Daisies, Brownies & Their Families Invited to Life Sized Puppetry Performance at McKendree

Girl Scout Daisies & Brownies, along with their families and troop leaders are invited to attend a life sized puppetry performance by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia on Feb. 11 at the Hett at McKendree University in Lebanon, IL.  GSSI reserved seating is in the first six rows of the auditorium! 

An imaginative blend of puppetry and striking scenic effects bring to life children's storybook favorites by Eric Carle, including "The Very Hungry Catepillar," "Brown Bear, Brown Bear," and "Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me."  See Video

Girl Scouts who register through the council will have a "Meet and Greet" with the cast and puppeteers after the performance and will receive a special Girl Scout Hett activity patch and Brown Bear slap bracelet.  

Date: Saturday, February 11, 2017

Sessions: 11 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. or 2-3:45 p.m.

Location: The Hettenhausen Center for the Arts at McKendree University, Lebanon, IL

Cost: $7 for girls & siblings (includes "Meet & Greet", activity patch and slap bracelet) and $15/adult

Deadline: Jan. 19

Register online through the links above or fill out a paper registration form and return to:

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois

E-mail: programregistrations@gsofsi.org

Fax: 618.629.0685

Mail: #4 Ginger Creek Parkway, Glen Carbon, IL 62034

For more information, please contact Program Manager Carolyn Miener at cmiener@gsofsi.org or 618.692.0692, ext. 1113. 

Fall 2016 Programs Added to Online Calendar

Take a look at our online program calendar! Tons of new programs have been added, including fall favorites like Fall Fest, Haunted Camp & Zombie Run!

Here are just a few of the examples of other programs available:

9/5 Juniors Saddle Busters Camp Ondessonk - Ozark, IL 

9/10 Cadettes-Amb. World of Art Paint Party Stant ARTs - Effingham, IL

9/17 Daisies-Juniors Girl Scout Ninja Warrior Shinobi Fitness - Cottage Hills, IL 

10/1 Brownies Brownies, Bugs & Butterflies Crab Orchard Wildlife Refuge - Marion, IL 

10/10 Daisies The Land of Milk & Cheese Marcoot Creamery - Greenville, IL  S1  S2

10/29 Brownies Painting at the Gardens Missouri Botanical Gardens - St. Louis, MO 

11/5 Cadettes-Amb. Photography 101 SIU Craft Studio - Carbondale, IL 

11/12 Juniors Animal Habitats Douglas-Hart Nature Center - Mattoon, IL 

Calling All Cowgirls! You'll Love These Upcoming Horseback Riding Programs!

Yeehaw!  We've got several fun horseback riding programs on the horizon!  Come on out and saddle up!  Follow the link to see all the details for each program or to sign up!

Junior Horseback Riding
Date: August 20, 2016
Level: Juniors
Location: DuBois Center in DuBois, IL

Saddle Busters
Date: September 5, 2016 (Labor Day)
Level: Juniors
Location: Giant City Stables in Makanda, IL

Junior Horseback Riding
Date: September 10, 2016
Level: Juniors
Location: DuBois Center in DuBois, IL

Riding The Trails
September 10, 2016
Level: Brownies
Location: Camp Ondessonk in Ozark, IL

Junior Horsemanship
September 10, 2016
Level: Juniors-Cadettes
Location: Camp Ondessonk in Ozark, IL

How To Make a Custom GSSI Program Printout

1. Visit GSSI’s website, www.gsofsi.org

2. Click on “register” on the top bar to access eBiz (you do not need to log in unless you want to register through eBiz)

3. Once on the eBiz site, click the “Activities” button at the top.

4. There, you will see all of the available search criteria on the left side of the page. You can select as many options as you want to filter results; the more options you select, the more specific your results will be.

5. Once your program listing is generated, you can click on any of the programs to get more details and/or register online. Also, if you would like to sit down with your daughter or troop and look through what is available, simply click the “Print” icon at the top of the page (under the green bar) to get a printout of your search results.

6. You can also make a digital copy to e-mail or share through social media with a .pdf printer (several are available online) or by copying and pasting text into your preferred word processing software (Word, etc). 

** Please remember that program details may change after the date of your printout.  Always check our online program calendar for the most up-to-date information**

GSSI Programs With Upcoming Deadlines: July 2015

Extreme Adventures (Seniors-Cadettes)
Date: July 16-18, 2015 (deadline 6/27) 10 a.m. Thursday - 4 p.m. Saturday
Cost:  $90/girl/adult
Place: Camp Cedar Point, Makanda, IL

Feel like the summer is just flying by and you still haven’t found that extreme outlet you’re looking for? Well then come to Camp Cedar Point and take part in our 3 day adventure crawl visiting the local attractions near Camp Cedar Point. We will go canoeing on the lake, set forth on a 3-hour zipline canopy tour, dabble in advanced outdoor cooking and go rock climbing on natural sandstone rocks! Adults will need to transport girls.

Swim ‘n’ S’more (Daisies-Ambassadors)

Date: July 18, 2015 (deadline 7/8) 1-4 p.m.

Cost:  $6/swimming person

Place: Camp Cedar Point, Makanda, IL

Wondering how to beat the heat on these summer days? Then come down to Camp Cedar Point Beach!  When you are done swimming replenish your energy with a delicious s’more.

Night at the Museum-Where’s Wadlow? (Brownies-Juniors)

Date: July 24-25, 2015 (deadline 7/1) 4 p.m. Friday – 9 a.m. Saturday

Cost:  $32/girl/adult

Place: National Great Rivers Museum, Alton, IL

Join the staff and volunteers at the National Great Rivers Museum as you explore the history and habitat of the Mississippi River.  After the lights go down, the museum comes to life - join the fun as girls go on a scavenger hunt to put the museum back to rights before bedtime!

Rock ‘n’ Water (Cadettes-Ambassadors)

Date: July 25, 2015 (deadline 6/29) 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Cost:  $10/girl; $1 adult

Place: Camp Butterfly, Farmington, MO

Rappelling and swimming?! You bet!  Come on out to Camp Butterfly for a leisurely day of just splashin’ around and scaling some rocks!  Girls will need to bring a sack lunch.

Paddle Through the Stars (Juniors)

Date: July 28, 2015 (deadline 7/1) 8 p.m. – 12 a.m.

Cost:  $6/girl; $1 adult

Place: Camp Cedar Point, Makanda, IL

Have you ever paddled a canoe? Okay, but have you ever paddled during a meteor shower?  Join us at Camp Cedar Point where we will camp out with the stars and paddle under them as we watch the Delta meteor shower. We will also learn about constellations and go on a night hike.  If your troop wants, they can even spend the night at camp!

Swim ‘n’ S’more (Daisies-Ambassadors)

Date: July 28, 2015 (deadline 7/8) 1-4 p.m.

Cost:  $6/swimming person

Place: Camp Cedar Point, Makanda, IL

Wondering how to beat the heat on these summer days? Then come down to Camp Cedar Point Beach!  When you are done swimming replenish your energy with a delicious s’more.

Become a Junior Ranger (Brownies-Juniors)

Date: July 29, 2015 (deadline 7/6) 4:30-6 p.m.

Cost:  $6/girl; $1/adult

Place: Camp Cedar Point, Makanda, IL

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a ranger? Well here is your chance!  Join the Shawnee National Forest as we discover how to use a compass, observe nature and discover the role of fire in the forest…all skills a ranger needs to have to do their job well. Program includes an activity booklet, Jr Ranger pin, patch and membership card.

Ozark River Expedition (Cadettes-Ambassadors)

Date: August 2-5, 2015 (deadline 6/15) 9 a.m. Sunday – 3 p.m. Wednesday

Cost:  $275/girl; $220/adult ($50 deposit due with registration)

Place: Little Grassy Campground and Marina, Makanda, IL

Paddle canoes down the Eleven Point River in the Missouri Ozarks and camp on gravel bar camp sites along the river each night. This setting provides the sense of wilderness which reminds us that all members are part of the team, and we’re dependent on each other to ensure a fun, safe and rewarding experience. We will swim, learn canoeing and camping skills, explore springs, sleep in tents or under the blanket of stars, learn about the geology of the area, sing and reflect around campfires and be part of life on the river. Naturalist guides will provide 24-hour supervision and fun; adults are not required to attend the program. Deposit of $50 is due with online registration or with mailed in registration. $225 (girl) or $170 (adult) due July 1, 2015 to either service center or online.

Please note that some programs may be updated after the date of this post.  Please check our online program calendar for the most up-to-date information.

Programs with Upcoming Deadlines: May 2015

The Lake Zipline (Juniors)

Date: June 7, 2015 (deadline 5/17) 4-5:45 p.m. 

Cost:  $38/girl/participating adult

Place: American Obstacle, Kinmundy, IL

Be the first to go on American Obstacle’s new ziplining course! This tour includes canoeing across to zip platform, access via stairs, three different ziplines and canoe back. Some of the ziplines go over water. Girls must weigh at least 75 pounds.

The Ultimate Zipline (Cadettes-Ambassadors)

Date: June 7, 2015 (deadline 5/17) 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 

Cost:  $64/girl/participating adult

Place: American Obstacle, Kinmundy, IL

Spend the morning climbing a 40 foot wall or staircase to fly through the trees on three different ziplines and traipse across two sky bridges. Take a picnic under the trees and then paddle across the lake to start zipping again! Girls must weigh at least 75 pounds.

Zipline on the Creek Bottom Run (Juniors)

Date: June 7, 2015 (deadline 5/17) 2-3:45 p.m. 

Cost:  $38/girl/participating adult

Place: American Obstacle, Kinmundy, IL

Head on out to American Obstacle and experience the most awesome canopy tour! The tour can be reached by a 40 foot climbing wall! You will soar over the tops of trees on three different ziplines and traipse across two sky bridges! It will be 1,000 feet of flying fun! Girls must weigh at least 75 pounds.

Cycling is So. IL (Juniors)

Date: June 11, 2015 (deadline 5/18) 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 

Cost:  $10/girl/adult

Place: Camp Cedar Point, Makanda, IL

Have you ever wanted to be part of a triathlon? Come to Camp Cedar Point and get your pedal on!  We will venture through Tunnel Hill, hike around camp, and attempt to swim the lake.  This adventure will be more like a fun-a-thon!

Wilderness Challenge (Cadettes-Ambassadors)

Date: June 18-20, 2015 (deadline 5/18) 1 p.m. Thursday-3 p.m. Saturday

Cost:  $25/girl

Place: Camp Cedar Point, Makanda, IL

Have you ever dreamed of packing up and heading out to the wilderness? This could be your chance!  We will learn about Leave No Trace, canoeing techniques and backcountry survival skills before we set out to Panther Den Wilderness area. We will paddle across Devil’s Kitchen Lake to camp just off one of it fingers, which taps into a secluded valley that is just a hop, skip and a jump away from a natural rock labyrinth. So, if you’re up for the challenge of earning your Adventurer Badge with us, sign up today! (Meals and Badge included).

Fairies, Brownies, and Fairy Godmothers (Brownies)

Date: June 26-27, 2015 (deadline 5/18) 10 a.m. Friday-3 p.m. Saturday

Cost:  $20/girl; $15/adult

Place: Camp Cedar Point, Makanda, IL

Have you heard about all the fairies that live at camp?  Well this is your chance for Brownies to come to camp and learn all about the magical life of fairies during this great overnight!   Work together to build new summer houses for our fairies and design our own fairy wings and tutus.  Don’t worry—we’ll take some time to relax at a fairy tea party and catch fireflies after the sun goes to sleep. (Cadettes-Ambassadors wishing to help with this event may contact Anne Townsend at 618.692.0692, ext. 2114 by 5/14).

Also, don't miss our Day & Resident camp opportunities! 

GSSI Programs With Upcoming Deadlines: Mid April

Invent That! (Brownies-Juniors)
Date: May 16, 2015 (deadline 4/27) 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Cost: $5/girl
Place: Olney Central College, Olney, IL

Brownies and Juniors will work on their Inventor and Product Designer Badges (included).


Little Scout on the Prairie (Juniors-Ambassadors)
Date: May 16, 2015 (deadline 5/4) 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Cost: $8/girl
Place: Tarble Arts Center, Charleston, IL

Enjoy a day at the Tarble Arts Center with a hands on art project that relates to the ongoing Cynthia Ann Parker project! Show your creativity at this fun-tastic art event!


Science and Beauty (Cadettes-Ambassadors)
Date: May 16, 2015 (deadline 4/27) 1:30-4 p.m.
Cost: $5/girl
Place: Olney Central College, Olney, IL

Cadettes and Seniors will work on their Eating for Beauty and Science of Style Badges (included).


Float ‘n’ S’more (Juniors)
Date: May 19, 2015 (deadline 4/27) 5-8 p.m.
Cost: $6/girl; $1/adult
Place: Camp Chan Ya Ta, Worden, IL

Canoeing AND S’mores?! Woohooo! Head on out to beautiful Camp Chan Ya Ta and do a little paddling, eat a little chocolate and just have a blast outside!


Sow What? Series (Cadettes)
Date: June 4, 6, 11, 18, & 25, 2015 (deadline 5/7) 9 a.m.-12 p.m. (6/18 session runs 9 a.m.-1 p.m.)
Cost: $20/girl
Place: The Gardens at SIUE, Edwardsville, IL

When it comes to food, what’s really best for people and the planet? Find out at this Journey series where you will complete and receive your Sow What? Journey patch.


Zombie Apocalypse Training (Juniors-Cadettes)
Date: June 7, 2015 (deadline 5/7) 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Cost: $10/girl; $1/adult
Place: Camp Cedar Point, Makanda, IL

Do YOU have what it takes to survive a zombie attack?! Come out to camp and put your survival skills to the test!

GSSI Programs With Upcoming Deadlines: Late March

Daisies Discover Camp (Daisies)
Date: April 21, 2015 (deadline 4/2) 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Cost: $5/girl; $1/adult
Place: Fox Ridge State Park, Charleston, IL

Explore camp, nature, sights and sounds, go for a hike and EAT S’MORES! Discover what camp is all about!


Women of the Woods (Daisies-Brownies)
Date: April 23, 2015 (deadline 4/9) 5-8 p.m.
Cost: $5/girl; $1/adult
Place: Camp Cedar Point, Makanda, IL

Do you love the outdoors, but only wish there were more patches you could earn that show off your outdoor skills? Well then, be one of the first to earn GSSI’s new Outdoor Progression Patches! You will have the chance to learn a new knot, make a sit upon, learn the rules of hiking (then apply them) and even walk away with a new S.W.A.P.! Did I mention that we will have the chance to eat a snack?


Camp Clean Up Day (Daisies-Ambassadors)
Date: April 26, 2015 (deadline 4/20) 12 – 6 p.m.
Cost: NO COST
Place: Camp Butterfly, Farmington, MO OR Camp Torqua, Edwardsville, IL
OR Camp Wassatoga, Effingham, IL

Roll up your sleeves and help us get camp into tip top shape for the summer camping season! Tasks may include cleaning out units, power-washing units, staining, trail clearing, and more.


Junior Green Thumbs (Juniors)
Date: April 26, 2015 (deadline 4/8) 1–2:30 p.m. OR 3-4:30 p.m.
Cost: $10/girl; $3/adult
Place: The Children’s Museum, Edwardsville, IL
How does your garden grow? Come learn all about plants and gardening while earning your Gardener Badge.


Shake, Rattle, and Roll (Juniors)
Date: April 29, 2015 (deadline 4/6) 4-6:30 p.m.
Cost: $9/girl; $6/adult
Place: Touch of Nature Environmental Center, Marion, IL

Take a journey through the ages of music and explore music in new environments. Build your own nature instrument and make music together! Girls will earn their Musician Badge (included in fee).


Clover’s Petal (Daisies)
Date: May 2, 2015 (deadline 4/15) 9-11 a.m. or 1-3 p.m.
Cost: $8/girl; $6/adult
Place: Butterfly House-Missouri Botanical Gardens, Chesterfield, MO

Girls will learn about honeybees and how we should use resources wisely on their way to completing requirements for Clover’s Petal.


Girl Scout Hike (Daisies-Brownies)
Date: May 2, 2015 (deadline 4/4) 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Cost: $5/girl; $1/adult
Place: Douglas-Hart Nature Center, Mattoon, IL

Bring a lunch, go on a hike, play in nature…and EXPLORE Douglas-Hart Nature Center today and earn your Brownie Hiker Badge and Daisies will earn a fun patch!


Home Sweet Habitat (Juniors)
Date: May 2, 2015 (deadline 4/6) 2-4:30 p.m.
Cost: $16/girl; $6/adult
Place: Touch of Nature Environmental Center, Makanda, IL

Come explore the different habitats of animals in Southern Illinois and earn your Animal Habitats Badge!


Pinewood Derby (Daisies-Ambassadors)
Date: May 2, 2015 (deadline 4/13) 10 a.m.-12 p.m. (qualifiers) and 12-4 pm (finals)
Cost: $8/girl
Place: Rend Lake College, Ina, IL

Were you not able to attend a Pinewood Derby qualifier? Race to the finish line at the Pinewood Derby Qualifiers! Girls will race within their program levels. The top 3 finishers in each program level (during qualifiers) will race in the Pinewood Derby Finals in the afternoon. Did you place in the top 3 at your Service Unit Pinewood Derby? If so, you are invited to go straight to the Finals! Race your car against girls from across the council with the hopes of being named GSSI Pinewood Derby Champion. Activities include races, photo ops, crafts and much more. Rules and additional information will be provided upon registration. Girls must purchase and build their own cars prior to the race.

The Lake Zipline (Juniors)
Date: May 3, 2015 (deadline 4/6) 4-5:45 p.m.
Cost: $38/girl/participating adult
Place: American Obstacle, Kinmundy, IL

Be the first to go on American Obstacle’s new ziplining course! This tour includes canoeing across to zip platform, access via stairs, 3 different ziplines and canoe back. Some of the ziplines go over water. Girls must weigh at least 75 pounds.


The Ultimate Zipline (Cadettes-Ambassadors)
Date: May 3, 2015 (deadline 4/6) 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cost: $64/girl/participating adult
Place: American Obstacle, Kinmundy, IL

Spend the morning climbing a 40ft. wall or staircase to fly through the trees on 3 different ziplines and traipse across 2 sky bridges. Take a picnic under the trees and then paddle across the lake to start zipping again! Girls must weigh at least 75 pounds.


Zipline on the Creek Bottom Run (Juniors)
Date: May 3, 2015 (deadline 4/6) 2-3:45 p.m.
Cost: $38/girl/participating adult
Place: American Obstacle, Kinmundy, IL

Head on out to American Obstacle and experience the most awesome canopy tour! The tour can be reached by a 40 foot climbing wall! You will soar over the tops of trees on 3 different ziplines and traipse across 2 sky bridges! It will be 1,000 feet of flying fun! Girls must weigh at least 75 pounds.


Become a Junior Ranger (Brownies-Juniors)
Date: May 5, 2015 (deadline 4/13) 4-5:30 p.m.
Cost: $6/girl; $1/adult
Place: Lincoln Memorial Picnic Grounds, Jonesboro, IL

Girls will get the chance to discover what it means to be a Junior Forest Ranger!


Home Sweet Habitat (Juniors)
Date: May 6, 2015 (deadline 4/13) 4-6:30 p.m.
Cost: $16/girl; $6/adult
Place: Touch of Nature Environmental Center, Makanda, IL

Come explore the different habitats of animals in Southern Illinois and earn your Animal Habitats Badge!


Knot Your Average Sit-Upon (Brownies-Juniors)
Date: May 7, 2015 (deadline 4/7) 4-6 p.m.
Cost: $8/girl; $1/adult
Place: Camp Whispering Oaks, Salem, IL

Learn all about basic knot tying at this fun event at Camp Whispering Oaks! We’ll make sit-upons that you can take home!


Flower Power (Juniors)
Date: May 9, 2015 (deadline 4/22) 10-11:30 a.m.
Cost: $10/girl
Place: The Gardens at SIUE, Edwardsville, IL

Girls will visit The Gardens at SIUE, a signature garden for the Missouri Botanical Gardens, where they will work on activities to complete their Flowers Badge.


Become a Junior Ranger (Brownies-Juniors)
Date: May 12, 2015 (deadline 4/13) 4-5:30 p.m.
Cost: $6/girl; $1/adult
Place: Vienna City Park, Vienna, IL

Girls will get the chance to discover what it means to be a Junior Forest Ranger!


S’more Archery (Cadettes-Ambassadors)
Date: May 14, 2015 (deadline 4/20) 5-7 p.m.
Cost: $6/girl; $1/adult
Place: Camp Wassatoga, Effingham, IL
Head on out to beautiful Camp Wassatoga to test your aim and then have a delicious, melty s’more!


Brownie Road Trip (Brownies)
Date: May 16, 2015 (deadline 4/15) 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
(ending times vary depending on the city of departure)
Cost: $25/girl/adult
Place: Giant City State Park, Makanda, IL

For our third Brownie Road Trip, we are heading south to the John Logan Museum, Giant City State Park and Alto Pass on our path to the Southern Illinois Explorer Badge. Girls must ride the bus as this event is part of the Travel pathway. Buses leave from Effingham, Fairview Heights, Mt. Vernon, and Marion.

GSSI Programs with Upcoming Deadlines

 

Snow Power Gymnastics (Daisies-Cadettes)

Date: March 18, 2015 (deadline 3/4) 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Cost: $8/girl
Place: Snow Power Gymnastics & Dance, Herrin, IL

Come to Snow Power Gymnastics for a fun-filled hour of gymnastics. Girls will try out the low balance beam, uneven bars and have free time on the blowup trampolines. Girls can earn the GSSI Gymnastics patch, which is available for $2 each through the Program Department.


Art in 3D (Daisies, Brownies)
Date: March 21, 2015 (deadline 3/4) 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. or 1-2 p.m.
Cost: $8/girl
Place: Three Sisters Crafts, O’Fallon, IL

Art in 3D—a new class for Daisies and Brownies! Use your creative side as you design an art collage on canvas. Girls will paint a picture on canvas and decorate it with a variety of beads, tiles, and other textural materials.


New Cuisines Cooking Class for Cadettes (Cadettes)
Date: March 23, 2015 (deadline 3/9) 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Cost: $20/girl
Place: Dierberg’s Grocery, Edwardsville, IL

Join us at Dierberg’s School of Cooking to learn new cooking techniques and healthy living tips while cooking up an amazing meal. Cadettes will make Asian lettuce wraps, southern oven-fried chicken, apple quinoa salad, old-fashioned buttermilk biscuits and surprise brownies. You will earn and take home your New Cuisines Legacy Badge and a patch.


Daisies Discover Camp (Daisies)
Date: March 25, 2015 (deadline 3/5) 6-8 p.m.
Cost: $5/girl; $1/adult
Place: Camp Chan Ya Ta, Worden, IL

Explore camp, nature, sights and sounds, go for a hike, and EAT S’MORES! Discover what camp is all about!


Braiding and Bending (Juniors)
Date: March 27, 2015 (deadline 3/5) 6-8 p.m.
Cost: $5/girl; $1/adult
Place: SIU Craft Shop, Carbondale, IL

Learn about the different tools a jeweler would use, then make a macramé braided necklace with a pendant. Design and have fun hammering and bending copper to make a distressed copper pin! Get a start on earning two steps of your Jeweler Badge!


Brownie Senses Badge (Brownies)
Date: March 28, 2015 (deadline 3/4) 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Cost: $ 12/girl (including badge)
Place: St. Louis Science Center, St. Louis, MO
Visit the St. Louis Science Center and earn your Senses Badge!


Junior Product Designer Badge (Juniors)
Date: March 28, 2015 (deadline 3/4) 1-3 p.m.
Cost: $ 12/girl (including badge)
Place: St. Louis Science Center, St. Louis, MO
Visit the St. Louis Science Center and earn your Product Designer Badge!


Tech World of Girls Series (Brownies)
Date: March 31 and April 7 & 14, 2015 (deadline 3/10) 6-8 p.m.
Cost: $20/girl
Place: Kaskaskia College Trenton Center, Trenton, IL

Brownie World of Girls Journey with a STEM twist! Earn your World of Girls Journey and awards (included in program fee). This series meets on Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 31, April 7 & April 14.


The Mysterious Juliette Society (Juniors-Cadettes)
Date: April 4, 2015 (deadline 3/16)
10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. (Nashville) OR 2-5 p.m. (Glen Carbon)
Cost: $7/girl; $1/adult
Place: Nashville Public Library, Nashville, IL, OR Glen Carbon Public Library, Glen Carbon, IL

Earn your Detective Badge or work towards your Special Agent Badge while joining the…Mysterious Juliette Society! Create a code, brush up on your investigating skills and solve a mystery in the library!


Story Book Making (Juniors)
Date: April 4, 2015 (deadline 3/21) 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Cost: $5/girl
Place: SIU Museum, Carbondale, IL

Participants will make several types of books, including a simple bound book, then write an imaginary tale about the museum in their favorite genre! Girls will earn their Scribe Badge (included in fee).


Women of the Woods (Daisies-Brownies)
Date: April 7, 2015 (deadline 3/12) 5-8 p.m.
Cost: $5/girl; $1/adult
Place: Camp Wassatoga, Effingham, IL

Do you love the outdoors, but only wish there were more patches you could earn that show off your outdoor skills? Well then, be one of the first to earn GSSI’s new Outdoor Progression Patches! You will have the chance to learn a new knot, make a sit upon, learn the rules of hiking (then apply them) and even walk away with a new S.W.A.P.! Did I mention that we will have the chance to eat a snack?


Start Sewing (Juniors-Cadettes)
Date: April 10, 2015 (deadline 3/16) 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Cost: $6/girl
Place: SIU Craft Shop, Carbondale, IL

Learn all the sewing basics including 3 different hand stiches and how to use a sewing machine. All materials will be provided, but you can bring your own fabric if you prefer.


Art of Trees (Cadettes)
Date: April 11, 2015 (deadline 3/16) 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Cost: $6/girl; $1/adult
Place: National Quilt Museum, Paducah, KY

Earn your Tree Badge indoors! This program will give you an artistic view of leaves behind the tree.
 

GSSI Programs with Upcoming Deadlines: Feb. 16

Snow Power Gymnastics (Daisies-Cadettes)

Date: March 18, 2015 (deadline 3/4) Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Date changed to March 18)

Cost: $8/girl
Place: Snow Power Gymnastics & Dance, Herrin, IL

Come to Snow Power Gymnastics for a fun-filled hour of gymnastics. Earn the GSSI Gymnastics patch at a cost of $2 each through the Program Department. Girls will try out the low balance beam, uneven bars and have free time on the blowup trampolines.
 

Art in 3D (Daisies, Brownies)

Date: March 21, 2015 (deadline 3/4) Time: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. or 2-3 p.m.

Cost: $8/girl
Place: Three Sisters Crafts, O’Fallon, IL

Art in 3D—a new class for Daisies and Brownies! Use your creative side as you design an art collage on canvas. Girls will paint a picture on canvas and decorate it with a variety of beads, tiles, and other textural materials.

LiA World of Girls (Cadettes)

Date: March 21, 2015 (deadline 3/2) Time: 2-5 p.m.

Cost: $10/girl
Place: Kaskaskia College Trenton Center, Trenton, IL

Girls can earn their Leader in Action award for the World of Girls Journey. There are two components: The first is this event, which will include all the training and hands on experiments to prepare Cadettes to complete their LiA award. The second component is optional - participants have the opportunity to attend one of the Brownie "Tech World of Girls" series in April and complete their LiA award. Note: LiA is a prerequisite for the Program Aide training and award. LiA award is included in this event fee, but the Cadette is responsible for finishing her hours.

 

Spring Equinox Campout (Juniors)

Date: March 21-22, 2015 (deadline 3/1) Time: 7 p.m. on Saturday to 2 p.m. on Sunday

Cost: $15/girl
Place: Camp Cedar Point, Makanda, IL

Come out to camp and get your tilt on as we celebrate spring and the rebirth of the earth. We will enjoy Mother Nature by camping out, hiking, and learn about the important balance in our lives. Each girl will earn her Spring Camping Badge! Girls will also have the chance to leave their troop leader at home while they explore camp.

New Cuisines Cooking Class for Cadettes (Cadettes)

Date: March 23, 2015 (deadline 3/9) Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Cost: $20/girl
Place: Dierberg’s Grocery, Edwardsville, IL

Join us at Dierberg’s School of Cooking and learn some new cooking techniques and healthy living tips while cooking up an amazing meal. Cadettes will make Asian lettuce wraps, southern oven-fried chicken, apple quinoa salad, old-fashioned buttermilk biscuits and surprise brownies. You will earn and take home your New Cuisines Legacy Badge and a patch.

Daisies Discover Camp (Daisies)

Date: March 25, 2015 (deadline 3/5) Time: 6-8 p.m.

Cost: $5/girl; $1/adult

Place: Camp Chan Ya Ta, Worden, IL
Explore camp, nature, sights and sounds, go for a hike, and EAT S’MORES! Discover what camp is all about!

Braiding and Bending (Juniors)

Date: March 25, 2015 (deadline 3/5) Time: 6-8 p.m.

Cost: $5/girl; $1/adult
Place: SIU Craft Shop, Carbondale, IL

Learn about the different tools a jeweler would use, then make a macramé braided necklace with a pendant. Design and have fun hammering and bending copper to make a distressed copper pin! Get a start on earning 2 steps of your Jeweler Badge!

Brownie Sense Badge (Brownies)

 

Date: March 28, 2015 (deadline 3/4) Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Cost: $ 12/girl (including badge)
Place: St. Louis Science Center, St. Louis, MO

Visit the St. Louis Science Center and earn your Senses Badge

Junior Produce Designer Badge (Juniors)

Date: March 28, 2015 (deadline 3/4) Time: 1-3 p.m.

Cost: $ 12/girl (including badge)
Place: St. Louis Science Center, St. Louis, MO
Visit the St. Louis Science Center and earn your Product Designer Badge!

Making Friends: Artist Trading Cards II (Brownies)

Date: March 28, 2015 (deadline 3/2) Time: 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Cost: $5/girl (including badge)
Place: SIU Museum, Carbondale, IL

We’re all artist at heart, and Artist Cards (ATC) are a great way in which artist can share their art and get to know one another - a great way to show your appreciation of a friend or make new friends! The cards are 2 1/2" x 3 1/2", a standard card size for tradable cards (such as baseball cards). In this ATC workshop, each participant will make up to 6 different cards using various designs and different art materials. Girls will earn their Making Friends Badge!

High Hopes for High Ropes (Juniors-Ambassadors)

 

Date: March 29, 2015 (deadline 3/2) Time: 9 a.m.–12 p.m. or 1-4 p.m.

Cost: $19/girl; $1 adult
Place: Camp Manitowa, Benton, IL

Do you have high hopes for high ropes course? If so, you are in luck! Come on out to Camp Manitowa for a high ropes adventure that you will never forget! If you feel brave, try out the zipline!

These are just a few of the fantastic program opportunities coming up!  Check out our online program calendar for many more!

GSSI Programs With Upcoming Deadlines: Feb. 5, 2015

The Collage Artist (Seniors)

Date: February 28, 2015 (deadline 2/14) Time: 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Cost: $5/girl
Place: SIU Museum, Carbondale, IL

Girls will earn the Collage Badge! Snip, clip and glue! Girls will have the opportunity to earn their Collage Artist Badge (included in fee) while learning how to take everyday objects and turn them into art.

Longshore’s Martial Arts & Self-Defense (Daisies-Cadettes)

Date: February 28, 2015 (deadline extended to 2/11) Time: 1-2:30 p.m.

Cost: $6/girl
Place: Longshore’s Tae Kwon Do & Martial Arts Academy, DuQuoin, IL

Learn self-defense moves and Tae Kwon Do at this hands-on session. Instructors will also talk to girls about how to keep safe in many situations.

When I Grow Up… (Daisies-Brownies)

Date: February 28, 2015 (deadline 2/12) Time: 9 a.m.–12 p.m. or 1-4 p.m.

Cost: $8/girl; $2/adult
Place: Goshen School, Edwardsville, IL

Do you know what you want to be when you grow up? Come and explore careers through fun hands-on activities on the Honeybee Trail. Decorate a cookie with a baker, play bee games with the beekeeper, and much more!

Juniors in the Kitchen (Juniors)

Date: March 1, 2015 (deadline 2/11) Time: 1-2:30 p.m. or 3-4:30 p.m.
Cost: $10/girl (including badge); $3/adult
Place: St. John’s United Methodist Church, Edwardsville, IL

Learn kitchen safety and try out some of our favorite recipes. Class meets the requirements for the Simple Meals Badge.

The Land of Milk and Cheese (Daisies)

Date: March 2, 2015 (deadline 2/11) Time: 9-10 a.m. or 1-2 p.m.

Cost: $4/girl/adult
Place: Marcoot Jersey Creamy, Greenville, IL

Daisies, it’s time for a road trip to the Land of Milk and Cheese. Hands on activities make this a perfect place for session seven of the Between Earth and Sky Journey. Your visit will have you petting a calf, touring a creamery and visiting a milking parlor. See how cheese is made from milk and snack on a cheese curd and ice cream.

Bridges Badge (Brownies-Juniors)

Date: March 7, 2015 (deadline 2/16) Time: 9-11 a.m. (Brownies) or 1-2 p.m. (Juniors)

Cost: $5/girl (including badge)
Place: National Great Rivers Museum, Alton, IL

You’ve crossed them, maybe even watched one be built, but what do you really know about engineering a bridge? Join the Army Corps of Engineers as they show you bridge load, design and other hands on activities that will earn your Council’s Own Bridges Badge.

Fabric Paint Bag (Daisies-Brownies)

Date: March 7, 2015 (deadline 2/18) Time: 11 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Cost: $7/girl
Place: Three Sisters Crafts, O’Fallon, IL

Do you like color? Then this session is for you as we decorate a non-woven sports or messenger bag for school or Girl Scout meetings with fabric paint.

Scavenger Hunt Games (Daisies-Brownies)

Date: March 7, 2015 (deadline 2/16) Time: 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Cost: $5/girl (including badge) 
Place: SIU Museum, Carbondale, IL

You will be part of solving riddles, playing a scavenger hunt game in the museum and creating a mystery game of your own. Girls will earn their Making Games Badge!

Textile Art (Seniors-Ambassadors)

Date: March 7, 2015 (deadline 2/16) Time: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Cost: $7/girl (including badge); $1/adult
Place: National Quilt Museum, Paducah, KY

Explore women in the field of textile arts and create a found object quilt block with hand & machine stitching. Girls are encouraged to bring small found objects (shoelaces, old keys, unmatched earrings, beads, etc.). Materials, snack, Textile Artist Badge, and tour included.

Rolling with the Roller Girls (Cadettes-Ambassadors)

Date: March 8, 2015 (deadline 2/23) Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Cost: $12/girl; $5/adult
Place: Williamson County Pavilion, Marion, IL

How tough are you? Could you be a roller girl? Try it out at this annual event hosted by the Southern Illinois Roller Girls! Enjoy a pizza lunch and snacks as you learn the sport of Roller Derby! Create your own Derby Persona complete with fake tattoos and crazy hair. Learn about good sportswomanship and how to stay healthy and safe in this wild sport! Include skate size with registration.

Brownies Make It and Eat It Cooking Class (Brownies)

Date: March 12, 2015 (deadline 2/26) Time: 6:30-8 p.m.

Cost: $ 20/girl
Place: Dierberg’s Grocery, Edwardsville, IL

Brownies can cook! Join us in creating a full Italian dinner at Dierberg’s School of Cooking in Edwardsville. Learn basic cooking skills while you create a meal of Italian salad, meatball sandwiches, caramel corn, banana muffins, and frosty fruit punch. You will earn and receive your Brownie Snacks Legacy Badge and a patch.

Counselor-in-Training (Seniors-Ambassadors)

Date: March 13-14, 2015 (deadline 2/19) Time: Friday at 6 p.m. to Saturday at 3 p.m.

Cost: $ 20/girl; $5/adult
Place: Camp Cedar Point, Makanda, IL

Are you interested in working with younger girls in a day camp setting? Have you always wanted to be a camp counselor? If so, and you will be entering the 9th grade or above in the fall of 2015, now is your chance! In order to attend a GSSI day camp as a CIT, girls will need to attend a weekend training prior to the start of camp. During the training you will learn outdoor skills such a fire building, knot tying, outdoor cooking and so much more!

Bridges Badge (Brownies-Juniors)

Date: March 14, 2015 (deadline 2/16) Time: 9-11 a.m. (Brownies) or 1-3 p.m. (Juniors)

Cost: $5/girl (including badge)
Place: National Great Rivers Museum, Alton, IL

You’ve crossed them, maybe even watched one be built, but what do you really know about engineering a bridge? Join the Army Corps of Engineers as they show you bridge load, design and other hands on activities that will earn your Council’s Own Bridges Badge.

Brownie Pow Wow (Brownies)

Date: March 14, 2015 (deadline 2/18) Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 1-4 p.m. (Juniors)

Cost: $10/girl;$2/adult
Place: Cahokia Mounds Museum, Cahokia, IL

Cahokia Mounds is home to the largest prehistoric native civilization north of Mexico. Earn the new Council’s Own Archeology in Southern Illinois Badge at this event. Girls will explore the museum and have special sessions geared to the life and culture of the Cahokians. Girls will learn about archaeology, native games and arts, and storytelling on their path to earning this Badge. Troops are invited to walk to the top of Monk’s Mound, the largest prehistoric earthen mound in the new world, at the end of their session.

Painting for a Queen (Brownies)

Date: March 14, 2015 (deadline 2/16) Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Cost: $ 9/girl (including badge); $1/adult
Place: Better Than Ever, Paducah, KY

Girl Scouts should be treated like queens! We will learn how to draw a portrait of a queen, use watercolor paint techniques with salt and rubbing alcohol, and collaborate to make a castle mural for our royal subjects to reside in as we earn the Painter Badge! We will draw the outline for the mural during the workshop. It may need to be painted or colored on your own time.

Program Aide Training (Cadettes)

Date: March 14-15, 2015 OR March 21-22, 2015 (deadline 3/5) 
Time: Saturday at 6 p.m. to Sunday at 3 p.m.

Cost: $ 20/girl; $5/adult
Place: Camp Cedar Point, Makanda, IL (3/14-3/15) OR Camp Torqua, Edwardsville, IL (3/21-3/22)

Do you enjoy working with younger girls in a camp setting? If you are going into the 7th grade or above, have completed your Leadership in Action (LiA) and want to be a PA at day camp then this training is for you. Girls will participate in leadership and outdoor training. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Girls completing this training will not need to take any additional training at day camp and can begin work on their 20 hours immediately. Once all steps are completed and the necessary paperwork is submitted girls will receive their PA pin.

Sock Puppet Animals (Daisies)

Date: March 14, 2015 (deadline 2/16) Time: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Cost: $ 6/girl; $1/adult
Place: National Quilt Museum, Paducah, KY

Create a sock puppet animal and explore how animals are represented on quilts. Materials, short tour & snack included.

Counselor-in-Training (Seniors-Ambassadors)

Date: March 14-15, 2015 (deadline 3/5) Time: Saturday at 2 p.m. to Sunday at 11 a.m.

Cost: $ 20/girl; $5/adult
Place: Camp Chan Ya Ta, Worden, IL

Are you interested in working with younger girls in a day camp setting? Have you always wanted to be a camp counselor? If so, and you will be entering the 9th grade or above in the fall of 2015, now is your chance! In order to attend a GSSI day camp as a CIT, girls will need to attend a weekend training prior to the start of camp. During the training you will learn outdoor skills such a fire building, knot tying, outdoor cooking and so much more!

Daisies Ladybug Life (Daisies)

Date: March 15, 2015 (deadline 2/25) Time: 1-2:30 p.m. or 3-4:30 p.m.

Cost: $ 9/girl; $3/adult
Place: The Children’s Museum, Edwardsville, IL

Create a sock puppet animal and explore how animals are represented on quilts. Materials, short tour & snack included.

Discover SCUBA (Cadettes-Ambassadors)

Date: March 20, 2015 (deadline 2/24) 6-8 p.m.

Cost: $ 26/girl
Place: YMCA Esic Center, Edwardsville, IL

Try your hand at SCUBA diving! This event is held at the YMCA Esic Center. Girls must be 12 years or older. Upon registration, you will be sent a SCUBA information packet which must be returned two weeks before the event date.

1820 American Girl (Juniors)

Date: March 21, 2015 (deadline 2/25)  Time: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Cost: $16/girl
Place: 1820 Col. Benjamin Stephenson House, Edwardsville, IL

Come earn the Playing the Past Badge as you experience life in the 1820s. You will tour the historic 1820 Colonial house and experience life for a girl in the 1820s. This program is a hands-on experience with activities and demonstrations that would have been a part of a girl’s life in the 1820s. A girl’s registration fee includes Playing the Past Badge, tour of the house, making an old-fashioned journal, and all activities associated with the Badge. Participants are welcome to bring a sack lunch to eat on the property after the program.

Bridges Badge (Brownies-Juniors)

Date: March 21, 2015 (deadline 2/16) Time: 9-11 a.m. (Brownies) or 1-2 p.m. (Juniors)

Cost: $5/girl (including badge)
Place: National Great Rivers Museum, Alton, IL

You’ve crossed them, maybe even watched one be built, but what do you really know about engineering a bridge? Join the Army Corps of Engineers as they show you bridge load, design and other hands on activities that will earn your Council’s Own Bridges Badge.

Comic Art Workshop (Cadettes)

Date: March 21, 2015 (deadline 2/23) Time: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Cost: $9/girl (including badge); $1/adult
Place: Better Than Ever, Paducah, KY

Girls will learn to develop their own comic book characters, then develop and create a scene utilizing their character(s) on professional comic book drawing paper. They will also learn tips of the trade along the way from a published cartoonist, not to mention earn their Comic Artist Badge.

 

Discover SCUBA (Cadettes-Ambassadors)

Date: March 27, 2015 (deadline 2/24) Time: 6-8 p.m.

Cost: $ 26/girl
Place: YMCA Esic Center, Edwardsville, IL
Try your hand at SCUBA diving! This event is held at the YMCA Esic Center. Girls must be 12 years or older. Upon registration, you will be sent a SCUBA information packet which must be returned two weeks before the event date.