Girl Scout Week is March 8-14, 2015

 



   

GSSI will join nearly 3 million Girl Scouts throughout America in celebrating the 103rd Anniversary of Girl Scouting March 8-14. Girl Scouts across Southern Illinois will celebrate the 103rd anniversary by participating in a variety of local activities and events ranging from flag ceremonies at their schools, birthday party celebrations and community service projects with their troops while others will create displays highlighting Girl Scout history.

“The Girl Scout mission statement contains the words, ‘Make the world a better place.’ Our girls and volunteers continue to make that commitment – the same commitment Girl Scouts have been making for 103 years,” said Villie M. Appoo, CEO Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois. “Girl Scouts has a very rich history of providing girls in all of our communities with a premier Girl Scout Leadership Experience that will give them the courage, confi dence and character to make the world a better place for everyone,” Appoo added.

Girl Scout Sunday (March 8) and Girl Scout Sabbath (March 14) is when many Girl Scouts receive special religious recognition awards for researching and exploring their religious culture and practices. Many girls will proudly wear their Girl Scout uniforms to their religious services week’s events.

“Girl Scouting is committed to being a vital part of our communities. During Girl Scout Week, we salute all those who continue to offer their support to Girl Scouting. Their dedication is instrumental in the positive development of young people in our communities,” said Appoo. “During Girl Scout Week, we renew our commitment to ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to grow strong and realize her full potential. But we need your help! We invite everyone – men and women – over 18 to volunteer with Girl Scouts. You don’t have to be a troop leader; even if you can only donate one hour of your time once a year, you’ll be making a great difference in the lives of girls.”

Girl Scouts started when Juliette Gordon Low returned to the United States from England, where she was involved with the Boy Scout and Girl Guides movements. She made a historic phone call to her cousin in March 1912, saying “Come right over! I’ve got something for the girls of Savannah, all America, and all the world, and we’re going to start it tonight.” The “something” was Girl Scouts, and the first group of girls embarked on Low’s vision. Low was determined to help expand opportunities and learning for the average American girl. At a time when many girls’ paths in life were limited to their social standing, Low’s vision was to establish an organization where any American girl could expand her personal horizon by having fun, while exploring new interests and contributing to society. Girl Scouting has inspired more than 50 million girls and women since its founding in 1912.

 

For more information about Girl Scout Week, please contact GSSI Communications & Marketing Manager Tricia Higgins at 800.345.6858, ext. 2143 or e-mail thiggins@gsofsi.org.

 

Lainey Brown from O'Fallon Earns the Girl Scout Gold Award

 

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) is pleased to announce that Lainey Brown from O’Fallon has received the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can receive.

For her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Lainey worked with two area nursing homes to help improve residents’ lives.

“I knew that I wanted my project to benefit the elderly,” said Lainey. “I have always had a passion for volunteering and visiting at nursing homes.”

Lainey especially wanted to help Alzheimer’s patients. She created two sensory boards to help patients with everyday obstacles. She also made more than 100 sensory bags to help improve memory skills. She brought in a guitarist, and working with staff, engaged residents’ memories through music. She also held a party at each facility, with homemade blankets and other items as door prizes and for winners of games she led. Along with helping residents, she also provided books about Alzheimer’s for facility staff to read.

“I have learned through my Girl Scout Gold Award project that with passion, dedication and ambition, I can truly accomplish anything I set my mind to,” she said. “Nothing feels as good as knowing I have positively affected the lives of others.”

 Lainey is the daughter of Katherine Brown. She is currently a senior at O’Fallon Township High School and plans to attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in the fall to study Nursing.

The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can earn, recognizes a Girl Scout's commitment to excellence as she develops skills and values to meet present and future challenges in her life. To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, a Girl Scout Senior or Girl Scout Ambassador must design and carry out a project that fulfills a need within a girl’s community, creates change, and is sustainable. The project must be completed with a suggested minimum of 80 hours of work. Only about 6 percent of eligible girls earn the prestigious Gold Award.

Emily Fuhler from Trenton Earns the Girl Scout Gold Award

 

 

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) is pleased to announce that Emily Fuhler from Trenton has received the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can receive. 

For her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Emily worked with The Covering House, a St. Louis based organization that helps girls who have experience sexual exploitation or sexual trafficking.  She had helped raise money for The Covering House through her high school youth group and wanted to continue to help.

“I wanted to impact the girls by letting them know that I, an eighteen year old girl that they’ve never met, care about them and there are people all over the world that will help them when they need it,” she said.  

Emily helped The Covering House prepare to open a residential facility to provide long-term therapeutic care. First, she helped inventory and organize supplies.  Next, she collected additional items to supplement the existing resources.  Last, she created a disaster kit for the facility in case of emergencies.  She also discussed human trafficking at her high school and put an article in the local newspaper to spread awareness about the issue.

“Through my project, I learned about the reality of the world around me and my true passions for helping others,” said Emily.  “I learned what I really believe in and am willing to stand up for.”

Emily is the daughter of Michael and Lynn Fuhler.  She completed her Girl Scout Gold Award project during her senior year at Trenton Wesclin High School in 2014.  She is currently a freshman at Southeast Missouri State University where she is studying Biomedical Sciences and Spanish.

The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can earn, recognizes a Girl Scout's commitment to excellence as she develops skills and values to meet present and future challenges in her life.  To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, a Girl Scout Senior or Girl Scout Ambassador must design and carry out a project that fulfills a need within a girl’s community, creates change, and is sustainable.   The project must be completed with a suggested minimum of 80 hours of work.  Only about 6 percent of eligible girls earn the prestigious Gold Award.

Girl Scouts Honor Important Women in History During Black History Month

Photo Credit: Girl Scouts of the USA

February is Black History Month! To celebrate, Girl Scouts has honored several important women in Girl Scout history.  Read their stories below:




Josephine Holloway
Josephine Holloway was a champion of diversity within the Girl Scout Movement and one of the first African American Girl Scout troop leaders.  She became an expert on girls' issues and was hired by Girl Scouts of the USA as a field advisor for black troops, a position she held until retirement in 1963.  Read more...

Admiral Michelle J. Howard
Admiral Howard has served in the United States Navy since 1982 and is the highest-ranking woman in American naval history.  She was also the first woman to be promoted to four-star admiral and the first African American woman to command a naval ship.  She attributes many of the values that helped her succeed to her time in Girl Scouting.  Read more...

Sheila Lee Jackson

Girl Scout alumna Sheila Lee Jackson has served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 1995.  She is currently made it her mission to eradicate bullying and credits Girl Scouts for helping inspire her to make the world a better place through service.  Read more...



Barbara Lee
Congresswoman Barbara Lee credits her Girl Scout experience for cultivating her passion through community engagement and a love of the outdoors.  She first received a degree in social work and then is currently part of the Safe Environment Caucus.  Read more...

Condoleeza Rice: Did you know every female Secretary of State in U.S. history is a former Girl Scout? Condoleeza Rice was the first African American Secretary of State. She was also national security advisor to President George W. Bush, the first woman to serve in that position. Read more...

Gloria R. Scott
Dr. Gloria Dean Randle Scott is no stranger to making history.  In 1961, she started teaching biology at Marion College, becoming the first African American instructor at a predominantly white institution in Indianapolis.  In 1975, she made history again by becoming the first black National President of Girl Scouts of the USA.  Read more...


These are just a few of the amazing Girl Scout alumnae whose courage, confidence and character provide an excellent role model to today's girls!

Brianna and Brittany McGehee from Mt. Vernon Awarded Girl Scouts Medal of Honor

 

Brianna and Brittany McGehee, twins from Mt. Vernon, were 11 years old in June 2014 when they came to the aid of their sister Shelia.  Brianna and Brittany were going to babysit for Shelia’s three young children when they found their sister face down on the bathroom floor.  From their Girl Scout First Aid/CPR training, the girls believed Shelia showed signs of having had a stroke.  Brittany and Brianna called the hospital and turned Shelia to her side.  With their First Aid training and assistance from the hospital operator, the girls gave their sister aspirin and cool rags and kept her talking.  Once stable, Brianna and Brittany helped their sister into their mother’s truck to go to the hospital. 

“We had CPR/First Aid training, but it was really scary when it’s your own sister that you love,” said Brianna.  “I’m glad that I was going to babysit that day and that I have my First Aid/CPR certificate,” added Brittany.  Brianna and Brittany are the daughters of Gary and Donna McGehee.

 

The Medal of Honor is a lifesaving award given by Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) to girls who have saved or attempted to save a human life under circumstances that indicate heroism.  This award is reserved for those Girl Scouts who have performed heroic acts beyond the degree of maturity and training to be expected at their age.

 

GSSI had four Girl Scouts earn the Girl Scouts Medal of Honor in 2014.  Medals will be presented at the All That Glitters Awards Ceremony on March 28 at Rend Lake Resort in Whittington.

Girl Scouts Across Southern Illinois Celebrate World Thinking Day

 

 

Each year on and around Feb. 22, Girl Scouts participate in activities and projects with global themes to honor their sister Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world. World Thinking Day is part of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts Global Action theme based on the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals, which aim to improve the lives of the world’s poorest people. The theme for World Thinking Day 2015 was "girls worldwide say ‘we can create peace through partnerships."

 World Thinking Day gives girls a chance to celebrate international friendships and is a reminder to girls that they are part of a global community. Girl Scout troops and service units across southern Illinois held World Thinking Day events.

See more World Thinking Day photos on GSSI's Facebook Page

Four Girls From Southern Illinois to Receive Girl Scouts Medal of Honor

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) is pleased to announce that four local Girl Scouts recently received the Girl Scout Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor is a lifesaving award given by Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) to girls who have saved or attempted to save a human life under circumstances that indicate heroism. This award is reserved for those Girl Scouts who have performed heroic acts beyond the degree of maturity and training to be expected at their age.

Brianna and Brittany McGehee, twins from Mt. Vernon, were 11 years old in June 2014 when they came to the aid of their sister Shelia. Brianna and Brittany were going to babysit for Shelia’s three young children when they found their sister face down on the bathroom floor. From their Girl Scout First Aid/CPR training, the girls believed Shelia showed signs of having had a stroke. Brittany and Brianna called the hospital and turned Shelia to her side. With their First Aid training and assistance from the hospital operator, the girls gave their sister aspirin and cool rags and kept her talking. Once stable, Brianna and Brittany helped their sister into their mother’s truck to go to the hospital. “We had CPR/First Aid training, but it was really scary when it’s your own sister that you love,” said Brianna. “I’m glad that I was going to babysit that day and that I have my First Aid/CPR certificate,” added Brittany. Brianna and Brittany are the daughters of Gary and Donna McGehee.

 

Cheyenne Chalkus of Salem was 18 years old last August when she saved the life of her 22 month old nephew Skyler after he had an accidental fall into a hot tub.  She immediately laid him on the deck and started chest compressions while her mother called 911. After several compressions Skyler started to faintly cry and breathe on his own. Cheyenne then sat him up and waited for paramedics to arrive. Once there, the paramedics found Skyler fully alert. Cheyenne was told by the paramedics that Skyler appeared to have been in the water for 30 seconds or less. “They said it was a good thing I knew CPR,” said Cheyenne. “Today he is a completely healthy and happy boy, and I am so glad I could help him,” she added. Cheyenne is the daughter of Scott and Carole Chalkus.

 

Kayli Kohn of Fairfield was 10 years old when she rescued her two year old brother Hudson in 2013. Kayli was putting Hudson into the van as the family was leaving a local business. Before her father and stepmother got into the car, Hudson accidentally hit the gear shift and the van began to roll backwards into the street, although the keys were not in the van’s ignition. Kayli began to yell to get the attention of the oncoming traffic. Her attempts were successful as the cars came to a stop before colliding with the family vehicle. After crossing two lanes of traffic, the van struck a building and came to a stop. Hudson was unharmed when he was taken out of the vehicle, and it was later determined that the van’s gear shift was defective. “My brother was so scared, and he was crying in my arms. Nobody got hurt; we are so lucky. I love my brother so much,” said Kayli. Kayli is the daughter of Jessica and Jeremy Kohn.

Students Today Leaders Forever Volunteer at Camp Whispering Oaks Girl Scout Camp

A group from Students Today, Leaders Forever volunteered at GSSI's Camp Whispering Oaks in Salem on February 15.  Students cleared out brush and repaired benches and picnic tables as part of their "Pay It Forward Tour" through the Midwest. The mission of STLF is "revealing leadership through service, relationships, and action."  GSSI is grateful to STLF for their time, talents and enthusiasm.

For more information about volunteering with Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, please contact Volunteer Services Manager Jodi Dormire at 800.345.6858, ext. 1117 or e-mail jdormire@gsofsi.org.

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!

South Central Illinois Area Health Education Center Funds Girl Scout Career Exploration Program

Kelli Stover, Director of South Central Illinois—Area Health Education Center presents a check to GSSI Director of Development Emily Kimmey to fund a grant for the "When I Grow Up" program.

This program allows girls in K-3rd grades to explore various career opportunities, gain confidence in their own skills and take action to make the world a better place.

GSSI Celebrates "2-1-1 Day" as Proud Partner of United Way

 

 

 

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is a proud partner of various United Ways throughout our 40 1/2 county jurisdiction. On Feb. 11, United Way agencies in our area celebrated “2-1-1 Day” in honor of the good things that United Way agencies are doing to help people.

Dialing 2-1-1 (or 1-800-427-4626) allows people to get connected to a trained resource specialist. TTY (1-866-385-6525) and multilingual services are also available. Calls to United Way 2-1-1 are always free and confidential.

Assistance that can be found by dialing 2-1-1 includes: basic needs such as food pantries, shelters, rent and utility assistance, physical and mental health resources, job programs, support for seniors and people with disabilities and support for children, youth and families.

United Way’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good.

 

 

GSSI's FIRST TECH Challenge Team Wins Motivate Award for Third Time!

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' flagship FIRST TECH Challenge Team, Oops! (because the World's Greatest Inventions Started with an 'oops!') won the Motivate Award during competition at Decatur Hope Academy on February 7.

 

Oops! is coached by Kristi Smith of O'Fallon and consists of middle and high school girls from O'Fallon, Granite City and Belleville.  They have won the Motivate Award, which is presented to that exemplifies the essence of the FTC competition through team building, team spirit and enthusiasm, during three consecutive tournaments.  

FTC is designed for students in grades 7-12 to compete head to head, using a sports model. Teams are responsible for designing, building, and programming their robots to compete in an alliance format against other teams. The robot kit is reusable from year-to-year and is programmed using a variety of languages. Teams, including coaches, mentors and volunteers, are required to develop strategy and build robots based on sound engineering principles. Awards are given for the competition as well as for community outreach, design, and other real-world accomplishments.

 

For more information about GSSI's Robotics Program, please contact STEM Program Manager Mary Buchanan at 800.345.6858, ext. 1115 or e-mail mbuchanan@gsofsi.org.

 

 

 

Past Photos:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

Missed the Initial Order of Toffee Tastic Cookies? Here's How You Can Get Some

 

 

Toffee-Tastic Cookie in High Demand! Missed the Initial Order? Here's a Chance to Get Up to 5 Cases

 

Because the new gluten-free cookie is a pilot cookie for our baker Little Brownie Bakers, both troops and councils needed to pre-order it. A survey went out in August, and based on that response, GSSI has an extra 240 cases of Toffee-Tastic. Any troop that did not order Toffee-Tastic cookies that wants to purchase some from the extra stock will have a chance to purchase up ...to 5 cases. Area cupboards WILL NOT have extra Toffee-Tastic cookies available to pick up. If you did order Toffee-Tastic cookies, your order will come in with the rest of your cookies.

How can Troops get Toffee-Tastic
Please complete the survey below to order from GSSI’s extra inventory. This survey will open at 9 a.m. on Feb. 3 and is first-come, first serve. The survey will close when the available cookies are gone. https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/HK5FZZT

 

Please note: If your troop ordered Toffee-Tastic cookies in August, you do not need to order them again. We have your order and it will be fulfilled. Also, customers will be able to order Toffee-Tastic cookies through the Digital Cookie platform until Little Brownie Baker sells out.