end, but I continued to motivate myself and get the job done. I also used leadership skills like being open-minded to other’s opinions and ideas. When things wouldn’t go how I expected them to, I had to be open to ways around the obstacle. I worked on communication as I worked with a variety of different people and their styles of dealing with others.

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

This project gave me the experience and tools to be able to take on group projects with multiple people. It gave me confidence to take on long-term projects and follow through to the end. It proved my communication skills because of my interactions with older adults, presentations and speaking with people I haven’t worked with before. Using these skills will allow me to be an effective leader and to accomplish my goals despite setbacks I might face.

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

Earning my Gold Award was a way to finish out my Girl Scout career. I have been in Girl Scouts since I was 5 and throughout my 13 years I have been able to complete many things, including my Bronze and Silver Awards, so earning the Gold Award was a way to complete the missing pieces to my puzzle in Girl Scouting.

***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

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GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD PROJECT: Allison Caperton, Littleton, “Adaptive Gymnastics”

August 5, 2015 admin

What did you do for your Gold Award project?

I coordinated a special needs gymnastics camp at JetKids Gymnastics. I hoped to make an impact in the lives of families and children with a variety of special needs. I wanted to give these kids a chance to be involved in such an incredible sport.

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

I measured my impact by watching the kids grow throughout the weeks, and making sure each kid was gaining something.

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

The model I created (a four-week adaptive gymnastics camp for children of all ages with special needs) is currently being sustained at JetKids Gymnastics in Littleton, Colorado. An early-summer session was held, and the gym is making plans for more.

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

JetKids Gymnastics has a working relationship with many other gyms across the country. By presenting my project to these other gyms and offering my advice and services to help them launch their programs, I am linking the success of my project to a national and global community.

What did you learn about yourself?

I learned I am smart, strong, able to organize and direct others, sensitive to the needs of my community, able to adapt to challenges, and perfectly capable of making the world a better place. I am proud to represent the Girl Scouts of Colorado with my enduring, global project.

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

I am proud of the lasting legacy I will leave in my community when I go off to college. I feel like I have served not only children with special needs and their families, but also the sport of gymnastics, which has meant so much to me.

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

If I had not camped with my Daisy troop (when we were just in kindergarten), I might not have learned the strength and tenacity it takes to survive challenges. If I had not found the courage to sell cookies to strangers, I might not have learned confidence. If I had not organized and put into action several Rendezvous weekends for younger girls, I might not have learned the organizational and leadership skills it took to create and implement my project.

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Hello London!

August 4, 2015 admin

Submitted by LeEllen Condry

During the week of June 17-23, 2015, Troop #561 from Granby, Colorado, plus Marlene Logan and I from Denver, traveled to London, England to experience the British culture. We joined a troop from St. Paul, Minnesota and as one large Girl Scout troop we traveled throughout London.

London is a fabulous city. There was so much planned on our agenda. Our group saw the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace; visited Kensington Palace and saw the rooms which contained Queen Victoria’s dresses; had tea at The Orangery which is located on the grounds of Kensington Palace; rode the London Eye; attended a theatre show called 39 Steps; painted a canvas; walked around the East End of London to see street art from artists such as Banksy; toured the National Gallery which housed works of art from Monet; walked through Hyde Park and saw the Princess Diana Memorial; and shopped in wonderful areas of London.

The highlights of the trip were visiting Pax Lodge and having a Harry Potter Tour at Warner Brothers outside of London. At Pax Lodge, I truly enjoyed watching the girls experience the pinning ceremony under the beautiful tree. For dinner, we had a British delicacy of fish and chips. The Harry Potter tour included viewing the costumes worn by the actors, and visiting the sets that were used in the movies. The Hogwarts Express train, the Knight Bus, and Buckbeak, Hagrid’s pet were also on display. The gift shop also was incredible. Anything and everything about Harry Potter was in there. After the Harry Potter tour was over, I felt that I had personally connected with Harry Potter.

For summer of 2016, Girl Scouts of Colorado will be hosting our first Destination trip to Ireland, Wales, and England. I hope you will be able to join us. Please check out our trip on the Destination page of GSUSA on August 15, 2015. All details including registration will be included. If you have any questions please contact LeEllen Condry at nemoursLM@yahoo.com.

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

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Girl Scouts travel to San Francisco

August 3, 2015 admin

Submitted by Mia A.

Parker

Denver Metro

I got the amazing opportunity to go to San Francisco with Girl Scouts and I loved it! I got to see a lot of the main attractions such as Alcatraz, The Golden Gate Bridge, China Town, Lombard Street and more. We stayed at a pretty nice hostel where I met a lot of people from everywhere. We met Girl Scouts that were from California as well as Girl Guides that were from Europe. I met a lot of people and made new friends thanks to Jill and the troop that I traveled with. They were very nice and welcoming towards me and made the trip even better. Overall, it was a really fun trip. I learned a lot about San Francisco and I can safely say that it is officially my favorite city!

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

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GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD PROJECT: Olivia Noakes, Thornton, “Thornton High School Connections with Elementary Schools: Opportunities in Music”

July 31, 2015 admin

What did you do for your Gold Award project?

For my Gold Award project, I developed a multi-media presentation about opportunities in middle and high school music geared towards 4^th and 5^th grade students. My video and oral presentation provided information about what types of music classes are available in middle school, high school, and outside of school. In addition to this, I explained the many benefits of being involved in music. I contacted 12 schools and visited five; I presented in front of 20 classes, meaning my message reached more than 300 students. These presentations will become an annual occurrence with the purpose of informing elementary school students about their future choices.

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

At the beginning and end of each presentation, I surveyed the elementary students about their interest in middle school music. In every single class, less than three students raised their hands before I presented. After I finished, the opposite was true. Also, all of the teachers said they would love to host the visit every year. I discussed my project and the students’ reactions with each teacher, and they were just as excited as I was about my cause.

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

After visiting the elementary schools, I created a “Standard Operating Procedure” (SOP) to keep at Thornton High School. The SOP is a manual that includes what my original project was, why I chose it, and step-by-step instructions on how to replicate the visits. Since my supervisor, Mr. Sebastian Adams, is the Instrumental Music Director at Thornton High School, the project will expand to include both orchestra and band (more details are included in the SOP). Secondly, there are several studies discussing the importance of music training and its long term benefits; music education changes an individual for life. Scientific American’s (2010) board of editors asserted, “Studies have shown that assiduous instrument training from an early age can help the brain to process sounds better, making it easier to stay focused when absorbing other subjects, from literature to tensor calculus.”

This is one of many examples of research supporting my message. Lastly, I have made the connection between Thornton High School and local elementary schools, thus opening a line of continued communication between students, teachers, and parents.

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

My entire project is based upon a concept that is universal: the love of music. Two people who do not speak the same language can still communicate and understand each other through playing music. There are also many international opportunities that students can take advantage of because of music. For example, college students can study music abroad or travel to another country for marching band. Music is the universal language.

What did you learn about yourself?

I learned a lot throughout this process, but there are two main lessons that stood out. I gained experience relating to adults. When communicating with the teachers and administrators at the elementary schools, I had to balance being professional with being personal. Adults need to see that I am trustworthy and passionate at the same time. Secondly, I learned that I am 100% capable of making a difference in the world. I created this project myself, and it was successful.

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

As I mentioned before, the lessons I learned throughout the Gold Award process will assist me in both the near and distant future. The experiences of communicating personally and professionally will aid me in college, job interviews, and the workplace. Also, I have gained confidence through this project that will propel me through life.

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

The Gold Award was the perfect way to sum up everything I have experienced in Girl Scouts. I have developed commitment (I have been in Girl Scouts since Daises), confidence, courage, professionalism, and compassion. I feel that I am a girl of quality because of the experience Girl Scouts has provided me.

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Teaching STEM & creativity in summer programs

July 29, 2015 admin

Submitted by Pam Koschke, Program Associate for Girl Scouts of Colorado

Girl Scouts Outreach Program participated in Youth One Book One Denver (YOBOD) programs this summer. For this program young people across Colorado read a book called “The Comet’s Curse” by Dom Testa. The book was about a comet that came very close to Earth. The comet left a virus as it passed by Earth that made everyone sick except people under the age of 18.

Summer learning helps students do better in school and they will be more likely to graduate and be prepared for college. Girl Scouts is excited to be able to contribute to summer programs for YOBOD.

A dramatic and effective way to begin a unit on comets is to make your own comet right in front of the class. We made a comet in the classroom with dry-ice, sand, water, dark Karo Syrup and ammonia. As the comet began to melt, the class noticed small jets of gas coming from it. These are locations where the gaseous carbon dioxide is escaping through small holes in the still frozen water. This type of activity is also detected on real comets, where the jets can sometimes expel sufficient quantities of gas to make small changes in the orbit of the comet. The girls were very excited about the activity. They really enjoyed watching as the comets gas escaped creating a fog that rolled out of the bowl and down off the table.

This activity required a lot of preparation and supplies; however, it was worth it! The ingredients for a comet are not difficult to find and watching a comet being “constructed” is something the students will remember for a long time. The kids were so excited and had a great time as well as learning new things about comets. After the activity, we asked the kids, “What did you learn about comets today”? One girl said that she learned they are made out of carbon dioxide.

This is a great STEM activity as they are learning science and math. To incorporate some creativity in the lesson, students also got to decorate their own comet! (Pictured here) It was wonderful to watch girls have fun and learn some science.

I would definitely do this activity again!