Tag Archives: Council News

Council News

Support Girl Scouts of Colorado on Colorado Gives Day

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Year-round, you support our efforts to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. On December 10, 2019, you can make your gift go even further. Colorado Gives Day is an annual statewide effort to celebrate and increase philanthropy through online giving. To make giving even easier, schedule your donation TODAY by using this link: https://www.coloradogives.org/index.php?section=organizations&action=newDonation&fwID=6854

By supporting Girl Scouts of Colorado on Colorado Gives Day, your donation dollars go further than they would on any other day of the year. That’s because the FirstBank Incentive Fund increases all donations made on December 10! Every nonprofit receiving a donation on Colorado Gives Day receives a portion of the incentive fund, which increases the value of every dollar donated.

Schedule your donation today or give on December 10 at https://www.coloradogives.org/index.php?section=organizations&action=newDonation&fwID=6854.  Once you do, share one of these two images on your social media accounts and be sure to tag Girl Scouts of Colorado.

 

Alumnae News, Council News, Girl Scout News, Girl Scouts News

Girl Scouts honors 2019 Women of Distinction for the Denver metro-area

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Wednesday, October 30, 2019, Girl Scouts of Colorado honored the 2019 Women of Distinction during the Thin Mint Dinner at the Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center. The 2019 Women of Distinction for the Denver metro-area are:

  • Marti J. Awad, Founding Partner, Cardan Capital Partners
  • The Honorable Dianne L. Briscoe
  • Elycia Cook, President and CEO, FRIENDS FIRST, Inc.
  • Helen Drexler, President and CEO, Delta Dental of Colorado
  • Verónica Figoli, President and CEO, Denver Public Schools Foundation
  • Helen Young Hayes, Founder and CEO, Activate Workforce Solutions
  • Vanecia B. Kerr, Regional Executive Director, College Track Colorado
  • Theresa Szczurek, Chief Information Officer and Executive Director, Colorado Governor’s Office of Information Technology
  • Dr. Sarah Winbourn, Medical Director, Kids First Health Care
  • Robin D. Wittenstein, CEO, Denver Health

A group of nearly 450 gathered at the event, which was chaired by Women of Distinction Tasha Jones ’15 and Michelle Lucero ‘13. The honorees were selected by a committee of their peers led by Selection Chair Kim Bimestefer ‘15. They are shining examples of corporate, civic, and philanthropic leadership and serve as role models for our female leaders of tomorrow.

New for 2019! Girl Scouts of Colorado recognized the first-ever Corporate Champion – Crocs! This award recognizes hard work in advancing women in their industry, supporting and encouraging women and girls, and working to raise awareness about remarkable women.

The evening’s keynote speaker was Gold Award Girl Scout Emily Kretschmer from Colorado Springs and recipient of the Stephanie A. Foote Leadership Prize for Gold Award Excellence.

Click here to see pictures from the event! And, be sure to watch Emily’s keynote speech, and listen to the inspiring words from our 2019 Honorees and Corporate Champion, Crocs!

Thank you to all of our generous event sponsors, including Silver Presenting Sponsor, Crocs, and Samoa Sponsors: Arrow, BBVA Compass, Cardan Capital Partners, Delta Dental, Hogan Lovells, and Volunteers of America.

Since 1997 Girl Scouts of Colorado has recognized 446 Denver-area women with this honor. More than $2 million has been raised by Women of Distinction for Girl Scout programs.

For more information on the Girl Scouts Women of Distinction program, visit girlscoutsofcolorado.org/woddenver or contact heidi.books@gscolorado.org or (303) 607-4833.

 

Bronze Award Honorees, Council News, Gold Award Honorees, Silver Award Honorees, Take Action/Highest Awards

Highest Awards deadline

The end of the 2018-19 Girl Scout year is approaching!

Girl Scout Gold Award candidates, who graduated high school in 2019, have until September 30, 2019 to receive final approval for their award. After September 30, girls who graduated from high school in 2019 will be considered adult Girl Scout members and are no longer eligible to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award.

Girl Scouts bridging from Juniors to Cadettes or Cadettes to Seniors this summer have until September 30, 2019 to submit online notification (https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/en/for-volunteers/forms-and-resources/bronze-and-silver-notification.html) that they have earned their Bronze or Silver Award.

The Bronze Award is the highest achievement for Girl Scout Juniors and the Silver Award is the highest achievement for Girl Scout Cadettes. Through earning one of these Highest Awards, girls change their corner of the world and maybe even beyond. Through submitting online notification, you can order letters of recognition, certificates, and pins. Girl Scouts of Colorado honors and celebrates girls in a special way at our Highest Awards Celebrations in the spring. See photos from the 2019 celebrations: https://www.flickr.com/photos/gscolorado/albums/72157677628860017

Questions? Email GSCO’s Highest Awards Manager at highestawards@gscolorado.org.

Council News, Volunteer News

Following the Girl Scout Promise & Law online

In response to concerns about online behavior that does not follow the Girl Scout Promise and Law, Girl Scouts of Colorado (GSCO) has developed a series of guidelines for all members, including girls, volunteers, staff members, adult members, etc. Please keep in mind that the online world is constantly evolving, so this blog will be updated as often as needed to reflect those changes. If you have any questions/concerns, please consult a member of the GSCO Marketing and Communications Department or email inquiry@gscolorado.org.

Think before you type. When representing yourself as a GSCO member online, think about the messages you are putting forth and how they will be perceived. You are responsible for what you write or say online about GSCO, even if it is on your personal social media channels. The same rules that apply offline apply online. Use good judgment and common sense. Please do not write or post anything that would embarrass other members or reflect badly on our organization.

Some people just want to fight. We can’t control the message all of the time, so don’t connect/ follow people/organizations simply to monitor their activity/argue with them. If you encounter someone who is posting incorrect information about Girl Scouts, let GSCO know. We also monitor social media and respond to inaccurate reports and misinformation. Feel free to “set the record straight” from your personal account, but do not engage in a continuous argument.

Use hashtags appropriately. Be sure to research any hashtag before using it and check it regularly. A seemingly innocent hashtag may not be. You also want to make sure you are using hashtags correctly and associating Girl Scouts with the right groups. GSCO regularly uses the following hashtags:

Instagram: #GSColo, #gscolorado, #girlscoutsco, #girlscoutscolorado, #girlscoutsofcolorado, #gsGoldAward, #GirlScoutsGiveBack, #gsoutdoors

Twitter: #GSColo, #gsGoldAward, #GirlScoutsGiveBack, #gsoutdoors

Don’t know? Ask! Know what you are talking about when you engage with others. If you are unsure, ask! If someone has a question you can’t answer, ask them to email the question to inquiry@gscolorado.org.

Camp, Council News, Events, Volunteer News

GSCO Connections: September 2019

Be the difference! Participate in the 2019 Fall Product Program!

The Girl Scout Fall Product Program is a great way earn start-up money for the Girl Scout year. The Fall Product Program helps girls learn 5 Skills: goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. It’s also a great way for your family and friends to renew their favorite magazines and order delicious nuts and chocolates that make great holiday gifts!

The Fall Product Program starts September 21. In-person and Nut Promise sales will run through October 13. Online sales end October 28. All troops receive 13% of their magazine orders as troop proceeds, plus $1/item for nuts and chocolates.

Girls earn rewards based on their participation in the Fall Product Program and have the option of choosing Cookie Credits as rewards too.  Girls who sell $175 in online orders, girls can also earn a personalized avatar patch!

S’mores Club is back!

Our popular S’mores Club is back with new rewards! Girls and adult volunteers who rock both the 2019 Fall Product and 2020 Cookie programs will receive a special personalized patch and an exclusive hoodie and duffle bag!

Learn more

Earn your Trail Adventure badge

Pack your day pack, put on your sunscreen, and join fellow Girl Scouts for a trail adventure! September is the perfect time to check out the trails in Colorado with your family or your troop and complete some of the requirements for the new Trail Adventure badge. These badges are part of the 12 new Outdoor High Adventure badges, designed for girls to explore nature and experience exciting outdoor adventures — giving them the confidence to support one another, take healthy risks, and spend dedicated time in nature.

Join us in September for some fun on the trail with your troop or family! Register for this free event through our events page.

Girl Scout Cyber Challenge: Register Now

Saturday, October 19, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Arapahoe Community College, Littleton

Brought to you by Raytheon, Girl Scouts in grades 6-12 are invited to detect, decode, and defend! This full-day, scenario-based competition will engage 200+ girls in grades 6–12 in a series of cybersecurity challenges on topics such as cryptography, forensics, social engineering, and ethics. A futuristic scenario — a  moon colony has been hacked — will be presented and girls will be prompted to respond. They’ll learn cybersecurity skills and team up to identify the hackers, trace the origin of the cyberattack, and secure the colony’s safety.

Come back for more camp memories in 2020

We had an amazing camp season! Girls sang songs around the campfire, challenged themselves to try new things, explored outdoors and created memories to last a lifetime. Be sure to join us for summer 2020 for another chance to make lasting memories. Registration opens January 23.

Learn more

Upcoming Events

We have lots of fun events planned that you can enjoy with your family, friends, or your troop! Invite a non-Girl Scout friend to any of these events and show her how fun Girl Scouts can be. Check the events calendar for more exciting events in your community.

Girl Scout Night with the Rocky Mountain Vibes

September 6, Colorado Springs

Girl Scouts of all ages, their family, and friends are invited to cheer on the Rocky Mountain Vibes as they take on the Grand Junction Rockies! Game Highlight: Friday Night Fireworks! Tickets are $16 and include a game ticket, meal voucher, unlimited youth fun zone passes, and parking.

Xcel Energy Day of Service

September 7, Lakewood

Girl Scouts in grades K-6 are invited to spend the morning with Xcel Energy employees to unravel energy mysteries. During the morning you will also participate in a service project as a way to help others in your community. It will be a special day of learning and caring, designed just for Girl Scouts, during Xcel Energy’s annual Day of Service.

Girl Scout Day at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

September 14, Glenwood Springs

Discounted tickets at $29 per person.

Meadow Mountain Ranch Open House

September 22, Allenspark

Join us for our third annual open house at Meadow Mountain Ranch! Activities include s’mores, hike the MMR Nature Trail, hear from Songbirds Choir, meet GECCCOs, self-guided property tour, visit Homestead House and displays from the GSCO History Committee, and check out the mobile shop with brand new MMR merchandise. Event is free and open to the public!

Careers in Construction with G.E. Johnson

September 28, Colorado Springs

Girl Scout Cadettes and Seniors are invited to learn about construction careers, work as a team to build a community library book stand that can be placed in your community, and participate in a behind-the-scenes construction tour at the U.S. Olympic Museum.

Women of Distinction – Denver

October 30, Denver

New location for 2019 the Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center. Girl Scouts of Colorado honors top women leaders in our community as Girl Scout Women of Distinction. These women have reached remarkable levels of achievement as business, community, and civic leaders.

Secrets to Success

November 9, Colorado Springs

What is your Secret to Success? Girls will have the unique opportunity to ask that question and many more of top local women leaders at the 2019 Secrets to Success event. Girl Scouts of Colorado believes every girl has the power to become what she dreams to be. Any girl in grades 6– 12 is invited to Secrets to Success.

Council News, Volunteer News

CSA Times: September 2019

Are you ready for your best Girl Scout year yet?! In this edition of CSA Times, we will cover what is coming up for Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors across the state. Join us for girl trainings, events, and amazing activities.

First time receiving CSA Times? Welcome! This communication was created to keep Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors, families, and troop leaders up to date on all the amazing opportunities across our state. As a quarterly email communication, we adjust the content to meet the needs and interests of girls, while also keeping adults engaged and up-to-date with Girl Scouts of Colorado. We also invite you and your girl to join our Virtual Older Girl Network . This site will provide you with real-time updates and notifications on events, opportunities, or anything related to an older girl’s Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Upcoming events just for older girls

Cadette Journey Weekend

September 14-15, Sky High Ranch

Are you ready to turn Sky High Ranch into a science lab? Join fellow Girl Scout Cadettes and complete activities from the Think Like a Citizen Scientist Journey. Grow your skills as a citizen scientist and learn how to better understand our environment through completing a citizen scientist project.

Senior and Ambassador Journey Weekend

October 5-6, Sky High Ranch

Are you ready to turn Sky High Ranch into a science lab? Join fellow Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors and complete activities from the Think Like a Citizen Scientist Journey. Grow your skills as a citizen scientist and learn how to better understand our environment through completing a citizen scientist project.

Girl Scout Cyber Challenge

October 19, Littleton

Register now! Brought to you by Raytheon, Girl Scouts in grades 6-12 are invited to detect, decode, and defend! This full-day, scenario-based competition will engage more than 200 girls in a series of cybersecurity challenges on topics such as cryptography, forensics, social engineering, and ethics. A futuristic scenario—a moon colony has been hacked! — will be presented and girls will be prompted to respond. They’ll team up to identify the hackers, trace the origin of the cyber-attack, and secure the colony’s safety.

Secrets to Success

November 9, Colorado Springs

January 25, Grand Junction

What is your Secret to Success? Girls will have the unique opportunity to ask that question and many more of top local women leaders. We are helping today’s girls overcome the challenges they face, giving them the tools they need to become successful leaders. Any girl in grades 6th – 12th is invited to Secrets to Success, so invite a friend to join you even if she is not already a Girl Scout.
Register now for our Colorado Springs event!

Go for your Gold Award

Attention all 8th grade Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors! If you are thinking about going for your Gold Award, don’t miss our upcoming Gold Award training opportunities. To look up and register for trainings in your area or online, visit theGSCO events page.

If you are working toward your Gold Award, remember you have until September 30 of the year you graduate high school to be approved. Graduates of the 2019 class have until September 30, 2019 to finalize and be approved for their projects.

Hey caregivers! Do you know any women in your life who are Gold Award Girl Scouts? GSCO is looking for Girl Scouts for our Gold Award Alum Network! For more information please contact Kaitie LoDolce athighestawards@gscolorado.org.

Outdoor Program

Attend an Outdoor Adventure Club (OAC) event and meet girls from around the state as you experience the great outdoors and have amazing outdoor adventures! OAC Explorers is for girls in 6th grade and the OAC Trailblazers is for girls in grades 7-12.

Keep your eyes out for these registrations opening in September:

  • OAC Trailblazers Magic Sky Rock Climbing or Trail Running, October 18 – 20
  • OAC Explorers Sky High Wolf Sanctuary & Outdoor Skills, November 8 – 10

There are still opportunities to go to camp! Sky High Ranch is hosting a Harvest Moon Troop Camp September 27-29. Get set to live like a pioneer with your troop as you visit the farm to make butter, create your own corn husk doll, or practice your skills at archery. Then celebrate with us at our Harvest Dance complete with apple cider and more!

Jump into your next great adventure

Girl Scout Destinations are the ultimate adventure for girls 11-years-old and older. Join us on September 21 from 10- 11 a.m. or September 26 from 6:30– 7:30 p.m. for an online information session.   Ready to apply? Round 1 applications are now open.

Upcoming Events

Girl Scout Day at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park

September 14, Glenwood Springs

All Girl Scouts, family, and friends are invited to join us at Girl Scout Day at Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park! Tickets are $29 per person. Tickets are for adult and youth Funday Tickets, which includes a Gondola ride to America’s only mountain-top theme park! Also included are both walking cave tours and unlimited rides on the summer attractions.

Careers in Construction with G.E. Johnson

September 28, Colorado Springs

Girl Scout Cadettes and Seniors are invited to join GE Johnson Construction Company for a “Build Like a Girl – Careers in Construction” event on Saturday, September 28! Girls will learn about construction careers, work as a team to build a community library book stand that can be placed in your community, and participate in a behind the scenes construction tour at the U.S. Olympic Museum. Cadettes will work on requirements for the Woodworker Badge and Seniors will work on requirements for the Social Innovation Badge.

Cadette Woodworker Badge at JXN Station

November 9, Grand Junction

Professional Women in Building (PWB) of Western Colorado invites Girl Scout Cadettes to Junction Station to earn their Woodworker Badge! Girls will learn basic woodworking skills i.e. how to use a hammer, saw, level, screwdriver, and create a candy dispenser utilizing these skills.

 

Council News, Events, Volunteer News

Help GSCO win Xcel Energy Colorado’s social media contest

Calling all social media-savvy Girl Scout volunteers and supporters! In addition to participating in Xcel Energy Colorado’s 9th Annual Day of Service on Saturday, September 7, 2019, GSCO is also competing to win a grant of up to $5,000 and we need to your help! Xcel Energy Foundation will award grants to the participating nonprofits that earn the most points.

Each eligible post that follows the posting requirements below will be counted as one point for the organization mentioned in the post.

  • The points will be divided by number of project volunteers to account for project scale.
  • People will not be limited from posting more than once. On the contrary, Xcel encourages multiple original posts, but watch your frequency because Facebook has policies to protect from spammers!
  • Shares and multiple identical posts will not count for the contest.

Who can post: Volunteers, team leaders, friends, family – anyone! Recruiting other people to pitch in for your project is a best practice.

Where to post:

Posts must include the following four elements to be eligible:

  1. The hashtags #XEDOS and #contest;
  2.  Tag Xcel Energy Colorado
    • Facebook: post directly to the Xcel Energy Colorado Facebook page AND tag @Xcel Energy Colorado;
    • Instagram: post a photo or video about your project and tag @xcelenergy;
  1. Tag @GSColo and,
  2. Why you love the nonprofit/organization or project, what your Day of Service project is about, or volunteer activities to support the project.

*Shares and reposts and will not count towards points.*

Using photos and videos in posts:

  • In addition to the contest tagging requirements listed above, a photo or video is required to post on Instagram.
  • While not required to earn a point, including photos and videos on Facebook or Twitter posts is a great addition to help tell your story!

When to post: The contest begins at 12:00:01 a.m. MT on Tuesday, September 3, 2019, and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. Midnight MT on Saturday, September 7, 2019.

2019 XEDOS Contest Examples 

 

 

Council News, Events, Volunteer News

Facebook LIVE: gsLearn platform

On September 16, 2019, GSCO will launch a new eLearning platform, gsLearn! Join us for our monthly Facebook LIVE on September 25, 2019 at noon for more information about gsLearn and how it’s built to empower your Girl Scout volunteer experience!

Can’t attend live, but have a question to ask? Email Mission Delivery Manager Emily Speck with your question and we will answer it! You can access the recording of the Facebook LIVE on our Facebook page under videos.

 

Cookies, Cookies Volunteers, Council News, Volunteer News

Update about new S’mores Club rewards

GSCO recently announced the 2019-2020 S’mores Club rewards would be a special hoodie and duffle bag, perfect for Girl Scout camping and travel, and we received a lot of positive responses!

Many people asked what colors the duffle bag and hoodie would be and what they would look like. We don’t have pictures of them to share just yet. But once we do, we certainly will! Do know that we are going with darker colors and durable fabrics, so both reward items will last through many Girl Scout adventures and many washings!

Along with the buzz around the new rewards, a few people also asked if Highest Awards charms for the bracelets that S’mores Club girls and adults earned in 2017 and 2018 would still be available. YES! Absolutely! To request a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award charm to complete girls’ S’mores Club bracelets, contact Girl Scouts of Colorado customer care by calling 1-877-404-5708 or email inquiry@gscolorado.org.

For more information about the S’mores Club, go to:
https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/en/cookies/s-mores-club.html

Alumnae News, Council News

Historical Girl Scout Collection

Former Girl Scout troop leader and passionate collector Jacklyn Beard donated her extensive collection of Girl Scout memorabilia to the Grand Junction Leadership Center. The collection includes antique dolls, books, bandanas, pins, towels, and more. Girl Scouts of Colorado is grateful she chose to share these unique finds with us. The bulk of the dolls will be on display in Grand Junction before heading to the Girl Scout History Center in Loveland. Historical donations can be made in your local Girl Scout office or by contacting Heidi Books at heidi.books@gscolorado.org.