Tag Archives: Council News

Council News

Summer hours at the GSCO Retail Shop

Greetings from the Girl Scouts of Colorado Shop! Summer 2019 is upon us and that means slower foot traffic for the retail shop.  We have adjusted our hours and are now open Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. We will be closed on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday throughout the summer.   Keep in mind, the shop will be closed the week of July 1 for the Fourth of July holiday, along with Tuesday, July 30 when we are finishing up inventory. Throughout this summer, we will be prepping our shop for all the fabulous, new Girl Scout swag and gear for both girls and adult volunteers. New items include: Lifetime membership scarfs, travel bags, Girl Scout level baseball caps, and leader vests.

We expect a fully stocked store with all new items, along with the usual ones, come August, just in time for the new Girl Scout year to start.  Also, as a reminder, the GSCO Online Shop is open 24/7 and has been offering amazing promotions this month and will continue to do so throughout the summer.  As always, if you need anything, you can contact us at (303) 607 – 4880 or email retail@gscolorado.org. Have a great summer!

Alumnae News, Council News, Events

Girl Scouts announces 2019 Western Slope Women of Distinction: Three Extraordinary Women Honored

The 2019 Western Slope Women of Distinction were selected by a committee of their peers led by Selection Chair Jeni Brown, Woman of Distinction ‘18, and chosen based on their contributions to the community, both professionally and personally. They are shining examples of corporate, civic, and philanthropic leadership and serve as role models for our female leaders of tomorrow.

  • Jenn Moore, Executive Director of the EUREKA! McConnell Science Museum
  • Angelina Salazar, CEO, Western Healthcare Alliance
  • Diane Schwenke, President & CEO, Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce

Since 2013, including this year’s honorees, Girl Scouts of Colorado has recognized 18 women on the Western Slope as Women of Distinction. The Women of Distinction program brings together a group of women dedicated to raising funds to support Girl Scout leadership programs.

Girl Scouts of Colorado will publicly honor these inductees on November 7 at the annual Women of Distinction Breakfast. This year’s event will be held at the Two Rivers Convention Center. The 2019 Event Chair is LeAnn Zetmeir, Woman of Distinction ’18.

Event Sponsors: Gold Presenting Sponsor, US Bank; Silver Presenting Sponsor, FCI Constructors and Samoa Sponsor, Family Health West.

For information regarding tickets and sponsorships, visit www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/wodgj or contact Cindi Graves at (970) 628 – 8003 or cindi.graves@gscolorado.org.

Alumnae News, Council News, Events

Girl Scouts announces 2019 Denver Metro Women of Distinction: 10 Extraordinary Women Honored

The 2019 Denver Metro Women of Distinction honorees were selected by a committee of their peers led by Selection Chair Kim Bimestefer, Woman of Distinction ‘15, and chosen based on their contributions to the community, both professionally and personally. They are shining examples of corporate, civic, and philanthropic leadership and serve as role models for our female leaders of tomorrow. The Women of Distinction program brings together a group of women dedicated to raising support for Girl Scout leadership programs.

  • Marti J. Awad, Founding Partner, Cardan Capital Partners
  • The Honorable Dianne L. Briscoe
  • Elycia Cook, President & CEO, FRIENDS FIRST, Inc.
  • Helen Drexler, President & CEO, Delta Dental of Colorado
  • Verónica Figoli, President & CEO, Denver Public Schools Foundation
  • Helen Young Hayes, Founder & 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
  • Sarah Winbourn, Medical Director, Kids First Health Care
  • Robin D. Wittenstein, CEO, Denver Health

Girl Scouts of Colorado will welcome the Class of 2019 honorees with a private reception on June 20 at the Colorado Auto Dealers Association from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. The celebration concludes with the Thin Mint Dinner on October 30 at Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. The event includes Thin Mint Cocktails and dessert made with Thin Mints, three-course meal, and event program. Event co-chairs are Tasha Jones, Senior Director of Marketing, Community Relations, Stapleton Denver, Mixed-use Development, Woman of Distinction ’15; and Michelle Lucero, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel, Children’s Hospital Colorado, Woman of Distinction ’15.

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

Council News, Events

Outdoor Adventure Club 2019-2020

Attention Girl Scouts in 6th through 12th grade: Now is when Girl Scouts gets really exciting! Join the GSCO Outdoor Adventure Club.

The Outdoor Adventure Club (OAC) is a staff-led program offering adventures around the state that provide older Girl Scouts with exciting activities and skills beyond what they might do with their troop. They also get a chance to make new friends from around the state! Activities include:

  • Ice climbing
  • Boating: paddling and sailing
  • Camping trips
  • Trail running
  • Outdoor survival skills
  • Outdoor badges

Check our fall and winter event details, including pricing here!

OAC Explorers events — open to Girl Scouts in 6th grade

OAC Trailblazers events — open to Girl Scouts in 7th-12th grade

Registration is still open for the last events of our 2018 -2019 season including:

Registration opens two months prior to an event and closes two weeks prior to an event. Grants are available and Cookie Credits are accepted!

Discounts available:

  • 10% off your first time OAC event
  • Attend four OAC events and receive $25 off the cost of your fifth event!

Sign up for the 2019-2020 Interest List to be notified as event registration opens for each event: 

If you have questions or are interested in volunteering with the Outdoor Adventure Club, please email us at inquiry@gscolorado.org.

Read our Outdoor Adventure Club FAQs

Registration FAQs

Council News, Girl Scout News, Girl Scouts News, Volunteer News

Be a Super Early Bird: Save your spot for the 2019-20 Girl Scout year

What’s next for your girl in Girl Scouts? Will she earn a Highest Award, travel the world, get her adrenaline pumping on outdoor adventures, explore the world of STEM, or all of the above?

This year, we’re offering a Super Early Bird incentive for girls and troops that renew for the 2019-20 membership year between April 29 and May 1. Don’t miss your chance to win fantastic prizes, including a Colorado family staycation and Girl Scouts of Colorado event passes! In addition to the Super Early Bird incentives, all girls renewed by June 26 will receive the 2019 Early Bird patch, and troops renewed by June 26 will receive a $25 credit to the Girl Scouts of Colorado Shop.

Early Bird Prizes for Girls and Families

Girl and Family Drawing – All girls renewed by May 1 will have the chance to win a Colorado family staycation!  Your girl can take charge and plan the family fun this summer. Explore this amazing state, enjoy quality family time, try something new together! The winning family will be notified on May 6. The trip must be completed by Sept. 30, 2019, and the family will be reimbursed for trip expenses up to $500.

Early Bird Patches – Girls renewed by June 26 will earn an Early Bird patch, which will be mailed directly to their address in myGS.

Early Bird Prizes for Troops

Troop Drawings – Every troop that renews two unrelated adults and at least three girls by May 1 will have the chance to win GSCO event passes for their troop. One troop in each region will win event passes to a GSCO event of their choice for up to 20 girl and adult participants.

$25 GSCO Shop Credit – Troops that renew at least two unrelated adults, three girls, and complete their Annual Troop Report by June 26 will earn a $25 credit to the Girl Scouts of Colorado Shop.

Early Bird Prizes for Service Units

Starting this year, service units can earn up to $200 in Early Bird renewal prizes to support their local Girl Scout community!

Service units that retain 35 percent of their 2018-19 members by May 30 will earn $100 to put toward service unit activities.

Service units that retain 45 percent of their 2018-19 members by June 26 will earn an additional $100 to put toward service unit activities.

Service unit Grand Prize:  May 1-3 or August 21-23, 2020 Tomahawk Ranch Property Reservation

The Early Bird Grand Prize for the first two service units to achieve 45 percent of their 2018-19 membership is a free property reservation to be used for a service unit camping trip over the two most sought-after weekends at Tomahawk Ranch! The first service unit to reach 45 percent retention will get to choose between May 1-3, 2020, and August 21-23, 2020, for their service unit camping trip at Tomahawk Ranch. The second unit to reach 45 percent retention will get the other available weekend. Service units will be responsible for paying for food service for their group and providing their own programming.

Question? Contact your local volunteer support specialist. Don’t know who your volunteer support specialist is? Call 877-404-5708 or email inquiry@gscolorado.org.

2019_GSCO_Early Bird_flier_v3

Council News, Volunteer News

A special message to GSCO Girl Scout volunteers

From Stephanie A. Foote, President & CEO of Girl Scouts of Colorado

You may not wear a mask or a cape, but your uncanny ability to help girls charge toward their destinies is nothing short of super!

We’re continually wowed and humbled by our volunteers’ collective super powers. Being a Girl Scout volunteer isn’t always easy, and we can’t thank you enough for the energy, positivity, and love you give every day. (Don’t think we didn’t notice!).

As we celebrate Volunteer Appreciation Month, we want you to know that you are the reason Girl Scouts continues to be the best leadership development program for girls. You open the doors of possibility for millions of girls who will make the world a better place—— and that’s real power.

Because the work you do with girls is not just for a better today but also ensures the best tomorrow, Girl Scouts of Colorado has made a donation to the Restoring Colorado’s Forest Fund in YOUR HONOR. Our partnership with the Colorado State Forest Service is a perfect fit. The gift of seedling trees to be planted in areas impacted by wildfires and other natural disasters will make a difference for generations to come.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you from all of us at Girl Scouts of Colorado.

Watch the video

Celebrate World Environment Day

Girl Scouts, families, and friends are invited to celebrate World Environment Day at Meadow Mountain Ranch on Sunday, June 16.

In partnership with the Colorado State Forest Service, Girl Scouts of Colorado is excited to offer members a way to focus on and celebrate the environment. World Environment Day is a global occasion to highlight and discus the importance of environmental awareness and action. When celebrating World Environment Day, Girl Scouts honor Juliette Gordon Low’s legacy, by promoting respect and love of the great outdoors far and wide. Through Girl Scouting, girls see the earth as their home. Whether they’re learning about endangered wildlife, developing creative recycling projects, or working toward a grade-level award, girls focus on care, conservation, and responsibility. They make sure the beauty and wonder of our planet endure for future generations to enjoy.

Girls will have the opportunity to participate in several activities across the camp property throughout the day. The event is open-house style and you’re welcome to come for the whole event, or part of it, and participate in whichever activities interest you.

Learn more

Celebrating you dedication

Throughout April, Girl Scout lifetime membership will be available at a special 50% discount—— from $400 down to $200—— for volunteers who have served for ten years or more.

Lifetime membership is an investment that ensures girls have a place to reach their full potential and grow into the courageous leaders we need—— now and always. When you upgrade to lifetime membership through myGS in April, you can expect:

  • Continuous membership in Girl Scouts
  • $25 of your dues to fund one year of Girl Scout membership for an underserved girl from Girl Scouts of Colorado
  • A lifetime membership card and pin
  • 10% off Girl Scout merchandise purchased from girlscoutshop.com
  • An invitation to join an annual call hosted by GSUSA’s CEO
  • A monthly enewsletter

Thank you for your years of service and all you’ve done to help create the next generation of female leaders. We couldn’t do it without you!

Become a lifetime member

Council News, Volunteer News

Volunteer recognition award: Nominations are now being accepted

 

Know a volunteer who makes Girl Scouts a GREAT experience for girls? Nominate her or him for a volunteer recognition award!

It’s a powerful validation of a volunteer’s achievements to be honored with an award. Every year, we ask volunteers to tell us about the outstanding contributions their peers have made by nominating them for an award and asking others to endorse the nomination.

Please check out the Volunteer Recognition Award Guide for more information about the nomination and endorsement process. Criteria for each award is also listed. The guide is available on the volunteer appreciation page on the Girl Scouts of Colorado website.

Along with five GSUSA awards, and our own GSCO President’s award, we have a new award this year, the Rising Star Pin, to recognize new volunteers in their first or second year, who are already shining stars in their troops and in communities!

The deadline for nominations and endorsements is March 31, 2019. To access the nomination/endorsement form, go to the Volunteer Appreciation page of the GSCO website.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Shannon Weaver, Adult Experience Manager, at Shannon.Weaver@gscolorado.org or (303) 607 – 4897.

Camp, Cookies, Cookies Volunteers, Council News, Volunteer News

Volunteer View: January 2019

Get out and camp this summer

Summer camp session registration for overnight camp, day camp, troop camp, and family camp opens at 9 a.m. January 17.

Check the camp website www.camp.girlscoutsofcolorado.org for session descriptions, a day in the life at camp, beautiful photos of last year’s sessions, and a fun quiz to help girls’ identify their camping style!

Mark your calendar for Jan. 24 cookie booth sign up

The first round of council cookie booth selection begins at 6 p.m. Jan. 24; round two opens at 6 p.m. Jan. 25. Troops will be able to select one booth at one location during each of these rounds.

Visit our events calendar to find a cookie rally near you.

Important dates to know:

  • Jan. 24: First round of booth selection
  • Jan. 25: Second round of booth selection
  • Feb. 3: Cookie program and My Sales booths begin
  • Feb. 15: Council booths begin.

Check out the rest of our cookie program info and resources.

Cookie Program resources

Got a phone? Get trained!

Our online training classes are now accessible through your smartphone! Take online classes such as Nuts and Bolts (for new leaders), Experienced Troop Cookie Manager training, and cookie program enrichment classes, right in the palm of your hand! You can view the classes, take quizzes and download class resources and completion certificates, all on your phone!

If you need assistance accessing our eLearning site, please contact Shannon Weaver, adult experience manager, at 303-607-4897 or email her at Shannon.Weaver@gscolorado.org.

GSCO eLearning site

Celebrate World Thinking Day

Take the lead on February 22 to celebrate 2019 World Thinking Day with Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from 150 countries! (That’s one big celebration!) Girls also celebrate World Thinking Day throughout the spring. The theme for World Thinking Day in 2019 is leadership! Check out our activity guides online to explore many different ways girls can be leaders and create the change they want to see in the world—and celebrate being part of the global sisterhood that is Girl Scouts and Girl Guides!

Is your troop or service unit planning a World Thinking Day celebration? Tell Us about it and get help from the Girl Scouts of Colorado Global Action Committee!

Volunteer Recognition Awards: Recognize an Outstanding Volunteer!

The form to nominate a volunteer for an award will go live on January 31. The deadline to submit a nomination or endorsement is March 31.

Now would be a great time to designate a service unit team member to coordinate nominations and endorsements! Recognize an outstanding volunteer by nominating them for a Volunteer Recognition Award.would be a great time to designate a service unit team member to coordinate nominations and endorsements! Recognize an outstanding volunteer by nominating them for a Volunteer Recognition Award.

More information about the awards, and the number of required endorsements for each award, is listed on the volunteer appreciation page on our website and in the Volunteer Recognition Award Guide.  You can also learn more about how to write strong nominations and endorsements. 

Questions? Please contact Shannon Weaver, adult experience manager.  email: Shannon.Weaver@gscolorado.org  call: 303-607-4897

Outdoor Program Events

Come join us at our upcoming Outdoor Program events! You can find all of our year-round events at http://gscoblog.org/2018/10/2018-2019-outdoor-program-events/

  • Tomahawk Ranch Open House, February 24, Free. Take a staff-led or self-guided tour of Tomahawk Ranch at our Open House. Get those burning questions answered and help little ones feel comfortable to attend camp this summer. Visit the different sleeping and program areas to get an idea of what the summer ahead looks like. Staff from Mountain Berry Culinary will also be available to answer any meal-related questions. Open to all ages.
  • Sky High Ranch Open House, March 9, Check out Sky High Ranch at one of our Open House events this spring! Tour the property with one of our knowledgeable staff, learn about our summer program, and what kinds of activities we have, and let us answer any questions you may have about summer camp. Our open house is a great way to help your camper prepare for camp, and you too! Let’s bring on summer!

Outdoor Adventure Club

Sign up for our single event interest list, see upcoming dates and get more information here: http://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/adventure

  • Outdoor Adventure Club Trailblazers Snow Mountain Ranch, March 16-17. Our entire group will go dog sledding and cross-country skiing on wintry trails. In the evening we will have a group pool party and roller skating night. Everyone loved this event last year so much we are doing it again! Girls in 7th to 12th grade. Cost: $115/girl, Free for Trailblazers Passport holders.
  • Outdoor Adventure Club Explorers Keystone Science School Snow Spectacular, March 30-31, We have partnered with Keystone Science School for a weekend of play in the snowy mountains! You’ll cross-country ski, snowshoe, use an astronomy telescope and compete in a winter Olympics challenge. Program Level: Cadette (6th grade). Cost: $110/girl, Free for Explorers Passport holders

Highest Awards

Save the Date: Highest Awards Celebrations

Troops working on their Bronze or Silver awards have until March 1 to submit the Bronze and Silver Notification Form to be invited to the 2019 Highest Awards Celebrations. Find a celebration in your area: http://gscoblog.org/2019/01/save-the-date-2019-highest-awards-celebrations/

Questions? Kaitie LoDolce, highest awards manager at  highestawards@gscolorado.org.

GSUSA Gold and Silver Award change

Effective October 1, 2018 Gold and Silver award projects can be for the benefit of the Girl Scouts community. Please send any questions directly to Kaitie LoDolce at highestawards@gscolorado.org.
Any troop considering a Silver Award project that would solely benefit the GS community must run their project idea by the Highest Awards Manager Kaitie LoDolce.

Gold Award Trainings: 

Training is required for girls pursuing their Gold Award:

  • Saturday, January 26 at 9 a.m., Denver office
  • Saturday, March 30 at  9 a.m., Colorado Springs office

Older Girls

OGAB (Older Girl Advisory Board)

The Older Girl Advisory Board will oversee the G.I.V.E. (Girls Investing in a Voice for Everyone) program. These girls are excited to apply their knowledge, experience, and dedication to serving girls across the state in developing opportunities to help their fellow Girl Scout sisters do more. With the addition of this program, girls interested in joining the OGAB can apply now through February 15 at https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/content/girlscoutsofcolorado/en/our-program/older-girls/older-girl-advisory-board.html

G.I.R.L Fest 

Girl Scouts of Black Diamond is excited to share information about 2019 G.I.R.L. Fest (formerly known as the Girl Scout Jamboree)! Celebrating all things G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader) from June 26-30, this event will create a powerful impact with the Girl Scout brand and will make this beloved event even more thrilling for Girl Scouts across the country. G.I.R.L. Fest is now featured on the GSUSA Getaways site for all girls in grades 4-12 (current Membership Year) in the Girl Scout Movement to consider. We’re so excited to host an opportunity for girls to experience high-adventure in the heart of beautiful southern West Virginia! Early Bird pricing ends January 19, so check it out today.

SheTech Explorer Day

GSCO can send fifteen 9th and 10th grade girl to the SheTech Explorer Day on February 8 from 9 a.m. -3 p.m. at the University of Denver – SIE Complex.

What is it? SheTech Explorer Day is a hands-on tech conference for high school girls. This day-long event will include hands-on workshops in science, technology, engineering, and math. Our ultimate goal is to expose girls to technology in a fun atmosphere as well as meet STEM role models to learn more about opportunities in those fields. Girls who attend will have access to internships, receive a SheTech certificate, receive pathway information and become part of a community to help girls have opportunities in STEM. http://shetechexplorer.com/explorer-days/​​​​​​​ 

Cost? FREE! Breakfast, snacks and lunch provided.
Participants must arrange own transportation. Adults can attend for free as well as a chaperone.

How do I attend? Email Emily Speck at emily.speck@gscolorado.org with the subject line: SheTech. Provide girl’s full name, school and grade. This will be a first come, first serve opportunity. Deadline is January 31.

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!

Secrets to Success

January 26, Grand Junction

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. Registration is now open. 

Badge Workshop at Fort Morgan Museum

January 26, Fort Morgan

Join the staff at Fort Morgan Museum for a morning full of badge activities! The museum specializes in telling the stories of Fort Morgan and Morgan County through permanent and temporary exhibits, educational programs, and photos, documents, and artifacts from yesterday and today.

Girl Scout Day with the Colorado Avalanche

​February 16, Denver

Ticket sales now open! Join us for Girl Scout Day with the Colorado Avalanche and cheer on the Avalanche as they take on the St. Louis Blues! The troop with the most ticket referrals will get to have a cookie booth at the game! Last year’s troop sold more than 500 packages at their booth.

Girl Scout Pajama Jam with the Colorado Nuggets

March 2, Denver

All Girl Scouts are invited to cheer on the Nuggets as they take on the New Orleans Pelicans.  And, Girl Scouts can sleep at the Pepsi Center after the game! The game starts at 7 p.m.

Harlem Globetrotters at the Broadmoor World Arena

March 2, Colorado Springs

Discounted tickets for Girl Scouts.

Disney on Ice – Worlds of Enchantment at the Broadmoor World Arena

March 23, Colorado Springs

Discounted tickets for Girl Scouts at the 3 p.m. performance.

Outdoor Skills Days 

April and May

Hosted by Troop 70007, Outdoor Skills Days are planned in April and May for Girl Scouts in first grade and older. Learn about knife craft, compasses, fire building, campsite set-up, leave no trace, planning a camp out and much more! $17/girl, includes hot lunch and outdoor skills patch. To see dates and registration information:https://sites.google.com/site/gsoutdoorskillsdayscolorado/

Council News, Girl Scout News, Girl Scouts News

Troop 66802 celebrates one year of Daisy’s Circle membership

Congratulations to Girl Scout Troop 66802 for celebrating one year as a Daisy’s Circle member! As the VERY FIRST Girl Scout troop Daisy’s Circle member, they are truly leaders and they are making a difference.

Joining Daisy’s Circle was the big first step to learning about philanthropy. They have continued down this path and are about to complete their “Philanthropy” badge. They have been learning about the many ways you can help people. They gathered coats, donated food, and of course, they helped other girls become Girl Scouts through Daisy’s Circle!

When asked if it makes them feel good to help others, the answer was a unanimous YES! They truly understand what it means to be a sister to every Girl Scout!

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

Council News, Girl Scout News, Girl Scouts News

Participants needed for revised Power Up pilot

Girl Scouts of Colorado has revised our Power Up program and is looking for girls, troops, and leaders to pilot the material. Power Up is Girl Scouts of Colorado’s anti-bullying program for girls in grades second through twelfth. It engages participants to think critically about different types of bullying and encourages them to stand up and speak out against bullying behaviors. Girls can think of this program as an extension to the “aMaze” Journey and “Be a Friend First (BFF).”

Requirements for pilot participants:

  • Attend a virtual training
  • Facilitate the program in the 2018- 2019 membership year
  • Experience in facilitating programming to girls or community
  • Complete feedback surveys on their successfully facilitated programs
  • Reliable communication with Girl Scouts of Colorado staff

Interested in participating? Fill out the Power Up pilot application: https://girlscoutsusa.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eLLTbmUftxVBu4Z

Questions? Contact GirlExperience@gscolorado.org