Girl Scouts Bringing NASA Created Program to Southern Illinois

Elizabeth Sanders, I'Anna Hubbard, Kayloni Howes and Esra'a Ross Jaber
take measurements before building a prototype solar-powered water pump.

Girls on Mars? On June 21, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) hosted a STEM program at North Elementary School in Godfrey that explored the idea that humans could use engineering to live on Mars. Nineteen girls from ages 11-14 participated in the “Powered and Pumped Up!” challenge created by NASA’s Glenn Research Center to plan, build, test, and improve a stand-alone solar powered water pump. While developing their hands-on project, girls learned about light intensity, lenses and manipulation of light, and how mirrors can be used to focus energy, along with other scientific concepts. The curriculum ties into current research being conducted by engineers at Glenn Research Center regarding space travel.

Tyrriah Parker, Amariyah McClenney, and Nariah Bick build a solar-powered
water pump from their own design.

GSSI was one of 13 youth-serving agencies in the Midwest to receive a grant to incorporate the NASA program into their summer curriculum. By the end of the summer, “Powered and Pumped Up!” will also be delivered in Effingham, Carterville and Glen Carbon. STEM is one of four areas that form the foundation of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, along with Outdoors, Life Skills and Entrepreneurship.


This fall, Girl Scouts of the USA pledged to bring 2.5 Million girls into the STEM Pipeline by 2025. The organization also launched new programming that includes 23 new STEM and Outdoor Badges and plans to introduce 18 Cybersecurity badges and a series of Space Science badges over the next two years.

Madison Slack inspects her team's solar-powered water pump.

GSSI STEM Camp Still Has Spots Available

Come out to Girl Scout STEM Camp for an experience that's out of this world!  To celebrate the coming total solar eclipse, this year's camp theme is SPACE!   There are two camp options - one for younger girls entering K-3 in the fall, and another for older girls entering 4th-12th grades.  Both camps offer tons of science, technology, engineering and math fun and a cool t-shirt!  Sign up by June 7 and get ready to have a BLAST (yes, we'll be launching rockets)! 

Mini STEM Camp
July 6-7, 2017
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Camp Torqua - Edwardsville, IL
Ages:  K-3rd Grade (Fall 2017) 

Join us for our fourth Mini STEM camp, just for Daisies and Brownies! Let's explode rockets, build a Mars Rover, glow in the dark and a whole lot more! Cost includes lunch both days, two snacks and a t-shirt. 

Girl Scout Fee: $40
Non-Girl Scout Fee: an additional $15 per girl

Adult volunteers are needed to make this camp a success. Full time volunteers who work both days will receive a camp shirt and be reimbursed $20 for one camper at the close of camp. If interested in volunteering, a volunteer application and health history form should be mailed in with your payment and daughter's registration form. 

Deadline to Register: 06/07/17

STEM Camp: Destined for Infinity

July 17-21, 2017
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Camp Torqua - Edwardsville, IL
Ages: 4th-12th grade (Fall 2017)

How do you organize a space themed camp?? You PLANet! It only gets better at this year's space themed STEM camp. Let's shoot rockets, defy physics and get our inventor brains warmed up with more littleBits. If that doesn't sound like fun, how about an Escape the Room: Space Station module? We will also do a field trip to Boeing's Prolouge room to get a feel for aerospace and history. 

Girl Scout Fee: $74
Non-Girl Scout Fee: an additional $15

Adult volunteer are needed to make this camp a success. Full time volunteers who work five days will receive a camp shirt and be reimbursed $35 for one camper at the close of camp. If interested in volunteering, a volunteer application and health history form should be mailed in with your payment and girl's registration form.

Deadline to Register: 06/07/17

GSSI's OOPS! Robotics Selected as Connect Award Finalist at FIRST Tech Challenge State Tournament

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' OOPS! Robotics was selected as the Connect Award 3rd place finalist at  the the FIRST Tech Challenge Illinois State Tournament on Feb. 24-25 at Elgin Community College. 

FTC is designed for students in grades 7-12 to compete head to head, in an alliance format against other teams. Teams design, build and program their robot using a variety of programming languages and sound engineering principles, then plan strategies for competition. Awards are given for competitive performance as well as for community outreach, design, and other real-world accomplishments.

The Connect Award is presented to the team that most connects with their local STEM community. To win, a team must submit an engineering notebook with a strategic plan which highlights the team's goals and the steps they will take to reach those goals.  The team must also provide clear examples of the connections they have been developing within engineering, science and technology communities. 

Oops! Robotics is coached by Kristi Smith and Mary Buchanan of O'Fallon and consists of middle and high school girls from Belleville, Granite City and O'Fallon.  Team members are Katherine Buchanan, Mary Buchanan, Mackenzie Butchee, Allie Huller, Kimberly Melton, Chloe Schlosser,  Kailee Schlosser, Amber Smith, Leah Walton, Allison Zaiz and Megan Zaiz. 

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Sponsors First All Girl Scout LittleBits Global Chapter

Girl Scouts has always introduced girls to new and exciting programs that enhance their knowledge and skills, piquing their interests in new activities and ideas.

Today, Girl Scouts is leading the way in engaging girls in the growing fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Not only do girls get to investigate possible career paths for their futures, but they also develop valuable skills such as problem solving, innovation and collaboration.

GSSI offers girls a variety of STEM programming, including hosting robotics teams in three leagues and holding two STEM-themed summer day camps. Regularly occurring STEM programs give girls hands-on experience in activities such as plant and animal science, aerospace and rocketry, physics and chemistry, engineering, geology, coding, forensics and more.

One recently introduced GSSI program is littleBits. Headed by STEM Program Manager Emily Stanley, littleBits design challenges offer girls the chance to learn about the engineering design process and develop critical thinking skills.

littleBits are easy-to-use electronic building blocks that allows girls to create prototypes and inventions. With the growing interest in the STEM field in the scouting community, the littleBits program is a wonderful way to introduce those girls to these certain fields of interest while building their love for the program and field through these hands on activities. Currently, GSSI is the first and only Girl Scout sponsored littleBits Global Chapter.

“Any girl that is interested in finding her inner inventor can try her hand and play with the littleBits”, said Stanley. “Not only are these programs a wonderful way for the girls to start learning how to use the blocks and get a feel for them, but they’ll also get hands on experience and actually build a prototype out of recycled materials and take it home at the end of the day.”

Stanley added, “GSSI has seen remarkable growth in the number of girls served through our STEM programs. In 2009, we served just over 1,200 girls in STEM. In 2016, we were up to 3,000.”

Following this trend, she expects interest in the new littleBits program to continue grow.  Recurring programs featuring littleBits design challenges are being planned for the future and GSSI Day Camps will also be offered the opportunity to use LittleBits for their programming.

To learn more about GSSI’s littleBits program or other STEM activities, please contact Emily Stanley at 800.345.6858 or estanley@gsofsi.org. 

Recent photos of GSSI Girl Scouts taking part in a LittleBits Design Challenge:

Feature by GSSI Intern Nicolle Patton

OOPS! Robotics Wins Motivate Award, Qualifies for State Tournament

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois robotics team, OOPS! Robotics, won the Connect Award and was a finalist for the Motivate Award at the FIRST Tech Challenge regional qualifying tournament at Decatur Hope Academy on Feb. 11.  The team also advanced to the FTC Illinois State tournament, which will be held Feb. 24-25 at Elgin Community College Spartan Events Center.  

FTC is designed for students in grades 7-12 to compete head to head, in an alliance format against other teams. Teams design, build and program their robot using a variety of programming languages and sound engineering principles, then plan strategies for competition. Awards are given for competitive performance as well as for community outreach, design, and other real-world accomplishments.

The Connect Award is presented to the team that most connects with their local STEM community. To win, a team must submit an engineering notebook with a strategic plan which highlights the team's goals and the steps they will take to reach those goals.  The team must also provide clear examples of the connections they have been developing within engineering, science and technology communities. 

The Motivate Award is given to the team that best exemplifies the essence of FTC competition through team building, team spirit and enthusiasm.  The team must demonstrate respect and gracious professionalism throughout the tournament and be able to articulate the individual contributions of each team member.

In addition to their achievements at the Decatur regional, OOPS! Robotics also qualified for the Missouri State Tournament earlier this season.  That tournament will be held March 4 at Missouri S&T University in Rolla. 

Oops! Robotics is coached by Kristi Smith and Mary Buchanan of O'Fallon and consists of middle and high school girls from Belleville, Granite City and O'Fallon.  Team members are Katherine Buchanan, Mary Buchanan, Mackenzie Butchee, Allie Huller, Kimberly Melton, Chloe Schlosser,  Kailee Schlosser, Amber Smith, Leah Walton, Allison Zaiz and Megan Zaiz. 

OOPS! Robotics receives funding from Afton Chemical, Christone Enterrpises, Best Buy, Boeing,  The Monsanto Fund and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC).

Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming is an important component of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.  GSSI provides girls of all age levels with the opportunity to participate in engaging STEM activities that include writing code, wiring circuits, conducting physics and chemistry experiments and more.  The organization is always looking for community and business partners to help girls gain exposure to and experience with these growing fields. For more information, please contact Program Manager Emily Stanley at 800.345.6858, ext. 1111 or estanley@gsofsi.org. 

GSSI Teams Excel at FIRST LEGO League State Tournament

Three Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois robotics teams excelled while competing among 64 teams participating in the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Central Illinois State Tournament at University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana on Saturday, January 28. 

FLL is a robotics program for 9 to 14 year olds which is designed to get children excited about science and technology, as well as teach them valuable life skills. Along with programming robots, teams are also evaluated on an elaborate research project, as well as how well they demonstrate FLL Core Values, which include teamwork, collective learning, active participation and gracious professionalism. After practicing and preparing for months, teams meet at regional qualifying tournaments to be graded on the three elements, with top teams advancing to state competition.

How GSSI teams excelled at the FLL Central Illinois State Tournament: 

GIR! with the Research Award trophy

GIR! from Staunton won the Research Award, which FLL states “recognizes a team that utilizes diverse resources to formulate an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the problem they have identified. 

SWAT next to their presentation board detailing their project. 

SWAT from Troy was a finalist for the Project Award, for their excellent research project. 

Purple Robot Penguins getting ready for the robot game. 

Purple Robot Penguins was a finalist for the Core Values Award, which recognizes teams that exemplify “the fundamental elements that distinguish FIRST LEGO League” and include teamwork, active participation, friendly competition and gracious professionalism.

2016-17 FLL Season in Review

This year, 12 GSSI teams from Albers, Alton, Anna, Belleville, Chester, Mt. Olive, O’Fallon (4), Staunton and Troy participated in FLL robotics. GSSI’s metro-east robotics teams are sponsored by The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, which awarded GSSI a $25,000 grant to support GSSI’s STEM initiatives in Jersey, Macoupin, Madison and St. Clair Counties. This grant is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund focused on strengthening the Greater St. Louis community, where Monsanto Fund and Monsanto Company are headquartered.

See 2016 FLL Photos 

Robotics teams are a vital part of GSSI's commitment to providing engaging science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs to girls in southern Illinois.  Other activities girls can explore includes wiring circuits, exploring forensics, conducting chemistry projects and more.  To ensure that even more girls have the chance to take advantage of these future-building opportunities, GSSI has integrated STEM activities into its outreach programs – which bring Girl Scouting to girls in underserved populations, such as low income neighborhoods, housing projects, rural communities and even detention centers.

About Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Robotics Teams Headed to State Tournament

This Saturday, three Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) robotics teams will compete at the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Illinois State Tournament at University of Illinois in Champaign: GIR! from Staunton, Purple Robot Penguins from O’Fallon and SWAT from Troy. 

FLL is a robotics program for 9 to 14 year olds which is designed to get children excited about science and technology, as well as teach them valuable life skills. Along with programming robots, teams are also evaluated on an elaborate research project, as well as how well they demonstrate FLL Core Values, which include teamwork, collective learning, active participation and gracious professionalism. After practicing and preparing for months, teams meet at regional qualifying tournaments to be graded on the three elements, with top teams advancing to state competition.

GIR! and SWAT qualified for the state tournament during the regional tournament held Dec. 3 at Henning Elementary School in Troy. In addition, SWAT won Top Table Performance Award and GIR! won the Champion’s Award for their overall top performance. Purple Robot Penguins qualified for the state tournament during the regional tournament held Dec. 10 at Carriel Jr. High in O’Fallon. The team also won the Champions Award. 

"The girls and volunteer coaches headed to state have a lot to be proud of," said GSSI STEM Program Manager Mary Buchanan.  "It takes a lot of dedication and teamwork to compete in FLL,and our teams have all put in time and the effort."  

This year, 12 GSSI teams from Albers, Alton, Anna, Belleville, Chester, Mt. Olive, O’Fallon (4), Staunton and Troy participated in FLL robotics. GSSI’s metro-east robotics teams are sponsored by The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, which awarded GSSI a $25,000 grant to support GSSI’s STEM initiatives in Jersey, Macoupin, Madison and St. Clair Counties. This grant is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund focused on strengthening the Greater St. Louis community, where Monsanto Fund and Monsanto Company are headquartered.

"It's great seeing all the confidence and leadership that the girls build, along with the technical skills that they learn.  Girls from our first year of having a robotics team have been reporting back to us how much these experiences have helped them be better prepared as they get ready for college and their future career paths." 

See 2016 FLL Photos 

Robotics are a vital part of GSSI’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming, which continues to be a progressive and forward-thinking initiative that has grown exponentially in recent years. GSSI has dedicated staff and volunteers who develop the STEM program through research, collaborator cultivation, training and hands-on experience. GSSI strives to offer diverse and high-quality STEM programming, such as simple circuit wiring, programming robots, exploring forensics and more. To ensure that even more girls have the chance to take advantage of these future-building opportunities, GSSI has integrated STEM activities into its outreach programs – which bring Girl Scouting to girls in underserved populations, such as low income neighborhoods, housing projects, rural communities and even detention centers. 

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is a high-capacity Girl Scout council serving approximately 13,000 girls and almost 4,500 adult volunteers in 40 ½ counties in southern Illinois. Girl Scouting has inspired more than 50 million girls and women since its founding in 1912. Today, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. is the largest voluntary organization for girls in the world. Its sole focus is to meet the needs of all girls (ages 5-17) from diverse racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Today’s Girl Scouts not only enjoy camping and crafts, but they also explore math and science and learn about diversity, good citizenship, leadership and teamwork. Girl Scouting is the place where girls experience the fun, friendship and power of girls together. 

About Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.

Three GSSI Robotics Teams Qualify for FIRST LEGO League State Tournament

Three Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) robotics teams have qualified for the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) Illinois State Tournament being held Jan. 28 at University of Illinois in Champaign: GIR! from Staunton, Purple Robot Penguins from O’Fallon and SWAT from Troy. FLL is a robotics program for 9 to 14 year olds which is designed to get children excited about science and technology, as well as teach them valuable life skills. Along with programming robots, teams are also evaluated on an elaborate research project, as well as how well they demonstrate FLL Core Values, which include teamwork, collective learning, active participation and gracious professionalism. After practicing and preparing for months, teams meet at regional qualifying tournaments to be graded on the three elements, with top teams advancing to state competition.

GIR! and SWAT qualified for the state tournament during the regional tournament held Dec. 3 at Henning Elementary School in Troy. In addition, SWAT won Top Table Performance Award and GIR! won the Champion’s Award for their overall top performance. Purple Robot Penguins qualified for the state tournament during the regional tournament held Dec. 10 at Carriel Jr. High in O’Fallon. The team also won the Champions Award. 

“We’re very excited to have three Girl Scout robotics teams qualify for the state tournament,” said GSSI STEM Program Manager Mary Buchanan. “We’re proud of all of our GSSI teams and their volunteer coaches. Competing on a robotics team takes a lot of dedication and hard work, along with the technical and teamwork skills that girls develop throughout the season.” 

This year, 12 GSSI teams from Albers, Alton, Anna, Belleville, Chester, Mt. Olive, O’Fallon (4), Staunton and Troy participated in FLL robotics. GSSI’s metro-east robotics teams are sponsored by The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, which awarded GSSI a $25,000 grant to support GSSI’s STEM initiatives in Jersey, Macoupin, Madison and St. Clair Counties. This grant is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund focused on strengthening the Greater St. Louis community, where Monsanto Fund and Monsanto Company are headquartered.

See 2016 FLL Photos 

Robotics are a vital part of GSSI’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming, which continues to be a progressive and forward-thinking initiative that has grown exponentially in recent years. GSSI has dedicated staff and volunteers who develop the STEM program through research, collaborator cultivation, training and hands-on experience. GSSI strives to offer diverse and high-quality STEM programming, such as simple circuit wiring, programming robots, exploring forensics and more. To ensure that even more girls have the chance to take advantage of these future-building opportunities, GSSI has integrated STEM activities into its outreach programs – which bring Girl Scouting to girls in underserved populations, such as low income neighborhoods, housing projects, rural communities and even detention centers. 

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is a high-capacity Girl Scout council serving approximately 13,000 girls and almost 4,500 adult volunteers in 40 ½ counties in southern Illinois. Girl Scouting has inspired more than 50 million girls and women since its founding in 1912. Today, Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. is the largest voluntary organization for girls in the world. Its sole focus is to meet the needs of all girls (ages 5-17) from diverse racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. Today’s Girl Scouts not only enjoy camping and crafts, but they also explore math and science and learn about diversity, good citizenship, leadership and teamwork. Girl Scouting is the place where girls experience the fun, friendship and power of girls together. 

About Monsanto Fund

The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.

GSSI Robotics Teams Competing in FIRST LEGO League Tournaments

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois FIRST Robotics League (FLL) teams are scheduled to compete on Dec. 13, Dec. 4 and Dec. 10. 

FLL is a robotics program for 9 to 14 year olds which is designed to get children excited about science and technology, as well as teach them valuable life skills. Along with programming robots, teams are also evaluated on an elaborate research project, as well as how well they demonstrate FLL Core Values, which include teamwork, collective learning, active participation and gracious professionalism. After practicing and preparing for months, teams meet at regional qualifying tournaments to be graded on the three elements, with the top teams advancing to state competition.

Good luck to GSSI's teams this season! 

GSSI FLL Regional Qualifying Tournament Schedule:

December 3 - Henning Elementary School, Troy,IL

GIR! and coaches Jason & Sarah Dothager from Staunton

Brainiacs and coaches Jill Thomas & Stacy Schroeder from Albers

Knights of the Round LEGO and coaches Winnie Kenney & Kevin Poncirolli from O'Fallon

SWAT and coaches Krysti Connelly & Jeremy Pokomy from Troy

MOST and coaches Leslie Lesko & Mark Harmon from Mt. Olive

Froggy Bots and coach Vicki Hoskin from Chester

December 4 - Lincolnland Community College, Springfield, IL

Firebreathing Hexicorns and coach Julie Herr from Belleville

December 10 - Carriel Jr. High, O'Fallon, IL 

Purple Robot Penguins and coach Larry Buchanan from O'Fallon

Flower STEMs and coaches Megan Terrell & George Mitchom from O'Fallon

LEGO Chick Explosion and coach Stacey Young from O'Fallon

Kudos to the following teams that competed in November: 

November 19 - Carriel Jr. High, O'Fallon,IL 

EV3 3ntourage and coaches Ricky & Celeste Borders from Anna

St. Mary's and coaches Jessica Farris & Sue Brown from Alton

See FLL Photo Album

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' FIRST LEGO League Robotics Teams to Compete

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois FIRST Robotics League (FLL) teams are schedule to compete on Nov. 19, Dec. 13, Dec. 4 and Dec. 10. 

FLL is a robotics program for 9 to 14 year olds which is designed to get children excited about science and technology, as well as teach them valuable life skills. Along with programming robots, teams are also evaluated on an elaborate research project, as well as how well they demonstrate FLL Core Values, which include teamwork, collective learning, active participation and gracious professionalism. After practicing and preparing for months, teams meet at regional qualifying tournaments to be graded on the three elements, with the top teams advancing to state competition.

Good luck to GSSI's teams this season! 

GSSI FLL Regional Qualifying Tournament Schedule:

November 19 - Carriel Jr. High, O'Fallon,IL 

EV3 3ntourage and coaches RIcky and Celeste Borders from Anna

St. Mary's and coaches Jessica Farris and Sue Brown from Alton

December 3 - Henning Elementary School, Troy,IL

GIR! and coaches Jason and Sarah Dothager from Staunton

Lacing to Victory and coaches Jill Thomas and Stacy Schroeder from Albers

Knights of the Round LEGO and coaches Winnie Kenney and Kevin Poncirolli from O'Fallon

SWAT and coaches Krysti Connelly and Jeremy Pokomy from Troy

MOST and coaches Leslie Lesko and Mark Harmon from Mt. Olive

Unnamed and coach Vicki Hoskin from Chester

December 4 - Lincolnland Community College, Springfield, IL

Firebreathing Hexicorns and coach Julie Herr from Belleville

December 10 - Carriel Jr. High, O'Fallon, IL 

Purple Robot Penguins and coach Larry Buchanan from O'Fallon

Flower STEMs and coaches Megan Terrell and George Mitchom from O'Fallon

Nameless and coach Stacey Young from O'Fallon

GSSI Delivers STEM Programming at Carbondale Middle School

(see more photos)

On Oct. 20, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois partnered with Southern Illinois College Carbondale and Carbondale Middle School to bring some fun STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs to about 20 girls. 

Special thanks to Associate Professor Lizette Chevalier and Leah D. Hooper, Carbondale Middle School Counselor, as well as our generous financial supporters for helping us provide this experience. 

NEW! STEM Programs Coming to Mt. Vernon

Look out! We have some awesome new STEM programs coming your way!

Dr. Seuss’ Silly Science
Who: Girl Scout Daisies and Brownies
Date: October 22, 2016
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Deadline: October 6, 2016
Location: Girl Scout House (100 N 20th St., Mt. Vernon, IL 62864)
Price: $8

Do you love Dr. Seuss? What about science? Join us as we play and discover the magic of science in Dr. Seuss’ World.

If you are interested in the science of Seuss
Think pretty highly of chemistry’s use
Join us here, where fun knows no bounty
The Girl Scout house in Jefferson County!

Watts, Wands and Wizards
Who: Girl Scout Juniors – Ambassadors
Date: October 22, 2016
Time: 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Deadline: October 6, 2016
Location: Girl Scout House, 100 N. 20th St, Mt. Vernon, IL 62864
Price: $12

About: Let’s make some magic! Well, not real magic, but how about a light-up wand that only works when you hold it. Girl Scout Juniors – Ambassadors can create a special magic wand which lights up when you hold it. But if you give the wand to your friend nothing happens. That’s the magic of circuits! During this program you will wire your wand using a reed switch. Learn about basic wiring and electricity while creating this one of a kind costume prop.

Phillips 66 Donates to Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois' STEM Program

We were honored to have representatives from Phillips 66 - Wood River Refinery visit our STEM Explosions Day Camp this week. Phillips 66 has generously donated $2,500 to help us continue to provide science, technology, engineering and math opportunities for girls in southern Illinois.

See More Photos on our Facebook Page

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Receives $25,000 Grant from The Monsanto Fund

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) has received a $25,000 grant from the Monsanto Fund to support Girl Scout STEM Robotics Leadership in Jersey, Macoupin, Madison and St. Clair counties. Robotics are a key component of GSSI’s commitment to giving girls opportunities and guidance in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). By participating in three different robotics leagues at three different age levels, GSSI aims to engage more girls across southern Illinois in STEM, so that they can explore valuable career options, build critical thinking and technical skills and sustain a lifelong interest in topics that many girls drift away from by middle school.

“Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is very grateful to be able to provide even more girls an opportunity to participate in STEM programs and compete on a robotics team through support from the Monsanto Fund,” said Mary Buchanan, GSSI Robotics Manager. “Engaging girls in STEM in fun, creative ways helps keep their interest in these valuable career fields, as well as develop their confidence, teamwork and problem solving abilities.”

This grant is part of a broad commitment by the Monsanto Fund focused on strengthening the Greater St. Louis community where Monsanto Company is headquartered.

“The Monsanto Fund is proud to support Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois as it continues to provide new learning opportunities for students in our local communities,” said Michelle Insco, Monsanto Fund program officer. “While women make up more than half of the U.S. workforce, they continue to be underrepresented in many STEM-related jobs. Programs like Girl Scout STEM Robotics Leadership make science, math and engineering more engaging and helps boost interest in these fields.”

The grant will help fund GSSI’s robotics season which starts this fall with FIRST® LEGO® League (FLL®). In this global robotics program for 9 to 14 year olds, participants build and program a robot using LEGO components. Teams also conduct a research project and explore FLL Core Values such as active participation, teamwork and gracious professionalism. After months of practice and preparation, teams begin competing at regional tournaments, with the highest scoring teams proceeding to a global tournament.

The grant money will also be used to support several Junior FIRST Lego League (JrFLL®) teams and First Tech Challenge Team, which belong to a league that challenges middle and high school students to build an autonomous robot then program them using Java in Android Studio. The FTC Team competes in the fall/winter. In 2016, our FTC team qualified for both the Missouri and Illinois State Championships and won numerous awards. This was made possible partially to Monsanto Fund support and funding.

The grant will also allow GSSI to purchase additional equipment to facilitate the robotics program, including robot kits and tablets. Financial assistance for girls who cannot afford the $15 registration fee to join Girl Scouts will also be provided.

GSSI’s STEM program continues to be a progressive and forward-thinking initiative that has grown exponentially in recent years. In 2009, GSSI had just one robotics team. In 2015, GSSI fielded 30 teams. GSSI has dedicated staff and volunteers who develop the STEM program through research, collaborator cultivation, training and hands-on experience. GSSI strives to offer diverse and high-quality STEM programming, such as simple circuit wiring, programming robots, exploring forensics and more. To ensure that all girls have the chance to take advantage of these future-building opportunities, GSSI has integrated STEM activities into its outreach programs – which bring Girl Scouting to girls in underserved populations, such as low income neighborhoods, housing projects, rural communities and even detention centers.

FIRST® and FLL® are registered trademarks of the United States Foundation for Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology. Jr.FLL® and LEGO® are registered trademarks of the LEGO Group. BotBall® is a registered trademark of Kiss Institute for Practical Robotics. 

About The Monsanto Fund
The Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of the Monsanto Company, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the communities where farmers and Monsanto Company employees live and work. Visit the Monsanto Fund at www.monsantofund.org.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Discusses Girls & STEM With Area Universities

On June 15, Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois hosted an engaging "STEM Show & Tell" session with representatives from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and McKendree University, as well as several GSSI Board members.

The panel discussed the value of encouraging girls to explore their interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and ways to share support as they pursue educational and professional paths in these fields.

We are proud to offer numerous STEM programs throughout southern Illinois and are always looking to collaborate with community partners to expand these opportunities.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Hosts Hit Outreach Program in Tamms

Over the last six weeks, girls from Egyptian Elementary in Tamms have been inventors and engineers, tinkerers and thinkers.  They laughed and worked together, explored new ideas and dreamed of ways they could make the world a better place.  In short, they’ve been Girl Scouts.

Through a Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) outreach program, girls built circuits, created a robot, made glow-in-the-dark slime and conducted experiments.  The science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) program was so successful that all 11 girls who participated want to become Girl Scouts year round to explore even more of their interests, including selling Girl Scout Cookies and doing community service projects.  GSSI is currently working to help recruit and train a volunteer troop leader so that these hopes can come true. 

"Girl Scouts is inspiring to me,” said participant Allison Turner.  “I want to earn all of the badges.”

“I enjoyed trying and learning new things,” added Kelsey Whalen.  “I want to continue being a Girl Scout to do even more new things.”

GSSI strives to bring fun and engaging activities to underserved areas across southern Illinois so that even more girls have the opportunity to try new things and expand their horizons through Girl Scouts.  

“GSSI offers a variety of after school, in-school and summer activities that can complement regular school curriculum,” said Emily Stanley, New Program Initiatives Manager.  “These can include the areas of interest in the upcoming Every Student Succeeds Act of STEM, and also topics like financial literacy, environmental education and bullying prevention.”

Along with the collaboration with the Egyptian School Distict, GSSI also has recently completed an outreach program with kindergarten students in Centralia and is currently working with the Illinois Center for Autism..  In June, a program focused on building  life skills and financial literacy will kick off with One Hope United, a private children and family service organization in Centralia.  Schools, libraries, community organizations, housing authorities – even state detention centers have collaborated with GSSI.

Upcoming outreach programs in the works include bringing additional STEM opportunities to girls at Carbondale Middle School and Effingham Library. To bring a GSSI program to your school or organization, please contact Emily Stanley at 800.345.6858, ext. 1111 or e-mail estanley@gsofsi.org.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois and East St. Louis Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Partnering to Provide STEM Opportunities to Underserved Girls

The East St. Louis Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (J&J) is partnering with Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) to offer underserved girls an opportunity to participate in summer enrichment programs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). A grant of $3,000 from Jack and Jill of America Foundation will enable girls from East St. Louis to attend GSSI's STEM Day Camps in July.

Photo ID: (From L to R) Michele Henry-McGee, J&J Chapter President, Carolyn Brooks (GSSI), Dr. Lillian Parks (J&J), Villie M. Appoo, GSSI CEO, Lauren A. Parks (J&J), D’Jamildo Graham (J&J), Angie Suhre (GSSI) 

About Jack and Jill of America

Jack and Jill of America is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2-19, dedicated to nurturing future African-American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty.

About Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois

The mission of Girl Scouting states: Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts is the world's pre-eminent organization dedicated solely to girls - all girls - where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adults, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives - like strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth.